Despite the onset of winter and the decrease in hours of daylight, October is a month with the highest number of recorded species, with a grand total of 215. Rarities have included records of Black-necked Grebe (1996,2015), Red-footed Falcon (2014), Long-billed Dowitcher (1977), Lesser Yellowlegs (1984,2024), White-rumped Sandpiper (1985, 20024), Red-necked Phalarope (2001), American Golden Plover (2013), Black Guillemot (1998), Bearded Tits (2012), Yellow-browed Warbler (2001,2013,2015,2016,2024) and Red-throated Pipit (2015). Other national and local rarities recorded include Glossy Ibis (2009,2023), Caspian Gull (2024), Ring-billed Gull, Spoonbills, Cattle Egret (2019,2020,2024), Great White Egrets, Cranes (2016), Whooper Swans, Mandarin (2017), Roseate Tern, Hooded Crow, Dartford Warbler, Montagu’s Harrier (1991), 3 Pallid Swifts (2022), Hen Harrier, Ring Ouzel, Shorelark, Woodlark, Mealy Redpoll, Common Rosefinch (2017), Firecrest, Hawfinch and Common Crossbill.
October 2024
31st October
A calm and sunny day. The month ended with 2nd American wader species of the month in the form of a 1st winter White-rumped Sandpiper (only the 5th Severnside record and the first for 23 years). Other reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the Spotted Redshank, 10+ Black-tailed Godwits, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 250+ Redshank, 45 Dunlin, 60+ Lapwings, 90+ Oystercatchers, 187 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, Greylag Geese, the immature Garganey, 200+ Wigeon, 80+ Teal, 40+ Shoveler and 20+ Gadwall. At least 16 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 8 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Mute Swan, 9 Shelduck, 30+ Wigeon, 15 Teal, a singing Cetti’s Warbler, 4 Stonechats, a Rock Pipit and 2+ Siskins were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
White-rumped Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 31.10.24
Taken at more than 180 Metres range
30th October
Another calm and overcast day. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Greenshank, a few Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatchers, single Little Egret, Water Rail and Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Shelduck, 35+ Wigeon, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Stonechats, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Rock Pipits and 2 Redpolls. Six Bar-tailed Godwits, 170 Dunlin, 320 Redshank, 65 Lapwings, 90+ Curlew, 120 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 145 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 50 Shoveler, 200 Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 80+ Teal were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from the Aust Cliff/services area involved 50 Black-tailed Godwits, single Kestrel and Peregrine, 175 Redwings, 137 Fieldfares, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Brambling and 12 Redpolls.
29th October
A cloudy and windless day. The juvenile Spotted Redshank and juvenile Garganey, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 30+ Black-tailed Godwits, 50+ Knot, 65 Lapwings, 95 Oystercatchers, 60+ Curlew, 120 Redshank, 44 Turnstones, 200+ Dunlin, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 170 Canada Geese, 10 Shelduck, 25+ Shoveler, 170 Wigeon, 40+ Teal and a Rock Pipit were seen from the New Passage bench this afternoon. At least 15 Curlew, 16 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 40+ Shelduck, 30+ Wigeon, 2 squealing Water Rails, 3 Stonechats, single Siskin and Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the Severn Beach shore. Reports from Aust Cliff/services included 250 Dunlin, 65 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Mute Swans, 40 Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, single Goosander (flying South West), Kestrel and Coal Tit, 25 Redwings, 4 Stonechats, a Grey Wagtail, 5 Siskins and a Redpoll.
28th October
A sunny morning with cloud and drizzle in the afternoon. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the juvenile Spotted Redshank, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 65 Lapwings, 200 Redshank, 160 Dunlin, 20 Turnstones, 80 Curlew, 80 Oystercatchers, 160 Canada Geese, 6 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 200+ Wigeon, 180+ Teal, a juvenile Garganey and a Grey Wagtail. A low tide visit to the Severn Beach shore involved a few Curlew and Oystercatchers, 6 Turnstones, 9 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 18 Shelduck, 25+ Wigeon and a Grey Wagtail.
27th October
A dry and sunny day with light wind. Another 2 fly over Hawfinches, 14 Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons, 34 Cormorants, 18500+ Woodpigeons, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Peregrines, a Kestrel, 2 Coal Tits, 62 Redwings, 3 Grey Wagtails, a Brambling, 3 Redpolls and 14 Siskins were reported from the Aust Cliff/ services area this morning. Two Stonechats were seen at Aust Warth. A quiet visit to Pilning Wetland produced 85 Dunlin, 120 Redshank, 65 Lapwings, single Snipe and Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 140+ Teal, the usual Shoveler, Gadwall and Wigeon, 2 Kestrels and a Grey Wagtail. A morning low tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 5 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 52 Shelduck, 40+ Wigeon, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers and 3 Stonechats.
26th October
A cool, misty 9°C dawn then sunny all day with almost no wind. An impressive 6 fly over Hawfinches, a Little Egret, 15 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 27000+ Woodpigeons, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Peregrines, single Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Brambling, 8 Redpoll and 11 Siskins were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area, Nearby, combined reports from Aust Warth included a Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, a Greenshank, 3 Knot, 63 Black-tailed Godwits, 25 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, 4 Redshank, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 90 Teal, 8 Wigeon, a Water Pipit, 2 Rock Pipits, 3 Stonechats and 2 Kestrels. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved a Black-tailed Godwit, 79 Lapwings, 55 Redshank, 20 Curlew, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Greylag Geese, 45 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 60 Shoveler, 32 Gadwall, 150+ Teal, 90+ Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck, single Great Black-backed Gull, Water Rail and Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtails and 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers. At least 90 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, 7 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 46 Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers and 2 Stonechats were reported from Severn Beach. An Asio Owl species was seen in flight at close range in car headlights this evening on the A403 coast road at Chittening Warth looking very much like a Long-eared Owl. At least 1000 Jackdaws were seen murmurating this evening before going to roost at Hoar Gout/Avonmouth Sewage Works.
25th October
A cloudy start with light rain followed by a sunny afternoon with a light South East breeze. At least 50 Oystercatchers, 35 Curlew, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 34 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, a Great Black-backed Gull, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Stonechats and 2 Siskins were reported from Severn Beach. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 45 Redshank, 24 Lapwings, 57 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 4 Dunlin, 5 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 4 Mute Swans, 60 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 50+ Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 40+ Wigeon, 170 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Water Rails, single singing Cetti’s Warbler, Grey Wagtail and Kestrel. At least 42 Dunlin, 9000 Woodpigeons, 29 Redwing, single Grey Wagtail and Coal Tit, 2 Peregrine, 3 Brambling, 17 Redpolls and 24 Siskins were reported from Aust Cliff/services.
Shoveler, New Passage 25.10.24
24th October
A mixture of mainly cloud with some sunshine in a South East breeze. A morning visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 110 Curlew, 90 Oystercatchers, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Shelduck, 45+ Wigeon, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Stonechats and a Peregrine. At least 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 40 Curlew, 50 Redshank, 86 Lapwings, 4 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Mute Swans, 160 Canada Geese, 18 Shelduck, fewer Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal than recent days, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Stonechats, 20+ Redwings, single Fieldfare, Red Kite and Kestrel were reported from Pilning Wetland/New Passage. Reports from Aust Cliff/services included 7 distant Barnacle Geese, 40+ Redwings, 5 Mistle Thrush, 7 Stonechats, 12 Chiffchaffs, 1000 Woodpigeons flying over, 50+ Chaffinch, 3 Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 7 Siskins, single Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
23rd October
A cloudy morning followed by a sunny afternoon. The Spotted Redshank, 16 Knot, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 120+ Redshank, 50+ Lapwings, 30 Dunlin, 12 Turnstones, the usual Curlew and Oystercatcher flocks, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 4 Mute Swans, 64 Canada Geese, 10 Shelduck, 80+ Shoveler, 120+ Wigeon, 200+ Teal, 2 Stonechats, 2 Kestrels and a Rock Pipit were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. At least 35 Wigeon, a Teal, 8 Stonechats, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Rock Pipits, a Kestrel and a late Whitethroat were reported from Severn Beach. Another Hawfinch, 4 Redpolls, 18 Siskins, 6 Bullfinch, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Stonechats, 3500 Woodpigeons, 64 Skylark, 13 Redwings and a Merlin were seen at Aust Cliff/services.
22nd October
A mixture of sunshine, cloud and a few rain showers with light South West wind. A quiet morning high tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 2 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, hundreds of Chaffinches, Woodpigeons and Jackdaws heading South and 2 Rock Pipits. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included an Avocet, 2 Lapwings, 60 Curlew, 70+ Redshank, 90+ Oystercatchers, 300+ Dunlin, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 42 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 130 Shoveler (120 on the river), 20+ Gadwall, 100+ Wigeon, 110 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Stonechats, 2 Swallows, single Rock Pipit, Merlin, Kestrel and Coal Tit. Four Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, 7 Barnacle Geese, 3000 Woodpigeons, 3 Kestrels, 3 Chiffchaff, 47 Redwings, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Stonechats, 500 Chaffinches, 2 Redpolls, single Brambling and Siskin were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area.
Avocet, Pilning Wetland 22.10.24
21st October
A dry day with a light South West breeze. A Spotted Redshank, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 20 Knot, 120 Black-tailed Godwits, 130 Redshank, 200 Curlew, 120 Oystercatchers, 400 Dunlin, 38 Lapwings, single Turnstone and Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Water Rails, 46 Canada Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 47 Shelduck, 94 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 160 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 280 Teal, female Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel, Kingfisher, Stonechat, Rock Pipit and Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Bar-tailed Godwit, 60 Knot, 12 Oystercatchers, 22 Curlew, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Water Rails, single Canada Goose and Mute Swan, 36 Shelduck, 50+ Wigeon, a Kestrel, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits, 11 Siskins, 3 Redpolls and a Brambling. Another 4 Stonechats were seen on Aust Warth. A Cattle Egret flew South West over Aust Cliff/services where other reports involved 23 Wigeon, 6 Redwings, 2 Ravens, 2 Grey Wagtails, 383 Chaffinches, 9 Siskins, single Pheasant, Coal Tit and Kestrel.
20th October
A wet and windy day with the wind shifting from the South East to South West. The highlight was the 4th ever Severnside record of Caspian Gull, a 1st winter bird flying South off the Severn Beach sea wall where other reports included 2 Knot, 70 Turnstones, 60 Redshank, 23 Ringed Plover, 44 Curlew, 11 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, a Mute Swan, 21 Shelduck, 70+ Wigeon, 2 Teal, a Pintail, 5 Common Gulls, a Great Black-backed Gull, a singing Cetti’s Warbler, a male Sparrowhawk, 2 Stonechats and 2 Rock Pipits. A brief windy visit to Pilning Wetland/New Passage produced 450 Dunlin, 120 Redshank, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 80 Lapwings, 180 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 130 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 44 Shelduck, 80 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 180 Wigeon, 110 Mallard, 320 Teal, 3+ Tufted Duck and a Peregrine.
19th October
The apparent lull before the arrival of Storm Ashley with a fine sunny day and light wind. Reports from most of the patch today, working from North to South; Combined reports from the Aust Cliff/services area included Severnside’s 9th ever Yellow-browed Warbler this morning (trapped and ringed this afternoon), 6 distant Barnacle Geese, 24 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 5 Shelduck, 26 Wigeon, 40 Lapwings, 62 Curlew, 15 Redshank, 200 Dunlin, 5 Common Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Grey Herons, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Peregrine, 2 Ravens, a Coal Tit, 190+ Redwings, 4 Grey Wagtails, a Brambling, 2 Hawfinch and 11 Siskins. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved the Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 41 Black-tailed Godwits, single Grey Plover, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit, 13 Ringed Plover, 400 Dunlin, 2 Turnstones, 80+ Redshank, 122 Curlew, 94 Oystercatchers, single Water Rail, Little Egret and Great White Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Mute Swans, 150+ Wigeon, 300+ Teal, 30+ Gadwall, 80+ Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 15 Redwings and a Stonechat. Two 2nd calendar year Shags (first of the year), at least 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 12 Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Mute Swan, 45 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 70 Wigeon, a Pintail, 52 Teal, 3 Water Rails, 200+ Jackdaws, 2 Kestrels, 3 Coal Tits, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 4 Stonechats and 3 Rock Pipits were reported from Severn Beach. Two Greenshank, 32 Knot, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, a Snipe, 100 Turnstones, 120 Dunlin, 150 Redshank, 120 Oystercatchers, 50 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 100 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2000 Black-headed Gulls, 500 Herring Gulls, 150 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 5 Great Black-backed Gulls, 4 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Stonechats, 4 Rock Pipits, 8 Redpolls, 7 Siskins, single Water Pipit, Grey Wagtail and Kestrel were reported from Chittening Warth.
Great White Egret, Pilning Wetland 19.10.24
Shag, Severn Beach 19.10.24
18th October
A sunny morning, cloudy later with a South West breeze. A morning visit to the Severn Beach shore produced a Hawfinch flying low South with Chaffinches, a few Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Water Rail, 32 Shelduck, 32 Wigeon, migrant corvids including 300+ Jackdaws, 4 Rooks (all heading South), at least 35 Magpies (one flock of 30), 10 Redwings, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Grey Wagtails and 2 Stonechats. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 28 Black-tailed Godwits, 60+ Knot, 210+ Redshank, 300 Dunlin, 40+ Lapwing, 181 Oystercatchers, 22 Curlew, a Little Egret, 7 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 46 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 180 Wigeon, 80+ Shoveler, 44 Gadwall, 380 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, a singing Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Stonechats, single Kestrel, Grey Wagtail and Rock Pipit.
17th October
A dry, warm and sunny day with the wind veering South East to South West. Single Spotted Redshank and Greenshank, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 92 Knot, 54 Lapwings, 50+ Black-tailed Godwits, 240 Redshank, 110 Oystercatchers, 92 Curlew, 340 Dunlin, 5 Snipe, single Turnstone and Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 77 Canada Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 95 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 160 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 340 Teal, single Kestrel, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, 2 Redpolls and 2 Siskins were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from Severn Beach included a Ringed Plover, 12 Curlew, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Jays, a squealing Water Rail, 24 Shelduck, 34 Wigeon, a Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Common Gulls, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 30 Song Thrush, 250 Redwings and a Grey Wagtail. Morning reports from Aust Cliff/services involved 16 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 6 Common Gulls, a Great Black backed Gull, 2500+ Redwings, 600 Chaffinch, a Hawfinch, 3 Siskin, 2 Ravens, 4 Jays, 5 Stonechats, single Kestrel and Coal Tit.
Spotted Redshank, New Passage 17.10.24
16th October
A warm day with cloud and some torrential rain showers with a South East breeze. A morning, low tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 20+ Curlew, 60+ Oystercatchers, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 30+ Wigeon, just one Shelduck, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Stonechats, single Wheatear and Rock Pipit. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 40+ Black-tailed Godwits, 20+ Knot, 40 Dunlin, 11 Ringed Plover, 30 Oystercatchers, 70 Lapwings, 30 Curlew, 240 Redshank, 5 Snipe, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 56 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 90+ Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 40 Wigeon, 240 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, single Kingfisher and Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Stonechats and a Grey Wagtail. At least 170 Redwings, 2 Fieldfare, 300 Chaffinches, 7 Siskins, 100+ Meadow Pipits, 11+ Chiffchaff and a Coal Tit were seen at Aust Cliff/services thus morning.
15th October
Cloudy with drizzle and a South East breeze. The Spotted Redshank, 32 Black-tailed Godwits, 40+ Knot, a Water Rail and 2 Stonechats were seen at Pilning Wetland/New Passage. Reports received were from the Aust Cliff/services area included 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Pintail, 46 Redwings, 370+ Chaffinches, 2 Brambling, a Crossbill and 16 Siskins. I returned from the Isles of Scilly today, it would have been rude not to take a slight detour back through Cornwall to see a fine looking Great Grey Shrike. With only 3 Severnside records and the last now 20 years ago it would be nice to find another this autumn or winter.
Great Grey Shrike, Davidstow Airfield, Cornwall 15.10.24
14th October
A cool and cloudy day with rain and a North East breeze. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 26 Knot, 81 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Snipe, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 4 Tufted Duck, single Water Rail, Kestrel, Merlin, Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Stonechats. Seven Siskins, 46 Redwings, 2 Grey Wagtails and a Coal Tit were reported from Aust Cliff/services this morning. A showy Short-toed Lark remained in it’s favoured bulb field on St. Mary’s today. This is a species not yet seen on Severnside but is definitely on the list of most likely to be found one day. It is always nice when a Wryneck finally pops up in front of you. Click on the Lark image below for a short Youtube video of the Short-toed Lark feeding.
Short-toed Lark, St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly 14.10.24
Wryneck, St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly 14.10.24
13th October
A sunny day with a South East breeze. The only reports of note from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved a Knot, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a few Snipe, many Dunlin, 2 Ravens and a Kestrel. Reports from the Aust Cliff/services area included a male Firecrest (trapped and ringed), 2 Peregrines, a Kestrel, 2 Coal Tits and 1230+ Redwings flying over in 2 hours. Additional birds seen on my excursion the Isles of Scilly, this time on St Mary’s, included a Wilson’s Snipe (all British records of this North American species have been identified here) and one of several Black Redstarts.
Wilson’s Snipe, St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly 13.10.24
Black Redstart, St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly 13.10.24
12th October
A dry and breezy day. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved the Spotted Redshank, 2 Avocets, 3 Golden Plover, 60 Knot, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 232 Redshank, 53 Lapwings, 100 Dunlin, 10 Turnstones, 91 Curlew, 21 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets, 65 Canada Geese, a juvenile Garganey, 3 Pintail, 82 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 27 Wigeon, 260 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 3 Ravens, a male Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine, 3 Stonechats, single Wheatear, Siskin and Cetti’s Warbler. A Cattle Egret flew East over Severn Beach where other reports included 7 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 25 Turnstones, 3 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Canada Geese and 20 Wigeon. Another Golden Plover, 32 Black-tailed Godwits, single Little Egret and Barnacle Goose, 74 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 22 Stock Doves, 2 Ravens, 85+ Redwings, 4 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, a late Reed Warbler, 20+ Chiffchaff and a Coal Tit were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area.
11th October
A mixture of cloud and sunshine in an East wind. The Spotted Redshank and a juvenile Garganey were reported from Pilning Wetland. Flyover migrants at Aust Cliff/services included single Hawfinch, Redpoll and Siskin. I managed to locate several Yellow-browed Warblers today on my trip to Bryher. Easily found by the distinctive call or just scan a Sycamore for a few minutes. With just 8 of these on Severnside since 2001 and all being found in September and October.
Yellow-browed Warbler, Bryher, Isles of Scilly 11.10.24
10th October
No reports were received today. Meanwhile I was enjoying my short break on the Isles of Scilly catching up with this Hoopoe, a bird I have yet to see on Severnside having missed several sightings including one just 400 metres from home.
Hoopoe, Bryher, Isles of Scilly 10.10.24
9th October
A mixture of sunshine and cloud with a West turning North West wind. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank, 80 Knot, 2 Grey Plover, 48 Lapwing, 250 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, 36 Lapwing, 82 Curlew, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 61 Snipe, 109 Redshank, 18 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, a Water Rail, 4 Greylag Geese, 104 Canada Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 18 Shelduck, 38 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 52 Wigeon, 240 Teal, 3 Wheatears, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Kestrel, 2 Siskins, single Kingfisher, Stonechat, Coal Tit, and Crossbill (flew North East).
8th October
Another wet day with sunny spells in a South East wind. The Lesser Yellowlegs, single Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper, 100 Knot, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 300 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, 150 Curlew, 90 Oystercatchers, 64 Lapwings, 4 Turnstones, 20+ Snipe, 4 Little Egrets, 61 Greylag Geese, 6 Wheatears, single Grey Wagtail and Kestrel were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Another 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 30+ Chiffchaff and a flyover Siskin were reported from Aust Warth.
7th October
A wet morning followed by some sunshine. The Lesser Yellowlegs, single Spotted Redshank, Little Stint and Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Golden Plover, 60 Knot, 19 Ringed Plover, 350 Dunlin, 40 Lapwings, 13 Turnstones, 45 Curlew, 90 Oystercatchers, 15+ Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Water Rail, 100+ Greylag Geese, 200 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 15 Shelduck, 9 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck, an immature Garganey, 230 Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall, 5 Wheatears, single Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler, Kestrel and Peregrine were reported from the Pilning wetland/New Passage area. At least 16 Turnstones, 32 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 71 Shelduck, 32 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 4 Stonechats and 2 Wheatears and 4 Stonechats were seen from the Severn Beach shore.
Lesser Yellowlegs, Pilning Wetland 7.10.24
immature Garganey, Pilning Wetland 7.10.24
Wheatears, Severn Beach 7.10.24
6th October
A cloudy morning with rain in the afternoon. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the Lesser Yellowlegs, single Spotted Redshank, Little Stint and Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 70 Knot, 85 Redshank, 400 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 45 Lapwings, 10 Snipe, 100 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 70 Greylag Geese, 300 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 20 Shelduck, 350 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, the usual Shoveler and Gadwall, single Water Rail and Merlin, 2 Kestrels, single Grey Wagtail, Wheatear and Cetti’s Warbler. At least 30 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 52 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Coal Tit, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were seen at Severn Beach.
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 6.10.24
5th October
Another dry and sunny day with a South East breeze. Highlights from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the Lesser Yellowlegs, 2 Spotted Redshank, single Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Green Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit, 60+ Knot, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Turnstones, 270 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover, 10+ Snipe, 80 Lapwings, 80 Curlew, 45 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 75 Greylag Geese, 250 Canada Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 12 Shelduck, 34 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 40 Wigeon, 300 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, single Water Rail, Peregrine, Kestrel, Wheatear, Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler and Grey Wagtail. At least 30 Curlew, 5 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 47 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, single Stonechat, singing Cetti’s Warbler and Siskin were reported from Severn Beach. Combined reports from the Aust Cliff/services area included 2 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Herons, a Treecreeper, 3 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, a Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Greenfinch and a Siskin.
Little Stint, Pilning Wetland 5.10.24
Green Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 5.10.24
4th October
Another dry and sunny day withe South East wind veering South West. The Lesser Yellowlegs remained at Pilning Wetland/New Passage where other reports included single Spotted Redshank, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 44 Knot, 270 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 90+ Redshank, 11 Snipe, 40+ Lapwing, 30 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 74 Greylag Geese, 280+ Canada Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 300+ Teal, 40 Shoveler, 15 Gadwall, 20 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 3 Wheatears, single Common Gull, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Grey Wagtail. It was quiet at Severn Beach with the highlights being just 30 Curlew, single Little Egret, Grey Heron, Water Rail, 2 Canada Geese, 48 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 2 Rock Pipits, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers and a Kestrel. Three Dunlin, 15 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, a dark-belled Brent Goose, 5 Pintail, 5 Wigeon, 12 Common Gulls, a Goshawk, 3 Sparrowhawks, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Ravens, 6 Jays, a Treecreeper (1st record of the year), 2 Coal Tits, a Sand Martin, 2 Mistle Thrush, 94 Redwings, 4 Grey Wagtails, 7 Siskin and a Redpoll were seen from Aust Cliff/services.
Lesser Yellowlegs, Pilning Wetland 4.10.24
3rd October
A dry and sunny day with a North East breeze. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel and Golden Plover, 2 Ruff, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 35 Knot, 180+ Redshank, 125 Lapwings, 14 Ringed Plovers, 80 Dunlin, 70 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Water Rail, a record 80 Greylag Geese, 200+ Canada Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 16 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 32 Gadwall, 22 Wigeon, 2 Kestrels, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Wheatears, 4 Redwings, single Kingfisher and Stonechat. Single Great White Egret and Little Egret, 6 Canada Geese, 11 Wigeon, 22 Cormorants, 27 Redwings, 20 Chiffchaffs, 3 Grey Wagtails, 2 Ravens, 2 Peregrines, 8 Stonechats, 7 Siskins, the 1st Brambling of the year, single Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Redpoll and Coal Tit were seen Aust Cliff/services and another 5 Stonechats, 2 Peregrines, 2 Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk were reported from Aust Warth. Another Kestrel was seen at Severn Beach. Meanwhile I had a day away in Yorkshire at the Bempton RSPB reserve and Spurn where highlights included an Isabelline Shrike, single Barred Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Arctic Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler.
Barred Warbler, Bempton RSPB, Yorkshire 3.10.24
Isabelline Shrike, Bempton RSPB, Yorkshire 3.10.24
2nd October
Another cloudy, damp day with a North East breeze. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Redshank and Ruff, 45 Dunlin, 20+ Knot, 30+ Redshank, 40 Lapwing, 8 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 32 Greylag Geese, 90+ Canada Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 200 Teal, flocks of Gadwall, Shoveler and Wigeon, single Kestrel, Grey Wagtail and Wheatear. Two Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 60 Shelduck, 10 Wigeon, a Cetti’s Warbler, 4 Stonechats and a Wheatear were reported from the Severn Beach shore. Two Spoonbills (adult and juvenile) flew South West over Aust Cliff/services where other reports involved a Grey Heron, 7 Greylag Geese, 6 Canada Geese, 3 Pintail, 7 Common Gulls, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Peregrine, a Kestrel and 2 Ravens. Nearby a Common Sandpiper and 2 Snipe were sen at Aust Warth.
Spotted Redshank and Lesser Yellowlegs, Pilning Wetland 2.10.24
Spotted Redshank, Pilning Wetland 2.10.24
1st October
A cloudy day with drizzle and a cool North West breeze. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs, single Spotted Redshank and Ruff, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 33 Knot, 24 Snipe, 40 Lapwings, 250 Redshank, 150 Curlew, 115 Oystercatchers, 100+ Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Turnstones, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 30+ Greylag Geese, 180+ Canada Geese, 5 Mute Swans, the usual flocks of Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 3 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 2 Raven, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Sand Martin, Wheatear and Grey Wagtail. At least 30 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 11 Curlew, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Canada Geese, 70 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, 15 Teal, a Kestrel, 4 Stonechats were seen from the Severn Beach shore.
