A drive along Southsea seafront.

Friday 30th December 2022.

Gulls aplenty on Southsea Common today.

You cannot put a keen birder down. Here on the south coast, more squally weather and a strong wind to go with it kept a lot of people indoors and as I retrieved my dog Scruff's ashes from the Vets this morning, I took a drive along the seafront and then back to my house. I noticed a good sized flock of Brent Geese, but what really grabbed my attention were the amount of large Gulls on Southsea Common. Interesting. Could there be a ‘large white-winged Gull’ among them?

Above, a large flock of Starlings were present on the Common and below, a pair of Pied Wagtails were on the Memorial building including this male bird.

After a spot of lunch, I jumped in the car and took a drive down to Southsea Common, parking opposite the large mound of rocks that are being used for the new sea defences, I walked over the road and used the Naval Memorial Building for cover against the strong south-westerly wind. Checking the Gulls, I couldn't find anything more unusual among the many Herring, Black-headed or Great Black-backed Gulls and the 30+ Brent Geese also held nothing exciting among them either. Starlings were abundant here also, with at least a hundred plus present, swirling about in the breeze or busy searching the grass for anything to eat. Though despite the large number of birds present, nothing out of the ordinary was seen along here.

Above, a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls were among the Herring and Black-headed Gulls on the Common. Below, around 30+ Brent Geese were present also on the Common.

A quick look at the sea defence rock piles proved fruitless and after taking a bit of battering from the wind, I gratefully got back into the car and then took a drive further east towards Eastney.  I checked out the Brent Goose flock by the old D-Day Museum and again, all dark-bellied Brent Geese with plenty of juveniles among them too. Over on the beach opposite, there were a few large flocks of Black-headed Gulls with a few Common and Herring Gulls among them, but no sign of any Mediterranean Gulls present, which was disappointing.

Above, a mixture of Common, Herring and Black-headed Gulls over Southsea beach. Below, a juvenile Herring Gull with a Starfish in its bill.

Next stop was to the harbour entrance where it wasn't so windy. I drove down and parked up at the spit opposite the Hayling Ferry Terminal. Thankfully, there weren't too many people around and so I took a walk along the spit to get a better view of a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers bouncing on the water within Langstone Harbour. Too distant to get a decent photo, at least a Rock Pipit played ball as it flew up and landed close by along the shingle until flying off over my head and out of view. A Great Northern Diver was seen from here yesterday, but nothing on the water apart from what's already mentioned, though I did see a flock of Turnstone and a lone Oystercatcher flying out into the Solent.

Above, the Rock Pipit seen on the spit opposite the Ferry Terminal. Below, some of the many Starlings on the foreshore among Black-headed Gulls, near the Terminal. Just sad to see how much rubbish is washed up here in the tide line.

The usual Starlings were in large numbers again on the shingle here, getting to within touching distance at times and always fascinating to watch as they upturned the seaweed near the shoreline in search of food. The drizzle eventually came in and so I made my way back home after enjoying a couple of hours birding. Not a great deal reported today in Hampshire, but Andy J reported an adult Little Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Great Northern Diver and a Slavonian Grebe from Black Point, Hayling Island this morning.

Above and below, some of the Starlings on the beach near the Hayling Ferry Terminal.

A cold trip to Southmoor and Budds Farm.

Thursday 29th December 2022.

The view from Southmoor looking south into Langstone Harbour.

It seems quite a while since I have added anything to my blog and so I had the opportunity to take a drive this morning to Southmoor Car Park to check the northern end of Langstone Harbour. However, I did not count on the strong westerly wind blowing in off the harbour making it not only a bit difficult to view the harbour but also damn cold! There were a few cars within the car park, but no birders present; leaving me to find the goodies; if there were any?

Above, a Grey Plover on the foreshore at Southmoor. Below, the Great Northern Diver in front of Long Island.

Using my noddle, I got between two vehicles within the car park, using the taller of the two to keep out of the wind. High tide was not till 4pm and therefore a bit of the mudflats were exposed for the waders and wildfowl to exploit of which there were many. All the usual waders were present including Dunlin, Redshank, Turnstone, Curlew and Grey Plover; while Brent Geese and a few Wigeon were along the foreshore.

This male Kestrel was hunting by Southmoor.

Out in the choppy harbour, there were a few nice birds on show. A lone Black-necked Grebe was seen a couple of times bouncing on the water to the east of Long Island and nearby, a Great Northern Diver (see photo) was close to Long Island. Three Goldeneye and at least three Great Crested Grebes were also seen, but viewing was never easy with the buffeting wind. Yes, it was damn cold too and after 30 minutes or so, I decided to take shelter by giving the pools at  Budds Farm another try. 

Above, the Greenshank at the back of the Pools and below, three Little Grebes among Shoveler.

After parking the car and double checking that the occupants of the parked cars were not dodgy, I grabbed my scope and stood overlooking the pools looking north. Again, all the usual wildfowl were present and as I had my scope handy, I checked the many Teal here for a Green-winged Teal. Sadly, I was to be disappointed as there was none to be seen. Right time of the year and having seen one here many years ago, it was certainly worth checking. Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck and a few Pochard joined the many Little Grebes present here on the pools. The regular small flock of Redshank were resting in their usual place at the back of the pools and was joined by just the one Greenshank that was walking up and down by the concrete wall.

Above, Teal were again in good numbers and below, large flocks of Black-headed Gulls flew up from the water tanks and I found this Mediterranean Gull among them while checking the photos.

Other notable birds present included a single Kingfisher that was first heard several times and then eventually seen perched on the concrete wall near the waders. A pair of Jays flew around the area and soon left heading east. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard calling down in the scrub below, but no confirmed sighting during my hour here. The male Kestrel seen earlier flew low over the pools and briefly landed on a lamp post behind the pools. The Gull on the water tanks behind Budds Farm were in good numbers and I noticed that among the Black-headed Gull photos I took, a Mediterranean Gull was present! Just goes to show its worth taking photos of flocks of birds for you never know what could be hiding among them. 

From top to bottom: drake Shoveler, Redshank with a lone Mallard, Mute Swan with Gadwall, a view of Budds Farm and finally, a drake Pochard.

A couple of Little Egrets and a Grey Heron were resting on the north end of the pool among the wildfowl and a good number of Moorhen were resting on the edge of the Pools. I soon made my decision to make my way home because it was getting rather cold as the temperature in the wind was probably only just above freezing, or so it seemed! In Hampshire today, one of the ‘Lazee Birders’ Andy Tew, had one of the re-introduced White-tailed Eagles over Blashford Lakes today. The ‘family five’ Russian White-fronted Geese were still on Farlington Marshes and the four Velvet Scoter were still in Langstone Harbour from Hayling Oyster Beds (sadly, I could not locate them from Southmoor). Over in West Sussex, a Red-necked Grebe was off Selsey Bill throughout the day and a female Rough-legged Buzzard was seen over on the Isle of Wight. Some good birds around today.       

The White-tailed Eagle over Bashford Lakes today. Photo by Andy Tew.

   

Another good total of birds in the Cemy.

Saturday 24th December 2022.

The sun was trying to get out between the heavy overcast clouds this morning over the Cemetery.

I managed to get most of my chores done this morning and while my wife was away getting the last few bits for Xmas, I took the opportunity to take a walk around my ‘local patch’ Highland Road Cemetery, again. A positively balmy 11 degrees this morning here in Southsea, though it was mostly cloudy with the possible threat of rain, which it did as I was leaving the Cemy. Again, another good haul of bird species in and over the Cemy, which kept me interested throughout my trip here.

Above, at least four Robins were seen this morning including this individual in full song. Gorgeous to stand and watch. Below, Blackbirds also were in good numbers with at least 10 seen today.

There were a good many dog-walkers this morning, though all dogs behaved themselves and there were also a few joggers and some simply taking in a bit of fresh air. Good to see. Though the Cemy was alive with birds, insects and any flowering plants was near non-existent. I assume last week's heavy frosts put paid to any flowering weeds or plants? 

Up to 8 Redwing were in the trees this morning. A good number for here.

Starling numbers are on the increase here, with at least 30 birds seen in one particular flock this morning. Same could be said of the Goldfinches with probably the same number seen. Greenfinch numbers included a flock of 6 birds high up in one of the trees. However, I was pleased with the thrush numbers this morning. A flock of 8 Redwing spent the time I was there showing well at times high up in the Horse Chestnut or Lime trees within the centre of the Cemy, though some were checking out the conifers on the north-east side. Again, just the one lone Song Thrush this morning, but plenty of Blackbirds about today. Will we get a Fieldfare anytime soon here?

Notoriously difficult to photograph (for me anyway with my Bridge camera!), this female Goldcrest showed very well in a Horse Chestnut tree close to the footpath.

Both the Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker were again seen today. The Great Spotted Woodpecker was an all too brief sighting as it flew past me briefly, but only heard again and not seen. Whereas the Green Woodpecker flew up from the ground after being flushed by a dog-walker and then perched on a large gravestone over on the south-east side. It was as I was making my way back to the entrance gate that I finally saw my first Jay of the morning and eventually posed nicely for me to grab a photo. A Pied Wagtail, as per usual, was a ‘flyover’ bird, but 23 species this morning within the Cemy was a good total. I was sure I heard a Meadow Pipit going over, but I did not get a sighting of the bird to be totally sure. 

Above, all 8 of the Redwing present in the Cemetery in one tree and below, the female Green Woodpecker perched on the gravestone over in the south-east corner of the Cemy.

The following species were either seen or heard on my walk this morning:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Feral Pigeon
• Starling
• House Sparrow
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Goldcrest
• Robin
• Wren
• Song Thrush
• Blackbird
• Redwing
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Pied Wagtail
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Green Woodpecker 

One of the many Goldfinches seen picking off Buddliea seeds near the Mausoleum. Below, the Song Thrush over on the east side of the Cemetery.

In Hampshire this morning, the Tree Sparrow was still present at Chilling Barn, near Warsash and the Long-tailed Duck was still present off Southmoors. From Hayling Oyster Beds, fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Gary Fennemore had seen a Merlin, a Great Northern Diver, 6 Black-necked Grebes and the flock of 5 Velvet Scoter. The 1st winter Little Gull was still off Black Point, Hayling Island this morning. A Short-eared Owl was still on Farlington Marshes and the Great Grey Shrike was still at Pig Bush, in the New Forest. 

I finally caught up with a Jay as I was leaving the Cemy.

Very quiet at Eastney Point.

Thursday 22nd December 2022.

The weather was closing in when I was leaving Eastney Point this morning.

I took a gamble today by taking a walk over Eastney to hopefully view yesterday's Great Northern Divers this morning, but despite a high tide, the birds were nowhere to be seen. In fact, it was nearly void of birds and what with the horrible weather (heavy squally drizzle on a breezy south-westerly) and some disgusting old bloke flashing his bits, despite wearing a raincoat (work that one out!); I think I could possibly write this trip here off!

A lone Common Gull passed by heading west over the beach.

I am not a prude and I know this end of Eastney beach is infamous for its Naturists, but the weather was awful and this guy, who by the way walked up to me and said ‘Morning’, could have easily covered himself up instead of exposing his ‘bits’ to me! I simply told him to ‘F*** off you freak!’. Things would have turned very ugly if I had my Granddaughter with me or my wife!

A pair of Stock Doves by Fort Cumberland.

Rant over and back to the few birds on show. Yes, no sign whatsoever on anything on the sea which was disappointing, but a Common Gull flew over and on the fenced in area on Fort Cumberland, there were at least 4 Stock Doves perched on the wire fence along with a few Wood Pigeons. Looking east towards Gunner Point over on Hayling Island, I could see a large flock of small waders swirling over on the shoreline there which I assume were Sanderling. Sadly, none on the beach here this morning while I was there. However, I did see a small flock of 5 Turnstone flying low over the sea close in heading west. 

A bemused looking Stock Dove not really enjoying the weather

I did take a drive down to the harbour entrance to see if the Divers were there but again, no sign on anything on the water there bar a few Black-headed Gulls. A Starling flew onto my nearside door mirror, but I had no food to offer it, but to be around 18 inches away from it was special. Up to 3 Dunnocks scurried on the concrete block by the lone bush within the car park here before I left to visit my Dad. On the way up the Eastern Road, I spotted 4 Little Grebes swimming on Hilsea Creek by the main bridge and on the way back home, going south down the Eastern Road, I saw at least 10 Avocets on the mudflats looking east from the bridge. 

A review of 2022.

Wednesday 21st December 2022.

While staying in North Norfolk for a week, I was fortunate to arrive when a Red-breasted Goose was found at Cley Marshes in the early part of February.

As we are fast approaching the end of the year, I wanted to reflect on some of the birds and other wildlife that has made 2022 special. Yes, we did lose our precious dog Scruff last week, which has left a huge hole in our hearts, but on a positive side, 2022 did produce a very good bird and moth species total. I clocked up 226 bird species in the UK this year, one of the highest totals I have ever had and kicking off the early part of the year with a trip to Norfolk most certainly helped. 

After enjoying a week in Norfolk, I could not resist going to see my second ever American Robin in the UK. Along with this bird in East Sussex, Hume's Warbler and Hooded Crow were added to our year list.

Moths too, were in good volume and I certainly got some crackers throughout the year. A final total of 168 species of ‘Macro’ moth and 127 species of ‘Micro’ moth. I even saw my first ever Brown Hairstreak butterfly perched on a Buddleia plant in a pub garden! I still cannot believe I saw it!!

This Large Thorn moth in my garden was a real surprise and my first ever.

Though I never saw any Bird ‘Lifers’ this year ( I do not ‘twitch’ much these days, though I should have gone for the long staying Baikal Teal in Somerset earlier this year, though). Nevertheless, Andy and myself got to see some cracking birds including Tundra Bean Goose, Cranes, Tree Sparrow, Red-breasted Goose, Leach’s Petrel, Squacco Heron, Buff-breasted and Pectoral Sandpiper, Bonaparte’s Gull, American Robin, Hume’s Warbler, Barred Warbler, both Red-backed and Great Grey Shrike, Chough, Shorelark and my first Hampshire Iberian Chiffchaff. Some great birds and some great memories. I would also like to thank the ‘Lazee Birders’ in telling us the sites in Hampshire to see Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Stone-curlew and Hampshires first breeding Dippers for many a year.

This Squacco Heron (my 3rd ever) had a long stay in August at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve.

On the Macro moth scene, arguably my best moth of the year was in no doubt the Striped Hawk-moth. This southern European species made a large landfall in the UK, which was mostly due to the heatwave where temperatures in the UK exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Long periods of southerlies brought in a lot of immigrant moths including some African species that were new for the UK. New ‘Macro’ moths for my life list this year included a Large Thorn and Plumed Fan-foot; the latter a very scarce migrant moth. Micro moths also featured heavily on my life list and a new App was introduced to the public with ‘Obsidentify’ making its debut. Using this App helped me to identify a lot of newcomers to my life list including up to 23 new species! However, one micro moth which I found at Portchester Crematorium, was my first ever Large Tabby (sounds more like a Cat than a moth!).

I had a great year for Hawk-moths, but this Striped Hawk-moth was the icing on the cake.

As mentioned before, the weather played its part again this year and it looks as though it proved to be the warmest year on record again and 2023 is expected to get even hotter due to Climate Change. Let's be honest, if you do not believe in Climate Change, like one certain ex-American President, just call it a day! How can we get -15 degrees one week and then +14 degrees the next in the UK, which was witnessed last week?

My first 'Hampshire' Iberian Chiffchaff in Otterbourne Wood, nr Winchester. 

Back to this week. I have not done any birding since last Saturday as I have been too busy of late, though I do check out my garden when I can; topping up the bird feeders nearly 3 times a week now! The American Wigeon on Efford Lake, Pennington Marshes, was a no show over the past few days, but much nearer to home, Black Point (off Hayling Island) has produced a female Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and a Little Gull (welcome back Andy Johnson) and up to 3 Great Northern Divers off Eastney Point today and yesterday. The family flock of Russian White-fronted Goose, Black Brant and now 3 Short-eared Owls have remained faithful to Farlington Marshes and it or another Tree Sparrow had been found at Chilling Cliffs yesterday. A female Scaup was also seen flying with Mergansers yesterday near the Hayling Bridge; a species I have not seen this year.

Tree Sparrows seen in February this year at Welney Wildfowl Trust, Norfolk. 

Further afield, a species I have always wanted to see, an Isabelline Wheatear, has been found at Colyford Common Local Nature Reserve in Devon. A possible ‘twitch’ to round the year off, perhaps? On the Isle of Portland, a male Cirl Bunting has taken up residence at Reap Lane. I usually get my Cirl Buntings at East Prawle, but not this year, sadly. 

This Shorelark was one of four birds at Holkham Pines in North Norfolk in February.

Andy and myself will be doing the annual ‘Dawn to Dusk’ birding on New Years Day where Andy is determined to win the ‘Fly/Pye’ Cup for the first time in many a year (first one to 100 species for the year). We shall be studying what is around in both Hampshire and West Sussex nearer the time to see what species we should be going for.

 

The last words must go to our Scruff. Thanks for being there. Love you always.