THE SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BIRDS DIARY

2023


JANUARY

 

 

JANUARY

Location

Totals

1st

New Passage/ Pilning WR

2

2nd

New Passage/ Pilning WR

7

14th

Four on Aust Warth

4

17th

Eighteen in the Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area plus nine on Aust Warth

27

19th

Fourteen in the Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area

14

20th

Twenty-one on Northwick/ Aust Warth

21

22nd

Six on Northwick/ Aust Warth

6

23rd

Twelve on Northwick/ Aust Warth plus a further ten on Pilning WR

22

Total

 

≥93

 

BARNACLE GOOSE

At least fifty (50) were present on Northwick/ Aust Warth on the 22nd - 23rd with the same flock noted north-east past Oldbury Power Station also on the 23rd; Eight in the New Passage area and thirty-four in the Shepperdine area on the 24th - 25th; Thirty-four in the New Passage area on the 26th - 28th with a couple or three lingering until the 31st.

 

At least twenty, probably more, on Northwick Warth from New Passage first thing on the 22nd with birds moving north-east over Aust View Point, Severn View Services with nine noted on the estuary towards Thornbury Sailing Club at 15:15; Fifteen still present in the Northwick/ Aust Warth area on the 23rd; Up to seven lingering in the New Passage/ Oldbury Power Station environs on the 24th - 30th.

 

Bewick's Swan | Paul Bowerman

 

Severn Beach; A female/ 1st winter male continued around the sea defences from the 1st - 31st. Oldbury Power Station Environs; A winter male between the car park and Lagoon II on the 18th - 20th; A female/ 1st winter on the 22nd; Two, a winter male and a female/ 1st winter by The Jetty on the 23rd, the male still present on the 24th, one seen again on the 27th and a female type on the 30th.

 

Black Redstart | Tim Sakeld

 

BRAMBLING

One reported in the Tormarton area on the 20th.

 

CASPIAN GULL

A wholly unconfirmed report of an adult at Severn Beach on the 2nd.

 

Three were reported in flight to the north-west over Willsbridge Mill around 10:30 on the 17th.

 

DUNLIN

The largest flock ever recorded in S. Gloucestershire (c.10,000) was logged over the saltmarsh at New Passage on the 11th. The previous highest count was c.8,700 on Severnside on November 12th 2002.

 

One from Severn Beach on the 4th and 14th; One from Shepperdine plus three from Severn Beach on the 13th.

 

Fulmar | Paul Bowerman

 

 

JANUARY

Location

Totals

1st

3♂ - 2♀ on Coopers/ Stanshaws Lake, Yate

5

2nd

3♂ - 3♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

6

10th

1♂ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

1

12th

Eight mixed sexes on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

8

13th

Five flew over a Yate garden

5

14th

2♀ on Kingsgate Park Lake, Yate

2

15th

1♂ - 1♀ on Kendleshire GC Lake

2

16th

1♂ - 2♀ over Kingsgate Park, Yate

3

17th

5♂ - 5♀ on Stanshaw's Lake, Yate

10

21st

1♀ on the R. Avon by Siston Brook

1

25th

5♂ - 3♀ on Stanshaw's Lake, Yate

8

26th

3♂ - 2♀ in and over Kingsgate Park, Yate

5

Total

 

≥56

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

One was present on Aust Warth on the 23rd.

 

HAWFINCH

Twenty, the largest ever flock for S. Gloucestershire, was counted on the edge of Cloud Wood opposite Doncombe Scrubs, Marshfield on the14th. (Tim Sakeld) The previous highest count was twelve on February 2nd 2006 at Yate.

 

Hawfinch | Tim Sakeld

 

JACK SNIPE

One present on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 19th; At least two were disturbed from Aust Warth on the 22nd; One reported from the Thornbury Sailing Club area on the 24th; One from Dunsdown Lane, Marshfield and two on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 27th; One reported from the Oldbury Power Station environs on the 31st.

 

LEACH'S PETREL

One put in an appearance off Severn Beach on the 4th; One from Severn Beach on the 13th.

 

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER

One was heard calling half a dozen times with long intervals in between at an undisclosed site in the north-east of the recording area on the 31st.

 

LITTLE GULL

Severn Beach: A 1st winter on the 8th; A 1st winter on the 11th; An adult on the 12th; A 1st winter on the 13th.

 

Little Gull | Mark Coller

 

MARSH HARRIER

One noted in the Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area then Aust Warth on the 17th; One from Pilning WR, New Passage with the same female up-river then across the estuary at Oldbury Power Station on the 23rd.

 

A 1st winter was seen from Severn Beach on the 14th; A winter adult at Oldbury Power Station on the 20th; A 1st winter on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 26th.

 

JANUARY

Location

Totals

1st

Singles over Thornbury, North Common and CSC; Two in the Shire Valley,

5

2nd

One over Swineford Picnic Site

1

5th

One over Kingswood

1

6th

One over Yate

1

8th

Four in the Shire Valley, one over Hanham

5

20th

One over Wickwar. Up to four over North Common

5

22nd

One over West Littleton Down, Marshfield, three over North Common, two from Yate Rocks

6

23rd

Singles at Oldbury Power Station and Old Sodbury

2

26th

One over the A420 Wick

1

27th

One at North Common

1

28th

One at Marshfield

1

29th

One in the Shire Valley, Marshfield

1

31st

Eleven near Hawkesbury Upton and singles at Bucknor, Bitton, Bridgeyate and Marshfield

15

Total

 

≥45

 

RING-NECKED PARAKEET

Three present in the Hermitage/ Long Wood area at Stoke Park, Frenchay on the 6th.

 

ROSS'S GOOSE

A winter adult was present in the Aust/ Northwick Warth area on the 22nd - 23rd. This occurrence represents the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire!

 

Matt Hall

 

RUFF

A early bird was present at Oldbury Power Station on the 23rd.

 

SABINE'S GULL

A 1st winter was seen from Severn Beach on the morning of the 14th - 15th. It was also was seen later in the day heading south-west away from Severn Beach. This occurrence represents the first ever January record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.

 

SHAG

Two, an adult and a 1st winter, were present on the Tidal Reservoir, Oldbury Power Station on the 16th.

 

Shag |Pete Hazelwood

 

SHORT-EARED OWL

AUST WARTH: One on the 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th; Two reported on the 18th; Three on the 20th.

 

Short-eared Owl | Matty England

 

SPOONBILL

A juvenile/ immature was noted in flight to the south-west past Severn Beach around 13:00 on the 17th.

 

WATER PIPIT

One present on the salt marsh at Severn Beach on the 28th with two noted on the 30th.

 

WATER RAIL

A good count of eight (8) from Three Brooks LNR, Bradley Stoke on the 24th.

 

WHOOPER SWAN

At least seven on Northwick Warth from New Passage first thing on the 22nd, twelve past Aust View Point, Severn View Services a little later and seven up-river past Oldbury Power Station at 14:40; One illusive individual 'heard only' at Oldbury Power Station on the 23rd.


FEBRUARY

 

 

FEBRUARY

Location

Totals

6th

Aust Warth

2

11th

New Passage/ Pilning WR

5

14th

New Passage/ Pilning WR

3

18th

New Passage/ Pilning WR

5

24th

New Passage/ Pilning WR

12

Total

 

≥27

 

 

Two in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area from the 1st - 28th.

 

BRAMBLING

A female mixing with Lesser Redpoll on Yate Common Yate on the 3rd.

 

A 1st winter from Aust Warth on the from the 1st - 11th; A adult was seen in flight south-east over Pilning WR on the 4th.

 

SEVERN BEACH: A female/ 1st winter male continued around the sea defences from the 1st - 28th. OLDBURY POWER STATION: A winter male and a female/ 1st winter male present from the 6th - 27th at least. OTHERS: One reported from Chipping Sodbury on the 4th.

 

Black Redstart | Nigel Sluman

 

Two were seen in flight upriver past Oldbury Power Station at 08:35 on the 2nd.

 

 

FEBRUARY

Location

Totals

4th

3♂ - 2♀ on Kingsgate Park, Yate

5

5th

1♂ on the R. Avon near Siston Brook

1

7th

4♂ - 4♀ on Stanshaw's Lake, Yate

8

18th

5♂ - 5♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

10

19th

3♂ - 3♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

6

Total

 

≥30

 

GOSHAWK

A female was seen in flight to the south over The Mall at Cribbs Causeway on the 10th.

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

One was seen in flight from Pilning WR, New Passage on the 16th.

 

JACK SNIPE

One still present on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 19th.

 

LINNET

The largest flock ever recorded in S. Gloucestershire was estimated at c.3,000 at Tubbs Bottom, Frampton Cotterell on the 7th. It eclipses the previous record of c.1,500 on January 27th 2022 also at Frampton Cotterell.

 

MARSH HARRIER

A 2nd calendar male in the Pilning WR/ New Passage/ Northwick Warth area from the 6th - 11th; A 2nd calendar male in the Oldbury Power Station environs on the 12th and 14th.

 

MANDARIN

A male and female were present on Tortworth Court Lake, Tortworth on the 5th; Two males and a female on the Little River Avon, Lower Woods, Wickwar on the 21st.

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

An adult at Severn Beach on the 16th and 19th with the same or another in the evening roost at Oldbury Power Station on the 17th.

 

Mediterranean Gull | Paul Bowerman

 

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE

A winter adult was present in the New Passage/ Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area on the 5th. It reappeared there on the 24th and was present until the 28th.

 

Pink-footed Goose | Mark Coller

 

 

Red Kite | Paul Sadley

 

FEBRUARY

Location

Totals

1st

One over Chipping Sodbury Common

1

4th

Four near Hawkesbury Upton

4

5th

Singles over Tortworth Court Lake and Longwell Green

2

6th

Two at Wick and one over Warmley

3

10th

One over Oldland Common

1

11th

One over Wickwar

1

12th

One over Westerleigh and two over Oldland Common

3

13th

Two over Hanham Hills, one over near Tormarton

3

14th

One over Chipping Sodbury

1

15th

Two near Hawkesbury Upton and one at Marshfield

3

18th

One over Old Sodbury Community Woodland

2

19th

Six near Tormarton, five at Old Sodbury, three at Willsbridge/ Longwell Green and over Chipping Sodbury Common, two between Horton and Hawkesbury Upton

19

20th

Singles at Old Sodbury and Marshfield

2

24th

Two from Old Sodbury

2

26th

Singles at Chipping Sodbury Common, Tormarton and Wick

3

Total

 

≥50

 

SHORT-EARED OWL

There have been several sightings in recent days from various sites. Information is withheld because of unnecessary encroachment and disturbance.

 

SPOONBILL

One was reported in flight north past Aust Warth on the 26th.

 

STOCK DOVE

A good count of c.300 at Tubbs Bottom, Frampton Cotterell on the 2nd.

 

WATER PIPIT

Two were seen on scrapes near Thornbury Sailing Club, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 9th.

 

Water Pipit | Pete Hazelwood

 

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE

Five were heard calling as they flew in from the east at Severn Beach around 09:55 on the 26th before heading down river.


MARCH

 

One, and the first for nearly twenty-five years, was present at Oldbury Power Station on the 15th. It was initially 'pick-up' in flight over the car park and surrounding area at 12:15 where it remained on show for the rest of the day; eventually going to roost on the main reactor buildings at around 17:15. This occurrence represents the earliest date for this species for S. Glos! The previous earliest date was April 11th 1993 over Aust Cliffs. It left its roost site around 09:50 on the 16th, present throughout the day and going to roost around 17:40. It left its roost site around 08:45 on the 17th before heading out across the estuary around 09:40 but was not seen subsequently. A second individual was seen briefly low to the south-west across the south end of Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station at 08:40 on the 30th.

 

 

 

Alpine Swift | Mark Coller

 

A light morph adult, the first of the year, was seen from Severn Beach on the 25th.

 

Arctic Skua | Aravind Ramesh

 

A flock of forty-three were logged in the Northwick/ Aust area on the 5th. This figure represents the highest ever count of this species for S. Glos! The previous highest count was forty on March 23rd 2022 on Northwick Warth.

 

Two in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning WR area from the 1st - 7th with just one from the 8th - 31st.

 

SEVERN BEACH: A 1st winter male continued around the sea defences from the 1st - 16th.

 

Black Redstart | Paul Bowerman

 

OLDBURY POWER STATION: A winter male and a female/ 1st winter male noted from the 1st - 5th and 16th; A female/ 1st winter around The Jetty on the 13th.

 

Black Redstart | Heather England

 

BRAMBLING

A nice winter male around feeders at Avening Green on the 6th; A winter female in a private garden at Downend on the 11th - 12th and 17th.

 

Brambling | Barry Dursley

 

Two were watched very high drifting south over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 27th.

 

Common Crane | Matt Hall

 

COMMON SCOTER

A drake seen from Severn Beach on the 25th was the first of the year! Overland night-time migration kicked off late in the month with birds reported from Marshfield and Yate.

 

Two were counted on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 27th.

 

Egyptian Geese | Paul Bowerman

 

One along the R. Frome between the Centenary Field and Black Rocks, Frampton Cotterell on the 5th. It was relocated in the same area on the 17th; A male was noted at Yate Rocks, Yate on the 26th.

 

Firecrest | David Hanks

 

 

MARCH

Location

Totals

5th

2♂ - 1♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

3

7th

3♂ - 2♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

5

8th

4♂ - 4♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

8

12th

2♂ - 3♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

5

14th

4♂ - 4♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

8

15th

4♂ - 4♀ on Brimsham Park Lake, Yate

8

18th

3♂ - 4♀ on Kingsgate Park Lake, Yate

7

Total

 

≥44

 

GANNET

At least sixty-three (63) were counted from Severn Beach in stormy conditions on the 13th.

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

On reported from Tortworth Court Lake on the 5th.

 

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

One, the first of the year, was found on the grazed saltmarsh at New Passage on the 12th,

 

JACK SNIPE

One noted on Aust Warth on the 2nd and 18th; One present on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 15th - 17th.

 

Jack Snipe | Mark Coller

 

MANDARIN

An unconfirmed report of a drake at Chestle Pill, New Passage on the 3rd; A male and female on Tortworth Court Lake on the 5th; A pair reported from Bedford's Wood, Inglestone Common on the 19th.

 

MARSH HARRIER

An immature male was present around Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station on the 11th; The immature male was seen around Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station again on the 28th.

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

Two summer adults were seen on the estuary from Thornbury Sailing Club, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 14th; A 2nd winter was noted at New Passage on the 18th; A summer adult was present at Pillhead Gout, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 28th; An adult was seen from Severn Beach on the 31st.

 

NORTHERN WHEATEAR

Several, the first of the year, were noted along the Severnside coastline on the 15th at Severn Beach and Oldbury Power Station.

 

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE

A winter adult was present in the New Passage/ Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area from the 1st - 5th and 7th - 14th. Representing the latest date for this species in S. Glos! The previous latest date was March 10th 1996 on Aust and Northwick Warths'.

 

 

Red Kite | Mark Coller

 

MARCH

Location

Totals

1st

One over Chipping Sodbury Common

1

5th

One at Tortworth

1

6th

Singles over Brimsham, Yate and Oldland Common

2

11th

Three from Chipping Sodbury Common

3

12th

Singles over Old Sodbury and Yate Rocks

2

14th

One over Oldland Common

1

17th

One over Chipping Sodbury Common

1

18th

Two at Cromhall

2

19th

Singles over Tormarton and Oldland Common plus two over Yate

4

22nd

One over Shire Way, Yate

1

24th

One over Chipping Sodbury Common

1

25th

One over Yate Rocks

1

27th

Singles at Marshfield and Pilning WR

2

29th

One over Damery Bridge

1

Total

 

≥23

 

RING-NECKED PARAKEET

One heard calling in flight near the railway platform at Severn Beach on the 3rd; One in Frenchay village/ edge of Frenchay Common from the Frome Valley Walkway on the 23rd.

 

SANDERLING

One seen from Severn Beach on the 25th was the first of the year!

 

SAND MARTIN

one, the first of the year, was seen over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 14th.

 

SANDWICH TERN

One, the first of the year, was seen around 10:30 from Severn Beach on the 25th.

 

Scandinavian Rock Pipit

One noted at Thornbury Sailing Club, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 11th.

 

Siberian Chiffchaff

One was reported from the reedbed on Grebe Pond, Pilning WR around 09:00 on the 12th and again from the same area on the 19th - 26th.

 

Siberian Chiffchaff | Paul Bowerman

 

SPOONBILL

One was present on Pilning WR, New Passage around 07:00 on the 20th.

 

Spoonbill | Paul Bowerman

 

SWALLOW

The first of the year was noted over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 21st.

 

WATER PIPIT

One on the scrapes near Thornbury Sailing Club on the 9th and 18th; One noted in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area mid-morning on the 12th.

 

WILLOW WARBLER

Two, the first of the year, were found in the Aust Sheep Fields on the 18th. This occurrence represents the earliest date for this species for S. Glos! The previous earliest date was March 20th 2003 at Severn Beach.

 

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

An adult was watched drifting slowly upriver past Severn Beach mid-morning on the 10th.

 

YELLOW WAGTAIL

One, the first of the year, was seen/ heard in flight over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 30th. This occurrence represents the earliest date for this species in S. Gloucestershire. The previous earliest date was April 1st 2021 at Severn Beach.


APRIL

 

Five dark morphs were logged from Severn Beach on the 12th, one of which made upriver as far as Oldbury Power Station; A dark morph was seen from Severn Beach mid-morning on the 22nd.

 

At least seven, this year's first, were counted from Severn Beach on the 12th.

 

Over 560 bird days have been logged so far this year!

 

One lingering on Pilning WR, New Passage until the 30th at least; Two noted in flight up river past Severn Beach then Oldbury Power Station on the 21st; Four were seen in flight upriver past Oldbury Power Station on the 25th.

 

One was present at Littleton-upon-Severn on the 1st; One was found at Black Rocks, Frampton Cotterell on the 7th.

 

Cattle Egret (Littleton) | Vic Savery

 

Cattle Egret (Frampton) | David Hanks

 

One, the first of the year, was seen south-west of Severn Beach around 09:30 on the 20th.

 

A couple of birds, the first of the year, were noted on the coast on the 4th.

 

COMMON SANDPIPER

The first of the year was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 6th.

 

This year's first was seen over Chipping Sodbury on the 14th.

 

The first of the year was noted at Severn Beach on the 10th.

 

The first of the year was present at Severn Beach on the 8th.

 

Continental Black-tailed Godwit

A 'head-started' female (Kalani) from WWT Welney (2021) was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 23rd. It was last seen prior to Pilning WR at Barroca de Alva, Portugal in March 2022.

 

One was present at Aust STW, Aust on the 5th.

 

One noted from Severn Beach on the 10th; One was released at Severn Beach on the 11th following rehabilitation.

 

This years first was noted in the Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area on the 23rd.

 

Three (two males, one female), the first of the year, were found on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 4th.

 

Garganey | Paul Bowerman

 

A female was seen in flight to the south-west of Marshfield village on the 7th.

 

A 'redhead' was noted in flight to the north-east over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 7th; Two were seen in flight north-east past Severn Beach on the 19th.

 

One, the first of the year, was reported from Warmley Forest Park on the 13th; One seen briefly and heard 'reeling' on Hanham Hill, Hanham on the 16th; One noted at Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs on the 17th; One was reported from Holmdale Road, Filton on the 20th; One was processed at Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs Ringing Area on the 23rd; One heard 'reeling' by the Lake at Oldbury Power Station in the morning on the 24th.

 

Grasshopper Warbler (Aust)| Adam Cross

 

One high over Severn Beach on the 12th.

 

One in flight down river past Oldbury Power Station at 07:30 on the 3rd; One was seen in flight to the north-east just inland of Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station on the 11th; One reported in flight over Cock Road Ridge, Kingswood at 09:15 on the 14th; One on Pilning WR, New Passage briefly on the 15th before departing down river; One was seen in flight upriver past Severn Beach and subsequently past Oldbury Power Station around 08:30 on the 21st.

 

Great White Egret | Paul Bowerman

 

Around a dozen, the first of this form of the year, were counted on Aust Warth on the 23rd.

 

Greenland Wheatear | Matt Hobbs

 

Three, the first of the year, were logged from Severn Beach on the 21st.

 

One was seen in flight north-east over Severn Beach on the 15th.

 

This years first was seen in flight to the east from Severn Beach in the evening on the 18th.

 

The first of the year was present over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 6th.

 

This years first in song on Lagoon I at Oldbury Power Station on the 11th.

 

A summer plumage adult was seen from Severn Beach on the 10th; Around seventy (70) were logged moving up the estuary throughout the day on the 19th; A record day count of c.220 was logged upriver past Severn Beach on the 20th with the largest single flock of fifty-eight (58); C.135 from Severn Beach on the 21st.

 

Three, two males and a female, were present on Tortworth Court Lake, Tortworth on the 2nd.

 

MARSH HARRIER

One noted over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 1st; One in flight north-east over Severn Beach on the 3rd; One in flight down river past Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station on the 15th; A female type noted north-east at Severn Beach on the 19th; Two, a female type north-east past Severn Beach and a sub-adult male around Aust STW on the 20th; One noted 'hunting' over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 24th - 25th and 30th.

 

Marsh Harrier | Aravind Ramesh

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

A flock of five, two adults and three 1st summers, were present at Severn Beach on the 11th; A 2nd calendar was seen from Severn Beach on the 12th; One was noted at Severn Beach on the 29th.

 

Mediterranean Gulls | Matt Hall

 

OSPREY

One, the first of the year, was seen in flight over Pilning WR, New Passage and then Aust Cliffs on the 4th; Another was watched over Pilning WR in the morning on the 6th; One in flight north-east over Frampton Cotterell at 15:35 on the 19th.

 

APRIL

Location

Totals

1st

One at Hilly Field, Frampton Cotterell

1

2nd

Singles at Wickwar, Westerleigh and Marshfield

3

4th

Two from Chipping Sodbury Common

2

7th

Singles over Yate, Chipping Sodbury Common, Bridgeyate

3

8th

Two over Yate and one over Hanham

3

9th

Singles over Chipping Sodbury Common, Downend and Oldbury Power Station

3

12th

Singles over Oldland Common, Avening Green and Tormarton Interchange

3

13th

One over Warmley Forest Park

1

14th

Three at Oldland Common

3

15th

Singles over Pilning WR and Yate

2

17th

Singles at Oldland Common and Marshfield

2

18th

One over Aust Cliffs

1

19th

Singles from Oldbury Power Station, Bradley Stoke, Thornbury, Frenchay and Marshfield plus two at Tortworth

7

20th

One in the Grovesend/ Tytherington area

1

21st

Singles over Yate Court and Oldbury Power Station

2

22nd

One over Hanham

1

24th

Two over North Common

2

25th

One over Longwell Green

1

26th

One at North Common and two at Hanham

3

28th

Singles at North Common and Hanham

2

30th

Two at North Common

2

Total

 

≥48

 

RED-THROATED DIVER

A flock of three were seen in flight down river from Severn Beach on the 11th.

 

REED WARBLER

This years first was spotted around the pond by Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station on the 8th.

 

RING-NECKED PARAKEET

One present on Frenchay Common on the 8th and 10th; One spotted near the junction of the A432 Badminton Road and Cuckoo Lane, Emersons Green on the 21st.

 

RING OUZEL

A male was seen from the seawall in a hedgerow just south of Severn Beach on the 21st; A male was found on Chipping Sodbury Common mid-morning on the 24th and was still present on the 25th. Two, the presumed lingering male was joined by a female on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 26th - 28th with the female continuing until the 29th.

 

Ring Ouzel | Paul Bowerman

 

SANDWICH TERN

One noted from Severn Beach on the 12th.

 

SEDGE WARBLER

This years first was spotted on Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station on the 8th.

 

SPOONBILL

One was seen briefly on Northwick Warth Flash at 12:50 on the 23rd but disappeared ten minutes later.

 

TREE PIPIT

One in flight and calling to the north at 08:30 over Hanham Hills on the 9th.

 

WHIMBREL

A storm driven flock of c.35 (the first of the year) were seen from Severn Beach on the 12th.

 

WHINCHAT

A smart male, the first of the year, was bagged on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 20th.

 

Whinchat | Mark Coller

 

WHITE STORK

One, of unknown origin, was seen in flight around 17:00 on the 28th. It was watched flying over Court Farm, Rangeworthy and was lost to view heading towards Tytherington.

 

White Wagtail

The first of the year was noted at Pilning WR, New Passage on the 14th.

 

White Wagtail | Matt Hall

 

WOODLARK

One was seen in flight north-east past Severn Beach around 06:40 on the 20th.

 

WOOD WARBLER

A male, the first of the year, was both seen and heard in full song at Severn View Services, Aust on the 30th.

 

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

At least one 2nd calendar year bird was present on the estuary at Oldbury Power Station on the 30th.


MAY

 

A dark morph individual was seen in flight heading north-east from Severn Beach on the 23rd.

 

Arctic Skua | Matt Hall

 

Over 650 bird days have been logged so far this year!

 

One lingering on Pilning WR, New Passage until the 27th at least; A flock of seven flew in from the south-west to alight on the estuary at Oldbury Power Station around 06:00 on the 6th; A flock of five were present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 13th; Two present in the Pilning WR, New Passage area from the 24th - 31st; Six were noted in flight up-river from Oldbury Power Station on the 30th.

 

A wholly unconfirmed report of two along the A46 just east of Little Sodbury around 18:45 on the 31st.

 

One, possibly this hybrid type, was seen in flight from Severn Beach on the 12th.

 

One, the first of the year, was audible in fields mid-way between the Tormarton Road and Plough Farm on the north side of Shirehill Lane, Marshfield on the 28th.

 

COMMON SCOTER

A drake was showing distantly from New Passage throughout the day on the 15th - 21st.

 

Common Scoter | Paul Bowerman

 

One was noted in a private garden at Dyrham on the 10th.

 

A fine drake was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 5th; Another drake was present on Pilning WR from the 13th - 15th.

 

Garganey | Paul Bowerman

 

One was seen in flight north-west over Shackleton Avenue, Yate early afternoon on the 7th; An immature was flushed from trees at the south end of Lagoon I at Oldbury Power Station on the 20th and was seen again briefly over The Orchard at OPS on the 22nd.

 

One was reported 'reeling' from Pilning WR, New Passage on the 4th.

 

One was seen in flight to the east from Severn Beach on the 13th; One in flight over the R. Frome at Nightingale Bridge towards Frampton Cotterell on the 13th; One present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 20th before relocating to Severn Beach; One was seen in flight from UWE Frenchay heading towards Hambrook mid-morning on the 24th.

 

On was seen in flight to the north-east over Severn Beach at 06:25 on the 28th.

 

One upriver past Severn Beach on the 13th.

 

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

The remarkable sight of one both seen and heard over Sims Hill, Frenchay around 07:40 on the 23rd!

 

A spring adult, the first of the year, was present in the Pilning WR/ New passage area on the 19th - 21st.

 

Little Stint | Paul Bowerman

 

One was watched at Severn Beach on the 2nd and 4th; A female was noted over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 3rd and 20th with an immature male in the area on the 22nd.

 

Marsh Harrier | Paul Bowerman

 

Three, an adult and two 1st summers, noted from Severn Beach on the 14th.

 

One in flight north over the M48 near Olveston at 16:30 on the 15th.

 

One, once again, noted in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on and off from the 3rd - 29th. It was also seen at Oldbury Power Station on the 13th.

 

 

Red Kite | Heather England

 

MAY

Location

Totals

1st

Singles at Pucklechurch, Marshfield and Severn Beach

3

2nd

Singles at OPS

1

4th

Singles at OPS, Tortworth, Kingsgate Park and Mangotsfield

4

5th

One over Wickwar

1

6th

One over Siston Brook

1

7th

One over Warmley Forest Park

1

9th

Two at Hawkesbury Upton

2

13th

One over the Tormarton Road, Marshfield

1

15th

One over Yate

1

16th

Singles over Yate, Charfield, OPS and Willsbridge

4

17th

One over Yate

1

19th

Singles over OPS, Aust, Thornbury and Oldland with four over Wick/ Doynton

8

20th

Singles over OPS, Hawkesbury Upton and Severn Beach

3

21st

One over Avening Green

1

22nd

Single over OPS and Aust Cliffs

2

25th

Single over Hanham and Yate with three at Oldland Common

5

26th

One over Hanham

1

28th

Three south-west of Westerleigh and one over Wick

4

29th

Singles over Warmley, Oldland Common/ Longwell Green, Yate, Cromhall and OPS with two over Hanham and Aust Cliffs

9

30th

One/two over Oldbury, two over Thornbury and Wickwar, four over OPS, five over Oldland

≥15

31st

Singles over Iron Acton and New Passage plus four at Oldland Common

6

Total

 

≥74

 

SHORT-EARED OWL

One was seen perched and quartering the salt marsh south of Severn Beach mid-morning on the 7th.

 

Short-eared Owl | Paul Bowerman

 

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER

One, the first of the year, was seen in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 21st.

 

TEMMINCK'S STINT

A spring adult was found on the Wader Scrape, Pilning WR, New Passage on the 3rd and lingered in the area until the 6th.

 

Temminck's Stint | Chris Teague and Paul Bowerman

 

TURTLE DOVE

Two were reported in the Perrinpit Farm/ Road area at 51.542364, -2.499891 around 09:00 on the 10th. They were seen to fly from the farm buildings up into large trees opposite the farm entrance.

 

WOOD SANDPIPER

A spring adult was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 13th - 14th.

 

Wood Sandpiper | Paul Bowerman

 

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

A 2nd calendar year bird was seen from Severn Beach on the 4th.


JUNE

 

Over 660 'bird days' have been logged so far this year!

 

Two continued on Pilning WR, New Passage from the 1st - 11th; Six flew downriver and inland along Oldbury Pill on the 3rd; Four were counted in the Pilning WR area on the 9th; Four present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 15th.

 

One, the first of the year, was seen in flight in the Hawkesbury Upton area on the 5th.

 

MARSHFIELD: One audible in fields on the south side of Rushmead Lane on the 8th with two present in the same area on the 9th; Two, possibly three audible from Down Road around 22:00 on the 24th; One from Down Road on the 29th.

 

A putative summer male in a private garden in the Winterbourne area at BS36 1HU around 17:00 on the 20th.

 

COMMON SCOTER Two females were seen from Severn Beach on the 25th.

 

COMMON STARLING

Leucism is a genetic condition resulting in partial loss of pigmentation. There are various types from white feathers, including pale or washed-out colouration, which can have various shades of brown or cream giving the bird a diluted colouring. This individual was on show in a private garden at Bradley Stoke on the 16th.

 

Common Starling | Vic Savery

 

DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE

One was seen from Severn Beach on the 12th.

 

A male was heard 'Churring' for several minutes from rough ground adjacent to Severn Beach Railway Station at 22:10 on the 12th; A male was heard 'Churring' by three observers on at least three occasions mid-afternoon from rough ground adjacent to Orchard Pools, Severn Beach on June 29th.

 

Click on the icon above to listen to the European Nightjar at Severn Beach | Paul Bowerman

 

A juvenile was reported from the Lower Woods area, Wickwar on the 4th.

 

One flew over the Prince of Wales Bridge, New Passage at 06:30 and two were seen in flight up river past Oldbury Power Station on the 5th; One was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 13th; One was seen c.1km south of Severn Beach by 'The Pipes' early morning on the 14th; One present on Pilning WR, New Passage in the evening on the 22nd; One present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 29th.

 

Great White Egret | Paul Bowerman

 

Two moulting adult males were found at Thornbury Sailing Club, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 3rd.

 

One in flight south over the Prince of Wales Bridge, Severn Beach around 09:00 on the 25th.

 

The lingering/ resident individual was seen on and off in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area from the 1st - 27th whilst making the odd excursion up river to Oldbury Power Station (17th, 19th and 27th). This sighting represents the first June record and the latest ever date. The previous latest date was March 14th 2023 in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area.

 

Pink-footed Goose | Paul Bowerman

 

 

RED KITE BIRD DAYS

JUNE

Location

Totals

1st

One at Marshfield

1

2nd

Singles over Warmley, Chipping Sodbury Common, Latteridge plus five at Oldland Common

8

3rd

Singles at Oldland, Wick with two at Oldbury.

4

4th

Singles at Tormarton and Hanham

2

5th

One at Marshfield with five reported at Rockhampton

6

6th

Two at Bridgeyate

2

7th

Singles over Thornbury, Tormarton

2

8th

One over Westerleigh

1

9th

Singles over Downend, Yate, Horton and Warmley

4

10th

Singles over Frampton Cotterell and Tytherington

2

11th

At least two from Oldland Common

2

12th

Two from Oldland Common and two (the same?) from Wick

2

13th

Two at Avening Green and one at Oldbury Power Station

3

14th

Singles at Pilning WR and Oldland Common

2

15th

One over Hanham and four at Wickwar

5

16th

None!

0

17th

One over Cadbury Heath, two at Wickwar, three at Wick

6

18th

Two over Emersons Green

2

19th

None!

0

20th

Singles over Chipping Sodbury, Thornbury, Mangotsfield, Oldland, Marshfield

5

21st

One over Iron Acton

1

22nd

Two at Oldbury and two at Oldland

4

23rd

None!

0

24th

Singles at Mangotsfield, Willsbridge

2

25th

Singles at Badminton, Yate Rocks, Wickwar plus two at Oldland

5

26th

Singles at Webbs Heath and Oldland

2

27th

Singles at Hillesley and Yate

2

28th

Single at Lyde Green and Oldland

2

29th

None!

0

30th

One at Tormarton

1

Total

 

≥78

 

Two spent twenty minutes or so on the shoreline at around 09:00 at New Passage on the 11th.

 

Spoonbill | Paul Bowerman


JULY

 

ARCTIC SKUA

A light morph was seen from Severn Beach over the evening high tide period on the 15th.

 

AVOCET

Around 670 'bird days' have been logged so far this year!

 

BLACK TERN

A summer plumaged adult, the first of the year and the first ever July record, was watched from Severn Beach on the 12th.

 

Blue Fulmar

The first ever record of this 'Blue morph' Northern Fulmar was both seen and photographed close inshore from Severn Beach on the 3rd.

 

Blue Fulmar | Aravind Ramesh

 

COMMON CROSSBILL

Three were both seen and heard heading west and calling loudly over a private garden in Thornbury on the 2nd; One was noted in flight over Aust Cliffs on the 21st.

 

COMMON QUAIL

DOWN ROAD/ TRACK, MARSHFIELD: At least two audible from the 1st - 12th with individuals seen briefly in flight on the 2nd and 6th.

 

COMMON SCOTER

A drake was seen close inshore from Severn Beach in the evening on the 2nd and again on the 3rd - 8th.

 

CORY'S SHEARWATER

A storm driven individual was seen close inshore from Severn Beach around 10:00 on July 3rd. It represent just the third record and the first ever July record of this species for S. Gloucestershire!

 

GOSHAWK

An unconfirmed report of three (two juveniles and an adult) at an undisclosed site in the north-east of the recording area on the 11th with a juvenile seen and another heard on the 15th; A juvenile was seen to fly from trees on Lagoon I, Oldbury Power Station on the 22nd and was again present in the Shepperdine area briefly on the 25th.

 

Goshawk | Paul Sadley

 

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

One heard 'reeling' throughout the day from Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station on the 5th with the same or another at the same site on the 22nd.

 

GREATER SCAUP

A drake was seen on the estuary c.1 km south of Severn Beach off 'The Pipes' early morning on the 22nd. The first sighting of this species in S. Glos for five years!

 

Greater Scaup | Paul Bowerman

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

One present once again on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 3rd, 16th, 19th and 21st - 22nd; One was seen in flight over the old 'Kleeneze' site at Hanham early morning on the 22nd.

 

Great White Egret | Paul Bowerman

 

MANDARIN

A flock of twelve (12) were reported from Lady's Wood, Lower Woods, Wickwar on the 1st.

 

MANX SHEARWATER

At least a thousand plus (1,000+) storm driven birds were logged from Severn Beach on the 3rd. A record equalling count.

 

Manx Shearwater | Paul Bowerman

 

MARSH HARRIER

A patch 1st record immature male flew south over Chipping Sodbury Common late morning on the 21st.

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

A 1st summer was seen from Severn Beach on the 1st; An adult was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 6th with the same or another from New Passage on the 9th and 11th; Two, and adult and a juvenile were noted from New Passage on the 10th; Four individuals on the 13th - an adult from Severn Beach and three 1st winters' from New Passage; A 1st summer from New Passage on the 14th; Two. a 1st summer and a 2nd summer was seen from Severn Beach over high tide on the 15th; Three, an adult and two 1st summers' from Severn Beach on the 16th; A 1st summer from New Passage on the 25th.

 

Mediterranean Gull | Paul Bowerman

 

NORTHERN FULMAR

An exhausted individual was seen close inshore from Severn Beach in the evening on the 2nd; Six storm driven birds from Severn Beach over high tide on the 3rd; One seen from Severn Beach on the 16th.

 

PIED FLYCATCHER

A female was present in the Spoil Coppice/ Oakhill Woodland area at Lower Woods Wickwar on July 29th - 30th.

 

Pied Flycatcher | Paul Sadley

 

RED KITE

 

RED KITE BIRD DAYS

JULY

Location

Totals

1st

Singles at Bradley Stoke, Tormarton with four at Oldland

6

2nd

Singles over OPS and Inglestone plus two over Yate

4

3rd

No reports!

0

4th

No reports!

0

5th

Singles at Warmley, Marshfield and OPS

3

6th

Singles at Cadbury Heath, Oldland Common, Shortwood, Lower Woods and Hawkesbury Upton

5

7th

Singles at Bradley Stoke and Siston

2

8th

No reports!

0

9th

Singles at West Littleton and Chipping Sodbury Common plus two at Wick

4

10th

Singles over Yate Common and the Shire Valley

2

11th

One at Wick plus three at Oldland Common

4

12th - 18th

No reports!

0

19th

Two over Tracy Park, Wick

2

20th

No reports!

0

21st

Two over CS Common

2

22nd

No reports!

0

23rd

One at Oldland Common

1

24th - 31st

No reports!

0

Total

 

≥35

 

SANDWICH TERN

Two were seen in flight down river from Oldbury Power Station at 06:35 on the 8th.

 

STORM PETREL

SEVERN BEACH: One was seen over high tide on the 3rd, 12th and 30th with at least two on the 15th - 16th.

 

Storm Petrel | Andrew Jordan

 

WOOD SANDPIPER

Two juveniles were present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 18th - 20th.

 

Wood Sandpiper | Paul Bowerman


AUGUST

 

ARCTIC SKUA

Four (two pale and two dark morph) from Severn Beach on the 2nd.

 

ARCTIC TERN

One from Severn Beach on the 2nd.

 

AVOCET

Over 670 bird days have been logged so far this year!

 

BLACK TERN

Three were seen in flight down river past Oldbury Power Station early morning on the 19th.

 

CETTI'S WARBLER

One was found next to the R. Avon upstream of the Chequers PH, Hanham on the 19th. As far as we can ascertain its the first record of this species at this location!

 

COMMON CROSSBILL

Two red males were seen in flight over Severn View Services, Aust on the 16th.

 

Common Crossbill | Aravind Ramesh

 

COMMON CUCKOO

One was reported sat on a fence five minutes in a private garden at Frampton Cotterell on the 8th.

 

CURLEW SANDPIPER

A moulting adult, the first of the year, was seen on the shoreline from Severn Beach on the 13th.

 

GOOSANDER

A 'redhead' was noted in flight upriver past Severn Beach on the 2nd. This occurrence represents the earliest date for this species in S. Glos! The previous earliest date was August 4th 2017 at New Passage; Five 'redheads' were seen in flight downriver past Oldbury Power Station at 06:45 on the 15th; Three 'redheads' were seen in flight downriver past Oldbury Power Station at 07:25 on the 24th.

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

One was present on Pilning WR, New Passage from the 14th - 27th; One was seen in flight over Magpie Bottom, Hanham early afternoon on the 21st; One was photographed on the roof of a private house on Parkfield Road, Pucklechurch on the 25th and another was photographed on a shed roof of a private garden at Barr's Court (BS30 7BS) around 19:00 also on the 25th.

 

Great White Egret | Paul Bowerman

 

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

One was watched at Severn Beach on the 11th; One present on Chipping Sodbury Common early morning on the 19th; One was processed at Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs on the 20th.

 

GUILLEMOT

One was seen from Severn Beach on the 13th.

 

Guillemot | Paul Bowerman

 

HEN HARRIER

Excellent views of a juvenile (the first of the year) around 10:30 heading south-west from Aust Warth on the 30th.

 

LITTLE EGRET

A good count of seventeen was logged at Severn Beach on the 28th.

 

LITTLE STINT

A juvenile was present at Shepperdine, Oldbury Power Station from the 27th - 31st.

 

Little Stint | Heather England

 

MANDARIN

A juvenile/ female was seen to drop onto the Tidal Reservoir at Oldbury Power Station on the 10th.

 

MANX SHEARWATER

At least 320 were counted from Severn Beach on the 2nd.

 

MARSH HARRIER

One was seen in flight over Badminton Deer Park at 18:50 heading towards Old Sodbury on the 6th; One was seen in flight to the south-west past Severn Beach on the 24th.

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

A 2nd summer was noted at New Passage on the 4th; A juvenile present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 6th; A 2nd summer was seen in flight down river past Oldbury Power Station on the 13th; A 1st winter was noted in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area on the 28th.

 

Mediterranean Gull | Thomas Weston

 

PIED FLYCATCHER

A female was present on Chipping Sodbury Common in the morning on the 1st; One was present in the Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs area on the 26th.

 

RED KITE

RED KITE BIRD DAYS

AUGUST

Location

Totals

1st

One at Oldland Common and five over Shirehill, Marshfield

6

2nd - 8th

No reports!

0

9th

Five towards West Littleton

5

10th

Seven near Hawkesbury Upton

7

11th - 21st

No reports!

0

22nd

Six over Inglestone Common/ Lance Coppice

6

23rd

One over Chipping Sodbury Common

1

24th

No reports!

0

25th

One over Severn View Services, Aust

1

26th

Three over Chipping Sodbury Common

3

27th

No reports!

0

28th

One over Chipping Sodbury Common

1

29th

No reports!

0

30th

Three over Chipping Sodbury Common

3

31st

No reports!

0

Total

 

≥33

 

RING-NECKED PARAKEET

Four were seen in flight over Barn Wood, Stoke Park on the 8th.

 

SPOONBILL

An adult was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 5th.

 

Spoonbill | Brian Lancastle

 

SPOTTED REDSHANK

A juvenile, the first of the year, was found at New Passage early morning on the 28th before relocating to Pilning WR for the remainder of the day. It was still present on the 29th; One was seen in flight over Severn Beach on the 31st.

 

Spotted Redshank | Paul Bowerman

 

STORM PETREL

A corpse was found on the seawall near Shaft Beach, Severn Beach on the 4th; One was seen well close to shore from Severn Beach early evening on the 12th.

 

Storm Petrel | Simon Ashley

 

TURTLE DOVE

One was seen in flight low and fast to the south-east across Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station on the 18th.

 

WOOD SANDPIPER

One present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 19th with the same or another on the 21st.

 

Wood Sandpiper | Paul Bowerman

 

WRYNECK

One was found on Chipping Sodbury Common in the morning on the 29th but remained illusive.

 

Wryneck | Mark Coller

 

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

A 1st winter was seen in flight north-east past New Passage on the 4th with the same or another from Severn Beach on the 24th.


SEPTEMBER

 

AVOCET

Two were present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 3rd taking this years total to 690!

 

AZORES GULL - Larus michahellis atlantis

An adult or near adult, putatively this form, was seen by four observers as it flew south-west close inshore past Severn Beach over high tide on the morning of September 19th! It represents the first record of this 'atlantic' form of Yellow-legged Gull for S. Gloucestershire.

 

BARNACLE GOOSE

One, of unknown origins, was present at Pillhead Gout, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 12th before departing downriver and relocating on Pilning WR, New Passage. It was still present in the New Passage area on the 13th - 17th, 23rd, 25th - 27th and 29th and was joined by a second on the 18th with both present on the 21st - 22nd and 30th.

 

BLACK KITE

An unconfirmed report of one seen from a moving vehicle in the Severn Beach/ New Passage area near to the junction of the M4/ M49 just prior to the Prince of Wales Bridge on the 25th.

 

CATTLE EGRET

One was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 1st;A record count of nine (9) were logged in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 6th. The previous highest count was seven (7) on October 11th 2021 at Oldbury Power Station; Two were noted from the Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs area on the 10th; One was noted from the Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs area on the 14th later relocating to Pilning WR, New Passage; One was found at the east end of Coalpit Heath (a first patch record!) around ST: 686 798 mid-morning on the 30th before departing towards Rodford/ Nibley.

 

Cattle Egret | Paul Bowerman

 

COMMON CRANE

Four were seen in flight south over Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs early morning on the 13th.

 

COMMON CROSSBILL

Nine (9) were counted in flight to the north-east over New Passage early morning on the 5th.

 

FIRECREST

One was present at Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs on the 16th.

 

GARGANEY

A juvenile/ female was seen on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 4th - 10th; One was reported from the shore at New Passage on the 23rd and Pilning WR on the 24th.

 

Garganey | Paul Bowerman

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

One still frequenting Pilning WR, New Passage and present on the 5th; Three were noted below Severn Beach on the 8th; One on rocks off Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station at mid-day on the 26th with the same or another on site on the 29th; Two were seen in flight north-east past Severn Beach on the 30th. They were also noted in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area later in the day.

 

Greenland Dunlin

At least two of this diminutive form were pick-out of the Dunlin flock at New Passage on the 28th.

 

GREY PHALAROPE

A 1st winter was present on Pilning WR, New Passage from September 24th - 25th.

 

Grey Phalarope | Paul Bowerman

 

HAWFINCH

One was seen in flight north-east over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 2nd.

 

LAPLAND BUNTING

One was seen early morning on the saltmarsh at New Passage before flying off to the north-east on the 5th.

 

LEACH'S PETREL

One from Severn Beach on the 19th.

 

Leach's Petrel | Paul Bowerman

 

LITTLE TERN

Six, three adults and three juveniles were present in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 6th.

 

MANDARIN

Five were present on the Little River Avon, Lower Woods, Wickwar on the 9th.

 

MARSH HARRIER

One was noted hunting in the Pilning WR, New Passage on the 3rd, 6th, 13th and 20th. Two were noted in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 25th.

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

A winter adult was seen in flight off the estuary at Oldbury Power Station on the 5th; A 1st summer was seen on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 9th; One from Severn Beach on the 19th; Two, an adult and 2nd winter, were logged at Pillhead Gout, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 29th.

 

OSPREY

One over Severn View Services/ Aust Cliffs on the 8th.

 

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE

One, of unknown origins, was seen in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area on the 30th. This occurrence represents the first ever September record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.

 

RED KITE

 

RED KITE BIRD DAYS

SEPTEMBER

Location

Totals

3rd

At least four at Wickwar and one over Chipping Sodbury Common

5

8th

Two at Dyrham

2

13th

One over Chipping Sodbury Common

1

17th

One in the New Passage area

1

22nd

One near Burton

1

23rd

One low over Olveston towards Rudgeway

1

24th

One south over the Shire Valley

1

25th

Three over the A46 near Dyrham Park and one from Marshfield

4

27th

Two at North Common/ Warmley

2

29th

Four at Marshfield and one from OPS

5

Total

 

≥23

 

SANDERLING

One spotted on the shore at Severn Beach on the 28th represents the latest date for this species in S. Glos. The previous latest date was September 27th 2014 on Northwick Warth.

 

SHORT-EARED OWL

One was reported in flight south over the salt marsh at Severn Beach on the 10th

 

Siberian Chiffchaff

One was both seen ahead at the north-east end of Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station on the 30th. This occurrence represents the first ever September record of this form for S. Gloucestershire.

 

SPOTTED REDSHANK

One was both seen and heard as it flew north-east over Severn Beach on the 5th - relocating to Pilning WR, New Passage later; One still present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 7th and 9th.

 

WATER PIPIT

An unconfirmed report on one from the Severn Beach area on the 15th.

 

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

A 2nd winter was seen on the Severn Beach shore on the 3rd.


OCTOBER

 

AVOCET

Nearly 700 bird days have been logged so far this year!

 

BARNACLE GOOSE

Twenty-four were noted in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 13th; Four in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 26th.

 

CATTLE EGRET

One was seen in flight past Severn View Services, Aust around 09:45 on the 21st with a repeat performance on the 23rd with one heading south-west over Severn View Services, Aust around 09:00.

 

COMMON CROSSBILL

A very vocal juvenile/ female calling from trees at the south end of Lagoon II, Oldbury Power Station and a further individual was both seen and heard at Oldbury Naite at 08:00 on the 6th; Four red males were seen in flight over Severn View Services, Aust on the 17th; A male was seen in flight to the south-west from Severn View Services, Aust around 11:00 on the 20th; One in flight and calling to the south over Hanham on the 26th; Two to the south-west past Severn View Services, Aust around 09:45 on the 27th.

 

COMMON SCOTER

One was reported from New Passage on the 21st.

 

FIRECREST

One was found in the hedgerow at Severn View Services, Aust on the 25th.

 

GARGANEY

A female/ 1st winter was once again present in the Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area on the 1st, 8th and 14th with two present in the New Passage area on the 12th.

 

GLOSSY IBIS

One was seen in flight on two occasions both morning and evening in the Pilning WR/ Northwick Warth area on the 3rd.

 

GOLDENEYE

Two males, the first of the year, were seen in flight down river past Oldbury Power Station around 07:00 on the 31st.

 

GOOSANDER

A 'redhead' flew along the shore downriver past Oldbury Power Station on the 10th; Three were seen in flight past Severn View Services, Aust mid-morning on the 18th; Two 'redheads' at Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 21st, 23rd; and 26th but just one present on the 29th; One to the south-west past Severn View Services, Aust around 08:15 on the 23rd.

 

Goosander | Mark Coller

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

One was seen in flight inland past Thornbury Sailing Club, Oldbury-on-Severn on the 16th before heading east; Three were noted on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 17th - 18th; One on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 24th and 29th.

 

JACK SNIPE

Two, the first returning individuals, were counted from Aust Warth around lunch time on the 20th.

 

LAPLAND BUNTING

A high probability of one that was both seen and heard around Lagoon II, Oldbury Power Station in the afternoon on the 22nd. Follow this link for full details! http://www.opsbirding.co.uk/

 

LITTLE GULL

An adult was watched upriver past Oldbury Power Station on the 17th; Eight were seen in flight downriver past Oldbury Power Station at 08:30 on the 21st: Seven of which were seen from Severn View Services, Aust heading south-west around 10:50.

 

MANDARIN

A male was present at Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 21st and 24th.

 

Mandarin | Mark Coller

 

MARSH HARRIER

One noted to the south-west over Severn View Services, Aust mid-morning on the 12th. A female/ immature was seen in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 16th. One noted to the north-east over Severn View Services, Aust mid-morning with the same or another over Pilning WR, New Passage on the 17th; A male from Severn Beach and to the north-east over Severn View Services, Aust around 10:00 on the 25th.

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

A 2nd winter was on show at Pillhead Gout, Oldbury-on-Severn over the high tide period on the 30th.

 

OSPREY

One noted to the south-west over Severn View Services, Aust mid-morning on the 12th; One was seen in flight as it flew south-west past New Passage around 15:45 on the 23rd.

 

RED KITE

RED KITE BIRD DAYS

OCTOBER

Location

Totals

3rd

Three over West Littleton Down

3

6th

One from Avening Green

1

8th

One over Dodington

1

10th

One from Bridgeyate

1

11th

One from Shirehill Bridge

1

13th

One from Oldland Common

1

14th

Three from Rushmead Lane and singles from Dodington Park and Wickwar

5

16th

One from Oldbury Power Station

1

17th

Five Rushmead Farm, four Severn View Services, singles from Pucklechurch and Horton

11

18th

Two from Dyrham Park and one from Severn Beach

3

23rd

Seven from the Shire Valley

7

24th

Six around Vinney Lane, near Horton, singles at Wickwar and Wick

8

29th

Three in the Shire Bridge area at Marshfield

3

Total

 

≥46

 

RING-NECKED PARAKEET

Two were reported in the Frampton Cotterell/ Winterbourne area on the 6th (or there abouts)

 

SHORT-EARED OWL

One was seen in flight to the south-west past Severn View Services, Aust mid-morning on the 17th; One was seen through a thermal imager on Aust Warth around 21:00 on the 20th; One around the Sailing Club at Oldbury-on-Severn in the morning on the 26th; One present on Aust Warth on the 29th - 30th with two on show there in the afternoon on the 31st.

 

SPOTTED REDSHANK

One was noted in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 11th - 12th and 14th.

 

Spotted Redshanks | Matt Hall

 

WATER PIPIT

One, the first returning individual, was on show on Aust Warth around lunch time on the 20th with the same or another in the Severn View Services/ Aust STW on the 21st; One from the saltmarsh at Oldbury Power Station on the 24th.

 

WOODLARK

One was seen in flight to the north-east mid morning over Severn View Services, Aust on October 15th.


NOVEMBER

 

ARCTIC SKUA

One was reported on the R. Severn from Aust Warth mid-afternoon on the 5th.

 

AVOCET

Seven were present in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area on the 25th.

 

BEARDED TIT

One was heard calling from the reedbed along the concrete path below Aust Cliffs, Aust in the evening on the 8th.

 

BLACK REDSTART

A female was had on the perimeter fence between the Jetty and the Waterworks at Oldbury Power Station on the 14th; A vocal and mobile male was seen between the Waterworks and Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station on the 16th and 17th.

 

Black Redstart | Heather England

 

COMMON CROSSBILL

One was noted to the north-east past Oldbury Power Station on the 2nd; One was seen in flight to the south-west over Oldbury Power Station in the afternoon on the 3rd; Five were seen in flight to the south-west over Severn View Services, Aust around 09:30 on the 10th; Five were both seen and heard in flight to the south-west over The Glen at New Passage on the 24th.

 

COMMON SCOTER

Several individuals were sound recorded in flight over Aust Warth, Aust overnight on the 10th.

 

EGYPTIAN GOOSE

Four were seen in flight upriver past Oldbury Power Station around 08:15 on the 9th; Nine (9) were counted on Marsh Common near Easter Compton around ST: 562 829 on the 17th. This occurrence represents the highest count of this species for S. Gloucestershire. The previous highest count was four on November on 9th 2023 at Oldbury Power Station.

 

Egyptian Geese | Pete Hazelwood

 

FULMAR

One noted from Severn Beach on the 13th with a further two over high tide on the 19th.

 

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

One was seen in flight to the north-east over Severn View Services, Aust around 08:50 on the 10th; One was seen in flight to the south-west over Oldbury-on-Severn on the 28th and subsequently south-west from Severn View Services, Aust and New Passage.

 

GREAT WHITE EGRET

One was seen in flight over fields near Oldbury village on the 14th; One over Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station then north-east across the estuary on the 16th; One to the north past Oldbury Power Station on the 26th; Two in the Pilning WR/ New Passage area on the 30th.

 

GOOSANDER

A 'redhead' was seen in flight to the south-west past Severn View Services, Aust and a 'redhead' was noted on Stanshaw's/ Coopers Lake, Yate on the 25th; A male was present on Stanshaw's/ Coopers Lake, Yate on the 26th; Four males plus five 'redheads' on Brimsham Park Lake on the 29th - 30th.

 

Goosander | Mark Coller

 

HAWFINCH

One to the north-east over Severn View Services, Aust around 07:55 on the 16th.

 

JACK SNIPE

Two were present at the Aust end of Northwick Warth on the 12th; Two noted on Chipping Sodbury Common on the 25th.

 

LEACH'S PETREL

One was lost to predation off Severn Beach around 15:10 on the 13th; One was seen from New Passage on the 15th; Up to four were noted over high tide from Severn Beach on the 19th.

 

LITTLE GULL

A winter adult was seen from Severn Beach before departing inland over the village early afternoon on the 19th.

 

MANDARIN

A male was present on Brimsham Park Lake on the 30th.

 

Mandarin | Chris Teague

 

MARSH HARRIER

An immature male was noted in flight low down river at Oldbury Power Station around 09:15 on the 11th and was subsequently over Aust Warth; The immature male once again from Aust Warth on the 14th and from Northwick Warth and Severn View Services, Aust on the 16th; A male in the New Passage/ Pilning WR area on the 26th and 28th.

 

Marsh Harrier | Lee Gardiner

 

MEDITERRANEAN GULL

Two were watched from Severn Beach in the afternoon on the 9th; A 1st winter from Severn Beach on the 19th.

 

PURPLE SANDPIPER

One was reported from New Passage and subsequently in flight past Severn Beach over high tide on the 19th.

 

RED KITE

At least fifteen (15) were noted roosting in the Shire Valley, Marshfield late afternoon on the 12th. This occurrence represents the highest ever count of this species for S. Gloucestershire! The previous highest count was twelve (12) on December 20th 2022 near Hawkesbury Upton.

 

RED KITE BIRD DAYS

NOVEMBER

Location

Totals

1st

One near Acton Turville

1

4th

One from Oldland Common with two from North Common

3

6th

One east over Wick

1

7th

One over Wick Quarry, seven over the Shire Valley

8

12th

At least 15 in the Marshfield area

15

19th

At least 9 in the Marshfield area

9

21st

One from A46 near Little Sodbury

1

22nd

Eleven west of Shirehill Bridge

11

24th

Singles at Damery, Old Sodbury, Wickwar and Tormarton

4

25th

At least 12 in the Shire Valley, Marshfield

12

27th

At least three at Marshfield

3

29th

At least six at Marshfield

6

30th

Two from North Common

2

Total

 

≥74

A 'Baker's Dozen' Red Kite at Marshfield | Mike Prior

 

RED-THROATED DIVER

One landed on the sea off Severn Beach around 14:00 on the 19th and was watched drifting down river.

 

RING-NECKED PARAKEET

One presumed to be this species was seen to leave New Plantation, Coalpit Heath on the 5th departing to the south-west towards Ram Hill/ Henfield.

 

SHORT-EARED OWL

Up to three present on Aust Warth from Passage Road from the 3rd - 15th; One was seen over Pilning WR, New Passage also on the 10th; One noted on the saltmarsh at Severn Beach on the 28th.

 

Short-eared Owl | Mike Prior

 

SPOTTED REDSHANK

One present on the foreshore at New Passage on the 18th.

 

STORM PETREL

Two were noted from Severn Beach over high tide on the 19th.

 

Storm Petrel | tbosg

 

TERN SPP.

One seen very briefly down river past New Passage around 13:40 on the 22nd could well have been Sandwich!

 

TWITE

At least two, the first of the year and first for four years, were seen on the saltmarsh below The Old Ferry View, Aust around 14:30 on the 4th with two reported from the same area on the 7th and 9th; Two were reported from New Passage on the 21st with at least one still on the 22nd, 25th and 28th.

 

WATER PIPIT

One was noted on the saltmarsh at Aust on the 4th; One was present on Pilning WR, New Passage on the 8th; One to the north-east around 08:40 over Severn View Services, Aust on the 16th; One reported from the saltmarsh at Severn Beach on the 18th and 25th.

 

WAXWING

One was seen briefly on Wylington Road, Frampton Cotterell at 09:00 on the 2nd before heading south!; One possibly this species heard at Bradley Stoke on the 6th.

 

WHOOPER SWAN

Two were watched in flight down river past Oldbury Power Station around 08:05 on the 11th.


Contributions from:

 

J Angell, S Ashley, L Bailey, J & J Baker, P Barlow, J Barnett, M Benson, P Bowerman, P Bryant, A Bunnett, K Burford, D Clarke, M Coller, J Conway, P Coslett, R Cox, C Craig, A Cross, A Daniells, O Dewhurst, A Draper, E Drewitt, J Dunn, B Dursley, W & M Earp, R Emery, H England, M England, S Evans, O Fournier, P Francis, T Ford, A Goodwin, C Hall, M Hall, A Handover, D Hanks, R Harding, S Harding, R. Hargreaves, D Harvey, N Hawkridge, P Hazelwood, R Heyluer, R Higgins, E Hill, M Hobbs, N Hudson, M Jackson, K Jayne, N Jones, R Jones, A Jordan, T Jukes, S & N Kempson, R Laister, B Lancastle, S Lane, R Laughton, C Lewis, J Lewis, A Lipczynski, S Mackie, F Marshall, A Middleton, R Morse, K Mortimer, C Mott, S. Mott, L Moysey, B Mulgrew, T Osborne, D Pearce, C Perry, B Piercey, M Plenty, V Polley, D Poulton, M Prior, A Pym, A Ramesh, A Rawson, D Reeves, S Richardson, P Sadley, J Sakel, V Savery, M Scott, T Scott, R Setter, N Sluman, A Stockhausen, R. Stroud, L Sweetland, C Teague, C Thornton, N Tippett, D Tomlinson, N Tucker, G Vella, C Vines, N Warren, T Weston, D White, M Wightman, K Williams, C. Woods, G Youdale