Pagham Harbour & Chichester Gravel Pits.

Saturday 17th December 2022.

Looking mean and moody with the sun behind a bank of cloud, we then made our way to the beach to check out the sea off Church Norton.

Yet again, I had to scrape the ice of the windscreen off the car on a very cold morning as I eventually made my way to Cowplain to pick up Andy. Thoughts of the American Wigeon, near Lymington, were very tempting, but though I have not seen one since 1999, I really fancied a trip east and over to Pagham Harbour instead. It has been a while since I have been there and with a reported Red-necked Grebe seen off Church Norton yesterday (not seen one this year), it was eastbound this morning.

Above, Andy had a rather nasty disagreement with some nearby ice! Oops! Below, a Curlew wading with a couple of nearby Redshank in attendance within Pagham Harbour.

On the way there, we passed a frozen Sidlesham Ferry Pool and Andy quickly spotted a Fox walking over the ice on the Ferry Pool, which I got the briefest of glimpses (I was driving at the time!). I would of loved to got a photo of that. The car park was very quiet, with only a few cars present and quickly getting my RSPB Membership card out to display on the dashboard (one has to pay here to park now!), I only hope the RSPB fixes those horrible potholes within the car park from the monies they receive from the paying public! A flock of Goldfinches landed in a nearby tree as we made our way to the harbour and as we turned to walk to the beach, Andy fell ‘arse over tit’ on the ice on the gravel. Thankfully, only his pride was hurt, but it was a close call.

Above, a flock of Knot flying over the harbour and below, a group of Teal resting by one of the small channels within the harbour.

It was low tide within the harbour and there was a good showing of both Redshank and Curlew on the salt-marsh. Looking south, it looked a bit moody over the beach with a lot of cloud over the sea and with the low sun, visibility over the sea wasn’t at its best. Nevertheless, we did find a few species of note that included a couple of male Eiders, at least 7 Common Scoter (2 pairs and a small flock of 3 birds flying west over the sea), 2 distant Slavonian Grebes and at least 2 Great Crested Grebes. There was no sign of the Red-necked Grebe, which was a shame, but that's the way it goes.

Above, distant Avocets (centre) within the channel in Pagham Harbour. Below, Herring and a few Black-headed Gulls swimming and also resting on the ice on Ivy Lake, Chichester Gravel Pits.

We made our way to the two benches overlooking the harbour and from here, we had a nice selection of waders. Making our way to the benches, a large flock of Knot and a smaller flock of Golden Plover took flight and swirled around in the sky, but there was no sign of any raptors soaring over. Once on the bench, an Avocet was seen flying towards us but settled out of view. However, I found another 6 birds further out to the north of the harbour, within the harbour channel. At least 4 to 500 Knot were feeding on the mudflats along with good numbers of Dunlin, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Curlew. We even found a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits feeding in a small pool nearby. Up to three Common Snipe flew off from the salt-marsh and flew west towards the Pony Fields. 

Above, Herring Gulls on Ivy Lake and below, wildfowl on Nunnery Lake.

The most amazing sighting today was the Snow Bunting! This bird has been residing over on the east side of the harbour entrance, perching up on the metal framework by the entrance and on seeing a couple of birders over the far side photographing something small, we could only guess it was the Snow Bunting. So, setting my scope up from this side of the harbour on my highest magnification, we could make out a snowy white passerine perched on the metal, especially when it flew and landed again. From here, Andy got his 201st species for the year! That saved driving all that way to see the bird and for all you Carbon Footprint freaks, happy days! On getting back to the car, a Green Woodpecker flew up to a tree near the car park to round off our trip here at Church Norton. 

Above, this Robin took a liking to Andy as he scraped the ground with his boot to expose fresh soil to search. Below, a 4th calendar year Herring Gull sporting a dark ring on its bill on Ivy Lake. 

Not finished with the day's birding, we took a stroll along the footpath by Chichester Gravel Pits today and as expected, most of the lakes around here were frozen, however, there were a few areas free of ice and the Gulls and wildfowl took full advantage of it. Pochard, Shoveler, Mallard, Pintail and Tufted Duck were in good numbers here, enjoying the small areas of water or simply sitting on the ice, while other flocks flew overhead in search of other areas to land. Three species of Geese were present here that included large numbers of Canada Geese and a pair each of Greylag and Egyptian Geese. I was hoping that a Bittern might be lurking in the reedbed over on the far north-east side, but three Grey Herons were the only birds of note here.

Above, a female Gadwall walking the ice in front of some Shoveler on Ivy Lake and below, a small group of Pintail with Shoveler and Herring Gulls.

We walked right up to Peckham Copse Lane, taking in small flocks of Titmice and the occasional Goldcrest and lots of very confiding Robins. I was well impressed with Andy as he scraped his boot into the leaf litter and dug up some earth with his boot in helping the Robin find potential food. Well done that man. Andy was fortunate enough to see a Kingfisher twice, while I dipped out both times. I was more fortunate with a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers that were searching for food in the trees beside the footpath and a Kestrel was seen flying north over Ivy Lake. We were also hoping to see a Water Rail on the water's edge, but the best we could get was one heard calling. 

Above, Tufted Duck, Pochard and Coot on a small stretch of ice free water on Ivy Lake and below, a good number of Coot on the ice on East Lake.

Sadly, I had shopping to do when I got home and so I made our way back to Cowplain to drop Andy off, enjoying at least two Common Buzzard sightings on the way back. An incredible 102 Barnacle Geese were seen early this morning on Farlington Marshes, which were all probably wild birds that have been dispersed by the cold weather. The family party of 5 Russian White-fronted Geese were still present here too. It looks as though we did not miss too much at Pagham Harbour today, though an Arctic Skua flew over Selsey Bill this morning!

Above, a flock of Shoveler flying high overhead at Chichester Gravel Pits. Below, a Coot on the ice on Copse Lake. I watched a small flock of Coot flying low over the ice, their feet were touching the ice as they flew, giving off a metallic sound. Amazing.

As I am writing this, a friend of ours has sent me a voicemail of a Tawny Owl calling in her back garden in Denmead, near Waterlooville, tonight. Well, I'm jealous!     

The Snow Bunting on the iron support on the east side of Pagham Harbour entrance. Picking the bird up through my Swarovski scope on 60x just goes to show, that anything is possible with a little thought thrown in. Photo by Paul Evans.

Cattle Egrets over the Cemy!

Friday 16th December 2022.

The pair of Cattle Egrets flying high over the Cemetery heading west.

I really needed to clear my head this morning after the sadness from yesterday and so I took a slow walk around a very frosty Highland Road Cemetery. Maybe not a great choice seeing there were so many memories of Scruff here, especially when he was young and used to chase the Squirrels (and never caught any either!). Again, another heavy frost this morning, but a clear blue sky overhead and bright sunshine throughout the time I was there within the Cemy. Yesterday’s American Wigeon near Pennington Marshes was still present this morning, but I was more than happy here.

Above, a large flock of Starlings and a few Wood Pigeons had gathered on the recently pruned tree at the southern end of the Cemy. Below, a fluffed up Robin within a Holly Bush.

Another good total of species of birds within the Cemy today including a ‘patch tick’ as a pair of Cattle Egret flew high overhead flying west over Southsea (my 76th species at this site); seen while I was walking up to the Holm Oak clump. This species has increased in numbers of late here on the south coast almost similar to Little Egret, although the latter is far more common still. No raptors seen this morning although the local Pigeons were a bit jumpy again today, so maybe the Sparrowhawk had paid them a visit earlier in the day?

Above, the frost was certainly taking its toll on the plant life including this Ivy plant. Below, one of the Jays showing well in the sunshine.

A Common Gull flying north over the Cemy was a good record here. I have only seen a handful since I have been here over the past 14 years, but sadly, I could not get a reasonable photo of it before it flew off. The Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling over on the east side, but there was no sign of it when I got over that part of the Cemy. I did bump into a very attractive dog walker (a Megan McCubbin lookalike!) who asked me if I had seen any Woodpeckers today? She had seen the Green Woodpecker yesterday here, so we had a good chat and then wished me a pleasant morning. 

Above, another plumped up Wood Pigeon trying to keep out the cold and below, a male Blackbird was one of many of this species present this morning, busy upturning the leaves. 

A Song Thrush was seen as I started to make my way past the Holm Oak trees and make for home. It popped up between some graves along with a showy Wren. A pair of Goldcrests showed relatively well in the Holm Oaks and at least two Jays were seen today, both showing very well (see photos). The Pied Wagtail, seen as I just started my walk within the Cemy, was just a flyover and headed towards the houses in Albert Road; we rarely see them in the Cemy, unfortunately. 

Above, the second Jay seen high up in one of the Lime Trees. Below, the Cattle Egrets flying away from me, heading westbound.

Bird species seen on my walk around the Cemy this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Common Gull
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Great Tit
• Blue Tit
• Goldcrest
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Blackbird
• Song Thrush
• Wren
• Robin
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Collared Dove
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Jay
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Cattle Egret (Patch tick)
• Pied Wagtail

Above, one of the many Squirrels posing in the sunshine and below, a female Goldcrest in search of small insects within the Holm Oak clump.

Hardly any wild flowers were seen today and though bright and sunny, not a single insect was seen; though it was just above freezing all morning! Thankfully, no snow here on the south coast and rain is forecast to come in on Sunday as well as the temperature will start to rise.

The drake American Wigeon (centre) with Eurasian Wigeon and a Coot at Efford Lake, Pennington Marshes. Photo by Andy Tew.

Goodbye Scruff.

Friday 16th December 2022.

It is with a heavy heart that my wife and I had to take our dog Scruffy to the Vets to be put down. This is probably going to be one of the hardest things I have ever written as that gorgeous, wonderful dog shared so many birding adventures with me. Sadly, his back legs had nearly gone and also nearly blind, he was struggling to carry out most of his daily functions and so, as we took him to the Vets late yesterday afternoon, the Vet convinced us it was time to let him go. We have lost a dear part of the family, but at least he went peacefully with both of us present. Heartbroken doesn't even cover what we feel at present. The walk around the Cemy will not feel the same again.  

Golden Plovers on the seafront.

Thursday 15th November 2022.

It has been many a year since I have seen Golden Plovers on Southsea seafront.

Another very cold day again with the temperature around the freezing mark throughout the morning, but at least it was dry and sunny with not a cloud in the sky. Yesterday's interesting news of some Golden Plover on the Mini Golf Course grabbed my attention and so I took a drive down there to see if the birds were present this morning. Luckily for me, there were two birds present and showed very well.

Two Golden Plovers were present this morning and most likely the same birds as yesterday that were reported here.

I parked up on the seafront, crossed the road carefully and watched the birds and took a few photos of them, pecking on the frosty ground. I have only ever seen Golden Plover down this end of Portsmouth just once, and that was when it snowed heavily overnight and there were still some flurries later that day. A lot of birds were dispersed that day, including a lot of waders, but that was about ten years ago. So it was nice to see these two birds here and though I searched the grounds of the old Royal Marine Museum, all that were present were a small number of Brent Geese and some Herring Gulls.

Above, the family group of Brent Geese on the same field as the Plovers and below, a pair of Herring Gulls (2nd calendar year on the left and a third calendar year on the right) on the Royal Marine Museum field.

I was joined by a fellow ‘Lazee Birder’, Chris Geary, who rode up on his push bike as we watched the birds for around ten minutes and had a quick chat too (There is a lot of ‘Lazee’s about!). A small party of Brent Geese were right in front of me as well, chomping on the short grass; a family group most likely of two adults and a juvenile.

Above, an Oystercatcher flying into Langstone Harbour through the harbour entrance and below, three adult Herring Gulls perched on a post within the entrance.

I did not really fancy giving the Gorse Bushes a try on Fort Cumberland Common due to the large amount of dog crap around there, despite recent reports of Dartford Warblers being present; therefore I took a very cold walk up to the Hayling Ferry to check the harbour entrance and the spit opposite for anything of note. 

Above, three of the six Cormorants fishing in the harbour entrance and below, the Greenshank I found on the mudflats at Lock Lake.

Within the harbour entrance, where the tide was on the way out, I counted at least 6 Cormorants fishing together on the water, but no Auks or Divers this morning. All the usual Gulls, Starlings and House Sparrows were present as normal, hoping to grab a morsel of bun or any other food the visitors throw at them. Looking north, I had a quick check of the harbour for any wildfowl and only found one pair of Red-breasted Mergansers that was over on the Hayling Island side, but nothing else. Looking west towards Lock Lake, there was a variety of waders on show upon the mudflats including Dunlin, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Grey Plover. I also found a lone Greenshank in a small pool, which was a bonus.

Above, a lone Oystercatcher along the shoreline and below, a Turnstone was busy searching for food among the clumps of seaweed.

The nearby Burger Van was tempting, but I had a bad stomach upset eating from here a few years back after eating a Burger, though the gorgeous smell certainly had my stomach rumbling. As I was getting into the car, a Dunnock popped out of the neighbouring bush, literally about four feet away! I was so glad I got out for an hour or so to do a spot of birding. Yesterday, I was driving through Portsmouth and just about to turn into Velder Avenue, when I spotted a Lapwing flying high over heading east, probably towards Langstone Harbour. As I said to my passenger, I do not often see them flying over Portsmouth and normally only due to cold, harsh weather. Stop press: a drake American Wigeon has been found this morning on the Pit opposite the car park off Lower Pennington Lane, Pennington; the first in Hampshire since 1999!

Some film footage of this morning's Golden Plovers on the Mini Golf Course, Southsea.

      

An update on our south coast goodies.

Tuesday 13th December 2022.

'Thor' the Walrus. First seen in the UK at Pagham Harbour, this superb animal reappeared the following day on the beach at Calshot, Hampshire. Photo by Andy Friend. 

I have hardly done any birding over the past few days as I am too busy carrying out some personal stuff and also being a taxi driver for my step son as there is a Rail Strike at present. The weather is still very cold, with temperatures hardly creeping above freezing, though warmer temperatures are on the horizon…..allegedly! Thankfully, the ‘Lazee Birders’ have been keeping up with all the goodies on the south coast.

The Walrus getting back into the water. Photo by Andy Friend.

The Walrus that turned up off Pagham Harbour was found the following day off Calshot beach, near Southampton and attracted quite a crowd, including a few ‘Lazee’s’ that were quickly on the scene. There was concern that the animal was sick, but it eventually went back into the water to disappear once more. This was the UK’s third ever Walrus, having been seen earlier in the Netherlands, France, Brittany and then over the Channel to Pagham Harbour. Where will it be found next?

What a handsome beast. Photo by Andy Friend.

Yesterday, a flock of 19 Barnacle Geese were found on Farlington Marshes, which I assume were wild birds along with the family flock of 5 Russian White-fronted Geese and the Black Brant. Fellow ‘Lazee’ James Cutting was filming a Jack Snipe at the back of the Lake at the same site and also had a Water Pipit briefly there too; a species I have yet to see this year. A probable Siberian Lesser Whitethroat was found earlier this week by the Chalets at Hill Head, which is a good record for Hampshire. I have seen a few of this type in the past, though it has been many a year since and I can only recall the last one being an individual we found in November on the Isle of Portland. This species is likely to be a future ‘split’ from the nominate race of Lesser Whitethroat.   

The probable Siberian Lesser Whitethroat at Hill Head. Photo by Andy Tew.

Back in my garden, the 20+ House Sparrows are still hammering the feeders every time they are topped up, which is nearly 3 times a week now. Though I am glad for the good numbers present, it is still nice to see the Blue and Great Tits coming in and also the Robin, which is also taking a liking for the sunflower hearts.

Some film footage taken by Andy Friend of 'Thor' the Walrus on Calshot Beach.

For the rarity hunters, a Stejneger’s Scoter, a recent split from White-winged Scoter, was found at Gullane Point, Lothian and just 7 miles away in the village of Haddington, a male Black-throated Diver was found. As Birdguides read, let's hope it's a good year for vagrant thrushes.