UK Bird Sightings

A comprehensive round-up of birds seen in your area during April

Highlights

Highlights in the region during

April included another sighting of a Black-browed Albatross, this one seen from near St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, on 25th. Could this be the long-staying ‘German’ bird on tour, again? On Guernsey, Channel Islands, the American Royal Tern was reported from 7th to 26th.

AVON

MIGRATION: Spring migration continued with arrivals of the first Cuckoo (18th), Swift (17th), Hobby (4th), Sedge Warbler (7th), Reed Warbler (2nd), Grasshopper Warbler (9th), Garden Warbler (11th), Lesser Whitethroat (13th), Spotted Flycatcher (20th, the only report), Whinchat (18th), and on the 3rd, Ring Ouzel, Pied Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit. The last winter departure dates (so far) were Fieldfare (21st), Redwing (6th) and Water Pipit (10th).

SEA-WATCHING (SEVERN ESTUARY): The storms (23rd-27th) pushed seabirds up to coastal watchpoints with best site counts of one Manx Shearwater, five Great Skuas, four Pomarine Skuas, five Arctic Skuas, 18 Arctic Terns, one Guillemot and a few Gannets and Kittiwakes. Fulmar counts (27th) were 10 at Clevedon, 11 at Weston-super-mare and 21 at Sand Point.

CLEVEDON TO WESTON-SUPER-MARE: There was a Spoonbill at Sand Point (19th) and a Cattle Egret at Uphill (8th). The Little Egrets have moved away to breed, Avon’s top count this month being just nine around the Yeo. Clevedon had a single Common Scoter on two dates, a Red-breasted Merganser (6th), and most unusually, three Mandarins (14th & 23rd). Clevedon-yeo had a Hen Harrier (17th) and a typical selection of passage waders including Greenshanks, Spotted Redshanks, Knot, Ruff and Jack Snipe. Three Sandwich Terns passed Sand Point (15th), a Firecrest was there on three dates and a Wood Warbler (22nd) with another at Clevedon (30th). Two Crossbills flew over Sand Point (30th).

SEVERNSIDE: Severnside had a Brent Goose (21st) and two (25th) , a Common Scoter (9th) and two (27th). All Garganey reports were from Pilning Wetlands during the last week. Oldbury had a Goshawk (6th). New Passage had an excellent passage of Little Ringed Plovers peaking at 14, also 500 Black-tailed and 430 Bar-tailed Godwits. Up to four Avocets dropped in at various sites, possibly en route to their Welsh breeding grounds. Thirty Golden Plovers at New Passage (7th) was the best count, and there were ones and twos of Knot, Ruff, Greenshank and Jack Snipe. Severn Beach had a good gull month with 33 Little Gulls (8th), 32 Kittiwakes (16th), a Little Tern and a Black Tern (23rd). Oldbury had an Iceland Gull (6th). Single Merlins and Short-eared Owls hung on along the coast. Northwick Warth had a spectacular purple patch for wagtails (24th-28th ) with a female Citrine Wagtail joined by a male (25th), up to three Blue-headed Wagtails and two ‘Channel’ Wagtails (flava x flavissima) that week. Twenty White Wagtails and 2,000 Meadow Pipits passed up the coast, and a Crossbill flew over Oldbury (23rd).

THE RESERVOIRS: An adult male Ring-necked Duck and one or two Scaup were at Chew from 17th through month-end, Goldeneye peaked at 33 (2nd), while the first-winter Lesser Scaup spent the month at Blagdon Lake. Barrow Gurney’s wintering Long-tailed Duck was last seen (22nd). A Cattle Egret was at Chew (21st-22nd) and (probably the same) two Great White Egrets were seen during the month at Chew and Blagdon. Up to three Marsh Harriers were at Chew. Chew and Blagdon each had two inland Oystercatchers, and Chew logged a Greenshank and up to 10 Black-tailed and two Bar-tailed Godwits. Both reservoirs held up to four Little Gulls in the first week, and Chew also had two Mediterranean Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull. Best counts of terns were 22 Arctic Terns and four Black Terns at Chew late on. Huge numbers of Sand Martins passed through Chew in the first week with 2,400 (2nd), and there were 18 White Wagtails (9th).

OTHER SITES: A Glossy Ibis was at Tytherington, Glos. (11th), and pairs of overflying Cranes were seen over Bristol on two dates. Osprey, Red Kite and Marsh Harrier passed through in small numbers all month but a Black Kite at Compton Martin (23rd) was unexpected. A Yellow-legged Gull was seen at Bristol city docks (27th). The only Brambling was at Bath (2nd), Saltford had a Corn Bunting (rare away from Marshfield) and Hunstrete had a Crossbill. Jane Cumming

CORNWALL

HIGHLIGHTS: Two Whooper Swans remained at Walmsley (to 2nd). A Green-winged Teal was at Skewjack (17th-24th). A Quail was at Polgigga (23rd). A Black-browed Albatross passed St Michael’s Mount (25th). Cattle Egrets were at many sites, including 60 at Walmsley (2nd). Great White Egrets were at Helston (7th) and Polgigga (30th). A Glossy Ibis was around Marazion all month, with two at Hayle and Gwithian (19th).

A Spoonbill was at Walmsley (12th-20th). A Rough-legged Buzzard drifted along the North Coast of Cornwall (6th). Ospreys passed through (1st-24th). A Stone-curlew was at Nanjizal (23rd). A Temminck’s Stint was at Chapel Amble (1st-24th). The Lesser Yellowlegs remained at Devoran (1st-25th). Iceland Gulls were noted all month. A Kumlien’s Gull was at Drift (7th-8th). A Glaucous Gull was at Land’s End (9th). Hoopoes were at Polperro (7th) and Saltash, Pendeen and Penryn (19th). Wrynecks were at Redruth (7th) and Kynance Cove (16th). The infamous Pied Crow visited several sites in the Far West (10th-19th). A Red-rumped Swallow was at Marazion (13th-14th). A Pallas’s Warbler was at Coverack (1st-20th). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Helston (1st-13th).

A ‘Channel’ Wagtail was at Polgigga (13th-14th). A Richard’s Pipit was at Rinsey Head (3rd). Hawfinches were at Liskeard (3rd) and Pendeen (two on 4th). Serins were at Kenidjack (7th), Land’s End (20th) and Porthgwarra (30th). An Ortolan Bunting was at Nanjizal (18th).

Sara Mcmahon

DEVON

LUNDY: Highlights included a Black Redstart, Merlin, Osprey, 4,543 Guillemots, 2,396 Razorbills, 207 Puffins, two Ring Ouzels, two Tree Pipits, 15 Chiffchaffs, 300 Blackcaps, a Yellow-browed Warbler, two Eastern Subalpine Warblers, the wandering Pied Crow, 109 Manx Shearwaters, 1,000 Willow Warblers and 2,000 Swallows.

NORTH DEVON: Braunton had a Little Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Red Kite, Garganey, five Black-tailed Godwits, two Common Sandpipers and two Water Pipits. The Taw Estuary held two Little Gulls, a Bonaparte’s Gull and Osprey. Skern had 74 Manx Shearwaters and two Arctic Skuas. Bull Point had a Mediterranean Gull and Short-eared Owl. Westward Ho! had a Dark-eyed Junco, the first for Devon. Eight Cattle Egrets were at Penhill. Bideford had a Red Kite and Osprey. Baggy Point had a Red-throated Diver.

SOUTH DEVON: Berry Head had 73 Sandwich Terns, two Arctic Terns, four Great Skuas, two Great Northern Divers, a Black-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe and two Mediterranean Gulls. There were seven Purple Sandpipers at Brixham. Matford had two Green Sandpipers and eight Greenshanks. Slapton had three Ring-necked Ducks, two Garganeys, a Black-necked Grebe, Hoopoe, 350 Sand Martins, a Red-necked Grebe and Grey Plover. A Red-rumped Swallow was at Dawlish Warren. A Hobby was at Whitleigh. Prawle Point had three Redstarts, a Pied Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart, Arctic Skua, two Great Skuas, six Black-throated Divers, 17 Common Scoters and 130 Manx Shearwaters. A Great White Egret was at Dart’s Farm, Exeter. The Plym Estuary held seven Greenshanks, a Ring Ouzel, Jack Snipe and Whinchat. Dunsford had an Iberian Chiffchaff (26th).

A Great Grey Shrike was at Emsworthy. Occombe Point had a Nightingale and Firecrest. Beesands had four Ring-necked Ducks, a Scaup and Black-necked Grebe. Yarner Wood had a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Goshawk. Powderham had a Green Sandpiper, Little Gull and Cattle Egret. Sixty Golden Plovers were at Postbridge. Torquay had 13 Purple Sandpipers. Starcross had seven Cattle Egrets, a Short-eared Owl and Hobby. Soar had a Hoopoe.

Two Serins were at Yelverton. Exminster Marshes had a Cattle Egret and Red-rumped Swallow. A Red Kite was at Tavistock, with an Osprey at Cadover, Dartmoor. Three Cattle Egrets were at Cockwood, Exeter. The wandering Pied Crow was at Woolacombe. Migrants, including Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and all the usual warblers arrived en masse and were recorded across the county.

THURLESTONE BAY: Shelducks peaked at 25 (10th), six Gadwall were on the sea (15th), there were 20 Teal (2nd), and the only Garganey record was one on the sea with the Gadwall (13th). The only good Common Scoter passage was 250 (9th). A Black-necked Grebe on the sea (16th) was only the second record in at least 15 years, and two Great Crested Grebes were on the sea (13th). There were three good days of Gannet passage – 425 (5th), 400 (6th) and 612 (8th). Fulmars peaked at 13 (14th). First Manx Shearwater of the year was on the 1st, with best passage 255 (23rd). Eighteen Red-throated Divers were recorded on nine days, with a maximum four (5th & 8th); a total of 26 Black-throated Divers were recorded on seven days, with 12 (8th); and 15 Great Northern Divers were recorded on 10 days with four (4th). Two Cattle Egrets were on South Huish Marsh (18th), three Red Kites drifted over there (3rd), an Osprey came in off the sea at Hope Cove (8th), a Hobby was over South Milton Ley (14th), and a Short-eared Owl was over South Milton road (4th). Oystercatchers peaked at 10, there was a single Little Ringed Plover on South Huish Marsh (1st, 3rd-5th & 17th), Ringed Plovers peaked at 10 (15th), a Grey Plover was on South Huish Marsh (16th), there was a Sanderling (19th), Dunlin on only two days (one, 12th, and three, 15th), a Ruff on South Huish Marsh (1st), an Avocet was there (2nd), three Snipe (2nd), a flock of 33 Black-tailed Godwits was on South Huish Marsh, and there was Bar-tailed Godwit passage from 14th, with a maximum of 137 (22nd), and 59 through (23rd).

First Whimbrel was a single (5th), and they were recorded daily from 15th with a maximum of 150-plus on South Huish Marsh (17th). Three Curlew roosted there (23rd). A Green Sandpiper was on South Efford Marsh (20th), a maximum of seven Greenshanks were there (20th), and three Redshanks (20th), while the only Turnstone was on the rocks (11th). There was an Arctic Skua (19th), with two (16th), Great Skua was recorded on seven days with a maximum of four (8th). Largest Sandwich Tern passage was 64 (15th), with 43 (5th & 18th), only Common Terns were four (7th) and one (16th), a Little Tern was in the Bay (23rd), and Arctic Tern was recorded on three days – singles (10th & 13th) with two (25th).

Two Puffins flew south-east (25th). One Swift (18th) and two (22nd) were the only records. Only Swallow count above 50 was 185 (16th), 20 House Martins (15th) was the only decent count, and Sand Martins peaked at 30 (18th). Three Cetti’s Warblers were at South Milton Ley regularly. A maximum of nine Chiffchaffs were ringed (9th). There was a Willow Warbler influx (9th), when 19 were ringed at South Milton Ley, 11 Blackcaps were ringed (9th) and 12 (17th), first Whitethroat was at South Efford Marsh (9th), with up to four on the coast (19th), first Grasshopper Warbler was at South Huish Marsh (19th) with three at South Milton Ley (20th), first Sedge Warbler was at South Milton Ley (17th) with eight (20th), the first Reed Warbler was there (19th), and very few Wheatears were recorded, with two at South Huish Marsh (1st & 18th). Yellow Wagtails were at South Huish Marsh (23rd & 25th), and three Water Pipits at South Huish Marsh (1st) were already into summer plumage,

Harvey Kendall, mikepassman@modbury.me.uk, thurlestonebaybirds.co.uk

DORSET

HIGHLIGHTS: The White-fronted Goose was seen again at Swineham. Garganeys were at Christchurch Harbour, Longham Lakes and Lodmoor RSPB, with 14 resting on the sea off Portland Bill (15th). The Ring-necked Duck remained at Radipole RSPB. A Surf Scoter passed St. Aldhelm’s Head (30th). The Red-necked Grebe remained at Swineham (to 26th). Cattle Egrets included 30 at Abbotsbury Swannery and 28 at Portesham.

A Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Lulworth Camp (20th). Red Kites, Ospreys and Hobbies were widespread. Merlins were at four sites. Abbotsbury Swannery recorded a Stone-curlew (10th), Temminck’s Stint (20th) and Ring-billed Gull (3rd). Three Black-winged Stilts were at Christchurch Harbour (21st). A Kentish Plover was at Ferrybridge (28th). Portland Bill logged 43 Whimbrels (15th). The Lesser Yellowlegs remained at Lodmoor.

There were 745 Bar-tailed Godwits past Chesil Cove and 218 past Portland Bill (22nd). Little Gulls were at Mudeford Quay (5th), Portland Bill (6th), Longham Lakes (8th), St. Aldhelm’s Head (two on 8th) and Lodmoor. A Laughing Gull passed Portland Bill (28th). Puffins were at St. Aldhelm’s Head (7th-8th) and

Portland Bill (9th), with two at Dancing Ledge (21st). A Black Guillemot passed Portland Bill (6th). Cuckoos were at seven sites (from 13th). A Turtle Dove came in off the sea at Durlston (24th). Hoopoes were at Stanpit Marsh (5th), Portland (two) and Langton Herring (21st). A Wryneck was at Forston (1st). A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was on Rempstone Heath (21st). Red-rumped Swallows were at Portland Bill (12th and 22nd). A Savi’s Warbler and Melodious Warbler were at Radipole and Portland Bird Observatory respectively. Serins were at Durlston CP and on Portland.

Robin Trundle

ISLES OF SCILLY

HIGHLIGHTS: The Avocet was last seen on Bryher (1st), when a Stone-curlew was heard over Hugh Town. Last month’s Bittern flew over Mt Flagon, St Mary’s (2nd). The wintering Hen Harrier remained on St Martin’s until mid-month, when a Marsh Harrier was around the islands. Two Cattle Egrets on Tresco stayed until the end of the month. Night Herons were at Porth Hellick and in the Lower Moors area.

The wintering Rough-legged Buzzard remained (to 9th), usually over Tresco or St Martin’s. A Cetti’s Warbler was at Porth Hellick throughout. A fall of migrants (10th) saw Redstarts, and Ring Ouzels in several locations. An Osprey flew over St Mary’s. An Arctic Skua was between the islands and a Yellow-legged Gull on Porth Mellon (14th). The first spring record of an Eastern Yellow Wagtail was in Lower Moors (16th), when a Wood Sandpiper was on Tresco and a Hoopoe on the Airport.

One of the two Rooks that flew over St Mary’s (17th) remained until the end of the month. A Subalpine Warbler was found dead near the campsite, St Agnes (17th). Another was near Carreg Dhu Gardens (18th-20th). An Osprey was over Tresco and Bryher and a Bee-eater heard over St Martin’s (18th). An Eastern Subalpine Warbler was on Bryher along with a Woodchat Shrike and a Nightingale (19th).

Another Woodchat was on Lower Moors (20th), in the same field as a Night Heron! Another Hoopoe and Golden Oriole were on Bryher (20th), when a Hawfinch was near the Abbey on Tresco (20th). A Hoopoe was on St Martin’s (21st). A Firecrest was on the Garrison (22nd). A Western Subalpine Warbler was on St Agnes (22nd-23rd). An Ortolan Bunting was on Gugh and five Pied Flycatchers on Bryher (23rd). A Golden Oriole was at Trenoweth and an Osprey over Tresco (24th). A Short-toed Lark was on the Golf Course (27th). A Godlewski’s Bunting on the Garrison (28th-30th) was carrying a ring, so thought to be an escape. An Arctic Skua was between the islands (28th). A Montagu’s Harrier and Marsh Harrier were on St Martin’s (29th), and all the islands (30th). A Purple Heron flew over St Mary’s (29th).

Will Wagstaff

JERSEY

HIGHTLIGHTS: On the 1st, three Ring Ouzels, and passerines like White Wagtails were at Sorel on the north coast, along with Wheatears and Meadow Pipits. Ring Ouzels passed through there throughout, and the breeding Chough were normally there. On the scrape at the Wetlands Centre (1st), six Lapwings were breeding and two pairs later reared two lots of chicks successfully, and Garganey and three Pintail including a displaying pair were in Saint Ouens, with Snipe, Marsh Harriers, Little Egrets, Buzzards, Shovelers, Gadwall and up to 20 or so Teal, plus six Pochards on the Pond nearby and 30 or so Tufted Ducks with up to 30 Shoveler displaying. A Yellow Wagtail was on the scrape (7th), the first of many during the month including over Sorel on the north coast, with White Wagtails and Tree Pipits and the odd Blue-headed Wagtail. On the 8th 66 pale-bellied Brent Geese were in Saint Aubin’s Bay.

On the 10th the first Reed Warbler was singing at Grouville Marsh, and at the Wetland Centre Reed and Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Pied and Spotted Flycatchers all returned. Cattle Egrets in breeding plumage were with cattle and Little Egrets at La Sente Farm, La Rocque. Water Pipits moved through with Jack Snipe and Snipe at some sites. Greenland Wheatears were at Grouville Marsh (10th) and passed through the Wetland Centre and the north coast, plus hundreds of Wheatears – 94 were counted on the island (16th). The male Hen Harrier was at Sorel (12th). Many Hobby and the odd Merlin passed through, plus Osprey, mostly on the north coast. Great Northern Divers were often seen off La Rocque in breeding plumage with at least six there.

A Short-eared Owl was seen with a Fieldfare (14th). Cuckoos were seen including at St Peters where a White Stork was flying in the Valley (21st). On the 22nd 11 Razorbills were seen with nine Puffins east of Plemont near Greve de Lecq. Fulmars and Shags were there. Cirl Buntings were singing in Grouville on the Golf Course. A Serin was at Sorel with five Tree Pipits and Yellow Wagtail (20th). On the 24th at the scrape at the Wetlands Centre were Wood Sandpiper, Greensandpiper, Snipe, Redshank, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Greenshank and Lapwings. At Grosnez (23rd) were 242 Manx Shearwaters, two Great Skuas, Sandwich Terns, eight Kittiwakes, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, three Guillemots and Razorbills. On the 28th two Black-tailed Godwits were seen in breeding plumage, which stayed on the scrape with Teal and Shoveler a few days.

Stonechats were numerous and Dartford Warblers were also noisy. Sky Larks were singing near Kempt Tower and at the Airport. The Spotted Redshank on the Scrape (11th) was the first seen for many years. Long-eared Owls and Barn Owls were noisy and Peregrines were normally at St Thomas church and other sites, with perhaps six pairs in Jersey compared to about 15 or 16 of Marsh Harriers. Bullfinches were seen as were Kingfishers on the odd occasion and at Petit Port the usual Whimbrel and Curlew were with Shelducks, which were also at the Wetland Centre and in Grouville Bay. Swifts moved through at the end of the month as did thousands of Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins during the month. Little Ringed Plovers moved through with other migrant waders like Ringed Plovers and Bar-tailed Godwits, Golden Plover and Grey Plovers plus Dunlin on the west coast and some at La Rocque.

Bertram Bree

WILTSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: Four Cranes flew over Salisbury, Great White Egrets were at Cotswold Water Park and Standlynch and Ospreys were at Swindon and Chippenham. Waders at the Water Park included a Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Whimbrel, Greenshank and both Black and Bar-tailed Godwits. Common Sandpipers were at four sites. Summer migrants included Garganey at the Water Park, Pied Flycatcher at Lower Moors and Wood Warbler at Great Ridge Wood. Cuckoos were at 16 sites and Ring Ouzels at Liddington Hill, SPTA(E) and Cley Hill. Only two Nightingales were reported. Late winter movements included a Merlin at SPTA(E), 150 Golden Plovers at Mere Down, 256 Fieldfares at Russley Down and four Bramblings at Savernake. Crossbills were reported from Savernake, Gasper, Fovant, Great Ridge Wood and Shear Water.

Rob Turner