2026 Sightings

2026 SIGHTINGS

Following two of the quietest months of the year, August can be an interesting month with a total of 186 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. Great White Egrets, Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls are expected. Rarities in August have included Slavonian Grebe (1996), Spoonbill (2019,2023), Red Crested Pochard (1998), Goshawk, Osprey, Caspian Gull (2006), Sabine’s Gull, Roseate Terns (2016), Red-necked Phalarope (2014), Kentish Plover (2022), White-rumped Sandpiper (1995,2001), Grey Phalarope, Wryneck (1976,1984,2003,2010,2014,2024), Rose-coloured Starling (2020), Marsh Warbler (2009) and Red-backed Shrike (2003).

1st August
Another dry and sunny day with a light North West wind. Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 30 Oystercatcher, 26 Curlew (one colour-ringed), 8 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, 10 Shelduck, a female Marsh Harrier and 3 Kestrel. Three Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Little Ringed Plover (including now 4 small chicks), 40 Redshank, 30 Lapwing, 70 Curlew, 55 Oystercatcher, 6 Ringed Plover, single Snipe and Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 60 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 20 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck (5 ducklings), a Mediterranean Gull, 260 Black-headed Gull, single Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail and Spotted Flycatcher were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area.