Some excellent Moths to start a full day in Dorset.

Sunday 25^th October 2026.

The view from our kitchen window overlooking the countryside. Wow!

Although the clocks went back this morning, I woke at around 4.30am and could not remain in bed. It was the start of our first full day in Askerswell, and Storm Boelo had brought fierce winds overnight and into the early hours. I went downstairs to check on the dogs, then settled with them on the sofa, using one of their blankets.

At 5am, I heard a Little Owl calling outside the cottage, but it was too dark to locate. About an hour later, a Common Buzzard called from the woodland below.

Around 7am, I checked the Moth Box, expecting a poor catch after the bad weather overnight and I could not have been more wrong.

 

My Moth Box:

One of two probable November Moths was by the Moth Box this morning, both perched on the nearby wall.  These were my first of the year.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised on getting a total of 11 moths of 8 species this morning and that included three species that were new for the year. This included Beaded Chestnut, Yellow-line Quaker and two probably November Moths (Epirrita species). I shall stick with the latter species as one needs to dissect this species to ascertain its true ID.

Above, a Yellow-line Quaker and below, the Beaded Chestnut. Both were also new for the year.

My second sighting this year of Green-brindled Crescent (the last at Cowplain Marsh) this year of this species with one in the Moth Box itself and another on one of the sodden outside egg trays.

One of two Green-brindled Crescents this morning.

With us situated right in the middle of the countryside with plenty of trees nearby, it should be good for the rest of the week if the weather gets better.

This Ichneuman Wasp was just inside the Moth Box.

Other insects attracted to the Moth Box included 3 Caddis Fly species, a Common Wasp and the Ichneumon Wasp (Ophion obscuratus.)

 

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Beaded Chestnut * x2	Rush Veneer x1
Yellow-line Quaker * x1
Lunar Underwing x1
White-point x1
Turnip Moth x1
November Moth * x2
Green-brindled Crescent x2

 

Askerswell, nr Bridport, Dorset:

This Roe Deer was grazing in the field opposite when I was checking the Moth Box early this morning.

While checking the Moth Box, a Roe Deer was just inside the field opposite our Cottage and stayed long enough for me to grab a few photos of this lovely animal. Apart from the many Corvids around the trees by Askerswell Manor (next door to us) (mostly Rooks, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws) and also the Wood Pigeons, there was a constant movement of birds going over. Most were heard flying over, but a good number of species were actually seen.

Above, this Mistle Thrush was up in the Beech Trees by the main entrance to the Manor. Below, the patio area by our Cottage.

Above, Askerswell Manor and below, you can just make out the Stock Dove in front of the centre Herring Gull; though it was distant.

Above, the main exit from Askerswell Manor. Yes, a model Giraffe is on the right!

Two Grey Wagtails flew over the large field beside our cottage. Good numbers of Chaffinches also passed overhead, with many more near the Manor House entrance during the dogs’ morning walk. A Great Spotted Woodpecker called from the top of the tall pine beside the cottage, remaining hidden among the branches before flying off.

Above and below, the Roe Deer opposite the main entrance.

Above, while walking the dogs, I found these Petticoat Mottlegill Toadstools on the footpath. Below, another view of our Cottage for the week.

Near the main entrance to the Manor House, around 30 Chaffinches were flying among the Beech trees beside the narrow road. A small mixed flock of tits, including Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tits, moved through the roadside hedges, with a Chiffchaff calling briefly among them. A Mistle Thrush flew overhead and landed in a tree, while another was later seen at the top of a tree beyond the back garden as we ate breakfast. We walked as far as the roadside, where another Roe Deer was grazing in the opposite field. A little farther on, I photographed some distant Herring Gulls in the fields, only to discover a Stock Dove among the Wood Pigeons. The views from the windows here are simply stunning, overlooking the beautiful countryside.

The small lane I walked the dogs too. there were plenty of passerines around here. Below, a large clump of Honey Fungus growing on the grassy area near the Manor.

Above, a Jackdaw at dawn and below, there were hundreds of Corvids around the trees close by.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Little Owl (heard)
• Common Buzzard (heard)
• Grey Wagtail (2)
• Pied Wagtail (heard)
• Meadow Pipit (heard)
• Chaffinch
• Jay
• Treecreeper (heard)
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Nuthatch (heard)
•  Skylark (heard)
• Long-tailed Tit (6+)
• Chiffchaff (heard)
• Mistle Thrush (2)

Later this afternoon:

Becky and I had a lazy afternoon watching a couple of films, but during the late afternoon, a full moon rose beautifully over the field adjacent to our Cottage as we watched a Roe Deer walking across the same field and then canter off across the field. Another Mistle Thrush was seen earlier this afternoon while I was setting up my Moth Box and perched in a tall Ash Tree by the patio until flying off over the countryside.

The Mistle Thrush seen from our kitchen window this afternoon and below, a Grey Squirrel with his prize nut also in the garden.

Above, a Roe Deer running across the field at dusk and below, a gorgeous full moon rose over the same field this evening.

It is currently a clear night with a breezy westerly wind with the current temperature around 11 degrees, though a bit colder in the wind. However, rain is forecast for tomorrow, so I do hope my outside egg trays do not get too wet early tomorrow!

Above, the Nutcracker at Mundesley and below, the 1st winter Desert Wheatear at Cley Marshes. Both photos by Emma Parkes.

Birding pals, Emma and Matt Parkes successfully went to Mundesley, North Norfolk and saw the Nutcracker and then on to Cley Marshes for the 1^st winter Desert Wheatear that was on the beach; both species were 'Lifers' for them both. Well done guys. Back in Hampshire, there was a glut of Little Gulls seen off various sites that included around 40 to 45 birds off Hayling seafront along with a Purple Sandpiper. Another 30 plus birds were seen near the Coffee Cup off Southsea beach. Incredible stuff.

One of the many Little Gulls, including this juvenile, off Hayling Island today. Photo by Lewis Hooper.

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!