It certainly brightened up considerably this afternoon, though still a tad breezy.
A rather quiet day for birds though the weather did not help with that due to the drizzle this morning and breezy southerly winds. However, it did brighten up this afternoon and remained that way into the evening, though more rain is expected overnight. I didn't put the Moth Box on last night due to the rain overnight, but I shall risk it tonight as it is supposed to be very light rain. We shall see.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
I only managed 13 bird species from my two shifts at Pembroke Road today and just all the usual species too. The Blue Tits were busy chasing one another again in the treetops and even landed by the tall Yucca plant close to where I stood. A Great Black-backed Gull flew low over the road and over Governor’s Green and all the usual passerines were present, including the House Sparrows by the Bowling Green. On the afternoon shift, a singing Great Tit was added to my day total here, singing loudly from the garden in Pembroke Close.
Not the sharpest photo in the world, but this Queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee was quite a size when she whizzed past my head!
It was the insects that grabbed my attention today. While driving about Southsea, I found my first Light Brown Apple Moth of the year perched on someone's front door and so managed to grab a few photos on my mobile phone. On this afternoon’s shift at Pembroke Road, a Queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee flew in and landed under the window cill of a nearby house (see photo). OK, a quiet day today, which finished off with a singing Blackcap hidden in my neighbours Bay Tree.
I found this Light Brown Apple Moth on someone's front door today.
In Hampshire today:
Migrants are arriving now and this morning, a male Wheatear was found at Normandy Marshes and up at Fleet Pond, the drake Ring-necked Duck was still present and a Sand Martin was seen flying over. An oiled Kittiwake was seen this afternoon sitting on the Pumphrett Hide at Titchfield Haven.
It was back to wintry weather again this morning with an overcast sky and a breezy south-westerly blowing down Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth. Thankfully, I had my gloves this morning, though rain was threatening as the morning wore on. Temperatures were around 10 degrees, but it felt a lot colder in the wind. I had the Moth Box on overnight and was rewarded with a few moths.
My Moth Box:
One of two Common Plume moths this morning. My first of the year.
A total of three Moths were present this morning: a Double-striped Pug that was sat on the glass panel of the Kitchen Back Door and two Common Plume moths (my first of the year) that were sat together on the Garden Box which my Moth Box sat on. A good search in and around the Moth Box revealed no other moths, but the usual Winter Gnats.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Yes, it was breezy this morning on my first shift and a grey sky overhead did not bode well for more rain on the way later today. In fact, there was a bit of drizzle as I drove home after my shift. A total of 12 bird species were noted this morning, though nothing to get too excited about. A couple of Wood Pigeons were not paying attention to the road traffic and one bird actually got hit by a passing car, but somehow lived to tell the tale! Up to four Blue Tits were chasing each other again and nearby, TWO Dunnocks were in full song, though some distance apart. Already, Sand Martins have been reported at various locations recently, so I am keeping my eyes peeled overhead for any migrants passing through.
No more bird species were added this afternoon in the strong wind and overcast conditions. In fact, I was rather glad my second shift went quite quickly as the wind was getting a bit of a pain! There were a lot of Herring Gulls flying over this afternoon and the Squirrel population by the Holm Oaks seems to be increasing. I saw 6 individuals at one time!
St. Augustine LNR (My Garden):
Birding pal, Matt Parkes, came up with the above name and so I have adopted St. Augustine Local Nature Reserve for my Garden! While checking the Moth Box, apart from the noisy squabbling Magpies in the bare tree at the back of the garden, one of the male Blackcaps was in full song in the Bay Tree and overhead, a calling Meadow Pipit flew high over heading east.
In Hampshire today:
The drake Ring-necked Duck on Fleet Pond today. Photo by Steve Laycock.
Yesterday’s reported drake Ring-necked Duck was still on Fleet Pond and was also seen by two of Hampshire’s leading ‘Listers’ this morning. Also, the Ruddy Shelduck was still by Ranvilles Lane, Fareham. There were a few Great Northern Divers around today including birds seen off Southsea beach and over at Weston Shore, Southampton. Spotted Redshanks are not an easy bird to see in Hampshire over the past few years, but the long staying birds at both Normandy Marshes and Bunny Meadows at Warsash were seen today. Three Spoonbills were on Titchfield Haven today along with 9 Avocets. The Bittern was seen again today from the Woodland Hide, Blashford Lakes. Up to 7 Purple Sandpipers were west of the Castle, but in the closed off area by the rocks. Finally, a Water Pipit was on the Watercress Beds at New Alresford.
Today was a near repeat of yesterday with temperatures nearly up to 16 degrees with a light southerly wind and again, near wall to wall sunshine! The warm weather has most certainly brought out the butterflies and the small birds are chasing one another as part of their mating rituals. There were a plethora of sightings today from all sorts of nature, which kept me entertained throughout the day and right up till dusk!
My Moth Box:
I was rewarded with two moths this morning that included (above) Duirnea fagellaand (below) Double-striped Pug.
Yesterday afternoon, I decided to get my Moth Box out of the attic and after giving it a good clean (damn spider webs!), I set it up with the white sheet behind, hoping for my first Moths of the year. I was in luck this morning as I managed to get two Moths: a Double-striped Pug and the micro moth, Duirnea fagella (or its vernacular name, Early Reveller) along with a few small flies. I was very pleased with getting any this early in the year and so I shall have the Moth Box on again tonight.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Some of the flowers that attracted an Early Bumblebee yesterday. Hopefully, they will bring in a lot more insects.
I managed to grab 14 bird species which were either seen or heard today. The bright sunshine encouraged the local passerines to sing, which included both Dunnock and Wren which both showed well this morning. In fact, all of the birds were seen this morning due to the fact that it was so bright from where I stood this afternoon, I hardly noticed any birds at all during my second shift.
Of interest, probably the bird of the day here in Old Portsmouth, was a lone Long-tailed Tit. It was first heard opposite where I stood then seen flying up into one of the Sycamore trees, calling loudly. I got the impression that it had lost its friends and was calling out to be heard by its fellow species? Most of the bird species were seen when I virtually arrived and that included several small flocks of Brent Geese flying eastbound over Governor’s Green. I expect them to be on the move shortly back to their breeding grounds. Roughly 50 birds were seen on Southsea Common within the fenced off area as I drove by on the way home.
Between my shifts, I saw my first Peacock butterfly of the year, which literally passed my head over around the Eastney area. Birding pal, Matt Parkes, had a couple of Brimstone butterflies at his worksite today.
My Garden:
Early this morning, while walking the dogs, I was nearing my house when I heard the distinctive call of Mediterranean Gulls overhead. Looking up, I counted at least 29 birds all flying southbound towards the seafront. The female Black Redstart was seen singing in the tall tree at the back of my garden and close by, one of the male Blackcaps was in full song, but was only seen briefly flying from the Bay tree to the Holly tree.
This afternoon, I was trimming back the Ivy from one of the fence panels and noticed at least three Hoverflies zipping around the garden. I didn't have my camera to hand and so their identity will remain unknown. Though I never saw them, both Grey and Pied Wagtail flew over my house, which I identified by their call.
While switching my Moth Box this evening, my first Pipistrelle Bat of the year was flying up and down the gardens and showed so well, but it was very hard to get film footage of the Bat using my mobile! There is the possibility that it could have been a Soprano Bat, which are nearly identical from one another and only really told apart by their calls. I might be tempted to get a Bat detector!
The probable Pipistrelle Bat over my garden early evening.
In Hampshire today:
The Black-throated Diver off Black Point, Hayling Island, today. Photo by Steve Laycock.
A good variety of birds were seen in Hampshire today with a Black-throated Diver seen off Black Point, Hayling Island and a pair of Bramblings seen by the Woodland Hide at Blashford Lakes. Up to four White-tailed Eagles were seen in the air over Acres Down from the viewpoint along with a Goshawk. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen ‘drumming’ again on its usual tree there. The 6 Glossy Ibis were still present on the Bridge Street Floods along with the adult winter Little Gull and nearby, the Ruddy Shelduck was found again, this time with 6 Egyptian Geese by Ranvilles Lane. A drake Ring-necked Duck was found on Fleet Pond this afternoon and to round things off, an amazing count of 2,136 Mediterranean Gulls were counted leaving their roost at Hayling Oyster Beds!
Dawn over Highland Road Cemetery as I walked my dogs this morning.
Today surely had to go down as the warmest day of the year so far and dry too! Temperatures rose up to at least 16 degrees centigrade this afternoon in the wall to wall sunshine and it certainly brought out not only the birds, but also a variety of insects. One of the ‘Lazee Birders’ reported both Peacock and Brimstone butterflies within his garden and another ‘Lazee Birder’ saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth over in Emsworth! The light southerly winds kept the temperature warm and to be honest, I even had my washing out on the Washing Line during the day for the first time this year. It also encouraged me to put my Moth Box out in the garden for the first time this year. Ever hopeful!
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
The early morning cloud eventually gave way to bright sunshine and then the temperature rose considerably.
As mentioned, it was very warm for the time of year today and this afternoon, I really felt overdressed and was glad when my second shift within Pembroke Road was over so I could take my thick coat off! I saw and heard up to 17 bird species from both shifts here today and that included up to 5 different flocks of Brent Geese flying east high over Governor’s Green and the Jay put in a few appearances this morning. This afternoon, a Goldcrest was heard calling deep within the Holm Oaks and a Pied Wagtail flew high over the road. Singing birds here today included Wren, Dunnock and Great Tit and all three showed well at times this morning. The Blue Tits were displaying again with at least four birds chasing one another.
One of the flocks of Brent Geese passing eastbound near Pembroke Road.
I was hoping for a butterfly today, especially in the afternoon, but the best I could muster was my first Early Bumblebee of the year, which was nectaring on some of the garden plants close by, but too quick for a photo.
My Garden:
One of the male Blackcaps seen in the middle of my neighbours Holly Tree today. It was singing repeatedly for about 15 minutes in the tree.
Both the two male Blackcaps were seen today and both were heard singing too, though trying to get a good photo proved difficult as one bird that was seen the best, was deep within my neighbours Holly Tree (see photos). The female Black Redstart was heard calling and then seen very briefly in my neighbours garden before flying off. A pair of Blue Tits popped in briefly to have a go at the Sunflower Hearts, but flew off and gave their alarm call as a female Kestrel flew high over the house and headed off west. Kestrels are very rare over this part of Southsea and I think I have only ever had a handful of sightings from my garden!
This male Blackcap was not easy to get a decent photo of the bird. Below, one of a pair of Blue Tits in my garden today.
Above and below, one of two Green Sandpipers on the Cress Beds near Kingsworthy, Winchester. Top photo with a Grey Wagtail. Photos by Andrew Dickety.
The drake Ferruginous Duck (left) with a Gadwall on Posbrook Floods.
Andy and myself went off back into the New Forest this morning, while Geoff had volunteered to take part in the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) at Farlington Marshes. The weather was always going to be an issue today and though it looked promising first thing as we made our way into the Forest, it clouded over and drizzle was occasionally coming down and this afternoon, the low cloud and most likely fog over the Solent made birding that little bit more challenging. However, both Andy and myself grabbed four more ‘year-ticks’ today
Cowplain Marsh, Andy’s House & Garden:
My second moth of the year, a fine Hebrew Character in the egg trays by Andy's Moth Box.
Though Geoff was off to Farlington Marshes today, he was present this morning for a good chat about the local wildlife here. Andy's pond held a lot of ‘croaking’ Frogs last night and so I had to take a look and saw at least two Frogs swimming under the Duck Weed and even more Frog Spawn than last Saturday.
More Frog Spawn in Andy's garden pond.
The Moth Box held just the one moth, my first Hebrew Character of the year, which encouraged me to get my Moth Box out of the attic. The only thing that puts me off is the consistent rain here on the south coast, but a fellow ‘Moth-enthusiast’ from Waterlooville had over a 100 moths in his box!!! Though he did say that he lives right by a woodland.
There has been no sight or sound of any Firecrests by Andy’s house this week, though a pair of Tawny Owls were calling from the trees nearby last night. This morning, a Siskin flew high over the garden and a pair of Goldfinches dropped in to check out the bird feeders.
Acres Down, New Forest:
This Treecreeper showed very well along the main footpath within the woods at Acres Down.
Sadly, we got down to the Acres Down car park too late for the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker this morning. The car park was rammed with cars, but we did find one spot that we could park. As soon as I stepped out of the car, my first Hawfinch of the year flew over. Andy missed the bird, but a second bird flying over was a bit more obliging and so he could claim his first of the year. Then seconds later, a third bird then flew over to kick the trip here very nicely indeed.
Above, one of many Stock Doves at Acres Down and below, a Redpoll landed in the same tree.
Earlier, as we made our way across the small Ford before entering the car park, I saw a Grey Wagtail fluttering about on a large rock within the Ford and so reversed the car so Andy could see the bird. After parking, we made our way to the infamous ‘Lesser Spotted Woodpecker tree’ and joined a couple of other birders present. While patiently waiting, a pair of Crossbills flew over and landed in a tree nearby before then flying off southbound. Stock Doves were seen and heard within the woodland and a gorgeous Treecreeper showed well climbing up a bough of a tree.
Above, looking south to the woodland at Acres Down. Such stunning views on a more sunnier day. Below, one of two Ravens 'croaking' overhead.
A large group of birders arrived (around 50 people) and joined us in waiting for the LSW and a chap leading the group told me that they had seen both the male and female bird ‘drumming’ on the usual tree around an hour before we had arrived. A Redpoll flew in and landed on the ‘LSW’ tree as did a Stock Dove (see photos) as all eyes were trained on that particular tree. Though there was no sight or sound of the ‘Lesser Spots’, we did hear both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker and we also had sightings of both Siskins and Goldcrests. A few Firecrests were heard distantly singing, but none were seen today. After a couple of hours and with the thick cloud overhead, Andy suggested we take a walk through the woods and try our luck for both the LSW and Brambling. The path we took was very wet and soggy and I was so pleased that I had brought my Wellingtons along with me today. The walk through the woods proved fruitless as hardly any birds were actually seen and not only that, the route we took ended up back at the car park!
Above and below, a female Goshawk seen distantly over the woodland from the viewing area.
I then suggested we take a walk up the hill and over to the viewing area overlooking the woods to the south and west for possible Goshawk. The weather suggested otherwise, but we took the gamble anyway and it paid off with a pair of Ravens overhead and at least three Woodlarks. From the viewpoint overlooking the woods, it didn't take too long to find a distant female Goshawk soaring over the treetops, but it was distant. I reeled off a few record shot photos for the blog and was really pleased to pick out our second ‘year-tick’ of the day.
Above, a very showy singing Song Thrush by the footpath back to the car and below, the Treecreeper seen earlier when we first arrived.
As we were walking back to the car park, a Song Thrush showed very well perched just above my head and I could not resist taking a few photos of this gorgeous bird. A couple of Common Buzzards soared high over the woodland as we were leaving the hill area and then Andy told me that he had just received a text to say that the drake Ferruginous Duck was on Posbrook Floods this morning and still present. Though I was tempted to do another hour or so for the LSW, the chance of seeing such a rare duck was overwhelming and so we got back into the car and headed back east.
Posbrook Floods, Titchfield:
The drake Ferruginous Duck (centre) is surrounded by a drake Gadwall, female Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull and a drake Shoveler on Posbrook Floods.
It took around 40 minutes to get to Posbrook Floods and once in the car park (amazing we actually got a parking space!) We made our way south along the Canal Path. The visibility here now was worsening as drizzly rain had set in and it was getting very misty in the distance. Nevertheless, we made our way to the viewing area where we then came across a big posse of ‘Lazee Birders’.
A big bunch of 'Lazee Birders here at Posbrook Floods this afternoon!'
I admit, I struggled to find the Ferruginous Duck at first, but thankfully, the guys managed to get me onto the bird which was associating with a pair of Tufted Duck. Through the scope, the bird showed very well and I even managed to grab a bit of film footage of this rare Aythya duck as it swam, dived and preened itself on the water with the likes of Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall and Coots in attendance. It was third time lucky for us as we have tried twice before in trying to find this bird and at last, it was showing superbly for us.
Above, one of many Long-tailed Tits seen along the Canal Path and below, it was looking bleak this afternoon here, but the birds were amazing.
While watching the Ferruginous Duck, an odd Gull swam on the water with Black-headed Gulls, but I had dismissed it as an odd Black-headed Gull going through moult. How wrong I was. More later. Andy Friend was among the ‘Lazee’s’ and he told us that a Ruddy Shelduck was with two Egyptian Geese further south down the Canal Path yesterday, in one of the fields to the west and so we eventually joined them in searching for the bird, but on reaching the guys, there was no sign of the Geese. There were a few Canada Geese present and also a Curlew in the same field, but no Ruddy Shelduck. So we walked back, but not before we took a coffee break on one of the ‘Comfy’ benches along the Canal Path.
Above, two of the five Glossy Ibis on the Bridge Street Floods and below, the adult Little Gull (centre) flanked by a Coot and a Black-headed Gull on Posbrook Floods.
From here, we saw a male Marsh Harrier drifting slowly over the fields and a small flock of three Fieldfares flew overhead. Nearby, a pair of Goldcrests and several Long-tailed Tits were flitting about in the Willow Trees and then I caught sight of a Chiffchaff high in one of the Willows. Andy had still not seen a Chiffchaff this year and so I quickly got him onto the bird, but he got the most briefest of views. He did get a better view about five minutes later and then he got a text to say that a Little Gull was now on Posbrook Floods!
Above, one of the feeding Glossy Ibis. The weather was really closing in now.
When we reached the large number of ‘Lazee Birders’ present, Andy Friend kindly put me onto the Little Gull through his telescope for my 4th ‘year-tick’ of the day. The Little Gull was an adult bird and it was the same bird I had seen earlier when I was watching the ‘Fudge’ Duck and was more than happy to just sit on the water watching the world go by. What an incredible day and although we didn’t see the ‘Lesser Spot’, I think we were more than happy with our sightings today.
The drake Ferruginous Duck on Posbrook Floods this afternoon.
It didn't quite end there either as another Chiffchaff gave us better views than the first bird seen and Andy picked out a Glossy Ibis on the Bridge Street Floods and this was joined by a total of 5 birds in all feeding on the edge of the Floods. A Green Woodpecker was heard calling in the distance and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over the Canal Path to round off a superb day's birding.
The female Black Redstart was vocal again this morning.
This morning wasn't too bad with the weather and there was even a bit of sunshine for a time and then, of course, the damn rain came in around midday here in Southsea. Though very mild for this time of year with temperatures around the 11 degree mark, there was a strong westerly wind that came in with the rain. The only birding I got in today was from my garden where I was cleaning out the guttering.
My Garden:
The Robin popped in to enjoy the sunflower hearts.
Both the female Black Redstart and two male Blackcaps were present this morning, the former singing again high up in the bare tree, though still frustratingly high up among the branches and at 8am this morning, the light wasn't all that great either. She was making her usual soft warbling song and occasionally making a loud clicking noise, which I can assume was some type of alarm call, for a cat was seen shortly afterwards making its way along my back wall!
The female Black Redstart. Will she be here in March?
The two male Blackcaps were seen in the bare tree briefly before both flew off and one of the birds was heard singing a little later in my neighbours Bay Tree. The Robin came in the garden again and took a liking for the sunflower hearts for a change. Other birds present included a pair of Blue Tits, a lone Great Tit and a pair of Blackbirds.
In Hampshire today:
A cracking photo of a Redpoll by Pete Appleton.
Two White-fronted Geese flocks were noted in Hampshire today; three on Farlington Marshes and 12 birds at Iley Lane, near Keyhaven Marshes along with a Barnacle Goose. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the grass at Stokes Bay and a 1st winter bird was off Weston Shore within the car park and up to 3 Great Northern Divers offshore. Two Black-necked Grebes and the drake Scaup were in Langstone Harbour again this morning.
This Grey Heron was being ushered off by a Herring Gull over the Cemy.
My last full day off during this school half-term and the weather wasn’t looking too great. OK, mercifully, no rain today but under a leaden sky, I decided to take the dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery. Who knows, a very early Wheatear might have arrived or a different migrant? Sadly, nothing like that today, but there were a few notable birds around my local patch.
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
This Redwing was in the trees by the Mausoleum.
Though there was no wind blowing through the Cemy, it was still rather dark for 10am with a thick overcast sky and there were not a lot of birds singing either. Who could blame them? However, there were signs of Spring on the horizon with flowering Cherry Trees blossoming and more plants beginning to flower (if you look hard enough!). Some of the graves were painted with flowering Daffodils which added a splash of colour and one grave in particular, had flowering Heather upon it and should be attracting the first Early Bumblebee’s and Hoverflies.
Above, there were a few plants in flower today including this Red Dead-nettleand below, the Jay put in a brief appearance over on the east side of the Cemy.
Above, Wood Pigeons cluster up in the tallest of the trees and below, after yesterday's strong winds and heavy rains, the trees lost a lot of branches.
Of the birds, a lone Redwing was picked out in the highest branches of the Chestnut Trees near the Mausoleum. I saw a thrush like bird fly up into the tree and using my highest magnification on my camera, I could clearly see the diagnostic eye-stripe of the Redwing. There was just the one Jay seen this morning. I did hear it calling earlier on my walk, but I found the bird while walking through the centre of the Cemy and again, using my camera like a binocular, I could clearly see it was the Jay. Another unexpected sighting was of a Grey Heron passing high overhead. I first heard the alarm call of a Herring Gull overhead and thinking it was going to be a raptor being chased off, it was in fact a Grey Heron as both birds hurried over heading northbound over the houses.
Above, several graves had Daffodils adoring them and below, the Lords and Ladies plant growing by the perimeter wall at the southern end of the Cemy.
Above, blossom on one of the Cherry Trees. Below, these two Wood Pigeons were not bothered by my dogs or myself!
Above, a Great Tit in one of the smaller trees beside the main footpath.
Above and below, the Grey Heron is pursued by a Herring Gull.
Most of the common birds were seen this morning, though only a low total of 12 species were seen here today on my walk with the dogs. It was a bit muddy in places due to the awful weather from yesterday where a lot of Southsea suffered from flooding, especially down the seafront. Milder weather is forecast for the coming week, but will it bring more rain?
My Garden:
Both the female Black Redstart and Blackcap were seen in my garden a few times today, though I could not grab any photos of the birds today. The Black Redstart was frustratingly partly hidden by branches on the opposite side of the tall tree and flew off when I was just about to grab a photo! The male Blackcap was always skittish, but I did get a good view of the bird flitting about in my garden briefly.
In Hampshire today:
One of the Black-necked Grebes at Keyhaven Marshes today. Photo by Rob Porter.
Though it was quite a grey day, the birders were still out in force and found some interesting birds within our fair county. Great Northern Divers were seen at a variety of locations including Southsea seafront (2 birds), Weston Shore (3) and Calshot Spit (2). Up to 7 Purple Sandpipers were near Southsea Castle and the Great Grey Shrike was near Stoney Cross in the New Forest. Keyhaven Marshes held just the one Little Gull today and nearby, the 2 Black-necked Grebes were showing well. Two Slavonian Grebes were offshore there and another was in Langstone Harbour again along with the drake Scaup and the Long-tailed Duck. The elusive Red-necked Grebe was also present this afternoon.
The Little Gull on Keyhaven Marshes. Photo by Rob Porter.
Talking about migrant birds, the first House Martin and Swallow of the year were found on St. Mary’s, on the Isle of Scillies and a Bonaparte’s Gull was seen in the afternoon there too. Very nice!
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