Butterflies & Dragonflies          Contact          First Sightings          Links          On This Day          S. Glos Listers          Systematic List          Where To Watch

 

The Birds Of South Gloucestershire          Bird News 2007

 

DECEMBER

 

December 31st

The remains of a predated bird, giblets, feathers and part of a wing were found at Severn Beach. They were compared to specimens at Bristol Museum and confirmed as a 1st winter Grey Phalarope.

 

Another visit to Marshfield this afternoon. Overcast but dry and calm. At least 15 Brambling seen in the flock of finches and Yellowhammers around the stables area of the West Littleton Road junction with the A420. Also 100+ Chaffinch's by the Tormarton Road. 3 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 male Sparrowhawk seen with prey, 70+ Yellowhammer, 60+ Skylarks a few Fieldfare and Redwings plus 2 Goldcrest by the allotments and the usual corvids and pigeons. (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent)

 

December 30th

A Goshawk was reported over Rocks East Woodland southeast of Marshfield.

 

Positively balmy today on the patch with temperatures soaring to 8°C! And with the milder conditions birds were showing well. Several (at least three) Brambling were near the end of West Littleton Road at the junction of the A420 in a mixed flock of finches which included Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer and male Reed Bunting; whilst overhead there were c.70 Golden Plover. Northfield Lane was quiet with just Red-legged Partridge and numerous Crows, Rooks and Jackdaws. At Rushmead Lane there were plenty of Skylark and two Raven.

 

Close to the reservoir: 25 Brambling, 10 Yellowhammer, 50 Fieldfare and 10 Redwing. On the Tormarton Road near Harcombe Farm: 1 Merlin, 300 Linnet, 20 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Reed Bunting, 20 Yellowhammer, 3 Brambling, 100 Chaffinch, 10 Goldfinch and 10 Fieldfare. Many Skylark in the area, seemingly flying south. A big flock flying high near Harcombe Farm of 100+ birds was wheeling round in no particular direction. (Robert Kelsh & Andy Mears)

 

December 29th

At Severn Beach a Leach's Petrel was lingering from 10:30 to 11:25 and a Storm Petrel was seen at 14:10.

 

Cold wind but dry long enough for a two hour walk between Marshfield and Rushmead Farm along Tormarton Road. 2 Buzzards, 1 Peregrine in flight east of the cemetery, also 200+ Golden Plover east of the Tormarton Road. 30+ Stock Dove, 60+ Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing, 40+ Skylark, a male Stonechat and Mistle Thrush. 60+ Yellowhammer, 50+ Chaffinch and at least 5 Brambling amongst finch flock in the fields east of the stables on the West Littleton Road junction with the A420, good views of 2 males; 200+ corvids and 100+ Starlings. No Corn Buntings or Ravens must be keeping their heads down. (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent)

 

Plenty of birds at Marshfield this morning, all around the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane area. 80+ Corn Bunting, 30+ Yellowhammer, 15 Stock Dove, 60+ Skylark, 50+ Fieldfare, Redwing, 50+ Rook and 1 Lapwing. (Rob Laughton)

 

December 28th

Cold, wet and windy on the patch today which kept things fairly honest, however there were good numbers of 'corvids', Jackdaws mostly, 20 Linnets, several Skylark, a small flock of Stock Dove, plenty of Fieldfare & Redwing, c.60 Golden Plover, 20 Pied Wagtail and male Stonechat.

 

December 26th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen around 11:15 at New Passage.

 

I was with Cheryl today at Marshfield and I first spotted an Owl sat on the roof of the large barn on the Tormarton Road. I reversed into a gateway opposite the barn and had a clear views of two Owls flying together over Harcombe Wood. A white Pheasant was directly behind the same barn; 3 weeks ago we saw another leucistic Pheasant in a field on the top road passed Shirehill Farm (¼ mile away) which is also where we saw Bullfinches today. We go to this area a lot, but today's sightings were really exciting to us both, we must have sighted 20 Buzzards, 2 Grey Herons in Broadmead Brook, 5 Kestrels, several Yellowhammers, several Chaffinches and of course you can't go to Marshfield without seeing a Robin or two and numerous Pheasants and Partridges. (Cheryl Martin & Diane Lawrenczuk)

 

December 25th

There were seventy Yellowhammers along West Littleton Road and a Reed Bunting with Yellowhammers along Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

 

December 24th

A Short-eared Owl was still present in the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane area at 08:00 plus seven Greenfinch were at Ringswell. (John Barnett)

 

December 23rd

Plenty of Redwings and Fieldfares today especially along Northfield Lane, where there was also Merlin, Red-legged Partridge, one or two Skylark and Yellowhammer, several hundred Jackdaw and Short-eared Owl flushed from almost the same spot as the recent Hen Harrier. There was also a 'Bumblebee' on the wing at West Littleton Road.

 

December 21st

The Northfield Lane area of Marshfield today held; 28 Corn Bunting, 16 Yellowhammer, 21 Stock Dove, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Lapwing, 48 Skylark, 222 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 21 Song Thrush - in one flock!, Buzzard, Kestrel. I take it these maybe birds from the Continent? They also seemed quite happy on there tod and were not associating with the Fieldfare. It was also very cold up there only 0°C and very foggy. (Rob Laughton)

 

December 20th

Two Jack Snipe were reported from Filton Pool and Airfield and a Snow Bunting was seen near Riverside Park at Severn Beach.

 

December 18th

Nothing much to report from the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane circuit. No sign of the Hen Harrier, 4 Lapwing were on the model aeroplane field, small flock of Yellowhammer was sheltering in the Orchid Lane thicket, the mixed Chaffinch/ Yellowhammer flock was just off Rushmead Lane and a dozen of so Red-legged Partridge also. Fieldfare were everywhere plus a few Redwing and it was noticeable that the Blackbird count was up. (Gordon Rich)

 

December 15th - 16th

I've spent a lot of time wandering this weekend with some reward, fortunately. Hen Harrier (yes!) on the down just east of West Littleton on the 16th, Lapwing 4 at West Littleton, Golden Plover 23 in field north of Marshfield school also 100+ Linnet there. Snipe in a ditch at the bottom of West Littleton Road - a first for me! Skylark; Usual numbers, Fieldfare c. 400 altogether and a few Redwing, Song Thrush 2 Northfield Lane, Raven only 14 at Shirehill, Corn Bunting flock of c.60 Down Road - not normally so many there, Yellowhammer c. 130 in three separate flocks and cold fingers!! (John Barnett)

 

December 16th

A Jack Snipe was seen at Aust Warth.

 

December 15th

Three Jack Snipe were seen at Lagoon II at OPS and a possible Hen Harrier was noted again by dog walkers along the shore.

 

December 14th

An Adult Caspian Gull was seen at Shortwood landfill Site, the fourth for S. Glos. A Red-throated Diver (the sixth for Severnside and twelfth for S. Glos) flew north past Severn Beach at 08:35 and a Water Pipit was also at Severn Beach.

 

December 9th

An impressive 45 Ravens at Shirehill Farm in Broadmead Valley this afternoon. There's also a Merlin by Downthorns Farm and one at the west end of the village on Thursday December 6th. About 250 Golden Plover over Tormarton Road/ Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

 

At Severn Beach a Diver Spp. was seen at 09:00. It flew along the sea wall and over the Second Severn Crossing.

 

December 1st

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen again at New Passage.

 

NOVEMBER

 

November 28th

A ringtail Harrier possibly Hen was reported from OPS.

 

November 25th

The chill at Marshfield this afternoon was warmed by a female/ immature Hen Harrier that was flushed from the ground along Northfield Lane (ST: 778 744) at 15:25. It then flew east over Culverslade towards Downthorns Farm. Also there today were two Ravens, 20 Skylark, Red-legged Partridge, lots of Common Gull, Starling and 'corvid' and a finch flock of around a hundred and fifty, a mix of Chaffinch and Yellowhammer.

 

November 24th

Two Water Pipits were seen on the salt marsh at Severn Beach this morning with one still present on November 25th.

 

November 23rd

A female/ immature Hen Harrier was seen by visiting birders behind the cemetery off the Tormarton Road around dusk.

 

November 22nd

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage.

 

Rushmead Lane area of Marshfield this afternoon held; Brambling (heard calling in finch flock) 80+ Corn Bunting, 30+ Yellowhammer, 100+ Chaffinches, 2 House Sparrow, Raven, 2 Buzzard, 11 Long-tailed Tit, Skylark and Stonechat. (Rob Laughton)

 

November 18th

A Water Pipit was seen again at Severn Beach.

 

November 17th

A Little Auk was reported off Severn Beach at 10:25 and was last seen at around 11:00.

 

A male Brambling this afternoon in the field nearest to the main road at the east of George Lane; also just under 200 Golden Plover near Rushmead Farm. (Pete Coslett)

 

November 16th

A ringtail Hen Harrier was reported ranging between lagoon II and the orchard this afternoon.

 

Big flocks of Woodpigeons c.2 - 300, flocks of Gulls, Starlings, Corvids and Lapwing. Smallish groups of Fieldfare. Small flock of Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings separately. Loads of Pheasants. Disturbed a flock of Red-legged Partridge three times, how beautifully the Red-legged Partridges are camouflaged when seen in a ploughed field. Skylarks, Kestrels and Buzzards. And a pair of Stonechat on teasels in the allotments opposite the cemetery - not seen them before up here.

 

Re the Raptors, there was some funny behaviour I've seen before up here: - A tree full of Starlings, a Kestrel flies into it and sits and the existing starlings barely move, and more Starlings fly in! - A small bush with a Buzzard sitting in it, and Fieldfares actually fly in and sit right next to it! How cool are these birds! (Lois Pryce)

 

November 12th

Jack Snipe at Aust Warth and a male Black Redstart at Severn View Services on the 'Moto' building at 15:30.

 

November 11th

A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was seen at Severn Beach.

 

There were five Grey Partridge roughly at grid reference ST: 798 763 then flew down towards Gunnings Wood when flushed. (Jack Willmott)

 

A windy, and for a time wet, walk around the usual circuit. Northfield Lane pretty deserted but for Stonechat and seven Red-legged Partridge and a few Common Gulls. Orchid Lane also held just a Stonechat and a small party of Partridge.  Plenty of Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting and Skylark were along Rushmead Lane but numbers well down on those reported for Saturday. The return route to Marshfield along West Littleton Road produced a few Linnet, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer. No sign of the winter thrushes, just a Mistle Thrush on a roof-top in Marshfield! (Gordon Rich)

 

November 10th

An adult Mediterranean Gull and Water Pipit were seen at Severn Beach.

 

A lovely morning and plenty of activity on a 2 hour bike ride; 2 Stonechat on Down Road, a few Corn Bunting on Down Road and 60 on Rushmead Lane. Skylarks everywhere as usual and singing, c.2200 Starling, 500 Fieldfare but no Redwing. Yellowhammer 100+, a lot of Chaffinch today 100+ scattered but mainly on Down Road 140 Lapwing in field north of Rushmead Farm with 200 Linnet and 12 Golden Plover. (John Barnett)

 

November 9th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at Severn Beach.

 

November 8th

An adult light morph Pomarine Skua with full 'spoons' lingered off New Passage at 13:15.

 

November 7th

A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen at Severn Beach.

 

There were several hundred 'corvid' around Rushmead Lane early this morning mostly Jackdaw, Rook and Crow with a single Raven. A small flock of around twenty Linnet and several hundred Starling. Along Northfield Lane there were two Buzzard three or four Kestrel, two Fieldfare, around twenty Redwing and a couple of Yellowhammer.

 

November 5th

There were an incredible twelve (12) Grey Partridge in the field east of Marshfield cemetery on Tormarton Road and 6 Lapwing in fields next to Star Farm. (John Barnett)

 

November 4th

A Water Pipit and Jack Snipe were both seen at Severn Beach. A possible White Stork was in the Pucklechurch area. A Jack Snipe was seen on the salt marsh at Severn Beach.

 

November 3rd

An adult Mediterranean Gull was roosting on the shingle island at Severn Beach.

 

This afternoon there were c.400 Common Gull east of Rushmead Lane, 200+ Skylark, Great Black-backed Gull, 40 Yellowhammer, 110 Corn Bunting including 70 on Orchid Lane, 3 Stonechat, 3 Raven and c.30 Meadow Pipit. (John Barnett)

 

OCTOBER

 

October 30th

This morning at Marshfield a Blackcap by sewage works. (John Barnett) - This afternoon's highlights were the Starlings and Common Gulls. I'm not very good with numbers when it comes to estimating flock sizes but I'd hazard a guess at 5000 starlings - certainly enough to put on an aerial display and certainly more than I've seen up there before. As for the Common Gulls I reckon getting on for a thousand, again the largest flock I've seen on Marshfield. Otherwise, excluding the Buzzards, Kestrels, Woodpigeons and Corvids, birds were few and far between. A scattering of Skylarks, five Yellowhammers, no Corn Buntings, no Linnets, no Pipits and a handful of Red-legged Partridges. Northfield Lane produced just a couple of Blackbirds and a Song Thrush. The thicket at the end of Orchid Lane held a Dunnock and one of the five Yellowhammers. A Heron passed overhead. (Gordon Rich)

 

October 29th

A Merlin over fields east of Tormarton Road, c. 2500 Starlings, 200 Skylark, 70 Corn Bunting in fields east of Tormarton Road opposite Culverslade Farm. (John Barnett)

 

October 27th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage.

 

October 23rd

A female/ 1st winter Black Redstart flew from the water works to the buildings by the jetty at Oldbury Power Station at around 11:00.

 

October 22nd

A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen for around half an hour from 13:00 at Aust Warth.

 

October 21st

Highlights from Marshfield this afternoon include Merlin, over five-hundred Woodpigeon, well over a thousand Starling and two Stonechat along Northfield Lane. Also there were around forty Linnet, ten Red-legged Partridge and several butterflies still on the wing; Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell.

 

October 20th

A Water Pipit was seen at New Passage on October 20th.

 

October 15th

A Jack Snipe was seen at Northwick Warth and was also present on October 19th.

 

October 14th

This morning lots on West Littleton Road; 15 Goldfinch, 60 Corn Bunting and 100+ Linnet but the highlight was eight Grey Partridge opposite Rushmead Barn near the model airfield. (John Barnett) - New bird for 2007 - 5 Cormorants flew E to W over Northfield Lane at 10:15. Birds generally as reported for 8th October but plenty of Skylarks now in evidence though scattered. Also a total of seven Stonechats around the circuit. (Gordon Rich)

 

October 8th

Just Skylark, male Stonechat and Wren on Northfield Lane. The thicket at the end of Orchid Lane held a total of some 40-50 Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer plus a Great Tit. The only bird in Rushmead Lane was a male Wheatear still with some vestiges of his summer plumage. The telegraph wires running parallel with West Littleton Road held a flock of some 70 finches, mainly Linnet and Goldfinch, plus a scattering of Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting. Overhead were 3 Kestrel, 3+ Buzzard and Raven. Noticeably absent were the flocks of corvids and Woodpigeon. (Gordon Rich)

 

October 7th

A Jack Snipe was seen at Northwick Warth.

 

Lots of activity today; at Northfield Lane there were at least eighty Corn Bunting on overhead wires, several hundred Meadow Pipit, good numbers of Skylark, Linnet and Yellowhammer. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over Northfield Lane and both Blue Tit 10 and Long-tailed Tit 9 in the hedgerows there. Also there were at least five Stonechat, Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff and a covey of Red-legged Partridge. Two Raven flew over Castle Farm Copse.

 

Rushmead bushes around the raceway had 20 Linnet, 70 Corn Bunting, 100+ Yellowhammer, 100+ Skylark and 6 Common Gull. There were 40 Linnet and a female Stonechat east of the Tormarton Road and a pair of Stonechat on West Littleton Road by the start of Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

 

October 4th

A Snow Bunting was noted in flight and calling over Northwick Warth.

 

October 3rd

The regular adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage. A moulting adult male Lapland Bunting was seen at Northwick Warth on the salt marsh this evening.

 

SEPTEMBER

 

September 29th

A Jack Snipe was seen at Northwick Warth.

 

Along Northfield Lane there were good numbers of Meadow Pipit, several Skylark, Yellowhammer and Linnet plus a juvenile Stonechat and a 1st winter Wheatear. Further along the lane towards Rushmead Lane there were several 'alba' Wagtails and Raven. On Orchid Lane there were four Corn Bunting and around two hundred Woodpigeons. From the A420 near Downs Road there were sixty Golden Plover.

 

Fifteen Stock Dove at racetrack on Rushmead Lane also Jay and Marsh Tit, c.50 Swallow and a few House Martin. Orchid Lane; 200+Skylark, 30 Linnet and 50 Corn Bunting. One male Stonechat on Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

 

September 27th

After a lovely morning the weather deteriorated into a dull and windy afternoon for my walk around Marshfield. Apart from the seeming increase in corvids and Woodpigeons (and the inevitable Buzzards, Raven and Kestrel) Northfield Lane, Rushmead Lane and West Littleton Road were deserted. No Chats, no Pipits, no Skylarks. The only "excitement" was at the top of Orchid Lane where the now semi-resident 4 Corn Buntings (and a couple of Yellowhammer) were joined by a further party of some 30-40 Corn Buntings and a smaller party of Linnets. (Gordon Rich)

 

September 25th

Seven Stock Dove in field opposite racetrack on Rushmead Lane, 100 Skylark in Orchid Lane fields. Swallow: up to 150 on migration also a few House Martins. One Yellow Wagtail, Stonechat (pair) on Northfield Lane with Whinchat. 7 Raven on Orchid Lane. Corn Bunting: 50 on Northfield Lane and 25 Orchid Lane. (John Barnett)

 

September 24th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was noted at Severn Beach and was still present on September 27th.

 

September 22nd

Late morning at Marshfield: Fifteen Common Buzzard, six Kestrel. two Sparrowhawk, Raven, a small flock of Linnet, sixty plus Meadow Pipit, numerous Swallow and three juvenile Wheatear all around Northfield Lane.

 

September 20th

There were 40 Meadow Pipit and Whinchat at either end of Northfield Lane today. (John Barnett)

 

September 15th

A Grasshopper Warbler was seen around Grebe Pond on Northwick Warth.

 

September 13th

Two Tree Sparrows were seen at Northwick Warth.

 

September 11th

Visit this morning: A singleton Skylark in Northfield Lane plus two Grey Partridge. The Whinchat party and the Stonechat had moved to the hedgerow in Rushmead Lane (near Orchid Lane). The bushes at the end of Orchid Lane held 4 Corn Bunting and a similar number of Yellowhammer. Nothing else of note except two Raven off to the north. A lone Wheatear on the long stone wall that runs parallel to the West Littleton Road and seven Buzzard circling overhead near the paddock. The majority of corvids had moved to West Littleton, presumably to avoid the model aircraft. (Gordon Rich)

 

Two Whinchat, 3 Yellow Wagtail, juvenile Wheatear plus 16 Meadow Pipit and 6 Painted Lady Butterflies along Northfield Lane, Marshfield this afternoon. (Rob Laughton)

 

A Grey Partridge was on Northfield Lane, also 2 Whinchat and Wheatear on West Littleton Road. (John Barnett)

 

September 6th

Still eight Whinchat off Northfield Lane plus the juvenile Stonechat and a Common Whitethroat. Four Wheatear off West Littleton Road near the Rushmead Lane turning. Elsewhere, small flock of Linnet, plenty of corvids and Starlings, a couple of Kestrel and Buzzards but not a Corn Bunting or Yellowhammer in sight. (Gordon Rich)

 

A Tawny Owl was noted near Marshfield Church. (John Barnett)

 

September 5th

An adult Mediterranean Gull continued to show in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth areas. Also on September 6th and was joined by a 1st winter on September 8th.

 

September 4th

A few bits and pieces at Marshfield this morning; Yellow Wagtail over Northfield Lane, an adult Wheatear with a 1st winter along West Littleton Road, Hobby chasing House Martins over Marshfield village plus 22 Linnet, 2 Yellowhammer, 6 Kestrel, 3 Buzzard and 2 Raven. Also there were Fox and Roe Deer. (Rob Laughton)

 

AUGUST

 

August 31

Early evening at Marshfield; At least four Whinchat were still showing well along Northfield Lane where a distant Common Buzzard was being mobbed by a solitary Raven. Other sightings included Stock Dove, Yellowhammer, a small flock of Linnets and a distant flock of several hundred large gulls.

 

August 30th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage/ Northwick Warth from August 30th - 31st.

 

August 27th

A Grasshopper Warbler was seen at Severn Beach.

 

Two Whinchat where still in the potato fields at Northfield Lane this morning plus two or three Raven and a Grasshopper Warbler.

 

August 26th

Seven Whinchat were present at Northfield Lane this afternoon along with up to twelve Common Buzzard, three Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Willow Warbler. A Wheatear was seen on Rushmead Lane near the motocross ground. (John Barnett)

 

August 25th

There were still six Whinchat at Northfield Lane this evening along with several Common Buzzard, Stock Dove, Yellowhammer, Linnet, c.150 Starling and several Kestrel.

 

August 24th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage/ Northwick Warth.

 

This morning; Yellowhammer c.90, Corn Bunting 50, Linnet 30, Yellow Wagtail 1, all at the east end of Rushmead Lane except about 50 of the Yellowhammer in the bushes near the half built barn at the western end of Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

 

August 23rd

A Red Kite was seen over the Hanham/ St. George boarder at around 17:15.

 

August 17th

A rare weekday visit to the patch produced four Whinchat still along Northfield Lane and a pair of Whimbrel over Down Road.

 

August 16th

Highlights from Marshfield this afternoon: Flocks of c. 200 hundred Starling and c. 80 House Sparrow were near the horse paddocks at the start of West Littleton Road with small numbers of Yellowhammer but no Corn Bunting. Along Northfield Lane there were at least eight Whinchat, juvenile Stonechat, Yellowhammer and good numbers of both Swallow and House Martin. At Ringswell, on the south side of the village, there were four Grey Wagtail at the sewage works along with several Bullfinch, Chiffchaff and a couple of Common Whitethroat.

 

August 11th

A Honey Buzzard was reported flying east over Aust Village.

 

August 10th

A good selection of birds along Northfield Lane this evening with several Yellowhammer , Linnet and Corn Bunting. Also there were a small covey of Red-legged partridge and four juvenile Whinchat. There was no sound of Quail at the end of Rushmead Lane but a Peregrine put in a brief appearance.

 

August 9th

An adult and moulting 2nd winter Mediterranean Gulls were noted on the shore at Oldbury Power Station this evening.

 

August 5th

As well as all the usual's, two Quail calling in fields to the east of Tormarton Road, one just north of the farm opposite the east end of Rushmead Lane one just to the south. The Linnets seem to have done well in the area this year. (John Barnett)

 

August 2nd

A moulting adult Mediterranean Gull was present in the evening at Oldbury Power Station on the shore. An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage/ Northwick Warth from August 2nd - 8th.

 

August 1st

Adult and juvenile Mediterranean Gulls were present at New Passage.

 

JULY

 

July 31st

A glorious end to the month weather wise but still fairly slow on the patch. Very little along West Littleton Road and Northfield Lane but a bit more action around 'Bollard Bushes'. Several small flocks of Yellowhammer and Linnet, six Corn Bunting, four Common Whitethroat, two juvenile/ 1st winter Whinchat and a brief in flight Grey Partridge.

 

July 29th

A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was noted at New Passage. A moulting adult Mediterranean Gull was present in the evening on Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station.

 

July 28th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen in flight heading down river off New Passage.

 

July 19th

One Quail calling from a weedy field on the main Marshfield to Tormarton Road between 14:00 & 15:00, audible from Rushmead Lane at ST: 786 749. Also Yellow Wagtail (heard), 2 Corn Bunting and 4 Yellowhammer. (Rob Laughton)

 

July 18th

The predominant bird at Marshfield this evening was undoubtedly Corn Bunting with several pairs showing well on Northfield Lane alone. Yellowhammer was in evidence as was Linnet, House Sparrow, a small gathering of Starling, lots of Swallow and House Martin and a female Sparrowhawk. At Rushmead Lane a Yellow Wagtail was heard calling. (John Barnett)

 

July 15th

A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull was seen at Aust Warth at 14:00.

 

July 14th

A summer adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at Oldbury Power Station on Lagoon III.

 

July 12th

At least one Quail still present and heard calling today off Down Road at approximately ST: 792 744. (Andy Davis)

 

July 11th

Two Quail were heard calling near Marshfield off Down Road at ST: 792 744 with at least one still present on July 12th. An adult Mediterranean Gull was noted at New Passage.

 

July 9th

A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage.

 

July 7th

At least two Storm Petrels were lingering off Severn Beach this morning with one still present at 14:15.

 

July 6th

Around six Storm Petrels were seen off Severn Beach by 10:20 with five lingering until at least 18:00.

 

July 5th

At least two Storm Petrels were seen off Severn Beach close inshore this morning. A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull was seen at Severn Beach.

 

July 4th

A Storm Petrel was seen off Severn Beach this morning with two there in the evening.

 

JUNE

 

June 22nd

House Martin's were feeding over the barley crop this evening along with Swallow and Swift at West Littleton Road. Northfield Lane produced the usual suspects with Skylark, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Red-legged Partridge in evidence. Rushmead Lane held Red-legged Partridge with several more Yellowhammer and Common Whitethroat on Orchid Lane.

 

June 21st

Highlights from Marshfield this evening include several Skylark, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Red-legged Partridge along Northfield Lane. Much the same from Rushmead Lane with the addition of a possible Quail calling very briefly.

 

June 17th

As well as the usual Corn Buntings, Common Whitethroats, Yellowhammers etc, along Rushmead Lane 2 Ravens, 2 Grey Partridge and Yellow Wagtail. On West Littleton Road, Dark Mullein and what looks to me like Southern Polypody although in the Flora book it says that this is rare. (John Barnett)

 

June 16th

A Red Kite was seen in flight over the M5 near Tytherington.

 

June 15th

A Red Kite was seen on the on the south side of Marshfield at around 07:50, it was noted drifting low from the south-west being mobbed by hirundine before turning back south-west then south and was lost to view towards Ringswell. (Margaret Jones)

 

June 12th

Not a bad evening however the wind was fairly constant and from the west. Several Corn Bunting were singing along Northfield Lane, with Skylark, Linnet, Yellowhammer and two Grey Partridge. Along Down Road there was a Sparrowhawk and Common Whitethroat.

 

June 8th

A male Mandarin was seen on the main pond at Kingsgate Park (ST: 714 817) between 08:00 and 08:10, it appeared very wary associating with the resident Mallards before flying. A Mandarin was seen on the small pond on Westerleigh Common.

 

June 3rd

A sub adult dark morph Pomarine Skua was seen off Severn Beach at 09:35 and it or another was noted later in the day flying north.

 

June 2nd

My wife and I were strolling around Marshfield having left our car at the beginning of the main street in Marshfield village. We saw a Turtle Dove on our way back to the car in the lane across the main road opposite the turning leading into the village at ST 773 738. There are lots of bushes here (ideal habitat) but the bird flew past us strongly and didn't stop. We saw it really well. A real rare bird these days! (Andy & Mrs Davis)

 

June 1st

A Red Kite was circling above fields between M5 J14 and Leyhill Prison at 14:00.

 

MAY

 

May 30th

A 'reeling' male Grasshopper Warbler was present at Overscourt Wood, Siston Lane from May 30th until at least June 3rd.

 

May 26th

Eight singing Corn Buntings today in 5 hours of touring around Marshfield. There seem to be quite a lot of Linnet around and still loads of Skylarks. 5 Stock Doves and yet another site for Willow Warbler north of Rushmead Lane in the valley at Broadmead Brook. (John Barnett)

 

May 24th

A Honey Buzzard was reported at 15:20 flying low in a northerly direction near the Severn View Motorway Services and then out across the Severn Estuary towards the Forest of Dean.

 

May 21st

A Red Kite was noted by security staff at Oldbury Power Station between May 21st and 25th.

 

May 20th

At Northfield Lane there were several singing Corn Bunting this evening along with Skylark, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Common Whitethroat. Along West Littleton Road the Little Owl was feeding from overhead wires just before the Rushmead Lane turning. Two Coot were present on West Littleton Pond.

 

May 19th

A pale morph Pomarine Skua was seen off Severn Beach this morning.

 

Stacks of 'hirundine' mostly Swallow but there were lots of Swift and a couple of House Martins in the Northfield Lane area. Also there was a male Wheatear, Common Whitethroat, Corn Bunting and three House Sparrows. At Castle Farm Copse a Little Owl was in 'the' dead tree and a Brimstone was feeding near the brook.

 

May 13th

A presumed adult European Bee-eater was reported at around 18:00 in flight at Severn Beach. It was heard calling several times moving along the sea wall heading north-east. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.

 

May 12th

A pretty windy day with some heavy showers limited sightings but nevertheless the usual suspects were in evidence. Along Northfield Lane there were plenty of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Yellowhammer with one or two Corn Bunting. At Broadmead Brook there was a couple of Raven, three Mallard were on Rushmead Flash and at Castle Farm Copse a Little Owl was roosting in 'the' dead tree.

 

May 10th

A pale morph Pomarine Skua was seen from Severn Beach late morning and possibly the same bird flew north-east past Severn Beach at 09:20 on May 11th.

 

May 8th

Nine Pomarine Skua's including one dark morph  were seen for most of the day off Severn Beach.

 

May 6th

A pale morph adult Pomarine Skua with full spoons was seen off Severn Beach mid morning before departing south-west. A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull was seen at Severn Beach.

 

From Marshfield this morning; Several Common Whitethroats on Shirehill Lane, also Yellow Wagtail over the lane, singing Corn Bunting there and Lesser Whitethroat by the junction with Tormarton Road. (John Barnett)

 

May 1st

A Harrier probably Montagu's was seen from a moving car east of the A46 around 400 metres south of Dyrham Park at around 17:00 being mobbed by corvids.

 

The highest point at Marshfield (Orchid Lane) is a good place to look for raptors and there were several this evening; Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Merlin but unfortunately no sign of the probable Montagu's Harrier that was seen late afternoon near Dyrham Park. Also several Swift put in a brief appearance.

 

APRIL

 

April 28th

A Red Kite was reported in the morning circling on the south side of the M4 a half a mile before junction 18. Another Red Kite was seen at Oldbury Power Station at 15:00 drifting over Lagoon II heading upriver. A 08:30 a male Ring Ouzel was found at Oldbury Power Station on the flood bank of Lagoon II by the shore, it flew to the shore path by Lagoon I and then on towards Shepperdine where it was relocated in the hedge between Lagoons I & II - at 09:40 another male was flushed from the bank of Lagoon III, it was relocated on the lawn by the footpath from the entrance to the shore. A different bird than the one at 08:30 it was over half a mile away from first and appeared to have a ‘less adult’ plumage; The throat not as white and wings not as silvery, it was still present at 18:40.

 

April 27th

A Red Kite was reported from New Passage.

 

April 26th

An adult male Golden Oriole was heard calling from allotments and nearby gardens at Bellevue Road in Kingswood. It was heard calling ten to twelve times at around 16:30 (noted as a very loud 'bell-like' call) before heading off to the east.

 

Male Whinchat along Rushmead Lane this afternoon on fence posts near Orchid Lane. Also 20+ Corn Bunting, 20+ Yellowhammer and 6 Stock Dove, plus plenty of singing Skylarks also Common Whitethroat singing on the corner of Tormarton/ Rushmead Lane. (Rob Laughton)

 

April 25th

A Wood Warbler was reported at Oldbury Power Station singing in trees in the north-east corner of Lagoon I (by ruins of old building) at 07:15.

 

April 22nd

This evening at Northfield Lane/ West Littleton Road highlights were; Two Wheatear, singing Corn Bunting, lots of Skylark, twelve Red-legged Partridge, five Swallow, several Yellowhammer and a splendid male Whinchat.

 

April 21st

A Grasshopper Warbler was noted at Severn Beach on April 21st - 22nd. A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull was seen at Severn Beach. A Wood Warbler was seen well at Oldbury Power Station, it was singing for around 20 minutes until around 09:25 in the trees by the entrance, then along the bridleway towards the shore.

 

April 17th

There were three Mediterranean Gulls; an adult, a 2nd summer and a 1st summer at Severn Beach.

 

April 16th

A male Ring Ouzel was seen at Northwick Warth.

 

April 15th

A Grasshopper Warbler was reported 'reeling' from Oldbury Power Station at Lagoon II. A male Ring Ouzel was found at Oldbury Power Station between Lagoons I and II and was present until at least 10:00.

 

A warm sunny morning at Marshfield this morning with a light northerly breeze; On Northfield Lane there were several Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and stacks of Skylark. At Rushmead Lane there were at least thirty Corn Bunting in ploughed fields mixing with Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, and Skylark. Also there were several Common Buzzard, Raven and around twenty Fieldfare.

 

April 14th

A female Ring Ouzel was found in 'sheep fields' at Aust Warth and was still present on April 18th. An adult Red Kite drifted over Aust Warth heading inland at around 10:30. Also today another Red Kite was reported at 10:30 over fields just inland of Oldbury Power Station car park, then drifted north. This report represents the first record at the site. A female Marsh Harrier was seen in the morning flying up river past New Passage and subsequently past Aust Warth heading north. A Jack Snipe was seen at Northwick Warth.

 

April 13th

An Osprey flew low over Northwick Wharf and was lost to view heading north towards the old Severn Bridge at around 17:00. There were two male Ring Ouzels at Aust Warth in 'sheep fields' early morning before flying north.

 

April 12th

A Tree Sparrow was seen at New Passage near the Severn Way footpath entrance at around 10:30. A male Ring Ouzel was seen at New Passage at 07:15, it then flew towards the disused rifle range at Northwick Warth.

 

A warm afternoon at Marshfield but the wind was still coming from the north. Highlights today include, displaying Raven and Common Buzzard, three or four Corn Bunting, around thirty Yellowhammer, Red-legged Partridge, twenty Stock Dove, four Swallow and lots of Skylark in the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane area.

 

April 11th

A male Ring Ouzel was reported in the 'sheep fields' at Aust Warth around lunchtime.

 

April 10th

In the ploughed field at Rushmead Lane; Up to 30 Yellow Buntings, Corn Bunting, 20 Skylarks a few more Chaffinch and the odd Linnet. A male Wheatear still, White Wagtail and 4 Pied Wagtails, the very bright ones with the large white panel in the wing. New butterflies for the general area included; Orange Tip, Small White, Speckled Wood and Comma. I noticed unusually large numbers of Peacock butterflies and can only assume that they must winter in the dry stone walls of the area. (Pete Taylor)

 

April 9th

Highlights from Northfield Lane at Marshfield this afternoon included twelve to fifteen Common Buzzard, several Red-legged Partridge, one or two Yellowhammer, good numbers of Skylark and this years first two Swallows.

 

April 8th

A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported in the trees by The Scop at Almondsbury at around 09:40.

 

It was a lovely spring day at Marshfield today with light a westerly breeze. Between Northfield Lane and Rushmead Lane there were numerous Skylark and Yellowhammer plus one Corn Bunting, also three Raven and at least seven Common Buzzard. On Rushmead Lane a new male Wheatear had arrived and there were several Corn Bunting in trees and fields on the north side of the Lane.

 

April 6th

A Red Kite was seen over Wick. A Tree Sparrow was seen at Northwick Warth. It was the first on Severnside for four years and the first in S. Gloucestershire since October 2005.

 

A lovely morning at Marshfield and lots of activity; Very large numbers of Skylarks singing, a Red Kite over Tormarton Road (ST: 782 741) at 09:00, a total of 10 Corn Buntings singing and about 80 Yellowhammer, several singing. There seem to be a lot of Linnets around at the moment, still a few Fieldfare, several Raven and Common Buzzard. (John Barnett)

 

Good Friday records for Marshfield; The ploughed field in Rushmead Lane were Chaffinch 6, Corn Bunting 8, Yellow Bunting 12, Fieldfare 200 plus a few Linnets and Ravens. (Pete Taylor)

 

April 5th

A pair of Mandarin were reported from Tortworth Lake.

 

The now light breeze had moved around to the west and Marshfield had a positively spring like feel this evening. Red-legged Partridge, Stock Dove and Skylark seemed to be the order of the day with plenty of birds showing from Northfield Lane. At Rushmead Lane there was a flock of around eighty Fieldfare and a couple of Raven. Returning along Northfield Lane it was a bit of a surprised to see two Canada Geese go winging over Tanner's Paddock's.

 

April 4th

Still a northerly feel to the weather at Marshfield but the wind had dropped considerably. Highlights today; From Broadmead Brook, two Nuthatch, Treecreeper, two Grey Wagtail, several Raven, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaff, seven Mallard and Moorhen. At Rushmead Lane there were ten Corn Bunting, good numbers of Skylark and Yellowhammer, several Common Buzzard and Merlin from Orchid Lane.

 

April 1st

An Osprey flew north over Wick Quarry at 15:05 viewable from Raven Rock at a height of c.30 metres.

 

Warm but very windy at Marshfield this afternoon, highlights include two Ravens from Down Road, another Raven over Broadmead Brook, up to ten Common Buzzard and plenty of Skylark singing around the area. At Rushmead Lane there were two (a male and female) Wheatear, the first of the spring plus Meadow Pipit and at West Littleton Road there were twenty Linnet, a flock of c. 40 large gull, a mix of Lesser Black-backed and Herring and eight Pied Wagtails.

 

MARCH

 

March 30th

A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was seen at Aust Warth.

 

The wind was from the north-east this afternoon bringing with it a cold chill, however, around Northfield Lane there are still lots of Skylarks, Yellowhammer and Red-legged Partridge, a rather grey looking Meadow Pipit, one or two Stock Dove, a single Raven, several Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Grey Heron.

 

March 29th

An evening thrash at Marshfield produced lots of Red-legged Partridge and a Raven from Northfield Lane and a Little Owl along Down Road.

 

March 28th

An Osprey was seen in flight at Hambrook heading north over the A 4174 at 12:20.

 

Another warm sunny day at Marshfield. Highlights today include, six Corn Bunting on the corner of Rushmead Lane and Tormarton Road along with two Pied Wagtail, twenty Linnets, two House Sparrows, several Red-legged Partridge, six Common Buzzard, three Raven, twenty-five Fieldfare, several Yellowhammer and two Meadow Pipits. There are still lots of Woodpigeon and 'corvids' in the area but no visible signs of migration.

 

March 26th

A warm sunny day with temperatures reaching 15°C! Plenty of Skylark and Yellowhammer at West Littleton Road. A singing Corn Bunting, three Raven and six Common Buzzard along Northfield Lane. Forty Stock Dove and between four and five hundred Woodpigeon at Down Track along with another half dozen Common Buzzard. At Rushmead Lane there were more Stock Dove and Woodpigeon as well as Corn Bunting, Pied Wagtail, Red-legged Partridge and various finches.

 

March 25th

Up to twelve Red-legged Partridges along the Tormarton Road with one calling loudly and watched through the telescope from Marshfield cemetery plus Common Buzzard nearby. Several Yellowhammer at various spots between Marshfield and Tormarton on the Tormarton Road. Three Raven in the Rushmead Lane area, a Corn Bunting near Springs Farm and a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a telegraph pole in the middle of a treeless field in the same area. (Rob Emery)

 

March 24th

A cold northerly wind chilled pretty well everything at Marshfield today and as a consequence things were fairly slow, however, highlights today included; ten to twelve Raven, eight Common Buzzard, lots of Skylark and around forty Yellowhammer around West Littleton Road and Tanner's Paddocks. A couple of Corn Bunting put in a brief appearance at Rushmead Lane along with eight Pied Wagtail and a single White Wagtail.

 

March 21st

A Water Pipit was seen at Severn Beach.

 

March 17th

A 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage.

 

A quite a stiff south-westerly kept most things grounded today, however there was still a good showing. Stacks of Skylark singing as well as good numbers of Yellowhammer around Tanner's Paddock's and West Littleton Road. At Castle Farm Copse there was Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tit, Goldcrest, singing Chiffchaff and Treecreeper plus Grey Wagtail, Sparrowhawk, four Common Buzzard and three or four Raven.

 

March 16th

A Firecrest was seen in a garden at Severn Beach at 07:05 and again in the hedgerow leading to the railway station at 07:10.

 

March 11th

A Siberian Chiffchaff was found with Common Chiffchaff in the hedgerow at Northwick Warth near the second sentry box. First noted at around 10:30 it was still present between 15:00 and 16:00 and may have been present until March 13th. A Scandinavian Chiffchaff was in the hedgerow at Northwick Warth near the second sentry box.

 

A warm sunny day but with a stiff breeze from the west and temperatures in the 12 - 13° C area. Several Common Buzzard, up to eight Ravens, c.60 Linnet plus good numbers of Skylark from West Littleton Road. At Rushmead Lane, lots of Yellowhammer, several Pied Wagtail and a female Stonechat.

 

March 9th

A Richard's Pipit was reported in the morning as 'showing well' for just a couple of minutes between 08:45 and 08:48 with Skylarks near the flash at Northwick Warth. It was last seen and heard calling, flying north towards Aust Warth.

 

March 3rd

Passing along Rushmead Lane this morning with a walking group noted a Peregrine (without jesses') off to the north also 5 Common Buzzard, but not a great deal else. (Gordon Rich)

 

FEBRUARY

 

February 25th

Sunny with showers at Marshfield this morning with a brisk north-westerly wind; At West Littleton Road there were at least ten Common Buzzard, numerous Skylark, four Long-tailed Tits, Blue and Great Tits, six Ravens, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a probable Grey Partridge briefly in flight. Seven Mallard flew over Broadmead Valley and two more were on Rushmead Flash. Small flocks of Linnet, Yellowhammer and Fieldfare were scattered over the area with the main concentration at Rushmead Lane. There was a Sparrowhawk over the allotments plus the odd Stock Dove, Meadow Pipit and Corn Bunting.

 

February 24th

There were two Jack Snipe around Grebe Pond at Northwick Warth.

 

February 21st

A lovely sunny day brought out the Common Buzzards with a half dozen circling on thermals from Tanner's Paddock and along Rushmead Lane there was lots of activity; A flock of around two hundred Stock Dove, several hundred Starlings, around three hundred Fieldfare, two hundred Linnet, around twenty Corn Bunting, small flocks of Yellowhammer, Red-legged Partridge and Meadow Pipit, three or four Stonechat and numerous Skylark in full song. Fewer 'corvid' around lately but there were at least three Raven. The strangest sighting today though was that Peregrine in the back of a small car!

 

February 16th

There was lots going on in the Rushmead Lane area, mainly in the newly ploughed fields. Corn Bunting 35+, Yellowhammer 60+, Fieldfare 300+, Redwing 2, Skylark 20+, Meadow Pipit 11, Raven 2, Starling 150+, Red-legged Partridge 6 and Chaffinch 3. (Rob Laughton)

 

February 15th

A female Red-breasted Merganser was seen in flight heading south off New Passage.

 

February 6th

A flock of c.50 Yellowhammer, Stonechat and four Common Buzzard on West Littleton Road plus four Raven and Merlin near Broadmead Brook. A flock of c.50 Fieldfare were along Rushmead Lane.

 

February 5th

Two adult Mediterranean Gulls were noted at Southworthy Farm behind New Passage.

 

February 4th

There was a Jack Snipe around Grebe Pond at Northwick Warth on February 4th - 5th. A 1st winter Yellow-browed Warbler was found along the cycle track one hundred and fifty metres north of Abbey Wood Station on the MOD site in Filton.

 

February 3rd

Compared to earlier visits this year today was quite 'balmy'. The sunny conditions brought out plenty of Common Buzzard around ten were circling on 'thermals' around the area. There were two Stonechat a male and female, around 50 Yellowhammer and the same number of Skylark from West Littleton Road. Off Down Road there was a flock of over 300 Linnet with small numbers of both Yellowhammer and Chaffinch, several hundred Common Gull in newly ploughed fields and several small flocks of Red-legged Partridge. Three or four Raven were at Broadmead Brook and twenty-five Corn Bunting were at Rushmead Lane. There are still large numbers of 'corvids', several Stock Dove plus a flock of twenty Lapwings.

 

February 2nd

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at New Passage.

 

JANUARY

 

January 26th

This afternoons highlights were three Raven over Broadmead Brook and c.65 Corn Bunting along West Littleton Road. From Down Road there was another small flock of c.10 Corn Bunting, c.40 Yellowhammer, c.25 Linnet, c.20 Stock Dove as well as Greenfinch and Chaffinch. Several hundred 'corvid', most of which are Jackdaw were also in the area.

 

January 25th

A Jack Snipe was seen around Grebe Pond, Northwick Warth with two there on January 26th - 27th. A Jack Snipe was seen on the salt marsh at Severn Beach. A Water Pipit was noted at Severn Beach. The second record of Pale-bellied Brent Goose for S. Gloucestershire was found at New Passage and was still present on the 26th January.

 

Not much to report this afternoon from a perishingly cold Marshfield. Lots of corvids but just one Raven, small flocks of Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Linnet and Corn Bunting, a couple of Common Buzzard and a falconer with that 'Peregrine'.

 

January 24th

An adult Red Kite was noted at 10:00 in flight north over Old Passage/ Aust Warth. Also there was a Jack Snipe.

 

January 23rd

An adult Red Kite was seen in flight at ST: 639 828 near the Grange Hotel at Winterbourne, it was last seen heading NNW towards Almondsbury at 14:25.

 

January 21st

Nine, five drakes and four female Mandarin were reported from Falfield.

 

Spent the afternoon at Marshfield had the kids in the car armed with their Nintendo's. A flock of 6 Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, Skylarks, 5 Red-legged Partridge, Stock Doves, Ravens and a huge flock of Fieldfare. As I was watching the Fieldfare something (Skylark?) whizzed across my view hotly pursued by a Merlin. As I was leaving I stopped on the stone bridge and I was watching a pair of Raven when a bird of prey appeared. It looked like a Peregrine and I was able to see the face mask. I only got the briefest of glimpses before it disappeared behind the trees but it did have something dangling down from each leg so I presume it was an escape of some type. (Darren Pearce)

 

January 20th

A possible Shag was noted at Oldbury Power Station. It was seen fishing on Lagoon I (which, because of heavy rain was flooded). It then flew on to the estuary giving only rear views in flight but did show what appeared to be a thin bill. It was then seen to fly strongly upriver at about 10:00.

 

Strong winds kept things honest this afternoon at Marshfield however, c. 55 Corn Bunting were still present along with c.30 Yellowhammer, c.25 Stock Dove, several covey's of Red-legged Partridge including one flock of c.40, a single Raven, a flock of over 500 Fieldfare, a small flock of Linnets and several Common Buzzard.

 

January 19th

A Jack Snipe was seen at Aust Warth.

 

January 15th

This afternoon; Still several large 'corvid' flocks, two flocks of c. 500 Fieldfare, c. 700 Starling, c. 50 Linnets, c. 75 Corn Bunting, six Raven, seven Common Buzzard, several covey's of Red-legged Partridge including one of twenty-five, c. 50 Stock Dove, a male and female Stonechat and a couple of Sparrowhawk.

 

January 13th

This afternoon there were still several large flock of ‘corvid’ including one of over three hundred Jackdaws. Also, c. 20 Corn Bunting, around a hundred and fifty Linnets and twelve Ravens.

 

January 7th

This afternoon there were several large flocks of ‘corvid’, Raven and Merlin.

 

January 5th

An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at Severn Beach.

 

January 4th

An immaculate winter adult Red Kite over the paddocks opposite Tanner’s Walk at 14:30. Also, over five hundred Fieldfare, three Stonechat, Raven and Merlin.

 

A Jack Snipe was flushed from Aust Warth.

 

January 1st

An adult Mediterranean Gull was noted at New Passage on January 1st and 2nd. A Red Kite was reported in flight just north of Thornbury at midday.

 

©TBOSG November 2005 - All rights reserved