November is still a month worth looking for birds. It has a respectable total of 190 species recorded during the month with a few surprise birds. Remarkable records include; Britain’s first Black-bellied Storm Petrel and Britain’s 5th Pacific Diver just 2 days apart in 2009. Other national and local rarities include American Golden Plover (2013), Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver (1984,2015,2020,2023), Black Guillemot (2015), Ring-necked Duck (2000), Smew (2010), Green-winged Teal (2014), Red-crested Pochard (2024), White-rumped Sandpiper (1998), Long-tailed Skua (1994), Caspian Gull (2003,2024), White Stork (2024), Glossy Ibis (2015), Woodlark, Shorelark, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Cory’s Shearwater (2000), Whooper Swan (1983), Richard’s Pipit (1993,2018), Dartford Warbler (2005,2015), Bearded Tit (2023) and Waxwing (2005). A Merlin or two can usually be seen perched on posts anywhere between New Passage and Aust Warth. Short-eared Owls can often be seen hunting at dusk over the salt marsh at Aust Warth. Seabirds seen in South West gales include Leach’s Petrel, Pomarine Skua and Little Auk.
November 2024
30th November
An unseasonably warm (15°C) and cloudy day with a Southerly breeze. A brief low tide visit to the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area produced 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1100+ Dunlin, 160+ Lapwings, 28 Redshank, 137 Oystercatchers, 24 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, a Barnacle Goose, 28 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 14 Shelduck, 40+ Shoveler, 24+ Gadwall, 190+ Wigeon and 180 Teal. The Severn Beach shore was quiet with just 12 Curlew, 15 Oystercatchers, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 14 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 2 Ravens, 4 Stonechat, a feeding flock of 20+ Greenfinches and a Cetti’s Warbler worth a mention.
29th November
A dull and cool day with light wind. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area involved 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Turnstones, 450 Dunlin, 60+ Redshank, 70+ Curlew, 220 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, a Barnacle Goose, 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 23 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, a Red-breasted Merganser, 60+ Shoveler, 20+ Gadwall, 260+ Wigeon, 180 Teal and a Cetti’s Warbler. At least 30 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 11 Shelduck, 28 Wigeon, 2 Water Rails, 2 Stonechats, 2 Ravens and a Redpoll were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
28th November
A frosty -2°C dawn and a mix of sunshine and cloud with light North East breeze. At least 16 Ringed Plover, 40 Turnstones, 3 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, 24 Curlew, 39 Oystercatcher, a Grey Heron, 5 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 4 squealing Water Rails, a Great Black-backed Gull, 300+ Carrion Crows, a Jay, 4 Stonechats, 13 Redpolls (including a feeding flock of 11) and a Rock Pipit were reported from the Severn Beach shore. Sightings from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 55 Dunlin, 50 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 240 Lapwings, single Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 300 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, an impressive 83 Shoveler, 49 Gadwall, 320 Wigeon, 190 Teal, single Grey Wagtail and Stonechat. At least 100 Redwings, 35 Fieldfares, 3 Kestrels, single Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Chiffchaff, 3 Redpolls and a Siskin were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area.
Redpoll, Severn Beach 28.11.24
27th November
A mainly cloudy and cool day with the wind from the North. A Spotted Redshank, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 100 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 74 Wigeon and 2 Stonechats were seen from the Aust Cliff/services area. A Short-eared Owl was seen hunting over Northwick and Aust Warths. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 65 Lapwings, 20+ Oystercatchers, 105 Curlew, 2 Grey Herons, a Barnacle Goose, 40+ Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 250+ Wigeon, 150+ Teal and 2 Ravens. Just 20 Curlew, 16 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 9 Shelduck and 12 Wigeon were reported from Severn Beach.
26th November
A dry and sunny day with a light South West wind. At least 20 Redshank, 45 Lapwing, 80 Curlew, 16 Oystercatcher, 3 Grey Heron, a Barnacle Goose, 450 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 40+ Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 300+ Wigeon, 120+ Teal, 2 Tufted Duck and a singing Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. It was a quiet day at Severn Beach with just a few Curlew and Oystercatcher, 7 Shelduck, 20 Wigeon, a Water Rail, 2 Ravens and a Stonechat worth a mention from a low tide visit. A Short-eared Owl was reported from Northwick/ Warth/Aust Warth.
25th November
A gusty West wind with some spells of torrential rain. The first Leach’s Petrel of the year, 2 Kittiwakes, 150 Turnstones, 500 Dunlin, 30 Curlew, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 21 Canada Geese, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 43 Shelduck, 20 Wigeon, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Rock Pipit, single Stonechat and Siskin were reported from the Severn Beach shore. At least 92 Turnstones, 90 Dunlin, 86 Curlew, 70 Oystercatcher, single Little Egret and Barnacle Goose, 50 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 12 Shelduck, 48 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 350+ Wigeon, 130+ Teal, 2 Ravens and 5 Stonechats were seen in the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. A Kestrel and a Stonechat were seen at Aust Warth.
Raven, New Passage 25.11.24
24th November
Storm Bert produced another 45+ mm of rain and a gusty wind that like recent form dropped off completely just before high tide. A single flock of 48 Kittiwakes were the only seabirds seen from Severn Beach where other reports included 20 Turnstone, 40 Dunlin, 40 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 5 Shelduck and 24 Wigeon. At least 100 Curlew, 80 Redshank, 100 Dunlin, a Grey Heron, a Barnacle Geese, 50 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 150+ Wigeon, 24 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 130+ Teal and 2 Tufted Duck were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area.
23rd November
An unpleasant day with rain and a gusty Southerly wind from Storm Bert, veering South Westerly at dusk. With such miserable weather it was difficult to many counts but birds seen at Pilning Wetland included 66 Curlew, a Grey Heron, flocks of Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon and Teal, a Pintail and 2 Tufted Duck. At least 120 Turnstones, 19 Dunlin, a few Curlew and Oystercatchers, 3 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon and a Rock Pipit were seen at Severn Beach.
22nd November
Another cold and sunny day. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the Spotted Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, the first decent size flock of 220 Turnstones, 80 Redshank, 30 Oystercatcher, 70 Curlew, 120 Dunlin, just 4 Lapwing, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Barnacle Geese, 140 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 45 Gadwall, 330 Wigeon, 130 Teal, 2 Kestrel, single Merlin and Stonechat. Late afternoon reports from Aust Warth involved 2 Short-eared Owls, single Kestrel and Stonechat. At least 90 Turnstones, 15 Ringed Plover, 60+ Curlew, 12 Oystercatcher, 15 Shelduck, a Shoveler, 20 Wigeon, 20 Teal, single Rock Pipit and Stonechat were reported from the Severn Beach shore and a male Blackcap was seen again feeding on sliced apple in my garden.
21st November
A frosty dawn and remaining less than 4°C on a sunny day with a North East breeze. Sightings from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included the Spotted Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, a Jack Snipe (flushed by a Short-eared Owl), 250 Dunlin, 35 Redshank, 210 Lapwing, 20 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Barnacle Geese, 120 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 14 Shelduck, 150 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 18 Gadwall, 20 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Ravens, single Short-eared Owl, 3rd calendar year male Marsh Harrier and Kestrel. Reports from Severn Beach included 20 Turnstones, 150 Dunlin, 35 Curlew, 6 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 18 Shelduck, 17 Wigeon, a Cetti’s Warbler and a male Blackcap feeding on sliced Apples. Another 2 Hawfinch, 15 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 80 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Peregrine, single Kestrel, Raven and Redpoll were seen at Aust Cliff/service (this time North West). A Stonechat was seen at Aust Warth.
Short-eared Owl, Northwick Warth 21.11.24
20th November
A frosty start and remaining cold all day. Despite some good effort there was nothing new to report. The usual Spotted Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 65+ Redshank, 240 Dunlin, 86 Curlew, 140 Lapwing, 20 Oystercatcher, 22 Turnstones, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Barnacle Geese, 105 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 12 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 130 Wigeon, a Pintail, 45+ Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine. 2 Stonechats and a Kingfisher were reported from Pilning Wetland/New Passage. A Kestrel was seen at Aust Warth and additional single Stonechats were reported from Severn Beach and Aust Cliff/services.
Stonechat, New Passage 20.11.24
19th November
A cold day with sleet and snow in a North East/North wind. Two Kittiwakes and a Red Kite were seen flying North East from Aust Cliff/services. Single Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit and Turnstone, 300 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, 250 Lapwing, 110 Oystercatchers, 50+ Curlew, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Barnacle Geese, 140 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 19 Shelduck, 35 Shoveler, 40 Gadwall, 280+ Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 140+ Teal, single Water Rail, Kestrel and Raven were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Single Bar-tailed Godwit and Turnstone (the big flock seems elusive at the moment), 13 Curlew, 18 Redshank, single Snipe and Grey Heron, 18 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, single Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat and Rock Pipit were reported in poor visibility from the Severn Beach shore.
18th November
An overcast day with drizzle turning to rain during the afternoon. Sightings from Aust Cliff/service included single Black Redstart and Treecreeper, 2 Golden Plover, 100+ Lapwing, 20+ Oystercatchers, 2 cock Pheasants, 4 Stonechat, single Kestrel, Chiffchaff and Grey Wagtail. The long staying Spotted Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1100 Dunlin, 240 Lapwing, 95 Redshank, 40+ Curlew, 90+ Oystercatcher, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Barnacle Geese, 300 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 14 Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 38 Gadwall, 380 Wigeon, a drake Pintail, 110+ Teal, single Water Rail and Stonechat were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. At least 40 Curlew, 3 Grey Heron, a Mute Swan, 23 Shelduck, 19 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 3 Water Rail, 2 Stonechat, single Chiffchaff and Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
Spotted Redshank, Pilning Wetland 18.11.24
17th November
A mixture of cloud and sunshine in West wind. The Spotted Redshank, a Knot, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, at least 750 Dunlin, 100+ Redshank, 72 Curlew, 70 Lapwing, 3 Turnstones, single Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 280 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 2 Goosander (redheads, flying South West), 30+ Shoveler, 40 Gadwall, 250 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 80+ Teal, 4 Little Grebes, a Water Rail, 2 Ravens, 3 Stonechats, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers and a Grey Wagtail were reported from Pining Wetland/New Passage. A brief visit to the Severn Beach shore produced single Curlew, Little Egret and Grey Heron, 5 Shelduck, 25+Wigeon, 2 Stonechat and a flyover Redpoll. Another 200 Dunlin, a Grey Plover, 2 Turnstones, 30 Redshank, 2 Chiffchaff, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and Redpoll were seen at Aust Warth.
Pintail, New Passage 17.11.24
16th November
A cloudy day with some occasional drizzle. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the Spotted Redshank, 8 Knot, 200 Dunlin, 60+ Lapwing, 180 Oystercatchers, 60 Redshank, 100+ Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Barnacle Geese, 350 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 190 Wigeon, 30+ Shoveler, 32 Gadwall, 50+ Teal, Water Rail, 2 Rock Pipits and a Kestrel. At least 11 Turnstones, 15 Ringed Plover, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 8 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, 50+ Wigeon, a Water Rail, 4 Stonechat, single Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff and Sparrowhawk were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
15th November
A sunny day with light wind, feeling cooler. The Spotted Redshank, 200 Redshank, a Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Knot, 800 Dunlin, 12 Turnstones, 6 Snipe, 210 Lapwing, 110 Oystercatcher, 30+ Curlew, 3 Grey Heron, a Little Egret, 2 Barnacle Geese, 300 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 10 Shelduck, 35 Shoveler, 40+ Gadwall, 280 Wigeon, 160+ Teal, a male Pintail, 2 Water Rails, a hunting 3rd calendar year male Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Stonechats, single Water Pipit and Rock Pipit were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Low tide visits to the Severn Beach shore produced 12 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 45+ Wigeon, 9 Shelduck, 2 Stonechats, a Rock Pipit and a feeding flock of 20 Greenfinch. Reports from Aust Cliff/services involved 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 44 Wigeon, a Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Peregrine, 25 Redwing, a Fieldfare and 4 Redpoll. Two squealing Water Rails, 40 Oystercatcher, 6 Curlew, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat, single Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail and Kestrel were reported from Aust Warth.
Marsh Harrier, Northwick Warth Flash 15.11.24
14th November
Another dry day with a mixture of cloud and sunshine in a cool North East breeze. Another 6 Hawfinch, 2 Brambling, 100 Chaffinch, 200 Goldfinch, 4 Redpoll, 29 Siskin, 57 Fieldfare, 109 Redwing, single Kestrel, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk were reported from Aust Cliff/services this morning. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included single Spotted Redshank and Golden Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Knot, 56 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Jack Snipe, 12 Snipe, 700 Dunlin, 165 Lapwing, 93 Curlew, 105 Oystercatcher, 150 Redshank, 2 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 41 Greylag Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 190 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 20 Shelduck, 350 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 33 Shoveler, 53 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 2 Raven, 6 Stonechat, 2 Siskin, 8 Rock Pipit, single Water Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Redpoll. A Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 30 Oystercatcher, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 21 Shelduck, 40+ Wigeon, a Chiffchaff and 2 Stonechats were seen at Severn Beach.
13th November
A bright sunny day. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved a White Stork (flying low over the Wetland but was chased off South over New Passage by a Grey Heron), single Spotted Redshank, Knot and Golden Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 170 Lapwing, 80 Oystercatcher, 70 Redshank, 110 Curlew, 250+ Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 41 Greylag Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 500 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 12 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 40 Gadwall, 250 Wigeon, 160 Teal, single drake Pochard and Tufted Duck, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, a Rock Pipit and a presumed escaped Saker type falcon. Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 3 Dunlin, 35 Redshank, 6 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 19 Shelduck, 40+ Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits, 4 Siskin, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Redpoll. At least 38 Lapwing, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 White-fronted Geese (heading North East), 1620+ Redwings, 610 Fieldfares, a Grey Wagtail, 180 Chaffinch, a Brambling, another 9 Hawfinch, a Redpoll and 16 Siskins were reported from Aust Cliff/services this morning. Five Pintail and 2 Stonechats were seen at Aust Warth. Click on the image for a short Youtube video of the Stork being harassed by the Heron.
White Stork, New Passage 13.11.24
12th November
Another sunny, cool day with a light North East breeze. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included yet another 3 Hawfinch, 6 Brambling, 3 Redpoll, 13 Siskin, 1200+ Fieldfare, 1100+ Redwing, 4 Little Egrets and 15 Greylag Geese. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single Spotted Redshank and Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 200 Redshank, 190 Lapwing, 40 Curlew, 105 Oystercatchers, 105 Dunlin, 82 Turnstones, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, a Barnacle Goose, an impressive 500 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 21 Shelduck 40+ Shoveler, 30+ Gadwall, 300 Wigeon, 140+ Teal, a Tufted Duck, 6+ Little Grebes, a Water Rail, 500+ Fieldfare, 100+ Redwing, 2 Ravens, 3 Stonechats, single Kestrel, Cetti’s Warbler and Grey Wagtail. Two Bar-tailed Godwits, 50+ Curlew, 70+ Oystercatchers, 5 Turnstones, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Shelduck, 60+ Wigeon, 2 Stonechats and a singing Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
Barnacle Goose, New Passage 12.11.24
11th November 
A dry and quite sunny day with a North East breeze. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single Spotted Redshank and Greenshank, 2 Golden Plover, 3 Knot, 19 Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Dunlin, 190 Redshank, 160 Lapwings, 50 Curlew, 5 Turnstones, 10 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 200 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 14 Shelduck, 25 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 220 Wigeon, 80+ Teal, a Tufted Duck, 2 Ravens, 2 Stonechat, single Water Rail, Cetti’s Warbler, Rock Pipit and Sparrowhawk. At least 80 Oystercatcher, 70 Curlew, 5 Grey Heron, 17 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 80 Wigeon, 20 Teal, a Great Black-backed Gull, a singing Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Ravens and 3 Stonechats were were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
10th November
At long last there were some gaps in the cloud and snippets of sunshine. Reports from Aust Warth included 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Ravens, 6 Stonechats, single Redpoll and Kestrel. Combined reports from the Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved single Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Jack Snipe and Golden Plover, 37 Black-tailed Godwits, 47 Knot, 120 Redshank, 110 Lapwing, 60 Turnstones, 200 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 2 Ringed Plover, 22 Curlew, 5 Little Egret, a Great White Egret, 5 Grey Heron, single Water Rail and Great Crested Grebe, the 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 200 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 11 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 180 Wigeon, a Pintail, 210 Teal, single Tufted Duck, Kingfisher, Kestrel, and Cetti’s Warbler, 5 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Rock Pipits, a Redpoll and 2 Siskins. A drake Common Scoter, 21 Ringed Plover, 12 Turnstones, 120 Oystercatchers, 80+ Curlew, 6 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Heron, 3 Water Rails, 13 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 60 Wigeon, 45 Teal, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Ravens, 5 Stonechats, single Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Cetti’s Warbler, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were reported from Severn Beach. Two Short-eared Owls were reported from Chittening Warth.
Great Crested Grebe, New Passage 10.11.24
9th November
Another gloomy day but higher cloud and I’m sure I saw some bluish patches up there. A busy birding day so here are the reports, North to South for the complete length of the recording area. Reports from Aust Cliff/services included a Golden Plover, 40 Lapwing, 8 Greylag Geese, 21 Redwing, 300+ Fieldfare, 5 Mistle Thrush, 2310 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, another 4 Hawfinch, 7 Redpoll, 540 Goldfinch, 81 Siskin, 2 Ravens, single Yellowhammer, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail and Kestrel. At least one Short-eared Owl and a Sparrowhawk were reported from the Aust Warth/Northwick Warth area. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved the long staying Spotted Redshank, 3 Avocets, 3 Golden Plover, 300+ Dunlin, 140 Lapwings, 110 Redshank, 70 Curlew, 80 Oystercatcher, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 140 Canada Geese, a Black Swan, 2 Mute Swans, 10 Shelduck, 250+ Wigeon, 30+ Shoveler, 28 Gadwall, 70+ Teal, a Stonechat, 575 Chaffinch, 42 Siskin, 14 Fieldfare, 2 Ravens and a hunting Peregrine causing mayhem. A calling Tawny Owl was heard near Severn Beach railway station at 00.15 (a rarity here) and other reports from the Severn Beach shore involved a Knot, 7 Dunlin, 85 Redshank, 90+ Curlew, 105 Oystercatcher, 9 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 21 Shelduck, 5 Shoveler, 70+ Wigeon, 30+ Teal, 120 Mallard, 3 Water Rails (2 seen), a Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Redwings, 15 Fieldfare, 4 Redpoll, 2 Ravens, 2 singing Cetti’s Warbler and 4+ Stonechat. Another Golden Plover, 1000 Dunlin, 200 Redshank, 60 Curlew, 150 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, 200 Shelduck, 30 Gadwall, 50 Teal, single male Marsh Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owls, single Little Owl and Pheasant, 3+ Water Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Stonechat, 2 Siskins and 6 Redpoll were reported from the Severnside reporting section of Chittening Warth.
8th November
Another murky day with an East breeze but some good birds to be seen. An excellent selection of visible migrants were seen flying overhead at Aust Cliff/services this morning including an exceptional flock of 11 Hawfinch, yet another Woodlark, 12+ Brambling, 10 Redpolls, 14 Siskins, 2000+ Chaffinches, 129 Redwings, 727 Fieldfares, a female type Marsh Harrier plus 2 Ravens and a Peregrine. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area involved single Spotted Redshank, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Jack Snipe, 7 Snipe, 140 Lapwings, 50 Dunlin, 55 Redshank, 60 Curlew, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 6 Mute Swans, 17 Greylag Geese, the dark-bellied Brent Goose, 120 Canada Geese, 30 Shelduck, 90+ Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 20 Gadwall, 45 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, single Short-eared Owl, Kestrel, Stonechat and Rock Pipit. At least 40 Dunlin, 12 Turnstones, 80 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 18 Shelduck, 105 Wigeon, 20 Teal, single Rock Pipit and Redpoll were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
7th November
No change or improvement in the weather. Early morning sightings from the Aust Cliff/services area included fly over single Yellowhammer, 30 Redwings, 69 Fieldfare, 800+ Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 2 Redpoll, 240 Goldfinch and 19 Siskins. At least 4 Stonechats were reported at Aust Warth. The Pilning Wetland/New Passage was quiet with the only reports of interest being 400 Dunlin, 78 Lapwings, single Little Egret, Grey Heron, Kestrel and Chiffchaff. Reports from Severn Beach involved just 2 Turnstones, 50+ Curlew, 12 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 14 Canada Goose, 7 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 3 Stonechats and a Siskin.
6th November
Another awful grey and damp day but still a few interesting sightings. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland /New Passage area included a 2nd winter Caspian Gull, the Spotted Redshank, 9 Golden Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Turnstones, 400 Dunlin, 140 Lapwings, 5 Oystercatchers, 60 Curlew, 30+ Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Mute Swans, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 55 Canada Geese, 36 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 20 Shoveler, the usual Wigeon and Teal flock, 11 Common Gulls, single Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler and Siskin. Another 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese flew up river past Aust Warth where a Short-eared Owl, 6 Stonechats, 15 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush and 3 Chiffchaffs were also seen. Three Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 7 Shelduck, 30+ Wigeon, a Shoveler, 10 Teal, 4 Stonechats, single Cetti’s Warbler and Rock Pipit were reported from the Severn Beach shore.
Golden Plover, Pilning Wetland 6.11.24
5th November
A misty, cloudy and windless day. An intriguing Reed Warbler sp. (possibly Blyth’s) was seen in Elms and Sycamores with 2 Chiffchaff at Aust Warth where other reports included 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 6 Stonechats, a Grey Heron and a Peregrine. Nearby, early morning reports from the Aust Cliff/services area included yet another fly over Woodlark, 2 Dunlin, 11 Greylag Geese, 3 Common Gulls, a Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 72 Redwings, 5 Fieldfare, a Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 5 Redpoll and 32 Siskins. The Spotted Redshank, 3 Golden Plover, a Knot, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 65 Turnstones, 200+ Redshank, 100 Curlew, 330+ Dunlin, 160 Oystercatchers, 95 Lapwing, 8 Snipe, 8 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Heron, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 42 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Water Rails, 4 Stonechats, single Cetti’s Warbler, Rock Pipit and Siskin were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Combined reports from the Severn Beach shore involved 60 Curlew, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Heron, 56 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon, 20 Teal, single Great Black-backed Gull and Water Rail, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers, a Chiffchaff, 4 Stonechats and a Siskin.
4th November
No change in the weather; very cloudy, no sunny spells in a North East breeze. Combined reports from the Severn Beach shore included 5 Knot, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Turnstones, a Ringed Plover, 250 Dunlin, 60+ Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 16 Canada Geese, 90 Shelduck, 5 Common Scoter heading North East, 50+ Wigeon, 66 Teal, 11 Cormorants heading North East, 2 Water Rails, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 250+ Chaffinches, 2 Stonechats, 2 Redpoll and a Fieldfare. The Spotted Redshank, at least 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 230 Dunlin, 2 Turnstones, 145 Redshank, 234 Lapwings, 110 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 3 Snipe, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 36 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 14 Shelduck, 45+ Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 200+ Wigeon, 70+ Teal, a Tufted Duck, 2 Water Rails, 2 Ravens, single Water Pipit, Kestrel, Cetti’s Warbler and Redpoll were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from Aust Cliff/services involved a Golden Plover, 206 Lapwings, 23 Dunlin, single Little Egret and dark-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Greylag Geese, 5 Pintail, 11 Ravens, 158 Redwings, 211 Fieldfares, a Water Pipit, 1170 Chaffinches, 370 Goldfinches, 3 Brambling, a Redpoll and 41 Siskins. At least 10 Snipe, 2 Stonechats and a Kestrel were seen at Aust Warth.
Bar-tailed Godwit, New Passage 4.11.24
3rd November
The dark and murky weather continues with a North East wind. Another rare Severnside bird was found today with a pair of Red-crested Pochard drifting South from Severn Beach (only the 4th record of this bird and the first for 22 years). Other reports from Severn Beach included 30 Turnstones, 20 Curlew, just one Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, single squealing Water Rail and cock Pheasant, 33 Shelduck, a drake Shoveler, 80+ Wigeon, 45 Teal, a Great Black-backed Gull, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 20 Redwing and a Stonechat. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved the Spotted Redshank, a Golden Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 30+ Knot, 260 Dunlin, 134 Lapwings, 40 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, single Snipe and Turnstone, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, single Water Rail and dark-bellied Brent Goose, 40 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 40+ Shoveler, 35+ Gadwall, 210 Wigeon, 230 Teal, single Water Pipit, Cetti’s Warbler and Kestrel. At least 100 Dunlin, 61 Oystercatchers, a Snipe, 39 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, and 2 Rock Pipits were seen at Aust Warth. Nearby reports from Aust Cliff/services included 197 Lapwings, 6 Greylag Geese, 159 Redwings, 313 Fieldfares, 3 Brambling, 10 Redpoll, 6 Siskin, 6 Coal Tits, single Grey Wagtail, Kestrel and Peregrine. Click on the Spotted Redshank image below to watch a short Youtube video of it feeding.
pair of Red-crested Pochard, Severn Beach 3.11.24
Spotted Redshank, Pilning Wetland 3.11.24
2nd November
Another dry and gloomy day with a North East breeze. A 1st winter Caspian Gull was seen off New Passage this morning where other reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included single Greenshank and Knot, 33 Black-tailed Godwits, 124 Redshank, 100+ Oystercatchers, 95+ Curlew, 65 Lapwings, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Water Rails, a Great Crested Grebe, 6 immature Mute Swans, at least 200 Canada Geese, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 140+ Wigeon, 35 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall and 3 Tufted Duck. An additional 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 70 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 3 Little Egrets, a squealing Water Rail, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, a Stonechat and 2 Redpoll were reported on a morning high tide visit to the Severn Beach shore. Reports from Aust Warth included 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, single Black-tailed Godwit, male Marsh Harrier, Water Pipit, 6+ Rock Pipits and 2 Stonechats. Nearby, yet another dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Barnacle Geese, 1450 Woodpigeons, 29 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Kestrels and 2 Siskins were seen from Aust Cliff/services this morning.
Canada Geese and dark-bellied Brent Goose, New Passage 1.11.24
1st November
A cloudy, dry day with light wind. Combined report from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit, 69 Knot, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 170 Redshank, 70+ Oystercatchers, 50+ Curlew, 60 Lapwings, 86 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 2 Turnstones, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 5 Mute Swans, 11 Greylag Geese, 145 Canada Geese, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Shelduck, 160 Wigeon, 40 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 115 Teal, 2 Pintail, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Gulls, single Great Black-backed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Water Rail, hunting Merlin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, 25 Skylarks, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Rock Pipits, single Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Blackcap and Cetti’s Warbler. At least 15 Turnstones, 35 Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 40+ Wigeon, 55 Teal, a cock Pheasant, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Stonechats and 2 Rock Pipits were reported from the Severn Beach shore. A brief afternoon visit to Aust Warth produced a Greenshank, a few Redshank and Curlew, single Kestrel and Stonechat.
