2020 Sightings

Following two of the quietest months of the year, August can be an interesting month with a total of 180 species having been recorded during this month. The numbers and variety of waders increase, as do the numbers of migrating warblers, Yellow Wagtails, Whinchat and Wheatears. Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls are expected. Rarities in August have included Slavonian Grebe (1996), Spoonbill (2019), Great White Egrets (2019), Red Crested Pochard (1998), Goshawk, Osprey, Caspian Gull (2006), Sabine’s Gull, Roseate Terns (2016), Red-necked Phalarope (2014), Kentish Plover, White-rumped Sandpiper (1995, 2001), Grey Phalarope, Wryneck (1976,1984, 2003, 2010 and 2014), Marsh Warbler (2009) and Red-backed Shrike (2003).

7th August
A warm day (27°C). A low tide visit to New Passage/Pilning Wetland produced 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Little Ringed Plover (2 chicks), 50 Dunlin, 11 Turnstones, 70+ Redshank, 35 Lapwing, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 200+ Canada Geese, a Grey Wagtail and a flyover Siskin.

6th August
At least 140 Canada Geese, 4 Little Egrets, 27 Lapwing, 45 Redshank, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warblers were reported from the Northwick Warth area. Reports from Severn Beach included a flock of 7 Cormorants, 2 Swifts, 2 Whitethroats and a Redstart.

5th August
Combined reports from New Passage/Pilning Wetland involved 6 Little Ringed Plover (3 chicks), 11 Black-tailed Godwits, 30+ Lapwing, 50 Redshank, a Bar-headed Goose, 200 Canada Geese, a Tufted Duck with 4 ducklings, 10 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Kestrel and a flock of at least 200 Linnets. The female type Common Scoter was seen again off Severn Beach.

Tufted Ducks, Pilning Wetland 5.8.20

4th August
A quiet day. A female type Common Scoter was seen from Severn Beach. Just 3 Little Ringed Plover (one chick, 35 Lapwing and c.200 Canada Geese were reported from New Passage/Pilning Wetland.

3rd August
A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and a drake Common Scoter were seen from New Passage. Other reports from here and Pilning Wetland included 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, 25+ Lapwing, 12 Turnstones, 6 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 35 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 150+ Canada Geese, a Bar-headed Goose and a Kestrel.

2nd August
A sunny day. A quiet day with a Bar-headed Goose, 200+ Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, the first 4 Tufted Duck ducklings of the year, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Little Ringed Plover (2 chicks), 30 Dunlin, 60 Redshank, 35 Lapwing, 45 Curlew, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons and 2 Yellow Wagtails. A Clouded Yellow butterfly was seen at Severn Beach.

1st August
Combined reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included a Marsh Harrier, 3 Little Ringed Plover (2 chicks), 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpipers, 50 Dunlin, 25+ Lapwing, a Little Egret, 200+ Canada Geese, a Bar-headed Goose and 5 Kestrel.