Description
Severn Beach attracts twitchers owing to the frequency of rarities, particularly seabirds which are funnelled up the Bristol Channel on strong west/southwest storms. A total of 281 species have been recorded, including 31 seabirds, among which 4 diver species, 7 tern species, all 4 UK skuas, 3 petrels, 5 auks, plus Obična bluna, Golemi zovoj and Balearski zovoj. Some seabirds (notably terns, skuas, and Troprsti galebs) use the channel intentionally as the start of a cross-country shortcut to the North Sea; these birds can be seen flying upriver then gaining height to fly inland, often in benign weather rather than the severe gales that bring rarer seabirds. Crnoglavi galeb, Kašičar and Ribar are regular. Unusual passerines sometimes rest in the shrubs along Beach Road. Seals, dolphins and porpoises can stray upstream here in pursuit of fish. It can be a windy spot, and warm clothing is advised.
Details
Access
Regular trains from Bristol to Severn Beach station. By car, from Bristol head west to Avonmouth, then A403 north for 6 miles. Park sensibly in Beach Road. From Wales leave M48 at junction one and go south A403 for 5 miles.


