Dawn at Southsea seafront. It was a 6.30am start to see what goodies were flying through the Solent this morning.
After doing a ‘sea-watch’ from Southsea Beach last Thursday, I couldn’t wait to get back there to see if there was anything moving through the Solent. It meant an early start where I arrived bright and early at 6.30am. Another cloudless sky overhead as I watched the sunrise in the east rising above the South Esplanade Pier. Just a few joggers went by at first, but their numbers increased as the morning wore on. A few swimmers braved the cold water as I got stuck into the birds going through. A very light north-easterly was blowing across the seafront, but from the comfort of one of the Shelters, it was rather cosy as I watched good numbers of Gulls (Herring, Black-headed and Great Black-backed Gulls) making their way over the Solent.
Above, Herring and Black-headed Gulls in front of the South Parade pier. Below, an adult Black-headed Gull poking his head above the shingle.
Above, a juvenile Herring Gull exploring the beach in front of me and below, you can just see the line of Common Terns flying east over the sea in this photo.
I saw my first Common Terns of the year flying some distance out heading east; a big flock of 16 birds heading fast and low over the sea heading eastbound. This is what Spring sea-watching is all about, true migration at work and gives you such a buzz when you see sights like this. Was it going to be a good couple of hours here? To be honest, it was a bit slow at times, but I did get to see a distant adult Gannet going west and another juvenile Kittiwake flying east. Those three species were probably the best of the morning, but a blue Budgerigar flying fast in front of me over the beach was a strange sight. The bird, calling as it went past, eventually flew north and landed somewhere in the Gardens behind me!
Above, one of many Sandwich Terns passing over the Solent and below, 9 Brent Geese heading east to their breeding grounds.
Above, as I was walking back to the car, I found this Ragged Robin plant growing on the grass. Another plant was nearby. Below, yours truly in the Shelter on the seafront. What else will I pick up flying over the Solent in the coming months?
Good numbers of Sandwich Terns were fishing out in the Solent with at least 20+ birds seen this morning and Med Gulls were in double figures too. I particularly enjoyed watching small flocks of the birds flying low over the sea heading east. Other sightings this morning included a Little Egret (some distance out) flying east, two flocks of Brent Geese (a flock of 9 and 4) heading east, 2 Oystercatchers and 2 Shelduck all heading east. No Hirundines were seen this morning, which was a bit disappointing, but I was pleased with this morning's sightings.
Chiffchaffs were abundant today, with many singing males at both Woolmer and Blashford Lakes.
I thought about going for a very early morning ‘seawatch’ from Southsea but I struggled to get out of bed at 5am this morning and so decided to leave it till tomorrow instead. Yesterday, a Redstart and Tree Pipit were seen at Woolmer Pond and so I decided to take the guys there this morning. It was another cold start to the morning with a nagging north-easterly wind blowing yet it was wall to wall sunshine with a cloudless sky with a promise that it was going to get a lot warmer as the day wore on. I didn’t have my Moth Box switched on last night, but Andy did and thankfully, even though it was very cold overnight, he did have some Moths.
Andy’s Moth Box:
Above, Common Quaker & Hebrew Character. Below, Common Quaker.
Just the four moths from Andy's Moth Box this morning, including this Brindled Pug.
There were just four moths present at Andy’s gaff this morning of which the egg trays held two Hebrew Characters and a Common Quaker. On the window of his small conservatory, a Brindled Pug sat on one of the panes. Several Crane Flies were also present along with one Lacewing. Yesterday, fellow Lazee and Fareham birder Dave Wallace put a photo of a Blossom Underwing moth on the Lazee Whatsapp site, a species I have yet to encounter. Incredibly, he said that he had 250 moths!!!
Woolmer Pond, Bordon:
Woolmer Pond looking north from the southern end. There was a good variety of birds on the water and a flock of Sand Martins over on the east side.
It was a gorgeous morning at Woolmer Pond today, but as mentioned before, it was damn cold in the north-easterly wind; however, if you could keep out of it, it was positively balmy! Singing Chiffchaffs were abundant around the area and high over the Pond itself, a flock of at least 7 Sand Martins were seen hawking overhead.
Above, one of the singing Chiffchaffs and below, our first Damselfly of the year; a Large Red Damselfly.
On the Pond itself, there was plenty of birdlife to be seen that included good numbers of both Canada and Grey Lag Geese and a pair of Egyptian Geese on the water. At least two pairs of Little Grebes were seen and wildfowl included Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck and at least one pair of Teal. Sadly, no Garganey hid among them.
Above, Horse-tails just coming through the soil and below, Common Storks-bill.
We walked anticlockwise first of all where we had sightings of Long-tailed Tits, a male Stonechat, singing Dunnocks and a few Siskins overhead. Geoff was keeping an eye on the plants growing around the perimeter and found the likes of Common Storks-bill, Thal Cress and Scurvy Grass growing close to the ground. But it was the flowering Gorse bushes that stole the show with their vivid yellow flowers and lovely scent.
Above, a Goldfinch close to the main footpath and below, a Mistle Thrush.
Above, Geoff identified this plant as Scurvy Grass and below, our first Common Heath moth of the year.
From the Cottage Garden, there was no sign of any Redstarts, though a Chiffchaff sang just above our heads from where we sat. Gorgeous. We checked around the garden after a quick drink, for the Corrugated Iron sheets to check for snakes, but we could not find any. There were a few Goldfinches and Chaffinches around to keep us happy, but little else of note here in the garden. We then took a walk through Woolmer Forest to view the heath on the other side. The devastation of last year's Forest fire here was still very much evident and believe it or not, I found a discarded beer bottle laying in the dried bracken nearby of which I grabbed it and put it out of harm's way. What absolute bastard thought it would be a good laugh to start another fire!???
Above, Thal Cress growing by the footpath near the Cottage and below, our first Tree Pipit of the year.
Above, walking through the Forest with these Pines adjacent to the main footpath and below, Longhorn Cattle grazing in the water by the edge of the Pond.
It was quiet within the woodland and thankfully, on the other side of the Forest, we came across our first Tree Pipit of the year perched up in one of the few remaining trees. I hung around long enough to check it out through the scope, but that wind did not help buffeting my tripod; but I got enough on it to be happy for our first ‘year tick’ of the day. Out over the heath, a pair of Common Buzzards sailed high over the woodland and a male Kestrel was seen hunting over the heath. Some distant Red Kites were also noted and a small flock of Meadow Pipits were seen to fly off northbound. A distant Woodlark was seen singing high over the heath to the north and another bird was heard singing on the outskirts of the Forest as we walked back to the car. Up to three Swallows were seen flying north, but no sign of any House Martins seen this morning here.
This Chiffchaff was one of many seen today. A true sound of Spring.
Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes, Hampshire:
One of six Little Gulls flying over Ibsley Water this afternoon.
Once we reached the car, I checked Birdguides and also the Hampshire Bird Sightings on the web. No reports of the Garganey on Posbrook Floods, which was going to be my next destination; but there were two Little Gulls on Ibsley Water. It was a bit of a gamble, but the long drive along the A272 and then onto the M27 westbound had us at the site around 1.45pm. We first went up to the viewing platform to see the Little Gulls from there, but I could not find any at all, so we went inside the Tern Hide instead. At first, there was still no sign of the birds, but a pair of Mediterranean Gulls were sitting on the water among the Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and then the shout went up by a fellow birder that two Little Gulls were on show flying over the water. It took a little while to find them, but two birds suddenly turned into SIX birds with a mixture of both adults and juveniles. Excellent stuff. I managed to get some film footage of the Little Gulls, though they always remained in the centre of the Lake. Our second ‘year-tick’ of the day.
A few of the Little Gulls among the Black-headed Gulls.
There were plenty of other birds to keep us entertained which included a variety of waders. A Common Snipe was on the end of a spit and shared it with a pair of Redshanks. Three smart Black-tailed Godwits in full summer plumage, stood on the spit and a pair of Oystercatchers were seen on the spit behind the nearest one. Sadly, no sign of the Little Ringed Plovers today, despite a good search for the birds, but good numbers of Lapwing present.
Above, a female Mallard, Redshank and a Common Snipe and below, the male Hen-Harrier flying away with Sand Martins nearby.
There has been a big fall in numbers of wildfowl since the last time we were here because there were no Wigeon, Teal or Pintail present. A pair of Goldeneye were still here along with Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler and Tufted Ducks and over on the west side of Ibsley Water, I found three Black-necked Grebes in full summer plumage swimming on the water. The Macao Duck was seen in front of the Hide and I could fully understand how it was mistaken for a female Ruddy Duck for it looks identical to this species.
Above, Sand Martins flying over the reserve but always remained distant and below, a close up of today's moon.
There was a healthy flock of Sand Martins over the reserve and when Andy rushed back into the Tern Hide to ask if anyone had seen the male Hen-harrier flying over the Hide, we honestly thought he was joking. But when he said it was still here flying over the distant woodland, we all rushed out and I even managed to grab a record photo of the bird heading south! That was the last bird I expected to see here today. To add to the Harrier; both Red Kites and Common Buzzards were seen over the site and on the way back home, just before dropping Geoff off at his house, we watched a male Sparrowhawk soaring high over the houses. Our fifth raptor of the day to round off yet another great day's birding.
My first 'seawatch' of the year at Southsea seafront.
After my first shift at Pembroke Road this morning, I made my way to my favourite bench overlooking the Solent at Southsea seafront (just east of the Pyramids) where I spent the next 2 hours checking out any visible migration that just might pass my way. The weather was similar to yesterday with a clear blue sky first thing, but clouds came in from the south. My weather App said rain was on its way, but that simply did not materialise (though we really do need some rain) and the south easterly wind was nowhere near as cold as yesterday. It most certainly paid off within the two hours with two more species added to my year list and a trickle of other species too.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Up to 14 species were recorded on my first shift here in Pembroke Road although to be honest, it was all the usual fare on show; but I did enjoy watching the diminutive Wren fly across the road in front of me then perch up and begin to sing. Like the Cetti’s Warbler, such a strong loud song for such a small bird. The two Pied Wagtails were in the Bowling Green first thing this morning before they put the water Sprinklers on and they were joined by several Starlings and a male Blackbird. This afternoon was fairly quiet too with just two more species added to the day total here: Black-headed Gull and Great Tit.
A few Hairy-footed Bumblebees were around the flower beds again and at least two Common Wasps were patrolling the same area. Sadly, no butterflies here today.
Southsea seafront & the Solent:
A Sandwich Tern had just caught a fish and then this immature Herring Gull gave chase to the poor bird.
After all the work done by the Council and their contractors in improving the promenade here, I was somewhat surprised that the old Shelter that used to be here was still here! Mind you, a good lick of paint does wonders to the architecture and I took full advantage of it. When I arrived, there was someone already sitting in the shelter facing the sea, but he soon made his way once I settled down with my telescope in preparation for two hours of sea-watching.
Above, the Peregrine landed on top of this post out in the Solent and below, HMS Monmouth off to be scrapped in Turkey, being towed out to sea by a tug.
The 'seawatch' kicked off nicely when I saw a Swallow coming in off the sea; my second of the year after the one in the New Forest last weekend. More were to follow during my spell here with a total of five birds in all. I probably missed a few coming in, but I was more than happy watching visible migration actually taking place. A small passerine flew in also, but it was a bit distant and looked good for a Pipit species. I did hear a Meadow Pipit flying over when I was leaving, so they must be on the move this morning.
Above, Herring Gulls by the shoreline and below, another Sandwich Tern flying east along the shoreline.
I saw something flying fast westbound very low over the sea and once I got my telescope onto it, I soon realised it was a male Peregrine as I followed it over the sea and then watched it land on one of the tall posts about a mile out. While watching the Peregrine, I caught sight of an adult Gannet some distance out, but no mistaking my first one of the year. Sandwich Terns were going through in good numbers, although I think most were resident birds as they fished along the shoreline. However, I did spot a few distant birds going through in small groups. Mediterranean Gulls were also passing low over the Solent, though some flew literally just yards away over the beach and promenade looking for an easy human meal!
Above, Mediterranean Gulls along the shoreline.
I saw something interesting through the binoculars heading westbound half way out across the Solent and so quickly got my scope onto the bird. It was a juvenile Kittiwake belting through across the sea; my second ‘year-tick’ of the day and a good species to be seen at this time of year. Of course, there were a lot of quiet spells during those 2 hours, but it was well worth being here during this short period of time. I am hoping that I will be coming here at first light and reap the rewards over the coming months.
This Peacock butterfly settled on someones drainpipe near where I stood in Pembroke Road.
Spring is most certainly kicking off for not only with migrants coming through but a big rarity here on the south coast is grabbing a lot of attention today. More about that later. The continuing sunny weather is keeping everyone happy, though don't tell that to the poor fireman trying to put out the fires in Moors Valley Country Park. We have had no serious rain for some time now and the ground is getting too dry. Let's hope the like of the New Forest and other woodland don't suffer the same way. I have not been doing any serious birding over the past few days, but I still had some nice sightings in Pembroke Road.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Though we have had sunny weather with a cloudless blue sky, the wind has come from the north-east and first thing in the morning it has been very cold. Thankfully, the afternoons have been much warmer and even hitting around 18 degrees this afternoon! Yesterday, there were just 13 species recorded, but though small in number, most of the birds showed very well including an adult Mediterranean Gull flying overhead. A Wren showed very well close to where I stood, singing it little heart out and always a joy to see close up. A large number of Wood Pigeons were on Governor’s Green, but still no migrants hopping about yet.
Today, just 12 species were recorded during the two shifts and although a low number, I watched a superb male Peregrine flying over the street and head off north low over the rooftops. I didn't need binoculars for this bird because it was so low and the light was so good, I could see every marking on the bird. What a fantastic sight. Up to three Pied Wagtails were on the Bowling Green early in the morning and a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew north; the first one this year at this location.
I am afraid I lost the fight with my Barber. I asked for my usual Grade 4, but he misheard and I got a Grade 1 instead!! I should have paid more attention. As they say, Bring out the Johnson's!!!
Insects were on the wing, especially in the afternoon when it got a lot warmer. Two species of butterfly were seen here that included a Peacock that landed nearby and a Small White that flew over the road heading north. Again, there were several Hairy-footed & Buff-tailed Bumblebees, though a Mining Bee species actually landed on me, but too quick in getting a photo of the insect.
I will not be putting on the Moth Box during the rest of the week due to the fact it is clear overnight with a strong north-easterly blowing throughout the night. I tried my luck last night and got absolutely nothing this morning for my efforts and what with the overnight weather conditions set to continue for the rest of the week, I shall leave the Box till Friday night.
Two of the 18 Little Gulls on Ibsley Water yesterday. Photo by Andy Tew.
Yesterday, a record number of Little Gulls took up residence on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes. A staggering 18 birds were counted, which was a Hampshire record. Though not in Hampshire, a Least Sandpiper was found on the Stilt Pool at Medmerry RSPB Reserve. Initially identifed as a Little Stint, further look at the photos proved it to be the Least Sandpiper and most likely the same bird that was previously seen at Somerset and then near Needs Oar Reserve in Hampshire. Sadly, the news did not go out till after the bird had left at this reserve as you need a Permit to be on it and also, only a select few were allowed to see the bird due to it being a private site. Personally, I just wouldn't bother in going to the place as one, it is a long drive to get to’ and two, it is a site for the privileged few to be allowed on.
The Least Sandpiper on the Stilt Pool, Medmerry RSPB Reserve. Film footage by James Cutting.
On a positive side, the Least Sandpiper performed for the grateful masses and yes, I didn't want to drive all the way there to see a bird I have already seen before. I was lucky to see one on Sidlesham Ferry Pool in 1995, but at least it gave a lot of birders to add to their life list before it flew off strongly east late in the afternoon. Other sightings today in Hampshire included a Common Tern at Pennington Marshes and up to 4 Black-necked Grebes on Ibsley Water.
Another film footage of the Least Sandpiper by James Cutting.
Sadly, I did not have my camera to hand, but this photo of a White-tailed Eagle was taken by Emma Parkes at Milkham Inclosure, New Forest.
There have been a lot of reports of the White-tailed Eagles flying around on the south coast including sightings of the birds over Waterlooville, Gosport and a few other south coast areas last week. So when I was filling up my car with petrol this morning off Elm Grove in Portsmouth; I could hear a load of Gulls giving off their alarm calls and at first, all I saw was a melee of Gulls swirling around in the sky. I assumed it was a passing Sparrowhawk passing overhead, but when I looked again, there was a huge raptor slowly flapping away from me heading north and then it glided and then began flapping. Though it was virtually flying away from me, I was in no doubt that it was a White-tailed Eagle and just a shame I did not have my camera with me. This was my second sighting of this species this year, having seen a distant bird down at Pennington Marshes flying south towards the Isle of Wight.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Though bright and sunny with a cloudless sky first thing this morning, it was still a bit chilly though it got a lot warmer in the afternoon as the day progressed. Between both shifts here, I notched up 16 species for the day that included a Grey Heron flying west towards Gosport and the Jay showed well both in the morning and afternoon. Just two Pied Wagtails on the Bowling Green, which is now in use in the afternoons; but only Wood Pigeons seen on the Governor’s Green. The migrant passage overhead still remains quiet, but warmer weather is on its way and can produce a few surprises, hopefully.
Other sightings today included around a dozen or so Mediterranean Gulls circling high up over Southsea; some calling as well. A Small White butterfly showed well again flying across the road while I was driving. In Hampshire, the drake Garganey was still present on Posbrook Floods today along with 6 Glossy Ibis.
The drake Garganey on Posbrook Floods today. Film footage by James Cutting.
This Comma butterfly was the only butterfly to be seen today in the Cemetery.
After yesterday's runaround in the New Forest, it was back to earth with a quiet walk around Highland Road Cemetery with my dogs and hopefully find me a migrant or two. While updating my Blog this morning, a message on the ‘Lazee’ Whatsapp site informed me that a drake Garganey was found early this morning on Posbrook Floods. Bugger! Though I was sorely tested in going for the duck, there was the small matter of it being Mothers Day today and I most certainly didn't want a telling off from the 'Missus' in going to see the said bird. Hopefully, it just might linger a while?
Highland Road Cemetery, Hampshire:
A Wood Pigeon negotiating in trying to balance in this small tree.
Sadly, no migrants today in the Cemetery, not even a Chiffchaff, but it was sunny with a light north-westerly breeze going over the site and there were the more common birds present in fairly good numbers to keep me entertained. The sky was cloudless as I checked it now and then for Hirundines or Raptors, though none were seen during my time there.
A male House Sparrow 'chirruping' in the bushes over in the south-east corner.
All the usual birds were seen including a high flying Greenfinch heading west and a few Goldfinches up in the tree canopies. The Great Spotted Woodpecker was back again; high up in one of the tall trees in the north-east corner calling loudly. The Holm Oaks were very quiet, with only Magpies seen within the tops of the trees. Good to see the House Sparrows still here though I am not happy that I have not seen one in my garden for some time now. Even the food I put out is not being touched.
This singing Great Tit put in an appearance.
I was hoping that a butterfly or two might be on the wing today due to the sunny weather and I was rewarded with a single Comma butterfly perched on a gravestone. A few of the usual Bees and Hoverflies were about, but nothing unusual among them this morning.
A male Blackbird was singing in the trees while we walked past along the footpath.
As it was Mothers Day today, my wife was being treated to lunch at the Angel Hotel in Alton for a Sunday Roast and on the way there, I saw at least one Red Kite sailing only feet above the car and also a Common Buzzard flying over the adjacent fields by the A272. Earlier, my first Small White butterfly of the year flew over Winter Road in Southsea while I was waiting for the traffic lights to change.
Above and below, a male Firecrest got some unwelcome attention from a male Goldcrest. Photos by Emma Parkes.
Above, the Dotteral at Ferrybridge, Dorset yesterday. Photo by Andy Dickety. Below, a Little Owl in the Observatory Quarry, Portland Bill. Photo by James Cutting.
In Hampshire today, the drake Garganey remained faithful to the Posbrook Floods pool for most of the day and a Glossy Ibis was there as well. A Blue-headed Wagtail was back on Farlington Marshes again this afternoon, this time just south of the Lake area
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