Ring-necked Parakeet in Portsmouth.

Thursday 12th February 2026.

A grey murky start to the day as I walked my dogs past Highland Road Cemetery early this morning. However, both Robin and Blackbird were in full song.

Low and behold, yet another horrible wet morning on my first shift at Pembroke Road today. However, on a better note, the rain kept off long enough to do a spot of ‘Birding’ around the east side of Portsmouth this morning to check out if the Ring-necked Parakeet was still present and also a trip over to the harbour entrance at Eastney. Yes, it stayed dry long enough for a good search, though a breezy cold south-westerly made it feel a lot colder than it actually was, especially by the harbour entrance.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

It was wet with light rain when I arrived at 7.45am this morning in Pembroke Road and I certainly was not looking forward to standing in the rain for the next hour or so, but I needed to and I wasn't all that surprised to see just 12 bird species this morning. A Wren and a Dunnock was singing behind the Bowling Green and the chap with this dog was feeding the Carrion Crows and Herring Gulls again with lots and lots of seeds in the field to the east of the Bowling Green.

There was just the one flock of Brent Geese this morning heading east from Portsmouth Harbour, but not a great deal to be seen in the rain. This afternoon, it was much brighter, though breezier as a keen south  westerly wind blew down Pembroke Road. Sadly, I could not add any new species to my day total here, despite the sunshine.

East Portsmouth:

I decided not to give the exact location of the Ring-necked Parakeet sighting this morning due to the fact that the local residents might put up with a fuss should there be a crowd of birders present in their street. I parked up around 9.15am and it didn't take long to hear the Parakeet call and then, luckily for me, flew over my head and headed off north over the houses. Though not the most sought after of species, it was a ‘year-tick’ and saved me the horrible trip into Southampton to see the birds at Queen’s Park! Many thanks to Chris for the ‘tip-off’. As the finder told me, it will not be long before they colonise Portsmouth, for Southampton has many pairs within the city.

Harbour entrance, Eastney:

The harbour entrance at Eastney looking north-east.

As the Langstone Harbour entrance was only about a 15 minutes drive away, I took the short journey there and parked up by the small car park overlooking the harbour entrance. The tide was up and small numbers of Brent Geese were swimming and walking about by the shoreline. I never took my coat with me and began regretting it when I reached the Hayling Ferry Boat Jetty. That south-westerly wind was damn freezing which made me cut my trip here short, though I did record a few notable sightings during the 20 minutes I was here.

Above and below, this confiding Curlew on the shoreline eventually flew off over the harbour.

Above and below, House Sparrows showed well in their usual bramble bush by the car park.

Above and below, this Great Northern Diver was very distant as it successfully caught a probable Eel over on the Hayling side of the harbour.

A Great Northern Diver was fishing over on the Hayling Island side of the harbour entrance and was seen busy trying to digest its prey it had just caught. At least 6 Great Crested Grebes were in the area and a male Red-breasted Merganser was seen swimming in Lock Lake. A Curlew was also feeding along the shoreline before flying off west over the water and several Oystercatchers were seen flying over the harbour. Good numbers of Black-headed Gulls were roosting on the small boats within Lock Lake and a calling Med Gull was seen flying into the harbour and heading northbound. I was tempted to check out the Jetty near Fort Cumberland, but my frozen hands put paid to that idea!

Above, a Great Crested Grebe swimming in the harbour entrance and below, a Brent Goose calling to its fellow Geese nearby.

Above, a distant drake Red-breasted Merganser in Lock Lake and below, a small number of Brent Geese on the shoreline.

Above, a Great Crested Grebe swimming in the harbour entrance and below, a lot of Black-headed Gulls were roosting on the small boats within Lock Lake.

My Garden:

The male Blackcap in my garden this morning.

Again, the Blackcap was singing this morning in my garden and was in full song around 7.30am today and later seen when I got back from Eastney, perched up in the tall bare tree at the back of my garden. I was pretty sure there was the second male bird in the same tree but it flew off too quickly to grab a photo. Up to four Blackbirds were also in the same tree. All this when the heavens opened for another deluge of rain!

Birding pal Andy Fisher had the day off today and went down to Sandy Point to see the Snow Bunting that was on the shoreline between the Sailing Club and the Lifeboat Station, which also drew in a steady stream of admirers.

The Snow Bunting at Sandy Point today. Film footage by Andy Fisher.

 

Calling Goldcrest & a few flocks of Brent Geese today.

Wednesday 11th February 2026.

Just some of the Carrion Crows and a Herring Gull in the field just east of the Bowling Green. I took this photo from my parked car when I arrived.

A cool and damp start to the morning and with more overnight rain, everywhere was damp. However, it remained dry during my first shift at Pembroke Road today, but though the temperature was in double figures, which is much higher than normal for this time of year, the cold westerly wind certainly reminded you that winter was still here! The rain eventually arrived around 3.15pm on my second shift at Pembroke Road and remained throughout the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. However, that didn't stop the male Blackcap singing its heart out within my garden!

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Bowling Green at Pembroke Road. Could a Hoopoe be discovered this Spring this year?

A total of 14 bird species were recorded this morning of which there were two small flocks of Brent Geese heading eastbound from Portsmouth Harbour and a Goldcrest was calling somewhere within the Holm Oaks when I arrived for my first shift. Also on arrival, there was a chap feeding the Herring Gulls and Carrion Crows, which completely surrounded him and his small dog, in the field just east of the Bowling Green. I counted at least 40+ Carrion Crows and about a dozen Herring Gulls picking off the seed he was throwing at them.

Surprisingly, I didn't see any Black-headed Gulls today, but the Great Black-backed Gulls put in a good performance with at least four seen around the Governor’s Green area along with at least 30+ Herring Gulls searching for earthworms on the damp grass. At least a third of them were juvenile birds. A single Blue Tit was displaying high up in the trees, fluttering his wings and calling excitedly to its mate below him. As per usual, most of the species seen or heard would be in the first 20 minutes when it was fairly quiet (apart from the noisy cars rushing past) and occasionally, something unusual might fly past.

In Hampshire today:

A Ring-necked Parakeet in a fellow birders Southsea garden yesterday.

Starting in the Southampton area, there was a female type Velvet Scoter and a Black-necked Grebe off Weston Shore this morning and a White-tailed Eagle was over the Calshot area. The Snow Bunting reappeared at Black Point, Hayling Island and the Long-tailed Duck and male Scaup were in Langstone Harbour again. The six Glossy Ibis were on Posbrook Floods this afternoon. A Ring-necked Parakeet has been visiting a Southsea garden recently and I hope to pay a visit to see the bird(s) tomorrow morning, if all goes well.

A cracking photo of one of the Bitterns at Blashford Lakes. Photo by Andrew Dickety.

Lots more rain on the way!

Monday 9th February 2026.

The female Black Redstart was showing well again from my back garden.

More rain was on the way this afternoon, but it wasn't till I had finished my last shift at Pembroke Road when the rain finally arrived. Serious flood warnings are in place, affecting many areas where rivers have burst their banks and according to the Met Office, the only dry day this week is Saturday! Despite the wet weather, it is going to be mild with temperatures in double figures and today, there was hardly any wind, keeping it mild throughout the day.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

I managed to get up to 15 bird species today though nothing out of the ordinary among them. The Blue Tits here were a bit frisky again, chasing one another in the trees and then flying off north over the houses. A Cormorant, possibly two birds, were seen sailing over Curtain Moat, but again, no Brent Geese were seen coming in off Portsmouth Harbour, though around 40+ Brent Geese were on Southsea Common when I drove past. It seems this year that they have not used Governor’s Green for a feeding station unlike last year where there would be at least 30+ birds grazing on the short grass.

There were plenty of birds singing around the Bowling Green including Great Tit, Wren and a Dunnock and the usual House Sparrows were vocal, as per usual, in the hedgerow beside the Bowling Green. As I drove down Pembroke Road to park up for my first shift, the big grassy area just east of the Bowling Green held at least 30+ Carrion Crows and among them were two Rooks. I have seen Rooks on the grass by Duisberg Way while driving to Pembroke Road earlier this year, but it's the first time I have seen them this far west.

My Garden:

Film footage of the female Black Redstart today.

Yet again, the female Black Redstart was seen perched up high in the bare tree in my neighbours garden and later in the day, it was high up in another tree and calling repeatedly. This time, as well as a few photos, I managed to grab a bit of film footage of the bird. The Blackcap was heard singing again late this afternoon, deep within my neighbours Bay Tree, but no sighting of the bird today.

Yesterday, birding pal Geoff Farwell was birding in the Ramsdean / Langrish area, near Petersfield and saw the following birds: Hawfinch, 37+ Yellowhammers, 50+ Chaffinches, 2 Marsh Tits, 2 Red Kites, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Ravens and a Little Egret.

In Hampshire today:

The Bittern from Ivy North Hide, Blashford Lakes today. Photo by Steve Laycock.

On Hayling Island today, in the Black Point area, the Snow Bunting was seen again and probably had been flushed from nearby East Head. A juvenile Little Gull was seen from the Lifeboat Station plus three Great Northern Divers and a Slavonian Grebe. At the other end of Hayling Island, from the Oyster Beds, there were sightings of the male Scaup, 2 Great Northern Divers and 2 Black-necked Grebes. On Blashford Lakes, up to two Bitterns were showing from a packed Ivy North Hide. 5 Glossy Ibis were on the Bridge Street Floods this morning.

Fog rolls into the Cemy.

Sunday 8th February 2026.

One of the Jays showed very well this morning in the Cemy.

It was back over Highland Road Cemetery this morning for the dogs to have their walk. I knew the weather was going to be a gamble as light rain was forecast, but I never expected FOG to arrive when I was half way around the Cemy. Temperatures were around 7 degrees, but I was well wrapped up against the cold as me and the boys took a nice stroll around once again. There were few dog-walkers and those that were there were very pleasant.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

The Holm Oak clump. This has held some very interesting birds over the years. 

I had notched up 16 bird species on my walk around the Cemetery this morning and though it was very overcast, there was no wind and there were plenty of birds in song today. This included several Robins and singles of Wren and even a Dunnock (not very common here) were in full song and such a pleasant sound to listen too. One of the Jays showed very well in the south-west corner though it flew off between the two houses in that corner of the Cemetery. A Goldcrest was heard calling within one of the Conifers near the other Chapel in the north of the Cemetery, but no sighting today of the bird. A pair of Collared Doves sped through the area and headed off southbound.

Above, Daffodils are beginning to flower on some of the graves. Below, one of a couple of Blue Tits searching for insects on the plants.

Above, a singing Robin and below, a female Blackbird searching the damp grass for food.

Nearing the end of my walk, fog had rolled into the Cemetery and put an end to my walk round.

The birds seen here this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Feral Pigeon
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Starling
• Robin
• Wren
• Dunnock
• Goldcrest
• Blackbird

This Common Ragwort was flowering early.

No insects were seen on my walk round, but a few plants of note were seen including an early flowering Common Ragwort by one of the graves. Daffodils were blooming on some of the graves adding a splash of colour on such a grey day. 

My Garden:

The female Black Redstart was again at the back of the garden.

The female Black Redstart was showing well again when I got back from the Cemetery; perched high in the bare tree and sat there long enough to grab my camera for a few photos. I could also hear the Blackcap singing quietly in the neighbouring Bay Tree once again.

Superb birding from Colmore and Kilmeston.

Saturday 7th February 2026.

A male Stonechat with a male Yellowhammer in the countryside near Colmore village. Today was a very good Yellowhammer day, with many seen today and my first of the year too.

Though the weather was poor today, I have to say that it was one of the best days birding this year. Last Saturday, while Andy Fisher and myself were ‘dipping’ on both Cirl Bunting and Ferruginous Duck, Geoff Farwell was up in the northern half of Hampshire, visiting the small rural village and surrounding area of Colemore, near East Tisted. His impressive list of bird sightings most certainly whetted my appetite and so I suggested taking a trip to this location, which was the first time I have been up to this particular area. I had to get home early today and so to round off the day, we visited the countryside of Kilmeston, near Alresford; for possible Corn Bunting.

Cowplain Marsh:

What a great Moth to start the year off with; a Spring Usher. This was only my 'second ever' of this species.

My day kicked off with a bang when a Firecrest was heard calling near Andy’s house. Though I never got a sighting, I was pleased to add this species to my year list, though I am sure I shall see plenty of these birds within the coming year. Andy had the Moth Box overnight for the first time this year and amazingly, there was a moth. In fact, it was my second ever Spring Usher and a ‘first’ for Geoff of this species. Though there were no other moths, I was more than happy to kick off the year with this excellent species.

Colemore, nr East Tisted:

A skulking Grey Partridge trying to blend into the tall vegetation nearby. A further 10 more birds joined this individual.

Sadly, the weather was awful. Persistent drizzly light rain throughout the day (though there were a few breaks where the rain stopped briefly) was the order of the day, though it was relatively mild with temperatures around 11 degrees, but I was so glad I brought my Wellington Boots along with me. As mentioned, I have never been to the small hamlet of Colemore before, but on the way to the location (and negotiating the terrible pot-holes on the A32!), Geoff was telling me that within the surrounding fields at Colemore, a Partridge recovery programme was going on and also looking after the supporting nature in the area.

Above, the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula and below, some interesting writing on the walls of the church that might have Dr Alice Roberts intrigued? The church is dated around the 16 hundreds and has been rebuilt several times over the years. 

We parked up by the 13th century Church of St. Peter ad Vincula (Geoff and Andy took a look inside while I was having my lunch) and then took the footpath to the east side of the Church and over into the fields. On arrival, a flock of Greenfinch flew in and landed in a nearby tree and I was sure that I heard a Brambling flying over. Both Andy and I saw a smaller, slimmer bird flying away to the west; but the guys were not 100% sure and so the ID of this bird went begging.

Above and below, my first Snowdrops of the year. These were around the front of the churchyard here at Colmore.

I have to say, this area must be ‘Red Kite City’ as there was at least a dozen birds in the area during the time we were there and they certainly are such a beautiful bird to watch, twisting their tail like a rudder to change direction and slowly flapping on those long wings. Wonderful birds. It was a cracking site for raptors with sightings of several Common Buzzards in the area, a male Kestrel gliding over the countryside in front of us, a female Sparrowhawk also gliding over a valley nearby and probably the best of the lot, a stunning female Merlin hunting over the trees and fields close to the Church. This was my second sighting of this species this year after the male bird we saw at Blackgutter Bottom, in the New Forest and Andy found the bird too!

Above, a flock of Greenfinches flew in by the Churchyard and below, Sheep were grazing in the fields adjacent to the footpath.

Above, a sign giving full information on the Grey Partridge introduction scheme. Below, another photo of one of the many Grey Partridge's seen today. 

The area is noted for the re-introduction of Grey Partridges and it didn't take long to see our first birds of the year slowly creeping low down into the vegetation on the edge of the field we walked through. A total of 11 birds eventually walked into the tall vegetation and out of view with a further 8 or more flying low over the fields and out of sight. There were a lot of feeders around for the game birds, of which both Pheasant and Red-legged Partridges were also in the area.

Above, Geoff and Andy counting the Grey Partridges skulking at the edge of this field. Below, one of many Skylarks over the fields.

Above, a Common Buzzard soaring over the fields and below, two male Yellowhammers in a bramble by the footpath.

We were hoping for Bramblings as Geoff took us to an area where he saw them last week. A string of trees with a steep valley below held no Bramblings, but we did get to see our first Woodlarks of the year. Possibly two or three birds were in the area and despite the drizzly weather, this did not put the birds off from singing high over the countryside. Yellowhammers were abundant too, including one that immediately flew over the car as soon as I arrived in Colmore and then a large number perched in a bramble grabbed our attention and among these birds, a pair of Stonechats joined the Buntings. Overhead, flocks of Linnets and Chaffinches were seen and a few Meadow Pipits were noted.

Above, a bush full of birds. A large number of Yellowhammers were in the bush and were soon joined by a pair of Stonechats. Below, male Catkins were abundant along the Hazel hedgerow.

One of the country roads we walked along in the drizzle and below, a Grey Heron flew high over the road heading south.

Along the narrow country road, we had a good sized flock of House Sparrows flitting about in the hedgerow that numbered around 20+ birds. It was good to see a nice sized flock around as this species is now classed as a ‘Red listed’. Overlooking a steep valley for around 15 minutes, we just listened to the sound of both Skylark and Woodlark high over the countryside and in the nearby trees, a Nuthatch was singing. I heard my first ‘drumming’ Great Spotted Woodpecker of the year, but it was a distant bird of which we never saw. I really could have spent several hours here and what must it be like here in the sunshine. It looked perfect for raptors and I bet there were Barn Owls around this superb area of countryside?

Above, though it was murky at times, this valley looked stunning and the potential of some really nice birds. A Woodlark was singing high over the valley and plenty of raptors were seen here. Below, two Hares were seen distantly in one of the fields.

Above, a male Chaffinch perched in the Hazel hedgerow and below, while I enjoyed my lunch, I noticed this Red Kite preening high up in a nearby tree within the village.

On the way back to Colmore, we had sightings of Goldcrest, Chaffinches and a pair of Hares in the fields, which were my first of the year. Another Hare was seen running into the woods down in the valley. A probable Bank Vole was seen all too briefly running into a hole at the side of the road and overhead, a flock of 11+ Fieldfares flew high southbound over the countryside to nearly round off a superb trip here. When we reached the car, a pair of Bullfinches flew over and a Red Kite was seen perched in nearby trees. It was time for lunch, though the rain got a bit heavier and so the guys went into the Church for a good look while I sat in the car eating my lunch.

Kilmeston, nr Alresford:

One of several Red Kites over the countryside here.

Our second and final stop was to be in the countryside in Kilmeston where Geoff had seen a couple of Corn Buntings earlier in the year. Andy and I both wanted this species for our year list; but it wasn't to be. We parked up on the side of Wheely Down Lane and checked out the fields here for the Buntings. We could see a good number of Skylarks over the fields and despite the wind and drizzle, a Woodlark was heard to sing here as well! A large flock of Linnets could be seen in the distance and also what looked like good numbers of Buntings but too far in the distance to be absolutely sure. 

Above, a Red Kite sailing overhead behind this tree near the roadside.

We therefore took a walk down Love Lane to hopefully find and check out the Buntings. A Firecrest was calling deep within the neighbouring Conifers and a few Yellowhammers were seen close by. Geoff pointed out a small flock of 11 Golden Plovers flying low over the field in the neighbouring fields and also a big scattering of Wood Pigeons too. I was amazed to see how many Kites and Buzzards were soaring over the countryside here and it really amazes me on how successful these birds are. The Kites, especially, put on a superb display, but it was just a shame the weather was so poor today.

One of many Yellowhammers seen today including this smart male bird.

When we got to the bottom of Love Lane, large numbers of Redwing were flying from the fields into the neighbouring woodland. Easily around 40+ birds were counted and then it was the turn of the Yellowhammers. Again, a large number had gathered here and fortunately for us, many were perching on the overhead wire before flying into a nearby hedgerow. I think Geoff counted at least 30+ Yellowhammers although some looked a bit rounder and larger, but that could be the light distorting the view of the birds. Though no Corn Buntings were seen or heard, it was still a cracking place to be. There ended another cracking day’s birding with Geoff and Andy with four more species added to my year list and I am looking very much forward to next weekend.