A wintry morning in Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth this morning.
The cold weather continued here in the south over the past few days, but we have narrowly avoided any significant snowfall, but back to working in Pembroke Road this week, what with the windchill, it was below freezing again for the past two mornings! OK, there has been near unbroken sunshine over the past couple of days, but that freezing wind was grim.
There are still some superb birds in Hampshire if one has the time off to ‘tick-off’ for the year, but for me, it's back to checking the birds while I am working in Pembroke Road and already, there have been a few nice birds seen already here. The male Blackcap is still ‘sub-singing’ in my back garden both yesterday and this morning, but no sign of the female Black Redstart yet this week. The last time I saw it was last Sunday.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Yesterday, despite the freezing temperatures, I got up to 13 species for the day on my shifts within Pembroke Road. There was a good number of Brent Geese passing eastbound high over and were most likely joining the flock on Southsea Common, which I saw on the way home. A Cormorant was seen circling near Curtain Moat and a flock of three Mute Swans were seen heading towards Portsmouth Harbour late in the afternoon.
This morning, I was blessed with a superb male Peregrine flying low over the road, heading west over the houses and in this excellent light, I could see all the plumage details of the fastest bird in the world. A cracking start to the day. There was a constant stream of flocks of Brent Geese heading eastbound to Southsea Common during my first shift and another Cormorant was again seen flying east.
The House Sparrows were in good voice within the hedgerow by the Bowling Green all morning and both Great Tit and Dunnock were heard calling. A Jay flew in and landed in the tall Poplar tree opposite where I stood; my first one of the year here at this site. Again, I got up to 13 species here this morning and hopefully, a few more might materialise this afternoon.
In Hampshire today:
Three White-fronted Geese, an adult and two immature birds. were on Farlington Marshes again this morning, which is turning out to be a good winter for these scarce geese in Hampshire. The Great Grey Shrike was still near Shatterford again this morning.
I took this photo of a Common Buzzard with a Magpie at Budds Farm around 5 years ago as it flashed up on my Facebook Account today. I'm quite pleased with this.
We had a flurry of snow overnight and though it was a light dusting in Southsea, the temperatures early this morning were below freezing. On top of that, one part of the Eastern Road is shut to southbound traffic which caused very long delays in Portsmouth for many commuting motorists, including my good self who was travelling to Halfords at Ocean Park.
Sanderling at Hill Head roosting in the sunshine at Hill Head. Sadly, some irresponsible so-called birders were taking photos of these birds from just feet away from them. This photo was taken from some distance away. Photo by Emma Parkes.
So today, the only bird of note for me today was the singing Blackcap in my garden when I eventually got back home. I did have a good look for the Black Redstart, but no sign of the bird within the ten minutes I was in the garden. However, the sound of that singing Blackcap was lovely to hear and I do hope it survives this very cold snap we are experiencing and the Black Redstart.
In Hampshire today:
This Black Redstart photo was taken by Emma Parkes recently at Lee-on-Solent. It made one of the best photos taken on Birdguides this week. Well done Emma.
Off the Oysterbeds today, the Red-necked Grebe was seen again along with one Black-necked Grebe,Scaup, Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Duck and also a Merlin over the Reserve. In the New Forest, the Great Grey Shrike was showing well at Shatterford and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in the vicinity too. At Titchfield Haven Canal Path, up to 6 Glossy Ibis were at the Bridge Street Floods as well as a Water Pipit. Though very cold, a good day to be out birding if you have the day off or retired!
A couple more of Emma Parkes photos. Above, a Feral Pigeon being fired out of a Canon by Southsea Castle! Below, a fine portrait of a drake Pintail at Pennington Marshes.
The Great Grey Shrike near Shatterford today. It had caught and was eating a Dunnock. Film footage by Simon Colenutt.
The four Tundra Bean Geese at Pennington Marshes with Brent and Grey Lags.
It was back to birding with Geoff and Andy today and also meeting up with both Matt and Emma Parkes. Our destinations for today were going to be Pennington Marshes, Blashford Lakes and to round the day off, Blackgutter Bottom in the New Forest. The weather today was near perfect, with unbroken sunshine all day, though very cold, but mostly little wind. Another 15 species were added to my year list and best of all, I saw my first ‘Hampshire’ Tundra Bean Geese!
Pennington Marshes and the surrounding area, nr Lymington:
Oystercatchers flying over the Reserve.
Geoff was doing the driving today and picked me up around 8.15am, it was a smooth ride all the way down to Lower Drayton Lane in Pennington. Even the new part of the motorway was completed a day early between Fareham and Whiteley, which was incredible. On the way there, we took the Ashurst route to get to Lyndhurst and from the front passenger seat, I saw a Mistle Thrush flying over to begin my first ‘year-tick’ of the day. I also had a possible Lesser Spotted Woodpecker flying over, but I wasn’t totally sure and so did not add the bird to my year list.
At least 6 White-fronts among the Canada Geese in this photo.
We arrived around 9am and saw both Matt and Emma walking to the bend in the road where to view the Tundra Bean Geese. After parking in the small car park, we eventually joined them, but not before picking out more new birds for our year list that included around 100+ Golden Plover, a couple of Egyptian Geese and several Grey Lag Geese. Most of the pools were frozen over and a heavy frost was on the grass. Close to the road, a Common Snipe was seen along with several Lapwing and Geoff had a brief view of a Raven passing behind the sea wall of which the rest of us had missed. We then met fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Andy Tew and he told us the Bean Geese had not been seen and said he was going to try an area in fields behind the Balancing Ponds of which we all followed later.
Two of the White-fronted Geese in fields near the Balancing Ponds.
While scanning the fields, we saw a flock of four 'Grey' geese flying in and landing in the field behind where the Golden Plovers were and though they could of potentially been the Bean Geese and were most likely the birds, we decided to walk the very long footpath to where a flock of White-fronted Geese were supposed to be as the Tundra Bean Geese liked to associate with them.
The lone Barnacle Goose within the same flock of Geese.
The long walk had us making our way through some woodland adjacent to the footpath and within her, there were two Treecreepers on show (another ‘year-tick’) and Emma saw a Bullfinch land in some tall trees beside the footpath. No-one else saw the bird but we did hear it and as I can count ‘heards’ on my year list, it was another addition as was the Fieldfare we all heard and only Andy saw it!
Three of the White-fronts among the Canada Geese.
On exiting the small wood, we walked the long path to where the Geese had been seen. On our way there, at least two Marsh Harriers and a Common Buzzard were seen and a large flock of Meadow Pipits arose from the neighboring field as we passed. Over in the fields to the east, there was a large skein of Brent, Canada and Grey Lag Geese grazing on the short grass, but no sign of the Tundra Bean Geese among them. When we reached an area where the Geese were on the opposite side of the footpath, a good scan among them produced 12 White-fronted Geese and a Barnacle Goose among the many Canada and Brent Geese and in this perfect light, I managed to grab a nice array of photos and film footage of the White-fronts.
The White-fronted Geese among many other Geese this morning.
Happy with the ‘Goose chase’ we decided to walk back and this time, we headed to the sea wall and walked back east. Matt told us that Birdguides had informed him that the Tundra Bean Geese had been found and were in fields near the Jetty back at Pennington Marshes. So the very long walk had begun again, but not before seeing a superb array of birds and many more ‘year-ticks’! A small group of Turnstone were below the seawall, foraging among the flotsam and jetsam washed up by the tide and in the distance, resting on one of the islands, I found a nice group of around 8 Spoonbills roosting among around 20+ Curlew. That saved us a trip to Normandy Marshes for sure!
Above, Turnstone were scurrying around below the seawall and below, a showy Rock Pipit also below the seawall.
Above, a pair of Reed Buntings below the seawall and below, the eight Spoonbills among the Curlew on one of the small islands.
The tide was slowly going out and on the shoreline, we found a pair of Reed Buntings searching for seeds and an obliging Rock Pipit was also searching for food very close to where we stood. As we neared the jetty, a small party of four Great Crested Grebes swam on the sea close by and another was a little further east. A very kind chap told us that the Tundra Bean Geese were still present with other Geese and it didn't take long to find the four Tundra Bean Geese grazing in a field with Canada, Brent and Greylags. My very first ‘Hampshire’ birds. The last time I saw this species was at Welney WWT, in Cambridgeshire several years ago with my wife. Behind us, out on the sea, we found the lone Slavonian Grebe swimming some distance out, but showing well through the scope.
Above, Brent Geese arriving on Keyhaven Marshes and below, a selection of birds including Brent Goose, Teal, Redshank, Shoveler, Pintail and Black-headed Gulls.
Above, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler and a Redshank on Keyhaven Marshes. Below, a pair of Teal in the bright sunshine.
Above, this Redshank was very close to the seawall and totally unconcerned about our presence and below, the Needles over on the Isle of Wight.
Above and below, Great Crested Grebes on the sea.
Above, my first Raven of the year, and was joined by a Magpie.
Very happy we finally found the bird we were after, we made our way back to the car park, but not before some kind lady pointed out a Raven for us! The ‘icing on the cake’ here for another ‘year-tick’ added to my ever growing year list. Next stop, Blashford Lakes.
The four Tundra Bean Geese behind the main flock of Geese on Pennington Marshes.
Blashford Lakes, nr Ringwood:
A female Goosander flanked by a Lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gulls on the west side of Ibsley Water.
We had roughly two hours of daylight left by the time we reached the car park by the Tern Hide and so we were surprised to see only a few birders left in the Hide and therefore plenty of seats to sit and scan Ibsley Water. Most of the birds were some distance away and mostly at the northern end of the lake and along the eastern edge. Earlier, on arrival at the car park, I saw a pair of Red Kites and quickly pointed them out to Andy for yet another ‘year-tick’ for him. He was now getting very close to 100 species in Hampshire for the year and once I had found both a Green Sandpiper and Goosander, he had finally reached the magic 100. Those two species were also new for the year for me too and when both Matt and Emma finally arrived in the Tern Hide, they were quickly onto the birds too.
Above, a Common Snipe roosting on one of the spits with a diving female Tufted Duck. Below, a Fox was seen over on the west bank in search of something tasty.
Above, few things actually swam close to the Tern Hide as usual, but this female Tufted Duck did and below, one of the three Grey Wagtails near the Hide.
Above, this redhead Goosander was preening with Coots nearby.
Other notable birds seen were a small group of three Grey Wagtails of which one of them, a presumed male bird, was singing to its mate as it flew past! I heard this scenario a few weeks back by my house in Southsea. At least four Goldeneye were seen that included three drakes and a female bird and a pair of Common Buzzards were feeding on a carcass over on the west bank. At least 10 Goosanders were counted on Ibsley Water with most resting on the islands on the west bank. Gulls were now pouring onto the lake and with a very large raft of Lesser Black-backed Gulls now on the water, I had to have a good scan through them in case there was something rarer. Sadly not, but it was worth a try. As the sun was now starting to drop, it was certainly getting a lot colder and with the light breeze coming in through the window, it really was getting very cold. So we made the decision to head off to Blackgutter Bottom for Hen-harriers.
Blackgutter Bottom, New Forest:
A distant male Hen-harrier gliding over the ridge as dusk approached.
We were well togged up with warm weather gear and I even got my hand warmers on within my gloves to help combat the cold as we made our way to the viewpoint overlooking the ridge to the south. A few small birds passed over including both Linnet and Meadow Pipit and a probable Mistle Thrush was seen heading high over the heath heading east. There were some other birders present further to the west by the Gorse Bushes and then Andy gave the shout there was a large raptor on show.
Above, as the last rays of the sun departed, the 'Supermoon' came out over the heath (below).
To the south-east, we soon were onto our first Hen-harrier for the year and a superb male bird too. Then out of the blue, a female Merlin flew up and gave chase to the bird before flying back down and landing on a small bush. The Hen-harrier then flew back from where it came from and shortly afterwards, another male Hen-harrier was seen further to the west over the ridge in the distance. The bird was seen a couple of times afterwards drifting slowly along the top of the ridge in the distance to round off a superb day's birding.
The 'Supermoon' rising over the heath.
On our way back to the car, the ‘Supermoon’ rose low over the heath and it really did look amazing as we got back into the car and headed off home, but not before having a chap with fellow birder Pete Appleton, who was also watching the Harriers this afternoon. Even the planet Jupiter could be seen below the moon when we were driving along the motorway.
Spending its 8th day by my garden, the female Black Redstart was showing well at times and favouring the tall tree in my neighbours garden.
I was just 7 more ‘year-ticks’ away from the magic 100 Hampshire species for 2026 and with the Blackcap showing well in my garden this morning, the hunt was on to win the Fly / Pye Cup! I did have work to do around 10.30am this morning, but still had plenty of time to take my dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery. Though very cold again here in the south, it was dry and cloudy first thing this morning and very little wind too.
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
A cloudy but bright start to my walk around the Cemy. When I left, the clouds departed and a bright blue sky was overhead. But temperatures were still around 5 degrees.
Jay was my target species within the Cemetery this morning and thankfully, this colourful Crow eventually was seen in the tall trees by the Mausoleum when I walked around the perimeter footpath. This was my 95th species for the year and I was more than happy with that, but when I heard a Coal Tit calling from one of the tall Bushes by the footpath, it didn't take too long to get a very brief view of the bird, though it was very elusive and preferred to stay deep within cover. Still, a sighting of the bird was confirmed as my 96th species for the year. The Coal Tit has been a regular here for the last few months and trust me, it is a very scarce species within the Cemetery, with only a handful of sightings over the years here in my local patch.
Above, the 'Old Dear' with her dog brought along another bag full of bread for the many Herring Gulls and Feral Pigeons. Below, a Wren posed nicely for a few seconds in the south-west corner by the footpath.
Above, one of a pair of Collared Doves high up in one of the Horse Chestnut trees and below, this Redwing sat nicely for me in one of the smaller trees over on the east side of the Cemetery.
I was pleased to find a couple of Redwing within the Cemetery this morning. As Andy said, the snowy conditions in the north of the UK, could push a lot of birds down to our ‘neck of the woods’ which could be very interesting. The weather forecasters believe that this cold snap from Scandinavia could last well into next week and possibly with snow on the way. A flock of 6 Redwing were seen a little later flying over the trees and headed off northbound. At least two Goldcrests were heard calling, but no sightings today and there seemed to be a good number of Blackbirds around today.
Above, another photo of the Wren in the south-west corner.
Above and below, the Jay showed well and a second bird was seen a little later.
Above, a male Blackbird was one of several seen this morning and below, this Carrion Crow made me look twice! It was carrying some large item in its bill as it flew off high north.
Above, another photo of one of the Redwings.
Above, Winter Heliotrope growing below the Holm Oaks and below, I found this clump of Common Ragwort flowering by a grave.
Both Greenfinch and a Pied Wagtail flew high over the Cemy, but apart from the usual birds, I was very pleased with today's sightings here. The Winter Heliotrope was flowering in its usual spot below the Holm Oak trees and I even found a flowering clump of Common Ragwort growing beside a grave, which I thought was most unusual for this time of year.
Eastney Beach, Southsea:
This stunning photo of Southsea beach was taken by Ollie Crabbe.
After work, around 12.30pm, I took a drive down to Eastney Beach and so parking up at the Fort Cumberland Car Park, I walked down the footpath to the beach and made my way right to the shoreline. I had packed my spare pair of binoculars in the car and then scanned the shoreline and found a small group of four Sanderlings scurrying close to the edge of the waves. This was my 98th species for the year and a good scan over the calm sea produced virtually nothing apart from a few distant Gulls and so I made my way back to the car with a big smile on my face.
Pigeon House Lane, Portsdown Hill:
The gorgeous countryside looking north viewed from Pigeon House Lane.
Now I needed just two more species to retain the Cup and so I parked up in a layby within Pigeon House Lane and scanned the fields for my target species: Red-legged Partridge and Red Kite. A female Kestrel was hovering around 30 feet away from me in the adjacent field and I also picked out a distant Common Buzzard soaring high over the countryside below. Yes, it was very cold, especially due to the fact I did not have a coat, but undeterred, I waited patiently and was eventually rewarded with a pair of distant Red Kites with a Common Buzzard soaring together to the west. Just one more species to go and within minutes, I found a small covey of Red-legged Partridges! Bingo! The Cup was mine again for another year and low and behold, while watching the ‘Red-legs’, a Red Kite drifted low over the birds.
The Red-legged Partridges were seen by the edge of the field close to the Bushes behind the pylon. Then a Red Kite drifted low over them seconds later after sighting the birds.
Now I can relax and hopefully get Andy onto 100 species tomorrow. Pigeon House Lane rarely disappoints, though Geoff tells me that the area of trees where the Mandarin Ducks used to be at the bottom of the road has now all disappeared as the local landowner had the trees all grubbed up! What a shame. A lot of green belt areas are now under threat due to the Government's drive for new housing, but I will not get into politics. If I haven't done so already, I would like to wish all the readers of my blog a very Happy New Year. Keep the superb photos coming guys for it is most appreciated to put them on my blog.
