January is a slightly better month than December, the daylight hours slowly lengthen resulting in a monthly total of 173 species. Like any of the mid winter months it can be good for wildfowl sightings if inland waters freeze, with the chance of Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander or some fly by Bewick’s Swans. Seabirds seen in gales have included Cory’s Shearwater (2004), Sabine’s Gull (2023), Storm Petrel, Leach’s Petrel, Little Auk, Red-throated Diver and Grey Phalarope. Other January birds include; Spoonbill (2023), Pink-footed Goose (2021), Slavonian Grebe (2010,2016), Green-winged Teal (2015), American Golden Plover (2002), Great Grey Shrike (2004), Eastern Yellow Wagtail (1994), Shorelark (2004), Waxwing, two Common Cranes that flew over Severn Beach (2000), Whooper Swans (2005, 2018, 2023), Bittern (2011,2017), Glaucous Gull and a few rare sightings of Hen Harrier.
January 2023
31st January
A sunny day with a cool West breeze. Sightings from New Passage included the first Dark-bellied Brent Goose of the year, 2 Barnacle Geese, 24 Greylag Geese, 98 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 13 Shelduck, 56 Turnstones and a Great Black-backed Gull. A visit to Pilning Wetland produced 400+ Black-tailed Godwits, an impressive 700+ Lapwings, 80 Redshank, 40 Curlew, 150 Dunlin, a Golden Plover, 3 Snipe, 4 Grey Herons, 8 Greylag Geese, 11 Shelduck, 43 Shoveler, 100 Teal, 200 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck and a Kestrel. The Black Redstart remained on the sea defences at Severn Beach where 11 Ringed Plover and 45 Turnstones were also seen. Another 50 Wigeon, 6 Shelduck, 8 oystercatchers, 2 Stonechats and 2 Peregrines were seen at Aust Warth.
Lapwings, Pilning Wetland 31.1.23
30th January
A dry day with sunny intervals. Sightings from Pilning Wetland on morning and late afternoon visits included a 1st winter Bewick’s Swan, 350 Black-tailed Godwits, 650 Lapwings, 100 Redshank, 2000 Dunlin, single Golden Plover, Snipe and Grey Heron, 22 Greylag Geese, 16 Canada Geese, 16 Shelduck, 63 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 150 Wigeon, 90 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, single Kestrel and Peregrine. A brief scan from New Passage at low tide produced 2 Barnacle Geese, 33 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 6 Shelduck, 140 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 40 Curlew, 30 Redshank and a Peregrine. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 1450 Dunlin, 30 Turnstones, 20 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, the Black Redstart, 2 Water Pipits, single Rock Pipit, Kestrel and Peregrine.
29th January
A cloudy day with occasional light rain. Two Bewick’s Swans (adult & 1st winter), 2 Barnacle Geese, 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 600 Dunlin, 40 Curlew, 40 Redshank, 14 Shelduck, 200 Wigeon, 30 Teal and 2 Great Black-backed Gulls were seen from New Passage. An additional 400 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Curlew, 520 Lapwings, 4 Redshank plus 6 Grey Herons, 25 Greylag Geese, 65 Canada Geese, 60+ Shoveler, 120 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, single Raven and Kestrel were seen on Pilning Wetland. At least 25 Turnstones, 20 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon and 2 Rock Pipits were seen in a brief scan of the shore at Severn Beach. A Short-eared Owl was seen at Aust Warth late afternoon.
28th January
Another grey and cool day. A 1st winter Bewick’s Swan was seen heading inland from the Aust Cliff/services area at 10 am. Combined reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included another 7 Bewick’s Swans (2 adults on Northwick Flash & 3 adults with 2 1st years heading south), 34 Barnacle Geese, 25 Greylag Geese, 33 Canada Geese, 26 Shelduck, 77 Shoveler, 305 Wigeon, 310 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 700 Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Lapwing, a Golden Plover, 1100 Dunlin, 78 Curlew, 64 Turnstones, 35 Redshank, 21 Snipe, 31 Ringed Plover, single Grey Heron, Water Rail and Great Black-backed Gull, a feeding flock of 26 Skylarks, 2 Rock Pipits, single Stonechat, Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Early morning reports from the Severn Beach shore included 40 Turnstones, 200 Dunlin, 45 Curlew, 15 Shelduck, 40 Wigeon, single Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Stonechat, Kestrel and Peregrine. Another Water Rail, 3 Stonechats, single Kestrel and Peregrine were seen at Aust Warth.
27th January
A cool grey day with a North East breeze. At least 5000 Dunlin, 30 Black-tailed Godwits, 125 Turnstones, 120 Curlew, 70 Oystercatchers, 25 Redshank, 34 Barnacle Geese, 25 Greylag Geese, 60 Canada Geese, 19 Shelduck, 180 Wigeon and 20 Teal were seen from New Passage. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 550 Black-tailed Godwits, 165 Lapwing, 28 Redshank, 120 Dunlin, 4 Curlew, a Snipe, 3 Bewick’s Swans (2 adults & 1st winter that flew South), a Barnacle Goose, 23 Shelduck, 45 Shoveler, 150 Teal, 55 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 15 Coot and a Peregrine. The Black Redstart, 110 Turnstones, 22 Ringed Plover, a Grey Heron, a Canada Goose, 12 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 4 Teal, single Great Black-backed Gull, Stonechat and Kestrel were seen at Severn Beach. Two Ravens, 5 Chiffchaffs, single Blackcap and Pheasant were reported from Aust Cliff/services.
26th January
The thaw continued and the freshwater pools were ice free. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 240 Black-tailed Godwits, 120 Lapwing, 15 Snipe, 2 Curlew, 2 Grey Herons, a 1st winter Bewick’s Swan, 2 Mute Swans, 15 Shelduck, 67 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Duck, 100 Teal and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull. Sightings from New Passage included 150 Black-tailed Godwits, 2000 Dunlin, 150 Curlew, 80 Redshank, 90 Oystercatchers, 50 Turnstones, 35 Ringed Plover, 34 Barnacle Geese, 50 Canada Geese, 25 Greylag Geese, 14 Shelduck, 150 Wigeon, 20 Teal and a Peregrine.
Barnacle and Greylag Geese, New Passage 26.1.23
1st winter Bewick’s Swan, Pilning Wetland 26.1.23
25th January
A misty day and most freshwater pools remained frozen despite the rise in temperature. An early morning, foggy high tide visit to the shore at Severn Beach produced a Grey Plover, 20 Curlew, 30 Turnstones, 25 Greylag Geese, 75 Wigeon and 2 Teal. An impressive number of birds were seen from New Passage despite the fog including 500 Black-tailed Godwits, 8000+ Dunlin, 150 Curlew, 100+ Redshank, 80+ Oystercatchers, 90 Lapwing,40+ Turnstones, a Ringed Plover, 7 Barnacle Geese, 55 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 17 Shelduck, 240 Wigeon, 50+ Teal and a Peregrine. It remained quiet on the mainly frozen Pilning Wetland with just 30 Lapwing, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, single Dunlin, Snipe and 20 Teal.
24th January
Another -3°C start to the day with some patches of dense fog. Reports from Severn Beach included the Black Redstart on the sea defences, 2 drake Tufted Duck off shore with 15 Shelduck,45 Wigeon and 20 Teal plus 8 Ringed Plover and a Snipe roosting roosting at the top of 13.8 metre high tide. Combined reports from New Passage involved an immature Bewick’s Swan, 8 Barnacle Geese, 8 Canada Geese, 22 Shelduck, 250 Wigeon, 160 Teal, 2 Pintail, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 3000 Dunlin, 128 Redshank, 185 Curlew, 90 Oystercatchers, 90 Lapwing, 9 Ringed Plover, single male Merlin, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and a fly over Siskin. Two visits to the mainly frozen Pilning Wetland produced an immature Bewick’s Swan, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 65+ Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 150 Teal, 8 Coot, 450 Lapwings, 65+ Snipe, single Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Cetti’s Warbler.
23rd January
It remained cold (-1°C) with a partial thaw in the sunshine. Morning reports from Aust Warth included the first January record of Great White Egret, 15 Bewick’s Swans, 51 Barnacle Geese, the escaped Ross’s Goose, 4 Canada Geese, 6 Pintail, 12 Avocets, 15 Curlew, 1000 Dunlin, 20 Redshank, 3 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 2 Water Rails, 2 Ravens, single Kestrel, Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat and Rock Pipit. Combined reports from the Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland area included 10 Avocets, 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 3000 Dunlin, 137 Curlew, 75 Oystercatchers, 47 Turnstones, 92 Redshank, 90 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 3 Grey Herons, a Bewick’s Swan, 7 Barnacle Geese, 12 Canada Geese, 22 Shelduck, 100+ Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 260 Wigeon, 170 Teal and a hunting Marsh Harrier. Another 3 Barnacle Geese, 10 Canada Geese, 30 Shelduck, 80 Wigeon, 26 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew and a Grey Heron were seen on the early morning high tide at Severn Beach where a Black Redstart was also reported again today
Bewick’s Swans, Aust Warth 23.1.23 © Matthew Hall
22nd January
Another icy morning (-2°C) with a notable influx/movement of wildfowl. Sightings from New Passage included at least 7 Whooper Swans, 30+ Bewick’s Swans, 51 Barnacle Geese, 11 Greylag Geese, 60 Canada Geese, a presumed escaped adult Ross’s Goose, 45 Shelduck, 100+ Shoveler, 8 Pintail, 5 Gadwall, 250 Wigeon, 180 Teal, 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Avocets, 110 Redshank, 3000 Dunlin, 100 Lapwing, 70 Curlew, 90 Oystercatchers, 30 Turnstones and 2 Ravens. A very brief visit to the now completely frozen Pilning Wetland produced just 3 fly over Bewick’s Swans, 200 Lapwings and a Grey Heron roosting on the ice. Reports from Aust Warth included much of the same as the New Passage sightings plus a Short-eared Owl, 6 Avocets, 40 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, single Jack Snipe, Snipe, Grey Heron, Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat and 2 Rock Pipits. Additional reports from Aust Cliff/services area included 12 Whooper Swans, 14 Bewick’s Swans, 3 Golden Plover and 30 Lapwings moving over plus at least 4 perched Redpolls. Severn Beach was relatively quiet with just 3 Barnacle Geese, the usual Shelduck, Wigeon and Curlew being seen plus the first Blackcap of the year (female).
Bewick’s Swans, New Passage 22.1.23
Bewick’s Swans, New Passage 22.1.23
Bewick’s Swans, Pilning Wetland 22.1.23
Whooper Swans, New Passage 22.1.23
21st January
A foggy and icy (-3°C) dawn with fog returning late afternoon. An afternoon visit to Pilning Wetland where only parts of the Grebe pond remained free of ice produced 8 Golden Plover, 450 Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Lapwing, 20 Redshank, 12 Dunlin, 19 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swans, a Shelduck, 250 Teal, 34 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and singing Cetti’s Warbler. A Raven, 25 Fieldfares and 20 Redwings were seen at Aust Cliff/services this morning.
Black-tailed Godwits on ice, Pilning Wetland 21.1.23
20th January
A dry, sunny and cool day. A visit to Pilning Wetland where only one of the viewable pools was clear of ice produced 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 350 Lapwing, 12 Shelduck, 56 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 60 Wigeon, 140 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck and a Raven. A scan from New Passage produced 21 distant Avocets (at the North end of Northwick Warth), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 3000 Dunlin, 120 Lapwings, 80 Oystercatchers, 50 Curlew, 150 Redshank, a Grey Heron, 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls, 16 Shelduck and 240 Wigeon. A late afternoon visit to Aust Warth produced 3 Short-eared Owls, the 21 Avocets seen earlier from New Passage, a few Curlew and Redshank, single Water Rail and Kestrel. The first Coal Tit of the year, a flock of 20 Greenfinches and a Little Egret were seen at Severn Beach this morning.
19th January
Another bright and cool day with most pools still frozen. An afternoon visit to Pilning Wetland produced 200 Black-tailed Godwits, just 10 Lapwing, 100 Dunlin, single Snipe and Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, a Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 100 Wigeon, 150 Teal and a Raven. Sightings from New Passage included 14 Avocets (distantly at North end of Northwick Warth), 2400 Dunlin, 80 Black-tailed Godwits, 90 Turnstones, 40 Curlew, 100 Lapwings, 34 Shelduck and 250 Wigeon.
18th January
A cold day with the the freshwater pools still mainly frozen. A very brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced just 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Redshank, 80 Lapwing, a Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 70 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 2 Gadwall. A Raven flew over Severn Beach Two Short-eared Owls were reported at Aust Warth. The first Hume’s Warbler for the Avon recording area was still present for it’s 3rd day at Compton Dando sewage works, so with it being so quiet here I made the icy lane journey to see it early afternoon.
Hume’s Warbler, Compton Dando 18.1.23
17th January
An icy (-3°C) dawn then cool and sunny all day. Sightings from Severn Beach included an immature Spoonbill flying South West (first January record), 13 Ringed Plover, 96 Turnstones, 300 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 15 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Kestrels and a Stonechat. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area where most areas of standing water were frozen, included 18 Avocets, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 140 Redshank, 500 Dunlin, 400 Lapwings, 53 Turnstones, 27 Oystercatchers, 80 Curlew, 17 Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 3 Grey Herons, 5 Canada Geese, 16 Shelduck, 240 Wigeon, 290 Teal, 14 Tufted Duck, 20 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 4 Stonechats and a Chiffchaff. Nine Avocets, 30 Curlew, 80 Dunlin, a Snipe, 100 Wigeon, 12 Shelduck,, a Water Rail, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrels and 2 Rock Pipits were seen at Aust Warth
16th January
A dry day with a cool North West wind with a sunny afternoon. At least 5000 Dunlin, 90 Black-tailed Godwits, 200 Lapwing, 80 Redshank, 3 Grey Herons, 14 Shelduck, 100 Wigeon, 250 Teal, 40+ Shoveler, 20+ Gadwall and 4 Tufted Duck were seen at Pilning Wetland this afternoon. Nearby, 3000 Dunlin, 200 Redshank, 100 Curlew, 18 Shelduck and a Raven were seen from New Passage. A late afternoon visit to Aust Warth produced single Short-eared Owl, Jack Snipe, Snipe and Water Rail, 2 Avocets, 250 Lapwing, 15 Curlew, 3 Canada Geese, 7 Shelduck, a Rock Pipit and 4 Kestrels.
Dunlin, Pilning Wetland 16.1.23
part of the 5.000 roosting here today
Dunlin, Pilning Wetland 16.1.23
15th January
Another breezy day with sunshine and some short showers. Reports from Severn Beach included at least 10 Kittiwakes, 200 Dunlin, 80 Turnstones, 15 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, 8 Wigeon, the Black Redstart, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits and a Raven. At least 90 Black-tailed Godwits, 2000 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, a Grey Plover, 35 Lapwing, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 48 Shoveler, 20+ Gadwall, 180 Teal, 7 Shelduck and 5 Tufted Duck were seen on Pilning Wetland. At least 8000 Dunlin, 150 Curlew, 250+ Wigeon and 2 Peregrine were seen from New Passage. A Short-eared Owl and 4 Avocets were reported from Aust Warth.
Grey Plover, Pilning Wetland 15.1.23
14th January
A wet morning and still breezy. A 1st winter Sabine’s Gull (first January record), 3 Kittiwakes (one 1st winter), 10,000 Dunlin, 105 Black-tailed Godwits, 150 Curlew, 200+ Redshank, 30 Turnstones, 21 Greylag Geese, 60 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 200+ Wigeon, 6 Pintail, single Raven and Peregrine. A brief wind blown visit to Pilning Wetland produced 2000 Dunlin, 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Lapwing, single Snipe and Grey Heron, 10 Gadwall, 28 Shoveler, 11 Shelduck and 2 Tufted Duck. The Sabine’s Gull was seen later heading South West from Severn Beach where other reports included a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, 16 Kittiwakes, a Fulmar, 1500 Dunlin, 30 Redshank, 85 Turnstones, 12 Curlew, 14 Greylag Geese, 130 Canada Geese, 32 Shelduck, 250 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 2 Pintail, plenty of Common Gulls, single Great Black-backed Gull, Black Redstart, Grey Wagtail, Raven and Sparrowhawk. A Stonechat was seen at Aust Warth.
13th January
Another windy but mainly dry day. Combined reports from Severn Beach this morning included a Leach’s Petrel, a 1st winter Little Gull, 18+ Kittiwakes, 3 Fulmar, 600+ Dunlin, 180 Turnstones, 8 Curlew, a Pintail, 4 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, a Great Black-backed Gull, single Black Redstart, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail and Peregrine. Another adult Kittiwake, 4000+ Dunlin, 240 Redshank, 136 Curlew, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 70 Oystercatchers, 200+ Wigeon, 9 Shelduck and 3 Pintail were seen from New Passage. At least 50 Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Lapwing, 10 Redshank, 7 Shelduck, 110 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 10 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall and a Tufted Duck were present on Pilning Wetland. Single Jack Snipe and Snipe, 20 Redshank, 3 Kittiwakes, 2 Mute Swans, 20 Shelduck, 2 Stonechats and 8 Rock Pipits were seen at Chittening Warth.
1st winter Little Gull, Severn Beach 13.1.23 © Mark Coller
12th January
Wet and windy. Reports from the morning tide at Severn Beach included the Black Redstart, an adult Little Gull, 10+ Kittiwakes, 200 Turnstones, 16 Curlew, 150 Dunlin, 21 Shelduck, 13 Pintail and 2 Wigeon. A brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced just single Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin, 2 Lapwing, 2 Grey Herons, 28 Shelduck, 32 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 120 Teal and 2 Mute Swans.
1st winter Kittiwake, Severn Beach 12.1.23
11th January
Another very wet and sometimes windy day. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a 1st winter Little Gull, 18+ Kittiwakes, 120 Turnstones, 300 Dunlin, 6 Canada Geese, 26 Shelduck, 19 Wigeon and 2 Peregrines. An excellent 10,000 Dunlin, 15 Black-tailed Godwits, 250 Redshank, 90 Curlew, 80 Oystercatchers, 60 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag Geese, 19 Shelduck, 3 Pintail, 300+ Wigeon, 70 Teal and a Peregrine were seen from New Passage. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 40 Shoveler, 300 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, 35 Lapwing and a Grey Heron.
Kittiwake, Severn Beach 11.1.23 © Mark Coller
10th January
An increasingly breezy and wet day. Just 30 Turnstones, a Redshank and 150 Black-headed Gulls were seen from the sea wall on the morning high tide. A quiet high tide visit to Plining Wetland produced just 105 Lapwing, a Grey Heron, 8 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 120 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck and 4 Gadwall.
9th January
A day with some sunshine and a cool gusty wind. The Black Redstart was still present on the sea defences at Severn Beach. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 3000 Dunlin, 190 Redshank, 85 Lapwing, 5 Turnstones, 188 Curlew, 95 Oystercatchers, 23 Canada Geese, 19 Shelduck, 370 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 50 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall and a Kestrel. A Sparrowhawk was seen at Chittening Warth.
Black Redstart, Severn Beach 9.1.23
8th January
A breezy day with some sunshine and heavy showers. Combined reports from Severn Beach included single Guillemot, 1st winter Little Gull, Kittiwake, Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Curlew, 1000 Dunlin, 30 Turnstones, 73 Oystercatchers, 3 Snipe, 27 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Pheasants, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, single Black Redstart, Stonechat, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler, Kestrel and Peregrine. A Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 8 Shelduck, a Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipits and 2 Kestrels were reported from Chittening Warth. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 12 Grey Plover, 55 Black-tailed Godwits, 300+ Redshank, 150 Curlew, 3000+ Dunlin, 80+ Oystercatchers, 90+ Lapwing, 3 Turnstones, a Greylag Goose, 60 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck,42 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall and 9 Tufted Duck. A Short-eared Owl and 30 Shelduck were reported from Aust Warth.
Guillemot, Severn Beach 8.1.23
Dunlin, New Passage 8.1.23
7th January
Another windy day with torrential rain. A Golden Plover, 120 Black-tailed Godwits, 150 Lapwing, 80 Redshank, single Snipe, Grey Heron, Water Rail, 450 Teal, 14 Gadwall, 60 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck and a Sparrowhawk were seen at Pilning Wetland. Just 90 Turnstones, 5 Curlew, 6 Wigeon, 4 Shelduck and 30 Common Gulls were seen from the seawall at Severn Beach in an early morning visit and nearby 4 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Coot and a Grey Heron were found on the Orchard Pools. Reports from Aust Warth included 200 Dunlin, 23 Curlew, single Snipe and Water Rail, 25 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 4 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Peregrine and a Kestrel. Nearby, 11 Oystercatchers, 8 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 11 Shelduck, 58 Wigeon, 10 Chiffchaffs and a Kestrel were seen at Aust Cliff/services.
Golden Plover & Lapwings, Pilning Wetland 7.1.23
6th January
A damp and breezy with some sunshine. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 7 Golden Plover, 110 Black-tailed Godwits, 120 Redshank, 500 Dunlin, 67 Turnstones, 100 Curlew, 70 Oystercatchers, 200 Lapwing, a Grey Heron, 17 Greylag Geese, 34 Canada Geese, 400 Wigeon, 350+ Teal, 7 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, a Gadwall, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, single Peregrine and Kestrel.
5th January
A grey, damp and mild day. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 80 Redshank, 12 Lapwing, 3 Grey Herons, 300 Teal, 10 Wigeon, 8 Shelduck, 36 Shoveler, single Gadwall, Little Grebe, Kestrel and Peregrine.
4th January
Another day with a strong South West wind and some rain. Combined reports from three visits to the Severn Beach shore included a Leach’s Petrel, a Fulmar, 13 Kittiwakes, 12 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 80 Turnstones, 500 Dunlin, 10 Curlew, a Redshank, 30 Common Gulls, a Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Kestrels and a Stonechat. A brief low tide visit to Pilning Wetland produced a Merlin sparring with 2 Peregrines, 60+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Knot, 6 Redshank, 6 Lapwing, 100 Teal, 9 Shelduck and 18 Shoveler.
Leach’s Petrel, Severn Beach 4.1.23
Fulmar, Severn Beach 4.1.23
3rd January
A very wet and breezy day. A very brief visit to Pilning Wetland/New Passage produced just 60 Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Dunlin, 100 Redshank, 70 Curlew, 75 Lapwing, 4 Grey Heron, 16 Greylag Geese, 95 Canada Geese, 6 Shelduck, 400+ Wigeon, 650 Teal, 48 Shoveler and 7 Gadwall.
2nd January
A cooler but sunny day. Reports from Severn Beach included the Black Redstart, 3 Turnstones, 4 Curlew, single Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail and 5 Gadwall. Two Jack Snipe, 60 Oystercatchers, 18 Curlew, 3 Redshank, a Grey Heron, 32 Shelduck, 22 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 3 Stonechats, 6 Rock Pipits, single Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Water Pipit, Cetti’s Warbler and Pheasant were reported from Chittening Warth. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 7 Avocets, 97 Black-tailed Godwits, 33 Oystercatchers, 48 Curlew, 90 Redshank, 400 Dunlin, 12 Turnstones, 350 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 4 Grey Herons, 17 Greylag Geese, 29 Canada Geese, 32 Shelduck, 55 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 450 Wigeon, 350 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, single Pintail, Water Rail, Chiffchaff, Rock Pipit, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Two Ravens and a Stonechat were seen at Aust Wetland.
Avocets, New Passage 1.1.23
1st January
A cloudy and sometimes wet start to the year. Reports from Severn Beach included 31 Ringed Plover, 20 Turnstones, 18 Dunlin, 7 Oystercatchers, 7 Shelduck, the Black Redstart, a Stonechat and a singing Cetti’s Warbler (at the allotments). Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 2 Avocets, 2500 Dunlin, 50 Black-tailed Godwits, 128 Turnstones, 90 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, 30 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, 17 Greylag Geese, 90 Canada Geese, 380 Wigeon, 700 Teal, 35 Shelduck, and 40 Shoveler.
