2026 Sightings

2026 SIGHTINGS

May is the 3rd most productive month of the year with at least one individual of 205 species being seen. The summer migrants continue to move through including Garganey, Hobby, Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher, more Terns and Skuas with the chance of Pomarine. “Small” wader numbers should rise during the month with Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and the chance of a Curlew Sandpiper or Little Stint. Rarer records include Subalpine Warbler (2004), Golden Oriole (2016), Bee-eater (2007), Bearded Tits (2024), Spoonbills, Great White Egrets, Cattle Egrets, White Stork (2025,2026), Glossy Ibis (2024,2025), Honey Buzzard (1991,2011), Montagu’s Harrier (2015), Hen Harrier, Osprey, Collared Pratincole (2020), Kentish Plover (2004), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (1990), Temminck’s Stint (2004,2016,2019,2023,2026), Broad-billed Sandpiper (1988), Dotterel (2011), Black-winged Stilt (2017,2026), Pectoral Sandpiper (2022), Franklin’s Gull (1984), Laughing Gull (2012), Long-tailed Skua, Sabine’s Gull, Roseate Tern (1990) and White-winged Black Tern (1990).

11th May
A mixture of cloud, sunshine, brief rain showers and a cool North West wind. The 2 Temminck’s Stint, 2 Avocet, 22 Whimbrel (landed in a heavy rain shower), 7 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 12 Oystercatcher, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Canada Geese, 15 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, single Teal and female Marsh Harrier, 4 Raven, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, single Lesser Whitethroat and Siskin were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a few Whimbrel, 40 Ringed Plover, 60 Dunlin, 4 Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, single Kestrel and Lesser Whitethroat.

10th May
A cloudy day with a cold North East wind. Reports from the Severn Beach shore involved 4 Sanderling, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, a Curlew, 40+ Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck and a Kestrel. The 2 Temminck’s Stints, 2 Avocet, 8+ Little Ringed Plover, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, a Little Egret, 10 Canada Geese, 13 Shelduck, 12 Gadwall, 8 Swift, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Lesser Whitethroat were reported from the Pilning Wetland area.

Bar-tailed Godwits, Severn Beach10.5.26

Temminck’s Stint, Pilning Wetland 10.5.26

Temminck’s Stints, Pilning Wetland 10.5.26

9th May
A warm and hazy day with an East/North East breeze. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included the reappearance of the 2 Temminck’s Stints (seen on the Wetland pools and Northwick Warth Flash), 8+ Little Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 20 Oystercatcher, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 25 Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 7 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, single Kestrel and Siskin. At least 3 Whimbrel, 4 Sanderling, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Little Egret, a Canada Goose, 7 Shelduck, 6 Coot, single Peregrine, Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were reported from the Severn Beach shore.

Temminck’s Stint, Pilning Wetland 9.5.26

Temminck’s Stints, Pilning Wetland 9.5.26

8th May
The weather remained much the same with a light South East breeze. The good run of scarce birds continued with 2 Temminck’s Stints and a Spoonbill making brief appearances on Pilning Wetland this morning where other reports included the 2 Black-winged Stilt, 10+ Little Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 40 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 37 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 2 Teal, a 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 26 Swift, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, single Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat and Cuckoo. At least 3 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin, single Ringed Plover, Little Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, single Great Black-backed Gull, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Pheasant, Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were reported from the Severn Beach shore.

Temminck’s Stints, Pilning Wetland 8.5.26 © Matt Hall

Spoonbill, Pilning Wetland 8.5.26

Spoonbill, Pilning Wetland 8.5.26

7th May
Another day with a mixture of sunshine and cloud in a South East breeze. The 2 Black-winged Stilts, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 8+ Little Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 8 Lapwing, 44 Oystercatcher, single Great White Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 30 Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Yellow Wagtail, single Swift, Cetti’s Warbler and Siskin were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. A White Stork flew East/inland at Severn Beach where other reports included a Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 12 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Egret, 3 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, a Pheasant, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Red Kite, 4 Swift, single Peregrine, Kestrel, Raven, Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat and Wheatear. Three Lapwing, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, a Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Stonechat (2 families) and a Yellow Wagtail were reported from Aust Wetland.

Great White Egret and Black-winged Stilt, Pilning Wetland 7.5.26 © Matt Hall

6th May
A cloudy start then sunny with a cool North East breeze. The highlight of the day was the early morning discovery of a pair of Black-winged Stilts on Pilning Wetland that flew off but returned later. Other reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 2 Avocets, 8 Little Ringed Plover, 16 Dunlin, 8 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Snipe, 15 Oystercatcher, a Little Egret, 14 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swan, 23 Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, a Short-eared Owl (flew high NE), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, single Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At least 4 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, a Canada Goose, 12 Shelduck, single Gadwall, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Kestrel were reported from the Severn Beach shore. Two Mute Swan, 14 Shelduck, 3 Swift, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6+ Stonechats (2 family groups) were reported from Aust Wetland.

Black-winged Stilts, Pilning Wetland 6.5.26

Black-winged Stilts, Pilning Wetland 6.5.26

Black-winged Stilts, Pilning Wetland 6.5.26

Black-winged Stilt, Pilning Wetland 6.5.26

5th May
A mainly sunny day with a North East breeze. At least 9 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Avocet, 4 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 18 Dunlin, 30 Oystercatcher, 9 Lapwing, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 26 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 2 Teal, single dark morph Arctic Skua (evening), Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Raven, 2 Swift and 2 Lesser Whitethroat were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from Severn Beach included 6 Arctic Skua (single plus 5) heading North East this morning, 12 Whimbrel, a Curlew, 2 Little Egret, single Canada Goose and Mute Swan, 20+ Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, single Pheasant, Peregrine, Kestrel, Swift, Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail. A Spoonbill was reported flying East over Chittening Warth.

Marsh Harrier, Pilning Wetland 5.5.26

4th May
An overcast day with some rain showers from early afternoon in a North East breeze. Combined reports from the Severn Beach shore included a Sanderling, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese, 30 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 cock Pheasant, 500+ Swallow, single Osprey (NE at 11.25), Barn Owl (02.30), Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Sand Martin, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Cetti’s Warbler. Single Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, 4 Avocet, 2 Whimbrel, 9+ Little Ringed Plover, 110+ Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, 10 Lapwing, 70+ Oystercatcher, a Little Egret, 7 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 54 Shelduck, 20 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Hobby, single Cuckoo and Kestrel, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4+ Yellow Wagtail and a Wheatear were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area.

Pheasant, Severn Beach 4.5.26

3rd May
A misty start followed by sunny spells in a light wind. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Sanderling, 8 Grey Plover, 6 Whimbrel, a Curlew, 11 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, a Canada Goose, 28 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 30+ Black-headed Gull, a Common Gull, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, single Red Kite, Kestrel and Lesser Whitethroat. A Sanderling, at least 9 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Avocet, 44 Dunlin, single Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and Redshank, 2 Whimbrel, 9 Lapwing, a Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 8 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, a Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, single Kestrel, Raven, Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were reported from Pilning Wetland/New Passage. At least one Whimbrel, 8 Shelduck, single Pheasant and Lesser Whitethroat were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area.

Grey Plover, Severn Beach 3.5.26

Grey Plover, Severn Beach 3.5.26

Whimbrel and Curlew, Severn Beach 3.5.26

2nd May
A morning with sunny intervals and then rain from mid afternoon. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Fulmar, 8 Grey Plover, 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 11 Dunlin, single Little Egret and Canada Goose, 32 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, single Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail. At least 11 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 20 Dunlin, 10 Lapwing, 2 Avocet, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Oystercatcher, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Mute Swan, 3 Shelduck, a Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Kestrel and a Wheatear were reported from Pilning Wetland. Three Stonechat were seen at Aust Warth.

Cattle Egret, Northwick Warth 1.5.26

Cattle Egrets, Northwick Warth 1.5.26

Avocet, Pilning Wetland 1.5.26

Greenshank, Northwick Warth Flash 1.5.26

1st May
A warm day with some afternoon showers in a South East veering West breeze. Combined reports from the Severn Beach shore included an impressive total of 55 Arctic Skua (2 this morning & 8 plus 45 this evening), a Common Sandpiper, 22 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 4 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 12 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, single Common Tern, Hobby, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail and Cuckoo, 3 Cetti’s Warbler and 3 Lesser Whitethroat. At least 10 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 6 Avocet, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 Whimbrel, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 9 Lapwing, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 25 Oystercatcher, a record 12 Cattle Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 32 Shelduck, 12 Gadwall, a Pintail, 3 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Swift, single Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti’s Warbler, White Wagtail, Wheatear, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area.