MARCH 2004

26th - This morning at Clevedon there were 4 Sand Martins, 1 Wheatear, 80 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Grey Plover and a Chiffchaff.

21st - Two hours of seawatching first thing this morning in strong winds produced a dark morph Arctic Skua, 3 adult Gannets and c10 Kittiwakes.  Most of the seabirds favoured the welsh side of the channel.

20th - Gale force winds in the channel produced only a few sea birds from Ladye Bay, but a Sandwich Tern and 2 Fulmars were welcome finds.

19th - The fall of Wheatears continues with 12 on the sea wall at Clevedon, several Chiffchaffs and 4 Little Egrets also seen.

18th - An excellent record of 22 Common Scoter heading out of the channel today, seen from Ladye Bay and the first 2 Sand Martins of the year were seen.

17th - Spring migration has started with 5 Wheatears on the sea wall at Clevedon and reports of a couple of Chiffchaffs on the patch.

16th - On the coast at Clevedon there were 3 Little Egrets, 20 Oystercatchers, 10 Dunlin, 12 Grey Plover and a Black Tailed Godwit.

14th - This afternoon 11 adult Gannets and a Kittiwake were seen from Ladye Bay, Clevedon in quite strong SW winds.

13th - Today at Clevedon there was a Cetti's Warbler, Spotted Redshank, Black Tailed Godwit and 2 Merlins.

11th - At Clevedon there were 4 Goosander, 14 Grey Plover, 160 Dunlin, a Jack Snipe and 18 Turnstone.

10th - The Dusky Warbler was again seen at around midday, directions as per the 8th again.

9th - The Dusky Warbler was still present mid morning, directions as per the 8th.

8th - The Dusky Warbler was still present and showing well at midday today.  Latest directions as follows; from M5, Jctn 19 take Dock Road, then left at roundabout signed Portbury West, after 400 yards go left into Banyard Road, park by Celloglass and view evergreen hedge 

7th - A Dusky Warbler( first record for the old county of Avon ) was discovered yesterday evening at Portbury Dock.  The bird was still present but elusive at 11:30 this morning.  Directions as follows: 

Many thanks and congratulations to Chris Stone for finding the bird.  (a Brimstone and Tortoishell butterfly also there ) 

On the coast at Clevedon, the Twite was still present near the mouth of the yeo, c300 Dunlin, 3 Little Egret, 2 Peregrines, 4 Knot, 16 Grey Plover, Black Tailed Godwit, the usual numbers of Wigeon, Shelduck and Teal.  

5th - The first 2 Bramblings of the year on the patch were seen in a Clevedon garden.

4th - Today at Clevedon there were 800 - 1000 Dunlin, 15-2- Grey Plover, several Turnstone, 17 Lapwing, 2 Little Egrets and a female Merlin.  3 Blackcaps reported from a Clevedon garden, thanks to Nigel Trenaman for this picture.

2nd - At 07:22 this morning a probable Sociable Plover flew south over Clevedon with 12 Lapwing, regretfully the bird was not relocated during the day, despite much searching.  We can only hope!

Also seen - 2 Tree Sparrows near the Hand Stadium, Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall and 5 Little Grebe on the Blind Yeo