This Angle Shades Moth was by my Moth Box this morning. This was my second one of this species this year.
It was back to work this morning and Pembroke Road beckoned to do my first shift after the Easter Break. Last night, I put the Moth Box on within my garden and hoped for the best and was pleasantly surprised with a few Moths present. However, the working week didn't start off that well as some idiot's car alarm was going off in the very early hours of the morning. Grrrrr! The weather today looked promising but a few rogue heavy showers were encountered today around midday as temperatures climbed to around 12 degrees with a very light south-westerley wind.
My Moth Box:
My first Pale Mottled Willow of the year.
There were 7 moths of 5 species this morning and among them was my first Pale Mottled Willow of the year and a striking individual it was too. Other ‘macro’ Moths included a Common Quaker, an Angle Shades and two Double-striped Pugs. Two Light Brown Apple Moths were the only ‘micro’ moths recorded today.
A Chequered Hoverfly was also within the Moth Box this morning.
Also within the Moth Box, a Chequered Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) was present, perched on the inside wall of the Moth Box. Overhead, a Linnet and Goldfinch flew over and I also could hear a Mediterranean Gull calling somewhere in the distance.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
A sunny start to the week in Pembroke Road.
Yes, it was back to work here in Old Portsmouth and thankfully, it was pleasant and dry during both my shifts here. A reasonable total of 16 bird species were recorded today and pick of the bunch was actually a Collared Dove! This species is rarely recorded here for one reason or another and it was the first one I have seen here this year. Three species of Gull were seen that included Black-headed Gull (2), Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull (2). Sadly, nothing else that exciting today here I'm afraid.
The plants in the garden have grown considerably since I was here two weeks ago.
In Hampshire today:
Though not in Hampshire, this superb Red-spotted Bluethroat was seen in Dorset yesterday. Photo by Emma Parkes.
A good variety of migrant birds recorded throughout Hampshire including Whitethroats, Reed and Garden Warblers, Sand Martins, Tree Pipits, Wheatears, Redstarts and Common Terns to name but a few. A Blue-headed Wagtail was found on Farlington Marshes this morning, but no further sign of yesterday's Bonaparte’s Gull on Fishlake Meadows.
This Chiffchaff, which lacked most of its tail, was singing occasionally in the small trees.
So it was back to earth this morning when I took the dogs for their morning walk around Highland Road Cemetery. No Bee-eaters, Hoopoe’s or unusual Warblers present this morning, but after a bit of rain very early on this morning, it was dry and bright as we slowly made our way around my local patch. When I was in Turkey, I caught up with all the migrants seen back in Hampshire via various Whatsapp posts and even today, birding pals Emma and Matt Parkes saw their first Swift of the year over their house and also went off to see both a Bluethroat and a Hoopoe (though both birds were in Dorset!).
Above, the only Green Alkanet plant growing in the Cemy was now flowering and below, Herb Robert is now flowering too.
Above, several Robins were seen today and below, this Horse Chestnut tree towering over the Mausoleum was now in full leaf.
Above, one of a pair of Dunnocks seen this morning near the Mausoleum and below, Meadow Foxtail growing on the grass in the centre of the Cemy. A variety of grasses grow within my local patch.
Back in Highland Road Cemetery, it seems that the Council have left the grass to grow a lot longer than normal, which so benefits the local wildlife and a lot of common plants and weeds were all in bloom and showing well in the bright Spring sunshine. As for the birds, at least three Chiffchaffs were present and one was in song now and then. Also, a male Blackcap was in song, but tucked in far too deep within vegetation to actually get a view or photograph of the bird.
Above, one of the Robins by one of the footpaths and below, a Chiffchaff by one of the main paths.
Above, there were a few clumps of Bulbous Buttercups growing in the Cemy and below, a preening Wood Pigeon.
Above, looking north from the footpath at the southern end of the Cemy. I was hoping for an early Pied Flycatcher here. Wouldn't that be amazing? Below, the Spanish variety of Bluebells looking stunning in the sunshine.
Overhead, there was a steady stream of Gulls going over; mostly Black-headedand Herring Gulls, but I did hear a Mediterranean Gull calling, but failed to find the bird. I was scanning the sky now and then, hoping for my first ‘UK’ Swallow or Swift of the year, but not this morning.A lot of the usual birds were present and correct and that included a pair of Dunnocks (not a species I often come across here) that were chasing one another within the bushes near the Mausoleum. Sadly, no other migrants were on show, but I shall be coming over here more frequently now that the evenings are getting longer with my dogs.
Above, my first Holly Blue butterfly of the year in my back garden this afternoon. Below, there were a number of Drone Flies around as well as the Holly Blue (also, a Small White flew through briefly) including this individual.
I encountered at least one Hoopoe within the grounds of the Hotel, but listening to them sing was a 'first' for me.
Today was the start of a ten day holiday to Lara Beach, near Antalya, Southern Turkey for a very relaxing break with my wife Becky. We stayed at the exclusive Barut Hotel, which is, incidentally, our 3rd stay at this beautiful location, though it was the first time we had been in the Spring and boy, did it produce the birding goods! The only thing was that you could not guarantee the weather as we experienced rain, wind, thunderstorm but plenty of warm sunshine between.
Above, Laughing Doves were abundant throughout the Hotel gardens as well as (below) White-eyed Bulbuls.
We had stayed overnight at a Gatwick Hotel before our early morning flight to Antalya Airport and the four hour flight had us in Turkey around 2pm Turkey time (they were two hours in front of UK time). The first bird I saw from the plane window was a probable Yellow-legged Gull flying over the runway, but after unloading the luggage, Becky and I spent a very relaxing afternoon around the Hotel grounds.
Above, a pair of Collared Flycatchers frequenting the main path on the west side of the Hotel Grounds and below, a Woodchat Shrike was seen on two separate occasions during the time I was there.
Over the course of this week, I intend to put a daily report of what was seen and photographed as I took well over 500+ photos for me to sift through and sharpen up. A superb total of 71 species were recorded during my 10 day stay there of which three were ‘Lifers’ (Ruppell’s Warbler, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler &Laughing Dove) and a host of superb species that were rarities in the UK. Butterflies, Dragonflies and Moths were in very short supply of which I have encountered a lot more when we have come here in the Autumn months and the temperatures were a lot hotter.
Above, Western Subalpine Warblers were seen several times, mostly along the west side of the Hotel grounds and below, having seen a few Night Herons by the small pool on the outskirts of the Hotel, this big flock 15 birds took off, circled and then landed out of view near the pool again.
So, as mentioned, I shall be adding more to this entry as the week goes on as I get back to normal back here in the UK. Some of the photos I took I was really pleased with as the light on most days was very good when the sun was out. I did not take my new Nikon camera because I fancied my Panasonic Bridge Camera instead due to the fact it was much lighter. I did take two Memory Cards and was so glad I did. Just scroll down every day and enjoy.
Wednesday 1st April 2026.
As Becky and I got out of the Airport at Antalya, we looked for our coach to take us to the Hotel. On the way there, right by my feet were a pair ofLaughing Doves. This was actually a ‘Lifer’ for me (a totally new species for my Life List) as I quickly took several photos of the birds with my mobile. It turned out that they were a very common species here in Antalya and there were plenty around the Hotel grounds including one that was nesting right outside our apartment. I can understand why they are called Laughing Doves due to their repeated ascending call.
Above, from our apartment balcony, we could see this small lake just to the west of the Hotel grounds. This was a great source for birdlife as I found a good variety of birds using the pool to either feed or rest. Every day, the Hirundines could be see hunting insects over the pool or resting in the small area of reedbed on the east side of the pool. I also found roosting Night Herons one morning here in the trees bordering the lake. A lot of building work was being carried out behind the pool and to the south of the lake, a large area of scrubland was still present. Below, on of many White Wagtails present in the Hotel grounds. Note how trimmed the grass was; for the gardeners here were meticulous with what they were doing and friendly too!
Obviously, once in a new Country, I am looking all over the place for anything of note and was not surprised to find good numbers of both Collared Doves and House Sparrows present in the Coach Park and a few Hooded Crows flew over also. The journey from the Airport to the Berut Hotel only took 20 minutes and just one other couple got off a packed Coach at the Hotel. The weather was warm and sunny on arrival with little breeze and just a few clouds drifting over and approximately around 17 degrees centigrade.
Moths were far and few within the Hotel grounds, unlike when I have been here before in August / September time where there were hundreds to be seen. I did find these two one morning; a probable Pallid Grey micro moth (above) and (below) a Rush Veneer one morning perched on the same wall.
As expected, White-eyed Bulbuls were all over the place and very vocal too, while overhead, Hirundines were everywhere. Swallows, Red-rumped Swallows and House Martins were abundant, with sometimes large flocks going over. I knew it was Spring and therefore today and throughout our stay, there was a strong movement of Hirundines migrating across the Hotel grounds and it was most enjoyable watching them passing over the beach and sea. The Red-rumped Swallows drifting slowly between the Hotel grounds from our balcony was stunning in this sunlight, but they did prove quite difficult to photograph using my dated camera.
Above, this female Laughing Dove was incubating her eggs just outside our apartment as we took great pains not to disturb her. The male was nearby, calling frequently. Below, the humble House Sparrow. These were present in extremely large numbers; especially on the beach and were a good source of amusement for my wife who was feeding them dried buscuit, then a flock of 40+ would descend by her feet hoping for a crumb or two!
White Wagtails, the Continental race of the UK’s Pied Wagtail, were also abundant and seen every day; mostly in pairs especially at the top of the buildings and occasionally searching for food on the manicured fresh grass outside the apartments. A male Greenfinch was seen singing high up on one of the very tall ornamental Conifers and again, one was seen on most days here.
Above, Hooded Crows were abundant throughout the Hotel grounds and neighbouring area. Becky and I, while having lunch in the Sandals Restaurant within the Hotel grounds, witnessed a big fight between six Hooded Crows. One particular fight went on for around ten minutes with both birds being pinned down and feathers being plucked out! It really was quite graphic! Below, the Taurus Mountain surrounded Antalya and some of the taller Mountains had snow on their summits!
Late in the afternoon, it clouded over and rain actually fell throughout the rest of the day and into the evening. As mentioned earlier, Becky and I have been here twice before, but in the hot Summer / early Autumn months, where there was no rain whatsoever. However, despite the rain, it wasn't too heavy and it certainly didn't put off the local birdlife including the Hirundines.
Thursday 2nd April 2026.
A female Collared Flycatcher within the Hotel grounds by the Cattery.
There was heavy rain for most of the night which led to a big fall of migrant birds in and around the Hotel grounds. How big I was not sure at first as it was overcast and breezy when I took my walk down to the beach and then back up to the grounds by the Cattery at the northern end of the Hotel. I was to discover that the ‘fall’ of migrants was huge and varied too with a good selection of migrants passing through. The sun finally arrived around 10am and though sunny and bright for the remainder of the day, the wind was quite strong coming in off the sea.
Above, this was the only Willow Warbler that was seen on our trip and below, two of around four Whinchats that had dropped into the bushes in the north of the Hotel grounds.
Around 10am, after we had breakfast, we made our way to the beach and fortunately for us, there was a vehicle especially put on for the guests to climb on board as a driver then took us about a third of a mile down to the Beach Bar! Luxury! As we made our way there, I caught sight of a stunning male Collared Flycatcher flitting about in the trees; however, I did not have my camera with me and so I had to take some record photos using my Mobile Phone and of course, they were awful. All was not lost as I saw this particular bird throughout the week as well as a few female birds.
This female Collared Flycatcher showed very well at times. A view of the grounds at the Cattery site in the northern half of Hotel Berut.
The Hooded Crows, White-eyed Bulbuls, Collared and Laughing Doves were all in good numbers again and showing well in the bright sunshine. House Sparrows were literally everywhere, especially by the Beach Bar where they literally walked about by your feet! Suddenly, two Wheatears caught my eye, both sitting on the sunbeds. One was most definitely a male Wheatear (see film footage that was taken using my mobile), but the second was a superb Eastern Black-eared Wheatear! I have only ever seen one of this species before and that was many years ago on the heathland in Dorset. The latter bird flew off before I could get a decent photo, but the former bird stayed around for a while.
Above, a breezy beach at the Hotel Berut and below, the male Wheatear on the sunbeds.
The wind was quite blustery over the beach and the waves were quite high that were crashing on the sandy shoreline. A red flag was up so nobody could go swimming; but I did bring my binoculars along with me and saw a big flock of ‘Commic’ Terns flying east low over the waves; but too distant to get an accurate ID of the birds. Several Yellow-legged Gulls also flew through, but I had to be careful where I was looking with my binoculars as there were a lot of people sunbathing (???) on the deckchairs in front of us. However, two dark looking birds were flying west low over the sea and I realised immediately I was looking at two pale-phased Arctic Skua’s! Incredible stuff. I was hoping for the well-mentioned Yelkouen Shearwaters that can be seen off this beach during windy conditions; but no such luck.
This male Redstart was one of two seen this afternoon.
We decided to walk back to the Hotel to have lunch and I heard a Nightingale singing over on the west side of the Hotel grounds. Sadly, no sighting of the bird, but it was the first of this species I have heard this year. Both Swallows and Red-rumped Swallows were sailing overhead in good numbers and as we walked over the damp, but neatly lawned grass, several Diamond-back Moths flew up from our footfall. Lunch beckoned and then a siesta for the afternoon.
Above, the Hoopoe near the Cattery had caught something interesting and below, another photo of the vocal male Redstart.
I must admit, I was too excited to simply get some kip and so walking up to the balcony overlooking the northern half of the Hotel grounds, a quick scan over the Pool produced sightings of both Little Grebe and a Moorhen swimming on the water with more and more Hirundines seen flying over the reed-fringed Pool. I then took a walk north on the edge of the Hotel grounds to the Cattery and along the way, I then realised just how big a ‘fall’ of birds had taken place. The whole area was alive with birds and that included a couple of male Redstarts, a Willow Warbler, 2 Whinchats, a female Pied Flycatchers and a female Collared Flycatcher,Great Tit, Goldfinch, a very showy Hoopoe searching for food on the lawn and a pair of Blackcaps along with several Lesser Whitethroats. All the usual birds mentioned earlier were seen in good numbers. Overhead, a Crested Lark was seen in full song and nearby, behind the car park, both Cetti’s Warbler and Reed Warbler were heard singing.
The Hoopoe was showing well by the Cattery.
Back at the Balcony, I was simply watching the birds going over the Hotel grounds and also the countryside to the north. A large raptor caught my eye, but it really was a ‘scope job’ as it sat on the top of a tree in the distance. However, when it finally took off, I could clearly see it was a Long-legged Buzzard, judging by the plumage details and also the long wings. More Hirundines were now over the Pool and this included several House Martins among them to round off a superb day here.
The American Golden Plover at Bunny Meadows yesterday. Photo by Mark Francis.
On my morning walk with the dogs around the block, I heard a Redwing flying over and quickly turning around, it was seen flying low over the rooftops heading south. This is obviously a late bird making a somewhat completely different route towards the Isle of Wight. I do hope it gets its bearings right!
The American Golden Plover (left) with a Grey Plover by the River Hamble. Photo by Steve Laycock.
Yesterday, a winter plumaged American Golden Plover was found at Bunny Meadows, a site me and the guys managed to find our first Spotted Redshank at the end of February. The long primary projections and the face pattern quickly told it apart from the closely resembled Golden Plover. Golden Plovers frequent this site throughout the winter and can be in good numbers roosting on the salt marsh here by the River Hamble.
The American Golden Plover at Bunny Meadows. Photo by Steve Laycock.
Finally, I am away for 10 days to Lara Beach, in Southern Turkey with my wife; a well earned relaxing long break and it should be very good for birds too with migration now in full swing. I shall not be taking my Laptop with me, but I will be taking my Camera and Binoculars. So, hopefully, some nice photos of the wildlife out there when I get back. So, while my son and daughter will be house-sitting and looking after the dogs, it leaves me to say thank you for reading my Blog and look after yourselves.
