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LATE NEWS: Two female Mandarin were reported from the Falfield area sometime during April. (BOC Bird News)
30th: In the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area a Pomarine Skua and Arctic Skua were seen heading upriver before 08:00. At Severn Beach a Red-throated Diver (14th record) flew up river just before 11: 00 and a Short-eared Owl put in an appearance. Just up the coast another Short-eared Owl was on show at Aust Warth. At Yate a Red Kite flew over Wellington Road at 14:00. (Dave Poulton, Dick Yeadon) At Oldbury Power Station a Turtle Dove was found at 17:10 along the sea wall then around Lagoon I and a Grasshopper warbler was heard from at ditch at ST: 618 967.
Short-eared Owl at Aust Warth. Brian Lancastle.
29th: Possible Marsh Warbler update! It is thought that the reported possible Marsh Warbler at OPS several days ago was probably either Blackcap or Garden Warbler.
28th: At Oldbury Power Station a Grasshopper Warbler was heard 'reeling' at the north end of Lagoon II.
27th: A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull was at New Passage this morning. On Northwick Warth a male Blue-headed Wagtail (the 9th record and first for four years) was mixing with Yellow Wagtails. Also there was a 'reeling' Grasshopper Warbler. A Short-eared Owl was at Severn Beach also three dark morph Arctic Skua's seen from there up river at around 11:25. Just up the coast at Aust Warth another two Short-eared Owls were out playing.
26th: A female Red-breasted Merganser was seen off Severn Beach this morning. just up the coast at Aust a Short-eared Owl was seen out hunting at 07:00. A pair of Mandarin were seen on Chipping Sodbury Common this evening. (Darren Pearce)
24th: A single Short-eared Owl was seen hunting over the salt marsh 100 metres south of Severn Beach at around 18:00 and at Aust four more were counted at around the same time. A massive 250 plus SEO birds days have now been recorded in S. Glos in the first four months of 2012!
23rd: The first Turtle Dove of the year was seen briefly at Severn Beach this morning at 09:30. Read Steve Hale's ripping yarn below....!
I was parked up and sat in the car on the Severn Beach seawall doing a sea-watch in the pouring rain (and seeing nothing) when a dove type bird landed on the railings about 15 metres in front of me. Obviously I assumed Collared Dove until I turned on the wipers and saw through the bins that it was a Turtle Dove, I saw the stripy neck patch and brownish chequered back clearly. The bird looked very alert and twitchy and ready to scarper so instead of getting out of the car for a pic, I poked my head and camera out of the window to get a shot. As soon as I had broken the outline of the car, the bird dipped down behind the seawall and out of view. I jumped out of the car in time to get some brief glimpses of it flying low down along the seawall towards New Passage. The black 'n white tail was distinctive. I walked as far as Burger Bar Bay but couldn't find it and then I went up to New Passage and walked back but drew a blank there also. Reassuringly, I didn't see any Collared Doves either.
Also on Severnside today just one Short-eared Owl showed this afternoon at Aust around 16:30 but apparently extremely well!
22nd: A Red Kite, and the 13th so far this year for S. Glos, was seen north east over New Passage before 08:00 this morning. On Aust Warth three Short-eared Owls were on show in showery weather.
The real surprise of the day however was a summer plumaged Red-throated Pipit! First seen on Northwick Warth by visiting birders, it was lost to view temporarily before being relocated around 09:00 on Northwick Warth opposite Pilning Wetlands Reserve wardens buildings. It was fortuitously photographed by two separate observers before it took flight and headed north up river along the Warth where it appeared to drop back on to the salt marsh near the 'flash' at around 09:30. Sadly despite extensive coverage it was not relocated by dusk.
The is the first record of Red-throated Pipit to occur in S. Glos and of course the first for the Severnside patch. Many thanks to both Brian Lancastle and John Martin for providing photo's... well done guy's!
The Severnside patch, has been in recent years, the most productive birding area in the whole region with no less than nine firsts for S. Glos in the last ten years including; American Golden Plover, Subalpine Warbler, Pacific Diver, 'That' Storm Petrel, Glossy Ibis and of course Red-throated Pipit!
Red-throated Pipit on Northwick Warth - a first for S. Glos! John Martin & Brian Lancastle
21st: A Short-eared Owl was seen around Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station early this morning. (Pete Hazelwood) Three Short-eared Owls were still present at Aust Warth this morning and a Red Kite flew over the sea wall at Severn Beach at 14:15.
20th: Three Short-eared Owls were seen hunting over Aust Warth mid morning with two still showing there this evening. (Vic Savery)
19th: Two Short-eared Owls still present at Aust Warth this morning.
18th: A Grasshopper Warbler was heard from the railway platform at Severn Beach this morning. An Osprey was seen flying over the road in Rangeworthy at 17:15 and was noted heading north. (Gordon Youdale)
17th: Early morning at New Passage produced a reeling Grasshopper Warbler and nearby a Red Kite was seen over Aust Warth. A possible Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were seen on Inglestone Common today. (Dan White)
16th: Just one Short-eared Owl was present at Aust Warth this morning.
15th: Some excellent birding in the region today. In addition to good numbers of common migrants today brought the second Ring Ouzel, a female in as many days, this time though at Aust Warth along with a drake Goosander and two Short-eared Owls. At Thornbury a fly-over Osprey (the 26th S. Glos record) was seen heading north at 11:00. (Tim McGrath)
14th: At Aust Warth today three Short-eared Owls were still available late afternoon. This evening at Oldbury Power Station a male Ring Ouzel was found near the hedge between Lagoon II and the paddock to the south. (Pete Hazelwood)
Ring Ouzel at OPS. Pete Hazelwood
13th: Hot news today in the form of a 3rd year Glaucous Gull inland over New Passage this morning at 08:15. This is the 9th S. Gl0s record and the latest date recorded! It's the second this year following a 2nd winter also at New Passage on January 5th and 8th. Also this morning were three Greenland Wheatear were noted at New Passage and three Short-eared Owls along the coast at Aust Warth. At Oldbury Power Station also this morning surveyors reported an Osprey in flight up river representing the 25th S. Glos record. This evening three Short-eared Owls were on show again at Aust Warth.
LATE NEWS: An adult Red Kite was seen from Down Road at Marshfield on Wednesday March 14th. It was being mobbed by corvids as it headed north. (Tony Jackson)
12th: A female Eider was seen off Severn Beach today, three Short-eared Owls were on show at Aust Warth this morning with at least one seen there at 17:00.
Short-eared Owls continue to linger at Aust. This great action shot is from Allan Chard
11th: Four Short-eared Owls were seen at Aust Warth and another flew south west past New Passage this evening. A single Short-eared Owls was seen along Shirehill Lane at Marshfield. (John Barnett)
10th: A Short-eared Owl was showing at Aust Warth this morning and two were seen there this evening.
Another super shot of the very showy individual at Aust. Vic Savery. http://www.naturenutz.net/
9th: Four Short-eared Owls were seen again at Aust Warth this morning despite persistent rain.
8th: An extremely high tide on the Severn today pushed four Short-eared Owls off the salt marsh at Aust Warth this morning.
A lovely shot of the one of the lingering Aust birds. Vic Savery. http://www.naturenutz.net/
7th: Three Short-eared Owls showed well at Aust Warth both early morning and early evening. At Marshfield two Short-eared Owls were lingering along Shirehill Lane. (Allan Chard)
These cracking shots are of the lingering birds at Marshfield. Allan Chard
6th: Worked Lower Woods today where the highlight was a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that performed rather well both drumming and calling. (Brian Lancastle) At Aust Warth three Short-eared Owls were showing well again this afternoon.
This super portrait of one of the Aust individuals was captured by Andy Jordan. See more of Andy's excellent work here.... http://andyjordan.zenfolio.com/
COMMON CRANE UPDATE: The three birds were noted over Pound Road, Kingswood at around 50 metres height. Two were together the third 100 metres apart and calling. They then drifted north-east towards Pucklechurch and were lost to view. Roger was unable to determine if the birds were ringed.
5th: Three Common Crane were seen flying north over Kingswood at ST: 658 740 this morning at around 110:00. (Roger Tippett) This report takes the total number of Common Crane seen in S. Glos to just twelve. The first was a party of two on January 3rd 2000 low east over Severn Beach. At least three Short-eared Owls were showing well at Aust Warth this evening. A Common Crossbill was noted at Oldbury Power Station.
3rd: Just one Short-eared Owl was seen at 07:00 this morning at Aust Warth.
1st: Two Short-eared Owls were reported from Aust Warth at 18:30 bringing the number of bird days on Aust Warth this year to 120! (RBA)
31st: A
male Hen Harrier was seen flying south over Littleton Brick
Pits this evening and a Short-eared Owl was again noted at
Thornbury Yacht Club. (Andy Middleton)
A
Long-
30th: A Short-eared Owl was again hunting the long grass just inland of Thornbury Yacht Club. Another Red Kite was seen at Severn Beach today at 10:00 along with two Common Crossbills. Three Short-eared Owls were seen at Aust Warth later on.
Red Kite at Severn Beach. Rod Holbrook
29th: Little Egret bird days on Severnside hit the 50 mark today!
28th: A Short-eared Owl was seen hunting along the stream running from the Anchor pub to Thornbury Yacht Club at dusk. Also at Oldbury Power Station an adult Mediterranean Gull, White Wagtail and two Water Pipits. Off New Passage a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (the 23rd record) was seen briefly before being lost to view at 17:00 and two Water Pipits were also present. Three Short-eared Owls continued to show well at Aust Warth this afternoon. At Marshfield a Short-eared Owl was seen along Shirehill Lane. (John Barnett)
27th: A Red Kite was noted at Oldbury Power Station. A Short-eared Owl were seen at Northwick Warth. A Red Kite was seen over Severn Beach railway station drifting towards the river at 15:00 and the same or another was seen lifting off the sheep field at Aust Warth before heading off north at 15:30. Also three Short-eared Owls showed well at Aust Warth this evening.
26th: Two Red Kite were seen together over Tockington today. (Matthew Scott) Three Short-eared Owls were again on show this evening at Aust at 17:30. Also possibly another flew over high heading east and another flew across from Aust Warth to Wales. Will be interesting to see how many show tomorrow. (Vic Savery) Another Short-eared Owl was reported at Thornbury Yacht Club in the evening.
Two Red Kite over Tockington. Matthew Scott
Aust Warth. Vic Savery
25th: Seven Short-eared Owls still present very early this morning along Shirehill Lane at Marshfield. Seventeen Little Gulls were seen off New Passage this morning and two Short-eared Owls were showing at Aust at 19:00.
24th: Four Common Crossbill (including one red male) flew over New Passage at 07:45, and this years first Little Ringed Plover was on the flash at Northwick Warth along with Water Pipit. This afternoon at least four Short-eared Owls showed very well at Aust Warth.
Another shot of yesterday's Red Kite at New Passage and Short-eared Owl at Aust. David Knowles. www.dalyndigitalphotography.com
23rd: Pre work at New Passage was actually very good! Two adult Mediterranean Gulls, Red Kite drifted to north-east at 08:10 and two Water Pipit. Then to work... almost the weekend though! (John Martin) At least 3 Short-eared Owls were seen at Aust Warth later in the day. A Short-eared Owl was seen hunting between Lagoon III and Thornbury Yacht Club. (Matt Plenty)
Red Kite at New Passage. David Knowles. www.dalyndigitalphotography.com
One of two adult Mediterranean Gull at New Passage. John Martin
Short-eared Owl between Lagoon III and Thornbury Yacht Club. Matt Plenty
22nd: A Red Kite flew over the A38 near Thornbury at 10:25 this morning. At least two Short-eared Owls were showing well at Aust Warth late this afternoon.
21st: A Red Kite was seen at Hawkesbury Upton at around 13:30 (David Knowles) Three Short-eared Owls showed well on Aust Warth this afternoon with an additional bird seen near the 'pipes' south of Severn Beach at 16:30.
Short-eared Owl & Northern Wheatear from Aust Warth. Andy Jordan.
20th: At least one Water Pipit was still in the Pipit flock on Northwick Warth around the fist sentry box.
Little Egret on Tesco Pools & Merlin on Northwick Warth. Steve Hale
19th: Aust Warth: two Short-eared Owl out on show this morning (making 150 bird days this year!) and a Water Pipit was seen on Northwick Warth. A Red Kite was seen drifting into S. Glos air space near the A46 at Nimlet at around 12:55 - 13:00.
Golden Plover & Water Pipit on Northwick Warth. Vic Savery
18th: Seen in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth were Short-eared Owl and six Water Pipits near the second sentry box. The Water Pipit count represents a new S. Glos record (previously five)! Later on Aust Warth at least five Short-eared Owls were on show at 17:00.
17th: A cracking day on Severnside today started with Red Kite, at least four Short-eared Owls and three Jack Snipe at Aust Warth. Purple Sandpiper and Water Pipit were both seen at New Passage and another Short-eared Owl was mobbed by gulls at Severn Beach.
Red Kite at Aust, Gary Thoburn and Purple Sandpiper at New Passage, Vic Savery
16th: The first Northern Wheatear and Sand Martins of the year were seen at New Passage today! Nearby a single Short-eared Owl was present at Aust Warth at 16:30.
The first Northern Wheatear this year... at Aust. Allan Chard
15th: At least five Short-eared Owls at Aust Warth mid afternoon with a 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull at New Passage late afternoon.
14th: At least six Short-eared Owls were seen at Aust Warth. At Marshfield just one Short-eared Owl was seen on Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)
Aust Warth. Vic Savery
13th: At least four Short-eared Owls were seen at Aust Warth today.
12th: At least six Short-eared Owls were seen from Aust Warth this evening with birds seen both early and late morning.
Aust Warth. Vic Savery
11th: Two Short-eared Owls were still present from Shirehill Lane at Marshfield this afternoon. (John Barnett) At least four Short-eared Owls hunting late afternoon on Aust Warth. At Kingsgate Park, Yate; Reed Bunting and Blackcap singing also 15 Redwing and Great Crested Newt. Nearby on Chipping Sodbury Common; Yellowhammer (an apparent patch tick!) eight Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven, eight Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing and four Brown Hare. (Mark Coller)
10th: Three Short-eared Owls showed this morning along with a Jack Snipe at Aust Warth. A lovely morning at Oldbury Power Station for the WeBS count, though Waterfowl and Waders were sparse due to the very high tide; 58 Wigeon, two Common Teal, 14 Shelduck, 28 Mallard, eight Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, 37 Curlew, 36 Dunlin and 21 Redshank. Also present were two Chiffchaff (1 singing, 1 calling), 120 Redwing and a Brimstone in flight. (Andy Middleton)
9th: A 14 metre tide on Aust Warth pushed out two Short-eared Owls and a Jack Snipe early this morning.
8th: In the New Passage area there were two Water Pipits still near the second sentry box on Northwick Warth and at least one Short-eared Owl at Aust Warth this evening around 18:25.
7th: At Oldbury Power Station a Common Crossbill was heard in flight to the west this afternoon.
6th: One possibly two Short-eared Owls showed as dark fell on Aust Warth this evening.
Raptors continue to show supremely well at Wick... this cracking shot comes from Pete Blanchard
5th: At Oldbury Power Station a Barn Owl was seen feeding at night along the seawall between Lagoon I and The Windbound. It was later watched along a hedgerow just inland. At Frampton Cotterell a party of eight Raven were seen in display at mid-day. (W King) On Aust Warth two Short-eared Owls were seen at 18:35.
4th: On Yate Common there were four Jack Snipe, three Common Snipe and male Blackcap whilst nearby at Kingsgate Park, Shoveler, Wigeon, two Gadwall and 25+ Redwing were all seen. (Mark Coller, Darren Pearce) At least four Short-eared Owls were still present at Marshfield from Shirehill Lane this morning. (John Barnett)
3rd: A flock of 21 Kittiwake lingered off the sea wall at Severn Beach this afternoon at high tide and at least one Water Pipit was noted on Northwick Warth near the flooded reed bed. At Oldbury Power Station there were c.100 Pied Wagtails going to roost on out-buildings at dusk.
2nd: On a sunny but cool morning at OPS when the far shore was obscured by mist I saw the following: Three Siskin feeding in Alders at the back of Lagoon II, 47 Shelduck, a big rise in numbers, 15 Common Redshank, four Lapwing, most have moved on, 28 Common Gull, 15 Common Teal, five on pond, 43 Wigeon, 34 Curlew, one colour-ringed, seven Oystercatcher, male Sparrowhawk and two Canada Goose, a pair have taken up residence on the pond where they have bred for several years now. Surveyors also recorded four Shoveler and Grey Wagtail. (Andy Middleton) At Marshfield this afternoon plenty of Fieldfare (50) still in the Shire Valley along with Merlin and at least four Great Spotted Woodpeckers. At New Passage two Water Pipits were present and at Aust Warth just one Short-eared Owl eventually showed 18:25.
1st: At least three Short-eared Owls were present at 18:10 on Aust Warth.
29th: Two Water Pipits and a female Merlin were seen near the second sentry box on Northwick Warth early morning.
28th: A Water Pipit was reported this afternoon from Pilning Wetlands Reserve around Grebe Pond (Brain Lancastle) and two Short-eared Owls were seen at Aust Warth this evening. (Vic Savery)
26th: Four Water Pipits were seen on Northwick Warth at mid-day near the second sentry box and at Aust Warth, at least two Short-eared Owls showed at dusk. A Robin was noted at Willsbridge sitting on the nest.... we'll keep you appraised of the proceedings! (Chris Hall) At Marshfield this afternoon; Three Short-eared Owls and Merlin and lots of Fieldfare by Downthorns Farm. Several continental type Song Thrush from Down Track plus two Sparrowhawk. (John Barnett)
25th: At New Passage and Northwick Warth this morning; Lovely and spring-like, signs of migrants e.g. more Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Skylarks and Siskin on the move, more Gulls etc. Also three Water Pipit and a female Merlin. (John Martin) At Severn Beach today were three Jack Snipe and at Aust Warth a S. Glos record equalling seven Short-eared Owls were flushed plus another Jack Snipe. At Marshfield at least three Short-eared Owls were on show late afternoon from Shirehill Lane. These total bring the number of Short-eared Owls bird days in February to 60! At Heneage Court Pools, Falfield were; six Greylag Geese, 30 Canada Geese, Little Egret but sadly no sign of any Mandarin. (Dick Reader)
One of three Short-eared Owls at Marshfield this afternoon. Martyn Hayes
This Raven was photographed at Wick Quarry where there were also two Peregrine - seen to jointly chase a Feral Pigeon through the quarry (although the pigeon flew out of sight I don't know the outcome, I didn't see the Peregrines again in next 3/4 hour). Also there on the quarry lake were four Little Grebe. (Andy Jordan)
Raven at Wick. Andy Jordan
24th: Little Egret briefly on Yate Common at about 13:00 also two Reed Bunting, Common Snipe and Grey Heron. (Darren Pearce)
23rd: On Northwick Warth a Short-eared Owl was flushed from long grass near the flash. Later in the day two were seen at 18:15 this evening at Aust Warth. At Marshfield from the Rushmead Lane and Shire Hill area were three Stonechat, 30+ Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet, 50+ Lapwing and Meadow Pipit. (Phil Smith)
Short-eared Owl on Northwick Warth. Paul Bowerman
Meadow Pipit at Marshfield. Phil Smith
21st: At least 2 Water Pipit (possibly up to four) were showing on the stone wall at New Passage this afternoon. (John Martin)
20th: At Cribbs Causeway car park on the Boots entrance side were several hundred (or seemingly 100's) of Pied Wagtail going to roost this evening in the trees. (Greg Dawes)
19th: One Short-eared Owl was reported between 16:00 - 17:00 at Aust Warth. (Vic Savery) At Kingsgate Park, Yate a singing Blackcap, Shoveler, Wigeon, two Gadwall, four Tufted Duck and Chiffchaff were all noted. (Mark Coller) Although the forecast was poor we decided to visit the Marshfield Patch anyway and had a couple of hours before the rain got too heavy. We went to Rushmead Lane, parked by the barn and walked back to the farm. Main records were Raven (probably 2) in the area around the barn, Peregrine over the lane, stooped somewhere down behind the farm and re-appeared well over to the east - eventually lost to sight, c.80 Lapwing lifted from field at Rushmead Flash then went north, c.60 Linnet on ploughed field north of the road past the caravan! Yellowhammer / Corn Bunting / Chaffinch -yes - huge flock behind the farm with many coming over the road in to the nettle/ bramble area. Just one or two Brambling and House Sparrow noted. Merlin - typical fast flythrough over the game crop down behind the farm- lost to sight very quickly. Skylark - seemed to be everywhere! Stock Dove - 6 on to the maize stubble and Common Gull -lots flying past the barn. Also small covey of Grey Partridge (at least 4) between M4 and the lane. (Tim Fretter and Cheltenham Bird Club)
18th: A day of Dippers and Kingfishers! On the R. Frome at Moorend there were at least three Kingfisher and a Dipper this morning (Alex Hayes) and on the F. Frome at Yate both Dipper and Kingfisher were seen from Mill Lane at 16:50. (Wilf King) I was out wandering the Three Brooks NR in Bradley Stoke, my local patch this morning twas a rewarding one with........... seven Common Teal, five males and two female displaying on the pond, Common Gull with 30 Black-headed Gull, two Mistle Thrush with 40 Redwing on the school field and a fly over Siskin. (Steve Emery)
17th: Five Short-eared Owl put on a show at Aust Warth late this morning. At Oldbury this afternoon there were 12 Oystercatcher (a new record count), 260 Dunlin, 72 Lapwing, two Ringed Plover, 25 Curlew, 23 Common Teal, 41 Wigeon, two Tufted Duck and c.37 Yellowhammer. (Andy Middleton, Matt Plenty) At Marshfield late afternoon, an adult Mediterranean Gull was mixing with around 2000 Common Gulls in partly ploughed fields along Shirehill Lane. The field is still to be finished so ploughing is likely to continue tomorrow!
16th: Again just one Short-eared Owl showed at dusk on Aust Warth.
15th: Just one Short-eared Owl was seen at Aust Warth at around 18:00. 50+ Corn Bunting, 50+ Chaffinch in scrub at Rough Ground at Rushmead Lane, also male Stonechat and a Common Buzzard catching worms in stubble just off Shire Hill. (Phil Smith)
Common Buzzard at Marshfield. Phil Smith
14th: Fourteen Lesser Redpoll were seen at Thornbury Golf Course. (Matt Plenty) Four Jack Snipe, Common Snipe and two Lesser Redpoll were present on Yate Common at lunch time. (Darren Pearce)
13th: Up to three Twite were still present in stubble field south of Oldbury Power Station this morning. (Matt Plenty) On Severnside; Two Short-eared Owls were seen going to roost on Aust Warth at 07:00. (Vic Savery) A 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull was on Northwick Warth. (Brian Lancastle) At New Passage a record S. Glos count of five Water Pipit were noted at Chesil Pill at lunchtime. (John Martin) I visited the Marshfield patch today around lunchtime. In fields east of Down road, ST: 793 744, I counted a flock of at least 100 Fieldfare with maybe 10 additional Redwing. (Mike DImery) Also at Marshfield were 50+ Corn Bunting mixed with Yellowhammers in scrub at Rough Ground where Rushmead Lane meets the Tormarton Road and two male Peregrine in field near Plough Farm. (Phil Smith)
Fieldfare at Marshfield. Mike Dimery
This cracking portrait of Common Teat was taken at New Passage by Brian Lancastle
12th: At Oldbury Power Station at least three Twite were lingering. On Severnside a female Merlin and three Short-eared Owls were seen at dusk on Aust Warth. Walked the Sodbury end of the patch today where there were, seven Lapwing, three Common Snipe, c.20 Siskin, Peregrine, Kestrel, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker, three Bullfinch and loads of Redwing and Fieldfare. (Darren Pearce) WeBS count today at Littleton-on Severn with 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Canada Geese, 475 Wigeon, Black-tailed Godwit, female Merlin and Rock Pipit. (John Martin) An incredible array of birds were on show at Marshfield this afternoon; A Short-eared Owl was sat on a dry stone wall at Culverslade, several Brambling were mixing with the 2500 strong 'finch' flock at Rushmead Copse and Farm which also included 500 Chaffinch, 300 Yellowhammer, 400 Corn Bunting, 250 Skylark, 500 Linnet plus several Reed Buntings and House Sparrow. In the Shire Valley was Merlin, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk, several Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. On Shirehill Lane the Merlin was terrorising the Skylark population and whilst it was harrying one particular individual it drove it towards both my and Allan Chard's position. At the last second the Merlin stooped low over head (within three metres) and the Skylark went to ground flying between myself and Allan under the front of his car where it spent several minutes recovering... this was the result!
Also at Shirehill Lane at least one Short-eared Owl put in a late appearance and thanks to the patience of Allan Chard...!
Elsewhere at Kingsgate Park Yate were male Wigeon, Shoveler, two Gadwall, 141 Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, two Lesser Black-backed Gull and six Common Gull. (Mark Coller) On the R. Avon on the southern boundary of S. Glos at Hanham were three Goosander, a male and two 'redheads'. (Chris Mott)
11th: This morning at Severn Beach a Jack Snipe was seen on the salt marsh. Three Twite were still present at Oldbury Power Station around Lagoon III. At Marshfield two Short-eared Owls eventually showed this afternoon. (Allan Chard, Stephen Portlock) Also at Marshfield a Jack Snipe was flushed from the marshy area at Shirehill Bridge this morning. (John Barnett) WEBS count today at Oldbury Power Station include, two Grey Plover, 500 Dunlin, 178 Curlew, 32 Common Redshank, 59 Turnstone, six Oystercatcher, 183 Mallard, 148 Wigeon , 30 Common Teal, two Mute Swan, three Rock Pipit and 40+ Yellow hammer. (Andy Middleton)
Jack Snipe at Severn Beach. Paul Bowerman
10th: A Water Pipit was present on the pill at New Passage today. (John Martin)
9th: Four Short-eared Owls were reported as flushed from the roost early this morning at Marshfield. On Severnside two more were seen going to roost on Aust Warth at 07:00 and a female Merlin was also present. New this year for S. Glos was a Whooper Swan reportedly calling in flight at 09:30 off Severn Beach where it initially flew up river before turning back south. This is just the 17th time that Whooper Swan has been reported from S. Glos since the first in 1983 at Tortworth Lake. Along the Shirehill Valley at Marshfield today, lots of activity. At least three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Redwing, Treecreeper, Fieldfare and amongst all the regular Pheasants I observed a leucistic one. (Jamie Collins)
8th: In the Yate area today, Dipper again on the River Frome on Mill Lane, Chipping Sodbury, 10 Lapwing on field off of Brimsham Park, Yate and two flyover Siskin. Two drake Common Teal on Coopers Lake along with three Tufted Duck and two Canada Geese and on Kingsgate Lake the drake Shoveler was still present. (Darren Pearce) In the Old Sodbury farmland area, some more impressive Cotswold counts: 1,800 Linnet, 70 Yellowhammer, 15 Reed Bunting, 140 Stock Dove, 640 Golden Plover and 55 Lapwing over to south-west. (Rupert Higgins) On the patch at Marshfield were a male Peregrine plucking and eating a kill on ploughed fields from about 16:30 - 16:45 in the Shirehill Lane area as were at least five Short-eared Owls. A male Stonechat at Rushmead Lane, with five Corn Bunting on Rough Ground. (Tim Osbourne, Jamie Collins, Phil Smith) In the Shire Valley the Green Sandpiper was heard calling. Also in the area a female Merlin, six Raven and three Marsh Tits. (Mark Coller)
Not always easy to see and even more difficult to photograph at times. Short-eared Owl at Marshfield, Jamie Collins
7th: Two Avocets were seen around midday from the seawall off Severn Beach. (Rod Holbrook) At Oldbury Power Station; a drake male Goosander fast asleep on the reservoir at The Windbound end. Other low tide counts include: 107 Curlew, 36 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 7 Moorhen all on the pond picking food items off the ice surface and c.30 Stock Dove. (Andy Middleton)
6th: At Marshfield on the top fields this afternoon; 1000+ Skylark, 200 Chaffinch, 300 Yellowhammer, 500+ Linnet, 300 Corn Bunting, 1000+ Corvids, 20 Lapwing, 30 Golden Plover and a fly-over Little Egret. On Shirehill Lane seven Short-eared Owls were showing from 15:30. Along Broadmead Brook were five Common Teal and the first Green Sandpiper for S. Glos this year! Elsewhere, at Oldbury the tailless Pipit was seen again in the common ground just upriver of Thornbury Yacht Club. (Matt Plenty) Also a Short-eared Owl seen near The Windbound, at least one Common Crossbill over NE (heard only) and a Little Egret.
This montage of a Fly-by Little Egret represents just the third occurrence for the patch. Martyn Hayes
SEO at Marshfield. 5th: A Snow Bunting, the first of the year, was heard calling over New Passage this morning and was seen to circle the shingle beach before heading north-east. (Paul Bowerman) A Woodcock and Kingfisher were reported from Wick Quarry. (Chris Trott) At Yate a Dipper was showing well on the river off Mill Lane from the bridge next to Brook Cottage along with three Kingfishers, two Grey Wagtails and Sparrowhawk. (Mark Coller) At Marshfield this afternoon; 50+ Brambling, 1500+ Skylark, 200 Chaffinch, 300 Yellowhammer, 1000+ Linnet, 300 Corn Bunting, 1000+ Corvids (mostly Jackdaw), four Lapwing and at least seven Short-eared Owls. (John Barnett, Jack Wilmott) At Oldbury Power Station at least one Twite was seen in stubble south of Lagoon III. (Pete Hazelwood)
One of at least seven birds on show this afternoon. Martyn Hayes. And this great atmospheric shot from Phil Smith.
4th: Three Twite were seen in flight from the maize stubble field towards Lagoon III this morning. (Matt Plenty) At New Passage a Water Pipit was present on the salt marsh.
3rd: On Northwick Warth a Water Pipit was showing well at the edge of a frozen reedbed on Pilning Wetlands Reserve. At Aust a Merlin and a Short-eared Owls were seen again late afternoon. (Wilf King, Paul Bowerman, Vic Savery)
2nd: Three Twite were still present at Oldbury Power Station this afternoon consorting with small flock of Linnets, Reed Bunting and Goldfinch in the maize stubble fields. (William Earp) At Marshfield 18 Golden Plover, five Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Little Owl, 17 Yellowhammer, eight Skylark, two Stonechat, six Red-legged Partridge and 13 Common Pheasant were all present. (Wilf King) On Severnside at least two Short-eared Owls were out over the salt marsh at Aust around 17:40. (Paul Bowerman, Vic Savery)
1st: A female Merlin was seen at Aust Warth this morning and a Short-eared Owl eventually appeared here just as it became dark at 17:30. (Paul Bowerman)
31st: At least five Short-eared Owls were on show in the Plough Farm area at Marshfield, mostly over setaside looking south from ST: 799 758. Also in the area a male & female Peregrine hunting co-operatively, Merlin hunting towards dusk at maize field near Shirehill Farm, five Corn Bunting, 50 Yellowhammer, 300 Chaffinch and 20 Linnet (Dave Nevitt) At Oldbury Power Station one Short-eared Owl was reported but no sign of the possible Richard's Pipit either this morning or this afternoon. (Andy Middleton) A Merlin and at least two Short-eared Owls were seen again late afternoon at Aust Warth. (Paul Bowerman)
30th: At Oldbury Power Station; The possible Richards Pipit, was again in the green grassy field behind the first hedge to NE (just upriver) of Thornbury Yacht Club, but wasnt seen on the ground. It flew over head, and seemed to be light underneath and a flap-flap-flap-miss one, flight. (But it appears to be same size as Meadow Pipit.) Once again it didnt call, and landed in the next green grassy field upriver (to NE). This field has some lower areas of grass where it landed, in the west corner. (pers com. Pete Hazelwood) An influx of 37 Pintail were seen from the seawall at New Passage. At Aust a Merlin and at least three Short-eared Owls were seen at dusk. (Paul Bowerman)
29th: Stacks of highlights today... Starting at Oldbury Power Station where at least three Twite were still available throughout the day. Also on site a Common Crossbill was noted as was an albeit 'tailless' possible Richard's Pipit. (Pete Hazelwood) On Severnside at least one Short-eared Owl was hunting over the salt marsh at Aust from 17:00. At Marshfield at least three were being seen in the Plough Farm area from 16:15. Also at Marshfield were; c.200 Linnet, c.200 Yellowhammer, c.300 Chaffinch, 200+ Corn Bunting, 200 - 300 Skylark, c.600 Lapwing and c.300 Golden Plover. (Darren Pearce, John Barnet)
28th: At Oldbury Power Station today; Twite, super views of three on top bar of seaweed container. Some of the other birds recorded in the area were Skylark, Reed Bunting, Dunlin, Curlew, Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven, Long-tailed Tit, Fieldfare, Redwing and Song Thrush. (Howard Lloyd)
Click on the picture to watch a video clip of the OPS Twite!
Just to confirm that there was a Short-eared Owl late afternoon hunting the stubble field in front of Plough Farm, Marshfield, giving great views. Although I only saw one, another birder reported having seen two others and there was a suggestion attributed to an unknown third person that there may be as many as 15 (yes, fifteen!) in the area. Unable to substantiate it, of course. (Chris Vines) On Severnside; A Water Pipit was seen in the Northwick Warth area and at Aust five Short-eared Owls were flushed by a dog walker late afternoon but soon resettled back to roost! Also c.20,000 Starling inland from Aust Warth towards Ingst. (Paul Bowerman, Steve Hale, Brian Lancastle)
27th: In the Marshfield area today; Sightings at 08:30 were four Raven, 200 Linnet, 30 Golden Plover, 200 Lapwing, five Buzzard, four Kestrel, 300 Common Gull, loads of Skylark, four Red-legged Partridge, ten Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, 100 Woodpigeon and 1000 Starling. (Karle Burford)
25th: An adult Mediterranean Gull was found amongst 200 Common Gulls on the north side of Rushmead Lane at Marshfield opposite the model airfield and barns early this afternoon. (Rob Laughton) Also at Marshfield, just one Short-eared Owls was present today in windy conditions along Shirehill Lane. Four Buzzard, 200+ Linnet, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting were also on show along with several Stock Dove. (Mark Coller) At Oldbury Power Station at least three Twite were still present at 12:30 in stubble south of Lagoon III at around ST: 608 935. (Nigel Warren)
24th: From the Yate and Chipping Sodbury patch today; At Kingsgate Park were six Tufted Duck, drake Shoveler and two Gadwall. On Coopers Lake five Canada Geese and a Tufted Duck and on Yate Common, Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, Blackcap (half heartedly singing), two Goldcrest and two Bullfinch. (Darren Pearce)
POSSIBLE GREAT WHITE EGRET UPDATE: I am convinced that I saw four flying together as I drove in to site this morning. They were flying in a westerly direction over the section of the Station approach road as it passes the chicken farm. I was driving in a queue of traffic so at first quick glace they looked like four swans a little way off flying to the east. At the second look I realised that they were much closer and flying west! I slowed down and got several good looks at them to the side of the car. They were clearly white, clearly heron shaped and much bigger than the Little Egret with which I am familiar and were the size of a Grey Heron. As I was driving I couldn't tell you the colour of their legs or beak but the size and colour of the plumage were obvious. (Pete Longley)
23rd: An unconfirmed report of four Egrets seen in flight this morning just inland of Oldbury Power Station. (Possibly Great White Egrets) (Pete Longley)
22nd: At Oldbury Power Station this morning all four Twite were still present in the company of Linnets in the large stubble field south of Lagoon III. At Littleton Warth a Common Crossbill was seen flying south. (Steve Emery) At Marshfield today 500+ Lapwing were seen by Shirehill Lane along with 200 Golden Plover. (John Barnett) At Kingsgate Park, Yate this morning a male Peregrine flew over terrorising the local residents which consisted of, six Tufted Duck, Shoveler, two Gadwall, six Bullfinch, two Redwing, 207 Black-headed Gull, three Lesser Black-backed Gull, four Herring Gull and three Common Gull. (Mark Coller)
This handsome male Shoveler was cruising around Kingsgate Park Lake at Yate. Mark Coller
21st: The four Twite were still present at Oldbury Power Station today in stubble south of Lagoon III. (Andy Middleton) On Severnside; At Severn Beach were Fulmar, two Cormorant, 30 Turnstone and 20 Dunlin. On Tesco Pools, two Stonechat, and at Orchard Pools, four Gadwall, four Tufted Duck and Raven. (Tony Scott) At Littleton Warth; Lots of waders and ducks in the inlet. 80 Wigeon, 60 Common Teal, conservatively 500 Dunlin but maybe many more, 10 Common Redshank, a flock 10 Pied Wagtail and two Raven nearby. (Vic Savery)
19th: Today at Marshfield were 250+ Lapwing by Tormarton Road and 500+ Golden Plover on Rushmead Farm. (John Barnett) At Oldbury Power Station at least three Twite were still present around Lagoon III this afternoon. (Wilf King)
18th: The four Twite were still present at Oldbury Power Station today and were seen around the seaweed dump on Lagoon III. At Marshfield today the Merlin was still present in the area. (Tim Osborne)
17th: The four Twite were still present at Oldbury Power Station today and were seen around Lagoon III until at least 15:00. Also there was Jack Snipe on the estuary near Lagoon III. At Marshfield a Merlin was seen in the Downthorns Farm area. (Tim Osborne) Also good numbers of birds in a brief visit to Rushmead Lane area at Marshfield today with 206 Lapwing, 39 Golden Plover, 116 Corn Bunting, Kestrel, 100 Starling plus a few finches. (Rob Laughton)
Three of the four Twite present at Oldbury Power Station. Allan Chard
16th: One or two Twite still at Oldbury Power Station today. They were seen from the hide looking south-west, flying between the small reed bed on Lagoon III and hedges by the lake. Along the Severn there a fly-over Black Redstart, came in from the Severn heading into the Power Station. (Don Smith) A drive around Marshfield this afternoon produced this Stonechat, a mixed flock of Golden Plover and Lapwing and the usual numerous Buzzard and Red-legged Partridge. (Allan Chard)
Golden Plover and Stonechat at Marshfield. Allan Chard
At Marshfield I drove and stopped late afternoon and saw c.100 Corn Bunting in one of their favourite tree spots on Tormarton Road. Also many flocks of small birds on Bakery Lane including what I thought were Linnets by calls but now too dim to see. (Lois Pryce)
15th: Four Twite were present at Oldbury Power Station. Pete Hazelwood writes... Four of us Mark Coller/Matt Plenty/MH and me) finally nailed down the id of the elusive Twite, two of which MP first saw on 20th December 2011. We met at 08:30 and tried to find the Chaffinch flock on Lagoon 3. But the Chaffinches were dispersed. We kept scanning Lagoon 3, and walked the public footpath that runs along the South West side of the lagoon. As the tide and the sun rose higher, the Chaffinches started flocking more, until there were about 50 in the hedges around the hide, flying onto Lagoon 3 to feed. Just before 11:00 (same time as when I saw them yesterday) 4 smaller birds flew from the NE end of the Lagoon, along the south bank. They looked good, and thankfully gave two clear Tuee-it calls. They tantalisingly flew around the lagoon in front of us, but then flew off high to SW. We kept bins on them and they seemed to go down in the fields, so off we plodded once more along the footpath to SW of the lagoon (accessed by going past the lake and turning right). We had noted a flock of Chaffinch, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting where the footpath kinks right-left-right, and started looking in the fields here. A flock of about 5 Skylark flew up, and among them were the 4 small birds again always sticking together. They flew up high again, but this time thankfully came down on top of a hedge 50 yards away. Unthankfully, the sun was behind the birds, and we couldnt make markings out. We moved to get better light, but the birds flew down into the next field. Luckily we managed to locate them on the ground, and gradually crept round the field-edge to be just 10 yards from them. Magic! It had taken us 4 hours, but it was very enjoyable and well worth it.
We found them in the large maize-stubble field at ST603935. (About 70 yards SE of small copse on Severn Way.) But there are several weedy fields here, that they could use. We have also seen them three times on Lagoon 3. They seem to associate with the other flocks of birds.
Also today a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull was seen at New Passage along with female Merlin and a very pale Black-headed Gull was seen again at Kingsgate Park, Yate.
Twite at Oldbury Power Station. Mark Coller
This very pale Black-headed Gull at Kingsgate Park, Yate was also present here in 2011... looking very Med Gull like! Mark Coller
14th: At Oldbury Power Station this morning there were three, possibly four Twite with c.100 Chaffinch on Lagoon III along with 20 Bullfinch.
Twite at Oldbury Power Station. Pete Hazelwood
13th:
Great atmospheric shot of Little Egret at New Passage. Tony Scott
12th: On Severnside a Merlin and a single Short-eared Owl were both present late afternoon on Aust Warth. At Oldbury Power Station an immature/ female Black Redstart was reported at Worthy Farm, 400 metres east of Lagoon II. Also at OPS a WeBS count produced; Gadwall, 90 Wigeon, 87 Teal, 158 Mallard, 153 Curlew, 160 Lapwing, 65 Turnstone, two Oystercatcher and four Yellowhammer. (Andy Middleton)
11th: This morning 30+ Siskin, 8+ Lesser Redpoll, 150+ Fieldfare and 50+ Redwings in Alders beside the Little Avon River between Charfield and Huntingford. 20 Siskin in Alders on the Little Avon River between Huntingford and Avening Green. (Vic Polley)
10th: A Short-eared Owl was seen again today from Aust Warth at dusk.
9th: A Short-eared Owl was seen briefly over Aust Warth at around 15:00 today.
8th: The 2nd winter Glaucous Gull was seen again today distantly from New Passage at low tide in an area known as The Scars. Present for several hours it was last seen at 13:15. (Mark Coller) At least five Short-eared Owls from Shirehill Lane at Marshfield. (John Barnett, Paul Marshall) A Common Crossbill was heard over Aust Cliffs at around 11:00. (Tony Scott) I visited Marshfield today and walked east along Broadmead Brook. Saw Grey Wagtail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Buzzard and Sparrowhawk in woodland on north ridge above. Searched for bunting flocks in car without success, saw very little else even winter thrushes. (Lois Pryce)
7th: A female Merlin was seen on Northwick Warth and a Jack Snipe was flushed from New Passage Beach spit. (Vic Savery) At Marshfield another female Merlin was seen in the Down Road area (Chris Vines) and at last four Short-eared Owls were on show this afternoon in the Shirehill Lane area. (Pete Coslett)
Merlin on Northwick Warth and Short-eared Owl at Marshfield. Vic Savery and Pete Coslett
5th: The first real rarity of the year turned up today when a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull was seen at New Passage at around 15:50. It continued on towards Severn Beach at around 6 metres range flying low along the sea wall. (Paul Bowerman) Also today three Kittiwake were seen heading downriver with over 200 Common Gull at Oldbury Power Station the first here in four years!
3rd: In the aftermath of overnight storms an adult Little Gull, at least 30 Kittiwake and Fulmar were all seen from Severn Beach. (Paul Bowerman)
Fulmar off Severn Beach. Paul Bowerman
2nd: The female Merlin was seen again today in the Northwick Warth area.
1st: A female Merlin and Water Pipit were both present on Northwick Warth this morning. (Mark Coller) |
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