Great Grey Shrike an early Birthday present.

Saturday 6th November 2021.

The Great Grey Shrike remained distant at all times hence the record shot photos of the bird.

It was into the New Forest today in search of the Great Grey Shrike at Backley Bottom, which was not too far from Picket Post along the A31. So nearly missing the turn off for parking in the lay-by the A31, we then climbed over the fence, walked under the underpass and eventually got our bearings correct to join several other birders in search of this elusive Shrike.

A female Stonechat on the heath.

Andy standing inside a Toadstool fairy ring! Enough said!

The New Forest is a hot spot for this species, with possibly 3 to 4 birds settled here each winter, but because their hunting range covers a huge area, we were in no doubt it wasn't going to be easy to locate the bird. The weather was a little indifferent with a bit of blue sky and sunshine trying to break through a lot of heavy cloud and the blustery westerly breeze certainly made the trip a tad cold at times. If we never had a good hike across the heath, it could have really been a cold trip.

A Redwing in the trees near the small bridge.

The Raven passing overhead while we were all watching the Shrike.

After a few false alarms, we found the area where the Shrike had been seen last this morning, roughly a mile or so south from where we parked the car and thankfully, someone to our left some distance away was waving at us, for he had refound the Great Grey Shrike. We soon caught up with him and I got the briefest of views (approximately 5 seconds worth!) of the bird distantly perched around 300 yards away on a dead tree bough on the edge of the woodland, then it flew off into the wood, with poor Andy getting no view whatsoever!

Another couple of distant photos of the Great Grey Shrike.

We patiently waited for around half an hour and then the bird reappeared and showed very well, albeit distantly, for the small crowd gathered with us. Yes, it was distant, but I had my scope with me and we got reasonable views of the bird perched high up in a tall dead bough of an old Silver Birch. There it remained till we left around 15 minutes later (it started to get quite cold standing there in that wind!), thoroughly happy with an early Birthday present from the birding Gods! Yes, I always go birding on my birthday where possible. We never got to see a Great Grey Shrike last year and though distant, this bird surely made up for that.

Another photo of the Redwing by the bridge. Plenty more flew overhead this morning.

The female Stonechat on the heath. 

There was a good supporting cast here today also at Backley Bottom, which included at least three Stonechats on the heath (2 females and a male bird). Overhead, we had large flocks of Fieldfares and Redwing going over as well as a flock of 20+ Crossbills heading north as did a flock of around 30+ Siskin. While waiting for the Shrike to reappear, a Raven passed overhead heading south and a Water Rail was heard to call near the small bridge! I didn’t expect that! A few Dartford Warblers were heard somewhere on the heath, but no sightings of any this morning.

Turkeytail Fungus growing on this old log.

I am not sure what species of Toadstool this is, but I shall endeavour to find out later.

The Great Grey Shrike was my 198th species for the year and to grab the 200th species is now a very distinct possibility; even maybe in November. Andy, sadly is lagging behind with 179 species for the year and has gone off to Thorney Island for the afternoon to hopefully grab a few more ‘year-ticks’! Worth keeping an eye out for Short-eared Owls there.  

A gorgeous walk around Old Winchester Hill.

Friday 5th November 2021.

The stunning view from Old Winchester Hill. This is one of the views from the footpath leading to the Fort.  

It was a beautiful crisp day with near unbroken sunshine and virtually no wind whatsoever. It must have been very cold last night with my moth box only attracting just a Light Brown Apple Moth. Boo! I suppose with it being so cold, I was probably lucky to get that. This morning, I got on with a lot of household chores before I headed off out; less to do over the weekend. 

A Wild Marjoram plant which attracted a Tapered Drone Hovefly on the hill.

Wild Basil growing abundantly on the hill.

Checking the usual websites and even Birdguides, I noticed there were now TWO Snow Buntings at East Head! So where had the other one been hiding? The bird at on the beach near Warsash was still performing well to the admiring crowds and the Great Grey Shrike (tomorrow’s target?) was still present at Backley Bottom, New Forest. Even the female Velvet Scoters were seen in Chichester Harbour again!

One of many Common Buzzards soaring overhead today.

I decided to take Scruff for a good walk around Old Winchester Hill and arriving just after midday, we had a good 3 hour walk around one of my favourite places in Hampshire. There wasn't a cloud in the sky when I arrived and so photographing birds in the bright sunshine should be pretty good. I noticed the warden (or someone pretending to be for he looked so young!) was sitting in his Land Rover having lunch by the round Info building near the main entrance.

Above and below, I found this Roesel's Bush Cricket on the footpath. 

Passing him, I took in the superb view looking west over the countryside and the Fort to the south west. Buzzards were calling down below in the valley and one individual sailed high overhead; one of many this morning. Walking along the perimeter fence, I noticed several flowers still in bloom along the footpath including Wild Basil and Wild Marjoram, of which attracted a few insects (see photo). Also Yarrow and a few Hawkbeards were also springing out of the withering/seeding remains of the summer's plants. I also found on the footpath, with my ‘bionic’ eyesight, a superb little Roesel’s Bush Cricket, of which I picked up carefully and took a few photos of it in my hand.

Looking east into the valley below from the Fort area.

And now looking north from the entrance of the Fort. A large bank of cloud on the horizon was making its way towards us and after an hour, it had arrived but patchy with lots more sunshine. Bliss. 

Carrying on, a Marsh Tit was heard calling near the roadside and was seen briefly flying between bushes and trees; though I got a much better view of it on the way back to the car on my return journey. On the subject of insects again, a Red Admiral was fluttering high up above me and didn’t seem to be going anywhere until it eventually flew off. A Nuthatch flew from the roadside trees and landed in vegetation by the footpath and out of view before calling loudly deep within the bushes.

My poor photo of passing Fieldfare's going overhead heading north over the Hill. 

Walking along the footpath to the Fort, over the fields there was a large flock of Skylarks fluttering about in one big flock. I counted at least 40 birds among these, but I expect there were many more including the ones flying overhead, including one singing bird! The stubble fields to the south also attracted a lot of Corvids and Wood Pigeons and eventually, all took flight, but what put them up never revealed itself. On reaching the Fort entrance, I picked out a male Stonechat perched on the wires by where they grow the Hops opposite the Fort. Two more birds were seen, both females this time and posed nicely in the sunshine. A few Linnets came in to rest and then flew off again as did a small flock of Goldfinch. Best of all were my first Fieldfare's of the season. I heard their distinctive call at first as they passed overhead, with at least 30 birds in the flock. Sadly, my photos of them were rather poor and so Scruff and I carried on and rounded the Fort, carefully keeping Scruff on his lead close to me so as to not frighten the many Sheep here. 

Above photos, top is a female Stonechat and then two photos of the male Stonechat near the Fort.

I could of simply sat here for at least an hour in this gorgeous sunshine looking over the distant fields, but I knew that time was against me and so i made my way around the Fort, flushing a couple of Meadow Pipits as I passed and enjoying a superb distant Red Kite flapping lazily high over the countryside heading north. A lone male Goldcrest was exploring the small bushes along the footpath until flying off south down the hill.

I could not resist taking a photo of the Wild Clematis vitalba (or affectionately known as Old Grandfathers Beard), which was growing abundantly along the hedgerows and out in the Hop Field opposite the Fort. 

The resident Sheep keeping a wary eye on both Scruff and myself as we walked by along the Fort.

The Green Woodpecker that showed well in the woodland below the Fort.

Looking down into the woodland below, a Green Woodpecker was seen flying into the trees and perching nicely for me to take a photo or two. It eventually flew off low north over the fields to the north. A swirling flock of Jackdaws took flight as a Common Buzzard sailed overhead, quickly escorting the raptor on. My first Yellowhammer of the day, a nice male bird, flew past overhead and headed off south as I made my way back to the car. Another Red Kite sailed overhead in the clear blue sky as I neared the car park and this time, I was quite pleased with my photo of the bird. 

One of the Red Kites flying over the fields below the Fort.

This individual was sailing overhead near the car park before I left.

 

What a beauty.

Well, that was a nice three hours of birding and a nice variety of both plants and with a few insects to look at too, a splendid afternoon. What does my day hold in store tomorrow?  

Snow Bunting on East Head.

Thursday 4th November 2021.

The Snow Bunting at the northern end of East Head this morning.

The first day of my mini holiday started with success. I took the long drive to East Head this morning and eventually managed to locate the female- type Snow Bunting after a very long walk to the site. I had parked by the St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church, but instead of taking the footpath leading to Snowhill Marsh, I stupidly gave myself a very long walk along the beach road and then onto East Head through the car park! Never mind, the exercise will do me good.

The long walk north at East Head. Yes, it was cold, but just about bearable in my fleece! 

This Angle Shades moth was a bonus this morning. I am not sure if I have ever seen one in November.

I had my moth box on overnight and I was pleasantly surprised with a few moths in and around the moth box. An Angle Shades was without doubt the pick of the moths and it was joined by singles of Double-striped Pug, Light Brown Apple Moth and Common Plume. It was very cold overnight so I didn't really expect anything more than that. While checking the box, both a Pied and Grey Wagtail flew over the garden as did a few Goldfinches and a Chaffinch. 

Sanderling scurrying along the beach at East Head this morning.

The Sanderling were also joined by the Dunlin on the rising tide.

I took a gamble in just wearing my fleece instead of a coat this morning, though I did take my hat & gloves should it get too cold. The car temperature said only 8 degrees outside when I arrived, but that cold north-westerly blowing over a high tide within Chichester Harbour could have easily been quite a few degrees colder. On reaching East Head by foot, I made my way north along the water's edge, knowing full well that I would have to hurry my pace as the tide was still on the rise. Flocks of Brent Geese were passing by overhead, which kept me entertained as I walked along the sandy beach, keeping a sharp eye out for any passerine movement ahead of me, for the Bunting could easily be anywhere on this small island, though it was favouring the north end as of yesterday.

Sanderling and Dunlin arriving on the shoreline.

Grey Plover, Dunlin and a Lapwing on Snowhill Marsh.

There were a lot of dog-walkers around and plenty of dogs off their leads too, so the Bunting could be easily spooked and disappear for a while. As I neared the northern end of the island, I could see good numbers of both Sanderling and Dunlin on the shoreline. Always entertaining, I grabbed a few photos of these delightful waders and there were quite a few more when I reached the most northern part of the island. From here, I had a frantic search for the Bunting, but for the next ten minutes or so, all I could find was a small mixed flock of Greenfinch and Linnet feeding on the grass litter on the beach. A few Skylarks were around and a quick scan over a choppy harbour produced no sightings of yesterday's Velvet Scoters in the harbour.

The Snow Bunting eventually gave itself up as I spotted it flying over the harbour and then settled right in front of me. 

After several fruitless searches for the Bunting, I decided to walk back around the other side of the island and try my luck there. I was just starting to walk south and taking a few more photos of the Sanderling, a bright coloured passerine caught my eye as it flew low over the waves and sure enough, it was the Snow Bunting and thankfully and very lucky for me, it popped down on the beach some 20 feet away from me. Phew! The bird sat there for a few seconds, long enough for a few photos, then scurried along the sand and pebbles away from me. Obviously, the bird was skittish and was probably harassed due to the dog walkers. The bird did not linger long and flew off with a flock of Sanderling (!), which was an unusual sight and I followed the bird through my binoculars until I saw it land distantly on the shoreline to the east.

Redshank, Dunlin and Lapwing on Snowhill Marsh.  

This Golden Plover (left) was resting with a Black-tailed Godwit & Curlew on Snowhill Marsh.

More than happy with my sighting (my 197th species for the year), I decided to walk through the sand dunes, back to the car park as the main footpath around the edge of the island was now submerged under the incoming tide. On the way back, I saw at least three Stonechats in the small bushes, including at least one male bird and also a female Reed Bunting in one of the small trees. Walking along the footpath past Snowhill Marsh, there was a good gathering of waders on the pools, which included a flock of around 40+ Golden Plover and among these, Curlew, Dunlin, Lapwing, Grey Plover and a few Black-tailed Godwit were present. There was a good gathering of Brent Geese in the harbour opposite Snowhill Marsh with at least 500+ birds present and among these, a lone Great Crested Grebe was fishing. It has been quite a few years since I have been to this location and now I have found a place to park the car without being stung by West Sussex County Council and their extravagant parking fees. I might come down here more often. I think the last time I was here was when a Red-breasted Goose was among the Brent Geese. 

This female Reed Bunting was calling on East Head.

Up to three Stonechats were seen including this male bird on the island.

The sand dunes within the island were negotiable. 

The only raptors seen today were a Kestrel and several Common Buzzards over the A27 and on the way out of Portsmouth, at the end of Velder Avenue, a female Sparrowhawk flapped high over the crossroads, probably having been hunting over Milton Cemetery. When I got home, I topped up the bird feeder with sunflower hearts and while doing so, a Grey Wagtail flew over. Happy days.  

East Head looking north into Chichester Harbour.

I gave directions for the Snow Bunting that a passing birder wanted and he snapped this superb Red-throated Diver passing by over the harbour. Photo by Steve Simnett. 

The Spiders are out tonight!

Wednesday 3rd November 2021.

The Great Grey Shrike at Backley Common, New Forest. Photo by Andy Tew.  

It was noticeably colder today, despite mostly being a sunny day, though the cloud did roll in by 2pm and even a bit of light rain did fall. I was working over in the Gosport area all day along with Portchester Crematorium and so I kept an eye out for anything of note during my working day. I am now officially on holiday for about 5 days and tomorrow, I hope to kick off my small break with a visit to East Head, courtesy of Sarah Russell’s excellent directions to view a long staying Snow Bunting. Nearby, within Chichester Harbour, there is also a pair of female Velvet Scoters to look out for.

One of the Tube web Spiders in the eaves outside my kitchen tonight.

My day kicked off with a drive to Gosport via the M275 and I quickly pointed out the flock of Brent Geese to my co-worker, who were swimming on the high tide within Portsmouth Harbour. Also along the same stretch of road, a Common Buzzard was perched on one of the roadside street lamps as was a male Kestrel, which looked stunning in the bright sunshine. 

A Double-striped Pug was attracted to my moth box tonight.

Portchester Crematorium held the same moths as yesterday that included the Yellow-lined Quaker, Double-striped Pug, Beautiful Plume and Common Plume and lots of Lacewings still. But it was the local Grey Squirrels that got my attention as I was standing south of the car park and two Grey Squirrels literally parked themselves right by my feet! I did explain to them that I had no food to offer them and it looked as though they understood as they moved off!

Another of the Tube web Spiders poking its legs out tonight.

Tonight, I have put my moth box on to hopefully add to my November list of moths, though it is supposed to be near freezing tonight; but you simply never know. With one of my small torches, I took a look at our local spiders that were lurking under the eaves of the kitchen. Two quite large Tube web Spiders, Segestria florentina and the strangely named Missing Sector Orb Weaver spiders were showing well tonight, although the former were showing only their large legs and the light of the torch reflecting on their eyes. I have no problem with spiders at all, though I tend to simply leave them to get on with life. Should they take a moth, then so be it; that's nature as they say. At 9pm this evening, my moth box had a attracted both a Double-striped Pug and a Common Plume.

One of several Missing Sector Orb Weaver spiders outside my kitchen tonight.

In Hampshire today, the Snow Bunting still resides on the beach at Warsash and the Great Grey Shrike is still in the Backley Bottom area of the New Forest and it or a different bird was at nearby Sandy Ridge. I was very interested in Chris Packham's post on Facebook this evening regarding arguably the greatest ambassador for our planet, the 95 year old Sir David Attenborough’s superb speech at the COP26 Summit with most of the world leaders in attendance. Of course, three of the largest polluters in the world, Russia, Brazil and China were not there at the meeting to everyone’s frustration. I personally believe it is too late to save the world’s climate for Human kind is simply too thick and greedy for change, though I pray I am so wrong. We shall see. I have put a link on my Blog for everyone to listen too and take note. See below.

https://youtu.be/A6SO0xkr_uI