April is the equal most productive month of the year in the number of species seen. At least one individual of 213 species have been recorded in April. Species to expect are at least three Tern species, Skuas, Redstarts, Whinchats, Yellow Wagtails with the chance of Pied Flycatcher, Grasshopper Warbler, Wood Warbler and Hobby. Rarer sightings include; Pectoral Sandpiper (2022), Stone Curlew (2006,2018), Great White Egrets (2018, 2021,2022,2023), White Stork (2015,2018,2021), Spoonbill (2017,2020,2021,2022), Slavonian Grebe (1989, 2000), Ring-necked Duck (1988), Green-winged Teal (2015), Sabine’s Gull (1990,1992), Red-rumped Swallow (1988,2022), Alpine Swift (1993), Red-throated Pipit (2012), Willow Tit (1988), Serin (2017), Mealy Redpoll (2004), Long-eared Owl (2006) and 2 Citrine Wagtails (2019).
April 2023
30th April
A day of rain until late afternoon when the sunshine broke through. A Wood Warbler was heard and seen at Aust Cliff/services where other reports involved a calling Cuckoo, 91 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 15 Shelduck, 5 Wheatears, 4 Tree Pipits, 3 Redpolls, single Swift, Yellow Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Raven and Pheasant. Reports from Aust Warth included an Avocet, 6 Dunlin, 4 Shelduck, a Gadwall, 2 Ravens, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed warblers, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a female Redstart, 2 Whinchats and 5 Wheatears. Another 6 Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 8 Whimbrel, 10 Oystercatchers, 8 Lapwing, single Curlew, Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 4 Canada Geese, 25 Shelduck, 10 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits, 4 Swifts, hundreds of Swallows, 3 Reed Warblers, single Wheatear, male Common Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Marsh Harrier were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Morning and afternoon visits to Severn Beach produced 475 Dunlin, 65 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 30 Oystercatchers, 2 Turnstones, single Curlew, Snipe and Grey Heron, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Canada Geese, 20 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 11 Swifts, 4 Wheatears, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Tree Pipits, 16 Whitethroats, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, single Cetti’s Warbler, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Whinchats, Aust Warth 30.4.23 © Oscar Dewhurst
29th April
A foggy morning followed by some warm and hazy sunshine in the afternoon. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 4 Avocets, single Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 11 Dunlin, 15 Oystercatchers, 8 Lapwings, single Little Egret, Grey Heron, Barnacle Goose and Greylag Goose, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 14 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 2 Wheatears, 2 Reed Warblers, single Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Morning and afternoon visits to Severn Beach produced 25 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 4 Turnstones, 23 Oystercatchers, a Mediterranean Gull, 28 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, single Garden Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Another Garden Warbler, single Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Tree Pipit were reported from Chittening Warth. A Whimbrel, 2 Sedge Warblers, single Raven, Pheasant and Lesser Whitethroat were reported from Aust Cliff/services.
28th April
A dull morning turning sunny later and slightly warmer. An early morning low tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced just 5 Whimbrel, single Curlew and Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese, 14 Shelduck, 2 Gdwall, single Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Raven and Kestrel. It remained quiet on Pilning Wetland with single Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Lapwings, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Reed Warblers, single female Redstart, Cettis Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. A Greylag Goose, 16 Canada Geese and 66 Shelduck were seen from New Passage.
27th April
An increasingly wet day with a South East breeze. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 6 Whimbrel, 40 Oystercatchers, single Curlew, Little Egret and Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, the 3rd Cuckoo of the month, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits, 6 Swifts, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 12 Whitethroats, single Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Redpoll, 2 Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk. Nearby, 6 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Sedge Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, single Pheasant and Redpoll were reported from Chittening Warth. Single Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Lapwings, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 16 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 12 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 8 Yellow Wagtails, a female Redstart, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and a Kestrel. Five Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Canada Geese, 40 Shelduck and 5 Yellow Wagtails were seen from New Passage.
Tree Pipit, Severn Beach 27.4.23 © Aravind Ramesh
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 27.4.23
26th April
A cloudier day with a cool South East breeze. The first Wood Warbler for 4 years was heard and seen at Sea Bank power station cycle track, Chittening Warth where other reports included a Little Egret, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers and single Sedge Warbler. A Ruff, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Avocets, single Redshank and Little Ringed Plover, 7 Lapwings, single Little Egret and Barnacle Goose, 4 Canada Geese, a pair of Mute Swans, 10 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Reed Warblers, single Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Ravens, single Hobby, Peregrine and Kestrel were seen at Pilning Wetland. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Little Ringed Plover, 10 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 7 Oystercatchers, a Curlew, 10 Black-headed Gulls, 22 Shelduck, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, a Wheatear, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Kestrel.
25th April
The sunniest day of the year so far but still cool in the breeze. Early morning reports from Severn Beach included a Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese, 16 Shelduck, single Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit, 2 Cetti’s Warblers and 2 Kestrels. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 6 Lapwing, single Greylag Goose and Barnacle Goose, 9 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 12 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Reed Warblers, single Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Redstart, Wheatear, Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk. A Tree Pipit was heard at Aust Warth.
Marsh Harrier, Pilning Wetland 25.4.23 © Aravind Ramesh
24th April
An increasingly wet day. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland.New Passage area included 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Avocets, 4 Whimbrel, 6 Lapwing, 20 Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin, single Ruff, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Curlew, Grey Heron, Barnacle Goose and Greylag Goose, 25 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, a hunting Marsh Harrier, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, single Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail and Kestrel. The only noteworthy birds at Severn Beach involved 30 Oystercatchers, single Ringed Plover and Curlew, 3 Canada Geese, 23 Shelduck, single Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. Another 12 Shelduck, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Wheatears, single Pheasant and Raven were reported from Aust Cliff/services.
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 24.4.23
23rd April
A day of sunny periods and showers with a few new arrivals.An early morning visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 3 Grey Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 35 Oystercatchers, 15 Turnstones, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Egrets, a Canada Goose, 15 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 25 Teal, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, several Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area involved a Spoonbill (dropped onto Northwick Flash briefly at 12.50), 35 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plover, single Ruff, Grey Plover and Sanderling, 6 Common Sandpipers, 20 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwings, 10 Turnstones, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, a Barnacle Goose, 6 Canada Geese, 60 Shelduck, 31 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, single Great Crested Grebe, Cuckoo, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a Kestrel. Reports from the Aust Cliff/services area included 61 Whimbrel, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Greylag Geese, 2 Pheasants, a Grasshopper Warbler (trapped/ringed), 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 11 Wheatears, a Whinchat and a Yellow Wagtail. A Lesser Whitethroat and 5 singing Cetti’s Warblers were reported from Chittening Warth. Update: a colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit seen on Pilning Wetland today was identified as a “Headstarted” individual, reared and released from captivity at WWT Welney in June 2021. It has been seen again since at Welney and Snettisham in the UK in 2021, in Portugal March 2022.
Grey Plovers, Severn Beach 23.4.23
Grasshopper Warbler, Aust Cliff/services 23.4.23
22nd April
A foggy start to the day with mist lingering over the river until late morning. A dark morph Arctic Skua, 8 Whimbrel, 50+ Oystercatchers a Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, a Canada Goose, 30 Shelduck, 20 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Lesser Whitethroat and Pheasant were reported from the shore at Severn Beach and another 2 Gadwall and a Grey Heron were seen at the Orchard Pools. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Avocets, 6 Lapwing, a Barnacle Goose, 3 Canada Geese, 15 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 13 Teal, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Yellow Wagtails, single Reed Warbler, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. The first Pied Flycatcher of the year, 2 Reed Warblers, single Cetti’s Warbler, Raven, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were reported from Sea Bank Power Station cycle track at Chittening Warth. Reports from the Aust Cliff/services area involved 25 Shelduck, 30 Whimbrel, 2 Wheatears, single Swift, Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Pheasant and Sparrowhawk.
Pied Flycatcher, Chittening Warth 22.4.23 © Matthew Hall
21st April
Another cool day with an East wind becoming sunnier late afternoon. Combined reports from Severn Beach included the first 3 Greenshank of the year, 380+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 40+ Whimbrel, 3 Grey Plover, 5 Curlew, 62 Oystercatchers, 29 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover, a Great White Egret, 2 Little Egret, 135 Little Gulls, 11 Arctic Terns, 2 Common Terns, 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 35 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, the first Ring Ouzel for 4 years, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits, 3 Wheatears, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Whitethroats, a Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Kestrels. A Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, single Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Lapwing, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, a Barnacle Goose, 8 Canada Geese, 10 Shoveler, 19 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Reed Warblers, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Lesser Whitethroat were reported at Pilning Wetland. A Tree Pipit was seen at Aust Cliff/services. Click HERE for a short Youtube video of some of today’s Little Gulls heading up river.
Ring Ouzel, Severn Beach 21.4.23
Ring Ouzel, Severn Beach 21.4.23
Greenshank, Severn Beach 21.4.23
Whimbrel, Severn Beach 21.4.23
20th April
The sunniest day of the year so far with a cold North East wind. Combined reports from the morning and evening tides included single Woodlark, Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier, 575 Bar-tailed Godwits, 62 Whimbrel, 3 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, a Grey Plover, 35 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Herons, a Little Egret, 217 Little Gulls (record day count), 2 Canada Geese, 29 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 3 Swift, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, 6 Tree Pipits, Wheatear, 3 Redpolls, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, hundreds of Swallows and Goldfinches flying up river. 2 Kestrels, single Peregrine and Raven. A Green Sandpiper, 5 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, a Barnacle Goose, 3 Shelduck, just 2 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Wheatears, single Lesser Whitethroat and Kestrel were the only birds of note at Pilning Wetland. Nearby 600+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 6 Whimbrel, 6 Canada Geese, 40 Shelduck and a Wheatear were seen from New Passage. Reports from Aust Cliff/services involved another Marsh Harrier (male), 33 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Ravens, single Sparrowhawk, Pheasant and Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatears and a Muntjac Deer. Another 50 Bar-tailed Godwits and a Cetti’s Warbler were reported at Aust Warth
Little Gulls, Severn Beach 20.4.23
Bar-tailed Godwits, Severn Beach 20.4.23
19th April
A dry day with some sunny periods and a moderate strength East wind, good conditions for some wader migration. Combined reports from Severn Beach on the morning and evening tides produced at least 2000+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 210+ Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 26 Grey Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 29 Dunlin, 50 Oystercatchers, single Curlew and Little Egret, 3 Arctic Terns, an impressive 69+ Little Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Canada Geese, 2 drake Goosander (flying NE), 8 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 3 Whitethroats, single Swift (first of the year), Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Grey Seal. It remained relatively quiet at Pilning Wetland with just 8 Lapwings, single Little Egret and Barnacle Goose, 8 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, single Yellow Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Kestrel and Peregrine being reported.
18th April
A day with sunny periods with a cold North East breeze. Combined reports from Severn Beach over the morning and evening tides included the first Hobby of the year (flew East this evening), 286 Bar-tailed Godwits, 23 Whimbrel, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, single Grey Plover and Knot, 50 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, a Common Tern, 2 Canada Geese, 20+ Shelduck, 20 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Siskins, 2 Kestrels, single Cetti’s Warbler, Tree Pipit, Wheatear and Raven. Two Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Lapwing, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 2 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 10 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 20 Teal, single Reed Warbler and Kestrel were reported from Pilning Wetland. A Whimbrel, 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, 50 Oystercatchers, 11 Shelduck and 2 Pheasants were seen at Chittening Warth. A Red Kite was seen at Aust Cliff/services .
Bar-tailed Godwits, Severn Beach 18.4.23
17th April
A misty grey morning followed by some late afternoon sunshine. Reports from and over Aust Cliff/services this morning included the first Grasshopper Warbler of the year, 200 Bar-tailed Godwits, 320 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Egrets, 22 Shelduck, 2 Wheatears, single Sedge Warbler and Tree Pipit, 2 Ravens, a Sparrowhawk and a Pheasant. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved 14 Avocets, 3+ Little Ringed Plovers, a Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Lapwing, 2 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 16 Canada Geese, 70 Shelduck, 24 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 15 Tufted Duck, 35 Teal, 4 Little Grebes, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Redstarts (male & female), 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Siskins, single Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Raven. Early morning and evening visits to Severn Beach produced single Bar-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper, 6 Whimbrel, 50+ Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 2 Canada Geese, 30+ Shelduck, 17 Arctic Terns, 4 Common Terns, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 3 Wheatears, single Whitethroat, Raven, Kestrel and Merlin.
16th April
A cloudy day with some showers. The first Sedge Warbler of the year was found at Pilning Wetland/New Passage where other reports involved 2 Avocets, 2+ Little Ringed Plovers, 10 Lapwing, 40 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, a Barnacle Goose, 18 Canada Geese, 70 Shelduck, 24 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 35 Teal, 2 Reed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatears, Swallows, House Martins, Sand Martins and a Kestrel. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 10 Ringed Plover, 35 Oystercatchers, 43 Turnstones, 2 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Canada Geese, 58 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 2 Whitethroats, a Yellow Wagtail and 2 Kestrels. Another Sedge Warbler was found at Aust Warth and a male Redstart, a Whitethroat, 2 Wheatears, a Pheasant and 2 Ravens were present in the Aust Cliff/services area.
Redstart, Aust Cliff/services 16.4.23 © Matthew Hall
15th April
A dry, sunny and warmer day. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included a Great White Egret, 14 Avocets, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 58 Oystercatchers, 2 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 6 Little Ringed Plovers, 10 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 20 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 80 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 32 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 30 Teal, 4 Wheatears, 2 Ravens, single Red Kite, Peregrine, Tree Pipit, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. The first April record of Hawfinch, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, a Great White Egret (same bird as Pilning Wetland flying SW), 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 37 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 7 Tree Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20+ Willow Warblers, single Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti’s Warbler, Siskin, Raven, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were reported from Severn Beach. Twelve Avocets, a Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Wheatears and a Yellow Wagtail were reported from Aust Warth
Great White Egret, Pilning Wetland 15.4.23
14th April
A very wet morning followed by a brief drier spell then more rain until dusk. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 29 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Avocets, a Little Ringed Plover, 30 Redshank, 6 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 10 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, single Little Egret, Grey Heron, Barnacle Goose, 14 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 30 Shelduck, 12 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 30 Teal, 4 Little Grebes, 60 Swallows, 20 Sand Martins, 20 House Martins, 4 Yellow Wagtails, a White Wagtail, 2 Wheatears, single Reed Warbler and Kestrel. It remained quiet at Severn Beach with the only notable reports being 3 Redshank, 4 Curlew, a Little Egret, 22 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Kestrels, a Sparrowhawk, 3 Wheatears, a Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Willow Warblers, 6 Swallows and 6 House Martins.
Swallows, Pilning Wetland 14.4.23
Yellow Wagtails, Pilning Wetland 14.4.23
13th April
A sunny settled day with a cool breeze and occasional rain shower. A visit to Pilning Wetland produced 2 Avocets, 10 Lapwing, single Little Egret, Grey Heron, Barnacle Goose, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Shelduck, 28 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 2 singing Reed Warblers, 2 House Martins, 30 Sand Martins and 6 Swallows. Nearby, 3 Knot, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, a Little Ringed Plover, 30 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 2 Canada Geese, 65 Shelduck and 4 Swallows were seen from New Passage. A much quieter day at Severn Beach with 25 Shelduck and a Raven the only sightings worth a mention.
Little Grebe, Pilning Wetland 13.4.23
12th April
An increasingly windy day from the West/South West with some torrential rain squalls. Combined reports from the Severn Beach sea wall included a Great Skua, 5 dark morph Arctic Skuas, 2 Fulmars, 7 Arctic Terns, single Sandwich Tern and 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, 6 Kittiwakes, at least 80 Common Gulls, 35 Whimbrel, a Curlew, 25 Shelduck, single Gadwall and Peregrine, 3 Wheatears, 48 Swallows and 20 House Martins. Reports from a very windswept New Passage involved just 39 Oystercatchers, 35 Curlew, 11 Canada Geese an 20 Shelduck. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 2 Avocets, 3+ Little Ringed Plover, 10 Lapwing, single Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 4 Shelduck, 26 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 20 Teal, a Tufted Duck, a Peregrine, 20 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows and a House Martin.
Great Skua, Severn Beach 12.4.23 © Aravind Ramesh
Dark morph Arctic Skua, Severn Beach 12.4.23
Arctic Tern, Severn Beach 12.4.23
11th April
A sunny morning followed by a breezy and wet afternoon. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 3 Red-throated Divers flying down river, a flock of 5 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults, 3 1st summers), a Fulmar that was released (picked up in Bradford-on-Avon earlier today), 4 Ringed Plover, 30 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Wheatears, 4 Swallows and a Siskin. Two Avocets, 3+ Little Ringed Plover, single Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Curlew, 12 Redshank, 10 Lapwing, a Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Barnacle Goose, 8 Canada Geese, 40 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 29 Gadwall, 40 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, a Kestrel, a singing Reed Warbler, 150 Sand Martins, 5 House Martins and 11 Swallows were reported in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Two late Fieldfares and 2 Wheatears were seen at Aust Cliff/services.
Mediterranean Gull, Severn Beach 11.4.23
10th April
A wet morning and increasingly windy through the day. Reports from Severn Beach included single Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Little Gull and Fulmar, 4 Gannets, 30 Kittiwakes, 8 Common Scoter, 26 Shelduck, 4 Canada Geese, 5 Gadwall, 30 Teal, 23 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 2 Wheatears, single Cetti’s Warbler and Kestrel. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 2 Avocets, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 10 Lapwing, 4 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron, Barnacle Goose, 4 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 45 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 100+ Sand Martins, 2 Swallows and a Kestrel.
9th April
A dry day with sunny spells. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 2 Avocets, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 8+ Lapwing, a Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 8 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 24 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 50 Teal, 4 Little Grebes, 2 Peregrines, 2 Wheatears, single singing Cetti’s Warbler, Swallow and Sand Martin. At least 30 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 2 Canada Geese, 6 Shelduck, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls and a Wheatear were seen at Severn Beach.
8th April
Another dry day with some sunny spells. The first Whitethroat of the year, 50 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, a Little Egret, 8 Canada Geese, 36 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall and a Redpoll were seen from the Severn Beach shore. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 4 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 8 Lapwing, a Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Barnacle Goose, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 24 Gadwall, 17 Shoveler, 45 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 9 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins, single Sparrowhawk and Peregrine.
7th April
A sunny and dry day with a light North East breeze. The first Goosander (redhead) of the year flew North East over Pilning Wetland this evening where other reports today included 2 Avocets, a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 17 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 10 Lapwing, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Barnacle Goose, 4 Canada Geese, 11 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 2 Wigon, 60 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 15 Swallows, single Sand Martin, Kestrel and Sparrowhwk, Reports from Severn Beach included 24 Shelduck, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 30 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Swallows, single Cetti’s Warbler, Siskin and Peregrine. Two Ravens, 2 Sparrowhawks, 12 Buzzards, 3 Swallows, 12 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler and a Pheasant were reported from Aust Cliff/services.
Avocet, Pilning Wetland 7.4.23
6th April
A day of sunshine and showers. Another Osprey flew North East over Pilning Wetland/New Passage this morning where other reports today included 2 Avocets, single Black-tailed Godwit and the first Common Sandpiper of the year, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 30 Lapwing, 80 Redshank, 40 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, 5 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Heron, single Water Rail and Barnacle Goose, 14 Canada Geese, 79 Shelduck, 24 Shoveler, 24 Gadwall, 50 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, a Kestrel, 2 Ravens, 50+ Swallows, 12+ Sand Martins, and at least one House Martin. At least one Kittiwake, 2 Egyptian Geese, 120 Shelduck, 18 Teal, a Gadwall, 60 Dunlin, 26 Redshank, 13 Curlew, a Snipe, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Swallows, single Sand Martin, Wheatear, Rock Pipit, Raven and Kestrel were reported at Chittening Warth. Two Grey Plover, 30 Oystercatchers, 10 Curlew, 2 Canada Geese, 50 Shelduck, a Gadwall 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Kestrels and 3 Swallows were seen at Severn Beach. Combined reports from Aust Cliff/services included 50 Shelduck, a Pheasant, 2 Ravens, a Willow Warbler, many Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, the first Reed Warbler of the year, 5 Swallows and 3 Sand Martins .
Common Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 6.4.23
Black-tailed Godwit, Pilning Wetland 6.4.23
5th April
A grey and murky day. The first Firecrest of the year, 96 Shelduck, a Pheasant, 93 Curlew, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, single Raven, Wheatear and Siskin were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 2 Grey Plover, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 40 Curlew, 45 Oystercatchers, 144 Redshank, single Little Egret, Water Rail and Barnacle Goose, 2 Canada Geese, 18 Shelduck, 22 Gadwall, 18 Shoveler, 12 Tufted Duck, 46 Teal, 17 Sand Martins, 25 Swallows, 2 Ravens, single Peregrine and Kestrel. An evening high tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 2 Grey Plover, 43 Oystercatchers, 4 Curlew, 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Canada Geese, 35 Shelduck, 28 Teal, 8 Gadwall and a Sparrowhawk.
4th April
The sunniest day of the year so far but cool in an East breeze. A good selection of birds were reported from Pilning Wetland including an Osprey, 3 Garganey (2 drakes), 6 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Snipe, 10 Lapwing, 10 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Heron, a Barnacle Goose, 7 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 28 Shoveler, 50 Teal, 2 Wigeon, a Water Rail, 3 Willow Warblers, a male Redstart, 8 Swallows, a Sand Martin and a Sparrowhawk. Eleven Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 45 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, 30 Redshank, a Little Egret, 2 Canada Geese, at least 84 Shelduck and 12 Teal were seen from New Passage. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 3 flyover Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Avocets, 60 Oystercatchers, 83 Curlew, 15 Little Egrets, 5 Canada Geese, 46 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 2 Sparrowhawk, single Raven, Sand Martin, singing Cetti’s Warbler, Redpoll and Siskin. Another male Redstart was seen at the Aust Cliff/services area late afternoon. Click on the Osprey image below for a short Youtube video of the bird flapping off North East.
Redstart, Pilning Wetland 4.4.23 © Aravind Ramesh
Osprey, Pilning Wetland 4.4.23
Garganey, Pilning Wetland 4.4.23
3rd April
A dry and sunny day. Reports from Severn Beach included a Marsh Harrier (flying North East), 4 Canada Geese, 35 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 70 Oystercatchers, 34 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens, a Sand Martin, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, a singing Cetti’s Warbler and 5 Siskins. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved 12 Avocets, a Little Ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Oystercatchers, 3 Snipe, 8 Lapwings, 9 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, a Barnacle Goose, 9 Canada Geese, 45 Shelduck, 22 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 50 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, single Yellow Wagtail, Swallow, Sand Martin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Little Ringed Plover, Pilning Wetland 3.4.23
2nd April
A drier day with some sunny spells. Morning reports from Aust Cliff/sevices involved 36 Shelduck, 2 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 3 Lapwing, 10 Curlew, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Pheasant, 3 Ravens, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Swallows, 26 Sand Martins, 8 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warber and 4 Siskins. At least 200 Kittiwakes were seen on the evening high tide at Severn Beach heading North East plus 70+ Shelduck and 3 Ringed Plover. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included an Avocet, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 14 Oystercatchers, 13 Curlew, 7 Redshank, 12 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Barnacle Goose, 16 Canada Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 10 Shelduck, 24 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 7 Wigeon, a Water Rail, a Kestrel and in the evening, 160 Kittiwakes circling high and going up river (seen earlier going past Severn Beach). Sixteen Avocets were seen off Aust Warth
1st April
A very wet morning, some sunshine in the afternoon with a cool North breeze. A quiet start to the month with much of the same at Pilning Wetland today including a Marsh Harrier, 6 Lapwing, single Little Egret and Barnacle Goose, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 50 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Swallows, 2 Willow Warblers and a Kestrel. A Bar-tailed Godwit was reported at New Passage. At least 180 Kittiwakes were lingering off of Severn Beach early evening where other sightings included 20 Shelduck, a few Curlew and Oystercatchers plus a Sparrowhawk.
