2026 Sightings

2026 SIGHTINGS

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 217. Rarities have included records of Black-necked Grebe (1996,2015), Red-footed Falcon (2014), Pallid Harrier (2025), Long-billed Dowitcher (1977), Lesser Yellowlegs (1984,2024), White-rumped Sandpiper (1985,2024), Red-necked Phalarope (2001), American Golden Plover (2013), Black Guillemot (1998), Bearded Tits (2012,2013,2025), 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 Crossbill.

1st October
A mainly sunny day with a few brief rain showers in a South West breeze. A Great White Egret, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Snipe, 110 Oystercatcher, 35 Ringed Plover, 49 Lapwing, 120 Curlew, 50 Dunlin, single Turnstone and Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 13 Cormorant, a Greylag Goose, 260 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 16 Shelduck, 24 Wigeon, 350+ Teal, 3 Shoveler, single Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Peregrine, Rock Pipit, Stonechat, Kingfisher, Coal Tit and Siskin, 3 Wheatear and 2 Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 10 Turnstone, 25 Curlew, a few Ringed Plover and Dunlin, 4 Oystercatcher, 7 Little Egret, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Canada Geese, 45+ Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, 20 Teal, a male Pheasant, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Kestrel, single Raven, Stonechat and Wheatear.