Farlington Marshes & Hill Head.

Saturday 28th January 2023.

An early start down at Farlington Marshes ensured us that we were going to give the reserve a good search. 

Farlington Marshes was on my radar this morning as we had the potential of grabbing a few more ‘year-ticks’ under our belt with a few outstanding species that have been recorded here of late. There was always the off chance of the Short-eared Owls this morning, but they did not appear well after we had left the reserve for Hill Head. Bloody typical! Nevertheless, I was more than happy by grabbing another three more species for the year: Bearded Tit, Knot and Dartford Warbler.

Above, this Little Grebe swam close to where we were sitting by the main Lake. Below, one of the 8 Avocets, with a Brent Goose, on the main Lake.

There was a high blanket of cloud overhead on our arrival at 8.20am, but as the morning wore on, it eventually moved south, leaving a clear blue sky and sunny weather; though it was damn cold again with the temperature only just above freezing. It was low tide within Langstone Harbour as we made our way along the seawall to the Viewing Platform, to view the main Lake. Here, we spent a good hour or so enjoying the superb bird life over a cup of coffee from Andy’s flask. There was hardly any wind this morning and so checking the reedbeds on the reserve proved fruitful. 

Above, the lone Mediterranean Gull on the Lake and below, a good variety of wildfowl and waders in the same area.

While checking out the Common Snipe one the edge of the Lake, I found Andy’s first Water Pipit of the year, busy searching for food, just south of the Lake on the short grass. That was just after I spotted a small flock of 4 Bearded Tits, my first of the year, flying low over the reedbed, but the birds quickly flew down into the reeds to remain hidden. I counted 8 Avocets feeding on the Lake among the many Lapwing and Common Snipe present, with a few Redshank also feeding along the fringes of the reedbed. Among the Black-headed Gulls, Andy spotted an adult Med Gull swimming on the water, which is always a bonus and I picked out a calling female Reed Bunting perched in the reedbed in front of us. Below us on the water, a Little Grebe was busy searching for something to eat close to the viewing platform and I watched it catch a small fish and devour it.

Above, not the best photo in the world, but the light was not great and this Water Pipit was distant, but a reasonable 'record shot' of the bird. Below, there is nothing more amazing than a huge flock of Geese flying low over your head like these Brent did this morning.

Up to four species of Raptor were seen on our trip here, starting off with a pair of Marsh Harriers seen over the reedbed, near the Stream area. A male Kestrel was hunting out over the fields and a female Sparrowhawk put a lot of the waders up when it flew low over the main reedbed behind the Lake and then perched on a fencepost. A Common Buzzard was seen later in the morning, perched on a bush near the seawall. 

Above, the female Sparrowhawk that flew over the reedbed behind the Lake. Below, some of the Russian White-fronted Geese among the Brent Geese.

From the viewpoint, I regularly checked the Point Field, should the Owls fly up, but though there was no sighting of them, however, I did spot a Fox walking across the field, flushing a lot of the Geese in doing so. Later, when we neared the Point Field, checking the Brent Geese flock in the adjacent field, we found the long staying family flock of Russian White-fronted Geese feeding among them. Cracking birds. 

Above, the female Stonechat perched on this bramble and sharing it with a Dunnock and a Wren! Below, one of the many Common Snipe present on the Lake.

Though it was low tide, I had my scope with me to check the waders in the southern half of Langstone Harbour. Knot was on the menu and I found some very distant birds among other waders through the scope to add to my year list and better still, when we reached the Point Field we also got onto our first Dartford Warbler of the year. Several Dartford Warblers have been wintering here on the reserve, but they are hardy creatures and spend a lot of their time deep within the brambles, though occasionally pop out to explore. I saw something small fly out of a bush then land nearby and we then confirmed that it was a male bird. Earlier we had seen a female Stonechat perched on a bramble that also held a Dunnock and a Wren. Sadly, the Owls never showed, but we did get onto Andy’s first Cetti’s Warblers of the year by the main footpath by the Point Field. We had waited patiently for the birds to show after I picked up a pair of birds calling to one another (that scolding one note call) and were rewarded with some superb views of the bird.

This Pale-bellied Brent Goose showed well within a large flock of Brent as we neared the Info Centre.

Out in the harbour, looking east, the channel held at least 6 Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers swimming on the still water, but nothing more exciting than that. The Deeps area was relatively quiet, as was the walk to the Blockhouse. The black Rabbit was on show again, being chased by two normal coloured Rabbits in the field adjacent to the seawall and a Song Thrush flew up and perched on a bramble before flying off. Walking towards the Info Centre, the field to the south, I decided to check out the large flock of Brent grazing there and promptly found the Pale-bellied Brent Goose among them.

We were perplexed on what species of Goose that these birds were as they were circling over the fields with the sun in front of us and quite high as well. Eventually, they landed behind the Stream area and settled on the Scrape behind the reedbed, where I could confirm they were in fact Grey Lag Geese.

We stopped off by the Viewpoint near the Info Centre where we waited for any Bearded Tits to show, joining another female Birder present who was also waiting for the same birds. I thought I caught sight of a Water Rail flying from one bit of reedbed to another, but I wasn't 100% sure and so I will not add it to my year list; however, two Water Rails called behind us within the reedbed to the north of the main footpath. On the Stream, there was a single Avocet swimming on the water and a good number of Brent Geese present, with most having a good bath in the freshwater. There were no signs of any ‘Beardies’, so we walked westbound towards the harbour wall, keeping in line with the white posts, hoping to hear the birds calling, but all was quiet.

This drake Eider was all on its own on the Solent, but another two more birds were found further east on the sea.

Pleased with our sightings here at Farlington Marshes, I wanted to try Hill Head for the Eiders out on the Solent, which were present yesterday and thankfully, the species duly obliged. We parked up near the Chalets, where typically, the ticket machine wasn't working properly (another bonus!) and I was soon onto a drake Eider sitting on the very calm sea; our first of the year. Whilst here, I gave the sea a very good scan and found two more immature drakes further east and at least a dozen or so Great Crested Grebes on the water that also included a flying flock of 8 birds heading west over the sea.

This male Fox was seen urinating opposite the car park on the reserve, then went on to have a good scratch before making his way west. 

Though it was very cold here, despite the sunny conditions, we persevered and made our way further east along the seawall. From here, we enjoyed another female Marsh Harrier flying over the reedbeds and a Kingfisher was seen several times flying back and forth over the main body of water in front of the reserve. I was just about to put my binoculars and camera away when Andy spotted something interesting flying high heading north. He called out that it was a Spoonbill and sure enough, it certainly was; another superb bird to add to our year list as we watched it circle north of the main reserve and landing around the ‘Frying Pan’ area of the reserve which rounded off another superb morning's birding.  

Some of the small flock of 8 Great Crested Grebes flying west over the Solent from Hill Head.

Later in the day, Andy went off to Petersfield Lake to ‘tick off’ the two ‘dodgy’ Ruddy Shelduck (whether they are genuinely wild or not is anyone’s guess, but this species is always controversial) and then up to Beacon Hill for possible Woodcock late afternoon. Sadly, he ‘dipped’ on those and saw, as he puts it, ‘Bugger all’!  

   

  

Baffins Pond & Kingston Cemetery.

Friday 27th January 2023.

A drake Tufted Duck on Baffins Pond.

This morning, after the sun finally broke through the clouds, I took a drive to Baffins Pond, in the centre of Portsmouth, for a change. In past winters, I have recorded both Water Rail and Cetti’s Warbler in this land-locked site and there is always the chance of something a little unusual that possible could turn up. I was hoping for a Water Rail to be scurrying around the short grassy muddy areas by the perimeter if I was to be honest, but it wasn't to be today. None had been reported of late, but there was always the off chance.

Above, a Common Gull among Black-headed Gulls on the Pond. Below, several Cormorants were present fishing on the water. Apparently, there are fish within the Pond that include Carp, Rudd, Roach and Gudgeon.

There were a good number of Gulls present, mostly Herring and Black-headed Gulls, though there were a few Common Gulls among them. Wildfowl was mostly restricted to Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks and Mallards, though I did find a pair of Shovelers on the north-east corner as I was literally making my back to the car; showing down to about ten feet! Several Cormorants were on the water with a few more drying out their wings on the posts. A Grey Heron was following suit, making the most of the warming sun, though still in that northerly wind, it was only just above freezing!

This Grey Heron started to do a bit of preening in the sunshine.

A male Sparrowhawk belted over a couple of times and it looked as though it might have grabbed something on the small island in the middle of the Pond, but I never saw it fly off. Despite a good search for the Water Rails, it was not meant to be and so I made my way back to the car and took a drive to Kingston Cemetery for a search for Green Woodpecker; another species I have yet to see this year.

Above, a couple of Cormorant photos from the Pond and the male & female Shoveler. Just the one pair of Shoveler was a low number for here. I have seen double figures of this species in the past.

Highland Road Cemetery, my local patch, seems to be void of the usual Green Woodpecker of late and so I thought Kingston Cemetery, which is much larger and more trees, could be a possibility. Again, despite a good search, there was not a sign or sausage of one, though two ‘drumming’ Great Spotted Woodpecker made up for that. Both birds seem to be quite close to one another in the centre of the Cemetery, by the main road that cuts through the Cemetery. With February just around the corner, I am not surprised that these birds are now ‘drumming’ and getting their territories in order.

From top to bottom: one of the male Great Spotted Woodpeckers seen 'drumming' this morning in Kingston Cemetery. Snowdrops were out in bloom. One of a few Long-tailed Tits seen over the east side and a Stock Dove that was calling over on the west side of the Cemetery.

Other notable birds included a few Long-tailed Tits over on the east side and a female Goldcrest in a small conifer near where I parked my car. A Stock Dove was calling high up in one of the trees and showed very well in the sunshine. Apart from the usual many Crows, Magpies and Wood Pigeons, there wasn't a lot else of note to be seen; but a nice walk nonetheless. My first Snowdrops of the year were in bloom along the side of the main road.       

One of the male 'drumming' Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Kingston Cemetery this morning.

Very quiet at Eastney Beach.

Thursday 26th January 2023.

The Beach at Eastney opposite Fort Cumberland. Virtually nothing on the sea and no sign of the Little Owls again. Hurrumph!

I decided to give it another try for the Little Owls at Fort Cumberland, but it was the same as the last 5 times I have been there - no diamonds! I thought that if the Owls were not present, then a walk around the Fort Cumberland Common could produce a Dartford Warbler around the Gorse Bushes. However, the multitude of dog-walkers put paid to that idea. Just one of those days, I guess.

Above, one of the seven Stock Doves counted here above one of them empty holes on Fort Cumberland. Below, a skein of Brent Geese flying over Langstone Harbour heading westbound.

There were no Sanderling on the beach at Eastney, though two dog-walkers would not have helped their cause anyway and the sea was flat calm, but absolutely nothing on it! So what did I see? Though the holes in the wall of Fort Cumberland were empty of Little Owls, I counted at least 7 Stock Doves resting by the wall to try and cheer me up! A good look around the scrubby area and the derelict buildings held nothing but Feral Pigeons.

Above, more Brent Geese flying west high over Langstone Harbour and below, one of the adult Common Gulls on the near deserted beach.

Up to 6 Common Gulls were present on the beach, with one individual showing particularly well until flying off eastbound when a dog approached. I had to rush off to B&Q for Daffodil bulbs (they had none, incidentally!) for which my wife wanted for the garden, which gave me the excuse to check for the Owls. Back in my garden, I was pleased that a male Blackbird had come down to feed on the Apples I have been putting out for them. Sometimes the female bird pops in though I have not seen it for a while. I heard my first singing Blackbird of the year this morning, an individual that was perched on a TV aerial near my house. Lovely to hear them again.

The Shorelark at Cut Bridge, at Hurst, this morning. Photo by Jay Bee.

Yet again, Hampshire’s currant rarest birds, the adult Sabine’s Gull at Southmoor and the Shorelark at Cut Bridge, near Lymington, are both still present and still drawing in its admirers. From Hayling Oyster Beds, 3 Black-necked Grebes and the female type Long-tailed Duck were seen this morning. There is a surprise leader in the Hants Listing for 2023 this month, with Andy Dickety holding top spot with a whopping 152 species seen already in Hampshire! Birding companion Andy Fisher is 7th in the County and although I have not put my total up, I am 5th with 123 species so far for the year. I am not sure that I will just do my birding in Hampshire only, but it certainly is tempting.   

The leader board so far this month.

A drive in the countryside.

Tuesday 24th January 2023.

A Raven was seen flying over the fields by the crossroads near Old Winchester Hill.

There was a slight change in the weather today with overcast skies replacing the clear blue skies of late, though it was still pretty cold out there being around the 4 degree mark. I really fancied going out for a drive out in the ‘sticks’ and maybe grab a ‘year-tick’ or two and so made my way to Old Winchester Hill, checking the fields for possible Red-legged Partridge. For a change, the roads were rather clear and even out in the countryside, it was noticeably quiet.

The beautiful countryside one can search while waiting at the crossroads.

I have to say, you really do have to keep your eyes on the road even though the fields adjacent to the country roads are so enticing to pick out something of note, for you never know what speeding car just might come around the corner! I have been caught out a few times in checking something interesting in the past and nearly came a cropper! Today, I was more than careful and eventually, I pulled up near the crossroads just north of the Sustainability Centre on the Hayden Lane road.

A pair of male Pheasants in the field near where I was watching.

From here, all was so very quiet, with the occasional car passing by and giving me an odd look as I was scanning the surrounding fields. In one field to the north, at least a dozen or so Common Gulls were checking the short grass for probable worms and were joined by a small flock of Starlings. On the opposite side of the road, the field held a pair of male Pheasants trying to keep as low as possible to avoid detection. But my old 59 year old eyes were glued on them in no time! Yes, I know they are a common bird, but such a pretty bird nonetheless. The field south of this held a distant Common Buzzard perched on a fence-post, but despite a good search, there were no Red-legged Partridges here today.

Common Gulls searching for earthworms in the fields by the crossroads.

On the opposite side to where I stood, there was the road to the small village of Coombe and the Whitepool Pond was visible down in the valley below as I made my way for a brief stop to Old Winchester Hill. I wonder if anyone does any birding down in that area? Before I left, I heard the distinctive ‘cronking’ of a Raven and soon the bird flew past me as I managed to grab a few photos as it made its way southbound. Instead of parking up in the usual car park at Old Winchester Hill, I pulled over in the small car park beforehand and took a stroll to overlook the valley looking west. A male Bullfinch popped out briefly and showed very well; a much better view of this bird than the quick flypast I had at Blashford Lakes earlier this year.

This Red Kite was soaring over the valley below at Old Winchester Hill.

Looking down in the valley, the calls of various Corvids below and overhead was all that could be heard. The fields below held hundreds of Jackdaws, Carrion Crows and Rooks and even a few Pheasants were running around in the field below. Scanning the fields to the west, I picked out a superb Red Kite soaring over the sheep fields below (see photo). I was hoping for my first Green Woodpecker of the year, a really good site for this species here, but not today and so I made my way back to the car but not before spotting a Treecreeper climbing up one of the roadside trees.

A Little Egret fishing the small stream near the River Meon at Meonstoke.

One of my favourite sites I regularly go to in the winter is Meonstoke, notably the pub car park of the Bucks Head. The River Meon runs through here and it looks as though it might have burst its banks in a few areas as a few roads were closed in the area. From the car park, I could see a Little Egret fishing in the shallow water, but there was no sign of any Green Sandpiper. The latter species regularly winters here year on year, but not today. Bugger! But it is always nice to simply watch from here for an hour or so and just watch what goes past. I picked out another Red Kite soaring over the countryside to the west and a small flock of Long-tailed Tits searched the neighbouring trees before flying off towards the gardens behind the car park. A Common Buzzard was seen perched on a fence-post in the field opposite and then picked off something on the ground and flew up to a nearby bush. I suppose I could have stayed a lot longer, but it was getting quite cold.

One of several Long-tailed Tits by the River Meon.

I got back into the car and made my way down the road heading towards Wickham. As I was just about to leave the Meonstoke area, I looked out my window and noticed a small flock of Pheasants in the nearby field and behind them, a ‘covey’ of at least 15+ Red-legged Partridges were picked out by my amazing eyesight. At last, I had this species under my belt for the year and so that put a big smile on my face.        

A Common Buzzard perched opposite the Bucks Head pub in Meonstoke.

Sparrowhawk seen again over the Cemy.

Monday 23rd January 2023.

Bright sunshine, crisp and cold, a lovely walk around the Cemy again. 

I had a chance to take a trip back over Highland Road Cemetery late this morning and virtually most of the frost had gone due to the bright sunshine. It still remained only around 5 degrees while walking round my usual route and a total of 18 species of birds were seen. Mostly Herring Gulls, Wood Pigeons and Carrion Crows, there were a few notable birds this morning.

Above, a pair of Collared Doves enjoying the sunshine and below, good numbers of Blue Tits were looking for food among the trees.

Most of the usual bird species were present this morning in the bright sunshine, though several species were down in number than usual. Pick of the bunch was a male Sparrowhawk soaring high over the Cemetery and quickly seen by a Blue Tit that took no time in giving off its alarm call. The female Goldcrest was seen again, this time by one of the ornamental Conifers in the centre of the Cemy. A few birds were in song and listening to the Great Tits singing made me feel that Spring was just around the corner. There was no Green Woodpecker AGAIN in the Cemy; in fact, no Woodpeckers at all.

Can this Sparrowhawk keep up with this jet?

The only insects on the wing this morning were a few House Flies and regarding the plant life, the Winter Heliotrope around the base of the Holm Oaks was now in flower (see photo). 

This poor Wood Pigeon looked as though it didn't last the night.

The birds seen this morning included the following:

• Black-headed Gull
• Herring Gull
• House Sparrow
• Robin
• Wren
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Goldcrest (female)
• Starling
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Blackbird
• Sparrowhawk (male)
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon 
• Collared Dove
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch

Winter Heliotrope grows throughout the year at the base of the Holm Oak clump.

In Hampshire today, the Great Grey Shrike was still around the Bishop's Dyke area of the New Forest and the Shorelark was yet again by Hurst Castle, near Lymington. Birding companion Andy Fisher walked the length of the Canal Path at Titchfield Haven and notched up a big fat zero in ‘year-ticks’. Though he did hear a Green Woodpecker, he was convinced it was laughing at him!