Severnside, photo's and ID needed

stephen p · #1 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 09:25 PM

Hey Everyone,

I lived not to far from the Severn Estuary and have always wanted to head down there to have a look and try and get some good shots.
After reading up on the area and the area being in the latest Birdwatch magazine i decided to head down there this afternoon.
I went to Aust Wrath first and headed south down the Estuary from there.
it's a lovely walk and the different amount of birds is brilliant, i walked down the edge and saw plenty of birds, unfortunatly the tide was quite far out so couldnt get any photo's but saw Oystercatchers, Snipe, Godwits, Sandpipers and a of Bewick's flying up the estuary which was great.

I saw this little chap by the reed bed when i was sat in the car, a lovely looking bird, but i can not find what it is in my Bird book. I think it's a Stonechat but unsure.

And here a few other photo's of the day

Stephen

rlchew · #2 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 10:07 PM

Sounds like you had a good day down there by the Severn.

Yes, your ID is correct .... male Stonechat.

Richard

Bub-les · #3 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 11:10 PM

agree with the ID
like your photos especially the swan

stephen p · #4 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 10:57 AM

Cheers guys, yes it was a good day.

Next time i want to see the short eared owl, didn't see them yesterday but they are deffinetly about.

Stephen

big bill · #5 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 11:50 AM

Agree with the panel its a Stonechat (Saxicola torquota) your other pics a nice well done

Cheers >..Bill

VinceS · #6 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 03:48 PM

Agree with others a male stonechat. Are you close enough to visit slimbridge?Vince

stephen p · #7 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 07:18 PM

Hi Team,

Thanks for all the replies.

Vince - Yes i am buddy im always there. Any reason?

Cheers,

Stephen

VinceS · #8 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 07:38 PM

Stephen,
No reason in particular I just wondered if you were close enough for it to be one of your regular haunts(which it obviously is). I have only been there once about 15 years ago and aim to go again, I am reasonably close to martinmere another wwt reserve and visit there when I can.
Vince

stephen p · #9 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 07:53 PM

Hi Vince,

Yeah im there all the time absolutely love it. And the fact it was the first place i saw a Kingfisher makes it speacial to me.

I have always wanted to go to Matin Mere im planning on going there this year. What are your thoughts on Mere?

Stephen

VinceS · #10 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 08:10 PM

Hi Stephen,

Martinmere is really good in winter, plenty of activity with waders,swans, ducks and geese, also raptors(not forgetting the flock of treesparrows). If time allows and tides are ok you can also take in the rspb reserve at Marshside. Good days birding.

Vince

solus · #11 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 04:52 PM

Oooh, I love that sunset pic!

muckshifter · #12 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 07:39 PM

I can vouch for Martin Mere also ... a great day out and plenty to see.

My sister & I visit most weekends.

Mere Sands Wood is nearby to MM ... about a 1/3rd of the size of MM, great for a morning or afternoon visit.

Living in Southport, I can also recommend a visit to Marshside, if you have any time left from MM that is. Wrap up warm,

the weather can be a bit windy this time of the year.

Enjoy!

mucks

oh, great pics ...