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, a Frigate 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
Willow Warblers were abundant in Matley Wood. Photo by Emma Parkes.
Another superb day’s birding, this time in the heart of the New Forest and taking in the wildlife of both Matley Wood /Heath and also Bishop's Dyke and Denny Wood. Kicking off with the Moths in both Andy’s and my Moth Box, we also met up with both Emma and Matt Parkes this morning on what was to be a glorious sunny day in the Forest. Andy and myself picked up two new birds species for the year and I caught up with two Moth species I have not seen for many years. What a day!
The Moth Boxes:
This Oak Beauty moth was my first for many a year.
When I awoke at 5.30am this morning, I soon discovered that it had been clear overnight and therefore, the moth total in my garden was going to be low as I soon discovered. However, at least I got some moths that included the following:
Early Grey
Double-striped Pug
Beautiful Plume
Common Plume
Hourglass Mompha
Despite a good search around the Moth Box (nothing inside whatsoever again!)I could not find anything else of note here. I always listen out for passing birds overhead and a low flying Redwing called and then watched it head off north over the houses.
A selection of Moths from Andy's Moth Box that included Hebrew Characters, Small Quakers and the Oak Beauty.
Meanwhile, Andy’s garden had attracted many more moths and a nice variety too. Best of all was the Oak Beauty; a species I have only encountered in Spring on just a handful of occasions. Geoff opened his Moth Box and it was here the moth was sitting at the bottom of the Moth Box. Among all the egg trays scattered around the Moth Box were up to 7 Hebrew Characters, 4 Small Quakers and a single Early Grey.
While enjoying a Coffee, I could hear a Chiffchaff singing briefly in the distance, while Chaffinches and Goldfinches were in the bushes nearby. A pair of Mediterranean Gulls flew high overhead, calling as per usual. Geoff caught sight of a Fox disappearing down the side of this garden and then quickly disappeared! We had a coffee once we got back to Andy’s house later in the afternoon and checking out his garden Pond, we could see both a Frog and Frog Spawn within the pond. Sadly, there was a dead Frog at the bottom of the Pond, upside down too! Poor bugger!
Matley Wood, New Forest:
Chaffinches were also abundant in Matley Wood including this singing male bird.
Earlier in the week, I had ordered a Pheromone Lure for Emperor Moths and so Emma Parkes had suggested trying it out at Matley Heath (between Lyndhurst and Beaulieu). That was to be our first destination today and it certainly paid off with some superb birds in and around the Matley Wood / Heath area. Sadly, though we put the Lure out on the heath, there was no sign here of any Emperor Moths. A bit early in the year perhaps, despite the sunny weather. Meeting both Emma & Matt Parkes within the Car Park at Matley Wood, I first gave the guys my Fathers Moth Box for them to enjoy and discover the wonderful world of Moth identification and then we set off into the woodland to see what goodies could be laying in wait for us. Our target birds here were Willow Warbler and possibly an early Redstart.
Above, several Stock Doves were within the woodland and below, Emma found this Speckled Wood butterfly.
Willow Warblers were in good numbers here with at least four singing males in different parts of the wood and though we never ‘clocked’ a Redstart, the superb Firecrests present made up for that. We found at least a dozen birds and a few individuals showed superbly in the sunshine including one bird that perched right out in the open, preening itself, for around ten minutes!
Above, this Treecreeper showed very well in the woodland and below, a March Fly sunning itself.
We were kept busy with many birds showing in the woods that included Chaffinches, a pair of Marsh Tits, both Nuthatch & Treecreeper (all showing superbly) and good numbers of Long-tailed Tits and Blue Tits. Overhead, there were small numbers of Siskins flying overhead and Stock Doves were high up in the Canopies. Emma found a butterfly on the wing and on closer discovery, it was our first Speckled Wood of the year, sitting on the leaf litter basking itself in the warm sunshine. Both Great and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were heard, but only the former was seen within the woodland.
Firecrests were showing very well within the woodland.
We walked out onto the heath to put the Pheromone Lure safely out on the heath near some Gorse Bushes. I saw a soaring raptor over the opposite woodland and we all agreed it was a female Goshawk. A good start and further to the south, a couple of Common Buzzards were circling over the woods. It didn't end there with the raptors, for Andy (who was laying down at the time) found a Peregrine flying over at speed. I caught literally the tail end of the Peregrine disappearing into the distance; but at least I saw it. Suddenly, Emma shouted out that a Hirundine was flying over which turned out to be our first Swallow of the year. Excellent.
Above, Matley Wood viewed from the heath and below, several photos of the Stonechats on the heath.
By the Gorse bushes upon the heath, there were at least three, possibly four, Stonechats showing well along with around 6 Meadow Pipits seen flying over. Skylarks were singing over the heath as well as the occasional displaying Meadow Pipit, but to the north, a Woodlark was heard singing somewhere in the distance. Sadly, we had no luck with the Pheromone Lure to attract the Emperor Moths, but I was to try it again later in Bishop's Dyke. On our way back to the car, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling just inside the Woodland, but there was no sighting of the bird.
Above, the Pheromone Lure I used to attract the Emperor Moth and below, a Peacock butterfly sunning itself near the Car Park.
On the way back to the car, we had sightings of a pair of Green Woodpeckers flying into the woodland and also a Raven and Mistle Thrush before we said our Goodbyes. Emma and Matt were off to the Isle of Portland, while we made our way to nearby Shatterford Car Park.
This preening male Firecrest showed nicely within Matley Wood.
Bishops Dyke & Denny Wood, New Forest:
View of Bishop's Dyke from Denny Wood.
We found out that Shatterford Car Park was closed to the public, which was probably due to stopping people walking their dogs and disturbing nesting birds; hence the notices put up on the gate. So we had to park in the nearby packed Car Park opposite the Beaulieu Hotel and so had to negotiate the dangerous road over the Railway Bridge. I saw some motorbikes belting along the road and no way were they keeping to the 40mph speed limit. So we had to carefully walk along the edge of the road to make our way to Shatterford.
Above, a Green Tiger Beetle strolled across the footpath near Bishop's Dyke. Below, the large pond by Bishop's Dyke.
To be honest, birds seemed to be at a premium here. Walking to Bishops Dyke, there were several Stonechats seen from the footpath as well as a good number of Meadow Pipits. A couple of Kestrels were seen over the heath and a male Reed Bunting was seen singing from the small bridge out on the marshy area. As we neared the Bridge, something was fluttering around my feet and sure enough, it was a male Emperor Moth. I had the Pheromone Lure in my pocket and obviously, the moth could smell it! Unfortunately, the moth never settled so I could not get a photo of the insect. Still, this constituted my second ever sighting of this species. I shall try again next month to attract this species.
Water Crow-foot growing on a stretch of water near Denny Wood.
Apart from the big pool on the outskirts of Bishops Dyke that held several Mallards, a pair of Lapwing and a Curlew; it was very quiet as we made our way through Denny Wood and then back to the car. Apparently, a male Redstart WAS seen earlier today from the edge of Denny Wood, but we hardly saw any birds here. Still, a good day’s birding again and picking up two new species for our year list and two excellent moths as well. Happy days.
My first ever Marbled Fern moth that was on the white sheet behind my Moth Box last night.
Another day and yet another different weather forecast for today. A weather front moved in overnight and into this morning with drizzle coming down from an overcast sky. There was a westerly wind blowing down Pembroke Road this morning and temperatures were down to 10 degrees centigrade. I had the Moth Box on last night and found a small, yet very attractive moth of which I quickly potted.
The Moth Box:
The micro moth Hourglass Mompha. This was my second of the year.
Though there were very few moths present this morning, the moth I caught last night and quickly potted turned out to be my very first Marbled Fern! This beautifully marked micro moth normally habits areas where this is Bracken of which I dont know of any areas of Portsmouth with Bracken growing; so it must be a migrant moth. Originally, this species is from New Zealand and believed to be brought in accidentally by Fern plants imported into the UK. This species has a good stronghold in the New Forest, but very few areas in Hampshire other than there. My second Hourglass Moth (Mompha divisella)of the year was also present within the Moth Box.
The moths present this morning included the following:
MARBLED FERN (Lifer)
Early Grey x2
Common Plume
Beautiful Plume
Hourglass Mompha
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
The weather was somewhat unpleasant this morning here in Pembroke Road with light rain and a cold westerly blowing down the road that didn't help matters. Just 11 species were recorded this morning here that did include the Jay, which flew over the road and landing in the Holm Oaks and a singing Chiffchaff somewhere in the same trees. Hopefully, I hope the weather will be a bit better this afternoon.
Some friends of mine sent me this film clip of two Tawny Owls calling to one another outside their Denmead home last night.
While having lunch in my garden, the sun shone brightly and as my garden is a sun trap, it does invite a good number of Bees and Hoverflies to my garden and as I have Ivy plants growing over the wooden fence panels and a few plants in flower, there was a variety of insects on show and so I couldn't resist taking a few photos of these insects.
Above, a female Hairy-footed Flower Bee and below, a male Humming Syrphus (Syrphus ribesii).
Above and below, a Drone Fly.
Above, a male Early Epistrophe (Epistrophe eligans).
