My 200th bird species for the year today.

Monday 21st  August 2023.

A pair of Poplar Hawk-moths were present this morning by Andy's moth box.

A busy, busy day regarding wildlife today, which kicked off at Andy Fisher's house, by checking his moth box for ‘Mothy goodness’! We were planning a day of birding today where Andy was hoping to grab some more ‘year-ticks’ for his Hampshire bird list and maybe, I just might reach the magic 200 species for the year. Checking the weather for today, it was supposed to be overcast up to around 10am and then bright sunshine afterwards. Sounds good, but where to go? He was keen on Pig Bush in the New Forest or somewhere coastal, but I suggested Old Winchester Hill for not only migrant passerines, but also for some of our rarer butterflies: Chalkhill Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper.

Yellow Shell, only my second of the year.

However, the moths needed to be looked at and I was very pleased with what was present this morning. There were two new moths added to my year list today that included a superb Mocha, a Cypress Pug and the micro moth, Lesser Wax Moth (only my second ever). Two Poplar Hawk-moths were also present and I have to say, I have not seen this species for a few years then they come along like Buses! That's three in just one week! My second Yellow Shell was found by Andy when he moved his Rubbish Bin out for collection. It really begs the question: what if I used my moth box up here and what I just might get?

Only my second ever Lesser Wax Moth.

This morning's moths recorded this morning included the following:

• 2 Poplar Hawk-moth
• 1 Yellow Shell
• 4 Double-striped Pug
• 3 Brimstone Moth
• 10 Willow Beauty
• 1 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 1 Cypress Pug (NFY)
• 1 Mocha (NFY)
• 4 Large Yellow Underwing
• 7 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Heart & Dart
• 1 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Lesser Wax Moth (NFY)
• 1 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Ruddy Streak
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 5 Common Grass-veneer
• 1 Box Tree Moth
• 2 Common Plume
• 1 Beautiful Plume
• 1 White-shouldered House Moth 

My first Mocha moth of the year. Andy's garden can most certainly throw up some fantastic moths.

So it was agreed that we were to go to Old Winchester Hill and we were not to be disappointed either. Arriving around 9.45am, it was overcast when we arrived at a near deserted car park, but eventually the dog-walkers, cyclists and ramblers eventually arrived as the day wore on. It was fairly quiet by the main entrance, though a Willow Warbler could be heard and only fleetingly seen deep within a bramble bush.

Above, the rich fauna of Old Winchester Hill, full of flowering plants, butterflies and birds to be found here. Below, a Common Carpet moth near the gate overlooking this beautiful view.

From our first stop, which was to be the Remembrance seat for the late Dave Compton, a great advocat for this beautiful area, we had a drop of coffee from Andy’s flask. Surrounded by Wild Marjoram and Ragwort, it will certainly bring in the butterflies today once the sun burns off the clouds, but nearby, I could hear both Common Field Grasshoppers and Roesel’s Bush Cricket calling on the nearby low brambles. It didn't take too long to find both species either. Cracking little creatures. While checking the Grasshoppers, a pair of Tree Pipits flew over and headed off west over the valley below, which was an excellent start. Sadly, despite these wonderful sightings, I found two discarded plastic bottles in the grass. Even such a stunning place like this still has disgusting individuals that do not care about their countryside. Sad times.

Above, a Roesel's Bush-cricket resting in a bramble. Many were heard among the Grasshoppers here on the Hill and below, this Red Kite seemed to pair up with this Common Buzzard all the time we watched it overhead.

A pair of Red Kites were seen flying over the countryside together just before we got to the car park and a few more were seen during the morning here as well as at least three Common Buzzards. Other raptors seen included a distant Sparrowhawk over the Fort and at least four Kestrels were seen hunting over the south side of the Fort. As we walked towards the path leading to the Fort entrance, we had sightings of a small flock of both Great and Blue Tits and also a Yellowhammer flying south. A Song Thrush flew in and out of a bramble by the seat and while walking along the footpath, Meadow Brown, Small White and even a superb Adonis Blue butterfly were seen. Even a Vapourer Moth flew past with its distinctive spiral flight pattern.

Above, a male Adonis Blue and below and below, a Gatekeeper butterfly.

The walk adjacent to the fields produced a large flock of Hirudines overhead, both House Martins and Swallows, that hawked for insects. A pair of Blackcaps popped out of a clearing briefly; too quick for me to grab a photo, but looked gorgeous in the sunshine through the binoculars. An odd looking Meadow Brown butterfly stopped us in our tracks, thinking it might be something different, but it was most definitely a Meadow Brown.

Above, this Meadow Brown butterfly caught our eye and below, one of many Tree Pipits seen this morning.

On reaching the seat by the entrance to the Fort, we had another ten minute coffee break and enjoyed the superb view overlooking the valley below. From here, a Chiffchaff was flitting about in a bush nearby and more Tree Pipits were heard going over and a few seen. I checked the bushes to the north and picked out our first Spotted Flycatchers of the morning. I counted at least three birds in one bush, but they would not stay there long because a family of walkers decided to walk in the same direction and so flushed the birds. Hurrumph! From the seat, Gatekeeper butterflies were now on the wing as well as both Large White and a Red Admiral. Below us, down in the valley below, I picked out a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched high in one of the dead trees, calling loudly to a rival male.

Above, a Common Whitethroat seen by the Fort area and below, a nearby Tree Pipit perched near the former.

We were in for one more surprise this morning when we got to the entrance gate to the Fort for a final pitstop on the bench here. I heard the distant call of a Yellow Wagtail and thankfully, Andy picked up a flock of four flying south over the valley. I quickly got onto them and punched the air in delight because this was my 200th species for the year and also another new bird for Andy’s year list. Happy days. It was all the usual birds and butterflies on the way back to the car and within the car park, I heard a call I did not recognise. When the bird flew out and I did get a very good view of it, it turned out to be a Chiffchaff, but the call was unlike what I have heard before from this species. It did not hang around long and disappeared to the north behind the car park and never to be seen again. Interesting.

Above, another view of the Tree Pipit and below, a male Yellowhammer joined these birds.

Our target species was sought and found. We found good numbers of Chalkhill Blue’s around along with plenty of Common Blue’s too; both male and female individuals. A couple more Adonis Blue’s showed well as did Small Heath, Large Skipper and best of all, a Silver-spotted Skipper that briefly was seen on a flower before flying off at speed to the north. Sadly, I did not get a photo of the insect, but at least we saw it. A Speckled Wood was seen along the path back to the car to add to our Butterfly list today (11 species). I found a Five-spotted Burnet Moth on one of the plants too this morning. 

Above, a pair of Gatekeeper butterflies feeding on Wild Marjoram plants. Below, a male Kestrel was one of four in the area. 

We were in for one more surprise this morning when we got to the entrance gate to the Fort for a final pitstop on the bench here. I heard the distant call of a Yellow Wagtail and thankfully, Andy picked up a flock of four flying south over the valley. I quickly got onto them and punched the air in delight because this was my 200th species for the year and also another new bird for Andy’s year list. Happy days. It was all the usual birds and butterflies on the way back to the car and within the car park, I heard a call I did not recognise. When the bird flew out and I did get a very good view of it, it turned out to be a Chiffchaff, but the call was unlike what I have heard before from this species. It did not hang around long and disappeared to the north behind the car park and never to be seen again. Interesting.

Above and below, up to four Ravens flew together heading north over the Fort. 

Above, a Five-spotted Burnet Moth and below, one of many Chalkhill Blue butterflies.

Andy was up for more ‘year-ticks’ and suggested we take the drive north to a Wood near Axford and Farleigh Wallop, in North Hampshire, for one known site for Willow Tit. This species has become extremely rare in Hampshire and although I saw one earlier in the year in North Yorkshire, I fancied the idea of seeing one in Hampshire again and so off we went. To cut a long story short, I cannot give the location of the Wood we were in, but we struck gold after a patient 15 minute wait as I heard a bird nearby and eventually caught sight of the bird eating a berry or nut within a small Silver Birch tree. Andy was absolutely chuffed and while we were there, I found a pair of Dark Bush-crickets perched on a Dock Leaf. Another one was found, but this time, it sat on a discarded McDonalds bag!! The good and the bad! 

Above, another male Chalkhill Blue butterfly on a Round-headed Rampion plant and below, a Dark Bush-cricket by the secret wood!

Pleased with his sighting of the Willow Tit, he suggested a final throw of the dice and go for the Pink-footed Goose at Tundry Pond! This bird has returned to Tundry Pond for its second year and whether it's a genuine wild individual is most certainly up for debate. Other well known 'listers' have ‘ticked it off’ and I have never seen this species in Hampshire and so off we went. I have never been to Tundry Pond, but I have to say, I am quite impressed with the location and the Pond itself. Not only was it full of bird life, but good numbers of Migrant Hawker dragonflies present here also plus a few Damselflies on the wing.

Above, a distant Great White Egret on Tundry Pond and below, Andy contemplating if only the Pink-footed Goose was here. Never mind.

We spent at least 90 minutes here in the warm sunshine (thankfully, I had my wide brimmed hat with me this time, phew!!!), but despite search after search through the many Grey Lag, Canada and Egyptian Geese present; there was no sign of the Pink-footed Goose. Maybe it was on nearby Fleet Pond? It wasn't all that bad as there were some nice birds present and totally unexpected too. I found a Great White Egret fishing on the far side of the Pond and a Little Egret was perched in a bush nearby. A pair of Kingfishers chased each other over the Pond and both Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck were abundant on the water. Red Kites and Buzzards patrolled the air and a few Chiffchaffs were exploring the Willows on the edge of the Pond. Though it was a bit of a walk to the Pond from where we parked, it was a pleasant walk with the potential of finding something very interesting. I do hope something like that happens soon, for I would like to come back here again. 

Above, despite a good long search through all the Geese present around and on Tundry Pond, there was no sign of the star bird. Below, a Red Kite soared low over the area here with a Swallow in the photo too.

That was a great day's birding (and we went in Andy’s car too!!) and even on the way back down the A3, a Hobby flew low over the road and headed off east to round off a superb day out.