THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE 2017 · from Sever Beach in 2009, a wintering Red-flanked Bluetail in the Shire Valley at Marshfield in 2014 and an off the radar Black/ White-bellied

THE BIRDS OF SOUTH

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

2017

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THE BIRDS OF SOUTH

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

A review of rare, scarce and

unusual birds and butterflies

from South Gloucestershire in

2017

www.thebirdsofsouthgloucestershire.co.uk

http://www.thebirdsofsouthgloucestershire.co.uk/

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CONTENTS

Editorial 3

S. Glos Bird Diary 2017 7

S. Glos Butterfly Diary 2017 61

S. Glos Butterfly List 2017 77

Marshfield Diary 2017 78

S. Glos Year Lists 2007 – 2017 114

S. Glos Year List 2017 114

The S. Glos Systematic List 116

New Additions 116

Systematic List 116

Swans & Geese 117

Ducks 118

Game 120

Divers 121

Seabirds 122

Herons 123

Raptors 124

Waders 126

Skua’s 129

Terns & Gulls 130

Doves, Parakeets 131

Owls, Nightjar & Woodpeckers 132

Shrikes 133

Larks, Wagtails & Pipits 134

Warblers 135

Waxwing 138

Flycatchers, Thrushes & Chats 139

Finches & Buntings 140

Notable Birding Events in 2017 142

Articles 143

Contributors 153

The S. Glos Bird Species & Forms List 2017 154

Front Cover: Iberian Chiffchaff at Kingsgate Park, Yate. © TBOSG

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Editorial

In December 2017 The British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) reset the British List to

align with that of the International Ornithological Congress (IOC). The BOU

maintains the British List, the official list of wild birds recorded in Great Britain

(England, Scotland, Wales and associated waters). The List is managed by the

BOU Records Committee (BOURC).

The South Gloucestershire Systematic List follows the conventions of The BOU

British List: A Checklist of Birds of Britain (9th edition) December 2017 which

came into effect on January 1st 2018. The impact on the S. Glos list was fairly

minimal and affected no significant changes.

So at the end of 2017 the list of species seen within the boundaries of S.

Gloucestershire settled on 297. Time perhaps to speculate on which birds might

be added to reach the magical 300 mark; a time for some indulgent wishful

thinking or should a more pragmatic approach be adopted?

We’d all like to be ‘the one’ to find ‘the big one’, and who knows 2018 might

just be the year to achieve that not inconsiderable milestone – or should that

now be kilometrestone?

Since 2000 some forty new birds have been added to the S. Glos list – that’s an

average of around 2.2 per annum – so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility

that 2018 could be the year! The last half a dozen new additions and covering

a wide cross section of species were; A male Penduline Tit found at Dyrham

Park in 2015, Pallid Harrier at Marshfield and Whiskered Tern at Oldbury Power

Station in 2016, American Wigeon on Littleton Warth, Iberian Chiffchaff in

Kingsgate Park, Yate and Serin at New Passage in 2017.

Other spectacular birds seen for the first time in recent years were Pacific Diver

from Sever Beach in 2009, a wintering Red-flanked Bluetail in the Shire Valley at

Marshfield in 2014 and an off the radar Black/ White-bellied Storm Petrel from

Severn Beach in 2009!

Near Misses

Historically some spectacular birds have been found tantalisingly close to the S.

Glos airspace and waterways for example; Lesser Scaup have been recorded

in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset, Magnificent Frigatebird in Somerset

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almost certainly passed through S. Glos waters in 2005 (as did the Yellow-nosed

Albatross in 2007) plus several records of Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Purple

Heron and Black Stork from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

Pied-billed Grebe could almost be seen from the S. Glos boundary just north-

east of Hill Pill above Shepperdine in 2015 and Red-necked Grebe occurs quite

regularly in the three surrounding counties. One raptor of note that has

occurred close by is Rough-legged Buzzard. They are annual on the east coast

but conspicuous by their absence in the West Country.

As for waders, several have occurred that would be excellent additions

namely, Greater Sand Plover, Upland Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper,

Wilson’s Phalarope, Spotted Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Marsh Sandpiper,

Killdeer, Great Snipe and Black-winged Pratincole.

Seabirds include; Sooty and Bridled Tern, Caspian Tern, Ivory and Bonaparte’s

Gull (both of which were almost visible from the coast just south of Severn

Beach). A Roller - at least one ‘near-by’ in 1976, as well as Gyr Falcon, Chough

and Nutcracker!

Warblers recorded adjacently include Greenish, Arctic, Pallas’s, Dusky, Savi’s,

Melodious and Great Reed whilst Thrushes include White’s and Black-throated

and both Blyth’s and Tawny Pipit could have conceivably flown a little further

north!

Two-barred Crossbill was a close call as have Little Bunting and cringingly

adjacent Myrtle Warbler!

Wish List

So down to cases and a wish list that might include any of the above plus Blue-

winged Teal, Ferruginous Duck and Surf Scoter; Black-browed Albatross or

Wilsons Petrel.

From the waders, Greater Yellowlegs or Sociable Plover even, and for the

larophiles amongst us, American Herring Gull, Gull-billed or possibly Forster’s

Tern.

Any Raptors might include Booted Eagle or Amur Falcon and Shrikes could treat

us to Lesser Grey… who knows? In the passerine field, Short-toed Lark, Olive-

backed Pipit, or even Grey-cheeked Thrush would delight!

Blue Rock Thrush (what chance of one of those turning up our neck of the

woods?) or indeed Myrtle Warbler another ‘near miss’ with that one in Eastville

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Park, Bristol in 1994 or Black-throated Thrush – remember that 1st winter bird that

spent two days in Victoria Park, Bristol in 1996?

© TBOSG

© TBOSG

The Possibilities Are Endless

Of course all of the birds listed above currently form part of the British List… what

about vagrants with the potential to be new to Britain the possibilities are

seemingly endless … you’re welcome to find it whatever ‘it’ might be? It has

happened historically and on any number of occasions!

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Adopting a more pragmatic approach though and bearing in mind the types

of habitat available in the region some real possibilities start to emerge and

might include, Lesser Scaup a duck already more frequent nowadays. Is it

possible to land a Surf Scoter somewhere on the Severn Estuary, a high tide

Severn Beach individual perhaps?

A Little Bittern on one of the numerous ‘small ponds’ scattered across the

recording area, a Bonaparte’s Gull in the roost at New Passage, Pilning

Wetland or Oldbury Power Station, Purple Heron and Lesser Yellowlegs are

surely all long overdue?

A spring Citrine Wagtail… now wouldn’t that be a treat! In early autumn a 1st

winter Red-breasted Flycatcher or a late November Pallas’s Warbler? Indeed

Barred Warbler, Ortolan and Little Buntings and maybe that long searched for

Black-throated Thrush in fields with visiting Fieldfare and Redwing would all be

most welcome visitors.

Its fun to speculate and we all of us have our own dream birds… here’s mine!

© TBOSG

Finally let’s not forget the old adage… Umm, what was it… ah I remember…

‘Expect almost anything to turn up at anytime, anywhere’… you’re welcome to

find it whatever ‘it’ might be? So good luck out there… you won’t see it from

your armchair…. and remember you heard it here first!

Ed’s - TBOSG 2017

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The South Gloucestershire Bird Diary 2017

JANUARY

Sunday 1st

JACK SNIPE: Two were seen at an undisclosed site at Yate. MARSH HARRIER: A

juvenile/ immature bird was seen in flight over the reedbed at Lagoon II,

Oldbury Power Station where it quartered a couple of times before departing.

This is the earliest date for this species in S. Glos! The previous earliest was

January 30th 2011 on Littleton Warth. RED KITE: One was reported over fields at

Marshfield.

Monday 2nd

AMERICAN WIGEON: A 1st winter drake was present from mid-morning until

dusk on the shoreline from Littleton Warth a kilometre north of the parking area

at Whale Wharf Lane. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species

for S. Gloucestershire!

© Ben Ofield

BLACK REDSTART: An adult winter male was seen at Oldbury Power Station at

the south end of the Cooling Towers this morning. GREAT WHITE EGRET: Two

were reported low over St Mary's Church car Park, Littleton-upon-Severn at

16:30. This is the earliest date for this species in S. Glos and a record equalling

highest count! JACK SNIPE: One was seen twice briefly in the Shire Valley,

Marshfield this morning. Two were noted on Chittening Warth also this morning.

SMEW: A redhead was seen on Chipping Sodbury Common on the fishing pool

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between 15:20 and 15:40. WATER PIPIT: One was seen to drop into fields beyond

Grebe Pond in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area this morning.

Wednesday 4th

JACK SNIPE: One was seen again in the Shire Valley, Marshfield. WAXWING: Six

were seen briefly around The Worthys, Bradley Stoke - BS32 8DQ at 12:50.

Thursday 5th

GREAT WHITE EGRET: One was reported from the R. Frome behind Centenary

Field, Frampton Cotterell. JACK SNIPE: One was once again present in the Shire

Valley, Marshfield three were seen on Pilning Wetland and a further seven were

noted from Aust Warth. WAXWING: Five/ six (probably this species) were

reported opposite The Worthys, Bradley Stoke first thing. One was lingering in

the Blackthorn Drive/ Somerby Close/ Jordan Walk area at Bradley Stoke on

and off throughout the day. WATER PIPIT: One still present in the Northwick

Warth/ New Passage area.

Friday 6th

WAXWING: One was seen

briefly in a garden backing

onto Withymead Playing Fields,

Marshfield around 11:30 this

morning. This occurrence

represents the first record of this

species for the 'Marshfield

patch'.

Saturday 7th

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT: c.560

were counted in the New

Passage/ Northwick Warth/

Pilning Wetland area today

representing the highest count

of this species for S. Glos!

WAXWING: A flock of thirteen

were finally 'pinned down' in

trees in the car park of the

Three Brooks Pub at Bradley

Stoke between 15:15 and 15:50.

WATER PIPIT: One was seen by

The Pill at New Passage.

© TBOSG

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Sunday 8th

JACK SNIPE: One was seen over

low tide at Oldbury Power

Station and a further two were

reported from Aust Warth.

WAXWING: A flock of fourteen

were relocated in tree on

Bailey's Court Road, Bradley

Stoke this afternoon.

Tuesday 10th

CATTLE EGRET: Two were seen in

fields at Toghill Farm, Wick - ST:

720 723 this morning. These birds

represent the third and fourth

record of this species for S. Glos,

the first multiple occurrence,

the earliest date and the

longest staying. One was first

noticed in fields at Toghill Farm,

Wick on December 17th 2016

around 09:00 and was joined by

a second bird on January 1st

2017.

© Darren Pearce

WAXWING: Four were seen today at Bradley Stoke, two at Bailey's Court and

two at The Willow Brook Centre.

Wednesday 11th

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds in fields at Toghill Farm, Wick - ST: 722 725 where they

remained throughout the day. WATER PIPIT: One was seen on Northwick Warth

near the 2nd sentry box around mid-day.

Thursday 12th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields at Toghill Farm, Wick.

Friday 13th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields at Toghill Farm, Wick. JACK SNIPE:

Around eight birds reported today, at least six from Aust Warth, one from

Marshfield and one from Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station. WATER PIPIT: One

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was seen again on Northwick Warth near the 2nd sentry box. WAXWING: Two

were reported in tree near the playing fields at Little Stoke.

Saturday 14th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds present throughout the day in fields at Toghill Farm,

Wick. JACK SNIPE: One reported from Littleton Warth this morning. WAXWING:

One was reported from Yate this morning in the Melrose/ Walnut Avenue area.

Sunday 15th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds again present throughout the day in fields at Toghill

Farm, Wick. JACK SNIPE: At least four were noted from Aust Warth.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult, the first of the year, was seen from New

Passage today. WATER PIPIT: One still present in the New Passage/ Northwick

Warth area.

Monday 16th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds still feeding in fields at Toghill Farm, Wick.

Tuesday 17th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds still present in fields at Toghill Farm, Wick throughout

the day. WAXWING: At least one was seen in trees by the eastbound slip road

at Severn View Services on the M48 at Aust around 14:30.

Wednesday 18th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present and feeding in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: One at Aztec West, Almondsbury. It’s been in the area on

and off since November 2nd 2016. WATER PIPIT: One still present on Northwick

Warth around the second sentry box.

Thursday 19th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds present at Toghill Farm, Wick throughout the day.

Friday 20th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds present throughout the day in fields west of Toghill

Farm, Wick. EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult relocated from Aztec West to

Northwick Warth and Pilning Wetland today. JACK SNIPE: One was noted from

Aust Warth. MARSH HARRIER: A putative female was watched hunting over

Pilning Wetland this morning around 08:40 before drifting north. RED KITE: One

this morning flying over the fields at Vinney Lane, Horton.

Saturday 21st

BITTERN: One was seen briefly around 08:45 at Orchard Pools, Severn Beach. It

flew west along the first pond but could not be relocated. BLACK REDSTART: An

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adult winter male was seen on the south-west side of the towers at Oldbury

Power Station this morning. CATTLE EGRET: Both birds remained throughout the

day in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult was still

present in the Northwick Warth and Pilning Wetland area today. JACK SNIPE:

One was noted from Aust Warth late afternoon. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was

seen on Aust Warth late afternoon.

Sunday 22nd

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds remained throughout the day in fields west of Toghill

Farm, Wick. WAXWING: At least five were reported from Asda, Longwell Green

today.

Monday 23rd

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick.

Tuesday 24th


Farm, Wick.

Wednesday 25th

BLACK REDSTART: Two adult winter males showing well on the seawall near the

Waterworks at Oldbury Power Station. CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields

west of Toghill Farm, Wick. JACK SNIPE: One noted from Aust Warth this

afternoon.

Thursday 26th

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick

throughout the day.

Friday 27th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick today.

MARSH HARRIER: A female was seen around Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station

this afternoon appeared to drop into the reedbed. RED KITE: One was noted

low over Oldbury Power Station this afternoon drifting south-west.

Saturday 28th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick today.

Sunday 29th


Farm, Wick. WAXWING: Fifteen, the highest count of the year so far, were

showing throughout the day in trees in the car park at Tesco, Bradley Stoke.

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Monday 30th

CATTLE EGRET: Both

birds were present

throughout the day at

Toghill Farm, Wick.

WAXWING: Again up

to fifteen birds were

present in the car

park at Tesco and The

Willow Brook Centre,

Bradley Stoke.

© Pete Hazelwood

Tuesday 31st


Farm, Wick. WAXWING: Thirteen were on show throughout the day at The Willow

Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke.

FEBRUARY

Wednesday 1st

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. WAXWING:

Thirteen were seen on and off today at The Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke.

Thursday 2nd

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. SHORT-

EARED OWL: One was seen this morning on the saltmarsh at Thornbury Sailing

Club and subsequently went to roost nearby. WATER PIPIT: One was seen in the

Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area. WAXWING: All thirteen individuals were

seen at The Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke today.

Friday 3rd

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. WATER

PIPIT: One was heard in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area this morning.

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WAXWING: Thirteen birds were still frequenting The Willow Brook Centre, Bradley

Stoke today.

Saturday 4th

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. WATER

PIPIT: One was seen on Northwick Warth around the 2nd sentry box this

morning. WAXWING: A baker’s dozen still present in the car park at Tesco,

Bradley Stoke, and six briefly in trees along Signal Road, Mangotsfield around

16:00.

Sunday 5th

CATTLE EGRET: The two resident birds in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick

MANDARIN: At least ten (the first of the year) were present on Tortworth Court

Lake this morning. WAXWING: Fifteen birds were logged today in the car park

at Tesco, Bradley Stoke.

Monday 6th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick throughout the

day. RED KITE: One was seen in flight north-west over the Cross Hands Hotel, Old

Sodbury around mid-day. WAXWING: Fourteen birds were present today in the

car park at Tesco, Bradley Stoke, on and off.

Tuesday 7th

BLACK REDSTART: An adult male still present at Oldbury Power Station on top of

the towers at the south end. CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of

Toghill Farm, Wick. WAXWING: Thirteen still present at Tesco, Bradley Stoke

today.

Wednesday 8th

BLACK REDSTART: One was reported from Pilning Wetland late afternoon.

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. GOSHAWK:

One was seen in the Cloud Wood area at Marshfield today. WAXWING: Eleven

still present at Tesco, Bradley Stoke today.

Thursday 9th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A winter adult was noted in the roost on the Tidal

Reservoir, Oldbury Power Station this evening. WAXWING: Thirteen still present at

Tesco, Bradley Stoke today.

Friday 10th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. JACK SNIPE:

Three were noted from Aust Warth today. KNOT: Counted from a photograph

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taken on the 5th - 1,120 were reckoned from the New Passage/ Northwick

Warth/ Pilning Wetland area. A record count for S. Glos! WAXWING: Twelve

present at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke today.

Saturday 11th


Three noted on Littleton Warth during a WeBS count.

Sunday 12th


One counted on WeBS at Oldbury Power Station today.

Monday 13th

BLACK REDSTART: A winter male was showing well near the Waterworks at

Oldbury Power Station this morning. CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west

of Toghill Farm, Wick. RED KITE: One seen in flight north over Oldbury Power

Station at 10:40. WAXWING: Fifteen were seen on and off during the day at

Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Tuesday 14th


Fifteen today at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Wednesday 15th


Three were seen late morning at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke and a 'flock' were

reported near the play area on Baker's Ground, Stoke Gifford.

Thursday 16th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. RED KITE: One

was reported over Yate Common, Yate. WAXWING: Fifteen again today at

Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Friday 17th

BLACK REDSTART: An adult male at Oldbury Power Station still on top of the

towers on the south-west side. CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of

Toghill Farm, Wick. RED KITE: Two at Marshfield today, one south over Tormarton

Road followed by a second over the Shire Valley. WAXWING: All fifteen birds still

present again today at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Saturday 18th


Fifteen were seen at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke early a.m. and late p.m. and

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presumably the same flock (also 15) was noted at Bakers Ground, Stoke Gifford

at lunchtime? MAGPIE: 60+ were counted at Warmley Forest Park, Warmley on

the 13th February - a new S. Glos highest count. The previous highest count was

56 at OPS on August 2nd 2007.

Sunday 19th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. WAXWING: All

fifteen were seen at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke again today.

Monday 20th

CATTLE EGRET: The two (still

present) in fields west of

Toghill Farm, Wick have

been in residence for over

two months now! WAXWING:

All fifteen at Tesco Extra,

Bradley Stoke again today.

Tuesday 21st

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still

present in fields west of

Toghill Farm, Wick today.

WAXWING: Fifteen ‘lingering’

at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke

again today.

© Paul Bowerman

Wednesday 22nd

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A 2nd winter was noted roosting on Pilning Wetland.

WAXWING: Fifteen still present at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Thursday 23rd

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present at Toghill Farm, Wick. WAXWING: Fifteen

‘lingering’ at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Friday 24th

BLACK REDSTART: An adult winter male was seen on the roof of the towers at

Oldbury Power Station today. CATTLE EGRET: Two still present at Toghill Farm,

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Wick. HEN HARRIER: A fine male, the first of the year, was seen at Shepperdine

around 16:30. JACK SNIPE: Two were reported from Shepperdine. RED KITE: One

was seen at Downthorns Farm/ Down Road this afternoon. WAXWING: At least

thirteen still present at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Saturday 25th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present at Toghill Farm, Wick. HEN HARRIER: A male flew

along the shore and upriver beyond Shepperdine at 07:50. JACK SNIPE: Two

were noted on Aust Warth. RED KITE: One was seen at Littleton Brick Pits,

Littleton Warth. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was seen in flight to the south-west

over Northwick Warth. WAXWING: All fifteen once again present at Tesco Extra,

Bradley Stoke.

Sunday 26th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present at Toghill Farm, Wick. WAXWING: All fifteen once

again present at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Monday 27th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present at Toghill Farm, Wick.

Tuesday 28th

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. JACK

SNIPE: Four were displaces by a rising tide this morning. HOUSE MARTIN: One

was seen alongside the R. Frome at Nightingales Bridge, Frampton Cotterell on

February 28th. It represents the earliest ever date for this species in S.

Gloucestershire. The previous earliest date was March 14th 2016 at Tockington.

WAXWING: At least sixteen were counted today at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

MARCH

Wednesday 1st

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. PIED

WAGTAIL: A roost of ‘several hundred’ was reported from Marks & Spencer at

Cribbs Causeway. RAVEN: A good count of twenty-three from Chipping

Sodbury Common today. WAXWING: Sixteen were still present at Tesco Extra,

Bradley Stoke and four were seen in trees at Buckover Hill, Buckover at 15:30.

Thursday 2nd

CASPIAN GULL: An adult winter female was noted mixing with around 600 gulls

at Shortwood Civic Amenities Site late afternoon. It constitutes the 7th record

for S. Gloucestershire and the latest ever date for this species in the recording

area! The previous latest date was February 4th 2008 at Shortwood. CATTLE

EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. SMEW: A winter

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female was found on Chipping Sodbury Common fishing lake this afternoon.

WAXWING: Fifteen were still present at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

© Pete Coslett

Friday 3rd

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick.

WAXWING: Fifteen still present at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Saturday 4th

CATTLE EGRET: Two still present in fields west of Toghill Farm, Wick. RED KITE: One

noted over Kingsgate Park, Yate. SCANDINAVIAN ROCK PIPIT: Three or four

putatively this form at Severn Beach. WAXWING: Fifteen still present at Tesco

Extra, Bradley Stoke.

Monday 6th

CATTLE EGRET: Two birds still present at Toghill Farm, Wick. WAXWING: Fifteen

‘lingering’ at Tesco, Bradley Stoke.

Tuesday 7th

CATTLE EGRET: Two present throughout the day at Toghill Farm, Wick. COMMON

STONECHAT: Fourteen were counted at Oldbury Power Station today; a site

and S. Glos highest count... probably! WAXWING: Up to fifteen birds lingering at

Tesco, Bradley Stoke.

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Wednesday 8th

CATTLE EGRET: Two present throughout the day at Toghill Farm, Wick. NORTHERN

WHEATEAR: A spring male, the first of the year, near Oldbury Sailing Club. PIED

WAGTAIL: c.300 roosting on buildings at Oldbury Power Station. WAXWING:

Fifteen birds at Tesco, Bradley Stoke at 07:25 then on Braydon Avenue briefly.

Thursday 9th

CATTLE EGRET: Two present throughout the day at Toghill Farm, Wick.

ICELANDIC REDWING: One probably this form on Northwick Warth late

afternoon. WAXWING: Fifteen birds at Tesco, Bradley Stoke at 07:15.

Friday 10th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds still present early morning at Toghill Farm, Wick.

GREENSHANK: One, the first of the year, was heard from Cake Pill, Aust this

morning. MARSH HARRIER: One was seen in flight north past Aust Warth around

09:50. WAXWING: Fifteen still present at Tesco Extra, Bradley Stoke this morning.

Saturday 11th

CATTLE EGRET: Both birds present early morning at Toghill Farm, Wick; feeding at

an unknown location throughout the day and returning to roost in the evening.

GREEN WOODPECKER: At least twenty (20) were counted in the Overscourt

Woodland/ Shortwood area early morning. JACK SNIPE: One was flushed from

the saltmarsh at Oldbury Power Station. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A summer

plumaged bird was noted on Littleton Warth this morning. SAND MARTIN: Three,

the first of the year, were watched around Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station,

plus at least one noted at Littleton Brick Pits. WATER PIPIT: One was noted on

Littleton Warth this morning. WAXWING: Twelve were seen fly-catching around

the Pinker's Mead/ Julius Close area at Emerson's Green this afternoon briefly.

WHITE WAGTAIL: At least one possible two (the first of the year and earliest date

for S. Glos) with c.75 'alba' wagtail in ploughed fields from Down Road,

Marshfield late morning.

Sunday 12th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: One reported again from Aztec West Business Park,

Almondsbury today. MANDARIN: Two were seen in flight over Old Sodbury this

afternoon, with a further bird reported from Golden Valley LNR, Wick.

Monday 13th

JACK SNIPE: One was seen at Oldbury Power Station this morning.

Wednesday 15th

RED KITE: One in flight south-west over Northwick Warth at 12:40. SHORT-EARED

OWL: Four were reported from Aust Warth late afternoon before flying towards

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Northwick Warth. SWALLOW: One, the first of the year and earliest ever record

for S. Glos, was reported from Aust Warth late afternoon. Previous earliest date

was March 26th 1996 at Oldbury Power Station. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: Two,

the first of the year, flew strongly north-east over New Passage at 11:30.

Thursday 16th

SHORT-EARED OWL: Two were seen from Aust Warth late afternoon.

Friday 17th

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER: One, the first of the year, was first seen in flight over

Pilning Wetland this morning.

Sunday 19th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A summer adult was watched from Severn Beach.

Monday 20th

SHORT-EARED OWL: Three were seen from early afternoon on Aust Warth.

Wednesday 22nd

SHORT-EARED OWL: Four were seen hunting over Aust Warth from early

afternoon.

Thursday 23rd

RED KITE: One was seen over Latteridge late afternoon.

Friday 24th

RED KITE: Difficult to say how many today! The first was seen over the M4

halfway between Almondsbury and Severn Beach at 06:15, next was one over

Littleton Warth at 11:00, a third flew in off the river and over Pilning Wetland at

15:10 and a fourth was seen over Down Road, Marshfield this afternoon. SHORT-

EARED OWL: At least one was seen on Aust Warth at 16:10.

Saturday 25th

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF: A spring male, the first ever record of this species in S.

Gloucestershire, was found at Kingsgate Park, Yate. Present from early morning

where it was initially picked up on call, it spent the day performing and showing

well on and off around the margins of the smaller lake on the east side of the

park. It was in song periodically when the triplet ...'chiff chiff chiff weet weet

diditdiditidit'... was clearly heard.

CATTLE EGRET: One, the second Severnside record, was found on Pilning

Wetland this morning. COMMON CRANE: Two apparently unringed birds flew

north over Pilning Wetland this morning. SHORT-EARED OWL: One seen at Aust

P a g e | 20

Warth at 06:30 this morning and presumably the same individual was present

there this evening. WATER PIPIT: One was reported from Northwick Warth today.

© TBOSG

Sunday 26th

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF: The spring male was present throughout the day at

Kingsgate Park, Yate. RED KITE: Good views of one seen at Avening Green

around 10:30. SHORT-EARED OWL: One reported from Aust Warth today.

Monday 27th

OSPREY: One, the first of the year and record equalling earliest date, was seen

in flight heading east low over Lydiard Croft, Hanham at 08:40. RED KITE: A

report of one over Doynton sometime today. SHORT-EARED OWL: One reported

from Aust Warth this evening. WATER PIPIT: One still present on Northwick Warth.

Tuesday 28th

Continental Cormorant: One was seen on Grebe Pond, Pilning Wetland. It

represents the latest date for this form in S. Glos! GOSHAWK: An immature bird

was seen briefly in flight in the Cold Ashton area around 18:15. SHORT-EARED

OWL: One was seen on Aust Warth this morning.

Thursday 30th

COMMON REDSTART: A male was seen on Chipping Sodbury Common this

afternoon - a record equalling earliest date for S. Glos! COMMON TERN: At least

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half a dozen birds were noted in flight downriver past Oldbury Power Station

today - a record equalling earliest date for S. Glos! COMMON WHITETHROAT:

The first of the year and earliest date for this species in S. Glos was seen in the

Northwick Warth area today. The previous earliest date was April 4th 2002 at

Oldbury Power Station. HOBBY: One, the earliest S. Glos record was seen in flight

north over Pilning Wetland around 12:15. The previous earliest date was March

31st 2016 at New Passage. SANDWICH TERN: Six, the first of the year, were seen

heading downriver at Oldbury Power Station early this morning. WATER PIPIT:

One was present on Northwick Warth today.

Friday 31st

WATER PIPIT: Two were present on Northwick Warth today.

APRIL

Saturday 1st

DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE: One, the first of the year was present in the

Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area today. GOOSANDER: One, the first of

the year, was noted on the R. Avon at Hanham today. SHORT-EARED OWL: Four

were logged today from the Aust Warth area. WATER PIPIT: At least five, possibly

eight, were noted on Northwick Warth (in the 1st sentry box area) in transition

plumage.

Sunday 2nd

REED WARBLER: One trapped and processed at Littleton Brick Pits today is the

earliest date for this species in S. Glos. The previous earliest date was April 9th

2011 at Oldbury Power Station. SHORT-EARED OWL: Four were noted from the

Aust Warth area today. YELLOW WAGTAIL: The first of the year and earliest date

for this species in S. Glos was seen on Pilning Wetland around 1st Sentry Box

Pool. The previous earliest date was April 6th 2002 at Severn Beach.

Monday 3rd

AVOCET: One, the first of the year, was seen at New Passage this morning.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF: An unconfirmed report of a singing male briefly on

Chipping Sodbury Common. An individual was both seen and heard later in the

day at the same site and was considered by several observers to be an

atypical Common Chiffchaff. RED KITE: One was watched in flight from Bitton

following the R. Avon towards the old chocolate factory at Keynsham. SHORT-

EARED OWL: At least two were seen at Aust Warth this afternoon.

Tuesday 4th

TREE PIPIT: One, the first of the year, was seen at Aust this afternoon. SHORT-

EARED OWL: Two at Aust Warth this afternoon/ evening.

P a g e | 22

Wednesday 5th

RED KITE: One seen in flight at Old Sodbury heading towards Yate at 13:55.

SHORT-EARED OWL: Three were still present at Aust this evening.

Thursday 6th

SERIN: A spring male was both seen and heard at 08:25 at New Passage. This is

the first documented reference to this species in S. Gloucestershire as well as

the earliest date. It was both seen and heard in flight low over the 'ramp' at

New Passage, alighting briefly in the Ash by the entrance to Northwick Warth

before flying towards 'The Glen'.

On the evening of April 5th a small bright yellow finch land near entrance to

Northwick Warth before flying towards the houses at New Passage which

appeared too small for Siskin.

© TBOSG

BLACK REDSTART: A female was seen near the Waterworks at Oldbury Power

Station this morning. GREEN SANDPIPER: One, the first of the year, was seen

along Cattybrook Rhine, between Pilning Street and Badger Lane near Over.

RED KITE: One seen in flight in the Milbury Heath/ Wyevale Garden Centre area

this morning. WATER PIPIT: Two were noted in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning

Wetland area today.

Friday 7th

COMMON CROSSBILL: A male and three females (the first of the year) were

seen at Oldbury Power Station in pines on the north-east side of Lagoon I

P a g e | 23

before flying upriver along the bank. FIRECREST: One, the first of the year, was

seen in woodland between Old Down, Lower Hazel and Alveston around ST:

626 876 at 15:00. RED KITE: One was seen in flight over 'The Anchor' at Oldbury-

on-Severn at 14:15. SHORT-EARED OWL: At least three still at Aust late afternoon.

Saturday 8th

SEDGE WARBLER: One present on Northwick Warth with another on Chittening

Warth this morning - the first of the year and the earliest date for this species in

S. Glos. The previous earliest date was April 9th 2001 on Severnside. SHORT-

EARED OWL: At least two birds still present at Aust late afternoon.

Sunday 9th

COMMON EIDER: A flock of eight, including two drakes, were watched flying

down-river past Severn Beach this evening. That's the first for the year!

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One both seen and heard 'reeling' on Northwick

Warth early this morning is the first of the year and the 150th species recorded in

S. Glos this year! LESSER WHITETHROAT: Again both seen and heard on

Northwick Warth early this morning is the first of the year and the earliest date

for this species in S. Glos! The previous earliest date was April 10th 2009 at

Oldbury Power Station. RING OUZEL: A fine spring male, the first of the year, was

seen in a private garden at Tormarton at 10:00 this morning. Siberian Chiffchaff:

One, possibly this form, was reported from Olveston/ Tockington area today.

Monday 10th

OSPREY: One flew low over Pilning Wetland and Northwick Warth and

continued on north-east up the estuary at 11:25. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was

still present at Aust late afternoon.

Tuesday 11th

GREAT WHITE EGRET: One was seen in flight just inland of Shepperdine/ Lagoon

II at Oldbury Power Station heading south-west at 07:30. Greenland Wheatear:

Birds seen at Rushmead Lane and Down Road, Marshfield this afternoon were

thought to be this form. RED KITE: One was seen in flight heading north-east

over Oldbury Power Station at 14:35. RING OUZEL: A male was seen this

afternoon in flight by the roundabout at the junction of the A46/ A420 near

Pennsylvania then low north across the fields. SMEW: A female returned to

Chipping Sodbury Common Fishing Pools this afternoon.

Wednesday 12th

Siberian Chiffchaff: One was both seen and heard near the 2nd Sentry Box on

Northwick Warth this morning. It represents the latest date for this form in S. Glos.

The previous latest date was March 28th 2005 at Emerson's Green. SMEW: The

P a g e | 24

female was reported again from Chipping Sodbury Common Fishing Pools

today.

Thursday 13th

GREY PARTRIDGE: One was

present in fields from Down

Road, Marshfield this

afternoon. RED KITE: One

was seen in flight north over

Dyrham around 13:30.

SHORT-EARED OWL: One

reported again from Aust

Warth. SMEW: The female

was present throughout the

day on Chipping Sodbury

Common Fishing Pools.

Friday 14th

SMEW: The female was

present until late morning at

least on Chipping Sodbury

Common Fishing Pools.

WHIMBREL: One, the first of

the year, was seen at

Oldbury Power Station this

morning.

© Dan White

Saturday 15th

AVOCET: One was seen in flight past Oldbury Power Station today.

Sunday 16th

GARDEN WARBLER: One, the first of the year, was logged on Yate Common,

Yate this morning. It represents the earliest date for this species in S. Glos! The

previous earliest date was April 17th 2003 at Severn Beach. GRASSHOPPER

WARBLER: One was heard 'reeling' near the entrance to Littleton Brick Pits this

morning. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was reported again from Aust Warth.

Monday 17th

RED KITE: One was seen drifting south-west over Hanham around mid-day.

P a g e | 25

Tuesday 18th

PIED FLYCATCHER: A fine male, the first of the year, was seen in trees in private

gardens at New Passage this morning and relocated at Chestle Pill copse this

evening. RED KITE: One seen in flight from Willsbridge towards Keynsham.

Wednesday 19th

OSPREY: One flew over Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station at 10:50 then out

over the estuary and upriver over the Tidal Reservoir. WHINCHAT: At least two,

the first of the year, were present on Chipping Sodbury Common this morning.

Northern Willow Warbler: A very 'grey' individual seen near the 2nd Sentry Box,

Northwick Warth this morning was putatively - phylloscopus trochilus acredula.

Thursday 20th

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER: One, the first of the year, was present in Chestle Pill

copse at New Passage this morning. It also represents the earliest date for this

species in S. Glos. The previous earliest date was April 21st 2003 at Severn

Beach. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One was heard 'reeling' in the south-west

corner of Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station this morning. WHIMBREL: An

extremely rare occurrence with one heard calling as it flew over 'Hanham Bird

Obs' Wesley Avenue, Hanham around 01:00 this morning.

Friday 21st

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One was heard 'reeling' near the 2nd Sentry Box on

Northwick Warth, this morning. GREAT WHITE EGRET: One was seen in flight

heading south over Pilning Wetland, Northwick Warth at 12:50. SHORT-EARED

OWL: Two birds today with singles reported from Northwick Warth and

Shepperdine. SPOONBILL: One, the first of the year, was seen on Northwick

Warth Flash around 15:00 before being flushed. WOOD WARBLER: A spring male

(the first of the year) in full song, was present throughout the day in Grange

Plantation on Ashwicke Road, 1.5 kilometres south of Marshfield at ST: 785 717.

Saturday 22nd

ARCTIC TERN: A single flock of 18 (the first of the year) were seen feeding on the

Tidal Reservoir before heading upriver around 15:00. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER:

Three birds heard 'reeling' today - one in scrub just south of Severn Beach plus a

further two from a small reed bed on Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station.

SMEW: The female was once again present on Chipping Sodbury Common

Fishing Pools today.

Sunday 23rd

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One was heard 'reeling' from Moor Lane, Tockington

this morning. RED KITE: One was seen in flight over Thornbury at 12:20. SMEW:

The female still present on Chipping Sodbury Common Fishing Pools today.

P a g e | 26

© TBOSG

Monday 24th

RED KITE: One in flight over Downthorns Farm from Down Road, Marshfield this

morning.

Tuesday 25th

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: Two birds 'reeling' at Oldbury Power Station today

around Lagoon III.

Wednesday 26th

MANDARIN: A drake was reported from the R. Avon at Hanham.

Friday 28th

MARSH HARRIER: An immature/ female was noted at Aust Warth this morning.

SHORT-EARED OWL: A 'pale' individual was seen near Northwick Flash around

09:30 and presumably the same individual was present around 10:40 on Aust

Warth.

P a g e | 27

Saturday 29th

AVOCET: One was seen briefly on Pilning Wetland this morning. COMMON

CUCKOO: One, the first of the year, was seen in flight at Oldbury Power Station.

COMMON SWIFT: One, the first of the year, was seen over Pilning Wetland this

morning. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A 1st winter was seen from Littleton Warth and

Oldbury Power Station over high tide.

Sunday 30th

HEN HARRIER: A fine male was seen flying low north-east over Northwick Warth

this morning before being lost to view. RED KITE: One was seen soaring and then

low over Old Down CC around 12:15. It was watched dropping something and

swooping down to catch in mid-air, looked in excellent condition. It

approached from the R. Severn direction and headed towards Alveston.

MAY

Monday 1st

RED KITE: One was reported from Chipping Sodbury Common around 11:30 and

a second was noted heading south over Wesley Avenue, Hanham around

16:50. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was seen on Northwick Warth this morning, with

two were present on Aust Warth this evening.

Tuesday 2nd

MANDARIN: A male was present at Golden Valley LNR, Wick today between

the bridge and waterfall.

Wednesday 3rd

AVOCET: Two were present briefly on Northwick Warth this morning.

Thursday 4th

RED KITE: One high north over Frampton Cotterell late afternoon. WOOD

WARBLER: Two were present at Oldbury Power Station today; one in poplars by

small triangular reedbed in the south-east corner of Lagoon II, the second in

trees between Lagoon II reedbed and the bridleway.

Friday 5th

ARCTIC SKUA: A dark morph, the first of the year, was seen low and fast upriver

from New Passage this morning. AVOCET: Two were seen in flight past New

Passage this morning. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A 2nd calendar year bird was

seen from New Passage. RED KITE: Two birds today, one at New Passage flew

north across the estuary and one low over Thornbury Castle, Thornbury.

SANDERLING: The first returning birds of the year were seen from Severn Beach

this afternoon. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was noted from Northwick Warth this

P a g e | 28

morning. WOOD SANDPIPER: Two, the first of the year, were present on Pilning

Wetland throughout the day. WOOD WARBLER: A singing male was heard

briefly at New Passage this morning.

Saturday 6th

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One, possibly this species, heard at Overscourt

Woodland, Siston. SHORT-EARED OWL: One lingering at Aust this evening.

WOOD SANDPIPER: At least one bird still present on Pilning Wetland throughout

the day. WOOD WARBLER: A singing male both seen and heard at Oldbury

Power Station today.

Sunday 7th

BLACK-WINGED STILT: An adult female was found early this morning on Pilning

Wetland, Northwick Warth where it lingered throughout the day. It’s the third

record for S. Glos following the first in c.1848 near Thornbury, and a 'fly-by' past

Oldbury Power Station in May 1997. It also represents the earliest date for this

species in S. Glos where the previous earliest date was the Oldbury bird on May

17th 1997. WOOD SANDPIPER: At least one bird still present on Pilning Wetland

today.

Tuesday 9th

BLACK-WINGED STILT: The

adult female was again

present throughout the

day on Pilning Wetland,

Northwick Warth. RED

KITE: One was seen in

flight upriver past Aust

Warth. SHORT-EARED

OWL: One present on

Northwick Warth today.

Wednesday 10th

RED KITE: One was seen

circling over Chipping

Sodbury Fishing Lake at

13:50.

© Brian Lancastle

P a g e | 29

Thursday 11th

RED KITE: Two sightings today; A sub-adult sat on the saltmarsh at Thornbury

Sailing Club, Oldbury at 07:30 before flying out across the estuary and one over

New Road, Rangeworthy at 15:55. YELLOW WAGTAIL: A possible Black-headed

Wagtail was seen on Pilning Wetland this afternoon.

Observer comments: ...'It was the only Yellow Wagtail on the scrape. Striking

yellow with contrasting dark greenish back. Noticeable though even through

bins was a distinct jet black cap. It was difficult to tell as I only had bins but I

would say 'feldegg' but the black from that distance didn't look as extensive as

the pictures I've seen. Didn't seem to extend below eye-line so much. I don't

have any previous experience with these sub-species so wouldn't put in a

record based on what I saw of it. Couldn't get the bird out of my mind when I

got home so hence contacting on the off chance it was still about’...

Friday 12th

RED KITE: One was reported from Wickwar.

Saturday 13th

SPOONBILL: An adult was found on Pilning Wetland early afternoon and stayed

the rest of the day.

Sunday 14th

Greenland Dunlin: At least two of the Arctic form 'calidris alpina arctica' were

present at New Passage and Severn Beach this morning. This occurrence

represents the earliest date for this form in S. Glos! The previous earliest date was

May 16th 2008 at Severn Beach. SPOONBILL: The adult was still present on

Pilning Wetland from early morning.

Monday 15th

AVOCET: One circulating around the New Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning

Wetland area today. Greenland Dunlin: Up to three birds present on Pilning

Wetland this morning at least.

Wednesday 17th

Blue-headed Wagtail: A fine spring male, the first of the year, was found on

Pilning Wetland today and was still present at dusk.

Thursday 18th

Blue-headed Wagtail: The spring male was still present in the Northwick Warth/

on Pilning Wetland area this morning. It represents the latest date for this form in

S. Glos!

P a g e | 30

Sunday 21st

Continental Black-tailed Godwit: One showing characteristics of Limosa limosa

limosa on Pilning Wetland. Rare in S. Glos but probably under-recorded!

Monday 22nd

AVOCET: Two birds were present on Northwick Warth mid-morning. LITTLE STINT:

One, the first of the year, was present on Pilning Wetland throughout the day.

Tuesday 23rd

SPOONBILL: One passed Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station at 06:20, touched

down briefly on Littleton Warth before continuing down river. It appeared

shortly afterwards settling on Pilning Wetland for the rest of the day.

Wednesday 24th

RED KITE: Two birds were reported from Wick around 15:45 where they were

noted heading south low over a private garden. SPOONBILL: The sub-adult

spent the day on Pilning Wetland.

Thursday 25th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult reappeared at Aztec West Business Park today.

SPOONBILL: The sub-adult continued to show on Pilning Wetland today.

Friday 26th

SPOONBILL: The sub-adult lingered on Pilning Wetland throughout the day.

Saturday 27th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult remained at Aztec West Business Park today.

QUAIL: One, the first of the year, was heard from Down Road, Marshfield late

afternoon onwards. SPOONBILL: The sub-adult remained on Pilning Wetland

throughout the day. WATER PIPIT: A full summer adult was seen for just 20

minutes on the seawall at Oldbury Power Station this morning before continuing

on up river. It represents the latest date for this species in S. Glos. The previous

latest date was May 12th 1996 also at Oldbury Power Station.

Sunday 28th

LITTLE GULL: A 1st summer was seen on Pilning Wetland early this afternoon.

QUAIL: A male was still singing from Down Road, Marshfield this morning. RED

KITE: One was reported from the Down Road area at Marshfield this morning.

SPOONBILL: The sub-adult remained on Pilning Wetland throughout the day.

Monday 29th

RED-BACKED SHRIKE: A spanking male was found on Vinney Lane, Horton today

at ST: 744857 where it remained until around 19:30 but not seen again by dusk.

P a g e | 31

Apart from presumed breeding birds at Yate in May 1940 this bird represents the

earliest date for this species in S. Glos. SPOONBILL: The sub-adult remained on

Pilning Wetland throughout the day.

Sunday 30th

ARCTIC SKUA: A 'probable' was seen in flight upriver past Oldbury Power Station

around 09:30. LITTLE TERN: One, the first of the year, was watched for twenty

minutes in the bay at Shepperdine this morning. RED KITE: One was seen in flight

along Mapleridge Lane between Little Sodbury End and Horton today.

JUNE

Thursday 1st

FIRECREST: A singing male was heard at an undisclosed site in South

Gloucestershire. It was singing continuously but not showing. QUAIL: A singing

male was heard at 20:15 and 21:05 in the Down Road/ Track area. RED KITE:

One was seen in flight over Chipping Sodbury Common at 13:30.

Friday 2nd

FIRECREST: The singing male was still present today. QUAIL: Two singing today,

one near the windsock on Garston Farm Airstrip this morning and one in the

Down Road/ Track area this evening. RED KITE: One for the second time this

week along Mapleridge Lane near Horton.

Saturday 3rd

FIRECREST: The singing male was still present today. SPOONBILL: One, possibly a

'new' individual, from Pilning Wetland before departing south at 11:00.

Sunday 4th

FIRECREST: The singing male was still present today. QUAIL: One calling in the

Down Road/ Track area.

Monday 5th

QUAIL: One calling in the Down Road/ Track area.

Tuesday 6th

QUAIL: One calling in the Down Road/ Track area. STORM PETREL: One, the first

of the year, was seen from Severn Beach this afternoon.

Wednesday 7th

HARRIER SPP: An unconfirmed report of a 'ringtail' harrier south of the railway

track in the Pilning area late morning. QUAIL: One calling in the Down Road/

Track area.

P a g e | 32

Friday 9th

ARCTIC SKUA: Two (one light, one dark morph) from Severn Beach this morning.

MANX SHEARWATER: c.120, the first of the year, from Severn Beach this morning.

QUAIL: A male still singing from Down Road/ Track area at Marshfield this

evening. RED KITE: One reported from Chipping Sodbury Common today.

Saturday 10th

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One was showing well near a wooden pallet in a field

200 metres upstream from the Chequers PH at Hanham around 10:30. QUAIL: A

male still singing from Down Road/ Track area at Marshfield. YELLOW-LEGGED

GULL: A 2nd calendar year bird, the first of the year, was seen from Littleton

Warth this morning.

Sunday 11th

ARCTIC SKUA: Two dark morph individuals were seen from Severn Beach this

evening. QUAIL: Two males were heard from Down Road Track, Marshfield with

remarkably one seen briefly in flight! GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One still present

upstream from the Chequers PH at Hanham. RED KITE: One over Westerleigh

Village church at 12:20 before drifting towards Yate Common.

Monday 12th

COMMON SCOTER: A drake, the first of the year, was seen from Severn Beach

early this morning. YELLOW-LEGGED GULL: A 1st summer was noted off Severn

Beach this morning.

Wednesday 14th

QUAIL: Two males calling in the Down Road/ Down Track area at Marshfield this

evening. RED KITE: At least three birds today, two together over Old Sodbury at

08:50 before drifting towards Chipping Sodbury where one was subsequently

seen and one over a private garden at Charfield at 11:20.

Friday June 16th

QUAIL: At least one male calling in the Down Road/ Down Track area at

Marshfield this morning.

Saturday 17th

QUAIL: Again at least one male calling in the Down Road/ Down Track area at

Marshfield this evening. RED KITE: One in flight low north across the estuary from

Lagoon I at 12.20.

Wednesday 21st

RED KITE: Up to five individuals today with at least three, possibly four, over The

Gables Hotel at Falfield plus another over Tormarton late morning.

P a g e | 33

Thursday 22nd

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: Two from Severn Beach this evening, an adult and a 1st

summer. RED KITE: One reported again from the Falfield area.

© Vic Savery, Paul Bowerman

Friday 23rd

COMMON SCOTER: A female was present this evening viewed from Severn

Beach. STORM PETREL: An adult was showing well from Severn Beach this

evening.

Saturday 24th

JACK SNIPE: One reported along the R. Avon at Hanham. QUAIL: At least three,

possibly five, calling from fields in the Down Road area at Marshfield today. RED

KITE: One reported from the 'Severn Bridge' area today.

Sunday 25th

QUAIL: Just two birds noted this afternoon from fields in the Down Road area at

Marshfield with one seen briefly.

Monday 26th

RED KITE: At least six birds over a cut field at Orange End, Inglestone Common

at ST: 760 877 early afternoon. QUAIL: Two males calling from fields at Marshfield

in the Down Road area with a further male calling from the Rushmead Lane

area.

Wednesday 28th

RED KITE: One was reported from the Oldbury-on-Severn area around mid-day

and again mid-afternoon.

Thursday 29th

RED KITE: One near Tytherington west of the M5 this evening. QUAIL: Still at least

one male calling from fields on the west side of Down Road, Marshfield this

morning.

P a g e | 34

JULY

Saturday 1st

RED KITE: Two were reported from the M4/ M32 area today.

Sunday 2nd

CETTI'S WARBLER: One noted calling at Aztec West Business Park, Almondsbury

today - a site first record! EGYPTIAN GOOSE: One still present at Aztec West

Business Park, Almondsbury today. RED KITE: One was seen in flight over

Alveston around mid-day.

© Rob Emery

Tuesday 4th

QUAIL: One heard from the Rushmead Lane area at Marshfield this morning.

Thursday 6th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult still present at Aztec West Business Park,

Almondsbury today. QUAIL: One heard in the Orchid/ Rushmead Lane area this

afternoon.

Friday 7th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: At least five were noted throughout the day in the

Severn Beach/ New Passage area - at least two adults plus three juveniles.

P a g e | 35

Saturday 8th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A summer adult from Northwick Warth this evening.

QUAIL: At least two calling in the Down Road, Marshfield area today. RED KITE:

One over the Shire Valley, Marshfield this afternoon before drifting north-west.

Sunday 9th

RED KITE: One noted over Wick early afternoon.

Monday 10th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A summer adult from New Passage this morning.

Wednesday 12th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A summer adult from New Passage/ Northwick Warth

area. QUAIL: At least three birds calling from West Littleton Road, Marshfield.

Thursday 13th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A 2nd calendar in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth

area. QUAIL: At least five heard in the Down Road area at Marshfield.

Friday 14th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area.

Saturday 15th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult on the estuary in the Shepperdine area. QUAIL:

At least seven males heard today at Marshfield - four on Rushmead Farm, with

singles from Northfield Lane, Rushmead Lane and Down Road.

Sunday 16th

RED KITE: One reported from Horton mid-afternoon.

Monday 17th

RED KITE: One circling fields near King Lane, Horton around 11:00.

Wednesday 19th

TEMMINCK'S STINT: A moulting adult was found on Butt's Pool, Pilning Wetland

early this morning where it remained throughout the day. It's the first of the year

and represents just the fourth ever S. Glos record. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: Two,

an adult and juvenile were both present from New Passage late morning.

Thursday 20th

CATTLE EGRET: One was seen in flight heading south-west from New Passage

this morning. TEMMINCK'S STINT: The moulting was adult present throughout the

day on Butt's Pool, Pilning Wetland.

P a g e | 36

© Paul Bowerman

Friday 21st

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult with Canada Geese on Northwick Warth this

morning.

Saturday 22nd

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult still present on Northwick Warth. QUAIL: Two this

afternoon at Marshfield: one both seen and heard from Down Road, one from

the Tormarton Road. TEMMINCK'S STINT: Missing for a day the moulting adult

was relocated at Chestle Pill, New Passage this morning. It represents the latest

date for this species in S. Glos.

Sunday 23rd

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult with Canada Geese on Northwick Warth still this

morning.

Monday 24th

AVOCET: One was seen at Shepperdine over high tide this morning. This, the first

record for July, means that this species has now been logged in every month of

the year! LITTLE EGRET: A flock of fourteen (14) counted at Severn Beach today -

the highest count for S. Glos this year...so far! MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult

was noted roosting at Oldbury-on-Severn Yacht Club. QUAIL: One was heard

from Down Road, Marshfield late morning.

P a g e | 37

Tuesday 25th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult with Canada Geese on Northwick Warth still today.

Thursday 27th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult with Canada Geese on Northwick Warth still today.

Friday 28th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult still present on Northwick Warth today.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A winter adult from New Passage today.

Sunday 30th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult present again on Northwick Warth.

Monday 31st

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult still present on Northwick Warth this evening.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult noted in the Oldbury Power Station area plus

two more adults in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area.

AUGUST

Tuesday 1st

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult present on the shore at New Passage this evening.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: Two, a winter adult and juvenile were present in the

New Passage area. QUAIL: One heard at Marshfield around ST: 793 760 Shirehill

Lane.

Thursday 3rd

STORM PETREL: At least two, possibly three, were logged on this evening’s high

tide at Severn Beach.

Friday 4th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult still present in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth

area. GOOSANDER: An immature bird was reported from the New Passage/

Northwick Warth area this morning. It represents the earliest date for this species

in S. Gloucestershire! The previous earliest date was 18th September 2014 at

New Passage. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A juvenile was seen in the New Passage/

Northwick Warth area. QUAIL: One was audible from Northfield Lane, Marshfield

this morning. SHAG: The first one of the year was bagged at Severn Beach early

this morning before departing south.

Saturday 5th

Continental Black-tailed Godwit: A juvenile was present on Pilning Wetland,

Northwick Warth for most of the day. EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The presumed

P a g e | 38

'commuting' adult reappeared at Aztec West Business Park, Almondsbury

today.

Monday 7th

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area.

Tuesday 8th

QUAIL: At least one audible from Down Road, Marshfield this afternoon.

Friday 11th

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winter birds (the first of the year) were spotted on

Pilning Wetland. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult was noted in the New

Passage/ Northwick Warth area.

Saturday 12th

GARGANEY: One of the two juvenile/ 1st winter birds was still present but illusive

on Pilning Wetland today. YELLOW-LEGGED GULL: An adult was noted at

Oldbury Power Station.

Tuesday 15th

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winter birds were present but illusive on Pilning

Wetland this evening. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A juvenile/ 1st winter in the New

Passage/ Northwick Warth area.

Wednesday 16th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult present at Aztec West Business Park, Almondsbury.

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winter birds present on Pilning Wetland this

morning. MANDARIN: A female on the lake at Kingsgate Park, Yate.

Thursday 17th

MANDARIN: The female was still present around the lake at Kingsgate Park,

Yate this morning.

Friday 18th

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winter birds still present on Pilning Wetland this

morning. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A juvenile was on show at New Passage.

QUAIL: An impressive seven (7) birds were 'flushed' in one group from fields on

Rushmead Farm, Marshfield this morning. They represent the highest single

count this year!

Saturday 19th

GARGANEY: Still at least one juvenile/ 1st winter present on Pilning Wetland this

morning. MANDARIN: The female still present at Kingsgate Park, Yate this

P a g e | 39

morning. STORM PETREL: One seen from Severn Beach around 16:00 had

increased to two by 18:30.

Monday 21st

PIED FLYCATCHER: A 1st winter/ female was seen briefly in the Shire Valley at

Marshfield this afternoon.

Tuesday 22nd

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winter birds still present on Pilning Wetland this

evening.

© TBOSG

Wednesday 23rd

GARGANEY: Just one juvenile/ 1st winter present on Pilning Wetland today.

Thursday 24th

CURLEW SANDPIPER: A juvenile/ 1st winter, the first of the year, was seen in

Chestle Pill, New Passage this evening. GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winter

birds still present on Pilning Wetland today.

Friday 25th

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winter birds still present on Pilning Wetland

throughout the day.

Saturday 26th

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winters still present on Pilning Wetland this

evening.

P a g e | 40

Sunday 27th

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winters still present on Pilning Wetland this

morning. TREE SPARROW: Four, the first of the year and probably a relocating

family group, were seen on Chipping Sodbury Common in the 'Long Hedge'

early morning only.

Monday 28th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The wandering adult reappeared on Northwick Warth/

Pilning Wetland today. GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winters lingering on Pilning

Wetland. RED KITE: One over Chipping Sodbury Common. YELLOW-LEGGED

GULL: A 1st winter briefly on Northwick Warth this afternoon.

Tuesday 29th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: Flew south over Aust Warth this morning subsequently on

Pilning Wetland. GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winters still on Pilning Wetland.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET: Two were reported from the Downend area today.

Wednesday 30th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult still in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area.

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winters still on Pilning Wetland. WOODCHAT

SHRIKE: A juvenile/ 1st winter was found on Chipping Sodbury Common around

14:30 where it remained until dusk.

© Mark Coller

P a g e | 41

Thursday 31st

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: An adult still in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area.

GARGANEY: Two juvenile/ 1st winters still on Pilning Wetland. QUAIL: One

audible from Rushmead Lane, Marshfield this morning. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: A

juvenile/ 1st winter on Chipping Sodbury Common throughout the day.

SEPTEMBER

Friday 1st

AVOCET: One was reported from the south side of Littleton Warth at high tide.

LITTLE EGRET: A good count of eleven from Severn Beach this morning.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter present throughout the day on

Chipping Sodbury Common.

Saturday 2nd

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult returned to Aztec West Business Park, Almondsbury

today. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter once again present

throughout the day on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Sunday 3rd

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: Reappeared on Northwick Warth today. WOODCHAT

SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Monday 4th

MARSH HARRIER: A probable adult female drifted over the Shire Valley at

Marshfield late morning. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter on


Tuesday 5th

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Wednesday 6th

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter lingering throughout the day on


Thursday 7th

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter present on Chipping Sodbury

Common.

Friday 8th

BLACK TERN: One, a juvenile and the first of the year, was seen from Severn

Beach this morning. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter present on


P a g e | 42

Saturday 9th

MARSH HARRIER: A probable immature male from Lagoon I at Oldbury Power

Station briefly this morning. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter lingering

throughout the day on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Sunday 10th

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Chipping Sodbury

Common.

Monday 11th

GREY PHALAROPE: One, the first of the year, was seen from Severn Beach near

the Second Severn Crossing this morning. LEACH'S PETREL: Two, the first of the

year, were seen from Severn Beach this morning. STORM PETREL: One from

Severn Beach this morning. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter still

present on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Tuesday 12th

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter still on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Wednesday 13th

ARCTIC SKUA: One seen distantly late morning from Severn Beach. LEACH'S

PETREL: At least three birds throughout the day from Severn Beach. SABINE'S

GULL: A juvenile, the first of the year, was present at Severn Beach from late

morning until late afternoon at least. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st

winter still on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Thursday 14th


Common.

Friday 15th


Common.

Saturday 16th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult returned to the New Passage/ Northwick Warth

area. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER: One was trapped and processed at Littleton

Brick Pits. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Chipping

Sodbury Common.

Sunday 17th

AVOCET: Three birds present in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning

Wetland this evening. EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult still present in the New

P a g e | 43

Passage/ Northwick Warth area. GREAT WHITE EGRET: One was seen in flight

heading south-west over Nibley towards Coalpit Heath around 07:10.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter lingering on Chipping Sodbury

Common. YELLOW-LEGGED GULL: One probably this species at Oldbury Power

Station today.

Monday 18th

RING-NECKED PARAKEET: Two, the first of the year, were seen in flight over

Cherington, Yate heading toward Wapley. WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/

1st winter on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Tuesday 19th

WOODCHAT SHRIKE: The juvenile/ 1st winter on Chipping Sodbury Common for

its 21st day. It represents the latest date for this species in S. Glos! Previous latest

date was August 21st 2011 also on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Thursday 21st

GARGANEY: A female/ juvenile type was mixing with Wigeon at Shepperdine,

Oldbury Power Station this morning. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: An adult was seen

in the New Passage area today. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile, the first of the

year, was seen at Oldbury Pill, Oldbury-on-Severn at lunchtime.

© John Martin

P a g e | 44

Saturday 23rd

SPOTTED REDSHANK: Two juvenile/ 1st winters were found on Pilning Wetland.

Sunday 24th

GREENLAND WHEATEAR: Returning individuals starting to appear especially

around the coast and on high ground. RED KITE: One over Castle Farm,

Marshfield flew towards West Littleton. SPOTTED REDSHANK: Two juvenile/ 1st

winters were seen today, one at Oldbury Pill, Oldbury-on-Severn and one on

Pilning Wetland. YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER: One, the first of the year and

earliest ever date, was found in Sluice Copse, Northwick Warth. The previous

earliest date was September 30th 2013 Chipping Sodbury.

Monday 25th

AVOCET: Three were logged in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A 2nd winter was seen in the New Passage/ Northwick

Warth area. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter was still present on Pilning

Wetland.

Wednesday 27th

AVOCET: One at Pillhead Gout, Oldbury-on-Severn this morning. MARSH

HARRIER: A fly-by juvenile/ female over New Passage towards Severn Beach

around 09:00. RED KITE: One reported from Chipping Sodbury. SPOTTED

REDSHANK: Two, one juvenile and one 1st winter, present on Pilning Wetland

throughput the day.

Thursday 28th

SPOTTED REDSHANK: Two juvenile/ 1st winters present on Pilning Wetland.

Friday 29th

COMMON CRANE: A wholly unconfirmed report of one in fields between

Alveston and Tockington. MARSH HARRIER: A female was seen in flight high over

Lagoon III towards Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station. SPOTTED REDSHANK: Two

juvenile/ 1st winter birds present on Pilning Wetland today.

Saturday 30th

SPOTTED REDSHANK: Just one juvenile/ 1st winter present on Pilning Wetland.

OCTOBER

Sunday 1st

SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter was still present on Pilning Wetland

today. TURTLE DOVE: A very approachable 1st winter (the first of the year) was

found on Northwick Warth near the Second Sentry Box this morning.

P a g e | 45

© TBOSG

Monday 2nd

RED KITE: One reported from the Horton area. SPOTTED REDSHANK: Juvenile/ 1st

winter birds reported from Pilning Wetland and Oldbury Pill, Oldbury-on-Severn.

Tuesday 3rd

SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland. TURTLE

DOVE: The 1st winter was once again on show from the Severn Way c.200

metres south of the Second Sentry Box on Northwick Warth.

Wednesday 4th

RED KITE: One over Kingsgate Park, Yate this morning. SPOTTED REDSHANK: Two

juvenile/ 1st winters present on Pilning Wetland today. TURTLE DOVE: Still present

and performing admirably from the Severn Way c.200 metres south of the

Second Sentry Box on mud pans on Northwick Warth.

Thursday 5th

SPOTTED REDSHANK: Both juvenile/ 1st winters still present on Pilning Wetland.

TURTLE DOVE: Still present today appearing more active: from the Severn Way

c.200 metres south of the Second Sentry Box on mud pans on Northwick Warth.

Friday 6th

SPOTTED REDSHANK: One juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland

today. TURTLE DOVE: Still present from the Severn Way c.200 metres south of the

Second Sentry Box on Northwick Warth.

P a g e | 46

Saturday 7th

SPOTTED REDSHANK: One juvenile/ 1st winter lingering on Pilning Wetland.

TURTLE DOVE: Still present today from the Severn Way c.200 metres south of the

Second Sentry Box on Northwick Warth. It represents the latest date for this

species in S. Glos. The previous latest date was October 2nd 1983 at Chipping

Sodbury.

Sunday October 8th

CANADA GOOSE: A total of 373 were logged at Oldbury Power Station today

making it the highest count ever recorded in S. Glos! The previous highest count

was 311 on October 10th 2015 also at Oldbury Power Station. GREY

PHALAROPE: A 1st winter was seen along the Severnside coast between Severn

Beach and New Passage where it was apparently seen on October 7th. It

settled briefly in Chestle Pill at New Passage before magically disappearing!

SPOTTED REDSHANK: One juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland.

Monday 9th

GREY PHALAROPE: A 1st winter was seen again this evening in the New

Passage/ Northwick Warth area. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still

present on Pilning Wetland.

© Ken Carruthers

Tuesday 10th

GOOSANDER: A 'redhead' was seen in flight upriver past Oldbury Power Station

at 10:30. GREY PHALAROPE: A 1st winter briefly in flight on Northwick Warth at

13:30 then onto the estuary. SPOTTED REDSHANK: One juvenile/ 1st winter still

present on Pilning Wetland.

P a g e | 47

Thursday 12th

BARNACLE GOOSE: Two, the first of the year, were seen from Northwick Warth

this morning. MANDARIN: Two males present on The Lake, Oldbury Power

Station before flying inland.

Saturday 14th

COMMON ROSEFINCH: One was both seen and heard in flight low over

Northwick Warth this morning. It represents the first for the year, the second S.

Glos record and the latest date for this species in the recording area. SPOTTED

REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland.

Sunday 15th

HAWFINCH: At least one, the first of the year, over Northwick Warth and Aust

Cliffs this morning. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on

Pilning Wetland. WATER PIPIT: One reported from/ over Aust Cliffs this morning.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER: One was reported from the Dragon/ Mill Road

area at Winterbourne.

Monday 16th

LEACH'S PETREL: One was seen from Severn Beach this evening. POMARINE

SKUA: An adult (the first of the year) with full 'spoons' was seen from Severn

Beach this evening.

Tuesday 17th

LEACH'S PETREL: At least three birds were logged from Severn Beach.

Wednesday 18th

HAWFINCH: One seen from/ over Aust Cliffs 'vismig' today. RING-NECKED

PARAKEET: One was reported from/ over Aust Cliffs 'vismig' today

Thursday 19th

RING-NECKED PARAKEET: One reported at BS35 4AX the Aust end of the A403.

Friday 20th

HEN HARRIER: A ring-tail flew from the direction of Downthorns Farm, Marshfield

being mobbed by Crows north-east towards West Kington this morning. RED

KITE: One was seen at Aust Warth. WATER PIPIT: One was noted on Northwick

Warth.

Saturday 21st

COMMON TERN: One seen from Severn Beach this morning represents the latest

date for this species in S. Glos! The previous latest date was October 10th 2003

also from Severn Beach. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER: An adult was seen distantly

P a g e | 48

from Severn Beach this morning. Not only the first for 2017 it’s the earliest ever

date for this species in S. Glos! The previous earliest date was October 26th 2011

at Oldbury Power Station. GREAT SKUA: Three, the first of the year, were noted

from Severn Beach this morning. GREY PHALAROPE: One was reported by RBA

as seen distantly from Severn Beach around 13:00. HEN HARRIER: A wholly

unconfirmed report of a 'ring-tail' again in the Marshfield area. LEACH'S PETREL:

One was reported by RBA from Severn Beach around 11:15.

© Brian Lancastle, © Brian Thompson

P a g e | 49

Sunday 22nd

BARNACLE GOOSE: One was seen in flight past Oldbury Power Station this

morning. LEACH'S PETREL: One was reported from Severn Beach. SABINE'S GULL:

A juvenile was seen from Severn Beach this morning.

Monday 23rd

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A 1st winter in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland

area. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland.

WATER PIPIT: One in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area.

Tuesday 24th

HAWFINCH: Three birds were both seen and heard in flight over Oldbury Power

Station during 'vismig' this morning.

LATE NEWS: On October 15th a Nightjar was seen on Severnside. On closer

investigation the bird, a male, was indeed seen to be within the S. Glos

recording area! Observers comments: Finally had chance to study OS map the

OS reference is about ST 542 815. If you study the map you will see the

boundary runs through Severn Road, Hallen, and the Nightjar flipped for times

over that boundary. On the fourth pass it disappeared through the roadside

trees just north of that boundary. So, it was seen in both Bristol and South

Gloucestershire but departed into the latter. The Nightjar was encountered as

we entered immediately where trees appear on both sides of road with no

fences. It represents the latest date for this species in S. Glos! The previous latest

date was September 25th 1947 at West Littleton!

Wednesday 25th

JACK SNIPE: One seen on Pilning Wetland this morning was the first returning

bird of the autumn. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A 1st winter was seen in the New

Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area. WATER PIPIT: On seen in the

New Passage/ Northwick Warth area this morning.

Thursday 26th

HAWFINCH: Two were noted in bushes at the south end of Lagoon II, Oldbury

Power Station before moving towards The Orchard. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A

juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland.

Friday 27th

SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland.

Saturday 28th

RING OUZEL: One was heard calling over Cock Road Ridge, Kingswood this

evening. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was seen in flight this evening, south of the

P a g e | 50

M4/ J18 over fields east of the A46 between Cotswold Way and Dunsdown

Lane, Marshfield. It’s the first returning bird of the autumn. SPOTTED REDSHANK:

A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland. WATER PIPIT: One was

reported from Northwick Warth as still present today. WHINCHAT: One was seen

on the fence around Lagoon III, the shore and The Jetty, Oldbury Power Station

today. It represents the latest ever date for this species in S. Glos. Previous latest

date was October 13th 2012 also at OPS! SHORELARK: A winter adult, the first of

the year, was found on Northwick Warth Flash this morning. (Brian Lancastle) It

represents the earliest date for this species in S. Glos. The previous earliest date

was November 18th 2009 at Aust.

© John Martin

Sunday 29th


WOODLARK: One, the first of the year, was seen in flight low north east over

New Passage around 09:40.

Monday 30th

HAWFINCH: One from Kingsgate Park, Yate this morning. MANDARIN: A male

was present on Pilning Wetland this morning. SHORT-EARED OWL: One lifted

from cover on the saltmarsh at Thornbury Sailing Club, Oldbury on Severn early

afternoon. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still on Pilning Wetland.

Tuesday 31st

RING OUZEL: Two were noted in flight leaving The Orchard at Oldbury Power

Station this morning. SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on

Pilning Wetland.

P a g e | 51

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 1st

AVOCET: One from Pillhead Gout, Cowhill. MERLIN: Three logged on Northwick

Warth this morning could well be the highest ever S. Glos count? These birds

were almost certainly of 'Icelandic' origins. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was seen at

Aust Warth at 09:55 with the same or another disturbed by dog walkers at dusk.


Thursday 2nd

HAWFINCH: Two were seen in flight over Cribbs Causeway at 07:00.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL: One was seen in fields with around 250 Common and

Black-headed Gull on the west side of Down Road, Marshfield this morning.


Friday 3rd

AVOCET: Seven birds were seen in flight down river off Shepperdine/ Oldbury

Power Station this morning. FIRECREST: One was seen in a hedgerow at

Willsbridge around 10:00 from the foot path at ST: 662 703. SHORT-EARED OWL:

One was seen at Shepperdine around ST: 613 962 at 15:20.

Saturday 4th

SPOTTED REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland. WATER

PIPIT: One on Northwick Warth this morning.

Sunday 5th

HAWFINCH: At least four birds were seen at Lower Woods, Inglestone Common

around 12:30 and one was seen briefly in trees by the entrance of Oldbury

Power Station early afternoon. SHORT-EARED OWL: One was seen on a fence at

Shepperdine. SNOW BUNTING: Two, the first of the year, were flushed from the

gravel on Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station at 08:00 then flew south. SPOTTED

REDSHANK: A juvenile/ 1st winter still present on Pilning Wetland. WATER PIPIT:

One on Pilning Wetland this morning.

Monday 6th

WREN: Twenty-one (21) were displaced by the high tide at Oldbury Power

Station this morning. The highest single count (that we're aware of) for S. Glos!

Tuesday 7th

With the influx of 'continental' and 'Icelandic' migrants at this time of year its

worth looking out for Icelandic Merlin and Redwing plus 'continental' Blackbird

and Song Thrush.

P a g e | 52

© TBOSG

Thursday 9th

MARSH HARRIER: A female/ immature was seen around Lagoon III at Oldbury

Power Station this morning. SHORT-EARED OWL: One reported from Aust Warth.

Friday 10th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult returned to Aztec West Ponds, Park Avenue area

at Almondsbury. SHORT-EARED OWL: One seen on Aust Warth this evening.

Sunday 12th

SHORT-EARED OWL: One seen on Aust Warth in the Cake Pill area at dusk.

Monday 13th

WATER PIPIT: One seen in the Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area.

Wednesday 15th

RING-NECKED PARAKEET: Two birds were reported from the junction of Owls

Head Road and Cock Road, Kingswood today.

Thursday 16th

HAWFINCH: A juvenile/ female was seen in trees at the south-west end of

Lagoon III, at Oldbury Power Station. RING-NECKED PARAKEET: Three adults

P a g e | 53

attending feeders in a garden backing onto Mangotsfield Cemetery,

Downend. This represents the highest count of this species for S. Glos.

This ‘dapper’ male Wood Duck was seen on Bitterwell Lake, Henfield on the 15th. © Dan White

© Pete Hazelwood

P a g e | 54

Friday 17th

HAWFINCH: One seen in flight over The Lake at Oldbury Power Station.

Saturday 18th

WATER PIPIT: One probably this species on Littleton Warth this morning.

Sunday 19th

HAWFINCH: Two in trees at the Horton end of Chipping Sodbury Common.

Tuesday 21st

WATER PIPIT: One in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area this morning.

WOODCOCK: Numbers increasing at Lower Woods, Wickwar with at least five

'flushed' from the woodland walks.

Friday 24th

PIED WAGTAIL: A roost of at least 50 at UWE, Frenchay at 16:15. RING-NECKED

PARAKEET: One was reported between the houses in Kingston Drive,

Mangotsfield and Stockwell Close, Downend. SHORT-EARED OWL: Two were on

show at Aust Warth from around 16:15.

Sunday 26th

BLACK REDSTART: A 1st winter was seen around the Jetty at Oldbury Power

Station today. LITTLE EGRET: Eighteen were counted in fields near Thornbury

Castle today. It represents the highest count so far this year.

© Paul Bowerman

P a g e | 55

Monday 27th

BLACK REDSTART: A 1st winter was seen around the Jetty at Oldbury Power

Station again today. A further 1st winter/ female was seen on the salt marsh at

Severn Beach. SHORT-EARED OWL: One at Aust this evening.

Tuesday 28th

BLACK REDSTART: A 1st winter/ female was seen on the salt marsh at Severn

Beach this morning and a 1st winter was reported from Oldbury Power Station

again today. HAWFINCH: Two were seed feeding on Maple keys on estuary

side of Lagoon III this morning.

© Adam Rawson

Thursday 30th

HAWFINCH: One, probably this species, heard calling in trees in front of the

house, within the one way system at Tortworth Court.

DECEMBER

Friday 1st

JACK SNIPE: Two reported from Oldbury Power Station this morning. RING-

NECKED PARAKEET: Three taking advantage of feeders in a private garden on

Station Road, Kingswood today. It represents the first December record.

Saturday 2nd

MANDARIN: A single male on Heneage Court Pools, Falfield today.

P a g e | 56

Sunday 3rd

SHORT-EARED OWL: One at Aust from 16:30 until dusk. WATER PIPIT: Two birds

reported from the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area this morning.

Monday 4th

SHORT-EARED OWL: One was on show at Aust at dusk. WATER PIPIT: At least two

birds still present in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area today.

© Paul Bowerman

Tuesday 5th

HAWFINCH: One, once again in treetops at the south-west end of Lagoon III,

Oldbury Power Station. MEDITERRANEAN GULL: A winter adult was present on

Pilning Wetland, Northwick Warth this morning.

Wednesday 6th

HAWFINCH: One reported from Oldbury Power Station around 11:30.

Thursday 7th

HAWFINCH: One again on the estuary side of Lagoon III at Oldbury Power

Station before flying towards the orchard.

Friday 8th

RING-NECKED PARAKEET: Three over at Kingswood, Bristol at 15:20 before

heading south towards Cock Road Ridge. It represents the latest date for this

species in S. Glos. The previous latest date was November 24th 2010 at

Thornbury. SHORT-EARED OWL: One showing at Aust at 16:35.

Saturday 9th

BLACK REDSTART: A 1st winter/ female on the 'Waterworks' fence line at Oldbury

Power Station this afternoon. HAWFINCH: A 'fly-over' at Oldbury Power Station

P a g e | 57

this afternoon headed towards the south-west corner of Lagoon III. JACK SNIPE:

One from Oldbury Power Station today. SHORT-EARED OWL: One on show

again at Aust from 16:25. WATER PIPIT: Two were seen on Littleton Warth this

morning. WHOOPER SWAN: Three, the first of the year, were seen floating

upriver from Shepperdine around 09:00 this morning before departing north-

east.

© Paul Taylor

Tuesday 12th

HAWFINCH: Two were located at the east end of Cloud Wood, Marshfield

around 10:30 this morning.

© TBOSG

P a g e | 58

Wednesday 13th

HAWFINCH: Three were present and flying around the churchyard at St Anne’s

Church, Oldland at 14:40.

Thursday 14th

HAWFINCH: Three still present around the churchyard at St Anne’s Church,

Oldland between 14:00 and 15:00 at least.

Friday 15th

BLACK REDSTART: A 1st-winter again around the Jetty on Lagoon II at dusk.

HAWFINCH: At least two still present at St Anne’s Church, Oldland showing but

elusive, in the Yew Tree at the back of the Church. Also one reported from

Cloud Wood, Marshfield. WATER PIPIT: Two present on Northwick Warth today.

© Paul Bowerman

Saturday 16th

BLACK REDSTART: A 1st-winter again around the Jetty on Lagoon II at first light.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The peripatetic adult noted with Canada Geese on

Northwick Warth. HAWFINCH: Four present at St Anne’s Church, Oldland.

Monday 18th

FIRECREST: One was present at St Anne's Church, Oldland between 11:30 and

mid-day at least. HAWFINCH: One present at St Anne’s Church, Oldland.

P a g e | 59

© Pete Coslett

© Brian Lancastle

Tuesday 19th

EGYPTIAN GOOSE: The adult in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area. JACK

SNIPE: Three from Aust Warth. SHORT-EARED OWL: Two present on Aust Warth.

Wednesday 20th

SHORT-EARED OWL: One hunting on Aust Warth late afternoon.

P a g e | 60

Friday 22nd

SHORT-EARED OWL: One flushed from the saltmarsh at Thornbury Yacht Club,

Oldbury-on-Severn this morning and two out on Aust Warth late afternoon.

Saturday 23rd

RING-NECKED PARAKEET: Three were seen at feeders on Westbourne Road,

Mangotsfield. SHORT-EARED OWL: Two out again on Aust Warth late afternoon.

Sunday 24th

HAWFINCH: At least three birds on show at St Anne's Church, Oldland this

morning. SHORT-EARED OWL: Two birds again today on Aust Warth.

Wednesday 27th

SHORT-EARED OWL: One on show late afternoon at Aust Warth.

Thursday 28th

HAWFINCH: Two or three at St. Anne's Church, Oldland this morning.

Saturday 30th

HAWFINCH: Five at St. Anne's Church. WATER PIPIT: One on Northwick Warth.

Sunday December 31st

HAWFINCH: At least three birds possibly five at St. Anne's Church, Oldland.

© Helen Strong

P a g e | 61

The South Gloucestershire Butterfly Diary 2017

FEBRUARY

Tuesday 7th

A fresh Peacock was noted on the wing at Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station.

Monday 13th

The first Red Admiral of the year was on the wing at Longwell Green today.

Friday 17th

Two Small Tortoiseshell today, in Yate and in the Shire Valley, Marshfield.

Saturday 18th

A Red Admiral was on the wing at Golden Valley, Wick.

MARCH

© Billy Mackie, Vic Savery

Thursday 9th

The first Brimstone with singles at Pilning Wetland, Latteridge plus at least six in

the Marshfield area. A Comma at Frampton Cotterell.

Wednesday 15th

The first Painted Lady of the year was on show at Marshfield today.

Friday 24th

The first Holly Blue of the year in a garden at Alveston.

Saturday 25th

Sightings of Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Peacock.

P a g e | 62

APRIL

Sunday 2nd

The first Orange-tip of the year was logged at Oldbury Power Station today.

Wednesday 5th

The first Speckled Wood of the year with four seen at Oldbury Power Station.

Thursday 6th

The first Small Whites were on the wing at several locations today.

Monday 10th

Green-veined White on the wing at Orchard Pools, Severn Beach.

Wednesday 19th

The first Large White of the year was on the wing at Severn Beach early

afternoon.

MAY

Thursday 4th

The first this year, a Brown Argus at Monument Farm, Hawkesbury Upton.

Saturday 13th

The first Common Blue and Small Copper both at Orchard Pools, Severn Beach.

© Vic Savery

Sunday 14th

On the wing at Oldbury Power Station was Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, two

Orange-tip, seven Brimstone, Small Heath, two Small Copper, Holly Blue, Large,

Small and Green-veined White.

P a g e | 63

Friday 26th

Small Heath at New Passage, Small Copper at Severn View Services with

Painted Lady at Severn View Services and New Passage.

© Brian Lancastle

JUNE

Tuesday 6th

The first sighting this year of Large Skipper noted at New Passage today.

Monday 12th

Good numbers of Meadow Brown on the wing at Pilning Wetland today along

with Large White, Small Heath and Small Tortoiseshell.

© Morag Hughes

P a g e | 64

Saturday 7th

At Lower Woods, Wickwar; two Large Skipper, very many Meadow Brown, a

few Speckled Wood, Painted Lady, two Comma, four Ringlet and six Silver-

washed Fritillary.

Sunday 18th

At Lower Woods, Wickwar; Four Silver-washed Fritillary and the first White

Admiral of the year! The first Marbled White on show this year at Oldbury Power

Station.

Monday 19th

A Small Skipper on the wing at Oldbury Power Station.

Tuesday 20th

At Lower Woods, Wickwar; at least twenty Silver-washed Fritillary, two White

Admiral, Comma, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Large White and stacks of Meadow

Brown.

© TBOSG

P a g e | 65

Wednesday 21st

At Lower Woods, Wickwar; two White-letter Hairstreak and White Admiral.

© Bill Heselgrave

Thursday 22nd

A CAMBERWELL BEAUTY was both seen and photographed at the Gloucester

Wildlife Trust - Lower Woods Reserve, Wickwar around mid-day today. Seen by

at least two observers it spent an all too brief time on Horton Great Trench

around ST: 744 875. Despite an extensive search it could not be relocated.

Sunday 25th

Several White-letter Hairstreak were noted at a couple of locations at Lower

Woods Reserve, Wickwar today.

Monday 26th

Lower Woods, Wickwar; at least twenty Silver-washed Fritillary including one

'valesina', several White Admiral, Comma, Small and Large Skipper, Large and

Green-veined White, White-letter and Purple Hairstreak, Red Admiral, Specked

Wood and stacks of Meadow Brown and Ringlet.

Tuesday 27th

Northwick Warth Landfill Site: Good numbers of Marbled White, Meadow Brown

and several Small Skipper.

P a g e | 66

© TBOSG

Wednesday 28th

Purple Hairstreak logged at Lower Woods, Wickwar today.

Thursday 29th

Purple Hairstreak at Lower Woods, Wickwar today.

P a g e | 67

© Paul Bowerman, TBOSG

Friday 30th

A new for the year Gatekeeper on the wing at Northwick Landfill Site this

morning along with Small Skipper and Marbled White. At Lower Woods this

afternoon, Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, White-letter and Purple

Hairstreak, Red Admiral, Large Skipper plus good numbers of both Ringlet and

Meadow Brown.

JULY

Saturday 1st

Purple Hairstreak on Sweetwater Lane, Elberton today also good numbers of

Comma.

P a g e | 68

Sunday 2nd

Quite a productive day for butterflies in the region; At Overscourt Woodland

Meadows, Siston this afternoon, good numbers of both Essex Skipper, Large

Skipper, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood, several

Comma plus 'lots' of Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Marbled White. From Lower

Woods, Wickwar this afternoon; c.10 White Admiral, c.10 Silver-washed Fritillary

(including at least one 'valesina'), c.10 Purple Hairstreak, Comma and

Brimstone.

© TBOSG, Morag Hughes

P a g e | 69

Monday 3rd

MAZARINE BLUE: Has been added to the S. Glos Butterfly List based on a record

in the Horton area in 1920. Map references place it between Mapleridge Lane

and Vinney Land. (Source: NBN Atlas: Occurrence record 479309454) This

historical occurrence brings the list total of species and forms to 52.

Tuesday 4th

Small and Essex Skipper noted from Orchid Lane, Marshfield this morning. White-

letter and Purple Hairstreak from Sweetwater Lane, Elberton this evening. Silver-

washed Fritillary at The Tree Life Centre, Grimsbury Farm, Kingswood.

© Pete Coslett

© TBOSG

P a g e | 70

Wednesday 5th

Still several Small and Essex Skipper on Orchid Lane, Marshfield this morning. This

afternoon at Lower Woods, Wickwar; White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary,

White-letter and Purple Hairstreak.

Thursday 6th

A Silver-washed fritillary was seen at Latteridge today.

Friday 7th

Elberton: White-letter Hairstreak. Bradley Brook LNR, Winterbourne: Essex Skipper.

Lower Woods, Wickwar: White-letter and Purple Hairstreak.

© Dave Hanks

© Vic Savery

P a g e | 71

Saturday 8th

A 'valesina' Silver-washed Fritillary from Lower Woods, Wickwar today also White

Admiral.

Sunday 9th

At least ten White-letter Hairstreak from Sweetwater Lane, Elberton this

afternoon.

© Matt Plenty

Thursday 13th

Three or four Painted Lady's around Tesco Pools, Western Distribution, Severn

Beach today.

© Chris Teague

P a g e | 72

Friday 14th

White-letter Hairstreak still on show at Sweetwater Lane, Elberton this evening.

Monday 24th

At Marshfield, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus and Common Blue were present

along with Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brimstone, Peacock, Red Admiral,

Small, Green-veined and Large White. Good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary

were seen at Lower Woods, Wickwar this afternoon.

© TBOSG

Tuesday 25th

White Admiral (around ST: 696 827) and Purple Hairstreak (around ST: 692 825)

were both seen from the Frome Valley Walkway, Yate; two of around twenty

species of butterfly seen in the Yate/ Chipping Sodbury area today.

P a g e | 73

Friday 28th

At Oldbury Power Station in windy conditions this morning was: 21 Gatekeeper,

two Small Heath, Small Copper, five Meadow Brown and three Red Admiral.

© Mark Coller

© Matt Plenty

AUGUST

Sunday 6th

At Oldbury Power Station a Painted Lady was on the wing early morning.

P a g e | 74

Tuesday 9th

The first Clouded Yellow of the year was seen along the shore near Lagoon II at

Oldbury Power Station today. At Marshfield in set-aside from Down Road this

afternoon; Large, Small and Green-veined White, Painted Lady, Small

Tortoiseshell, Specked Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue. Also

present was a Hummingbird Hawk Moth.

© TBOSG

Tuesday 15th

At Marshfield in set-aside from Down Road this afternoon; Brimstone, Large,

Small and Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock,

Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Brown Argus and

Common Blue.

Monday 21st

On the wing this afternoon at Marshfield were; Brimstone, Large and Small

White, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and

Common Blue.

Tuesday 22nd

Marshfield; Large, Green-veined & Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow

Brown, Common & Holly Blue.

Friday August 25th

Small Copper and Clouded Yellow in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area.

P a g e | 75

© TBOSG

© Lisa Presland

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 2nd

Small Copper in the New Passage/ Pilning Wetland area. Possible Clouded

Yellow on Chipping Sodbury Common.

Saturday September 23rd

Several Small Coppers were on the wing in the New Passage area today.

P a g e | 76

Wednesday 27th

Eleven Red Admiral, six Speckled Wood, three Small Copper, Peacock & two

Large White at OPS.

OCTOBER

Thursday 5th

A Brimstone on the wing in the Shire Valley, Marshfield this afternoon.

Sunday 8th

Twenty-two Red Admirals on Thornbury Golf Course, Small Copper near Chestle

Pill, Northwick Warth.

Friday 20th

A Small Copper still on the wing at Oldbury Power Station today.

NOVEMBER

Friday 3rd

A Clouded Yellow was seen at Oldbury Power Station this morning.

Sunday 5th

A Clouded Yellow was seen at Oldbury Power Station this morning. It represents

the latest date for this species in S. Glos!

Sunday 19th

A Red Admiral on the wing in the Shire Valley, Marshfield this afternoon.

P a g e | 77

The South Gloucestershire Butterflies List 2017

Species/ Form Scientific Name Recorded in 2017

Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris 19th June

Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola 2nd July

Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus 6th June

Clouded Yellow Colias croceus 8th August

Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 9th March

Large White Pieris brassicae 19th April

Small White Pieris rapae 6th April

Green-veined White Pieris napi 10th April

Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines 2nd April

Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia 17th June

Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia valesina 26th June

White Admiral Limenitis camilla 18th June

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta 13th February

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui 15th March

Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 17th February

Camberwell Beauty Nymphalis antiopa 22nd June

Peacock Inachis io 7th February

Comma Polygonia c-album 9th March

Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 5th April

Marbled White Melanargia galathea 18th June

Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus 30th June

Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina 12th June

Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus 17th June

Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus 14th May

Purple Hairstreak Favonius quercus 26th June

White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album 21st June

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 13th May

Brown Argus Aricia agestis 4th May

Common Blue Polyommatus icarus 13th May

Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus 24th March

30

P a g e | 78

Marshfield Diary 2017

JANUARY

Sunday 1st

Forty-two species around the patch before the rain came today - Grey Heron,

Mallard, Common Teal, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, three

Common Buzzard, 20 Golden Plover, two Black-headed Gull, c.300 Common

Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Stock Dove, Green Woodpecker, c.150

Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin,

Blackbird, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, c.50 Redwing, three Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed

Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, House

Sparrow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, eight Bullfinch, Reed Bunting,

c.100 Yellowhammer and at least 200 Corn Bunting. A Red Kite was reported

over fields at Down Road.

Monday 2nd

Shooting curtailed activities somewhat today nevertheless a Jack Snipe was

seen twice briefly in the Shire Valley and Barn Owl showed later.

Tuesday 3rd

Combined reports today; Four Grey Partridge, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, two

Woodcock, three Common Snipe, three Common Teal, Herring Gull, Lesser

Black-backed Gull, Little Owl, Common Stonechat, Goldcrest, Marsh Tit, Coal

Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, c.500 Golden Plover, three Grey Heron, Linnets and

Goldfinch.

Wednesday 4th

Combined reports from across the patch today; Kestrel, c80 Golden Plover,

Jack Snipe, Little Owl, Nuthatch, 20 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, two Common

Stonechat, 20 Chaffinch, 30 Linnet, eight Yellowhammer, 25 Corn Bunting,

Sparrowhawk, four Raven, two Common Buzzard, four Red-legged Partridge,

c.15 Pied Wagtail, two Peregrine, Barn Owl and Tawny Owl.

Thursday 5th

A single Jack Snipe was seen again in the Shire Valley and Woodcock was

flushed near West Littleton.

Friday 6th

WAXWING: One was seen briefly in a garden backing onto Withymead Playing

Fields, Marshfield around 11:30 this morning. This occurrence represents the first

record of this species for the 'Marshfield patch'.

P a g e | 79

© Denise Whittle

Monday 9th

This morning in Shire Valley; Merlin, two Siskin, at least 15 Raven, 250+ Redwing/

Fieldfare and a couple of Mistle Thrush including one singing.

Thursday 12th

C.180 Lapwing over Marshfield village this morning.

Friday 13th

Combined reports today: Woodcock, Jack Snipe and Sparrowhawk near West

End, c.70 Goldfinch from Middledown Lane, c.300 mixed flock of Chaffinch and

Yellowhammer from Down Track and Merlin in the Withymead Playing Fields

area.

Saturday 14th

Combined reports from the patch today: c.180 Lapwing and good numbers of

Corn Bunting in the Down Road area. Also plenty of Fieldfare and Redwing

along with several Common Stonechat.

Monday 16th

Combined reports from the patch today: Plenty of 'finch' including c.20

Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch plus 45 Red-legged Partridge, 15 Corn

Bunting, c.200 Lapwing, two Common Buzzard and three Kestrel.

P a g e | 80

Tuesday 17th

This afternoon; Two Merlin - one over Northfield Lane, one over Down Track,

c.350 Lapwing over Down Track and Common Stonechat on Northfield Lane.

© Chris Teague, Dan White

Saturday 21st

This morning in the Shire Valley; Three Grey Heron, two Common Buzzard,

Kestrel, two Green Woodpecker, two Nuthatch, at least ten Robin, 20 Blackbird,

five Song Thrush, 40 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, three Pied Wagtail, two Grey

Wagtail, ten Goldfinch, three Raven and a few Great/ Blue Tit and Goldcrest.

This afternoon from Down Road; 85 Lapwing, two Common Stonechat and two

Raven. Also seen around the patch today; 30 Black-headed Gull, two Common

Gull, at least 200 Jackdaw, 150+ Rook, Treecreeper, c.200 Fieldfare, four

Bullfinch and ten Yellowhammer. 50 Corn Bunting, eleven Red-legged Partridge

and c.100 Golden Plover.

Sunday 22nd

C.300 Golden Plover still present in fields near Pennsylvania.

Thursday 26th

Combined reports today; Barn Owl in the area. From Down Road; c.500

Common Gull, 50 Black-headed Gull with a few Lesser Black-backed Gull.140

P a g e | 81

Lapwing, 80 Golden Plover, c.120 Woodpigeon, c.100 Linnet, c.50 Skylark, c.100

Corn Bunting but fewer Yellowhammer and Meadow Pipit, a pair of Common

Stonechat, c.300 Corvid and Raven. In the Shire Valley; Little Egret, a couple of

Mistle Thrush, several Grey Wagtail, Raven and two Kestrel.

Friday 27th

From the Shire Valley; Goldcrest, Kestrel, Raven, Green Woodpecker, Great

Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail and Wren.

Saturday 28th

Reports from around the patch; Seven Common Buzzard, c.200 Golden Plover,

c.100 Fieldfare, c.240 Starling, six Common Stonechat, seven Red-legged

Partridge, c.110 Lapwing, c.300 Common Gull, four Collared Dove, three

Magpie, good numbers of corvid, c.40 Skylark, 15 Redwing, two Pied Wagtail,

c.20 Meadow Pipit, six Chaffinch, c.20 Linnet, two Goldfinch, c.40

Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and a small number of Corn Bunting.

FEBRUARY

Wednesday 1st

Two Canada Geese on 'Big Pond' in Shire Valley, Common Stonechat on

Rushmead Lane and male Blackcap in the village.

Thursday 2nd

A stack of Chaffinch, Linnets and 'buntings' in the weedy field on Downs Road.

Saturday 4th

From Down Road this afternoon; 180 Lapwing, 60 Golden Plover, 80 Corn

Bunting, two Common Stonechat, 50 Linnet, 20 Skylark, Kestrel, three Common

Buzzard and c.300 corvids.

Sunday 5th

From the patch today; 35 Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, a pair of Common

Stonechat, fifteen Skylark, Fieldfare, Redwing, eleven Golden Plover, four

Common Buzzard and Kestrel.

Monday 6th

Fifteen Meadow Pipit in fields by A420/ West Littleton Road with 70 Lapwing and

Golden Plover over Northfield Lane. Sparrowhawk, four Mistle Thrush and Grey

Heron in the Shire valley. 400+ Linnet and lots of Skylark from Rushmead Farm.

Peregrine over Down Track and a male Blackcap in the village.

P a g e | 82

© Pete Coslett

Wednesday 8th

A Merlin and male Goshawk were noted on the patch today.

Saturday 11th

A Merlin was seen from Down Road along with c.140 Lapwing and a Little Egret

in the Shire Valley.

Thursday 16th

In addition to the usual patch suspects this afternoon, a couple of Greenfinch

near Marshfield church, a Common Stonechat on Down Road and a Common

Chiffchaff at Ringswell.

© Pete Coslett

P a g e | 83

Friday 17th

In the Shire Valley this morning, Little Egret, five Grey Heron, three Mallard, two

Canada Geese, c.10 Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Red Kite, c.60 Stock Dove,

three Grey Wagtail, small flocks of Redwing, c.200 Fieldfare, five Mistle Thrush,

Goldcrest, Treecreeper, ten Raven and Siskin. A second Red Kite in flight south

over the Tormarton Road. Also our first butterfly of the year... Small Tortoiseshell.

Saturday 18th

At least seven Common Stonechat across the patch this afternoon.

Thursday 23rd

This morning; At least 500 Golden Plover and Common Stonechat from

Northfield Lane also singing Skylark there. Two Grey Wagtail by stream near

West End Farm.

© TBOSG

Friday 24th

Combined reports from the patch today; At least four Grey Heron, five Mallard,

Red Kite, c.20 Common Buzzard, two Kestrel, c.50 Red-legged Partridge, c.400

Stock Dove, good numbers of Woodpigeon, half a dozen Collared Dove, Great

Spotted Woodpecker, small numbers of Skylark, at least six Grey Wagtail, two

Pied Wagtail, Common Stonechat, c.200 Fieldfare, several Song Thrush, small

numbers of Redwing, at least two Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, singing Common

Chiffchaff, Long-tailed, Marsh, Blue and Great Tit, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, three

P a g e | 84

Jay, large numbers of corvid mostly Jackdaw, several Raven, small flocks of

Starling, c.100 Chaffinch, two Greenfinch, a few Goldfinch, c.300 Linnet, four

Bullfinch, c.50 Yellowhammer, five Reed Bunting and small numbers of Corn

Bunting.

MARCH

Thursday 2nd

A Peregrine on Rushmead Lane this afternoon.

Saturday 4th

Reported from the patch today; At least 20 Red-legged Partridge, Little Owl,

two Kestrel, six Skylark, 14 Yellowhammer and six Corn Bunting.

Monday 6th

This morning on the Tormarton Road, Greenfinch by the barns. Shirehill Lane - 25

Lesser Black-backed Gull. In the Shire Valley, two Grey Heron, two Grey Wagtail,

c.50 Fieldfare and two Bullfinch. From Down Track, two Common Stonechat,

c.250 Linnet and a mixed flock of c.200 Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and

Chaffinch.

Wednesday 8th

Today; three Common Stonechat on Rushmead Lane, c.120 Corn Bunting on

Rushmead Farm with a further c.50 from Down Road. A pair of Canada Geese

on 'Big Pond' in the Shire Valley.

Saturday March 11th

From Down Road; At

least one probably

two White Wagtail in

ploughed fields with

c.75 'alba' wagtail

late morning. Also

several Common

Buzzard, c.10 Black-

headed Gull, c.100

Common Gull, c.75

Lesser Black-backed

Gull, c.30 Herring Gull,

c.50 Stock Dove,

male Common

Stonechat, an enormous number of 'corvid' largely Jackdaw, six Reed Bunting

and good numbers of Corn Bunting.

P a g e | 85

Sunday 12th

The first returning 'patch' Northern Wheatear from Down Road this morning.

Monday March 13th

From the patch today:

Two Grey Heron, a pair of

Mallard, ten Common

Buzzard, too many Red-

legged Partridge and

Common Pheasant,

Moorhen, c.200

Common Gull plus small

numbers of Lesser Black-

backed, Herring and

Black-headed Gull, c.150

Stock Dove, two Great

Spotted Woodpecker, a

good showing of singing

Skylark, five Grey Wagtail,

c.40 Pied Wagtail, three

Mistle Thrush, singing

Chiffchaff plus a large

flock of mixed 'finches'

including c.200

Linnet. Also at least three

Small Tortoiseshell.

Wednesday 15th

This afternoon; a mixed flock of c.250 Yellowhammer, Chaffinch and Linnet

from Down Track, also five Fieldfare and c.90 Stock Dove. A Sparrowhawk at

Rushmead Farm plus Painted Lady and several Small Tortoiseshell.

© Phil Smith, TBOSG

P a g e | 86

Monday 20th

This afternoon; Common Chiffchaff at Ringswell, Peregrine near West End Farm

and 40 Lesser Black-backed Gulls from Middledown Lane.

Wednesday 22nd

This afternoon; 20 Meadow Pipit from Middledown Lane and 40 Lesser Black-

backed Gulls. Two Canada Geese in the Shire Valley also four Common

Chiffchaff. A Barn Owl hunting along Rushmead Lane also c.30 Corn Bunting, 40

Yellowhammer a few Skylark and 14 Fieldfare, three Common Buzzard and the

usual corvids. Northern Wheatear and two Common Stonechat from West

Littleton Road.

© Pete Coslett

Friday 24th

A Red Kite was seen over Down Road this afternoon.

Sunday 26th

This afternoon; At least 150 Stock Dove from Down Road Track, also 100+

Yellowhammer and smaller numbers of Chaffinch and Linnet. Lots of Common

Buzzard around the patch along with several singing Corn Bunting, Kestrel and

Sparrowhawk.

Monday 27th

This afternoon; Little Grebe on the Dam Pond at West Littleton. In Shire valley,

three pairs of Grey Wagtail, singing Blackcap, two Common Chiffchaff, four

Mistle Thrush, Kestrel and Greenfinch.

P a g e | 87

Tuesday 28th

In the Shire Valley this afternoon; Three Grey Heron, seven Common Buzzard,

two Sparrowhawk, three Kestrel, two Peregrine, Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch,

five Grey Wagtail, two Pied Wagtail, three Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap plus

the usual Tits and six Raven.

Thursday March 30th

The first Swallow on the

patch for the year was

seen today. Also

reported today, 150+

Corn Bunting, 15+

Yellowhammer and

Raven along Rushmead

Lane.

© Pete Coslett

Friday 31st

This morning south of the village; Several singing Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap,

a pair of Bullfinch and four Willow Warbler feeding over the little pond south of

the church. Also a female and three male Tufted Duck on the West Littleton

Dam this afternoon! The first Swallow for the year was also seen today.

APRIL

Tuesday 4th

This afternoon; Little Grebe on West Littleton Dam, Northern Wheatear on

Rushmead Lane and Canada Goose on 'Big Pond' in the Shire Valley.

Wednesday 5th

A Peregrine was seen from Down Road and in the Shire Valley, two Swallow,

two Canada Geese, lots of Grey Wagtail and a singing Bullfinch.

Friday April 7th

A quite day on the patch with no visible migration however there were two

Swallows on wires at Newhouse Farm. In the Shire Valley; Three Grey Heron,

Mallard, Canada Goose, several Common Buzzard, Moorhen, Stock Dove,

P a g e | 88

Green Woodpecker, Grey and Pied Wagtail, several Song and Mistle Thrush,

Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, several Raven and small numbers of Goldfinch.

Also around 150 Woodpigeon in fields from Rushmead Lane.

Sunday 9th

In the Shire Valley this afternoon; Two Canada Geese, Swallow, Marsh Tit and a

singing Coal Tit.

Tuesday 11th

A quick visit to Marshfield this afternoon yielded a pair of Wheatear on Down

Road that were thought to be 'Greenland' and another male at

Rushmead Lane 'Barn'. Driving back a Ring Ouzel flew across in front of the car

by the roundabout at the junction of the A46/ A420 near Pennsylvania then low

north across the fields.

Thursday 13th

Combined reports; In the

Shire Valley - Grey Heron,

Kestrel, two Canada

Geese, four Swallow and

House Martin. Two

'Wheatear' spp. still in fields

from Down Road and two

Willow Warbler south of the

village. By the way there

are a lot more Linnet and

singing Stock Dove this

year, it seems. A single Grey Partridge in ploughed fields from Down Road this

afternoon. Common Stonechat at Castle Farm and Barn Owl near The Folly this

evening.

Saturday 15th

Combined reports; At least eight 'Wheatear' in ploughed fields from Down

Road this afternoon six of which were 'Greenland'.

Sunday April 16th

Combined reports; Male Common Redstart around the small pond in

Doncombe Valley south of the village first thing. Four Northern Wheatear from

Down Road this afternoon also two Swallows through.

Monday 17th

Combined reports; At least five Wheatear from Down Road today including

several 'Greenland' beasts.

P a g e | 89

© Lee Gardiner, Pete Coslett

Tuesday 18th

Combined reports; In the Shire Valley this morning, at least two Grey Heron, 16

Mallard including a brood of nine ducklings, Sparrowhawk, six Common

Buzzard, Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Moorhen, a flock of c.50 gulls mostly

Lesser Black-backed and Herring, several Stock Dove, Green Woodpecker, half

a dozen Sand Martin, Swallow and House Martin, several Pied Wagtail, c.10

Blackcap, plenty of Common Chiffchaff with a smattering of Willow Warbler,

Marsh Tit, Nuthatch and several Raven. At least five Wheatear species still from

Down Road and a Common Redstart in the Doncombe Valley south of the

village.

Friday 21st

Combined reports; A

spring male Wood

Warbler in full song was

present throughout the

day in Grange Plantation

on Ashwicke Road, 1.5

kilometres south of the

village at ST: 785 717. A

Whinchat was seen on

Down Road, two

Common Whitethroat

and at least six Northern

Wheatear were logged

across the patch. © Pete Coslett

P a g e | 90

Saturday 22nd

Wheatears continue to show across the patch today with five from Down Road.

Monday 24th

Combined reports today; Grey Heron, seven male Mallard, thirteen Canada

Geese - including nine goslings, Red Kite, Moorhen, male Great Spotted

Woodpecker, good numbers of House Martin and Swallow, three Grey Wagtail,

at least five Northern Wheatear, four Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, two Common

Whitethroat, half a dozen Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, Nuthatch,

several Raven plus plenty of Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer.

© TBOSG

Sunday 30th

A Lesser Whitethroat at the top of the woods south of the sewage works at

Ringswell in the Doncombe Valley also two singing Bullfinch in the area.

MAY

Friday 5th

A Garden Warbler and Marsh Tit in the Cloud Wood area south of the village

this morning also two Common Swift over the west end of the village this

afternoon.

Sunday 7th

Early morning: Good numbers of Yellowhammer plus Red-legged Partridge,

Stock Dove, a few Corn Bunting and a male 'Lady Amherst Pheasant' from the

Cotswold Way at ST: 772 775 between Turnpike Farm and Turnpike Cottages.

Also two Northern Wheatear from Orchid Lane this afternoon.

Wednesday 10th

Reported from across the patch today were Raven, Common Stonechat, lots

of singing Corn Bunting, Skylark and Linnet.

P a g e | 91

Saturday 13th

In the Shire Valley this afternoon: Three Common Buzzard, three Great Spotted

Woodpecker, four Nuthatch, Treecreeper, three Pied Wagtail, four Grey

Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher, three Common Chiffchaff, three Blackcap, four

Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, at least six Blackbird, Robin with three juveniles, two

Common Swift, six Barn Swallow and five Raven.

Sunday 14th

This evening; Willow Warbler in the valley from West Littleton Road, c.90 Lesser

Black-backed Gull from Rushmead Lane with 30 Stock Dove and 40

Linnet from Down Road. Also several Common Whitethroat across the patch.

Tuesday 16th

At least 20 Common Swift and 10 House Martin over the east end of Marshfield

village by the church this evening.

Saturday 20th

Down Road; Two Common Buzzard, c.90 Stock Dove, six Common Swift, at least

half a dozen Skylark, four Pied Wagtail, ten Barn Swallow, six Common

Whitethroat, four Corn Bunting, six Goldfinch, four Bullfinch plus all the usual

Corvids.

Sunday 21st

In the Shire Valley where a pair of Spotted Flycatcher also three Mistle Thrush,

several Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Heron and Greenfinch. Lots of

Swallows around all the farm buildings on the patch and lots of Common

Whitethroat too.

Thursday 25th

A Lesser Whitethroat was

south of the village near

Beek's Lane, Willow

Warbler on Rushmead

Lane and Little Owl on

West Littleton Road.

Saturday 27th

The first Quail of the year

was heard in the Down

Road/ Down Track area

this afternoon/ evening.

© Pete Coslett

P a g e | 92

Sunday 28th

A male Quail was still singing in the Down Road area this morning. Also nine

Red-legged Partridge, Red Kite, two Common Buzzard, 55 Stock Dove, six

Yellowhammer and 12 Corn Bunting.

JUNE

Thursday 1st

A male Quail was singing in the Down Road/ Track area again this evening.

Friday 2nd

Two singing Quail, one near the windsock on Garston Farm Airstrip and one in

the Down Road/ Track area. Also single Grey Partridge in fields from Down

Road. A Garden Warbler in the Cloud Wood area south and east of the village

this morning.

Saturday 3rd

Quail calling in the Down Road/ Track area.

Sunday 4th

Quail still calling in the Down Road/ Track area.

Monday 5th

A male Quail still and calling in the Down Road/ Track area.

Tuesday 6th

Quail still calling in the Down Road/ Track area and a Little Owl in the

Rushmead Farm area.

Wednesday June 7th

Quail noted still calling in the Down Road/ Track area.

Friday 9th

A male Quail still singing from Down Road/ Track area at Marshfield this

evening.

Saturday 10th

A male Quail still singing from Down Road/ Track area at Marshfield plus c.50

Common Swift, c.30 Skylark, c.20 Yellowhammer and at least ten Corn Bunting.

Sunday 11th

QUAIL: Two males were heard from Down Road Track with remarkably one seen

briefly in flight!

P a g e | 93

Monday 12th

One male Quail reported from the Down Road/ Track area today.

Wednesday 14th

Two Quail calling in the Down Road/ Down Track area this evening. Also Little

Owl nearby.

Friday 16th

At least one Quail calling in the Down Road/ Down Track area at Marshfield this

morning.

Saturday 17th

Again at least one Quail calling in the Down Road/ Down Track area at

Marshfield this evening. Also Raven, Common Whitethroat, two Barn Owl plus

good numbers of singing Skylark, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting.

Tuesday 20th

At least six Common Whitethroat and two Spotted Flycatcher in the Down

Road area at Marshfield this morning.

Saturday 24th

Down Road area: At least three Quail calling today, possibly five, plus two

Common Whitethroat, several Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Skylark and

Goldfinch.

Sunday 25th

Just two Quail noted this afternoon from fields in the Down Road with one seen

briefly.

Monday 26th

In the Shire Valley this morning; Song Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher,

Hobby, two Raven, Green Woodpecker, four Grey Heron and Canada Goose.

From Down Road throughout the day; two Quail calling (possibly one seen

briefly in flight), c.500 Common Swift over the fields, Raven, three Common

Whitethroat. Another Quail was heard calling in the Rushmead Lane area plus

Linnet and Common Buzzard. Little Owl in the West Littleton Road area plus

good numbers of Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Goldfinch and Skylark

throughout.

Thursday 29th

Still at least one male Quail calling from fields on the west side of Down Road,

Marshfield this morning.

P a g e | 94

JULY

Saturday 1st

A family group of Spotted Flycatcher from Down Road this afternoon.

© Pete Coslett

Tuesday 4th

Quiet bird wise at Marshfield this morning however; 20+ Corn Bunting, 20+

Skylark, a few Yellowhammer and Linnet, five Pied Wagtail, Kestrel and

Common Buzzard were seen plus a Quail was heard from the Rushmead Lane

area.

Wednesday 5th

Four Mistle Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Little Owl in the Down Road

area.

Thursday 6th

In the Westend to Springfield Farm area; Common Buzzard, two Kestrel, a few

Skylark, at least 30 Swallow (including lots of juveniles) a family of Blackcap,

three Common Chiffchaff, lots of juvenile Great, Blue and Long Tailed Tit plus at

least 100 corvid in surrounding fields. A Quail was heard calling in the Orchid/

Rushmead Lane area this afternoon.

Saturday 8th

A Red Kite and several Spotted Flycatcher were seen in the Shire Valley this

afternoon. In the Down Road area; Good numbers of Yellowhammer, Corn

Bunting and singing Skylark, eight Mistle Thrush, Common Whitethroat, Common

Buzzard, Raven, Stock Dove and Goldcrest. Also at least two singing Quail.

P a g e | 95

Tuesday 11th

In the Shire Valley this morning; Six Grey Heron, two adult and six gosling

Canada Geese, two Spotted Flycatcher and Beautiful Demoiselle.

Wednesday 12th

West Littleton Road; Little Owl, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting and three Quail.

Thursday 13th

In the Down Road area; Little Owl, five Red-legged Partridge, Common

Whitethroat, several Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting plus five calling Quail.

Saturday 14th

Combined reports: The Marshfield year list hit 100 today with a Cormorant

circling 'Big Pond' in the Shire Valley! Also in the valley were two adult and six

juvenile Canada Geese, Kingfisher (the first of the year), two Green

Woodpecker, Common Chiffchaff, six Grey Heron, a few Greenfinch, a family

of Spotted Flycatcher, five Long tailed Tit, two Common Buzzard and several

Goldfinch. In the Down Road area; A single Quail, several Yellowhammer, two

Skylark and Red-legged Partridge. A juvenile Yellow Wagtail (the first of the

year) in pea fields just north of Harcombe Farm on the Tormarton Road. Four

more Quail calling from Rushmead Farm with additional birds heard from

Rushmead and Northfield Lane - c.7 birds in all today. Also noted were two

Little Owl, four Lesser Black-backed Gull, four Herring Gull, Stock Dove, c.120

Starling, Song Thrush, two Pied Wagtail, 20 Linnet, six Yellowhammer and ten

Corn Bunting.

Saturday 22nd

One Quail seen from Down Road this afternoon and one heard from the

Tormarton Road before the rain came. Also 12 Common Swift and ten Sand

Martin moving south over Down Road plus 60+ Barn Swallow feeding over fields.

Monday 24th

In the Shire Valley this morning; Grey Heron, two female Mallard, six Canada

Geese, Common Buzzard, Stock Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, an adult

and juvenile Grey Wagtail, juvenile Common Redstart, Mistle Thrush, a family

group of Spotted Flycatcher, Nuthatch, three Raven and several small 'charms'

of Goldfinch. A Quail was heard around mid-day from Down Road.

AUGUST

Tuesday 1st

A Quail was heard at around ST: 793 760 Shirehill Lane. Also a Whinchat and

Northern Wheatear in the Rushmead/ Orchid Lane area.

P a g e | 96

© TBOSG

Wednesday 2nd

Two Spotted Flycatcher near the Sewage Treatment Works at Ringswell.

Friday 4th

A Quail was audible from Northfield Lane this morning - two Northern Wheatear

on Orchid Lane with a few Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Skylark and four

Raven from Rushmead Lane.

Saturday 5th

A family group of Spotted Flycatcher performed well along Down Road this

afternoon.

Saturday 6th

Of note in the Shire Valley this afternoon; a family party of Spotted Flycatcher

and two Common Chiffchaff.

Monday 7th

Reported from Marshfield today; Common Kestrel, four Northern Wheatear, five

Raven, c. 200 Starling, c. 150 mixed gulls (Herring/ Lesser Black-backed), c. 100

mixed flock of Swift, Swallow and House Martin.

P a g e | 97

Tuesday 8th

Combined reports today; Common Buzzard, two Kestrel, two Common

Chiffchaff, three Northern Wheatear, three Sedge Warbler (the first of the year),

two Common Swift, c 80 House Sparrow. Sparrowhawk, c.200 Starling, Yellow

Wagtail, Yellowhammer, Linnet and at least 150 Swallow. In addition a Quail

audible from Down Road and a Hummingbird Hawk Moth from set-aside there.

© TBOSG, Pete Coslett

Wednesday 9th

Three Northern Wheatear present from Rushmead Lane this afternoon.

Thursday 10th

On the patch this morning were at least nine Northern Wheatear, Whinchat,

two Common Chiffchaff, ten House Martin, c.60 Swallow, three Common

Buzzard, two Raven along with a flock of 150+ mixed Gulls.

Friday 11th

This morning; two Willow Warbler from West Littleton Road with a further two

from Northfield Lane along with Whinchat. Three Northern Wheatear from

Rushmead Lane and a fourth family of Spotted Flycatcher for the patch on

Rushmead Farm.

Tuesday 15th

Combined reports today; A Little Owl was on show from West Littleton Road. In

the Shire Valley, a record count of ten (10) Grey Heron, Common Buzzard,

several Stock Dove, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, House

Martin, Grey and Pied Wagtail, male Common Redstart, ca. 20 Common

Chiffchaff, at least three Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed, Coal, Blue and Great

Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and several Raven. Sparrowhawk from Down Road.

P a g e | 98

Friday 18th

An impressive seven (7) Quail were 'flushed' in one group from fields on

Rushmead Farm, Marshfield this morning. They represent the highest single

count this year! Also there were two Common Stonechat. In the Shire Valley,

three Grey Heron, two Grey Wagtail, Common Redstart plus a few Common

Chiffchaff. Fourteen Raven and ca. 60 Linnet from West Littleton Down with

Little Owl and two Willow Warbler from West Littleton Road.

Monday 21st

In the Shire Valley this afternoon: Several Grey Heron and Common Buzzard,

Hobby, Stock Dove, ca. 30 Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, House

Martin, at least three Common Redstart (including an autumn male), good

numbers of both Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, 1st winter/ female

Pied Flycatcher (the first of the year), Nuthatch, several Raven and ca. 30

Goldfinch.

Tuesday 22nd

Combined reports today;

Kestrel and Little Owl from

West Littleton Road this

morning and in the Shire

Valley this afternoon: Grey

Heron, Common Buzzard,

Hobby, Sparrowhawk,

Green and Great Spotted

Woodpecker, Swallow,

House Martin, Common

Redstart, Chiffchaff and

Willow Warbler, several

Raven and c. 50 Goldfinch.

Thursday 24th

In the Shire Valley this

afternoon: Three Grey

Heron, Sparrowhawk,

Common Buzzard, Kestrel,

Hobby, Red-legged

Partridge, Swallow, House

Martin, at least three

Common Redstart (two

males), Mistle Thrush, male

Blackcap, Willow Warbler,

Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, Jay,

P a g e | 99

several Raven and c.50 Goldfinch. Nearby a flock of c.350 mixed gulls.

© TBOSG

Friday 25th

West Littleton Road, Rushmead Lane and Down Road: Nothing unusual, but a

nice spread of species including Raven, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Blackcap,

Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Great Spotted Woodpecker,

Red-legged Partridge, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Yellowhammer, big flock of

Herring Gulls from Down Road with some Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Sunday 27th

Shire Valley; Hobby, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher all before the first gate,

Marsh Tit by Shire Hill plus three Willow Warbler and two Common Chiffchaff.

Wednesday 30th

This afternoon in the Shire Valley; Several Common Buzzard, Stock Dove, Green

and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, at least

two male Common Redstart, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest,

Long-tailed, Marsh, Coal, Blue and Great Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, four Jay,

Several Raven, ca.50 Goldfinch and Bullfinch.

Thursday 31st

Single Quail audible from Rushmead Lane this morning, also five Northern

Wheatear and Little Owl.

P a g e | 100

© TBOSG

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 2nd

Combined reports from the patch this afternoon; Several Grey Heron,

Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, two Hobby, c.20 Red-legged Partridge, Stock

Dove, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, several

Common Redstart, three Mistle Thrush, plenty of Common Chiffchaff and Willow

Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, c.20 Raven, small numbers of

Goldfinch and a couple of Bullfinch.

Monday 4th

In the Shire Valley this morning; A couple of Grey Heron, Mallard, Marsh Harrier,

Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, several Red-legged Partridge, Green

P a g e | 101

Woodpecker, House Martin, Swallow, three Common Redstart, Marsh Tit and a

handful of Raven.

© TBOSG

Saturday 9th

A male Stonechat from Orchid Lane this afternoon also two Lesser Whitethroat

feeding on Elderberries west of Shire Bridge and Spotted Flycatcher.

Sunday 10th

Shire Valley; Twelve Grey Heron two Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap and several

Raven. A single Northern Wheatear on Northfield Lane with another from

Orchid Lane. Several Raven and Meadow Pipit on Rushmead Farm.

© TBOSG

P a g e | 102

Tuesday 19th

In the Shire Valley; Four Grey Heron, several Common Buzzard, two Hobby,

Moorhen, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, at least one

Common Redstart, male and female Blackcap, several Common Chiffchaff

and Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, two Nuthatch, two Jay and c. 20 Raven. Around

the 'Top Fields' several Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Hobby, c. 180 mixed large

gulls, c.50 Stock Dove and three Whinchat.

Friday 22nd

A total of around 40 species were noted in the Shire Valley this morning

including; Ten Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, several Common Buzzard, two Kestrel,

six Red-legged Partridge, c. 400 Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Stock

Dove, Green Woodpecker, four Skylark, a steady passage of Swallow and

House Martin, Grey Wagtail, up to two Common Redstart, Mistle Thrush,

Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, Nuthatch, two Jay and at least 20 Raven.

© TBOSG

Sunday 24th

Two Stonechat on Northfield Lane this afternoon. Northern Wheatear, seven

Raven and five Swallow on Rushmead Lane. A Red Kite over Castle Farm flew

towards West Littleton.

Thursday 28th

Combined reports today: This morning a Hobby on West Littleton Road by the

A420, also 50 Linnet. Sparrowhawk and two Stonechat from Northfield Lane. 50

Corn Bunting, 100 Linnet, eight Swallow a few Chaffinch including one singing

from Down Road. Lots of Meadow Pipit everywhere plus good numbers of

Yellowhammer and Skylark on Rushmead Farm also a Northern Wheatear. In

P a g e | 103

the Shire Valley highlights were Marsh Tit, two Mistle Thrush and a pair of

Peregrine.

OCTOBER

Monday 2nd

Combined reports today: In the Shire Valley, Little Grebe, eleven Grey Heron,

Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, several Skylark,

Swallow, House Martin, two Grey Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, several Chiffchaff, two

Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Treecreeper, several Jay, around ten Raven, ten Greenfinch

and two Bullfinch. Other sightings include c.100 Linnet from Rushmead Lane, 15

Raven West Littleton Down, six Stonechat on the patch and Hobby around

Middledown Road.

Thursday 5th

Combined reports: In the Shire Valley, Five Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Kingfisher,

two Greenfinch, two Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Bullfinch. Top fields,

Little Owl also Sparrowhawk, two Stonechat, ten Meadow Pipit and 20 Skylark.

© TBOSG

Friday 6th

In the Shire Valley this afternoon; Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk,

Common Buzzard, Kestrel, two Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted

Woodpecker, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff, two Coal Tit, two Nuthatch,

P a g e | 104

Treecreeper, several Jay, ten Raven, two Greenfinch and 30 Goldfinch. c.100

Skylark and two Stonechat from Orchid Lane. 30 Golden Plover over

Pennsylvania.

© Pete Coslett, TBOSG

Monday 9th

In the Rushmead Lane area this morning; Two Northern Wheatear, two

Stonechat, groups of 30+ Skylark, six Raven, Stock Dove and Corn Bunting. A

Little Owl was noted in the West Littleton Road area.

Tuesday 10th

Two Moorhen in the Shire Valley this morning, first for a while there. c.150 Linnet

from Rushmead Lane and three Redwing over West Littleton.

Wednesday 11th

A long walk for not much today, relatively speaking. Northfield Lane - c.180

Linnet, c. 200 Starling. Shire Valley - 30 Raven, nine Grey Heron, two Chiffchaff.

West Littleton Down - c.130 Common Gull. Rushmead Lane - Sparrowhawk,

Kestrel. Also increasing numbers of Goldcrest.

Sunday 15th

In the Shire Valley; Peregrine, Kingfisher, several Meadow Pipit, Common

Chiffchaff with Long-tailed Tits and ten Raven.

Friday 20th

Combined reports today: A ring-tailed Hen Harrier flew from the direction of

Downthorns Farm being mobbed by Crows north-east towards West Kington. In

the Rushmead/ Northfield Lane area; Three Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk,

Peregrine, three Kestrel, 34 Golden Plover, c.200 Woodpigeon, 20 Skylark, 30

Meadow Pipit, five Pied Wagtail, Common Chiffchaff, six Common Stonechat,

P a g e | 105

a few Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer, c.200 Linnet, c.300 Starling, the usual

Corvids including three Raven. From Down Road; Three Grey Heron, 28

Lapwing, 32 Common Gull and 16 Pied Wagtail. Two late Swallows over

Northfield Lane.

Sunday 22nd

The first Brambling of the year, a winter female, was seen with c.100 Chaffinch

in newly seeded fields on the west side of Shirehill at ST: 777 774. (Nigel Warren)

Kestrel from Northfield Lane, Barn Owl near Downthorns Farm. Starling, well over

1000 overall. c.250 Linnet from Tormarton Road, also 35 Stock Dove and two

Greenfinch. Three Stonechat on Rushmead Farm plus all the usual in increasing

numbers. (John Barnett) West Littleton Road/ Rushmead Lane c.350 Starling,

c.250 Woodpigeon, 20 Corn Bunting, two Linnet, five Goldfinch, two Wren,

Stonechat, Sparrowhawk, 20 Skylark, five House Sparrow, two Meadow Pipit,

Buzzard, Raven, five Pied Wagtail and four Roe Deer. From Down Road, Barn

Owl, c.200 Starling and c.100 Rook.

© TBOSG

Monday 23rd

Combined reports: The Brambling was

seen again today in the same area

with Chaffinch in newly seeded fields

on the west side of Shirehill at ST: 777

774. Also a couple of Redwing.

Friday 27th

In the Shire Valley this morning; Little Grebe, two Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk,

Common Buzzard, c.60 Golden Plover, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted

Woodpecker, c.75 Skylark, c.20 Meadow Pipit, three Grey Wagtail, Pied

Wagtail, Song Thrush, two Mistle Thrush, two Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, two Jay,

several Raven, two Greenfinch, Siskin and several Bullfinch.

P a g e | 106

© TBOSG

Saturday 28th

A Short-eared Owl was seen in flight this evening, south of the M4/ J18 over

fields east of the A46 between Cotswold Way and Dunsdown Lane.

Monday 30th

Shire Valley: Little Egret, at least two Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, several

Red-legged Partridge, c.110 Golden Plover, Green and Great Spotted

Woodpecker, ten Meadow Pipit, two Goldcrest, two Jay, ten Raven, Green

and Goldfinch, c.20 Linnet and

Yellowhammer. Around the patch;

c.5,000 Woodpigeon, c. 250 Stock

Dove, c.200 Skylark, male Stonechat,

c.30 Fieldfare, ten Redwing, c.700

Jackdaw and c.1,000 Starling. A

female Brambling plus good numbers

of Linnet, Yellowhammer and Corn

Bunting from Down Road.

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 1st

Shire Valley: Two Grey Heron,

Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard,

Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, three

Moorhen, two Green Woodpecker,

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, a

few Meadow Pipit, Grey and Pied Wagtail, c.300 Fieldfare, c.100 Redwing,

Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch, Jay, several Raven, Siskin, Gold and

Greenfinch. Elsewhere c.250 Common Gull from Down Road and c.300 Golden

P a g e | 107

Plover over the A420/ A46 Pennsylvania roundabout, c.5,000 Woodpigeon,

c.1,000 Starling, 1,000's of corvid plus good numbers of Skylark, Meadow Pipit,

Linnet and Corn Bunting.

Thursday 2nd

Combined reports: West Littleton Road and Rushmead Lane this morning. Grey

Heron, Common Buzzard, two Kestrel, c.600 Woodpigeon mostly in flight south,

30 Skylark, 10 Meadow Pipit, four Pied Wagtail, 10 Wren, 10 Dunnock, at least

five Robin, sic Common Stonechat, a few Goldfinch, 20 Linnet, ten Chaffinch,

60 Starling, four Magpie, 100+ Corvids and three Raven. Mediterranean Gull

with c.250 Common Gulls in fields on the west side of Down Road plus c.50

Yellowhammer and several Continental Song Thrush.

© TBOSG, Pete Coslett

MARSHFIELD PATCH LIST: With the Mediterranean Gull today the patch year list

hit 110 birds - a new record!

Friday 3rd

Rushmead Farm, four Common Stonechat, c.200 Linnet, c.100 Corn Bunting,

c.100 Yellowhammer and from Northfield Lane/ West Littleton Road, Little Owl

and two Common Stonechat.

Sunday 5th

Combined reports today: In the Down Road/ Rushmead Farm area this

afternoon - Three Common Buzzard, two Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Kestrel, 310

Common Gull, Raven, six Golden Plover and several Continental Song Thrush.

P a g e | 108

© TBOSG

Tuesday 7th

Kingfisher and Common Stonechat around the road bridge in the Shire Valley.

Thursday 9th

Combined reports: Two Common Stonechat from Northfield Lane with two on

Rushmead Lane and two on Rushmead Farm. A large flock of mixed finches

and buntings on Rushmead Farm including c.100 Continental Chaffinch and a

female Brambling. Nearby c.100 Skylark near Down Track. Additionally around

the patch c.5,000 Starling, c.1.500 Common Gull plus c.150 Pied Wagtail from

Shirehill Lane.

Friday 10th

Combined reports: In the Shire Valley this morning - several Common Buzzard,

c.100 Red-legged Partridge, c.30 Lapwing, several hundred Common Gull, c.80

Stock Dove, 15 Meadow Pipit, Nuthatch, Jay, c.300 Jackdaw, five Raven and

Bullfinch.

Monday November 13th

Thirty Golden Plover in fields with Common Gull by the A46/ A420 Cold Ashton

roundabout this morning.

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Thursday 16th

200 Common Gull in the field by the A46/ A420 Cold Ashton roundabout this

morning. From Northfield Lane, Sparrowhawk, six Stonechat, 30 Skylark, c.400

Starling, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting plus the usual corvids.

Friday 17th

A nice walk along Down Road this morning with two Common Buzzard, 211

Common Gull,10 Skylark, two Pied Wagtail, six Blackbird, six Fieldfare, a few

Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer, 100 Starling, Jay, 60 Rook and two Raven.

Saturday 18th

Three Grey Heron, four Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 40 Common

Gull, 120 Woodpigeon, 20 Skylark, Common Stonechat, 40 Fieldfare, ten

Redwing, a few Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer, c.300 Starling, Jay, 100+

Corvids and four Raven. Merlin and 23 Golden Plover from Shirehill Lane.

Sunday 19th

Tolldown Track: C. 20 Golden Plover, Lapwing, c.50 Common Gull, c.1,000

Woodpigeon, small numbers of Skylark and Meadow Pipit, four Pied Wagtail, a

pair of Stonechat, c.30 Fieldfare, c.500 Starling, a pair of Bullfinch and a small

flock of mixed finches and buntings. In the Shire Valley; Four Pied Wagtail, c.15

Raven, Great Spotted Woodpecker and three Grey Heron. Down Road, c.40

Corn Bunting, c.60 Linnet, two Reed Bunting plus small numbers of Chaffinch

and Yellowhammer.

Tuesday 21st

A Kestrel from West Littleton Road. 24 Lapwing on Rushmead Farm plus two

Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. Six Stonechat around the patch and the biggest

murmuration of Starlings I've ever had here; c.3000 from Down Road.

Wednesday 22nd

Shire Valley this morning: Merlin, 27 Raven, Marsh Tit and four Grey Wagtail.

Friday 24th

Reported from around the patch: 30+ Golden Plover, 200+ Linnet, 500+ Starling,

40+ Fieldfare, 30+ Redwing, 30+ Yellowhammer, 20+ Pied Wagtail, 10+

Meadow Pipit, 12 Corn Bunting, 15 House Sparrow, two Kestrel, Common

Buzzard, 200+ Woodpigeon, 10+ Skylark, four Stonechat and 20+ Chaffinch.

Tuesday 28th

From West Littleton Road this morning: Two Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk,

Kestrel, ten Common Gull, four Stonechat, four Blackbird, seven Yellowhammer,

P a g e | 110

Jay, the usual corvids and four Raven. Also 27 Lapwing and one Golden Plover

on Tolldown.

Thursday 30th

This morning in the Shire Valley; Eight Siskin, Marsh, plus good numbers of

Fieldfare and Redwing. 100+ Chaffinch from Dunsdown Lane, 380 Golden

Plover between Shirehill and Tormarton, settled in fields on the S. Glos/ Wiltshire

border.

© Pete Coslett

DECEMBER

Sunday 3rd

Reported from the patch today; A female Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard,

c.200 Golden Plover, five Kestrel, 50+ Starling, c.200 Fieldfare, four Stonechat,

and 15+ Yellowhammer.

Saturday 9th

From Down Road; two Grey Heron, four Buzzard, Merlin, Kestrel, 104 Common

Gull, ten Skylark, eight Fieldfare, six Redwing, four Blackbird, c.200 mixed flock of

'finches' mostly Linnet, a few Yellowhammer and 12 Corn Bunting, Bullfinch,

c.400 Starling, two Magpie and 100 'corvid'.

Sunday 10th

From Down Road; 60 Lapwing, 85 Golden Plover, 50 Fieldfare, 200 Starling, 40

Skylark, two Kestrel and two Buzzard.

Monday 11th

C.30 Skylark from Northfield Lane, lots of Fieldfare around Rushmead Farm

along with c.50 Linnet, two Stonechat also a couple of Continental Song Thrush

P a g e | 111

and Kestrel along Rushmead Lane. In the Shire Valley; Three Grey Heron, Marsh

Tit, c.40 Redwing and a few Fieldfare. In the Down Road area; C.60 Fieldfare,

60+ Golden Plover, c.300 Skylark, Stonechat and Continental Song Thrush. Two

Brambling and a female Blackcap in the Withymead area in the village.

© Pete Coslett

Tuesday 12th

Birding east of the village today: C.70 Common Gull at Garston Farm also 65

Meadow Pipit by windsock. C.650 Woodpigeon south of Cloud Wood. Several

Bullfinch, Treecreeper, several Goldcrest, three Marsh, Great, Blue and Long-

tailed Tit, great Spotted and Green Woodpecker in the Cloud Wood area. A

mixed 'finch' flock on sunflower seeds north of Cloud Wood footpath; C.110

Chaffinch, at least five Brambling, five Reed Bunting, c.40 Yellowhammer, c.40

Linnet and several Goldfinch. Fifteen Lapwing over the wood and two

Hawfinch in the open area at the east end of Cloud Wood. C.40 Golden Plover

over Withymead Playing Fields.

© TBOSG

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Thursday 14th

Over 500 Golden Plover in the fields opposite Marshfield Primary School north of

the A420 today.

Friday 15th

In the Cloud Wood area today; Kestrel, 12 Stock Dove, Great Spotted

Woodpecker, two Skylark, two Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, many Fieldfare, four

Redwing, 20+ Chaffinch, at least three Brambling and eight Linnet. A Hawfinch

was also reported in the area. Male Blackcap, Grey Wagtail and female

Sparrowhawk in the Withymead area. Also reported today; c.70 Red-legged

Partridge, 50 Pheasant, at least two Kestrel, 300+ Golden Plover, c.3000 Starling,

20 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, female Stonechat, 30 House Sparrow, six Meadow

Pipit, 30 Chaffinch, 10 Linnet, three Yellowhammer and eight Corn Bunting.

Monday 18th

A Gadwall present on the Lower Pond at West Littleton today.

Tuesday 19th

A Little Egret was seen in the Shire Valley around Shirehill Bridge this afternoon.

Wednesday 20th

A flock of 150+ Chaffinch, a few Yellowhammer and at least four Brambling on

Dunsdown Lane close to the A46, also c.400 Common Gull at West Littleton.

Sunday 24th

Reported today; Nine Red-legged Partridge, 13 Pheasant, Common Buzzard, 40

Golden Plover, c.120 Jackdaw, c.400 Starling, 80 Fieldfare, c.250 Redwing and

two Bullfinch.

Tuesday 26th

Marshfield Down Road for an hour this afternoon; Two Buzzard, Kestrel, 13

Lapwing, 20 Common Gull, two Stonechat, Skylark, Yellowhammer, c.50 Corn

Bunting in one bush, c.200 Starling and five Blackbird.

Saturday 30th

The Little Egret was seen again in the Shire Valley.

P a g e | 113

© Pete Coslett

Sunday 31st

A wholly unconfirmed report of two Short-eared Owls in the Northfield Lane/

Chicken Farm area today.

P a g e | 114

South Gloucestershire Year Lists 2007 - 2017

YEAR 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Species 188 200 199 199 203 202 210 199 201 200 206

Forms 15 17 18 17 16 16 16 18 17 17 19

New 1 2 6 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 3

South Gloucestershire Year List 2017

First dates for rare and scarce species and forms (206/ 19/ 3)

JANUARY 113/ 8/ 1

1st JACK SNIPE, MARSH HARRIER, RED KITE

2nd AMERICAN WIGEON (1st), BLACK REDSTART, GREAT WHITE EGRET, SMEW, WATER PIPIT

4th WAXWING

10th CATTLE EGRET

15th MEDITERRANEAN GULL

18th EGYPTIAN GOOSE

21st BITTERN, SHORT-EARED OWL

FEBRUARY 10/ 0/ 0

5th MANDARIN

8th GOSHAWK

24th HEN HARRIER

MARCH 18/ 3/ 1

2nd CASPIAN GULL

4th Scandinavian Rock Pipit

9th Icelandic Redwing

15th WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE

17th LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

25th COMMON CRANE, IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF (1st)

27th OSPREY

28th Continental Cormorant

APRIL 25/ 3/ 1

1st DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE, GOOSANDER

3rd AVOCET

6th SERIN (1st)

7th COMMON CROSSBILL, FIRECREST

9th COMMON EIDER, GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, RING OUZEL

11th Greenland Wheatear

12th Siberian Chiffchaff

13th GREY PARTRIDGE

18th PIED FLYCATCHER

19th Northern Willow Warbler

21st SPOONBILL, WOOD WARBLER

P a g e | 115

MAY 8/ 3/ 0

5th ARCTIC SKUA, WOOD SANDPIPER

7th BLACK-WINGED STILT

8th LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER

11th Possible Black/ Grey-headed Wagtail

14th Greenland Dunlin

17th Blue-headed Wagtail

21st Continental Black-tailed Godwit

27th QUAIL

29th RED-BACKED SHRIKE

30th LITTLE TERN

JUNE 7/ 0/ 0

6th FULMAR, GANNET, STORM PETREL

9th MANX SHEARWATER

10th YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

11th GUILLEMOT

12th COMMON SCOTER

JULY 1/ 0/ 0

19th TEMMINCK'S STINT

AUGUST 5/ 0/ 0

4th SHAG

11th GARGANEY

24th CURLEW SANDPIPER

27th TREE SPARROW

30th WOODCHAT SHRIKE

SEPTEMBER 7/ 0/ 0

8th BLACK TERN

11th LEACH'S PETREL, GREY PHALAROPE

13th SABINE'S GULL

18th RING-NECKED PARAKEET

21st SPOTTED REDSHANK

24th YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER

OCTOBER 10/ 0/ 0

1st TURTLE DOVE

12th BARNACLE GOOSE

14th COMMON ROSEFINCH

15th HAWFINCH, NIGHTJAR

16h POMARINE SKUA

21st GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, GREAT SKUA

28th SHORELARK

29th WOODLARK

NOVEMBER 1/ 0/ 0

5th SNOW BUNTING

DECEMBER 1/ 0/ 0

9th WHOOPER SWAN

P a g e | 116

The South Gloucestershire Systematic List

The South Gloucestershire Systematic List follows the conventions of The BOU

British List: A Checklist of Birds of Britain (9th edition) December 2017. On

January 1st 2018 the British List taxonomy was reset following that laid out by the

International Ornithological Congress IOC World Bird List. The S. Glos list reflects

those changes. The 2017 list can be found on page101.

The impact of the realignment shows effectively no change in the S. Glos list

which stands at 297 full species plus 30 forms. (December 2017) Three other

birds are shown at the end of the list but are not counted:-

Black/ White Bellied Storm Petrel: November 25th 2009, Severn Beach (Not

identified to species level)

Channel Wagtail: May 18th 2009, Northwick Warth (Hybrid)

Great Bustard: January 10th 2008, Keynsham (Re-introduction)

New Additions to the South Gloucestershire List

A memorable year with three new species added to the S. Glos in 2017; A very

welcome but long overdue American Wigeon found by Ben Ofield on January

2nd on Littleton Warth, an Iberian Chiffchaff was a surprise find in Kingsgate

Park, Yate by Mark Coller on March 25th and a sadly short-staying Serin at New

Passage on April 6th delighted Paul Bowerman.

SYSTEMATIC LIST

Each taxon is headed followed by the vernacular and scientific names, total

number of occurrences to the end of 2016 in parentheses, total reported in

2017 and status. All rare and scarce birds seen in 2017 are listed, full species in

capitals and forms in lower case.

The entries below are unfiltered reports; all sightings of rare and scarce birds are

subject to ratification by the appropriate rarities committee!

P a g e | 117

SWANS

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus (c.25) 3 Rare

Three were watched floating upriver past Shepperdine around 09:00 on

December 9th before flying north-east.

© Pete Hazelwood

GEESE

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons (c.2,400) 2 Scarce

Two flew strongly north-east over New Passage at 11:30 on March 15th.

BARNACLE GOOSE - Branta leucopsis (c.225) 3 Very Scarce

Two were seen from Northwick Warth on October 12th with a further one in

flight past Oldbury Power Station on the 22nd.

© Brian Lancastle

P a g e | 118

EGYPTIAN GOOSE - Alopochen aegyptiacus (c.15) 1 Rare

A peripatetic adult was first reported in January frequenting lakes at Aztec West

Business Park, Almondsbury around Park Avenue on the 1st. It regularly

commuted between there and the New Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning

Wetland area throughout the year and was last seen in December with

Canada Geese on Northwick Warth on the 16th & 19th.

© TBOSG

DUCKS

MANDARIN - Aix galericulata (c.560) c.20 Very Scarce

© Mark Coller

P a g e | 119

FEBRUARY: At least ten birds were present on Tortworth Court Lake, Tortworth on

the 5th. MARCH: Two were seen in flight over Old Sodbury on the 12th with a

further bird reported from Golden Valley LNR, Wick. APRIL: A drake was

reported from the R. Avon at Hanham on the 26th. MAY: A male was present on

the 2nd at Golden Valley LNR, Wick between the bridge and waterfall. AUGUST:

A female at Kingsgate Park, Yate on at least the 16th - 19th. OCTOBER: Two

males on The Lake, Oldbury Power Station on the 12th; A male on Pilning

Wetland on the 30th. DECEMBER: A single male on Heneage Court Pools,

Falfield on the 2nd.

AMERICAN WIGEON - Anas americana (0) 1 Extremely rare

A 1st winter drake was present from mid-morning until dusk on the shoreline

from the Severn Way on Littleton Warth on January 2nd. It was loosely mixing

with Eurasian Wigeon around a kilometre north of the parking area at Whale

Wharf Lane. This is the first documented reference to this species in S.

Gloucestershire.

GARGANEY - Anas querquedula (c.100) 3 Scarce

AUGUST: Two juvenile/ 1st winters were found on Pilning Wetland early morning

on the 11th where they lingering until at least the 31st. SEPTEMBER: A juvenile/

female at Shepperdine on the 21st.

© Paul Bowerman

SMEW - Mergellus albellus (12) 1 Rare

JANUARY: A 'redhead' was present on Chipping Sodbury Common Fishing Pools

on the 2nd. MARCH: A winter female was once again present on Chipping

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Sodbury Common Fishing Pools late afternoon on the 2nd. APRIL: A female

'returned' to Chipping Sodbury Common Fishing Pools from the 11th - 14th and

22nd - 23rd.

© Paul Woolams

GOOSANDER - Mergus merganser (c.210) 3 Scarce

APRIL: One was noted on the R. Avon at Hanham on the 1st. AUGUST: An

immature was noted in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area on the 4th.

OCTOBER: A 'redhead' was seen in flight upriver past Oldbury Power Station at

10:30 on the 10th.

GAME ***

QUAIL - Coturnix coturnix Scarce

An average year for this species in S. Glos with none reported away from their

stronghold at Marshfield.

Location J F M A M J J A S O N D Total

Marshfield

2 31 22 11

66

Total Bird Days

2 31 22 11

66

P a g e | 121

EARLIEST: One was heard calling from Down Road, Marshfield on May 27th.

LATEST: One audible from Rushmead Lane, Marshfield on August 31st. HIGHEST

COUNT: An impressive seven (7) were 'flushed' in one group from fields on

Rushmead Farm, Marshfield on August 18th.

*** In the Cotswold Escarpment/ Marshfield area specifically, several thousand

Red-legged Partridge and in excess of 10,000 Pheasant were released in 2017

for shooting purposes!

The release of stock for shooting purposes, game birds like the Grey Partridge are becoming increasingly scarce.

© TBOSG

DIVERS

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer (14) 1 Very rare

An adult was seen distantly from Severn Beach on October 21st.

© Aravind Ramesh

P a g e | 122

SEABIRDS

STORM PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus (c.210) c.8 Scarce

JUNE: One from Severn Beach on the 6th; An adult from Severn Beach on the

evening tide on the 23rd. AUGUST: At least two, possibly three, were logged on

the evening high tide at Severn Beach on the 3rd; Two from Severn Beach by

18:30 on the 19th. SEPTEMBER: One was seen from Severn Beach on the 11th.

© TBOSG

LEACH’S PETREL - Oceanodroma leucorhoa (c.560) c.10 Scarce

SEPTEMBER: Two were seen from Severn Beach on the 11th with at least three

there on the 13th. OCTOBER: One from Severn Beach on the 16th with at least

three there on the 17th; One reported from Severn Beach on the 21st and 22nd.

Continental Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (4) 1 Very rare

One on Grebe Pond, Pilning Wetland on March 28th.

The gular pouch angle in this bird is close to 90° indicating 'sinensis'. © TBOSG

P a g e | 123

SHAG - Phalacrocorax aristototelis (c.65) 1 Very scarce

An immature was seen briefly from Severn Beach early morning on August 4th.

HERONS

BITTERN - Botarus stellaris (c.6) 1 Extremely rare

One was seen briefly on January 21st around 08:45 at Orchard Pools, Severn

Beach. It was seen to fly west along the pool but could not be relocated.

GREAT WHITE EGRET - Casmerodius albus (c.20) 6 Very rare

JANUARY: Two were reported low over St Mary's Church car park, Littleton-

upon-Severn at 16:30 on the 2nd; One was reported from the R. Frome behind

Centenary Field, Frampton Cotterell on the 5th. APRIL: One was seen in flight on

the 11th just inland of Shepperdine/ Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station

heading south-west at 07:30; One was seen in flight heading south over Pilning

Wetland, Northwick Warth at 12:50 on the 21st. SEPTEMBER: One was seen in

flight heading south-west over Nibley towards Coalpit Heath around 07:10 on

the 17th.

CATTLE EGRET - Bubulcus ibis (4) 4 Extremely rare

One still present in fields at Toghill Farm, Wick on January 1st where it was joined

by a second bird. Both birds were then present until at least March 11th. One

was seen on Pilning Wetland on March 25th. One was seen in flight south-west

from New Passage on July 20th.

© Lisa Presland

P a g e | 124

SPOONBILL - Platalea leucorodia (c.20) 4 Rare

APRIL: A juvenile was seen on Northwick Warth Flash around 15:00 on the 21st

before being flushed. MAY: An adult was present on Pilning Wetland on the

13th - 14th; A sub-adult was seen briefly at Oldbury Power Station and Littleton

Warth on the 23rd before settling on Pilning Wetland from the 23rd until at least

the 29th. JUNE: One, possibly a 'new' individual, from Pilning Wetland on the 3rd

departed south at 11:15.

CRANE - Grus grus (c.7o) c.20 Rare

Records of Crane in S. Glos are 'clouded' by birds from The Great Crane Project

so with that in mind here are this year’s sighting;

MARCH: Two were seen in flight north over Pilning Wetland on March 25th.

SEPTEMBER: A wholly unconfirmed report of one in fields between Alveston and

Tockington on the 29th.

RAPTORS

© TBOSG

RED KITE - Milvus milvus Scarce

J F M A M J J A S O N D Total

3 7 8 11 14 23 9 1 2 3 81

EARLIEST: One was seen flying over fields from Down Road, Marshfield on

January 1st. LATEST: One was seen over Aust Warth on October 20th. HIGHEST

P a g e | 125

COUNT: At least six birds over a cut field at Orange End, Inglestone Common at

ST: 760 877 on June 26th.

MARSH HARRIER - Circus aeruginosus (c.50) c.10 Very Scarce

JANUARY: A juvenile/ immature bird was seen in flight over the reedbed at

Lagoon II, Oldbury Power Station on the 1st where it quartered a couple of

times before departing; A putative female was watched hunting over Pilning

Wetland on the 20th around 08:40 before drifting north; A female was seen

around Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station the 27th where it appeared to drop

into the reedbed. MARCH: One was seen in flight north past Aust Warth around

09:50 on the 10th. APRIL: An immature/ female was noted at Aust Warth on the

28th. SEPTEMBER: A probable adult female drifted over the Shire Valley,

Marshfield late morning on the 4th; A probable juvenile male from Lagoon I at

Oldbury Power Station on the 9th; A fly-by juvenile over New Passage towards

Severn Beach around 09:00 on the 27th; A female was seen in flight high over

Lagoon III towards Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station on the 29th. NOVEMBER:

A female/ immature was seen around Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station on

the 9th.

HEN HARRIER - Circus cyaneus (c.55) c.3 Rare

FEBRUARY: A male was seen at Shepperdine viewed from north-east corner of

Lagoon I at Oldbury Power Station around 16:30 on the 24th. It was

subsequently seen in flight along the shore and upriver beyond Shepperdine at

07:50 on the 25th. APRIL: A fine male was seen flying low north-east over

Northwick Warth on the 30th. OCTOBER: A 'ring-tail was seen near Downthorns

Farm, Marshfield on the 20th with a wholly unconfirmed report of a 'ring-tail' in

the same area on the 21st.

© Paul Bowerman

P a g e | 126

GOSHAWK - Accipiter gentiles (c.55) 3 Rare

FEBRUARY: A winter male was seen in the Cloud Wood area at Marshfield the

8th. MARCH: An immature bird was seen briefly in flight over Freezing Hill Lane

near Tracy Cottage Farm around 18:15 on the 28th. JULY: One was reported

from Lower Woods, Wickwar on the 8th.

OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus (c.55) 4 Rare

MARCH: One was seen in flight heading east low over Lydiard Croft, Hanham at

08:40 on the 27th. APRIL: One flew low over Pilning Wetland and Northwick

Warth and continued on north-east up the estuary at 11:25 on the 10th; One

flew over Lagoon III at Oldbury Power Station at 10:50 before heading out over

the estuary and upriver over the Tidal Reservoir on the 19th. SEPTEMBER: One

was reported over the R. Avon, Hanham on the 9th.

© Paul Bowerman

WADERS

BLACK-WINGED STILT - Himantopus himantopus (2) 1 Extremely rare

A spring female was found on Pilning Wetland, Northwick Warth on May 7th

where it lingered throughout the day. It remained faithful to the lagoons until at

least the 9th.

AVOCET - Recurvirostra avosetta (c.175) c.30 Very scarce

APRIL: One was seen at New Passage on the 3rd; One was seen in flight past

Oldbury Power Station on the 15th; One was seen briefly on Pilning Wetland on

the 29th. MAY: Two were present briefly on Northwick Warth on the 3rd with two

in flight past New Passage on the 5th; One circulating around the New

P a g e | 127

Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area on the 15th; Two birds present

mid-morning on Northwick Warth on the 22nd. JULY: One was seen at

Shepperdine over high tide on the 24th, the first July record! SEPTEMBER: One

was reported from the south side of Littleton Warth at high tide on the 1st; Three

were noted in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth/ Pilning Wetland area on the

17th; Three were noted in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area on the 25th;

One at Pillhead Gout Oldbury-on-Severn on the 27th. NOVEMBER: One from

Pillhead Gout, Cowhill on the 1st; Seven in flight down river past Oldbury Power

Station on the 3rd.

© Paul Bowerman

P a g e | 128

TEMMINCK’S STINT - Calidris temminckii (3) 1 Extremely rare

A moulting adult was found on Butt's Pool, Pilning Wetland early morning on July

19th where it remained until dusk on the 20th. It was relocated at the mouth of

Chestle Pill, New Passage on the 22nd.

Greenland Dunlin - Calidris alpina arctica (13) c5 Very rare

At least two were present at New Passage and Severn Beach on May 14th with

at least three on Pilning Wetland on May 15th.

© John Martin

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicaria (c.30) c.3 Rare

SEPTEMBER: One from Severn Beach on the 11th. OCTOBER: A 1st winter along

the Severnside coast between Severn Beach and New Passage/ Northwick

P a g e | 129

Warth on the (7th) 8th - 10th and an unconfirmed report of one seen distantly

from Severn Beach on the 21st.

SPOTTED REDSHANK - Tringa erythropus (c.110) c.2 Very scarce

SEPTEMBER: A juvenile/ 1st winter was present at Oldbury Pill, Oldbury-on-Severn

around lunchtime on the 21st; Two juvenile/ 1st winters was found on Pilning

Wetland on the 23rd; Two juvenile/ 1st winters were seen on the 24th, one at

Oldbury Pill, Oldbury-on-Severn and one on Pilning Wetland; A juvenile/ 1st

winter on Pilning Wetland from the 25th - 30th with two present on the 27th &

29th. OCTOBER: A juvenile 1st winter at Oldbury Pill, Oldbury-on-Severn on the

2nd; A juvenile/ 1st winter on Pilning Wetland on the 1st - 31st with two on the

4th - 5th. NOVEMBER: A juvenile/ 1st winter on Pilning Wetland on the 1st - 5th.

WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola (c.35) 2 Rare

MAY: Two spring adults were seen on Pilning Wetland on the 5th with one still

present on the 6th & 7th.

JACK SNIPE - Llymnocryptes minimus Scarce

EARLIEST: One seen on Pilning Wetland on October 25th. LATEST: One was

reported along the R. Avon, Hanham on June 24th. HIGHEST COUNT: Seven

noted from Aust Warth on January 5th.

Location J F M A M J J A S O N D Totals

Chittening Warth 2

2

NP/NW/ PWR 3

1

4

Aust Warth 22 9

6 37

Littleton Warth 1 3

4

OPS 2 3 2

3 10

Marshfield 4

4

Yate 2

2

Hanham

1

1

Total Bird Days 36 15 2

1

1

9 64

SKUAS

POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus (c.260) 1 Scarce

An adult was seen from Severn Beach on the 16th October.

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© Dan White

ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus Uncommon

EARLIEST: A dark morph was seen from New Passage on May 5th. LATEST: On

September 13th one was seen distantly late morning from Severn Beach.

HIGHEST COUNT: Two on June 9th & 11th from Severn Beach.

Location Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Totals

Severn Beach

4

1

5

New Passage

1

1

OPS

1

1

Total Bird Days

2 4

1

7

TERNS

LITTLE TERN - Sterna albifrons (c.270) 1 Scarce

One was watched for twenty minutes in the bay at Shepperdine on May 30th.

GULLS

SABINE’S GULL - Larus sabini (c.30) 2 Rare

A juvenile was seen off Severn Beach on September 13th; A juvenile was seen

off Severn Beach on October 22nd.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Larus melanocephalus Scarce

EARLIEST: A winter adult from New Passage on January 15th.

LATEST: An adult on Pilning Wetland on December 5th.

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HIGHEST COUNT: At least five in the Severn Beach/ New Passage area on July

7th.


Severnside 1 1 1

1 2 15 8 1 2

1 33

Littleton Warth

2

2

OPS

1 1

3

5

Marshfield

1

1


1 2 18 8 1 2 1 1 41

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL - Larus michahellis (c.265) c.4 Scarce

JUNE: A 2nd calendar year was noted off Littleton Warth on the 10th and off

Severn Beach on the 12th. AUGUST: An adult was present at Oldbury Power

Station on the 12th; A 1st winter was seen briefly on Northwick Warth on the

28th. SEPTEMBER: One probably this species at Oldbury Power Station on the

17th.

CASPIAN GULL - Larus cachinnans (8) 1 Extremely rare

An adult winter female was noted mixing with around 600 gulls at Shortwood

Civic Amenities Site late afternoon on March 2nd.

DOVES AND PARAKEETS

© TBOSG

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TURTLE DOVE - Streptopelia turtur (c.20 since 2000) 1 Rare

OCTOBER: A 1st winter was found on Northwick Warth 200 metres south of the

Second Sentry Box on the 1st. Missing on the 2nd it reappeared on the 3rd and

was last seen on the 7th.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET - Psittacula krameri (c.25) 3 Rare

AUGUST: Two reported from Downend on the 29th. SEPTEMBER: Two seen in

flight over Cherington, Yate heading toward Wapley on the 18th. OCTOBER:

One reported from the Aust Cliffs 'vismig' on the 18th and at BS35 4AX the Aust

end of the A403 on the 19th. NOVEMBER: Two birds reported from the junction

of Owls Head Road and Cock Road, Kingswood on the 15th; Three adults

attending feeders in a garden backing onto Mangotsfield Cemetery, Downend

on the 16th; One reported between the houses in Kingston Drive, Mangotsfield

and Stockwell Close, Downend on the 24th. DECEMBER: Three taking

advantage of feeders in a private garden on Station Road, Kingswood on the

1st; Three over at Kingswood at 15:20 on the 8th before heading south towards

Cock Road Ridge; three at Westbourne Road, Mangotsfield on the 23rd.

OWLS & NIGHTJAR

SHORT-EARED OWL - Asio flammeus Scarce

LATEST: One seen on Northwick Warth on May 9th. EARLIEST: One was seen from

the A46 near Marshfield on October 28th. HIGHEST COUNT: Four were reported

from Aust Warth late afternoon on March 15th before flying towards Northwick

Warth and four were seen at the same site on March 22nd and April 1st - 2nd.

Location J F M A M J J A S O N D Total

Aust Warth 1

18 23 4

1 6 15 68

NP/ NW/ PWR

1

2 3

6

OPS

1

1

1 2 1 6

Marshfield

1

1

Total Bird Days 1 2 18 26 7

3 8 16 81

NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus europaeus (15) 1 Very rare

One was seen in flight around ST: 542 815 from Severn Road between

Chittening and Hallen on October 15th.

WOODPECKERS

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor (UK) 1 Rare

A presumed male was heard calling at Lower Woods, Wickwar on May 8th.

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SHRIKES

RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio (c.15) 1 Very rare

A summer male was found on Vinney Lane, Horton on May 29th at ST: 744857

where it remained until around 19:30.

© Dan White, Phil Gower

Both Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes this year were found by David Poulton!

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WOODCHAT SHRIKE - Lanius senator (c.4) 1 Extremely rare

A juvenile/ 1st winter was present on Chipping Sodbury Common, Chipping

Sodbury from around 14:30 on August 30th until at least September 19th.

LARKS, WAGTAILS & PIPITS

WOODLARK - Lullula arborea (15) 1 Very rare

One was seen in flight low north east over New Passage around 09:40 on

October 29th.

SHORELARK - Eremophila alpestris (c.8) 1 Extremely rare

A winter adult was found on Northwick Warth Flash on October 28th.

© John Martin

Blue-headed Wagtail - Motacilla flava flava (c.15) 1 Very rare

A fine spring male was present on Pilning Wetland on May 17th - 18th.

© Paul Bowerman

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Scandinavian Rock Pipit - Anthus petrosus littoralis (c.15) c.4 Very rare

Three or four present on the saltmarsh at Severn Beach on March 4th.

WATER PIPIT - Anthus spinoletta Very scarce


NW/ NP/ Piln Wet 7 3 5 7

5 4 7 38

Littleton Warth

1

1 1 3

OPS

1

1

Total Bird Days 7 3 6 7 1

5 5 8 42

WARBLERS

CETTI'S WARBLER - Cettia cetti Locally very scarce

EARLIEST: Birds noted from Pilning Wetland and Oldbury Power Station on

January 5th. LATEST: One at Oldbury Power Station on December 19th. HIGHEST

COUNT: Two were reported at Orchard Pools, Severn Beach on May 13th an

two on November 13th at Oldbury Power Station.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus (c.15) 2 Extremely rare

SEPTEMBER: One was found on the 24th in Sluice Copse, Northwick Warth, New

Passage. OCTOBER: One was reported from the Dragon/ Mill Road area at

Winterbourne on the 15th.

WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix (c.50) c.3 Very scarce

APRIL: A spring male in full song, was present throughout the day on the 21st in

Grange Plantation on Ashwicke Road, 1.5 kilometres south of Marshfield at ST:

785 717. MAY: Two males were present at Oldbury Power Station on the 4th; A

male was heard at New Passage on the 5th; A male present at Oldbury Power

Station on the 6th.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus ibericus (0) 1 Extremely rare

A spring male was found at Kingsgate Park, Yate on March 25th. Present from

early morning where it was initially picked up on call, it spent the day

performing and showing well on and off around the margins of the smaller lake

on the east side of the park. It was also present throughout the day on the

March 26th.

Siberian Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita tristis (c.4) 1 Extremely rare

One was both seen and heard around the 2nd Sentry Box on Northwick Warth

on April 12th.

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© TBOSG, Mark Coller

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Northern Willow Warbler - Phylloscopus trochilus acredula (3) 1 Extremely rare

A very 'grey' individual seen near the 2nd Sentry Box on Northwick Warth in the

morning on April 19th was putatively this form.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia Very scarce

EARLIEST: One both seen and heard on Northwick Warth on April 9th. LATEST:

One trapped at Littleton Brick Pits on September 16th. HIGHEST COUNT: Two

heard 'reeling' at Oldbury Power Station on April 22nd & 25th.


NW/ NP/ PWR

2

2

Severn Beach

1

1

Littleton Brick Pits

1

1

2

Tockington

1

1

OPS

5

5

Overscourt Woodland

1

1

Hanham

1 3

4

Total Bird Days

10 2 3

1

16

FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapillus (c.55) 3 Very Scarce

APRIL: One was seen in woodland between Old Down, Lower Hazel and

Alveston around ST: 626 876 at 15:00 on the 7th. JUNE: A male was both seen

and heard on territory at Lower Woods, Wickwar on the 1st. It was noted on the

red/ green route at Little Stanley Wood between The Walk and Plumbers Trench

at ST: 741 882 on at least the 1st - 4th. NOVEMBER: One was seen in a hedgerow

at Willsbridge around 10:00 on the 3rd from the foot path at ST: 662 703.

DECEMBER: One was present at St Anne's Church, Oldland between 11:30 and

mid-day on the 18th.

© Vic Savery

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WAXWING

© Jeanette Sakel

WAXWING - Bombycilla garrulous Irruptive

EARLIEST: Six were seen briefly from The Worthys, Bradley Stoke on January 4th.

LATEST: Twelve were seen fly-catching around the Pinker's Mead/ Julius Close

area at Emerson's Green on March 11th. HIGHEST COUNT: Sixteen were showing

at Tesco, Bradley Stoke on February 27th - 28th.


Bradley Stoke 95 342 151

588

Little Stoke 2

2

Buckover

4

4

Yate 1

1

Marshfield 1

1

Mangotsfield

6

6

Longwell Green 5

5

Emerson's Green

12

12

Aust 2

2


621

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FLYCATCHERS, THRUSHES & CHATS

PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca (c.20 since 2000) 2 Scarce

APRIL: A male was seen on the 18th in trees in private gardens at New Passage

in the morning and relocated at Chestle Pill copse in the evening; AUGUST: A

1st winter/ female was seen briefly in the Shire Valley at Marshfield on the 21st.

© John Martin

RING OUZEL - Turdus torquatus (c.80) 5 Very scarce

APRIL: A fine spring male was seen in a private garden at Tortworth at 10:00 on

the 9th; A male the 11th in flight by the roundabout at the junction of the A46/

A420 near Pennsylvania then low north across the fields. OCTOBER: One heard

calling over Cock Road Ridge, Kingswood on the 28th; Two in flight leaving The

Orchard at Oldbury Power Station on the 31st.

© John & Janet Wells

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BLACK REDSTART - Pheonicurus ochruros Very scarce

LATEST: A female on April 6th at Oldbury Power Station. EARLIEST: A 1st winter/

female was seen around the Jetty at Oldbury Power Station on November 26th.

HIGHEST COUNT: Two adult winter males on the seawall at Oldbury Power

Station on January 25th.


OPS 4 3

1

3 3 14

NP/NW/Piln Wet

1

1

Severn Beach

2

2

Total Bird Days 4 4

1

5 3 17

FINCHES & BUNTINGS

TREE SPARROW - Passer montanus Rare

Four, and probably a relocating family group, were seen on Chipping Sodbury

Common in the 'Long Hedge' early morning only on August 27th.

HAWFINCH - Coccothraustes coccothraustes (c.100) c.30 Scarce

OCTOBER: At least one over Northwick Warth on the 15th; One over Aust Cliffs

on the 18th; Three birds were both seen and heard in flight over Oldbury Power

Station during 'vismig' on the 24th; Two were noted in bushes at the south end

of Lagoon II, Oldbury Power Station before moving towards The Orchard on the

26th; One from Kingsgate Park, Yate on the 30th. NOVEMBER: Two were seen in

flight over Cribbs Causeway at 07:00 on the 2nd; At least four birds were

present at Lower Woods, Wickwar on the 5th with an additional bird noted at

Oldbury Power Station; A juvenile/ female was seen in trees at the south-west

end of Lagoon III, at Oldbury Power Station on the 16th- 17th; Two birds in trees

at the Horton end of Chipping Sodbury Common at 14:30 on the 19th; Two

around Lagoon II at Oldbury Power Station on the 28th; One, probably this

species, heard calling in trees in front of the house, within the one way system

at Tortworth Court on the 30th. DECEMBER: One in treetops at the south-west

end of Lagoon III on the 5th - 7th and 9th; Two at the east end of Cloud Wood,

Marshfield on the 12th with one reported there on the 15th; Three were present

and flying around the churchyard at St Anne’s Church, Oldland on the 13th -

15th with four on the 16th, one on the 18th, at least three on the 24th, at least

two on the 28th, five on the 30th.

COMMON ROSEFINCH - Carpodacus erythrinus (1) 1 Extremely rare

One was both seen and heard in flight low over Northwick Warth on October

14th.

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© TBOSG

COMMON CROSSBILL - Loxia curvirostra (c.185) 5 Scarce

Four, a male and three females were seen at Oldbury Power Station on April 7th

in pines on the north-east side of Lagoon I before flying upriver along the bank.

SERIN - Serinus serinus (0) 1 Extremely rare

A spring male was both seen and heard at 08:25 on April 6th at New

Passage. This is the first documented reference to this species in S.

Gloucestershire. It was both seen and heard in flight low over the 'ramp' at New

Passage before alighting briefly in the Ash by the entrance to Northwick Warth

before flying towards 'The Glen'.

On the evening of April 5th a small bright yellow finch landed near entrance to

Northwick Warth before flying towards the houses at New Passage which

appeared too small for Siskin.

SNOW BUNTING - Plectrophenax nivalis (c.90) 2 Very scarce

Two were flushed from the gravel on Lagoon III, Oldbury Power Station at 08:00

on November 5th before flying south.

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Notable Birding Events in 2017

FIRST RECORDS AMERICAN WIGEON A 1st winter drake on January 2nd on Littleton Warth.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF A spring male in Kingsgate Park, Yate on March 25th.

SERIN A spring male at New Passage on April 6th.

EARLIEST DATES RECORDS AMERICAN WIGEON Our very first record on Littleton Warth on January 2nd.

GOOSANDER An immature in the New Passage/ Northwick Warth area on August 4th.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER One was seen from Severn Beach on October 21st.

CATTLE EGRET Two wintering birds were present at Wick on January 1st.

GREAT WHITE EGRET Two low over St Mary's Church, Littleton-upon-Severn on January 2nd.

MARSH HARRIER An immature over Lagoon II, Oldbury Power Station on January 1st.

HOBBY An adult at Pilning Wetland on March 30th.

BLACK-WINGED STILT A female on Pilning Wetland on May 7th.

Greenland Dunlin Two adults at New Passage on May 14th.

SHORELARK A winter adult on Northwick Warth Flash on October 28th.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Returning birds at Pilning Wetland on April 2nd.

WHITE WAGTAIL A surprise find at Marshfield on March 11th.

HOUSE MARTIN An exceptionally early bird at Frampton Cotterell on February 28th.

SWALLOW One returning bird noted on Aust Warth on March 15th.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER A delightful find on Northwick Warth on September 24th.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF A real surprise in Kingsgate Park, Yate on March 25th.

GARDEN WARBLER Early spring migrant on Yate Common on April 16th.

LESSER WHITETHROAT An early adult on Northwick Warth on April 9th.

WHITETHROAT Another early bird on Northwick Warth on March 30th.

SEDGE WARBLER An adult on Northwick Warth on April 8th.

REED WARBLER An adult on Littleton Warth on April 2nd.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER On spotted at New Passage on April 20th.

SERIN A spring male at New Passage on April 6th.

LATEST DATES RECORDS Continental Cormorant An adult on Pilning Wetland on March 28th.

TEMMINCK’S STINT A moulting adult in Chestle Pill, New Passage on July 22nd.

COMMON TERN A juvenile from Severn Beach on October 21st.

CASPIAN GULL An adult winter female noted at Shortwood on March 2nd.

TURTLE DOVE A 1st winter lingering on Northwick Warth until October 7th.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET Three birds over Kingswood on December 8th

NIGHTJAR One seen in the Hallen area on October 15th.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE A juvenile on Chipping Sodbury Common on September 19th.

Blue-headed Wagtail Spring migration individual on May 18th.

WATER PIPIT A very late leaver at Oldbury Power Station on May 27th.

Siberian Chiffchaff A late departing bird on Northwick Warth on April 12th.

WHINCHAT A lingering bird at Oldbury Power Station on October 28th.

COMMON ROSEFINCH A fly-over on Northwick Warth on October 14th.

HIGHEST COUNT RECORDS CANADA GOOSE: A massive 373 were counted at Oldbury Power Station on October 8th.

CATTLE EGRET Two wintered at Toghill Farm, Wick and were last seen March 11th.

MERLIN Three on Northwick Warth on November 1st.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT An impressive c.560 at New Passage on January 7th.

KNOT An incredible c.1120 on Northwick Warth on February 5th.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET Three birds over Kingswood on December 8th

GREEN WOODPECKER At least twenty birds were counted at Overscourt Woodland on March 11th.

MAGPIE 60+ at Warmley Forest Park on February 13th.

WREN 21 displaced by the high tide at Oldbury Power Station on November 6th.

STONECHAT 14 at Oldbury Power Station on March 7th.

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ARTICLES

American Wigeon: Littleton Warth, Littleton on 2nd January 2017

By Ben Ofield

On the 2nd January I was out walking with my partner and two children along

Littleton Wharf, to do a bit of bird watching. There were a lot of birds moving

about in the area, I decided to look through the groups of Meadow Pipits along

the salt marsh, I was scanning the groups and managed to find one Water Pipit

in amongst them, which made the trip worthwhile already.

Along the estuary there was a lot of wildfowl moving up and down as it was

high tide, there was plenty of Mallard and Wigeon, I like to check every flock of

birds in the hope that I come across something a bit better. As I was scanning

P a g e | 144

the groups of wildfowl, I noticed some Wigeon flying, and there was one

playing catch-up behind the others, as soon as I got it focussed in my

binoculars I realised it was an American Wigeon, so I grabbed my camera and

managed to get a shot.

I reported it to the news services; I then stayed to get a better view and

hopefully a better photo of it. It looked like it was flying up and down the

estuary on its own trying to find somewhere to settle. After I managed to get a

few record shots, I moved on further up the estuary towards Oldbury Power

Station in the hope that other birders could catch up with it.

Iberian Chiffchaff: Kingsgate Park, Yate on 25th March 2017

By Mark Coller

Having moved to the area in December 2016 and with the onset of spring I was

eager to check out the local park for early migrants, the first three Common

Chiffchaffs were in on the 12th March and I was hoping for an early Willow

Warbler.

Entering Kingsgate Park on the 25th March there were still two Common

Chiffchaff singing around the long pond area. I then heard a loud twitter that

sounded a bit like the ending of a Cetti's warbler. Cetti's Warbler would be a

first for the area and with Darren Pearce being away it would be a great

‘gripper’

As I reached the end of the long pond the bird sang again from high up in the

trees, this was no Cetti's Warbler! I knew the call ‘chiff chiff chiff chiff tee tee

tee’ followed by a faster ‘swee swee wee wee’ but it didn't register for a few

seconds - Iberian Chiffchaff - I thought it can't be, it’s still March and this is Yate!

After getting a good enough view I ran back home to get my camera for

evidence, luckily the bird was still there but it had moved to the back of the

main pond, I managed to get some photos before having to drive to work.

At work I quickly viewed the photos and listened to the calls on Xeno Canto to

be certain of the identification, the song was correct as were the paler than

Chiffchaff legs, yellowish wash under the tail and on the throat, whitish belly,

more greenish brown back and the bright yellow supercilium in front of the eye.

I then contacted Darren to see when he was back and called Martyn Hayes

who quickly arrived at the Park, luckily the bird was still there and it performed

well over the weekend.

P a g e | 145

P a g e | 146

Paul Marshall managed to get a sound recording and sonogram and this with

many photos have been sent to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) for

consideration.

If accepted it would not only be the first record for S. Glos but also the earliest

Iberian Chiffchaff for the UK.

Serin - New Passage on the 6th April 2017

By Paul Bowerman

At about 08:25 on April 6th while walking on the lower concrete footpath next

to the beach at New Passage, I heard a very distinctive trilled twittering “trirrlilit”

flight call that I immediately recognised as Serin. It was flying towards me when

I was fortunate enough to locate the bird in flight as it flew west about ten

metres from me and three metres above.

At this moment the proverbial penny dropped and I remembered a Twitter

message from the evening before regarding a mystery “small bright yellow

finch that landed near the entrance to Northwick Warth” (Paul Bowdler).

After a few seconds it flew back towards me over the railings and landed in an

almost leafless Ash Tree fifteen metres away and about two metres above me. I

was amazed to see it was a stunning yellow headed and breasted male bird.

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I watched it front and partially side on for about ten seconds and realised I

needed to take a photograph.

As I was preparing my camera a dog walker walked past and flushed the bird.

It flew off calling again towards the large garden of The Glen but could not be

relocated.

Several weeks later I happened to see Paul Bowdler at New Passage and

discussed the find. He clarified the bird was seen in the same area near the

houses having come out of the large bramble bush next to the beach (that is

very popular with local House Sparrow population). He also confirmed the

bright yellow head and lack of black of male siskin, but it flew off quickly before

he could identify it.

Description:

It was a small finch, round headed and dumpy. A short stubby, pale conical bill

and a fast, bouncy undulating flight.

The call was a very distinctive trilled twittering “trirrlilit” in flight. (Recalling calls

I’ve heard many times in Greece, Spain, Portugal and France)

It showed a bright yellow forehead, supercillium; surround to the ear coverts,

throat, breast and thin wing bars.

Brownish cheek crescent and wings and a streaked mantle. A bright yellow

rump patch was seen while perched but not seen in flight because it was

always above me and only showed the underside until perched. There was no

black on the crown or chin (I.e. Siskin).

The underparts showed a white belly with dark streaking on flanks and sides of

breast. The feet and legs were pink and the tail was short and forked lacking

any yellow at the base of tail.

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Oldbury Power Station Common Birds Census 2017

By Pete Hazelwood

The tables below show the most commonly seen species at Oldbury Power Station in the

10 years from September 2007 to October 2017. They show the majority of the 189 species

seen in this period which I have logged most often during my 1700+ visits. I log all birds

seen on my visits using - BTO Birdtrack - and have done so since February 2003 some

79,334 records with an average of 47 species per visit.

Tables one (increases) and two (decreases) show for ‘Selected Species’; in column one -

Report % - the percentage of visits each ‘selected species’ has been seen. Column two -

‘Old %' - shows the percentage of visits in the period from February 2003 to November

2012 when I first created this tables (811 visits). The third column shows the ‘Number of

Records’ seen in the same period. The last column shows the difference between

columns one and two, so shows how species numbers have changed on site over the

given time.

Table 1

Selected Species Showing Increases

Species Report % Old % No. of records Difference >

Little Egret 33.0 13.6 562 19.4

Cetti's Warbler 19.3 1.1 329 18.2

Mute Swan 55.1 39.8 939 15.3

Canada Goose 60.6 48.7 1032 11.9

Tufted Duck 63.7 52.2 1084 11.5

Goldcrest 50.4 39.3 859 11.1

Pied Wagtail 82.2 71.9 1400 10.3

Table 2

Selected Species Showing Decreases

Species Report % Old % No. of records Difference <

Grey Heron 75.5 86.2 1285 -10.7

Jackdaw 68.3 79.1 1163 -10.8

Shoveler 14.9 26.4 254 -11.5

Rook 63.4 75.8 1080 -12.4

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Stock Dove 46.6 59.3 793 -12.7

Lapwing 45.6 59.6 776 -14.0

Greenfinch 62.4 77.7 1062 -15.3

Chaffinch 70.4 87.3 1199 -16.9

Feral Pigeon 60.1 81.7 1023 -21.6

Table 3

Selected Species showing no significant change

Species Report % Old % Difference

Mallard 99.9 99.9 0.0

Robin 93.9 93.9 0.0

Common Stonechat 22.2 22.2 0.0

The tables below show the most ‘regularly’ seen species at Oldbury Power Station in the

10 years between September 2007 and October 2017 accounting for a large proportion

of the 189 species seen in this period.

Table 4

All species logged that show a decrease


Magpie 99.4 99.5 -0.1

Carrion Crow 99.3 99.6 -0.3

Herring Gull 98.8 98.9 -0.1

Woodpigeon 98.5 99.0 -0.5

Starling 93.9 98.1 -4.2

Lesser Black-backed Gull 93.1 99.6 -6.5

Blue Tit 92.0 93 -1.0

Dunnock 88.9 93.4 -4.5

Wren 88.2 88.5 -0.3

Great Tit 86.9 91.5 -4.6

Goldfinch 81.2 81.6 -0.4

Song Thrush 80.2 84.7 -4.5

Cormorant 77.3 81.5 -4.2

Great Black-backed Gull 69.7 75 -5.3

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Shelduck 66.9 74.7 -7.8

Meadow Pipit 63.4 72.2 -8.8

Teal 61.0 62.9 -1.9

Bullfinch 60.0 64 -4.0

Common Gull 58.4 66.3 -7.9

Green Woodpecker 58.1 64.6 -6.5

Common Buzzard 57.4 64.4 -7.0

Kestrel 50.3 53.2 -2.9

Blackcap 48.3 49.3 -1.0

Jay 43.0 48.2 -5.2

Redshank 40.8 47.0 -6.2

Skylark 38.9 42.7 -3.8

Common Whitethroat 35.8 36.1 -0.3

Reed Warbler 30.6 30.7 -0.1

Fieldfare 30.4 32.8 -2.4

Sparrowhawk 24.2 30.8 -6.6

House Martin 17.8 20.9 -3.1

Common Snipe 15.8 16.2 -0.4

Willow Warbler 11.5 17.2 -5.7

Common Swift 10.2 13.7 -3.5

Black-tailed Godwit 9.9 13.2 -3.3

Common Sandpiper 6.2 6.8 -0.6

Yellowhammer 5.1 8.4 -3.3

Knot 3.7 6.6 -3.1

Mediterranean Gull 3.1 5.7 -2.6

Treecreeper 3.1 3.9 -0.8

Pintail 2.2 5.3 -3.1

Little Owl 2.1 6.5 -4.4

Table 5

All species logged that show an increase


Black-headed Gull 88.0 86.2 1.8

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Curlew 85.9 84.4 1.5

Moorhen 77.9 76.6 1.3

Long-tailed Tit 75.6 74.7 0.9

Coot 68.4 60.7 7.7

Common Chiffchaff 65.0 62.2 2.8

Peregrine 64.1 55.5 8.6

Reed Bunting 63.6 63.4 0.2

Wigeon 55.0 54.2 0.8

Dunlin 54.6 53.9 0.7

Swallow 51.8 49.9 1.9

Oystercatcher 51.5 44.5 7.0

Pheasant 48.7 46.8 1.9

Great Spot Woodpecker 40.4 34.9 5.5

Redwing 37.1 34.9 2.2

Turnstone 32.1 31.3 0.8

Raven 30.3 24.1 6.2

Collared Dove 28.1 23.7 4.4

Ringed Plover 25.7 24.8 0.9

Lesser Whitethroat 20.2 19.0 1.2

Grey Wagtail 19.0 16.3 2.7

Sedge Warbler 17.7 15.7 2.0

Northern Wheatear 16.9 16 0.9

Water Rail 16.7 14.2 2.5

Little Grebe 12.9 4.2 8.7

Rock Pipit 12.4 7.7 4.7

House Sparrow 11.4 10.3 1.1

Grey Plover 9.1 7.9 1.2

Whimbrel 9.1 8.2 0.9

Sand Martin 8.8 8.1 0.7

Gadwall 8.7 3.2 5.5

Mistle Thrush 8.3 8.0 0.3

Siskin 7.2 5.5 1.7

Yellow Wagtail 5.9 5.4 0.5

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Bar-tailed Godwit 5.5 5.1 0.4

Cuckoo 5.5 5.4 0.1

Lesser Redpoll 4.8 3.6 1.2

Black Redstart 3.1 1.6 1.5

There are some surprises in the Reporting Rate figures. The site is very good for Bullfinch,

thanks to planting of native shrubs and trees, and it is great to see a figure of 60%. The

resident pair of Peregrine are seen 2/3rds of all visits (64.1%), and are seen more often

than the resident Kestrels (50.3%). It is rather surprising to see Dunlin at only 54.6%, but they

clear the site at high tide as the lagoons are no longer favourable for roosting. Also, some

species seem to be doing much better here than in the wider countryside: Song Thrush

(80.2%), Linnet (71.3%) and Reed Bunting (63.6%).

Great Spotted Woodpecker seen on 40.4% of visits, and increasing as the trees on site

have matured. Raven seen more often (30.3%) than Collared Dove (28.1%) and much

more often than House Sparrow (11.4%) which are only seen when they wander from

neighbouring farms. Stonechat has been seen on 22.2% of all visits; they are usually

present from autumn to spring.

There are two species that have fallen out of the top 100; Little Owl (down from 6.5% to

2.1%) as it has not be seen for the last 3 years, and Pintail (down from 5.2% to 2.2%), due

to the Lagoons no longer having exposed water and mud for them to dabble.

Looking at how species are faring now compared with the old figures; there are seven

species that have increased by more than 10%, and nine species that have fallen by

more than 10%.

Little Egret and Canada Goose have shown a strong growth nationally, reflected in these

figures. Also Goldcrest has recently shown an increase locally, due to mild winters. Cetti's

Warbler was absent from 2007 to 2012, but has since been ever-present. Mute Swan has

taken to breeding on the lake annually. Tufted Duck has increased in numbers breeding

on the lake, and also more young have been surviving.

Not sure why Pied Wagtail has increased reporting rate. The winter roost of several

hundred on the outbuildings seems to have been stable. It might be that there has been

less industrial activity on-site due to decommissioning, giving more feeding opportunity?

The Feral Pigeon flock has shown an obvious decrease in numbers as there are less

people on-site, sharing sandwiches with them! There was still a flock of 20+ in 2014, but this

has decreased to less than 10.

In the table for 2003-2012, there are three species that have dropped out of the top 20:

Feral Pigeon, Chaffinch and Grey Heron. (The three species that have replaced them

are: Cormorant, Moorhen and Pied Wagtail.)

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Chaffinch numbers during the breeding season have reduced (to point of being absent

this year - 2017). Grey Heron and Shoveler reports are down due to the lagoons no longer

having exposed water and mud.

Greenfinch is probably down as bird feeders are no longer filled. Lapwing, Stock Dove

and Rook numbers being down reflect the wider local and national picture. I do not

know why the Jackdaw figures are down; as they appear OK locally and nationally. (But,

there is no corvid roost in woods at Jobs Green Farm or along the road towards Oldbury

Power Station so far this winter (2017/18).

CONTRIBUTORS

Philip Appleton, Louise Bailey, Kevin Bainbridge, John Barnett, Linda Bellerby, Morris

Benson, Paul Bowdler, Paul Bowerman, Gavin Boyland, Andrew Brown, Karle Burford, Vera

Carpenter, Ken Carruthers, John Cassidy, Allan Chard, Teresa Chard, Mark Coller, Pete

Coslett, Richard Cox, Steve Curtis, Michael Davis, Greg Dawes, Iain Dickie, Paddy Doyle,

John Duffy, Rob Emery, Stuart Evans, Rich Ford, Jess Forey, Alex Francis, Lee Gardiner, Paul

Golledge, Anthony Goodwin, Dave Haddican, Steve Hale, Chris Hall, David Hanks, Rob

Hargreaves, Luke Ozsanlav-Harris, Bill Heselgrave, Nick Hawkridge, Jeff Hazell, Pete

Hazelwood, Mark Hobson, Phil Hemmings, Rupert Higgins, Matt Hobbs, Rod Holbrook,

Katie Horrocks, Paul House, Steve Howe, Gary Hughes, Morag Hughes, Mike Jackson,

Andy Jordan, Steve Jones, Nigel Kempson, Wilf King, Peter Kirmond, Brian Lancastle, Pete

& Margo Lewis, Neil Lodge, Michael Lovering, Rob Laughton, Ben MacDonald, Bill

Mackie, John Martin, Fen Marshall, Paul Marshall, Paul Masters, Stuart Mathews, Duncan

McLaughlin, Jonathan Mercer, Andy Middleton, Rich Miles, Chris Mott, Steve Mott Ben

Ofield, Claire Oliver, Tim Osborne, Darren Pearce, Matt Plenty, Vic Polley, David Poulton,

Lisa Presland, Lois Pryce, Adam Rawson, Peter Rock, Alex Roe, Carol Rushton, John

Ryman, Jeanette Sakel, John Sanders, Caroline Sandrey, Vic Savery, Matt Scott, Tony

Scott, Steven Selwood, Rosemary Setter, Dominic Singleton, Nigel Sluman, Sid Simmons,

Kevin Smith, Mark Smith, Don & Mike Smith, Chris Stone, Helen Strong, Martin Tayler, Pete

Taylor, Chris & David Teague, Brian Thompson, Nick Tippett, Chris Vines, Nigel Warren,

John & Janet Wells, Thomas Weston, Dan White, Roger White, Denise Whittle, Jack

Wilmott, Paul Woolams, Gordon Youdale.

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The South Gloucestershire Bird List 2017 SPECIES

Mute Swan

Bewick's Swan

Whooper Swan

Taiga Bean Goose

Pink-footed Goose

White-fronted Goose

Greylag Goose

Canada Goose

Barnacle Goose

Dark-bellied Brent Goose

Red-breasted Goose

Egyptian Goose

Ruddy Shelduck

Shelduck

Mandarin

Wigeon

American Wigeon

Gadwall

Teal

Green-winged Teal

Mallard

Pintail

Garganey

Shoveler

Red-crested Pochard

Pochard

Ring-necked Duck

Tufted Duck

Scaup

Eider

King Eider

Long-tailed Duck

Common Scoter

Velvet Scoter

Goldeneye

Smew

Red-breasted Merganser

Goosander

Ruddy Duck

Red-legged Partridge

Grey Partridge

Quail

Pheasant

Red-throated Diver

Black-throated Diver

Great Northern Diver

Pacific Diver

Fulmar

Cory's Shearwater

Sooty Shearwater

Manx Shearwater

Balearic Shearwater

Storm Petrel

Leach's Petrel

Gannet

Cormorant

Shag

Bittern

Little Bittern

Night Heron

Cattle Egret

Little Egret

Great White Egret

Grey Heron

White Stork

Glossy Ibis

Spoonbill

Crane

Little Grebe

Great Crested Grebe

Slavonian Grebe

Black-necked Grebe

Honey Buzzard

Red Kite

Black Kite

White-tailed Eagle

Marsh Harrier

Hen Harrier

Pallid Harrier

Montagu's Harrier

Goshawk

Sparrowhawk

Common Buzzard

Osprey

Kestrel

Red-footed Falcon

Merlin

Hobby

Peregrine

Water Rail

Spotted Crake

Corncrake

Moorhen

Coot

Oystercatcher

Black-winged Stilt

Avocet

Stone Curlew

Little Ringed Plover

Ringed Plover

Kentish Plover

Dotterel

Golden Plover

American Golden Plover

Grey Plover

Lapwing

Knot

Sanderling

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Little Stint

Temminck's Stint

White-rumped Sandpiper

Pectoral Sandpiper

Curlew Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper

Dunlin

Broad-billed Sandpiper

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Ruff

Jack Snipe

Snipe

Long-billed Dowitcher

Woodcock

Icelandic BTailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwit

Whimbrel

Curlew

Spotted Redshank

Redshank

Greenshank

Green Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper

Terek Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper

Turnstone

Red-necked Phalarope

Grey Phalarope

Pomarine Skua

Arctic Skua

Long-tailed Skua

Great Skua

Guillemot

Razorbill

Black Guillemot

Little Auk

Puffin

Sandwich Tern

Roseate Tern

Common Tern

Arctic Tern

Little Tern

Whiskered Tern

Black Tern

White-winged Black Tern

Mediterranean Gull

Franklin's Gull

Laughing Gull

Little Gull

Sabine's Gull

Black-headed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Common Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Herring Gull

Caspian Gull

Yellow-legged Gull

Iceland Gull

Glaucous Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Kittiwake

Pallas's Sandgrouse

Stock Dove

Feral Pigeon

Woodpigeon

Collared Dove

Turtle Dove

Ring-necked Parakeet

Cuckoo

Barn Owl

Little Owl

Tawny Owl

Long-eared Owl

Short-eared Owl

Nightjar

Swift

Alpine Swift

Kingfisher

European Bee-eater

Hoopoe

Wryneck

Green Woodpecker

GSpotted Woodpecker

LSpotted Woodpecker

Golden Oriole

Red-backed Shrike

Great Grey Shrike

Woodchat Shrike

Jay

Magpie

Jackdaw

Rook

Carrion Crow

Hooded Crow

Raven

Penduline Tit

Bearded Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Marsh Tit

Willow Tit

Coal Tit

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Nuthatch

Treecreeper

Woodlark

Skylark

Shorelark

Richard's Pipit

Tree Pipit

Meadow Pipit

Rock Pipit

Water Pipit

Red-throated Pipit

Yellow Wagtail

Eastern Yellow Wagtail

Grey Wagtail

Pied Wagtail

Sand Martin

House Martin

Swallow

Red-rumped Swallow

Cetti's Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Aquatic Warbler

Marsh Warbler

Reed Warbler

Icterine Warbler

Dartford Warbler

Subalpine Warbler

Lesser Whitethroat

Whitethroat

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Garden Warbler

Blackcap

Yellow-browed Warbler

Wood Warbler

Chiffchaff

Iberian Chiffchaff

Willow Warbler

Goldcrest

Firecrest

Starling

Rose-coloured Starling

Spotted Flycatcher

Pied Flycatcher

Robin

Nightingale

Bluethroat

Red-flanked Bluetail

Black Redstart

Redstart

Whinchat

Stonechat

Northern Wheatear

Pied Wheatear

Desert Wheatear

Ring Ouzel

Blackbird

Fieldfare

Song Thrush

Redwing

Mistle Thrush

Waxwing

Dipper

Wren

Dunnock

House Sparrow

Tree Sparrow

Chaffinch

Brambling

Goldfinch

Greenfinch

Serin

Siskin

Linnet

Twite

Lesser Redpoll

Common Redpoll

Common Crossbill

Bullfinch

Hawfinch

Common Rosefinch

Lapland Bunting

Snow Bunting

Yellowhammer

Cirl Bunting

Reed Bunting

Black-headed Bunting

Corn Bunting

FORMS

Ashy-headed Wagtail

Blue-headed Wagtail

Continental Blackbird

Cont Black-tailed Godwit

Continental Chaffinch

Continental Coal Tit

Continental Cormorant

Cont Lesser BB Gull

Cont Greylag Goose

Continental Jay

Continental Song Thrush

Greenland Dunlin

Greenland Wheatear

Greenland WF Goose

Grey-headed Wagtail

Icelandic Golden Plover

Icelandic Merlin

Icelandic Redshank

Icelandic Redwing

Kumlien's Gull

Nordic Jackdaw

Northern Dunlin

Northern Willow Warbler

Pale-bellied Brent Goose

Scandinavian Chiffchaff

Scandinavian Herring Gull

Scandinavian Rock Pipit

Siberian Chiffchaff

Tundra Ringed Plover

White Wagtail

White-spotted Bluethroat

Documents

THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE 2017 · from Sever Beach in 2009, a wintering Red-flanked Bluetail in the Shire Valley at Marshfield in 2014 and an off the radar Black/ White-bellied