BIRDS
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL Tarsiger cyanurus
Just one of over three hundred bird species recorded in S. Gloucestershire!
Main photo: Whooper Swans | Martyn Hayes
Tbosg
welcome to the birds of south gloucestershire
Our aim is to provide information about rare, scarce and unusual birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, both full species and forms, seen in South Gloucestershire.
BUTTERFLIES
SMALL COPPER Lycaena phlaeas
Over fifty butterflies, both species and forms have been identified in the recording area.
DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES
FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER Libellula quadrimaculata
Dragonflies and Damselflies are well represented in S. Gloucestershire with well over thirty species and forms.
recent sightings
Follow the links below for the most recent sightings from around the region.
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A new year and a new year list! 2021 has already produced around 100 species so far.
Just over seventy rare and scarce birds have been logged historically in January including sixteen first records.
Historical highlights include; American Golden Plover in 2002 at New Passage, Siberian Chiffchaff in 2005 at Emerson's Green, American Wigeon in 2017 from Littleton Warth, Red-throated Diver in 1960 from Shepperdine, the mythical Ruddy Duck in 1979 from Aust Warth, Nordic Jackdaw in 2008 at Marshfield and Shorelark in 1960 at Severn Beach.
Also seen in January are Bittern at Hambrook and Great Grey Shrike at Dyrham Park both in 1891.
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2021 started really well on the patch with in excess of fifty species recorded so far this year!
Best birds so far include Woodcock, Merlin and Little Grebe!
Winter is one of the best times of the year to visit the Marshfield patch where species like Yellowhammer, Linnet, Skylark and Corn Bunting can be seen in good numbers.
Other species encountered at this time of year are Common Stonechat, Raven, plenty of winter Thrushes and who knows perhaps even something a little more spectacular?
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Hibernation has a firm grip however, early overwintering Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell might just conceivably be encouraged out given favourable conditions.
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As with Butterflies, Dragon and Damselflies won't be encountered for several months yet and we may not now see any new individuals until at least spring....
Our philosophy
... 'a bad day birding is infinitely better than a good day at work' ...