Report of Bird walk @ Severnside 11.9.23
Nine members met down at New Passage under grey skies. We walked down the path towards the foreshore. We noted the considerable numbers of starlings that were grouping together in the trees and along the wires. We also noted carrion crows and house sparrows near the bushes that were plentiful of blackberries. The footpath that leads over to the Pilning Wetlands was still closed off, so we walked on the lower path to the foreshore. The tide was well out, but groups of waders could be seen enjoying the mud with some redshank. Mallards were seen swimming near the edge along with an unidentifiable brown and white duck. Black headed gulls minus their distinguishable dark brown heads were in evidence along with other gulls. A wagtail was seen flitting over the rocks as well as It had started to rain which made observing birds more difficult. Using the binoculars and scopes we had a debate whether the long-billed waders were whimbrel or curlew. Balance of probability said they were most likely to be curlew. A little egret was spotted at the water’s edge near a patch of weeds. Looking out towards the river we saw a small flock of oystercatchers fly in and join the several others that were foraging between the rocks. About fifteen small birds flew into a small island of rocks and were so well camouflaged in the weed. They were identified as turnstones. On closer observation there were several godwits, probably black tailed ones out on the mud plus another curlew. Looking towards the Pilning Wetlands hide we saw a flock of Canada geese and a heron. A small number of little birds could also be seen but not easily identified so some members braved the rocks and walked over in order to find out more. They were meadow pipits, and some enjoyed a bath in the shallow water of the pill. A large flock flew over us that we identified as goldfinches and yet more pipits from their calls.
Meanwhile the rain that wasn’t forecast started to fall and it was getting quite unpleasant so the proposed walk along the front to the Prince of Wales bridge was abandoned in favour of getting in the cars and driving to park near the other side of the bridge to see what was at the water’s edge there. We parked and walked up the path. On the way we saw a robin. Also seen were huge, beautiful spiders’ webs encrusted with rain drops and each occupied by a large spider with striped legs, probably Garden Spiders. Unfortunately, when we got to the designated bird spotting place there were no birds! The tide had receded too far. This was disappointing as a few days earlier there had been many waders including knot, little ringed plovers, and sandpipers. So, the walk ended here.
A good morning with a fair number of birds seen.
Some of us took a detour on the way home to check out the road that had recently opened by Aust and Old Passage. The flood defense work is nearing completion but as yet there is no access to the Coastal path that links old and New Passage. A wall has been built that unless you are tall you can’t see over! We walked down to see what was there, noting that the reed beds have really increased in size since the last visit … but no reed buntings. However, magpies and a rook were spotted and the recognisable call of a Cettis warbler.
Eve B. 11.9.23
| Birds in order of appearance | |||||
| Starling | house sparrow | Carrion crow | |||
| Little egret | Black headed gull | Redshank | |||
| Mallard | Pied wagtail | curlew | |||
| Oystercatcher | Black tailed godwit | ringed plover | |||
| Turnstone | Canada geese | Meadow pipits | |||
| Robin | |||||
| at Aust | Woodpigeon | Blue tit | |||
| Magpie | , | Rook | Cetti’s warbler |
21