A superb Peregrine flew over Pembroke Road.

Monday 24th November 2025.

First thing this morning, Herring Gulls searching for worms on Governor's Green.

The morning started off a bit wet when I took the dogs for their early morning walk, but it eventually dried up and though we had the odd shower during the day, it was mostly dry, sunny but cold. Temperatures did not exceed 10 degrees with a northerly wind blowing throughout the day. It was back to Pembroke Road in Old Portsmouth for another start to the week's work here, but an impressive number of bird species were seen including a superb male Peregrine Falcon this afternoon.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Up to 14 species were recorded in Pembroke Road during both the morning and afternoon and as mentioned, easily the pick of the bunch was the male Peregrine that flew over the road and headed off north-west over the houses at a rate of knots! That livened up my afternoon somewhat and also added to the day list was a Black-headed Gull that had to give up its food it had picked up from somewhere as it was being pursued by three Herring Gulls and a Carrion Crow! A Pied Wagtail was the third bird species to be added this afternoon.

This morning, my first Brent Geese (a pair) of the season flew over Governor’s Green, heading in an easterly direction. Flying the opposite direction were a pair of Cormorants flying over the same area and headed off towards Portsmouth Harbour. Again, all the usual birds were noted here including a Robin, House Sparrows (heard only in the hedgerow by the Bowling Green) and a Blue Tit. Insects are becoming scarce now, but a Buff-tailed Bumblebee was enjoying the few flowers still blooming close to where I stood.

During the middle half of the day, I saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying north over the houses in Henderson Road, Eastney.

Yesterday, birding pal Geoff Farwell, was birding down Farlington Marshes where he recorded up to 20 Avocets, Greenshank, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens, 3 Sandwich Terns, Water Pipit, 4 Stonechat, Grey Wagtail and a Firecrest.

A pair of Hen Harriers at the Burgh yesterday. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Matt & Emma Parkes toured the area of The Burgh, near Arundel and were rewarded with superb views of a pair of Hen Harriers.

Above and below, a male Hen Harrier showing very well at the Burgh. Photos by Emma Parkes.

In Hampshire today:

Nothing whatsoever was reported on the Lazee’s Whatsapp site, so I had to glean my info from today's sightings from Hants Birding where locally, a single Purple Sandpiper, a Shag and a Great Northern Diver were off Southsea Castle. Over in Southampton, the Red-necked Grebe and Velvet Scoters were off Weston Shore and the Boat-tailed Grackle was still in its usual garden at Holbury. At Hayling Oyster Beds, 2 Whimbrel, Greenshank, 20 Knot, 19 Mergansers and 3 Goldeneye were recorded.

A drake Teal coming into land in front of the Meonshore Hide, Titchfield Haven. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Despite the poor weather, plenty of birds on Titchfield Haven.

Saturday 23rd November 2025.

A pair of Common Snipe kept us entertained during our stay in the Meonshore Hide.

I knew from last night's weather forecast that it was going to be poor, with rain all day for our region on the south coast and so the option was either the Hides at Titchfield Haven or Bashford Lakes? I opted for the former and so picking both Geoff and Andy up at ‘Cowplain Marsh’ (Andy’s house) we took the drive southbound to this superb Reserve, despite the inclement weather (nothing whatsoever in or around Geoffs Moth Box this morning). A strong southerly was blowing in off the Solent and surprisingly, it was damn cold too as the rain stung your face as we made the long walk to the first Hide after paying for our tickets.

 

A hot flask of coffee, a  dry cosy Hide and great company; what more do you want on a grim days birding? This photo was from the Spurgin Hide.

Emma Parkes joined up later in the morning within the Meonshore Hide where there was only one chap present within the Hide, but even he left after 30 minutes on our arrival and should he be reading this, thank you for pointing out the Marsh Harriers at the back of the back of the Reserve. After a good couple of hours within the reserve (possibly longer), we eventually left the Meonshore Hide and made our way to the Spurgin Hide and tried our luck for the Penduline Tits that were seen here a week ago. You probably know what happens next?

Despite the poor weather, it didn't stop the local birds carrying on with their day with good numbers of Mallard, Turnstone and a few Redshank here in the small harbour by the main road.

Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, Hill Head:

A female Marsh Harrier, of three over the Reserve, occasionally flew close over the nearby reedbed.

The rain was coming down with a strong wind behind it as we made our way around the small harbour that contained a mixture of Turnstone, Redshank, Coots and numerous Mallard. The long walk to the Meonshore Hide seemed endless, but on arrival, there was just the one chap quietly sitting there enjoying the peace and quiet before we arrived! Actually, we kept our conversations  as quiet as possible and it was another chance to see how well my new camera copes with dull and wet conditions.

Above, one of a few Redshank in the small harbour and below, the usual good numbers of Turnstone were also showing well in the same area.

Above, close to the Meonshore Hide, there was this Redshank, Lapwing and three Teal present and below, the Lapwing had departed and left behind the two other species.

Thankfully, the small islands in front of us had some very obliging birds to photograph that included good numbers of Teal, Shoveler, Redshank, Lapwing and a couple of showy Common Snipe. A Grey Heron dropped in briefly as did a Little Egret during our stay here in the Meonshore Hide and now and then, everything would take flight as a passing raptor whizzed through over the Reserve; notably a female Sparrowhawk. Up to three Marsh Harriers, all female types, were seen over the Reserve, with one individual doing sorties close to us over the eastern reedbed. It was a pleasure to watch as it used the wind to stay motionless over the reedbed, looking down to spot an unwary duck or Coot below in the reeds. Then it was twisted away, sometimes hassled by the local Crows and then returned to to try its luck again over the same bit of reedbed. I understand that the Marsh Harriers had a good breeding season here on the Reserve, which is excellent news. On the way down to the Reserve, we saw both a Red Kite and a Kestrel to add to our raptor list for the day.

Above, there were a lot of birds in front of the Meonshore Hide to enjoy and below, this female Teal was preening herself.

Above, the Common Snipe resting on one of the small islands and below, the partial albino Oystercatcher among its fellow species along with a pair of Gadwall and a female Teal.

Above, the female Marsh Harrier quartering over the reedbed again and below, a Grey Heron coming into land in front of the Hide.

As well as the ducks already mentioned, there was also a flock of around 50+ Wigeon on the North Scrape briefly before they flew off and also Mallard, several Gadwall and out of the blue, Geoff picked out the drake Goosander that has been around for several weeks here. It was sat on one of the small islands with Teal; it must have flown in while we were not looking. It lingered here for around another ten minutes and then flew off south over the reedbeds. Throughout the morning, we could hear a Water Rail ‘squealing’ in the reedbed just right of the Hide and while Andy went outside for a ‘fag’, the Water Rail flew out of the reedbed right in front of us and landed out of view within the reedbed to the left of the Hide. Later in the early afternoon, another Water Rail, along with a Fox, was seen on the footpath on the Reserve as we made our way back to the car. There were at least 50+ Oystercatchers using one of the islands to rest on and it included the partial albino individual that has been around for a couple of years here. Another flock of Oystercatchers were also using the grassy bank to the west of the South Scrape and these were eventually joined by a flock of around 50 Black-tailed Godwits that had just flown in from the fields to the north of the Reserve.

Above, a flock of around 50 Black-tailed Godwit joined the resting Oystercatchers on the west side of the South Scrape and below, the drake Goosander turned up, but it didn't stay that long before flying off.

Our last notable sighting was of an adult Mediterranean Gull flying south over the Scrape and then headed off towards the seafront in the wind and rain. Enjoying our time here, especially out of the rain and having enjoyed one of Emma’s home-made Sausage Rolls, we made our way to the Spurgin Hide. Although our time within that Hide was somewhat brief due to the lack of birds!

Above, the beautiful colours of the drake Teal and below, a female Shoveler. Both birds are obligingly in front of the Meonshore Hide.

Of course, there was not an ‘inkling’ of any Penduline Tits, though as Geoff pointed out, there was plenty of ‘Reedmace’ for the birds to enjoy in front of the Hide. The wind and rain was relentless and as flocks of Teal, Gadwall and Shovelers headed north over the reedbeds and large numbers of ‘honking’ Canada Geese arriving onto the Reserve, it was too quiet here. Having already emptied my delicious flask of Coffee, I was now scrounging from Andy for a cup of his ‘God awful’ brew, but it was hot and wet I suppose! A fairly large flock of Stock Doves took off from a distant tree, circled a few times and returned to the same tree which signalled it was time to get back to the car. I don’t think we could have walked fast enough to get back to the warmth and dryness of my car, but as always, the great company I keep always keeps me cheerful despite the grim weather. 

The two Common Snipe in front of the Meonshore Hide with a few Teal.

Still bitterly cold this week.

Thursday 20th November 2025.

Dawn over the Cemetery this morning. 

The wintry weather continued today and it was so damn cold this morning here in Southsea. Temperatures were around -2 degrees when I took my dogs for their early morning walk, but at least it was dry and cloudless at first as I took a photo of Highland Road Cemetery as dawn broke. I had to 'de-ice' both mine and my wife's car before I headed to work, but once at Pembroke Road, the weather had not changed and the northerly wind seemed to go right through you! Thankfully, my hand warmers helped considerably and I was wrapped up the best I could to cope with the cold. However, the likes of Cornwall, South Wales and East Yorkshire were putting up with heavy snow of which we had a little flurry yesterday morning which fizzled out to nothing (phew)!

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

This photo of the Royal Garrison Church and Governor's Green was taken by a drone by Solent Sky Services who allowed me to post this superb photo on my blog.

OK, the bird species numbers were low; both today (11 species) and yesterday (9 species) and though all the normal species were abundant, a Grey Wagtail was the pick of the small bunch yesterday; though it was only heard and today, a Little Egret flew west high over Governor’s Green and disappeared over the houses towards Portsmouth Harbour. The Jays put on a good performance on both days and at times, they flew low over my head and I was wishing I had my camera with me. 

On my way to Pembroke Road, the small green by one of the main roads held easily over 50+ Carrion Crows and 30+ Herring Gulls that were attracted to some guy feeding them. Wood Pigeons here were abundant in Pembroke Road with at least 30+ being seen including a large number picking off grass shoots on Governor’s Green. I am pleased to say that at least a dozen or so House Sparrows (they are getting a lot rarer in Portsmouth now) are occupying the hedgerow by the Bowling Green and are quite vocal at times. Surprisingly, there have been very few passerines over the past few days, which I can only assume that they have found somewhere else to feed.

The French Passenger ship, the Mont St Michel, entered the Solent from Portsmouth Harbour with the Royal Garrison Church in the foreground. 

More very cold weather tonight and tomorrow, but I have just found out that wintry showers are forecast for Saturday here in the South coast. We shall see. On a different note, I have been following a Facebook site called Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) which helps to prosecute these bird murderers who put out nets and lime-sticks in the Mediterranean countries of Cyprus, Malta, Italy and even Spain. These countries and their so-called law-makers should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for not doing enough to bring these horrible people to justice. A lot of our British guys help out with CABS in destroying all the equipment put out to trap and kill the birds and thankfully, social media has brought this to my attention. 

There has been a huge influx of Black Redstarts into the UK including this gorgeous male bird in Lee on Solent. Photo by Emma Parkes.

I have only been to Cyprus once and saw none of this activity, thankfully, but it does go on out there and though it is difficult to to get involved physically; at least I can put this on my blog for other birders and anyone interested and also on my Facebook Page. Sadly, these small birds are caught and as Chris Packham and Meg McCubbin had said, they are boiled, fried and cooked for a delicacy and some sad excuses for human beings ACTUALLY eating them!!! Seriously, hundreds, if not thousands of these poor little birds are caught each year, but with CABS out there pressurizing the local Governments, maybe this disgusting trend will diminish? Yes, in the UK, we still have Grouse shooting and other blood sports that this ‘slow to act’ Government should surely respond to, but we can only wish! Rant over.

In Hampshire today:

A Whooper Swan was a nice surprise for one lucky birder in Basingstoke today as the bird flew over his head. A Red-necked Grebe was off Netley Castle and a Slavonian Grebe was off Calshot Spit. The Boat-tailed Grackle was again in its usual place in Holbury, Southampton and a late Swallow flew through Titchfield Haven. A pair of Black Swans have joined the regular Mute Swans on nearby Canoe Lake.

A Woodcock over Pembroke Road!

Tuesday 18th November 2025.

A cold, frosty start to the day as I walked the dogs past Highland Road Cemetery this morning.

The cold spell continued this morning with a clear sky most of the night producing a frosty windscreen for me to clear before I made my way for my first shift in Pembroke Road. The dogs got their early morning walk, with several Herring Gulls drifting overhead in the early morning half-light. Though Pembroke Road was fairly quiet this morning, I was in for a surprise.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Bowling Green early this morning. I think I saw more Squirrels here than birds on my first shift!

It was quiet yesterday with just 13 bird species seen that included a Meadow Pipit heading south, a pair of Jays flying about throughout both of my shifts and three species of Gull (Black-headed, Herring and Great Black-backed Gull) were the highlights. Early yesterday morning, while walking the dogs, the Fox I had seen in Highland Road Cemetery on Sunday, was seen again in Haslemere Road on the opposite side of the road from us. Its dark underside and short snout was exactly the same as the one I saw Sunday.

Back to today and there were only 11 bird species seen within both shifts in Pembroke Road. It was clear and bright again at first, but a weather front quickly moved through during the middle of the day, leaving a wet ground, but it didn't linger and the sun came out again for my second shift of the day. A keen westerly wind blew down the road, but sporting hand warmers within my gloves, I wasn’t as cold as I was this morning! Yet again, the Jays were showing well throughout the day, but little else of note in the afternoon.

It was in the morning, around 8.15am, that I caught sight of a Woodcock flying south high over the road. I managed to catch a quick sighting of it flying over the green to the east of the Bowling Green before disappearing from view. Well, that was one species I never expected to see and can only assume it had been flushed from somewhere?

I was surprised to find this Jasmine Moth by my Moth Box......and the box wasn't even turned on!

When I got home, I got the bird feeder out of the Garden Box, which needed a damn good clean. I then found a Jasmine Moth perched on the white sheet, which was totally unexpected as I have not had the Moth Box on for a few days. I am not sure how long this cold spell is going to last, but I heard rumours today that it is going to be a cold winter. I will consider putting my Moth Box away for the Winter soon.

In Hampshire today:

The Boat-tailed Grackle is still very confiding in someone's garden in Holbury today, while nearby, the Red-necked Grebe was still showing off Weston Shore, midway out in Southampton Water. Over at Woolmer Pond, there were sightings of Brambling, a male Merlin, a Raven and up to 35 Redpolls still. There were 16 Spoonbills on Normandy Marsh today along with a Spotted Redshank and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers.

Apparently, Dartford Warblers have been doing very well this year in Hampshire. I do hope they carry on doing well during this cold snap. Photo by Pete Appleton.

Foxes make the highlights.

Sunday 16th November 2025.

A bright start to this Sunday morning.

I have to admit, I was absolutely knackered last night and went to bed earlier than normal for a Saturday, but I was up early this morning to do my Blog and then check on the Moth Box I had on overnight. It was a dry and bright start to the morning as I not only checked the Moth Box, but also took the dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery.

My Moth Box:

A Jasmine Moth was nearly missed when I checked the second time.

A total of 16 moths of 7 species this morning, a much lower total than the last time I switched my Moth Box on. I have a temporary rainguard on at present as the last one mysteriously was broken. I can only assume a Cat or possibly a Fox might have stood on it? Two Golden Twin-spots, the envy of many ‘Moth-ers’ it seems, was present again this morning, but apart from Double-striped Pugs, sadly no other Macro moths present. A Privet Tortrix was unexpected this morning. 

Above, a Privet Totrix and below, a Golden Twin-spot. This individual I had to rescue from a Spiders web and thankfully, it was still alive.

The Moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Golden Twin-spot x2	Jasmine Moth x1
Double-striped Pug x4	Rusty-dot Pearl x5
	Tree-mallow Tortrix x2
	Light Brown Apple Moth x1
	Privet Tortrix x1

While checking the Moth Box, birds passing overhead included a couple of Pied Wagtails, a Meadow Pipit and a Greenfinch.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

One of two Foxes seen today in Highland Road.

It had clouded over by the time I got into Highland Road Cemetery and although there were not many dog-walkers present, it was still very quiet here today with only the usual birds seen this morning during my slow walk round. A couple of Meadow Pipits flew over and headed east and several Blackbirds were around the bushes in the centre of the Cemetery. 

Above and below, Blackbirds were in good numbers today.

Above, this male Blackbird was in one of the bushes and below, a Robin popped out of cover briefly.

I think the highlight of my walk was a dog Fox walking around the south-east corner, but would not linger for a decent photo of this lovely animal. A second Fox was seen in the afternoon when my family and I stopped off at the nearby Co-op Shop where a very tame Fox was in the Car Park there again. I had just bought a loaf of bread and the Fox actually came up to me, sniffed the bread and nibbled on the outer packaging! I am not sure I have ever got this close to a Fox before and I believe that the public are actually feeding it hence its tameness!

Above, another photo of the dog Fox and below, Hart's-tongue Fern growing on the southern perimeter wall.

Above, possibly a Red-capped Bolette toadstool? Below, the flowers and seeds of the Smooth Sow-thistle.

Sadly, not a great deal else to be seen in the Cemetery, but at least the Jays showed occasionally among the more common birds.

Blashford Lakes & Mark Ash Wood.

Saturday 15th November 2025

One of many Great Crested Grebes on Blashford Lakes today. This individual came close to the Hide on Ivy Lake.

The day started off very foggy here in Southsea, but as I made my way up the A3 to pick Geoff and Andy up, it was slowly clearing to leave behind a rather bright morning, though it did cloud over from midday onwards. Temperatures were around 14 degrees centigrade for most of the day and felt pleasant with little need for a wooly hat or gloves (except for in the Tern Hide at Blashford where the little wind that blew into the Hide was freezing!)

This November Moth agg. was the only Moth present at Cowplain Marsh this morning.

Geoff had his Moth Box on overnight, but got very little return from it, except for just the one moth, a November Moth agg. (could be one of three species that closely resemble one another and the only way to really tell them apart is by dissection). At least it was a ‘year-tick’.

Another view of the November Moth agg. My first of the year

Our day was going to be spent mostly at Blashford Lakes, for Andy who was still stuck on 199 species in Hampshire for this year, was hoping for the White-tailed Eagle to return. We then read, via the Hants Rarities Whatsapp that one birder believed he might have heard a pair of Two-barred Crossbills in Mark Ash Wood and so we finished the day off there in search of the birds. 

Cowplain Marsh, Andy’s Garden:

Though the Moth Box was disappointing, while enjoying a cup of coffee, a Redwing flew over and a few minutes later, a flock of around 20 birds also flew over all heading northbound. A Grey Wagtail was heard flying over but we never clapped eyes on the bird. Geoff told me that he saw the Firecrest again yesterday in the front hedgerow. Though grey and dull overhead, a Robin was in full song high up in one of the trees and a few Blue Tits were taking a liking to the many Bird Feeders Andy has in his garden (which reminds me to get my bird feeder up!).

Blashford Lakes, nr Fordingbridge:

I counted up to 7 Great White Egrets and 6 Little Egrets at the back of Ibsley Water, though more were around.

Arriving in the Tern Hide Car Park around 9.30am, we entered an already packed Hide (when I mean packed, all the windows that you could open had someone looking out of them!), but I managed to grab a seat by some chap and got stuck straight away checking the birdlife around Ibsley Water.

Above, the female Goosander near the Hide and below, a Green Sandpiper was a nice surprise too.

Above, Cormorants drying off in the sunshine and below, a Grey Heron having a scratch.

The chap next to me kindly pointed out a female Goosander preening on a nearby island and eventually flew off to join another two more female birds further north on the water. A Green Sandpiper was along the water's edge to the right of the Hide, though most of the action was at the northern end of Ibsley Water. There was plenty of wildfowl around though most of it, as mentioned, was at the far end where we had the likes of Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon and good numbers of Canada Geese that had dropped in plus much smaller numbers of Egyptian Geese around the perimeter. 

The Great White Egrets showed well at the back of Ibsley Water.

Geoff counted over 140+ Cormorants on Ibsley Water with many sitting on the islands drying their wings. The number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were increasing as the morning wore on and by the time we left, at least 50 birds were resting on the water with many preening almost immediately. Smaller numbers of Herring and Black-headed Gulls were also present, but nothing more interesting of note was among them.

Above and below, the Lapwing were in good numbers here on Ibsley Water.

Above and below, this Cormorant showed well fishing in front of the Tern Hide.

Apart from the Green Sandpiper, the only other waders present were Lapwing with at least 100+ present on the islands, though Geoff saw a couple of smaller waders at the far end of the Lake of which were most likely to be Dunlin, though they did not linger. A few Meadow Pipits were searching for food near the Hide on the raised bank to the right of the Hide, but no Water Pipits were present unfortunately.

Above, a pair of Wigeon swam past in front of the Hide and below, a Great Crested Grebe with a female Wigeon also in front of the Hide.

On arrival within the Hide, I could see a good number of Heron species at the northern end of Ibsley Water where I counted at least 7 Great White Egrets, 6 Little Egrets and at least 8 Grey Herons dotted around the perimeter. Geoff, however, said that he counted at least 11 Great White Egrets when he watched them all put their heads up! I'm not sure how I missed that? We spent a good 90 minutes in the Hide, enjoying a couple of cups of hot coffee from my flask (it was bloody cold with that wind blowing into the Hide), but there was no sign of the White-tailed Eagle for us, of which, it had returned in front of the Hide later in the afternoon! Bum!

Above, a pair of Little Grebes in front of the Ivy South Hide and below, Mallard also in front of the Hide.

Above, a Cormorant flying over Ivy Lake with Mallard, Tufted Duck and a Moorhen in attendance. Below, three Tufties on the same lake.

From the Car Park, we decided to walk to the Ivy South Hide and on doing so, we took a short stop overlooking the Woodland Hide bird feeders. The feeders now held food for the birds and had been up now for the past few weeks after it was deemed safe for the birds to feed there now after the Bird Flu outbreak here. A Great Tit with an abnormally sized upper mandible had no trouble picking off sunflower seeds from one of the feeders (see photos) and both Robin and Blue Tits came down to feed also.

Above and below, the Great Tit with the deformed bill in front of the Woodland Hide.

Above, a male Chaffinch near the Hide and below, this female Blackbird was sporting a large cyst on its breast.

It was good to see the bird feeders up now that the area has been given the 'all clear' from Bird Flu. This Blue Tit was pleased.

On the way to the Ivy South Hide, a Siskin flew over and along the footpath, we found a clump of Clouded Funnel Toadstools growing by the path. I spent a good chunk of my day also searching the ground for Toadstools and using my Google App to help ID the many species present today. Whether accurate or not, if you are reading this and my ID needs correcting, please email me.

Above, Clouded Funnel Toadstools by the main footpath and below, a pair of Mallards sailed close to the Ivy South Hide.

Above, a Great Crested Grebe swam close to the Hide and a pair of Egyptian Geese were out on Ivy Lake.

Above, a Little Egret was perched up with the Cormorants and below, up to 6 Little Grebes swam together here.

Ivy South Hide was packed with ‘toggers’ again, most likely hoping the Kingfisher might sit on one of the sticks poking out of the water. It never landed while we were there, but it did pass by the Hide a couple of times during our hour stay where we had lunch. A good sized flock of 6 Little Grebes were gathered together to the left of the Hide, while the Ivy Lake held the likes of Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, a few Gadwall, a couple of Little Egrets and several Cormorants, A large flock of Grey Lag Geese flew over the Lake and several Great Crested Grebes swam on the water with one individual coming very close to the Hide. The sound of clicking cameras was nearly deafening!

Above, a Nuthatch was seen in the woodland on our way back to the Car Park. Below, one of several Long-tailed Tits within the Willows.

Above, the guys found this Red Admiral butterfly on the footpath.

After we had our lunch, we walked along the perimeter footpath where we had a mixed flock of Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits; Nuthatch, Chiffchaff (we heard two Chiffs earlier in the day, with one actually singing!) and a few Goldcrests all making their way along the waters edge within the Willows. As we made our way back to the Car Park by the Tern Hide, I was lucky enough to see the only raptor of the day, a Common Buzzard, that flew over quickly and lost sight over the treetops.

Mark Ash Wood, Bolderwood, New Forest:

The guys walking through Mark Ash Wood.

Our last stop was to be Mark Ash Wood. We got the info from the Hampshire Rare Birds Whatsapp that a probable pair of Two-barred Crossbills were seen in a Larch Tree and identified by their calls. It was a ‘no-brainer’ to make our way there to see a species I have only ever seen once. ‘Long story short’, we could not find the birds, but I did get to see my first ‘Hampshire’ Bramblings for the year at this site. We saw at least four birds within the area flying over our heads calling and also at least 50+ Chaffinches flew over too. Both Nuthatch and Treecreeper were seen well along with a couple of Redpoll and a Marsh Tit. With no wind whatsoever, it was so still within the woodland that one could hear any birds calling. Just perfection.

Glistening Inkcaps and Turkeytail fungi. Below, a Stinkhorn toadstool was attracting insects within Mark Ash Wood.

Above, Hairy Curtain Crust and below, Turkeytail fungi.

Above, Common Rustgill and below, Primrose Brittlegill toadstools.

Above, Birch Milk Cap and below, Charcoal Burner toadstools.

As mentioned earlier, I couldn't help noticing the large variety of fungi present which included the likes of Primrose Brittlegill, Charcoal Burner, Glistening Inkcaps, Birch Milk Cap, Common Rustgill, Hairy Curtain Crust (seriously!) and Turkeytail.