April is the equal most productive month of the year in the number of species seen. At least one individual of 213 species have been recorded in April. Species to expect are at least three Tern species, Skuas, Redstarts, Whinchats, Yellow Wagtails with the chance of Pied Flycatcher, Grasshopper Warbler, Wood Warbler and Hobby. Rarer sightings include; Pectoral Sandpiper (2022), Stone Curlew (2006,2018), Great White Egrets (2018, 2021,2022,2023,2024), White Stork (2015,2018,2021), Spoonbill (2017,2020,2021,2022,2023,2024), Slavonian Grebe (1989,2000), Ring-necked Duck (1988), Green-winged Teal (2015), Sabine’s Gull (1990,1992), Red-rumped Swallow (1988,2022), Woodlark (1976,2024), Alpine Swift (1993), Red-throated Pipit (2012), Willow Tit (1988), Serin (2017), Hooded Crow (1994,2024), Mealy Redpoll (2004), Long-eared Owl (2006) and 2 Citrine Wagtails (2019).
April 2024
30th April
Another mixture of cloud and sunshine with a strong Southerly wind. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage/Northwick Warth area included 6 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 14 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Dunlin, 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 4 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 20 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, 9 Black-headed Gulls, a Pheasant, the first Spotted Flycatcher of the year, 2 Whinchats, 17 Wheatears, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, single Redstart, Raven and Swift. Another 10 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 6 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 9 Shelduck, single Lesser Whitethroat and Wheatear were reported from Severn Beach. Another 5 Wheatears were seen near the Aust Sewage Works at Aust Cliff/services.
Whinchat, Northwick Warth 30.4.24 © Lisa Presland
Spotted Flycatcher, New Passage 30.4.24
29th April
A cloudy day with a gusty Southerly breeze. The first Cuckoo of the year, 5 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 6 Dunlin, 6 Lapwings, a Little Egret, 2 Mute Swans, 9 Shelduck, 11 Gadwall, a Shoveler, 4 Wheatears and a Yellow Wagtail were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. A Whinchat was seen at Aust Warth and nearby 4 Tree Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, single Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Siskin were reported from Aust Cliff/services. Combined Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 4 Whimbrel, 13 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 34 Oystercatchers, single Little Egret and Canada Goose, 10 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Swift, Lesser Whitethroat, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk.
28th April
A cloudy start turning sunny later. The wind started from the North and veered South West. Still cold. Reports from Severn beach included the 3rd Osprey of the year, 30 Bar-tailed Godwits, 10 Whimbrel, 32 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 30 Oystercatchers, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 9 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, a Kestrel, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 11 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits and a Whinchat. Combined reports from the Pilnng Wetland/New Passage area involved the Osprey (heading up from Severn Beach), 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Avocets, 8+ Whimbrel, 14 Dunlin, 7 Lapwings, 8 Oystercatchers, single Common Sandpiper, Great White Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 23 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, a Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, a Swift, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail. A Stonechat and a Kestrel were seen at Aust Wetland.
27th April
It remained cold and sometimes wet in the North East breeze. A dark morph Arctic Skua, 13 Arctic Terns, 24 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 19 Ringed Plover, 13 Dunlin, 30 Turnstones, 27 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 3 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, a Teal, 67 Swifts, 8 fly over Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipits, 6 Siskins, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, single Garden Warbler, Raven and the first Hobby of the year were reported from Severn Beach. Another 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 5 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Lapwings, a Pink-footed Goose, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 31 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 5 grounded Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails and 2 Swifts were seen at Pilning Wetland/New Passage.
Yellow Wagtail, Pilning Wetland 27.4.24
26th April
A mixture of sunshine and cloud in a cool North East breeze. Reports from Severn Beach included the first Little Tern of the year, a Little Ringed Plover, 41 Bar-tailed Godwits, 11 Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin, 11 Ringed Plover, 35 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Canada Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 12 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, single Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Kestrel, Arctic Tern and Woodlark flying South West (2nd record this year), 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Redpoll, single Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Tree Pipit and Siskin. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved 8 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Lapwings, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Canada Goose, 32 Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 2 Swifts, 3 Whitethroats and a Grasshopper Warbler.
25th April
It remained colder than average with a few rain showers. At least 3 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Avocets, 4 Lapwings, 2 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 22 Shelduck, 13 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, single female Marsh Harrier and Swift were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Morning and evening high tide visits to the Severn Beach shore produced 20 Whimbrel, 56 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Curlew, a Canada Goose, 22 Shelduck, 3 Lesser Whitethroats and a Cetti’s Warbler. Two Stonechats, a Tree Pipit and 4 Swifts were reported at Aust Warth and nearby a Sparrowhawk, single Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler were present at the Aust Cliff/services area.
24th April
Another cool day with sunshine in the afternoon. At least 60 Bar-tailed Godwits, 13 Whimbrel, 2 Knot, 5 Curlew, 15 Oystercatchers, a Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Geese, 16 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, single Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were reported from Severn Beach. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 8 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Lapwings, single Whimbrel and Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 13 Shelduck, 10 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 8 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Stonechats, 4 Sparrowhawks, 2 Peregrine, a Kestrel and 4 Wheatears. Two Stonechats were seen at Aust Warth. Two Lapwings, a Little Egret, 2 Stonechats (feeding nestlings) and a Kestrel were reported at Aust Wetland.
Stonechat, Aust Wetland 24.4.24
23rd April
A Cold and grey start followed by a sunny afternoon with a North East wind. Reports from Severn Beach involved a Fulmar, 3 Kittiwakes, 460 Bar-tailed Godwits, 44 Whimbrel, 6 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 40 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, single Grey Heron and Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Geese, 16 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Tree Pipits, 6 Redpoll, 6 Siskins, single Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Swift. At least 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 7 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Lapwings, 20 Oystercatchers, single Curlew and Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 31 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes, single Pheasant and Marsh Harrier, 5 Wheatears, 2 Swifts and a Yellow Wagtail were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area.
Whimbrel, Severn Beach 23.4.24
22nd April
A cloudy day with some light rain showers and a North East breeze. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 2 drake Red-breasted Mergansers, a redhead Goosander, 2 Common Scoter, 450+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 36 Whimbrel, single Curlew, 11 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 46 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Canada Geese, 34 Shelduck, 4 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 57 Arctic Terns, 2 Kestrels, a Merlin, 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Wheatears, a Garden Warbler, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Redpoll, Siskin and Common Seal. At least 57 Whimbrel, 37 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Redshank, 4 Lapwings, 50 Oystercatchers, a Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 7 Grey Herons, 6 Mute Swans, 12 Canada Geese, 45 Shelduck, 15 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Duck, 4 Teal, a female Marsh Harrier, single Yellow Wagtail and Redpoll, 2 White Wagtails, 2 Wheatears, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 7 Swifts were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. A Red Kite, 2 Stonechats and 3 Lapwings were reported from Aust Warth.
21st April
A sunny day with a light North East breeze. A good selection and excellent numbers of some species were seen at Severn Beach today including 2200+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 100 Whimbrel, 3 Grey Plover, 2 Knot, 12 Dunlin, a Snipe, 10 Curlew, 44 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 8 Cormorants, a Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 14 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, a Pheasant, an adult Little Gull, 16 Arctic Terns, an Arctic Skua (dark morph), a Diver sp. (thought most likely to be Red-throated), 5 Swifts, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, single Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Wheatears, 8 Redpolls, 6 Siskins, single Merlin, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 5 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 6 Redshank, 2 Great White Egrets (flew over North East), 3 Little Egrets, 4 Mute Swans, the Pink-footed Goose, 3 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, a Teal, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 7 Swifts, 2 Yellow Wagtails, the first Whinchat of the year and a Water Vole. Click on the Bar-tailed Godwit image below to see a short Youtue video of the Godwits and some Whimbrel heading off over Severn Beach.
Bar-tailed Godwits, Severn Beach 21.4.24
20th April
The sunniest day of the year so far with a cool South West breeze. Combined reports from Severn Beach included an Arctic Tern, 79 Bar-tailed Godwits, 25 Whimbrel, 40+ Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, a Turnstone, 8 Curlew, 60 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 3 Canada Geese, 30 Shelduck, a female Merlin, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 3+ Lesser Whitethroats, 5+ Whitethroats, single cock Pheasant, Wheatear and Redpoll. Single Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Lapwings, 8 Grey Herons, 2 Mute Swans, 39 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Wheatears, 4 Sedge Warblers, 3+ Reed Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, single Lesser Whitethroat and Siskin were reported from the Pining Wetland/New Passage area. Another Wheatear was seen at Aust Warth.
Bar-tailed Godwits, Severn Beach 20.4.24
19th April
A mixture of cloud and sunny periods with the wind veering from South West to Northerly by late afternoon. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the 2nd Osprey of the month, single Whimbrel and Ruff, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Avocets, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Curlew, 8 Redshank, 4 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 3 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 22 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 2 Wheatears, a Sedge Warbler, 3+ Reed Warblers, single Whitethroat and Siskin. At least 5 Whimbrel, 31 Bar-tailed Godwits, 10 Knot, 30 Curlew, 62 Oystercatchers, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 3 Canada Geese, 33 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, single Raven, Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats and 2 Willow Warblers were reported from Severn Beach. A Lesser Whitethroat was reported from Aust Cliff/services and nearby a Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 Lapwing, a Grey Heron, single Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler, Stonechat and 2 Whitethroats were reported at Aust Wetland. Click on the Osprey image below for a short Youtube video.
Osprey, Pilning Wetland 19.4.24
18th April
Another cool day with a West wind. Reports from Severn Beach included a Hooded Crow heading North East (first since 1994 and only the 5th patch record), an Arctic Tern, a Whimbrel, 4 Ringed Plover, 9 Turnstones, a Dunlin, 54 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 11 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, single Grasshopper Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Siskins and a Redpoll. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth included 5 Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, single Ruff, Whimbrel, Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Redshank, 5 Lapwings, a breeding plumage Great White Egret (flew in from the South), 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 3 Canada Geese, a cock Pheasant, 2 Mute Swans, 22 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Sedge Warblers, 3+ Reed Warblers, 7 Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail and a Siskin. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard again at Aust Warth.
Great White Egret, Pilning Wetland 18.4.24
17th April
A sunny day with a cool North West breeze. Just 8 Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, a Ruff, 30 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 4 Lapwings, single Little Egret and Pink-footed Goose, 32 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Teal, a Common Scoter, 5 Wheatears, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2+ Reed Warblers and a Sparrowhawk were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Reports from Severn Beach on another very “low” high tide included 18 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 5 Greylag Geese (flying North), 4 Canada Geese, 21 Shelduck, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat. The 5 Greylag Geese, single Common Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Grasshopper Warbler were reported from Aust Warth.
16th April
Another cool day in a North West wind with hail storms in the afternoon. Single Greenshank, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, 7 Avocets, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Redshank, 4 Lapwings, 6 Dunlin, 5 Curlew, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 12 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 46 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 3 Wheatears, 70 Sand Martins, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2+ Reed Warblers, single Whitethroat, Stonechat, Siskin, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Reports from the Severn Beach shore (with only 9.2 metre high tide) included 35 Oystercatchers, single Redshank and Ringed Plover, 2 Canada Geese, 27 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 4+ Whitethroats, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and nearby another Cetti’s Warbler and 5 Gadwall were reported from the Orchard Pools.
15th April
A cooler day with the strong West wind bringing a few torrential rain showers. Reports from Severn Beach included 3 Arctic Terns, a Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese, 18 Shelduck, a Wheatear and a Peregrine. At least 15 Avocets, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Grey Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Lapwings, 13 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Pink-footed Goose, 24 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 7 Teal, a Wheatear, 70+ Sand Martins, 10 Swallows and 6 House Martins were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area.
14th April
A dry, sunny day with a West wind. Early morning reports from the Aust Cliff/services area involved a Goshawk, a Great White Egret, 2 Whitethroats, 10+ Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers. Nearby, 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers and 4 Stonechats were reported at Aust Warth and yet another 2 Grasshopper Warblers were present at Aust Wetland (bringing the month’s total to 10+ individuals so far). Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 14 Avocets, 23 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Golden Plover, single Ruff, Grey Plover and Ringed Plover, 4 Lapwings, 17 Redshank, 22 Curlew, 6 Dunlin, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 4 Little Grebes, 2 Mute Swans, a drake Common Scoter, 29 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 5 Wigeon, 7 Tufted Duck, 10 Teal, 2 Ravens, 50+ Sand Martins, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, single Cetti’s Warbler and White Wagtail. Five Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 8 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 4+ Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Ravens and a Kestrel were reported from Severn Beach.
Grasshopper Warbler, Aust Wetland 14.4.24 © Derek Clarke
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 14.4.24
13th April
A dry and breezy day. Reports from Severn Beach included 5 Whimbrel, 45 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlew, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, single Gadwall and Pheasant, 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Sedge Warbler, male Wheatear, female Redstart, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Two Spoonbills (flyovers), 12 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, 2+ Golden Plover, 4 Lapwings, 4 Oystercatchers, 8 Curlew, 18 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, single Pink-footed Goose and Canada Goose, 3 Mute Swans, 22 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2+ Sedge Warblers, 2+ Reed Warblers, single Whitethroat and Cetti’s Warbler, 5 Tree Pipits, single Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Another reeling Grasshopper Warbler and a Peregrine were reported from Aust Warth and 15 Shelduck, single Pheasant, Raven, Whitethroat and Siskin were seen at Aust Cliff/services.
12th April
A pleasant, sunny, warm day. Early morning reports from the Aust Cliff/services area included 4 Tree Pipits, a Yellow Wagtail, 6 Siskins, 2 Sparrowhawks, single Raven and Grey Heron. Nearby 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, single Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat were reported at Aust Wetland. At least 13 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, single Ruff, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin and Snipe, 4 Lapwings, 42 Redshank, 34 Curlew, 19 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Egrets, 6 Grey Herons, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 37 Shelduck, 21 Shoveler, 17 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Wheatears, single Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Peregrine and Merlin were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Two Canada Geese, 11 Shelduck, 12 Oystercatchers, 12 Curlew, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler were reported at Severn Beach today and a Greenshank was calling from the shore after dark (at 21.15). Another Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warblers, 7 Cetti’s Warblers, a Redstart, 2 Canada Geese, 15 Shelduck, 18 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 2 Kestrels and a Pheasant were present at Chittening Warth.
Lapwing, 12.4.24
11th April
Warm, dry and sunny. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the first Osprey of the year, a Red Kite, 14 Avocets, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, single Ruff, Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Ringed Plover and Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Lapwings, 40 Redshank, 80 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, 2 Great White Egrets, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 12 Canada Geese, a pair of Mute Swans, 42 Shelduck, 12 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 20 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 50+ Sand Martins, single Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Redstart. At least 20 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 5 Shelduck, single Redstart and Sedge Warbler, 5 singing Cetti’s Warblers and a Kestrel were reported at Severn Beach. A singing Grasshopper Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Mute Swans and 2 Gadwall were reported from Aust Wetland and nearby another Redstart was seen at Aust Cliff/services.
Common Sandpipers, Northwick Warth 11.4.24
Golden Plover, Northwick Warth 11.4.24
10th April
Another cloudy, damp and breezy day. The first Ruff of the year, 13 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, single Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit, 100+ Curlew, 70 Redshank, 6 Oystercatchers, 4 Lapwings, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 7 Shelduck, 12 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck and a Raven were seen at Pilning Wetland. Reports from Severn Beach included 35 Oystercatchers, 12 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers and a Kestrel.
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 10.4.24
9th April
A strong west wind and very high tides. Reports from Severn Beach over the morning and evening very high tides included 3 Arctic Terns, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 350+ Kittiwakes, 2 Common Scoter, 6 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 3 Common Sandpipers, a Whimbrel, 70+ Curlew, 23 Oystercatchers, 14 Cormorants, 3 Ravens, 6 Wheatears, 3 Swallows and a Sand Martin. At least one Little Ringed Plover, 13 Avocets, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Lapwings, 60 Redshank, 30 Curlew, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 16 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 23 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 10 Tufted Duck, 25 Teal, 5 Little Grebes, a Red Kite, 2 House Martins, 2 Swallows, single Sand Martin, Redstart and Whitethroat were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area.
8th April
A cloudy day with a light South East breeze. A female Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstarts, 40+ Willow Warblers, 15+ Chiffchaffs, 4 Tree Pipits, a Great White Egret, 2 Little Egret, a Pheasant and 2 Swallows were reported from Aust Cliff/services today. A Stonechat and several more Willow Warblers were present at Aust Warth and sheep fields. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 17 Avocets, 45 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Lapwings, 120 Redshank, 22 Oystercatchers, 2 Turnstones, 3 Dunlin, 5 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, single Great Crested Grebe and Pink-footed Goose, 13 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 18 Shelduck, 23 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 55 Willow Warblers, 30 Chiffchaffs, 8 Sand Martins, 3 House Martins, 2 Wheatears, single female Redstart, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Tree Pipit and Raven. Another 16 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, single Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Swallows, single Sedge Warbler and Yellow Wagtail, 8 Willow Warblers, 20 Chiffchaffs, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Wheatears and 3 Ravens were reported from Severn Beach. Single Cetti’s Warbler, Willow Warbler and Kestrel were present at Seabank Power Station, Chittening Warth.
Redstart, Aust Cliff/services 8.4.24
Wheatear, Severn Beach 8.4.24
7th April
A sunny day with a gusty South/South West wind. Reports from the Severn Beach shore from the morning and evening tides included 2 Red-throated Divers, a Guillemot, 5 dark morph Arctic Skuas, 6 Gannets, 85+ Kittiwakes, 4 Mediterranean Gulls (1st Summer, 2 2nd Summer, adult), 24 Common Terns, 9 Arctic Terns, 30 “Commic” Terns, 2 Common Scoters, 18 Shelduck, a Gadwall, 20 Oystercatchers, 15 Curlew, 3 Turnstones, 2 House Martins, 35 Sand Martins, 15 Swallows and a Wheatear. At least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 17 Avocets, 4 Lapwing, 12 Oystercatchers, a Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, Pink-footed Goose, 15 Canada Geese, 31 Shelduck, 12 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, 35 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows, 12 House Martins, single Sedge Warbler and Merlin were reported from the PilningWetland/New Passage area.
Arctic Skuas, Severn Beach 7.4.24
Arctic Skuas, Severn Beach 7.4.24
Arctic Skua, Severn Beach 7.4.24
6th April
Storm Kathleen arrived slowly today bringing warm air in a gusty Southerly wind. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 17 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Avocets, 2+ Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Lapwings, 65 Redshank, 64 Curlew, 9 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, single Great Crested Grebe and Pink-footed Goose, 13 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 16 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, a Pintail, 37 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, at least one Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Redstarts (male and female), 45 Willow Warblers, 10+ Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcaps, 4 Sand Martins, House Martins, Swallows, single Tree Pipit, Sedge Warbler, Wheatear and White Wagtail. Reports from the Severn Beach shore from morning and evening visits involved 18 Ringed Plover, 17 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 2 Canada Geese, 26 Shelduck, a drake Tufted Duck, 26 Teal, 5 Gadwall, at least 3 Common Scoter, 6+ Gannets, single Sandwich Tern, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, 42 Black-headed Gulls, 23 Common Gulls, a female Merlin, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Cetti’s Warblers, 8 Willow Warblers, 2 Tree Pipits, 8 House Martins, 3 Swallows and 2 Siskins. A Stonechat was seen at Aust Warth and nearby a Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warblers, 8+ Chiffchaff, 2 Swallows and a Siskin were reported from Aust Cliff/services. Another 2 Willow Warblers, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers and 2 Swallows were present at Seabank Power station cycle track, Chittening Warth.
Little Ringed Plovers, 6.4.24
Common Scoter, Severn Beach 6.4.24
5th April
A warm and windy day. At least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 10 Avocets, 32 Redshank, 2 Lapwings, 33 Curlew, a Turnstone, 4 Little Egrets, the Great Crested Grebe, 30 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, 24 Willow Warblers, 11 Chiffchaffs, 3 Wheatears, 4 Swallow and 3 Sand Martins were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 16 Kittiwakes (flew high North East), 10 Ringed Plover, 45 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 37 Shelduck, a Gadwall, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, single House Martin and Swallow.
4th April
A bright sunny morning, turning cloudy and then wet in the afternoon. A morning visit to New Passage produced at least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 8 Avocets, 40 Redshank, 40 Curlew, 2 Lapwings, 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 11 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 24 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 10+ Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 11 Tufted Ducks, the first 2 House Martins of the year, 9 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows, the first Sedge Warbler of the year, 2 Willow Warblers and a Sparrowhawk. An afternoon high tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced single Grey Plover, Ringed Plover and Dunlin, 26 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, 2 Canada Geese, 55 Shelduck, 14 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 male Wheatears, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler.
Grey Plover, Severn Beach 4.4.24
3rd April
A sunny day with light showers and a gusty West wind. At least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 10 Avocets, 4 Lapwings, 39 Curlew, 12 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 20 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 32 Shelduck, 19 Shoveler, 17 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon, 43 Teal, 17 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, a Great Crested Grebe and 3 Willow Warblers were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Just 20 Turnstones, a few Oystercatchers and Curlew and 8 Shelduck were seen from Severn Beach with just a 9.5 metre high tide.
2nd April
A repeat with the weather, a sunny start followed by cloud and rain showers. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 14 Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Lapwings, 60 Curlew, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 11 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 60 Shelduck, 16 Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, an impressive 26 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps, single Wheatear, Swallow, White Wagtail and Siskin. Reports from Severn Beach involved 103 Oystercatchers, 10 Curlew, a Redshank, 2 Canada Geese, 29 Shelduck, 42 Teal, 2 Cetti’s Warblers and 2 Willow Warblers. Click on the Avocet image below for a short Youtube video.
Avocet, Pilning Wetland 2.4.24
1st April
A sunny start followed by yet more rain showers. At least 10 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 60 Redshank, 2 Lapwing, a Snipe, 4 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swans, 3 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 45 Teal and 3 Tufted Duck were seen on Pilning Wetland in a brief visit. Five Grey Plover, 50 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, a Canada Goose, 35 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers and a Sparrowhawk were present at Severn Beach. A Short-eared Owl and a Water Pipit were reported from Aust Warth.
