Woodlark is a rare bird in Britain most likely to be located
by its delightful song, but often extremely confiding if you
do happen to find one. Compared to the much more common
Skylark it is smaller with a strikingly short tail and no
white trailing edge to the wing. It is a rare and localised
breeding bird mainly in southern and eastern England. The
strongholds are in the Brecklands, New Forest and Dorset
with a few smaller populations elsewhere. The name first
occurs in c.1300 as 'wodelarke' with the present day
spelling current since 1667.
There have been thirteen Woodlark reported from S.
Gloucestershire;
2011: (1)
One was reported in flight over New Passage on October 14th.
2010: (1)
One was heard calling as it flew north over Northwick Warth,
New Passage in the morning on October 15th.
2003: (1)
One was reported on November 26th at Severn Beach. It was
seen in flight heading north-east along the seawall, was
calling continuously and was last seen over the beach below
the Second Severn Crossing.
1976: (1)
One was reported from Severn Beach on April 3rd.
1972: (1)
One was reported from New Passage on October 15th.
1949: (1)
One was seen in flight on October 29th between Patchway and
Stoke Gifford.
1947: (1)
On February 23rd at Patchway, one was frequently watched
near the Post Office and present in the area until February
26th.
1941: (6) HIGHEST COUNT 6
Six were identified on September 9th at Severn Beach, the
unmistakable call was heard at Severn Beach and a party of
six was viewed at close quarters on fallow ground adjoining
Sea Wall Farm.