An early morning walk around the Cemy.

Saturday 24^th October 2026.

It was overcast when I arrived at Highland Road Cemetery.

The strong winds died down eventually late last night and though, yet another storm is due today (Storm Boelo), I think the worst of it us in the north of the UK. Becky and I, along with the dogs, are off to our Cottage Holiday for a week near Bridport, Dorset, today although we will not be leaving till around midday from Southsea.

Beforehand, the dogs needed their early morning walk and so I walked them around Highland Road Cemetery seeing it was dry but overcast. I was pleased it was overcast as I can pick out passing passerines flying high overhead and this morning, there was a bit of visible migration. There was virtually no wind whatsoever, but the aftermath of Storm Austin was evident to see within the Cemetery.

News came in this morning that a Nutcracker had been seen in a garden at Mundesley,  North Norfolk. That will set the ‘twitchers’ off in mad panic and has now been reported as still being in the area this morning. 

 

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

One of the trees beside the main footpath has lost its top.

The damage caused by Storm Austin yesterday looked as though it was limited to two trees losing a large branch, but the footpaths were littered with smaller branches and twigs. The Council will be busy sorting out those big branches soon. I arrived around 8am within the Cemy and was pleased to find only one dogwalker during my 45 minutes there and seeing there was hardly any wind, I could easily pick out the birds flying over.

Another large tree has lost a big branch due to the recent Storm.

Up to 4 Finch species were noted and that included up to three Chaffinches passing overhead along with 2 Greenfinches and singles of Linnet and Goldfinch. Sadly, no Brambling yet, though I have only ever seen one flying over my ‘Local Patch’. Two Chiffchaffs were calling deep within cover at different locations within the Cemy and a small flock of at least 5+ Long-tailed Tits were found in the bushes by the Mausoleum, which is always a good record here.

The Honey Fungus was still in its usual place where the old Beech Tree once stood.

It was good to see Collared Doves this morning with two individuals flying over at speed. At least four Robins were seen of which a couple were in full song. I was hoping for a good number of thrushes today but for my efforts, just two Blackbirds were seen and a Redwing was heard only in the south-west corner. I didn’t take my camera with me this morning, which I obviously regretted as the Long-tailed Tits were showing down to around 10 feet at times!  Two single Pied Wagtails also went over as did a small flock of 3 Meadow Pipits which rounded off 20 species seen today. I had to rely on my mobile phone camera for todays photos.

 

The Holly Trees are laden with berries within the Cemy.

The birds recorded here this morning included the following:

• Chiffchaff (2)
• Jay (3)
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Chaffinch (3)
• Greenfinch (2)
• Linnet (heard)
• Goldfinch (heard)
• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Starling
• Robin
• Wren
• Blue Tit
• Long-tailed Tit (5+)
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove (2)
• Meadow Pipit (3)
• Pied Wagtail (2)

Askerswell, nr Bridport, Dorset:

Becky giving me a wave from the kitchen window. The name of our Cottage is called The Coach House.

We eventually arrived just after 4pm to our Holiday Cottage out in the countryside of Askerswell. Becky had booked this Cottage several months ago and it certainly took some finding as the Sat Nav took us past where we were supposed to be. But after a few choice swear words etc, we soon found the place, and it was better than we expected. It is well furnished and situated by Askerswell Manor which is surrounded by fields and trees.

The Moth Box is already set up for tonight.

After settling in, I set up the Moth Box for tonight as the heavy rain we had all the way here, finally abated and fingers crossed, I should get some interesting Moths here in the sticks! A few birds were seen while checking out the area, which included a pair of Goldcrest and a flock of Goldfinch flew over too. A Redwing was heard and good numbers of Pheasants were in the grounds of the Manor House. I have already booked a table for tonight at the nearby Pub called The Spyway Inn, which should keep the wife happy.

Another good soaking and a Leaches off Hill Head.

Friday 23^rd October 2026.

The Bowling Green by Pembroke Road held some puddles that attracted the Gulls later in the afternoon.

Storm Austin came in with a vengeance overnight, with heavy rain and strong winds therefore a restless night i had. The rain didn’t let up early this morning when I took the dogs for their early morning and so I cut it short for I was totally soaked despite wearing wet weather gear! It’s the last day today before the Autumn School break and though the rain is supposed to ease up, strong winds are forecast for this afternoon. Wonderful!!!

Thankfully, there was no rain on my second shift in Old Portsmouth, but the wind was still quite strong and standing still was quite challenging! Sadly, no new bird species seen though plenty of Wood Pigeons and Gulls going overhead.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Surprisingly, despite the heavy rain that came in on a breezy north-westerly wind, I still notched up 15 bird species this morning. The Bowling Green held several large puddles and that eventually attracted several Herring and Black-headed Gulls with some drinking water.

There was just the one Pied Wagtail seen this morning and that flew east over Governor’s Green and a Grey Wagtail put in an appearance again, flying westbound over the same location. The Wood Pigeons were again in large numbers on Governor’s Green with at least 50+ seen on the grass and a good many in the Holm Oaks feeding on the Acorns.

Despite the poor weather, I was surprised to see a Greenfinch flying over as it flew off southbound towards Curtain Moat, just before the deluge of rain came in from the west.

The birds seen or heard today included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Starling
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Wren (heard only)
• Robin (heard only)
• Blackbird
• Blue Tit (heard)
• Great Tit (heard)
• Pied Wagtail
• Grey Wagtail
• Greenfinch

 

In Hampshire today:

I wasn’t surprised that there were few sightings around in Hampshire in this poor weather, but I felt that someone was going to be checking the Solent and sure enough, fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Mark Francis (who else?) was checking the Solent from Hill Head and found a Leaches Petrel flying low west distantly over the sea. He also recorded a Merlin and both Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver during his spell there.

My Hampshire Bird Report 2025 arrived in the post today.

This week at Cowplain Marsh:

Goldfinches on the Niger Seed at Cowplain Marsh.

Andy Fisher told me that it had been a quiet week in his back garden with the birdlife (Cowplain Marsh) due to the poor weather.

On Monday 19^th, the female Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen on the peanuts and up to 4 Goldfinch were present in the garden. A Goldcrest was heard in the garden and both Pied and Grey Wagtail were heard flying over.

On Thursday 22^nd, just a Pied Wagtail flew over the garden, and a Goldcrest was heard again.

Today, a Common Buzzard was seen battling against the wind high over the garden and up to 6 Blue Tits, a Great Tit and a Coal Tit were on the feeders. A Robin was enjoying the Fat balls too.

Up to 48 bird species have been recorded so far for October.

Peregrine and Ravens over Old Portsmouth.

Thursday 22nd October 2026.

Another stunning dawn over Highland Road Cemetery while walking the dogs early this morning.

A very strong westerly blew over Old Portsmouth this morning on my first shift in Pembroke Road and although it was thankfully dry with plenty of early morning sunshine, the wind chill factor kicked in and felt like single figures. At least we didn’t get the same downpour with the wind from yesterday, but Storm Austin will be kicking in overnight and very strong winds are set to batter the south coast tomorrow afternoon. Grumble! Again, the Moth Box will not be on tonight and I have put it in a safe place so it will not be blown over.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Early morning at the start of my first shift in Pembroke Road.

Today in Pembroke Road was one of the better days, not only for the weather but also the birds where the main highlight was a female Peregrine flying at speed over Governor’s Green and then out into Portsmouth Harbour. It was my first raptor here in Old Portsmouth for many weeks and it consequently put up all the Wood Pigeons and the small flock of Starlings by the Garrison Church.

Seconds later, a pair of Redwing flew over my head and first headed south and then back north again over the houses. That was a good find, and the third really notable sighting was a pair of Ravens flying over heading east. This is a species I might see maybe twice or three times in a year here over Old Portsmouth, but a good find nonetheless.

A flock of 6 Siskin was a nice surprise too and although I never heard them call, they flew low enough for me to see them clearly as they sped off westbound. Two more flocks of finches flew west but too distant and no flight call so I could not identify them accurately. The Jay showed briefly yet again and was heard later in the afternoon with its scratchy call.

A very sunny afternoon here in Old Portsmouth.

In the afternoon, a flock of at least 10 Pied Wagtails were seen in a tight bunch on Governor’s Green and remained there for at least 20 minutes until they dispersed. A Grey Wagtail was heard calling in the afternoon, but I could not locate the bird, but a good addition to my day total of 21 bird species. This morning, I was sure I saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth flying at pace west just above the pavement, but it didn’t stop and simply disappeared; unlike the many Common Wasps that seemed to be everywhere currently.

The birds seen or heard today included the following:

• Peregrine (f)
• Herring Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• House Sparrow (heard only)
• Starling
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Raven (2)
• Wren (heard only)
• Robin (heard only)
• Blackbird
• Redwing (2)
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit (heard)
• Siskin (6)
• Pied Wagtail (10+)
• Grey Wagtail (heard)

In Hampshire today:

This White-tailed Eagle followed by a Black-headed Gull was at Fishlake Meadows. Photo by Andy Tew.

A Ruddy Shelduck was seen but flushed by a Sparrowhawk from Titchfield Haven just after midday and a Glossy Ibis flew over the reserve also. A male Ring Ouzel was found at Sinah Warren, Hayling Island this morning and up to 5 Cattle Egrets were seen in Northney.

This Common Buzzard was over Fishlake Meadows. Photo by Andy Tew.

 

Few birds in awful weather, but several unexpected Moths.

Wednesday 21^st October 2026.

A rainbow over Portsmouth this afternoon.

Well, that was a morning I can easily forget or can I? I took a right good soaking on my first shift in Pembroke Road where the rain first fell gently and then a huge dark raincloud came in from the west along with gale force winds. Standing up in that wind and rain proved difficult and I felt sorry for all those parents struggling to bring their kids into School. It was that bad this morning that my actual waterproofs and waterproof boots were all soaked through!

An Olive-tree Pearl moth was also by the Lodge.

At least there were a few birds around and after the worst of the weather had passed, I found a small group of Moths by the main entrance to Sommerson Lodge, Milton; where I found an Angle Shades, 3 Double-striped Pugs and an Olive-tree Pearl (Palpita vitrealis). I have relented in putting the Moth Box on so far this week due to the unpredictability of the overnight weather and what with Storm Austen on its way, I think its going to be a no show here in Southsea this week.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

An Angle Shades moth at Sommerson Lodge today. This was my second of the month.

The most notable sighting this morning was a Wood Pigeon battling the gale-force wind and heavy rain. It struggled to make headway but eventually managed to fly over Governor’s Green. Once again, many Wood Pigeons were feeding on the fresh grass shoots on Governor’s Green.

Just 11 bird species were recorded today, despite it being quite sunny later in the afternoon, but it was quite breezy at times. The Jay put in a brief appearance by the trees next to the Bowling Green and it was this afternoon that a pair of Pied Wagtails were seen on the Bowling Green. Just one Great Black-backed Gull and Black-headed Gull were seen today, both seen flying over Governor’s Green. 

The birds recorded this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Blue Tit
• Pied Wagtail (2)
• Wren (heard only)

 

In Hampshire today:

Despite the poor weather today, there were some notable birds seen in Hampshire and kicking off with Blashford Lakes, the female Ruddy Duck was once again still here along with 2 each of Goosander and Goldeneye. Also present were a Green and Common Sandpiper and a pair of Yellow-legged Gulls.

Over at the Milford Shelter, a minimum of 100+ Razorbills were recorded going past and at least 150 Gannets plus 2 Kittiwakes. In the New Forest, Leadenhall had 2 Ring Ouzels and a Fieldfare. At Brownwich this morning, a White-fronted Goose was with Grey lag Geese and later seen again on Titchfield Haven.

Above, up to 3 Double-striped Pug moths were at the main entrance to Sommerson Lodge. Below, not just Moths were present as I found this Fork-palped Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus) on the same wall as the Moths.

This was the long staying adult Ring-billed Gull at Walpole Lake, Gosport 17 years ago to the day. It was affectionately named Ringo! It spent around seven winters at the same site!

A wet morning here in Old Portsmouth.

Tuesday 20^th October 2026.

 

The only one enjoying this weather this morning is the Snails!

With rain coming in overnight, I once again left the Moth Box off. It was a very wet morning in Southsea and a thoroughly wet, miserable one in Old Portsmouth, where the rain grew heavier as the morning wore on.

Brighter weather is apparently on the way this afternoon, but the outlook for the rest of the week is poor, with a storm even predicted for this Friday.

I had hoped to see more Thrushes passing overhead, but there was no visible migration during the hour or so I spent in Old Portsmouth this morning.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

One of the Cross-channel Ferries passing The Royal Garrison Church, but not before sounding off its horn to scare the Wood Pigeons here!

Despite the poor weather, there were some notable sightings this morning and when one of the Cross-channel Ferries exited Portsmouth Harbour, it gave a loud blast of its horn and scattered at least a 100+ Wood Pigeons off Governor’s Green! A Great Black-backed Gull sailed over the houses by Penny Lane and again, I heard the House Sparrows ‘chirruping’ distantly from the hedgerow by the Bowling Green.

The Robin was seen very briefly hopping about on the footpath adjacent to the Bowling Green and a Wren could be heard bursting into song briefly in the same area.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Pied Wagtail
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• House Sparrow (heard only)
• Starling
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Wren (heard only)
• Robin

This afternoon, it was drier but it still overcast though mild. Another three more species were added to my day list that included a showy Great Tit in one of the Sycamore trees and a pair of Blue Tits that flew across the road and into the trees by the Bowling Green. Two Blackbirds were also added to my day list where two male birds were by the Bowling Green.

The birds added to my day list today on my second shift in Pembroke Road:

• Great Tit
• Blue Tit
• Blackbird

Other news:

The Pacific Golden Plover with Golden Plovers at the Western Yar Estuary, Isle of Wight. Photo by Scott Usher.

Sadly, not in Hampshire, but in nearby Isle of Wight, a Pacific Golden Plover has taken up residence with Golden Plovers at Western Yar Estuary, near Yarmouth, and has been present there for nearly a week. I have only ever seen one Pacific Golden Plover and that was well in my ‘twitching’ days, where we travelled to the Yare Valley in Norfolk, at Buckingham Marshes with both Andy Fisher and Geoff Farwell. However, it took two attempts to see the bird!

Another photo of the Pacific Golden Plover by Scott Usher.

I thought I would like to add this superb film footage done by Gosport Drones on Farlington Marshes. Please click on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JmnTBgfFZ/

Ring Ouzel at Butser Hill yesterday.

Monday 19th October 2026.

Dawn over Highland Road Cemetery this morning while I was walking the dogs.

There was some overnight rain that put me off putting out the Moth Box last night and the rest of the week looks very wet too. However, today remained dry though it did try to spit with rain while I was making my way to Old Portsmouth for my first shift.

There was a large bank of cloud over the Isle of Wight but everything seemed to be heading west, and the rest of the day remained dry and bright. A light easterly blew for most of the day, which should bring in some interesting migrants. I read that a lot of both Redwing and Fieldfare were being reported in large flocks along the south coast, but I didn’t see any this morning going over.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

A bright start over Pembroke Road on my first shift there this morning.

A total of 16 bird species were either heard or seen during both my shifts. The Jays were active again here, seen picking off Acorns and taking them away to be buried somewhere. As soon as I arrived and parked up in Pembroke Road, a flock of at least 40+ Goldfinch flew low overhead heading east and another large flock of Goldfinches headed east about ten minutes later. A flock of 10 Siskins flew low in the same direction, and I honestly thought there was going to be a lot of visible migration going over this morning, but I was wrong. It literally dried up after the Siskins went through.

The House Sparrows were heard again in the hedgerow beside the Bowling Green as was the Wren, Robin and Dunnock. It was very quiet this afternoon with little of note.

One of the Jay's from yesterday within Highland Road Cemetery.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Blackbird
• House Sparrow (heard only)
• Starling
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay (2)
• Goldfinch two flocks and a singleton
• Siskin (flock of 10)
• Wren (heard only)
• Dunnock (heard only)
• Robin (heard only)

Yesterday, birding pal Geoff Farwell tried his luck at Butser Hill and successfully saw a Ring Ouzel, which he thought was a 1^st winter bird. Also seen here included 2 Brambling, Marsh Tit, Firecrest, 2 Stonechats, Siskin, Chiffchaff and several Red Kites and Common Buzzards.

A few Moths this morning and a trip over the Cemy.

Sunday 18^th October 2026.

Dawn over Highland Road Cemetery this morning.

Very similar to yesterday, a very cold start to the day with a cloudless blue sky overhead as I got myself ready to check the Moth Box after having walked the dogs along their usual route past Highland Road Cemetery. The temperature was around 8 degrees centigrade, but we didn’t have that breezy northerly wind from yesterday. Despite the cold conditions, there were a few Moths to go through and a reasonable selection this morning.

After feeding the dogs, they got another walk this morning over Highland Road Cemetery where there were a good number of birds seen here this morning along with several insect species too. Not too many dog-walkers present and nice to meet Sally (finally got to know her name!) who was walking her small dog. Sadly, there are a few people who break the law here and do not have their dogs on a lead and there has been a few dogs reported attacking other dogs due to being off their lead.

My Moth Box:

Some of the Moths present this morning.

A better total here this morning than yesterday with 23 moths of 13 species recorded this morning. Again, no new moth species for the year list, but my second Black Rustic for the year was on one of the egg trays within the Moth Box. Another good total of 8 Feathered Ranunculus was recorded and two Golden Twin-spots were notable.

Above, my second Black Rustic of the year and below, a Tree-mallow Tortrix moth.

Silver Y, Turnip Moth and White-point rounded off a good selection of macro moths. Among the micro’s, a White-shouldered House Moth was my first of the month and up to three Rusty-dot Pearls were in and outside the Moth Box this morning.

Above, two of the 8 Feathered Ranunculus moths this morning and below, a lone White-point.

Above, this was one of two Marmalade Hoverflies on the Box.

Other notable insects attracted to the Moth Box were two Marmalade Hoverflies that were sat on the rain guard.

 

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Feathered Ranunculus x8	Common Plume x1
Golden Twin-spot x2	Tree-mallow Tortrix x1
Silver Y x1	Light Brown Apple Moth x1
L-album Wainscot x1	White-shouldered House Moth x1
Double-striped Pug x1	Rusty-dot Pearl x3
White-point x1
Black Rustic x1
Turnip Moth x1

 

I heard a Redwing as I walked out into the garden first thing this morning and actually saw the bird perched in the tall tree at the back of my garden before it flew off north. A flock of 6 Goldfinches went over and headed off eastbound, and a Meadow Pipit could be heard flying over.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

This gorgeous Jay with its Acorn to be buried.

A total of 18 bird species were recorded this morning here in Highland Road Cemetery and probably the most notable sighting was of the hundreds of Wood Pigeons flying high overhead, all heading westbound. This is an annual event for this time of year and most likely involves Continental birds on the move. There were quite a few within the Cemetery too, but sadly, I could not find one Collared Dove. This species has been proved that it is on the decline, and I wonder if it is Bird Flu that is the cause? I used to get double figure counts of this species here in the past!

Above, a Wood Pigeon sitting it out while hundreds were flying overhead. Below, a view of the footpath looking south.

Wave after wave of Wood Pigeons went over.

A pair of Jays showed well briefly in the northern end of the Cemy, one with an Acorn in its bill (see photo). Redwings are coming in thick and fast in and over Southsea currently and at least two birds, along with a Song Thrush flew out of a small tree and landed in a nearby bush. A Chiffchaff, possibly two birds, were heard only somewhere in the bushes and overhead, there were both Skylark and Meadow Pipit going over, but proved difficult to see in the bright blue sky!

More Wood Pigeons up in the trees and below, there were few plants still in flower, but Yarrow was abundant still.

Above, all the Holly bushes and trees were full of berries and below, the Honey Fungus was still present where the old Beech Tree once stood.

Regarding the insects, the Ivy plants here are now flowering and attracting good numbers of Common Wasps and Drone Flies and I also found up to two Red Admiral butterflies nectaring on the sweet musky scented flowers.

Above, the Jay showing off its crest and below, one of many Drone Flies enjoying the flowering Ivy.

Above, a Red Admiral also enjoying the Ivy and below, you can just make out one of the Redwings in the bush.

The birds recorded here this morning included the following:

• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay (2)
• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Redwing (2)
• Song Thrush
• Great Tit
• Blue Tit
• Skylark
• Meadow Pipit
• Chiffchaff
• Robin
• Wren
• Starling
• Pied Wagtail

In Hampshire today:

This morning, early reports coming in included a Quail that was accidentally flushed at Gunner Point, Hayling Island, by fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Lewis Hooper who also said that there were daily reports of Woodlark flying over here. There was no sign of yesterday’s Ring Ouzel at Portsdown Hill this morning, but another fellow ‘Lazee’ Pete Gammage had 220 Redwing over along with 6 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush; all heading north.

Both the Little Gull and Ruddy Duck were still on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes this morning. It looks as though Fieldfare were on the move with sightings at Hill Head, Fareham and Woolmer Pond. The latter site also held a Great White Egret, Lesser Redpoll, Brambling and up to 7 Woodlark.  

17 years ago to the day I, 'twitched' this Brown Shrike at Staines Moor, Surrey.