Latest sightings: SEPTEMBER 2009 scroll down past the photographs to see.....
A round-up of bird sightings in & around the Bristol & district area. If you see anything of interest, please e-mail [email protected] Many thanks to everyone who has sent in records including local websites for their contributions.
Photos are particularly welcome, please send them as a jpeg file, many thanks.
Please note new e-mail address for submission of sightings: 'steve.hale2@hotmail.co.uk'
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members' photographs 
 
Black-winged
Stilt,
Himantopus himantopus
Spain 2007 © Lyn Loder
White Storks,
Ciconia ciconia
Poland 2009 © Lyn Loder
Citrine
Wagtail,
Motacilla citreola
Scilly Isles 2006 © Lyn Loder
King Eider,
Somateria spectabilis
Devon 2008 © Lyn Loder
Many thanks to Lyn Loder for sending us these photographs. If any other club members have any photos of recent birding holidays or twitches, please send them in as we could use them |
recent photographs
John visited Tarifa to witness the raptor migration across the Straits of Gibraltar. Pictured here, Griffon vultures and a single Ruppell's vulture with wings spread
Many thanks for the 'photo Rich.
The bird is at the Herriot's bridge-Stratford bay end of the lake.
Previous Avon records for this species are Sept 1977 at Blagdon and January 1978 at Chew.
These birds turned up on 23rd and have been showing well around the pools. Many thanks for the 'photo Jeff.
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DAILY SIGHTINGS - September 2009 |
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| Last Swift reported in Avon so far: | 4 September at Clifton (K Williams).........let us know of anything later! | |
| 24 Sept | A fine, calm and sunny day. The Long-billed Dowitcher and Pectoral Sandpipers were still present. Has anyone seen a Swift this month, later than 4th? | |
| Slimbridge WWT: | 3 Cattle Egrets present at here today, in amongst the fields with cattle (per slimbridgebirds) | |
| Severnside: | ||
| New Passage-Northwick: | It was generally quiet for waders here today. 2 Whinchats, 3 Wheatears and at least 90 Meadow Pipits were on Northwick Warth and a Short-eared Owl hunting here in the evening. The Common Scoter was noted again (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Gordano valley: | Results from the morning ringing session here: 14 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs plus a few resident species (LF Roberts). Passage of birds slackening off after the recent rush | |
| Clevedon coast: | Plenty of common birds on the stretch to the Yeo Est, Golden Plover was new. Complete count was: 80 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 80 Mallard, 13 Cormorants (Blackstone rocks), 2 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egrets, 1 Buzzard, 10 Oystercatchers, singles of Golden Plover and Grey Plover, 6 Lapwing, 40 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 80 Curlew, 70 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 350 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Stonechats, 4 Wheatears and a singing Chiffchaff (HE Rose) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | Would birders please note that a Bristol Water permit is required if you wish to visit any of the hides. Thanks. birdwatching permits | |
| Stratford: | The Long-billed Dowitcher still present today, viewable from Herriots bridge at first, then towards the Stratford area. Also present here were the Goldeneye, a Little Stint, 4 Dunlin and a 2nd calendar year Little Gull. | |
| Heron's Green: | A juvenile Black-necked Grebe new in here today, possibly the bird reported at BL on 21st. Also here 10 Green Sandpipers | |
| Herriots: | The Ruff still present here | |
| Villice bay: | The Red-crested Pochard still at anchor here. ( CVL reports from: R Mielcarek, R&J Staples) | |
| Somerset levels: | Highlights at the Meare Heath pools today were: the long-staying Great White Egret, 3 Knot, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ruff and 35 Black-tailed Godwits. Lapwing and Snipe also present but not counted (R&J Staples) | |
| 23 Sept | An overcast start to the day with some light drizzle, then clearing. Two good waders reported. | |
| Slimbridge WWT: | Best of the waders reported here were: 1 Little Stint, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Spotted Redshanks (J Garrigan) | |
| Severnside: | The quiet spell for waders goes on. All reports per severnsidebirds | |
| New Passage-Northwick: | The Common Scoter was still present off the Oaze today, also in the area 1 Little Egret, 10 Oystercatchers, 7 Knot, a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 60 Dunlin, 30 Redshank and 70 Turnstones. | |
| Severn Beach: | Recorded were, 5 Grey Herons, 2 Peregrine, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 11 Turnstones. The waders were present on the rocks at Shaft lane. | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Around the bushes early am were, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Cettis Warblers, 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Bullfinches and 3 Reed Buntings. A Kingfisher was near the pools (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | A Long-billed Dowitcher was found at Stratford hide today (Derek Angell). Only our 3rd Avon record if accepted following the previous ones at BL Sept 1977 and CVL January 1978. If anyone gets a photograph, please could you send it in for posting. many thanks. | |
| Brean Down: | The Wryneck is still present but elusive. A good passage of Hirundines was reported, other migrants were 10 Blackcaps, single Whitethroat and 10 Chiffchaffs. A Merlin was also seen (per westonbirds) | |
| Somerset levels: | Two Pectoral Sandpipers present at Meare Heath (the shallow pool) today (per SOS) | |
| 22 Sept | A complete change in the weather with southerly breezes back. A much quieter day for migrants, hardly any warblers reported and Hirundine passage has petered out. | |
| Slimbridge WWT: | A Corncrake was flushed from one of the fields being mowed this afternoon (per gloucesterbirds). Our 2nd Corncrake record of the month following the Brean Down bird on 14th......remember? | |
| Severnside: | all reports per severnsidebirds | |
| New Passage: | The Common Scoter was still present but little else noted here or at Aust Warth and Severn Beach | |
| Hoar Gout: | 3 Mute Swans, 1 Little Grebe and 8 Shoveler on the Vosa pool. No sign of yesterday's Green Sandpiper. | |
| Avm Sewage Works: | Many of the Tufted Ducks appear to have departed, just 30 birds today (max.76 on 16th). 1 Cetti's Warbler at the bushes. | |
| Sea Mills: | On the river Avon stretch here, noted were: 1 Greenshank, 120 Redshanks and 4 Common Sandpipers (AD Scott) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | 6 Cettis Warblers here this morning, 3 along Wharf lane track and another 3 birds along the seawall. After a long absence, some of the duck have started using the old CEGB pool again, so if the main pool looks deserted, check out this one out too (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | Some old friends still present plus a small influx of Green Sandpipers reported today (all R Mielcarek) | |
| Heron's Green: | The long-staying Ferruginous Duck still here plus 9 Green Sandpipers | |
| Herriot's: | The 2 Little Stints still present, also a Ruff and 12 Snipe | |
| Stratford: | The Goldeneye seen here, now identifiable as a male. The returning Aythya hybrid (female Pochard with white facial blaze) also noted | |
| Villice bay: | The usual Red-crested Pochard and a Hobby seen here | |
| Berrow: | Few waders reported here, the Oystercatcher count was 156 birds (per berrowbirds) | |
| Brue-Parret Est: | Best birds here were a Marsh Harrier and 2 Curlew Sandpipers. Other wader highlights were a single Ruff (from previous days), 871 Redshank and 215 Turnstones (per berrowbirds) | |
| 21 Sept | The weather remains dry and fairly settled. | |
| New Passage: | Noted first thing this morning on the stretch to the Grebe pool were: singles of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher, 15 Blackcaps and 10 Chiffchaffs. Also noted were 6+ Blackbirds and 4 Song Thrushes, perhaps indicating some migrants (JP Martin). Yesterday's Common Scoter was still present off Northwick Warth (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Hoar Gout: | Present on the Vosa pool today were 2 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper and a Cetti's Warbler at the bushes (S Hale) | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | A much quieter day here this morning. Main waders numbers were: 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 130 Dunlin, 70 Curlew and 145 Redshank (S Hale) | |
| Clevedon coast: | Late
news from yesterday: a
Wryneck was
present at the Channel View farm stretch, close
to the Upland Sandpiper site 2005 and also the
previous Wryneck sightings here.
A bit 'crippling' for the other observers
who had flogged that very stretch during the day
and managed not to see it. The best of today's shoreline count: 90 Shelduck, 18 Little Egrets, 1 Sanderling, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 190 Dunlin, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 160 Curlew, 70 Redshank and 6 Common Sandpipers (HE Rose). There was little evidence of any overnight migration with few Pipits, Wagtails or Wheatears on show. No reports of the Wryneck. |
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| Chew Valley lake: | New birds reported here today were a Whinchat and a Stonechat at the Moreton bank (R Mielcarek). Other highlights were 2 Little Stints (Herriots), 2 Common Terns (Stratford), 2 Kingfishers, 13 Pintail and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls around the lake (per cvlbirding) | |
| Blagdon lake: | A Black-necked Grebe present here early afternoon (N Milbourne), also recorded were 32 Wigeon, Goldeneye, Hobby, Common Sandpiper and Yellow-legged Gull. | |
| 20 Sept | More splendid weather. Cataclysmic news from Severnside...... | |
| Aust Warth: | A Nuthatch was seen at the Old Passage area.....small beer normally but this is a high octane Severnside rarity.....on a par with a diving Gannet at Chew Valley lake (per severnsidebirds). | |
| New Passage area: | A female/immature Common Scoter seen here this morning, There were generally low numbers of other shorebirds but a Golden Plover was a new arrival. Migrants around the scrub and coastal bushes were: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 60 Meadow Pipits, a Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtails, 7 Whinchat, 4 Wheatears, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, single Whitethroat, 8 Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs and a Siskin (JP Martin, per severnsidebirds). Yesterday's Hen Harrier was seen again today across the river at Newport Wetlands.....it could come back to us! | |
| Brentry: | Two Ravens noted flying north over Fishpool Hill this afternoon (M Dadds) | |
| Hoar Gout: (ST531801) | 3 Mute Swans, 3 soaring Buzzards, 8 Lapwing and a Cetti's Warbler present at the Vosa pool (S Hale). The Cetti's is thought to be a separate bird from the ones at ASW. | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | Shoreline count: 51 Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 300 Dunlin, 77 Curlew, 285 Redshank and 50 Turnstones. A count made at one of the 'wildlife corridors' was: 1 Kingfisher, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Blackcaps and 10 Chiffchaffs (CJ Stone). The Redshank count is a particularly good one for Avon, no doubt many passage birds involved | |
| RPD Industrial Est: | Along the Marsh lane section this afternoon, just 2 Green Woodpeckers and a single Cetti's Warbler (S Hale) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | A couple of new arrivals here today. 3 Snipe (new), 1 Kingfisher, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Stonechat (new), 3 Cetti's Warblers and c.6 Chiffchaffs. (S Hale) | |
| Clevedon coast: | A complete shoreline count from
Wain's Hill to the Yeo Est was as follows:- Wain's Hill-Channel View farm: 80 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 80 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Heron, 28 Oystercatchers, 75 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 200 Dunlin, 50 Redshank, 7 Turnstones, 4 Rock Pipits, 5 Wheatears, 30 Linnets and a Reed Bunting (J Williams) CV farm-Yeo Est: 8 Little Egrets, c.30 Ringed Plovers, c.150 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, c.30 Curlew, 3 Turnstones, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Whinchat and 4 Wheatears (R&N Staples) |
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| Barrow Gurney Res: | This morning's count was: 66 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Little Stint (No.2 tank), 1 Common Sandpiper, a Whinchat and 2 Wheatears (S Davies) | |
| Brean Down: | Mainly overhead migration reported her today, notable counts were:- 700 Swallows, 400 House Martins and 600 Meadow Pipit (per westonbirds). Warbler migration was much diminished it appears with no Blackcaps or Chiffchaffs reported.....compare with previous days | |
| Somerset levels: | The Great White Egret was still in residence (see 'photo above) at Meare Heath and there were 78 Black-tailed Godwits here also (usual flock here for some time now). Also noted nearby were 2 Water Rails, 20 Snipe and 2 Kingfishers (per SOS) | |
| 19 Sept | Plenty of morning reports with a combination of high tide and fine weather . A Hen Harrier (ring-tail) reported from Northwick Warth this morning. The Wryneck was reported again on Brean Down. There is still plenty of migration on the go with Blackcaps particularly numerous. | |
| Frampton Cotterell: | Four Buzzards soaring here today (W King) | |
| Oldbury Power Station: | A good selection of birds
reported here today.
'Shore' birds included a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 11 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 79 Wigeon, 74 Teal, 42 Lapwing, single Snipe, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, 19 Curlew, 63 Redshank and 35 Turnstones. There was a surprise overnight influx of Song Thrushes with at least 22 counted. Other migrants were: c.100 Swallows, c.100 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, singles of Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher. Chiffchaffs were noted as 'plenty'. Also noted were 9 Buzzards. (W King, A Middleton, per opsbirding) |
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| Littleton Warth: | Some highlights reported here this morning were: 1 Little Egret, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whinchat, 7 Wheatears and 7 Chiffchaff (JP Martin) | |
| Pilning: | A Redpoll noted flying over the Recorder's garden first thing (JP Martin) | |
| Severnside: | Lots of birds and variety on
display at the main Severn Beach-Northwick axis.
Best bird by far was a ringtail
Hen Harrier
seen mid-morning at Northwick Warth. Few notable
waders reported despite the full tide. Two Grey
Plover at Severn Beach were new. Main interest was with the small bird migrants, highlights being 60 Skylarks, 100 Meadow Pipits, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 6 Whinchat, 8 Wheatears, 10 Blackcaps and 30 Chiffchaffs at the New Passage-Northwick stretch. At Aust Warth, an adult Mediterranean Gull, another Whinchat and 8 more Chiffchaffs were noted (JP Martin) Noted at Avonmouth Sewage Works were: 6 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 26 Gadwall, 25 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 48 Tufted, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Jays (all per severnsidebirds) |
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| Royal Portbury Dock: | The shoreline count this morning
was: 22 Teal, 1 male Sparrowhawk (caught a
Pipit), 1 Oystercatcher, 6 Ringed Plover, 3
Curlew Sandpipers (juvs), 1 Little Stint, c.280
Dunlin, 33 Curlew, 85 Redshank, 4 Turnstones,
c.110 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed
Gulls and 6 Wheatears (S Hale).
Later reports were 150 Redshank, 2 Curlew Sandpipers and 50 Turnstones (CJ Stone) |
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| Gordano valley: | The GV ringing station reports: 99 birds were ringed and there were 13 re-traps. A very busy morning with Blackcap migration at its peak. Ringing highlights were Blackcap 58; Chiffchaff 25 and Reed Warbler 1. A small influx of Reed Buntings also noted (LF Roberts) | |
| Clevedon coast: | It was quieter here than the reading room at the British Library, just singles of Tree Pipit and Chiffchaff and 2 Spotted Flycatchers seen (H Taffs) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | Eleven Black Terns and 4 Little Gulls seen at the lake today plus a Garganey at the Herriot's area. Water levels reported to be dropping which should be good for both waders and the dabbling ducks (per opsbirding) | |
| Brean Down: | The Wryneck still present here today though elusive at times. Migrants noted on the Down or passing through were: 22 Skylark, 500 Swallows, 200 House Martins, 1 Tree Pipit, 300 Meadow Pipits, 4 Redstart, 9 Wheatears, a single Sedge Warbler, 40 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 30 Chiffchaff, single Willow Warbler, 70 Linnets and 7 Reed Bunting (per westonbirds) . Good numbers of Blackcaps have been present here for some days now. | |
| Steart: | Seen this morning: 9 Avocets, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank and 10 Common Terns. Also recorded but not counted, Knot, Dunlin, both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits and Redshank (per SOS) | |
| 18 Sept | Dry with much lighter winds. Overcast in the afternoon. Bird of the day is a Wryneck found on Brean Down this afternoon. There are14m tides on Sat/Sun which should produce some decent waders and other goodies. Hope springs eternal. | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Nothing to set the pulse racing here this afternoon. The Little Owl was back on show around the Wharf lane barns (S Hale) | |
| Severnside: | Another ringing session was held at Northwick Warth this morning, little trade came into the nets, of note were just 3 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Whitethroats. These birds had very high fat scores indicating they were fuelled up for migration. Away from the nets, also noted were 2 Whinchats and 12 Wheatears (E Drewitt, per severnsidebirds). | |
| Brean Down: | A classic September bird.....a Wryneck was found on the Down this afternoon (James Packer). Some migration also very evident, noted were: 400 Swallows, 200 House Martins, 200 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails and 6 Reed Buntings. 20 Chiffchaffs also noted. (per westonbirds) | |
| Steart (Wall Common): | Highlights on this morning's high tide were: 379 Shelduck, 11 Pintail, 11 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Heron, 39 Oystercatchers, 42 Curlew, 1 Greenshank (Catsford common), 900 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Kingfisher, at least 120 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits, 8 Wheatear and a single overhead Siskin (S Hale, LF Roberts). Only 2 Dunlin seen. | |
| 17 Sept | Dry and breezy again. | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Rising morning tides coming back so there were a few shorebirds to be seen here today. At the Chapel Pill section: 8 Canada Geese, 110 Teal, 1 Knot, 11 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 105 Redshank and a few Wigeon (not counted) and Curlew (S Hale) | |
| Clevedon coast: | A good selection of birds reported here today: 95 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 39 Teal, 9 Little Egrets, 23 Oystercatchers, 24 Ringed Plover, 4 Knot, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, a probable Little Stint, 160 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 120 Curlew, 110 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 15 Turnstones, 5 Rock Pipits and 2 Wheatears (per clevedonbirds) | |
| Severnside: | Not much to report here today. At New Passage-Northwick, reported were just singles of Little Egret, Knot and Snipe. Waders at Severn Beach this evening were: 16 Ringed Plovers, 6 Dunlin and 25 Turnstones (JP Martin) | |
| Somerset levels: | At Meare Heath pools this morning, noted were: the usual Great White Egret, 140 Lapwing, 2 Little Stints, 1 Snipe, 93 Black-tailed Godwits and a single Spotted Redshank (RJ White) | |
| 16 Sept | Another day with a brisk
north-easterly breeze which hopefully will bring
in a few interesting birds soon. The east coast
is already hotting up with some Redwing,
Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher
and Brambling already appearing.
It pays not to drop one's guard.... a Tufted Puffin has been reported in Kent today....a north Pacific seabird on the wrong side of the wrong ocean and on the wrong side of the UK too! Another example of Pacific seabird vagrancy if confirmed, following the Pacific divers and Murrelets |
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| Slimbridge WWT: | The Marsh Warbler seen here on 11 Sept has been confirmed and added to the Slimbridge bird list....hopefully this will give a fair wind to the recent Severnside record. Other notable sightings today here were:- 800 Teal, 2 Little Stints, 3 Ruff, 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Spotted Redshanks and 35 Chiffchaffs (per slimbridgebirds) | |
| Yate: | A Spotted Flycatcher noted at Wapley Bushes NR 1.30pm this afternoon (D Pearce) | |
| Almondsbury: | There was a large movement of Swallows and House Martins reported over Lower Knole farm early this morning ( M Dadds). No definitive count received but in the order of 700 birds passing over up to 8.40am. As usual for our area in autumn, the birds were flying the 'wrong' way, ie to north-east. We'll probably see a similar thing next month during the Club's migration watches | |
| Severnside: | Two Whinchats noted at Aust
Warth this morning. Nearby at Old Passage, 1
Spotted Flycatcher and 5 Chiffchaffs
(AD Scott). Many thanks
for the 'photo Tony.
At the New Passage-Northwick Warth stretch, 12 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 26 Oystercatchers, 32 Redshank, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker. The first Short-eared Owl of the autumn was seen at Northwick Warth in the afternoon. At Severn Beach this evening, noted were: 20 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 29+ Dunlin and 45 Turnstones (JP Martin). Many thanks for the 'photo John. Reported at Avonmouth Sewage Works area this morning:- 4 Little Grebes, the Great Crested Grebe and chick, 26 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 76 Tufted Ducks, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Cettis Warbler. At the nearby Vosa pool (Hoar Gout), 6 Mute Swans, 11 Gadwall and 9 Teal. Not much small bird activity around the bushes and few Hirundines noted over the pools (per severnsidebirds) |
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| Portbury Wharf: | Wigeon still arriving on the pools, 17 counted here this morning. Also present, c.12 Little Grebes, 9 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 3 Shoveler and 12+ Tufted Ducks. A flock of c.100 Hirundines included c.20 Sand Martin, a good count for here (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | More Wigeon coming in, 81 counted around the lake plus 2 Little Gulls and one of the juvenile Arctic Terns in Villice bay. The Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff were still at Herriots and the Ringed Plover and Dunlin remained at Moreton Pt (R Mielcarek). | |
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| 15 Sept | A cloudy day and breezy. Birding has been a bit of a struggle in this wind. | |
| Severnside: | Two juvenile Curlew Sandpipers
present at Severn Beach late afternoon. At Aust
cliff this evening, present were 3 Spotted
Flycatchers and 8 Chiffchaffs. At Avonmouth Sewage Works, 2 male Pochard appeared with the usual resident ducks. The Tufted flock was 73 birds this morning (per severnsidebirds) |
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| Portbury Wharf: | A few more Wigeon today, at least 10 birds on the pools (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | Some new birds dropped in today, 2 Common Scoters and 3 juvenile Arctic Terns over the lake and a Turnstone seen at Stratford along with the Red-crested Pochard. The Ruff is still present at the mud strip at Herriots. A small increase in Wigeon again, 19 birds of Herons Green and another 16 birds at Stratford (R Mielcarek). | |
| Somerset levels: | At Meare Heath pools this morning were: the Great White Egret, 2 Little Stints, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Green Sandpipers (R&J Staples) | |
| 14 Sept | High pressure still in charge but it was a much cooler day today and not so sunny. Northerly breeze, quite fresh at times on the coast. Several sites reporting Wigeon so perhaps an influx of birds. | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | There was no sign of yesterday's Avocet. The sole wader highlight was 16 Ringed Plovers (S Hale) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | New birds on the pool this morning were 3 Wigeon and a male Pochard. Also here, c.80 Swallows/House Martins and a single Sand Martin hawking insects over the pools. In the evening, some migrant activity along Wharf lane, of note, 6 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and lots of (common) Tit species (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | The Glossy Ibis could not be found today but the Ferruginous Duck was located asleep at Heron's Green bay. An Oystercatcher was at Moreton Pt (new bird in) along with singles of Ringed Plover and Dunlin. The Wigeon count was 31 birds (R Mielcarek). | |
| Weston STW: | Present over the pools today were 18 Wigeon and c.20 Sand Martins (per westonbirds) | |
| Brean Down: | Bird of the day here was undoubtedly a Corncrake flushed near the tip of the Down. Swallows were still on the move but other migrants scarce apart from an exceptional count of 40 Blackcaps (per westonbirds) | |
| Berrow: | Highlights on the shore were: 248 Oystercatchers, 2 grey Plovers, 12 Knot and 68 Sanderling. Migrants recorded were, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Wheatears and 4 Chiffchaffs (per berrowbirds) | |
| Somerset levels: | The Spotted Crake remains at Greylake RSPB. A Red Kite was seen over Noah's pool, Shapwick late morning, also here 21 Wigeon in flight (per SOS) | |
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| 13 Sept | Another fine day with a light northerly breeze. A little cloudier late on. | |
| Oldbury Power Station: | No small bird migrants reported here at all after yesterday's good showing. Wader sightings were: 10 Ringed Plover, 11 Lapwing, c.50 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 9 Black-tailed Godwits and a single Greenshank (per opsbirding) | |
| Severnside: | An
Avocet appeared at Severn Beach in
the afternoon, presumably the RPD bird but there
were few other wader highlights and migrant
numbers also appeared to be down. At Avonmouth Sewage Works, reported am were: 6 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe (+ chick), the usual Green Sandpiper and 7 Chiffchaffs. The usual common ducks remained on the square pool (per severnsidebirds) |
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| Royal Portbury Dock: | Yesterday's Avocet was present here at 6.45pm. Another or same also reported on Severnside but it is not clear whether 1 or 2 birds are involved. A Mediterranean Gull also reported nearby. (CJ Stone) | |
| Clevedon coast: | Dire straits here, definitely nothing to sing about, the only birds of note reported were single Whinchat and Wheatear (H Taffs) | |
| Axe Est: | The count here was 33 Teal, 4 Knot and a single Whimbrel (per westonbirds) | |
| Brean Down: | Hirundine passage was reported to be lighter that past couple of days but still decent numbers on the move. There was a good showing of some other migrants: single Redstart, 3 Wheatears, 20 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 5 Grey Wagtails (per westonbirds) | |
| Somerset levels: | The Spotted Crake continues to show well at RSPB Greylake | |
| 12 Sept | The settled weather continues. Two Ospreys reported and an Avocet was present at the mouth of the Avon. Plenty of Hirundine migration evident. | |
| Oldbury Power Station: | Highlights today were: a Hobby, 100+ House Martins, 5 Blackcaps, 20+ Chiffchaff and a Spotted Flycatcher. Waders noted were 23 Lapwing, 53 Redshank and a single Greenshank (per opsbirding). | |
| Severnside: | There was another Osprey seen off New Passage today (last one 29/8/09). Migration highlights were 5 Tree Sparrows, 200+ Meadow Pipits, 300 Swallows, 100 House Martins, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps and 6 Chiffchaffs. (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | Best find here was an Avocet present on the mud at the mouth of the Avon, also present nearby was a Yellow-legged Gull. Other shorebirds were 2 Knot, 100 Dunlin and the resident flock of 120 Redshank. Migrants along the coastal scrub included 3 Wheatears and 2 Whinchats (S Hale, CJ Stone). Chris found the Avocet and Gull. | |
| Portbury Wharf: | The dawn bush patrol reported, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 6 Cettis Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 7 Chiffchaffs (S Hale) | |
| Gordano valley: | At the GVRS, 60+ birds ringed this morning, with Blackcaps continuing to dominate the nets: 7 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 37 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers and 5 'residents' (LF Roberts) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | An Osprey was seen over the lake, sometime before 10.00am (per RM). The Glossy ibis was still on station and a Black-tailed Godwit was also present off Stratford. The Ferruginous Duck was at Heron's Green (R Mielcarek) | |
| Brean Down: | Main migration highlights were Hirundines and Pipits with 4,200 Swallows, 280 House Martins, 100 Sand Martins and 200 Meadow Pipits on the move. Also noteworthy were 4 Tree Pipits, 6 Grey Wagtails and 10 'alba' type Wagtails. Warbler passage reported as much reduced (per weston-berrowbirds) | |
| Somerset levels: | Present on Meare Heath pools this afternoon: c.75 Knot, 2 Little Stint, 2 Ruff and a Spotted Redshank (RN Staples). The Knot count is a particularly good count for this inland site. | |
| 11 Sept | Another fine sunny day. | |
| Slimbridge WWT: | The Marsh Warbler still present around the In Focus shop and Holden Tower track (per slimbridgebirds) | |
| Severnside: | Noted at the New Passage stretch
were: 6 Canada Geese, c.50 Teal, 2 Little
Egrets, 6 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, 37
Redshank, 40 Turnstones, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Grey
Wagtails. The morning ringing session here
produced few overnight migrants, just 3
Blackcaps and singles of Robin, Lesser
Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff. Compare
these totals with the Brean Down sightings
(below).
At Severn Beach, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Knot, an immature Curlew Sandpiper (peachy) and 19 Dunlin. At Avonmouth Sewage Works: a good selection of common stuff around the pools, highlights were Little Grebe + chick, Great Crested Grebe + chick, 75 Tufted Ducks, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Cettis Warblers. At nearby Vosa pool (Hoar Gout), another Cettis Warbler was heard (all per severnsidebirds) |
|
| Royal Portbury Dock: | The shoreline count at high tide was: just 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Knot, 100 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 33 Curlew (S Hale) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Little new around the pools first thing, last night's Common Sandpiper was still present. Three Cettis Warblers heard but few other migrants noted. On the estuary just before high tide, c.230 Dunlin and 7 Knot at the Chapel Pill section (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | The Glossy Ibis is still present but is becoming increasingly difficult to view. It's hanging around at the southern end of Stratford. It is just about viewable at extreme distance from Nunnery Pt if you are desperate enough. Both the the Ferruginous and Goldeneye ducks remain at Stratford bay. (R Mielcarek) | |
| Barrow Gurney Res: | Noted this evening were: 40 Shoveler, singles of Dunlin, Snipe and Common Sandpiper and 8 Grey Wagtails (CJ Stone) | |
| Bath area: | A Red Kite was reported at Faulkland this morning, drifting north-east (per SOS) | |
| Brean Down: | A good showing of migrants reported on the Down, at least 7 Redstarts, 4 Blackcaps, c.30 Chiffchaff/Willow Warblers, 3 Spotted Flycatchers and 1 Pied Flycatcher. Also noted was a significant passage of Swallows, some 2,000 in 3hrs and c.200 Meadow Pipits (per weston-berrowbirds) | |
| 10 Sept | Another fine and dry day. There was a freshening NNW breeze pm which could be good for overnight migrants tomorrow and the weekend. | |
| Slimbridge WWT: | A 1st winter Marsh Warbler reported near the In Focus shop at 3.50pm this afternoon. Our 2nd bird of the autumn following Severnside's bird on 22 August. | |
| Severnside: | Much of the same here today, at New Passage, c.40 Teal, 3 Little Egrets, 32 Curlew, 20 Redshank and c.50 Turnstones. At Severn Beach, just 28 Dunlin and 7 Turnstones were reported (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | The shoreline count was, c.140 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Curlews, 3 Rock Pipits and 3 Wheatears (S Hale) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Some new birds here this morning: on the pools, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper (pm) plus the usual Little Grebes and other common ducks. At the sewage farm bushes, 1 female Redstart, a few Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs and 2 Jays (S Hale) | |
| Gordano valley: | GVRS had a busy dawn session, ringing highlights were: 5 Sedge Warblers, 50 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Marsh Tit. In total, 79 birds ringed and a further 7 re-traps (L F Roberts) | |
| Clevedon coast: | Noted on today's tide, 30 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 6 Little Egrets, an immature/female type Marsh Harrier, 25 Oystercatchers, 40 Ringed Plover, 13 Lapwing, c.100 Dunlin, singles of Ruff and Snipe, 70+ each of Curlew and Redshank, single Greenshank and Green Sandpiper, c.6 Turnstone and 4 Wheatears (per clevedonbirds) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | The Glossy Ibis is still present here, mainly off the main reed-bed and just about viewable from Stratford hide (R Mielcarek). A Curlew Sandpiper was present at the BK hide today (per RM). | |
| 9 Sept | An indian summer's day. No reports of the Woodchat Shrike on the Mendips today | |
| Almondsbury: | Two Spotted Flycatchers seen at Lower Knole farm this morning (M Dadds) | |
| Oldbury Power Station: | Highlights today here were: 16 Mallard, 3 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 13 Black-tailed Godwits, just 6 Curlew, c.100 each of Swallow and House Martin, 11 Pied Wagtails and 29 Goldfinch (W King) | |
| Severnside: | New Passage-Northwick stretch
am: 2 Little Egrets, 42 Curlew, 20 Redshank, 1
Common Sandpiper, c.50 Turnstones, 1 Grey
Wagtail, singles of Wheatear and Garden Warbler
and a few Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. In the
evening here, 3 more Wheatears. At Severn Beach,
recorded were, 20 Ringed Plovers and a further 2
Wheatears. At the Sea-bank pools (Chittening
Warth), noted were just 2 jays and a few
Chiffchaffs. At Avonmouth Sewage Works, present on the square pool this morning, 3 Little Grebes, 22 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 61 Tufted Ducks and a single Green Sandpiper. The pool-side bushes had singles of Cettis Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff (per severnsidebirds) |
|
| Portbury Wharf: | The hectic pace continues, this morning, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and a few Reed Buntings starting to re-appear along the seawall (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley lake: | The Glossy Ibis is still present at the southern end of Stratford bay but is elusive and difficult to see. The Wood Sandpiper and Red-crested Pochard also still present at Villice (R Mielcarek) | |
| Somerset levels: | The Spotted Crake was still present at RSPB Greylake. (day 16) | |
| 8 Sept | ||
| Westerleigh Common: | A female Redstart present here at mid-day (D Pearce) | |
| Severnside: | Two Little Terns present at New Passage first thing this morning (JP Martin). Later at New Passage/Northwick, 10 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, 15 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 84 Turnstones and a single Common Gull picked out in amongst the roosting Black-headed Gulls. At Severn Beach, just 22 Ringed Plover reported. At New Passage again pm, the evening shift reported 35 Common Terns (7.25pm) to the south west. (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | Not much to report, highlights on the tide were a Little Egret and 4 Black-tailed Godwits. 1 Cettis Warbler present in one of the coastal ditches (S Hale) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Noted early am: Cettis Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat. Pools quiet (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley Lake: | The Red-crested Pochard and Wood Sandpiper were still present at Villice bay, also seen here 2 Hobbies mobbing a Raven . A Nunnery Pt, 1 Spotted Flycatcher. At the Bernard King hide, 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers and a Yellow-legged Gull.The juvenile Marsh Harrier was also seen around the lake (combined reports, S Davies, R Mielcarek, R Palmer, R&J Staples) | |
| Westbury-sub-Mendip: | The Woodchat Shrike reported here again today | |
| 7 Sept | A dull and drizzly early morning, then clearing into a lovely calm, warm day. A Woodchat Shrike on the Mendips and the Glossy Ibis still at CVL. | |
| Severnside: | At New Passage, the dawn patrol
reported: 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 2
Garden Warblers (considered to be 'new' birds),
7 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2
Whitethroats and 5 Chiffchaff (JP
Martin). Later reports from the New
Passage area were: 2 Little Egrets, 5
Oystercatchers, c.20 Redshank, c.80 Turnstones
and c.200 Black-headed Gulls. At Severn Beach,
just 1 Peregrine and 2 Ringed Plovers reported.
Evening shift: reported were, a juvenile Hobby, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull and 2 Sedge Warblers at New Passage-Northwick Warth (all per sevensidebirds) At Avonmouth Sewage Works, on the square pool, 3 Little Grebes, 28 Gadwall and 57 Tufted Ducks. A Cettis Warbler was back calling around the bushes,the first for some time. Nothing of note seen on the Vosa pool by mid-morning (per severnsidebirds). |
|
| Portbury Wharf: | 2 Cettis Warblers, 1 Blackcap and 11 Chiffchaffs noted around the hedgerows (S Hale). | |
| Gordano valley: | Late news from yesterday: Blackcap passage along the valley increasing. Highlights of the ringing session were, 28 Blackcaps and 8 Chiffchaffs ringed (ie new birds) and only 2 re-traps and 1 control (per GVRS) | |
| Chew Valley Lake: | A juvenille Marsh Harrier was seen at Stratford and a Wheatear noted at Nunnery Pt (R Mielcarek). The Glossy Ibis was showing well from Stratford Hide and was eventually seen by 'our man on the spot'. | |
| Weston STW: | Highlights around the sewage farm area today were, 30 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 400 Redshank, 20 Meadow Pipits and 3 Yellow Wagtails (per westonbirds) | |
| Westbury-sub-Mendip: | A Woodchat Shrike reported from the Broadmead quarry area ST510506, apparently it turned up yesterday and still here today (per SOS) | |
| 6 Sept | A calm dry day, becoming warmer. A Glossy Ibis and Wood Sandpiper at CVL and another Wood Sandpiper at Slimbridge WWT | |
| Slimbridge WWT: | Hhighlight here was a Wood Sandpiper. No small migrants reported at all (per slimbridgebirds) | |
| Chipping Sodbury: | 5 Wheatears present on the golf course today (D Pearce) | |
| Severnside: | Reports so far, at Aust, 1 Whinchat (AD Scott). At the New Passage/Northwick axis, plenty of migrants on show, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, a single Whitethroat, 14 Chiffchaffs and 3 Willow Warblers (JP Martin) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Three Cettis Warblers present here this morning, 1 on the track to the seawall and 2 along the seawall to Portishead dock These are the first ones heard here for a while so possibly they are migrants. (S Hale) | |
| Gordano valley: | Main highlights on Weston Moor today were, 3 Little Grebes, 30 Canada Geese, 300+ Mallard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 10 Buzzards, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Blackcap and 4 Jays (PG Evans) | |
| Clevedon coast: | This morning's count was: 16 Shelduck, only 1 Teal, 10 Little Egrets, 2 Sparrowhawk, 19 Oystercatchers, c.50 Ringed Plover, c.150 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 140 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, 6 Turnstones, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail and 5 Wheatears. Also noted were several Pied/White Wagtails and a significant passage of House Martins and Swallows moving through. (per clevedonbirds) | |
| Chew Valley Lake: | At the dam/Bernard King hide area this morning: 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Turnstones, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and 10+ Great Black-backed Gulls (S Davies). A Glossy Ibis reported at the lake today, it first appeared around mid-day but is mobile. Also present at the lake, a Wood Sandpiper (R Mielcarek) | |
| Somerset levels: | At Meare Heath pools this morning, present were, the usual Great White Egret, 11 Knot, 2 Ruff, c.60 Black-tailed Godwits and 'plenty' of Lapwing and Snipe. An otter was showing well here too. At the Shapwick/Noah's lake area, a female type Marsh Harrier, an Osprey and 1 Black Tern (R&J Staples). | |
| 5 Sept | News just in: the warbler trapped
and ringed at Northwick Warth in August has just
been confirmed as a
Marsh Warbler . Check out the
Severnsidebirds website for 22 August
2009 for details and photograph. This is a new
species for Severnside (259th) and only the 5th
ever to be recorded in Avon, following others in
1979(2), 1986 and 1994. Of course, all this is
subject to ratification by the Records committee
in due course. The fact that the ringers felt it prudent to seek out and obtain further advice and information from other ringers with more experience of this species only goes to show what a problematical species Marsh Warbler can be sometimes to separate and identify it from other similar species. And that begs the question too as to how many of these birds are actually in or passing through our area each season but never get identified. Given these difficulties, one can begin to understand the reticence of the various record committees in accepting claims without detailed descriptions. |
|
| Severnside: | It was a quiet ringing session
at New Passage today: 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Robin,
1 Wren, 2 Blackbirds, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1
Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroats
and 1 Blue Tit. Two Reed Warblers were
re-trapped. (E Drewitt).
Non-ringing sightings received were:- At Aust: 5 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Whinchats. At the New Passage/Northwick stretch, highlights were, 1 Greenshank, 20+ Meadow Pipits (an influx today), 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps and 8+ Chiffchaffs. At Severn Beach, a Manx Shearwater was seen offshore and A Redstart noted around the bushes during today's BOC field meeting (per severnsidebirds) |
|
| Oldbury Power Station: | Seen today were: 2 Little Egrets, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, a single Greenshank and a Sedge Warbler. Seven Meadow Pipits also noted (per opsbirding) | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | Little change from yesterday, shoreline count was, c.42 Ringed Plovers, c.275 Dunlin, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 70 Curlew, 70 Redshank and 18 Turnstones. 4 Wheatears at the shoreline rocks (S Hale, CJ Stone) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | Estuary birds at Chapel Pill were:- 28 Teal and c.55 Redshanks. On the pools, 15+ Little Grebes and 10 Tufted Ducks of note. Migrants noted around the bushes: 2 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 20 Chiffchaffs and a Spotted Flycatcher. Several Reed Buntings also starting to appear (S Hale, CJ Stone). | |
| Berrow: | Highlights of the morning wader count here were: 1 Grey Plover, 60 Knot and 248 Sanderling (per berrowbirds) | |
| 4 Sept | Calmer winds today though still breezy. It was mainly dry. Two Grey Phalaropes reported, at CVL and Weston STW | |
| Oldbury Power Station: | Highlights here today included, 85 Teal, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 233 Black-headed Gulls (sadly counted) and a single Willow Warbler. Several Swallows were also noted over the lagoons (W King). | |
| Severnside: | Poor numbers of waders on this morning's tide. At the New Passage locality, 35 Teal, 8 Oystercatchers, 9 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, a single Common Sandpiper, 30 Turnstones and 4 Wheatears reported. At Severn Beach, 30 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin and 1 Common Tern noted (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | High tide count this morning was: c.60 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot, c.270 Dunlin, 39 Curlew and 1 Wheatear (S Hale) | |
| Weston STW: | A Grey Phalarope present here from 1pm (P Bowyer) | |
| Chew Valley Lake: | A 1st winter Grey Phalarope present at the Moreton hide today, first seen at 11.30am (R Mielcarek). | |
| Barrow Gurney Res: | Present here this evening were:- 23 Shoveler, singles of Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone and Wheatear plus a mixed flock of c.150 Hirundines (CJ Stone) | |
| Berrow: | Sea-watching today produced, 2 Fulmars, 10 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Bonxies and an Arctic Skua (per berrowbirds) | |
| Greylake RSPB: | The Spotted Crake was showing well again here today (D Teague) | |
| 3 Sept | Strong overnight WSW winds and a 07.15am high tide (11.8m at Avonmouth datum). Few seabirds were reported in Avon on the morning tide though a good variety of seabirds were present off the Minehead area including one record of a Black-throated Diver. The winds were probably too westerly to blow many seabirds farther up-channel and into Avon waters. | |
| Severnside: | A single Manx Shearwater was seen early on off Severn Beach (JP Martin) but nothing later in the morning. At Severn Beach, shoreline counts were c.50 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sanderling and 10 Dunlin. At New Passage-Northwick, 30 Teal, 14 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, Turnstones present, c.250 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Wheatears On the evening tide, just 2 more Manx Shearwaters, 1 Fulmar and an Arctic Tern were seen (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Portbury Wharf: | The pools remained 'phalarope free' despite the winds, just one Sand Martin seen here. At least 5 Chiffchaffs noted around the sheltered hedgerows behind the sewage farm (S Hale). | |
| Portishead: | An early morning sea-watch off Battery Pt failed to produce any seabirds at all, noted were just a single Peregrine and a few Swallows battling their way south (S Hale) | |
| Clevedon: | Just a single Manx Shearwater seen off Ladye bay early in the morning (H Taffs) | |
| 2 Sept | A wet day, drowning out much of the excitement and enthusiasm of yesterday. New birds into the area were a Merlin and 3 Curlew Sandpipers at Severnside | |
| Severnside: | It was a much
quieter day here today. Day-shift reports were:
at Aust Warth: a single Common Sandpiper and
Spotted Flycatcher. At the New Passage-Northwick
leg, 30 Teal, 2 Little Egrets, 13
Oystercatchers, 23 Redshank and 70 Turnstones.
At Severn Beach, present were just 30 Ringed
Plovers, and 9 Dunlin. On this evening's shift, some new arrivals noted, an adult female Merlin (earlyish), a juvenile Sanderling and 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers (expected) seen at Severn Beach (per severnsidebirds). |
|
| Portbury Wharf: | the only new bird on the pools here today was a male Pochard (S Hale). | |
| Tickenham Hill: | Noted at the AWT reserve were a single Hobby and 2 Marsh Tits (PG Evans) | |
| Clevedon coast: | At the Blind Yeo stretch today highlights were, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Peregrine, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Wheatears, 2 Ravens and 50+ Linnets (PG Evans) | |
| Chew Valley Lake: | There was no sign of yesterday's Spoonbill. At Heron's Green, ducks noted were 4 Wigeon, a Garganey and the Ferruginous Duck. Waders seen were single Common Sandpiper and Turnstone at Nunnery Pt. A lone Black Tern was present out in the middle of the lake (R Mielcarek) | |
| Somerset levels: | The Osprey was seen again around the Shapwick Heath pools today | |
| Greylake RSPB: | The Spotted Crake was still on show | |
| 1 Sept | Breezy with some heavy showers. Clearly an influx of birds into Avon today with records of Brent Geese, Spoonbill and Ring Ouzel. A nice way to start the month. | |
| Severnside: | A really good start
to the month, at Northwick Warth this morning, 6
Buzzards, a Hobby, a male Redstart, 6 Wheatears,
3 Ring Ouzels
and 6 Blackcaps but there were no further
reports of yesterday's Grey Phalarope. In the
late afternoon, 18 pale-bellied Brent Geese
dropped in at Severn Beach and a Manx Shearwater
was seen later in the evening
(per severnsidebirds).
These Brents are very early for Avon (earliest ever 24/9/92) and also a record count (for pale-bellied) for the county.....so Severnside now holds both record counts having had 119 dark bellied birds in January 2009 |
|
| Avonmouth Sewage Works: | Highlights on the square pool were, 3 Little Grebes, a 2nd Little Grebe brood and 46 Tufted Ducks á (per severnsidebirds) | |
| Royal Portbury Dock: | Again in the late afternoon, a marked influx of small waders at the mouth of the Avon, c.120 Ringed Plover and c.400 Dunlin (S Hale) | |
| Chew Valley Lake: | An adult Spoonbill was present at Moreton Pt today, also here c.12 Common Terns (R Mielcarek) | |
| Greylake RSPB: | The Spotted Crake still reported here today | |
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