2009 Sightings

July is the equal quietest month on Severnside with only 146 species having been recorded. It does have a more optimistic feeling to it than June, with the appearance of returning waders and in recent years the regular appearance of Little Egrets, Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls (usually towards the end of the month). Unusual species seen have included dispersing Crossbill, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Goshawk and a Stone Curlew (1999). A spell of strong SW or W wind usually produces a few Storm Petrels

July 3rd
A warm and sunny day. Sightings from New Passage included 2 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 140 Black-headed Gulls, 40 Mallard, 15 Shelduck (including 8 ducklings), 2 Mute Swans (with 3 cygnets) and 4 Ravens.

Common Sandpiper, New Passage 3.7.9

                                                                   Little Egret, New Passage 3.7.9

July 2nd
Reports from New Passage involved 3 Common Sandpipers, 6 Redshank, 6 Curlew, an Oystercatcher, a Grey Heron, 100 Black-headed Gulls, 50 Mallard, 20 Shelduck and a Kingfisher.

July 1st
The hot (29°C) and humid weather continues. A Kingfisher, 100 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Curlew, 10 adult Shelduck (plus 2 broods of 8 ducklings), 60 Mallard and a family party of Reed Warblers were seen at New Passage. Reports from Avonmouth Sewage Works involved 10 Tufted Duck and a Cetti’s Warbler at the Square Pool and 10 Gadwall, single Green Sandpiper and Lapwing on Hoar Gout/ VOSA pool.