THE SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BIRDS DIARY
Bird sightings from previous months this year!
JANUARY 2020
Click on the links below for more details!
OPS: ♀ 1st, 4th, 8th - 9th, 15th, 20th, 23rd and 30th; ♂ & ♀ 18th; ♂ 22nd (Pete Hazelwood, Matt Plenty). ♂ on the roof of a house behind The Royal George, Thornbury 8th (Cliff Smith)
Two OPS 18th (Matt Plenty) One Severn Beach 19th (Paul Bowerman) One or two at Littleton Bird Ringing Station throughout the month, (LBR)
One OPS 5th (Pete Hazelwood) FIRECREST One reported from the Wild Places Project, Easter Compton 8th.
Stanshaws Lake, Yate; ♂ 9th - 10th, four - two ♂ and two ♀ 13th (Mark Coller), ♂ and ♀ 17th - 18th (Mike Jackson). Kingsgate Park, Yate; Six - two ♂ and four ♀ over 30th (Mark Coller).
Goosander | Mark Coller
One Chipping Sodbury Common 1st (Mark Coller), 12th and 20th (David Poulton) - Aust Warth: At least three 1st and 5th. (Paul Bowerman), one 10th (Aravind Ramesh)
A winter fem OPS 10th (Pete Hazelwood). One probably this species down river from Aust Warth around 15:00 on the 19th. (Adam Rawson)
An adult at OPS on the 22nd. (Pete Hazelwood)
OYSTERCATCHER
One over Chipping Sodbury Common on the 29th was a patch first! (Mark Coller)
Two from the OPS environs so far this year. (Pete Hazelwood) One over Willsbridge Mill 26th. (Nigel Kempson)
One OPS 27th. (Pete Hazelwood) TWITE An unconfirmed report of five on the 11th near the Second Sentry Box on Northwick Warth briefly before departing to the south-west.
One Northwick Warth on the 5th. (Paul Bowerman)
FEBRUARY 2020
A ♀ at OPS on the 3rd, 6th and 7th. (Pete Hazelwood) COMMON CRANE Two, of unknown origins, were seen in flight at 07:35 from the A403 coast road and heading over Severn Beach on the 19th. (Chris Stone)
COMMON SCOTER
Two, the first of the year, from Severn Beach on the 29th. (Paul Bowerman)
A 'redhead' at Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 2nd with six present briefly on the 19th. A ♂ and three redheads present there on the 23rd. (Chris Teague, Mark Coller); Four ♂ and four redheads on Stanshaws Lake. Yate viewed from Highworth Crescent on the 19th. (Mark Coller)
Goosander | Chris Teague
One from Aust Warth on the 2nd. (Vic Savery) Two Chipping Sodbury Common on the 6th, 19th and 22nd with one on the 26th. (Mark Coller)
Jack Snipe | Mark Coller
An adult male at OPS on the 13th. (Pete Hazelwood)
Marsh Harrier | Pete Hazelwood
A sub-adult from New Passage on the 1st. (Ian Dickie) One over Bradley Stoke on the 8th. (Greg Dawes)
One at OPS on the 7th and 13th. (Pete Hazelwood) One flushed from Northwick Warth by the rising tide on the 13th. (Paul Bowerman) One on Northwick Warth on the 14th. (Severnside Birds) One from Aust Warth on the 25th (Aravind Ramesh) One reported from the Tormarton area during the month.
MARCH 2020
Pilning Wetland Reserve; Five, the first of the year, on the 19th, four on the 20th, ten on the 21st , eleven on the 22nd seven on the 23rd, fifteen on the 25th. (Et.al)
Avocet | Paul Bowerman
BAR-TAILED GODWIT
One, the first of the year, from Pilning Wetland Reserve/ Northwick Warth on the 11th. (Paul Bowerman)
OPS: Two ♀/ 1st winter types on the 1st; a ♀/ 1st winter type on the 3rd and 6th. (Pete Hazelwood, Craig Lewis) One still present on the 16th (Lois Pryce)
Black Redstart | Craig Lewis
One noted in flight heading north over Severn View Services, Aust at 15:00 on the 22nd. (Andy & Lesley Griffiths) Two high south over Northwick Warth and Severn Beach at 17:00 on the 23rd before heading east. (Paul Bowerman)
COMMON WHITETHROAT
Two, the first of the year and earliest ever reported from S. Gloucestershire were noted on Redhill Lane between the Old Severn Bridge junction and Aust Road junction and on Hill Lane/ The Naite between Oldbury-on-Severn and Hill . (Keith Williams) The previous earliest date was March 30th 2017 on Northwick Warth.
DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE
Two, the first of the year, were noted at Aust on the 12th. (Paul Bowerman)
A female was noted on the R. Avon around 1 km east of the Lock Keeper at Keynsham on the 29th. (Chris Mott)
One, probably this species at Shepperdine on the 11th. (Pete Hazelwood) One at Ashwicke on the 22nd. (John Barnett)
One was seen quartering a hedgerow alongside the M5 between Falfield and Almondsbury on the 21st. (Adam Rawson)
One reported from Shepperdine Riding School, south of Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station late in the month. (OPS Birding)
One displaced by high tides at Aust on the 11th. (Matt Hobbs)
LITTLE GULL
A winter adult, the first of the year, upriver past Oldbury Power Station on the 26th. (Pete Hazelwood)
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER
Three, the first of the year, were seen on the first sentry box pool, Pilning Wetland Reserve on the 14th. (Paul Bowerman)
Little Ringed Plover | Paul Bowerman
A winter adult down river from Oldbury Power Station on the 6th. (Pete Hazelwood)
NORTHERN WHEATEAR
A spring male, the first of the year, from Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland Reserve on the 5th (Paul Bowerman)
Northern Wheatear | Paul Bowerman
2nd: Two west over Kingswood, Bristol at 13:10. 6th: Two over Rushmead Farm, Marshfield. 9th: One over Northwick Warth. 13th: One low over Abbywood, Filton. 16th: Four from the Marshfield patch. 18th: One from Marshfield and one over Kingsgate Park, Yate at 13:55. 20th: One low across the estuary from Aust Warth. 21st: Three at Marshfield, one over Chipping Sodbury and one over Little Badminton. 22nd: One Down Road, Marshfield, one Ashwicke and at up to six past Severn Beach. 23rd: One over Rushmead Farm, Marshfield and one over Chipping Sodbury. 24th: One over Ebbdown Farm, Marshfield. 25th: One over Yate and one over Castle Farm, Marshfield. 26th: One over Rushmead Lane, Marshfield. 28th: One over Old Sodbury. 31st: Two north-east over Hanham late afternoon.
Red Kite | TBOSG
One, the first of the year, was reported from Three Brooks LNR, Bradley Stoke on the 25th.
SAND MARTIN
Around twenty-five, the first of the year, were reported from Pilning Wetlands Reserve on the 18th. (Richard Parry)
One, putatively this form, around Shaft Rocks, Severn Beach on the 12th (Vic Savery); One, the first for three years, was displaced by the rising tide at New Pill, Chittening Warth on the 13th (Rob Emery); A summer plumaged individual was noted by the cooling water outflow at Oldbury Power station on the 21st. (Dan Watson)
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - Anthus petrosus littoralis | Rob Emery
One from Aust Warth on the 2nd, 7th, 8th, 11th - 15th (Et.al); One near Thornbury Sailing Club on the 6th. (Pete Hazelwood) News from the patch at Marshfield of up to three in an area with no public access on at least the 17th - 25th. They have possibly wintered in the area which is best viewed looking south from Shirehill Lane.
Short-eared Owl | Aravind Ramesh
One at Pilning Wetland Reserve briefly at 12:25 on the 20th before heading towards the estuary where it was last seen circling over the Prince Of Wales Bridge. (Rob Emery)
SWALLOW
One, the first of the year, over Lagoon I at Oldbury Power Station at 15:45 on the 20th. (Pete Hazelwood)
One noted feeding on high tide strand line near the second sentry box on Northwick Warth on the 14th (Matt Hobbs) still present on the 19th. (Severnside Birds)
WHITE WAGTAIL
One, the first of the year, from Down Road, Marshfield on the 26th. (John Barnett)
WILLOW WARBLER
One, the first of the year, from Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 27th. (Mark Coller)
APRIL 2020
A dark morph was seen well along the near bank and up-river past Oldbury Power Station on the 10th. A dark morph was noted upriver past Oldbury Power Station on the 18th. (Pete Hazelwood) A dark Morph low upriver at 08:15 from New Passage on the 19th. A dark morph over Severn Beach on the 23rd. (Paul Bowerman) One past OPS and two past New Pill, Chittening Warth on the 25th. (Pete Hazelwood, Tony Scott) A pale morph past Severn Beach late afternoon on the 30th (Paul Bowerman)
ARCTIC TERN
Several, the first of the year, at Oldbury Power Station on the 17th. (Pete Hazelwood)
One, a nocturnal migrant fly-over, at Severn Beach on the 4th (Adam Cross), Two from Pilning Wetland Reserve on the 7th (Richard Parry) ... and again on the 9th (Rosemary Setter)
Avocet sonogram | Adam Cross.
This sound recording shows the nocturnal flight call as it passed over the observer.
Two past Oldbury Power Station on the 14th. (Pete Hazelwood)
A female type was noted near The Jetty at Oldbury Power Station on the 10th and again on the 25th. (Pete Hazelwood)
Two noted at Lyde Green Lake on the 8th. (Mike Tripi) Two noted at Severn Beach on the 16th. (Paul Bowerman) Two from Western Approaches, Severn Beach on the 28th. (Dean Reeves)
COMMON REDSTART
An adult male was the first arrival of the year in S. Gloucestershire on the 5th.
Common Redstart | Mark Coller
COMMON SCOTER
A previously unrecorded nocturnal movement of this species across the recording area on the evening of the 2nd with soundings coming from; Severn Beach (sound recording), Yate, Marshfield, Oldland Common, Kingswood and Hanham. On the evening of the 3rd birds were noted over Severn Beach, Alveston, Yate and Lyde Green.
COMMON SWIFT
The first arrivals were noted at Severn Beacon the 19th. (Paul Bowerman)
COMMON TERN
The first arrivals were noted at Oldbury Power Station on the 6th. (Pete Hazelwood)
CUCKOO
The first this year was noted at Oldbury Power Station on the 11th. (Pete Hazelwood) It represents the earliest date for this species in S. Glos! The previous earliest date was April 13th 2008 also at OPS.
Three, the highest count ever recorded in S. Glos, were present on Pilning WR, Northwick Warth on the 9th. (Lisa Presland) The previous best was two on January 10th 2016 at Willsbridge.
Egyptian Geese | Paul Bowerman
FULMAR
Two, the first of the year, were seen from Severn Beach on the 29th. (Paul Bowerman)
A pair at Oldbury Power Station on the 16th. Male present on the 20th - 21st. (Pete Hazelwood)
♂ Garganey | Pete Hazelwood
One from Gunnings Wood, Marshfield on the 7th. One over Beek's Lane, Marshfield on the 11th. One over Marshfield village on the 23rd. (John Barnett)
One from Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station on the 6th. (Pete Hazelwood) One at Severn Beach and one at Longwell Green on the 16th. (Paul Bowerman, Pete Coslett) Two at Severn Beach on the 19th. (Paul Bowerman)
Grasshopper Warbler | Paul Bowerman
Greenland Wheatear
The first of the year logged at Chipping Sodbury and Marshfield from the 10th. (Mark Coller, John Barnett)
Greenland Wheatear | Mark Coller
GREENSHANK
The first of the year on Severnside on the 9th.
A male was noted around at Wickwar on the 8th. (Ian Flint)
HOBBY
This year's first at Marshfield on the 8th. (John Barnett)
HOUSE MARTIN
This year's first arrivals were noted across the region on the 5th
An unconfirmed report of one from The Hacket, Cleve Wood (ST: 65 89) near Thornbury on the 17th. (Alex Cave)
LESSER WHITETHROAT
This year's first arrivals were noted from the 9th. A record equalling earliest date.
A 'female' at Oldbury Power Station on the 23rd. (Pete Hazelwood)
♀ Marsh Harrier | Matt Plenty
One was reported in full song on Yate Common at ST: 700 818 on the 16th. (Peter Bryant)
One, the first of the year, high north over Yate on the 4th. (Mark Coller) One north-east over Severn Beach late morning on the 10th. (Paul Bowerman)
Osprey | Mark Coller
A spring male, the first of the year, at New Passage on the 6th. (Lisa Presland) This is the earliest ever recorded in S. Glos, the previous earliest date was April 8th 1944 at Little Stoke. A spring female at Lower Woods, Wickwar on the 19th. (Paul Bowdler)
♂ Pied Flycatcher | Lisa Presland. The earliest ever; a record which has stood for seventy-six years!
♀ Pied Flycatcher | Paul Bowdler
3rd: One over Overscourt Woodland, Siston. 4th: One over Kingsgate Park, Yate with the same or another over Coalpit Heath. 5th: One over Kingswood, Bristol. 6th: One over Alveston. 7th: One over Oldland Common, one over Coalpit Heath. 9th: At least two over Yate. 10th: One over Severn Beach, one over Rushmead Lane, Marshfield, one over Yate. 11th: One possibly two over Yate. 12th: One over Little/ Bradley Stoke and two over Wick. 13th: One over Pilning Wetland. 14th: One over Pilning WR with the same or another over Redwick, one over Yate. 15th: One/ two at Shortwood landfill, two over Yate. 16th: One over Hanham, one over Warmley, one over West Littleton, one over Lyde Green. 18th: One over New Passage. 19th: One over New Passage, one over OPS. 20th: One over Warmley with the same or another over Rodway Common, Mangotsfield. 21st: One over West Littleton Down, one over Three Brooks LNR. 22nd: One over Hanham. 25th: One west over Kingswood at 16:10. 27th: One over Warmley then Kingswood mid afternoon. 29th: One north over Kingswood early afternoon. 30th: One east over Chipping Sodbury early afternoon.
Red Kite | Mark Coller
REED WARBLER
This year's first was noted at OPS on the 7th. (Pete Hazelwood)
A spring male, the first of the year, at Filton on the 5th. (Andy Pym)
SANDERLING
The first of the year was noted at Severn Beach on the 27th. (Paul Bowerman)
Sanderling | Paul Bowerman
SANDWICH TERN
Six, the first of the year, from OPS on the 5th. (Pete Hazelwood)
SEDGE WARBLER
This year's first from OPS on the 9th. (Pete Hazelwood)
One at Oldbury Power Station on the 19th. (Pete Hazelwood)
One on Pilning Wetland Reserve, Northwick Warth on the 3rd (Lisa Presland) was still present early morning on the 4th. (Paul Bowerman)
Spoonbill | Lisa Presland. The mottled plumage and dark tip to the tail (just visible in #2) marks this bird as an immature.
The first of the year was noted over Pilning WR on the 19th. (Paul Bowerman)
TREE PIPIT
The first of the year over Severnside on the 9th.
WHIMBREL The first of the year was heard in flight over Middledown Lane, Marshfield late afternoon on the 4th. (John Barnett)
WHINCHAT
The first of the year was found on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 16th. (John Barnett)
Whinchat | Mark Coller
One high over Patchway at lunchtime on the 14th. (Greg Dawes)
A male singing on Yate Common on the 19th with a second bird there on the 21st. (Mark Coller) A singing male at Hanham on the 26th. (Rob Laughton)
♂ Wood Warbler | Mark Coller
MAY 2020
Three, two dark and one pale morph from Severn Beach on the 22nd. (Paul Bowerman, Lee Evans) Up to four from Severn Beach on the 23rd. (Ed Betteridge, et.al) One from Severn Beach on the 24th. (Severnside Birds)
Dark morph Arctic Skua | Matt Hobbs
Three adults on Pilning WR on the 24th. (Chris Snook)
A female at New Passage on the 7th. (Rob Emery)
Two noted at Lyde Green Lake on the 2nd. (Barry Dursley) Two from Severn Beach on the 4th and 9th. (Paul Bowerman) Eight (presumably calling males) were reported from Western Distribution, Severn Beach on the 18th. (Avon Birds) It represents the highest single count for S. Glos surpassing the five heard/ seen on November 8th 2019 at Oldbury Power Station. Two from OPS on the 21st.
A summer adult on Pining WR, Northwick Warth on May 21st - 25th. (Aravind Ramesh) The first record!
Collared Pratincole | Aravind Ramesh
One reported from the Rockhampton area on the 16th. (Avon Birds)
GANNET
The first of the year noted from Severn Beach on the 23rd.
GUILLEMOT The first of the year noted from Severn Beach on the 23rd.
A female near Hill on the 7th. (Keith Williams)
HOBBY
A small movement of birds across the recording area on the 4th involved at least seven individuals. (TBOSG, Mark Coller, Paul Bowdler)
Hobby | Mark Coller
LITTLE STINT
The first of the year was noted on Pilning WR on the 11th. (Richard Cox)
A female at Severn Beach on the 4th. (Paul Bowerman) A female-type at OPS on the 11th and 13th (Barry Dursley)
A 1st summer from Severn Beach on the 22nd. (Paul Bowerman) One from Severn Beach on the 23rd. (Ed Betteridge)
At least two from Severn Beach on the 22nd. (Paul Bowerman)
RAZORBILL
The first of the year from Severn Beach on the 23rd.
2nd: One over Hanham, one over Wapley Bushes LNR/ Yate. 4th: Three from Chipping Sodbury, six over Yate, three at Frampton Cotterell, one over Wick. 5th: One over Warmley, one over Chipping Sodbury Common. 6th: Three in the Shire Valley, Marshfield, one over Yate. 7th: One over Dean Road, Yate, one in the Shire Valley, Marshfield. 8th: One or two over Kingsgate Park/ Yate. 9th: One over Alveston, one over Down Road, Marshfield. 11th: One over Stoke Gifford/ Bradley Stoke, one over Leyhill, one over Hanham. 12th: Singles near Ingst, Chipping Sodbury Common/ Yate, over Yate and West Littleton. 13th: One near Horton, one near Shepperdine, one near Thornbury. 14th: One over Iron Acton, one over Mangotsfield. 15th: One over Yate. 16th: One from the Rockhampton area. 17th: One over Wickwar. 19th: One over Yate. 20th: One over Alveston, one over Littleton-upon-Severn, four around cut fields at Wick. 21st: One over Codrington, one near Upton Cheyney. 24th: One over Coalpit Heath, one over Pilning Wetland Reserve. 25th: One Coalpit Heath, four west of Marshfield, one New Passage, one at Oldbury PS. 26th: One over Wick, one over Frampton Cotterell, one over Coalpit Heath, one over Yate. 27th: One Frampton Cotterell, the same or another Coalpit Heath, one Old Sodbury. 28th: Two over Tortworth, one over Little Stoke. 29th: One or two over Frampton Cotterell. 30th: One over Yate, one at Marshfield. 31st: One Thornbury, Marshfield and Chipping Sodbury, two NP/ NW, Itchington and Latteridge.
Red Kite | Mark Coller
One from Three Brooks LNR on the 13th and 31st. (Avon Birds)
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
The first of this year's crop was noted at Castle Farm, Marshfield on the 8th. (John Barnett)
One on Pilning WR, Northwick Warth on the 25th. (Rod Holbrook)
Spoonbill | Rod Holbrook
One or two from Severn Beach before by mid-day with up to three there in the evening on the 23rd. (Ed Betteridge, Cliff Smith) Two from Severn Beach on the 24th. (Ian Wells)
Storm Petrel | Aravind Ramesh
A surprise patch first at Marshfield on the 11th. (John Barnett) One on Pilning WR on the 14th. (Ian Dickie)
JUNE 2020
A dark morph from Severn Beach on the 28th. (Paul Bowerman, Nigel Warren) Three, two light and one dark morph from Severn Beach on the 29th. (Et.al)
A French ringed adult on Pilning WR on the 15th. (Paul Bowerman) Up to fifteen present throughout the month plus at least three well grown chicks. Confirmation of the first ever breeding record of this species in S. Gloucestershire! (Many thanks to Paul Bowerman at Severnside Birds for the updates)
Avocet (French ringed) | Paul Bowerman
Adults and youngsters from Littleton-upon-Severn early in the month. Five, adults and youngsters at Oldbury Power Station on the 13th. (Pete Hazelwood)
Two heard south over Thornbury on the 14th. (Matt Scott) Four north over Severn Beach on the 16th. (Paul Bowerman) Two north over Northwick Warth on the 17th. (Aravind Ramesh) At least three over at Thornbury Sailing Club and one over Yate on the 26th. (Pete Hazelwood, Mark Coller)
One noted in the Marshfield area on the 28th.(John Barnett)
Four, the first of the year, from Severn Beach on the 16th. (Paul Bowerman) The first ever June occurrence! One on Pilning WR and two upriver past Oldbury Power Station on the 25th.(Rob Emery, Pete Hazelwood)
Great White Egret | Rob Emery
One between Henfield and Westerleigh on the 14th. (Katherine Boon)
Hoopoe | Katherine Boon
A summer adult on Pilning WR on the 15th. (Aravind Ramesh) An adult on Pilning WR on the 27th. (Matt Plenty) A 2nd calendar from Severn Beach on the 29th and 30th. (Et.al)
Mediterranean Gull | TBOSG
One was reported over Bitton and Oldland Common on the 22nd.
Two audible from Down Road, Marshfield on the 4th. (per Matt Scott) One audible at Harcombe Farm, Marshfield around the 23rd. (via Robert Hargreaves) One audible from Rushmead Lane on the 26th. (John Barnett) One audible from Down Track on the 27th with two present on the 30th. (Karle Burford, John Barnett
Common Quail. | Mike Tripi.
This individual of 'unknown origin' was present in a garden at Lyde Green
Along with Common Pheasant and Red-legged Partridge, in excess of 15,000 'game birds' are released in the area for shooting purposes.
1st: One over Yate, one over Warmley, one over Pilning WR. 2nd: One over Kingswood, one over Yate, one over Wick Quarry. 4th: One from Easter Compton. 5th: One over Kingswood. 7th: One from the Shire Valley with the same or another from Down Road, Marshfield. 9th: One over Severn Beach, one reported from Marshfield. 11th: One from Acton Turville. 12th: One over Little Stoke/ Patchway, one over Frampton Cotterell, one over OPS. 13th: Singles over the M32 at Frenchay, Golden Valley, Wick and West Littleton Down. 14th: Several sightings from around the Wick area. 15th: One over OPS. 17th: One over Down Road, Marshfield. 25th: One over Chipping Sodbury Common. 26th: One over Marshfield.
Red Kite | Nigel Jones
One over Kestrel Close, Yate on the 24th. (Darren Pearce) The second ever and the first June occurrence!
Two from Severn Beach over high tide on the 28th and at least five present on the 29th. (Et.al)
Storm Petrel | TBOSG
An adult on Pilning WR on the 14th - 15th and 17th. (Ian Dickie, et.al) The first ever June occurrence!
Wood Sandpiper | Dean Reeves
JULY 2020
BREEDING WADERS ON PILNING WR - 2020: Follow this link to Severnside Birds for full details: http://www.severnsidebirds.co.uk/page4.html
Two from Severn Beach in the evening on the 5th. (Cliff Smith, Adam Cross)
Three, the highest S. Glos count, were present in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland Reserve area on the 31st. (Matt Plenty) This occurrence represents, the first July record and the highest count of this species in S. Glos! Previous highest count was two on January 1st 2017 at Toghill Farm, Wick.
Cattle Egret | Matt Plenty
One south over Yate on the 3rdt. (Mark Coller) One was reported over New Passage on the 5th. (Severnside Birds) One both seen and heard over 'The Glen' at New Passage on the 26th. (Aravind Ramesh)
COMMON SCOTER
Five (three adult male and two female/juvenile) were noted in flight downriver past Oldbury Power Station around mid-day on the 13th. (Pete Hazelwood) They were subsequently seen off New Passage and Severn Beach. A 1st year male on the R. Severn off New Passage on the 19th. (Richard Hearn)
LITTLE EGRET
A dozen were counted on Pilning WR on the 1st. (Matt Plenty)
MANX SHEARWATER
Over 300 were counted from Severn Beach over high tide on the 3rdt. (Paul Bowerman)
One reported from Northwick Warth/ Pilning WR in the evening on the 1st, an adult on the 7th, a 2nd summer on the 8th and two adults on the12th. An adult and 2nd calendar year on Pilning WR on the 26th. (Aravind Ramesh)
MISTLE THRUSH
At least forty (40) were counted west of Ringswell, Marshfield on the 13th, a new record count for S. Glos! (John Barnett) The previous highest count was >30 on August 21st 2019 at Willsbridge.
A flock of twenty-two (22) 'redheads' were seen in flight low downriver past Oldbury Power Station at 06:20 on the 30th. (Pete Hazelwood) The occurrence represents highest ever S. Glos count (previous highest count was nine (9) on April 4th 1998 from Severn Beach), the first July record and earliest ever date!
6th One drifted south-west from Lagoon III at OPS.
7th One over Marshfield village.
10th One over Northwick Warth.
12th One over Coalpit Heath.
13th One over Charfield.
19th Two south-east over Shortwood.
22nd One over Chipping Sodbury Common.
31st Four in fields between Marshfield and The Folly from the A420.
Red Kite | Pete Coslett
Two from Severn Beach in the evening on the 5th. (Cliff Smith, Phil Owen, Adam Cross)
Storm Petrel | TBOSG
A female type seen in difficult viewing conditions from Severn Beach at 19:00 on the 5th was putatively this species . (Cliff Smith, Phil Owen, Adam Cross) This is potentially the first record of this species in S. Glos since 1996, some 24 years.
An adult on Pilning WR on the 8th - 9th. (Richard Parry) with the same or another adult there on the 13th - 19th. (Paul Bowerman)
Wood Sandpiper | Paul Bowerman
An adult and a juvenile were noted on Pilning WR mid-afternoon on the 30th. (Matt Plenty)
AUGUST 2020
Two were seen in the New Passage/ Pilning Wetland Reserve on the 9th. (Severnside Birds)
BLACK TERN
One, the first of the year, to the north-east from Severn Beach on the 21st. (Paul Bowerman)
An autumn male, the first of the year, was noted from Northwick Warth on the 12th. (Aravind Ramesh) The same or another was noted also on Northwick Warth on the 17th. These occurrences represents the latest date and the first ever August record of this form in S. Glos! The previous latest date was May 24th 2018 on Northwick Warth.
Male Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail | Aravind Ramesh
One over Chipping Sodbury Common early morning on the 8th. (Mark Coller)
CORMORANT
A good count of twenty-six (26) was logged at Oldbury Power Station on the 12th. (Pete Hazelwood) Twenty-one counted in flight south past Northwick Warth on the 24th. (Pal Bowerman)
CURLEW SANDPIPER
A juvenile, the first of the year, was seen at Pillhead Gout, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 22nd - 23rd. (Pete Hazelwood)
An individual was found roosting at the base of an apple tree in The Orchard at Oldbury Power Station on the 22nd. It was subsequently seen in flight where the 'white wing flashes' were clearly evident. (Barry Dursley, Pete Coslett)
An unconfirmed report of four, a female and three juveniles, on The Lake at Oldbury Power Station on the 18th. (Heather England)
One reported frequenting the Tortworth area on several dates throughout the month. (Fen Marshall)
One was disturbed from a ditch on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 27th. (Mark Coller)
GREAT SKUA
One, the first of the year, was seen distantly from New Passage on the 16th. (Chris Stone, Paul Bowerman)
One was reported from the New Passage/ Pilning Wetland Reserve area on the 12th. (Dru Brooke-Taylor)
One reported south past Severn Beach at 13:25 on the 25th. (Ian Dickie) This occurrence represents the earliest date for this species in S. Glos. Previous earliest date was the 29th August 1997 off Severn Beach. One was reported south past Oldbury Power Station at mid-day on the 26th. (Craig Lewis)
One was noted from Tortworth Court Lake on the 2nd. (Thomas Weston)
Mandarin | Charlotte Foote
A juvenile was reported in flight to the east over Pilning Wetland Reserve, Northwick Warth in the afternoon on the 1st. One was reported from the New Passage/ Pilning Wetland Reserve area on the 12th. (Dru Brooke-Taylor) A juvenile was reported to the south-west over Pilning Wetland Reserve on the 14th. (Avon Birds) A female was noted on Northwick Warth on the 26th. (Chris Stone)
Two moulting adults were seen around Pillhead Gout at Oldbury-on-Severn on the 7th. (Pete Hazelwood) Two juveniles were reported from the New Passage/ Pilning Wetland Reserve area on the 16th. (Severnside Birds) A winter adult was present at Pillhead Gout, Oldbury-on Severn on the 20th. Two winter adults were noted at Pillhead Gout on the 22nd with three present there on the 23rd. (Pete Hazelwood) A juvenile south past Severn Beach on the 25th. (Gary Hughes)
Mediterranean Gull | Pete Hazelwood
House Sparrow
A very interesting male (House) Sparrow found in a private garden at Yate on the 2nd was noted as showing a strong resemblance to that of Italian Sparrow! (Anita, Chris and David Teague) Present until at least the 5th.
House Sparrow | Chris Teague
In contrast this pale individual was seen in Kingswood from the 6th | TBOSG
One briefly in the Shire Valley, Marshfield early morning on the 9th. (John Barnett)
One, assumed to be this species, was seen low, circling and calling over a private garden at Oldland Common before departing towards St. Anne's Church at 19:00 on the 16th. (Paul Francis)
A juvenile was present in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland Reserve area on the 23rd - 26th. (Anne Crowe, et.al) It represents the first ever August record of this species in S. Glos!
Juvenile Rose-coloured Starling | Aravind Ramesh
One was reported from Severn Beach early morning on the 21st. (Severnside Birds) The first in from the recording area for three years with the last seen in August 2017.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
Ten on July 26th in the Shire Valley at Marshfield had increased to at least a dozen on the 2nd. (John Barnett)
One was seen from Severn Beach mid-morning on the 21st. (Gary Hughes) At least two individuals present off Severn Beach on the 22nd. (Ian Dickie, et.al) At least three reported off Severn Beach on the 23rd. (Severnside Birds) One lingering off Severn Beach mid-afternoon on the 25th. (Gary Hughes)
Storm Petrel | Aravind Ramesh, TBOSG
A juvenile was noted on Pilning Wetland Reserve on the 11th - 15th. (Paul Bowerman, et.al) One was seen on Pilning Wetland Reserve early morning on the 29th. (Ian Dickie)
A juvenile was seen from New Passage on the 3rd. (Severnside Birds) An adult was seen in flight heading north-east over Severn Beach on the 10th. (Paul Bowerman) A juvenile was seen at Oldbury Power Station on the 14th. (Pete Hazelwood)
SEPTEMBER 2020
Two were noted on Pilning Wetland Reserve, Northwick Warth on the 1st with one still present on the 2nd with another there on the 5th and one on the 6th (Paul Bowerman); Six were present at Shepperdine on the 10th (Pete Hazelwood); Four were seen at Pillhead Gout, Littleton Warth late afternoon on the 28th. (OPS Birding)
One was present briefly on Northwick Warth on the 1st before being relocated on Pilning Wetland Reserve late morning (Paul Bowerman, Matt Rogers); One was found early on the 22nd on Pilning WR where it remained throughout the day. (Oscar Dewhurst)
Cattle Egret | Paul Bowerman
CETTI'S WARBLER
One noted from Lyde Green Lake, Lyde Green on the 14th. (Tim Ford)
Three were disturbed during crop harvesting on Rushmead Farm, Marshfield on the 1st; One flushed from Northfield Lane on the 11th; One disturbed on Rushmead Farm on the 25th. (John Barnett)
The distinctive call of one was heard half a dozen times as it flew west over Down Road, Marshfield on the 2nd. (John Barnett)
FIELDFARE
Six, high to the south-west over Oldbury Power Station on the 28th, is a record equalling earliest date for this species in S. Glos! (Andrew Middleton)
A male showed beautifully in a flock with Goldcrest from the riverside path by Cleeve Road Bridge on Frenchay Moor on the 25th. (Ollie Fournier)
An immature was seen on Butts Pool, Pilning WR from the 5th - 24th. (Matt Plenty)
Juvenile Garganey | Matt Plenty
One was reported from the Horton area on the 5th. (BOC Bird News)
One was seen in flight from Littleton Warth towards The Lake at Oldbury Power Station at 07:40 on the 1st before departing to the south-south-west. (Pete Hazelwood) One briefly on Pilning WR, Northwick Warth at 11:20 on the 5th. (Paul Bowerman) One was seen on Pilning WR, Northwick Warth on the 17th. (Paul Marshall)
Great White Egret | Pete Hazelwood
The first returning bird of the autumn was noted on Butts Pool, Pilning WR, Northwick Warth early morning on the 19th. (Oscar Dewhurst) One noted in the Shire Valley, Marshfield on the 21st (John Barnett)
A female was seen at Kingsgate Park, Yate early morning on the 1st and the 6th. (Mark Coller)
Mandarin | Mark Coller
One noted from the Northwick Warth/ Pilning WR area on the 2nd (Paul Bowerman) with the same or another present there on the 7th and the 16th. (Rob Emery, Severnside Birds)
Marsh Harrier | Rob Emery
An adult was seen on Pilning WR, Northwick Warth early morning on the 19th (Ian Dickie) with the same or another over Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station late morning. (Pete Hazelwood)
MERLIN
The first returning individual was note south over Pilning WR, Northwick Warth area on the 20th. (Oscar Dewhurst)
One was seen at Littleton Brick Pits in flight low to the east towards Thornbury at 12:25 on the 12th. (Thomas Weston)
One present on Butts Pool, Pilning WR from the 13th - 25th.
Pectoral Sandpiper | Paul Bowerman
A 1st winter was found at the junction of the Tormarton Road and Rushmead Lane, Marshfield at ST: 784 752 from the 5th - 9th. (Nigel and Sue Kempson) This occurrence represents the first September record, the first Marshfield patch record and the latest date for this species in the recording area! (Previous latest date was 30th August 2003 at Severn Beach).
Red-backed Shrike | Allan Chard
One in the Ringswell Valley, Marshfield on the 2nd (John Barnett), One over Severn Beach on the 4th, One over Rushmead Lane, Marshfield on the 6th (Gary Hughes), One at Shepperdine on the 10th (Pete Hazelwood), One over Chipping Sodbury Common on the 12th. (Mark Coller) On over Down Road, Marshfield on the 27th. (John Barnett)
One was reported from Three Brooks LNR, Bradley Stoke on the 5th.
One was noted in flight east over Pilning WR, Northwick Warth early morning on the 17th. (Oscar Dewhurst)
One was both seen and photographed in a private garden at Elberton where it spent the afternoon on the 5th. (Kevin Bayston) One was seen at 15:15 by the metal gate near the shore on Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station on the 20th. (Morris Benson)
Wryneck | Kevin Bayston
A juvenile/ 1st winter was seen briefly in a private garden in Kingswood, Bristol early morning on the 30th. (TBOSG)
Yellow-browed Warbler | TBOSG
OCTOBER 2020
One was seen on the Northwick Warth shore on the 24th.
One was seen briefly in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area in fields by 2nd sentry box on Northwick Warth on the 23rd. (Aravind Ramesh) One noted with Little Egret at Littleton-upon-Severn on the 31st. (Matt Plenty)
Cattle Egret | Aravind Ramesh and Matt Plenty
Seven were counted drifting high east late afternoon over Tortworth towards Charfield on the 9th. (Fen Marshall) This occurrence represents a record equalling highest count and the latest date for this species in S. Glos. The previous latest date was October 7th 2016 on Northwick Warth.
One calling over Cherry Wood, Marshfield (John Barnett) and one reported over New Passage on the 15th; At least three were seen in Milbury Heath plantation in the morning on the 18th. (Matt Scott)
COMMON STONECHAT
At least twenty (20+) counted from the Oldbury Power Station patch on the 5th. (Pete Hazelwood) A new highest count - the previous highest count was fourteen on March 7th 2017 also at Oldbury Power Station.
One was present in the hedgerow at the northern end of Northwick Warth Flash on the 23rd and again on the 30th. (Aravind Ramesh) One was processed in the Almondsbury area on October 25th. (Adam Cross)
Firecrest | Aravind Ramesh and Adam Cross
One was seen in flight over the M5 near Tytherington late afternoon on the 4th (Paul Bowdler); One north-east over Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust in the morning on the 14th (Matt Hobbs); Two were reported in flight south over the M48 between Ingst and Aust (ST: 58 88) at around 09:50. (Richard Lansdown)
Great White Egret | Matt Hobbs
GREENLAND WHEATEAR
One was reported from the Oldbury Power Station/ Shepperdine area on the 7th. (Avon Birds)
One was seen briefly from a garden in Kingswood, Bristol before heading south-east mid-morning on the 11th. (TBOSG) One north-east over Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust in the morning on the 14th. (Matt Hobbs)
Hawfinch | TBOSG
One was noted from the foreshore at Severn Beach on the 18th. (Severnside Birds)
One, almost certainly this species, was heard twice in flight over the 1st Sentry Box on Northwick Warth late afternoon on the 22nd. (Phil Baber)
LITTLE EGRET
A flock of seventeen (17) was noted at Littleton-upon-Severn on the 31st. (Matt Plenty)
One was noted at high tide from Pillhead Gout, Littleton Warth on the 1st (Pete Hazelwood); A 2nd winter was present at Severn Beach on the 4th. (Paul Bowerman)
One west over Latteridge at 12:45 on the 6th (Chris Teague); One over the M4 from New Passage at 13:20 on the 14th (Greg Dawes); One at Marshfield on the 17th. (Avon Birds)
REDWING
The first returning birds were noted over Winterbourne on the 5th. (Dan White)
One was picked up exhausted from a field on Hoovers Lane, Frampton Cotterell early morning on the 1st and taken into care! (OPS Birding); One was noted from the foreshore at Severn Beach on the 18th. (Severnside Birds)
One, the first of the year, was seen visiting feeders at Severn Beach on the 18th. (Adam Cross)
WATER PIPIT
One probably this species from the Northwick
Warth/ Pilning WR area from the 3rd - 5th.
(Paul Bowerman, Phil Baber)
One north-east over Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust in the morning on the 14th. (Matt Hobbs)
One was processed at Littleton Brick Pits Ringing Station, Littleton Warth on the 7th. (Mark Dadds)
Yellow-browed Warbler | Mark Dadds
OCTOBER VIS (V)/ NOC (N) MIG:
Saturday 11th:
Kingswood, Bristol: (V) A small movement of winter thrushes including Blackbird, Redwing and Fieldfare but the highlight was a re-orientating Hawfinch. (TBOSG)
Wednesday 14th:
Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust: (V) A big movement of 8150 Redwing, 5100 Starling, 2642 Chaffinch plus Hawfinch, Woodlark and Great White Egret in crystal clear skies with a fresh NE wind. (Matt Hobbs)
Hanham: (V) Two Brambling calling over a private garden early afternoon along with small numbers of Redwing and Chaffinch. (Rob Laughton)
Severn Beach: (N) 54 Redwing calls in first few hours, single Coot, Blackbird and Song Thrush. (Adam Cross)
Thursday 15th:
Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust: (V) Chaffinch 2827, Jackdaw 1280, Starling 2121, Brambling, Fieldfare 793, Greenfinch 29, Redwing 1892, Alba Wagtail 106. (Matt Hobbs)
Saturday 17th:
Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust: (V) Fieldfare 158, Greenfinch 54, Redwing 235, Linnet 37, Redpoll sp. 4, Alba Wagtail sp. 64, Goldfinch 283, Siskin 28, Chaffinch 2131, Brambling 3. (Matt Hobbs, Dan Webb)
NOVEMBER 2020
A light morph was seen from Severn Beach early morning on the 2nd. (Severnside Birds)
Three were present on Pilning WR, Northwick Warth in the morning on the 17th and 18th (Paul Bowerman) with one present again on the 21st. (Aravind Ramesh)
Avocet | Paul Bowerman
OLDBURY POWER STATION: A winter male was noted late afternoon on the 8th; Three, a male and two female/ 1st winters on the 9th - 10th, 16th and 19th; A winter male and one female/ 1st winter on the 11th and 27th; A female/ 1st winter on the 12th, 20th, 24th, 28th and 29th; Two female/ 1st winter on the 18th, 23rd and 26th; Four, a female/ 1st winter around the outbuildings, a female/ 1st winter on the jetty and a male and female/ 1st winter at the waterworks on the 25th.
Black Redstart | Pete Hazelwood and Pete Coslett
One was reported from the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area on the 1st. It represents the first ever record of this species for S. Glos in November!
One was seen from the cycle path from Ableton Lane, Severn Beach in the morning on the 12th. (Rich Miles) One was reported as 'still present' near the 'flash' on Northwick Warth on the 22nd and 28th. (via ABNG)
Four, a ♂ and three ♀/ brownheads, were present at Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 24th before moving on towards Coopers Lake. (Mark Coller)
Goosander | Mark Coller
One was seen in flight heading south-west, down river, from Severn Beach at 07:45 on the 2nd. (Paul Bowerman)
GREAT SKUA
One was seen from Severn Beach early morning on the 2nd. (Paul Bowerman)
One was seen in flight to the north-east from New Passage (Aravind Ramesh) and two were noted in flight north-east past Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust on the 7th. (Matt Hobbs, Dan Webb)
Great White Egret | Matt Hobbs
Four were noted in flight north-east past Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust on the 7th. (Matt Hobbs, Dan Webb) One in flight east near Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 10th. (Mark Coller)
Hawfinch | Matt Hobbs
One was seen in flight to the north-east past Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust on the 7th (Matt Hobbs, Dan Webb); One was seen on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 26th; One was noted on Yate Common on the 28th. (Mark Coller)
Jack Snipe | Matt Hobbs
KITTIWAKE
Around 120 were watched from Severn Beach early morning on the 2nd. (Aravind Ramesh)
LITTLE GULL
A 1st winter was seen at close range in flight upriver past Oldbury Power Station at 07:35 on the 2nd. (Pete Hazelwood)
NORTHERN WHEATEAR
A late bird was present on the shore adjacent to Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station on the 3rd. (Pete Hazelwood)
Northern Wheatear | Tbosg
One noted over Rushmead Lane on the 6th. (Pete Coslett)
NEW PASSAGE/ SEVERN BEACH: A winter female was present on the seawall from the 7th - 9th and 15th where it was joined briefly by a second individual around mid-day on the 8th. Then two birds present at the same site from the 10th - 14th. (Rosemary Setter, Neil Smart, et.al)
Snow Bunting | Rosemary Setter
SWALLOW
A late bird was seen over West Littleton on the 22nd. (John Barnett) The latest date for this species in S. Glos is December 17th 2013 from Aust Warth.
A winter adult was seen around West Littleton Dam on the 7th. (John Barnett)
NOVEMBER VIS (V)/ NOC (N) MIG:
Saturday 7th
Severn Bridge Viewpoint, Aust: (V) Chaffinch 1891, Great White Egret 2, Brambling 28, Starling 2972, Hawfinch 4, Fieldfare 598, Redwing 743, Greenfinch 40, Jack Snipe 1, Goldfinch 259, Woodpigeon 474. (Matt Hobbs, Dan Webb)
DECEMBER 2020
Four were noted on the foreshore at New Passage on the 10th with five present there on the 15th - 20th, two on the 21st. (Paul Bowerman)
OLDBURY POWER STATION: A female type was noted on the south-west most buildings on the 1st and around the Jetty on the 2nd, 6th, 12th - 14th and 16th; A 1st winter male on the 10th. (Birdwatching at Oldbury Power Station) One was reported from Jobs Green Farm, Oldbury on the 6th.
At least one, putatively this species, was seen briefly around The Lake at Oldbury Power Station on the 12th. (Heather England)
Putative Common Redpoll | Heather England
DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE
One was seen floating up river from Severn Beach late afternoon on the 26th. (Severnside Birds)
One was seen with Canada Geese on the S. Glos side of the R. Avon opposite Avon Valley CP and 1km east of the Lock Keeper PH on the 26th. (Chris Mott)
A presumed female was seen again near the 'flash' on Northwick Warth on the 1st (Paul Bowerman) and again in the same area on the 22nd. (Aravind Ramesh)
Four, two males and two females were noted commuting between Brimsham Park Lake and Cooper's Lake, Yate on the 14th; Two males and four females noted from the same sites on the 15th; Two males and five females on Cooper's Lake on the 21st; A flock of eight flew over Kingsgate Park on the 22nd. Six, a male plus five 'redheads' from Brimsham Park, Yate on the 25th; Eight, two males and six 'redheads', present there on the 26th and seven one male and six 'redheads on the 27th; Seven, two males and five 'redheads' briefly in Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 29th; Eight on Brimsham Park Lake on the 30th later on Cooper's Lake and eight over Kingsgate Park early morning on the 31st.
Goosander | Mark Coller
AUST WARTH: Three were reported on the 1st, at least two on the 4th, one on the 6th and three on the 31st.
A wholly unconfirmed report of one along Broadmead Brook in the Shire Valley on the 29th.
A winter adult was reported from Northwick Warth on the 20th - 21st.
Mediterranean Gull | Paul Bowerman
One was seen over Chipping Sodbury Common on the 5th. (Mark Coller)
One seen in flight to the south near Kingsgate Park, Yate mid-morning on the 24th. (Mark Coller)
One was reported from the Aust Warth area on the 1st and 4th; One was seen in flight along Northwick Warth then over Pilning WR on the 8th. (Bri Thompson)
Short-eared Owl | Bri Thompson
A winter female was reported 'flushed' from the Aust Warth area on the 1st, 4th and 31st.
A winter flock of eleven individuals were found in fields at the entrance to Oldbury Power Station on December 5th. This occurrence represent the first ever record of this species for S. Gloucestershire. Noted at Slimbridge on several dates they were again present in the Maize field at Oldbury Power Station early morning briefly on the 10th - 11th and flushed from Lagoon I at 08:20 on the 12th. (Pete Hazelwood)
Tundra Bean Geese | Pete Hazelwood
Two were seen working a grassy puddle on Pilning WR on the 24th and one was seen in flight from the Second Sentry Box on Northwick Warth towards the wetland on the 25th. (Paul Bowerman)
Four were 'picked up' in flight south-west over the estuary past Oldbury Power Station around 08:15 on the 8th. (Pete Hazelwood. They then proceeded to do a circuit of the estuary being seen at Severn Beach and Pilning WR before heading back out onto the river where they were lost to view. (Paul Bowerman)
Whooper Swan | Paul Bowerman
One was first seen in a private garden on Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke around mid-day on the 28th where it was present for around 15 minutes. It was subsequently seen in the same garden around 14:00 on the 30th where it remained for just a few minutes. (Rachael Ann and Robin Jones)
Yellow-browed Warbler | Robin Jones (Video grabs)
A 1st winter was reported from Northwick Warth on the 20th.