A very quick entry to my blog early this morning as I had the moth box on overnight and was rewarded with just TWO moths! It really makes you wonder if it is all worth it sometimes, but you have to take the rough with the smooth. The moth in question was another Early Grey, though they should be coming to an end soon. I did have another moth but it flew off once I turned one of the egg trays over and it flew off over the garden unidentified! Grumble! I hope Andy Fisher's moth box is more productive later this morning.
A Willow Warbler seen and heard briefly in my neighbours garden was a nice surprise at 6.15am this morning as it flitted about in the tree and then flew off south with possibly a second bird. I’m not 100% sure on where I am going this morning, but the Night Heron in Stockbridge sounds tempting as does the 2 Black-winged Stilts at Pennington Marshes; both would be good ‘year-ticks’.
One of the Common Terns perched on this buoy some 100 yards offshore in the rain. Its mate was circling above the bird.
This morning started again with a bright blue sky and blazing sunshine, but I knew that was going to disappear around midday as rain was forecast and so I had to make the most of a two-hour sea-watch from my usual shelter at Southsea Beach. Earlier today, a superb male Peregrine flew low over the rooftops by Winter Road here in Southsea, to start the day off nicely around 8am. I was hoping for my first Swift of the year and always kept an eye out above me, but none seen today so far.
At least there was a small movement of Common Terns passing through the Solent during my two hours here.
After finishing what I was doing this morning, I grabbed my birding gear and decided to do a couple of hours sea-watching over the Solent. During my two hours, I grabbed another ‘year-tick’ as an adult Arctic Tern went slowly by with two Common Terns for close comparison. The shorter neck and billed bird and also slightly smaller in build clearly distinguishing it from the closely related Common Terns as the bird headed east. Though there wasn't a great deal of variety, there were plenty of Terns going through.
And another!
Most, I assume, were well established birds that were simply fishing out in the Solent, but I did have a few purposeful flocks heading low over the water heading east with at least 30 Common Terns heading east and much smaller numbers of Sandwich Tern seen further out numbering around 6 birds in total during my stay. I only saw the one Whimbrel this morning, heading east low over the Solent (see photo) and an adult Shag was flying low over the sea heading west.
This distant Whimbrel was the only wader seen this morning with Horse Sand Fort in the background.
I got a phone call from fellow ‘Lazee’, Andy Friend, who told me he was birding from the shelter at Gilkicker and he was getting large numbers of Swallows coming in from the sea. I had none whatsoever, however, a chap who was swimming earlier here came over for a chat and told me that he had a flock of 5 birds fly over his head while he was swimming! I did lose around 20 minutes studying the Solent as a different chap had a long conversation with me about the local bird life here and surprised me with the fact he saw a Heron perched on one of the Shelters here yesterday and would not move for anyone! Very odd!
I have not seen any Swifts yet here over Southsea, but this is some film footage from last year with the Swift using our nestboxes in my street where I live. They should be back soon and I am hoping to get more Swift boxes up before they arrive.
The rain did eventually come in around 11.30am and by midday, I had to call it a day because I had other things to do today. I got a little wet walking back to the car, but as I was driving back home, Andy Friend rang me to say he just had a pair of Arctic Skua heading east in my direction! Bugger! Another ten minutes and I would have probably seen them.
Birding pal, Dave Levy, has been birding up at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk and took these superb photos of a Bittern there. Sadly, we never got to see any at Blashford Lakes last winter. Maybe this year?
My first Common Whitethroat of the year at Milton Lakes.
I had some free time this morning and for a nice change, I took a walk around Milton Lakes, over on the eastern side of Portsmouth. A cloudless sky but a breezy north westerly kept me cool on my walk around as earlier parked up in Moorings Way and cut across the field to take the coastal path anticlockwise. This is a prime area for both Reed Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap and occasionally, Sedge Warblers; though the latter is rarely seen here now (they used to be common here). So my chances were high for this time of year.
Above, a pair of Linnets showed well on the brambles and above, another photo of the showy CommonWhitethroat.
And of course, both the Reed Warblers and Common Whitethroats duly obliged. It was good to see one large area of scrub has been closed off from dog walkers in order not to disturb any breeding birds here and as I neared the first main lake, Swan Lake, I could hear a couple of Whitethroats calling in the distance. Nearby, a male Kestrel was seen hovering over the scrub and a Blackcap was singing briefly in a tall tree, but out of view within the swaying branches.
A few butterflies were on the wing including a few Peacock's (above) and a couple of Small White butterflies.
A large flock of Starlings were swirling about around the brambles, but constantly put up by the dog walkers until flying off north as I got to hear my first Reed Warblers of the year by the southern end of Swan Lake. I patiently stood near the lake overlooking the small reedbed. A Grey Heron was seen trying to hide between the swaying reeds, but I could just make out its top half of its body, though it remained motionless. There has been another report of a Black-crowned Night Heron and this time in Hampshire. However, I had read reports of some bad behavior from some birders with this bird showing up in Stockbridge, which is simply not welcome in our hobby.
Above, a small flock of Tufted Duck were on Swan Lake and below, this male Greenfinch was singing by the Lake.
A Swallow flew low overhead as I waited for the Reed Warbler to put in an appearance and a Cetti’s Warbler burst into song and then flew across my path and landed deep within a nearby bramble. As quick as a flash, a probable Reed Warbler flew out of a nearby bramble and then deep within the reeds. Fortunately, around 5 minutes later, it showed very well for all of ten seconds for me to claim my first of the year. Happy with my sighting, I made my way to the edge of Langstone Harbour to take the footpath north. At least two Reed Warblers were heard singing in just the one area.
Above, Alexander Plants were growing abundantly by the harbour wall and below, a female Syrphus species of Hoverfly enjoying the Dandelions.
On Swan Lake, there were a few Little Grebes and a small flock of Tufted Ducks among a few Mallards and a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls. There was a steady stream of Swallows going through north during my hour or so there which was superb to see, but no other Hirundines among them. I did get the briefest of views of a singing male Blackcap between Swan and Duck Lake, but a male Greenfinch was far more obliging. Another Reed Warbler was singing within the reedbed at the northern end of Swan Lake, but again, a no-show.
Above, a Little Grebe on Swan Lake and below, a Queen Buff-tailed Bumble Bee on the footpath. She is carrying a ball of pollen, which indicates that she has already found a nest and is either about to lay eggs or is already incubating.
Rounding the end of the Lakes and Memorial Seats, I made my way back along the footpath at the back of the Lakes. From here, I kept a sharp ear out for any warblers singing and quickly came across another Common Whitethroat singing, but I just could not find the bird. However, all was not lost as I came across a very showy individual in the brambles near the southern half of Swan Lake. It was a skulky individual at first and kept deep within the brambles until flying up into a tall bush and began singing and showing very well.
Above, one of the pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls on Swan Lake. Below, clumps of various colours of Bluebells were around the Lakes.
The Notice put out for passing dog walkers and ramblers on Milton Lakes.
A few butterflies were on the wing here including a Brimstone and at least two Peacock butterflies. A few Hoverflies and Bees were noted along the footpath and just waiting for confirmation on what species they are. A few plants noted on my walk included a good many clumps of Bluebells, including the pale blue, light purple and white individuals. Alexander was growing prolifically along the harbour wall and Ribwort Plantain was nearly in flower. Thankfully, there were not too many dog walkers present today and at times, hardly anyone around to disturb this lovely area of Portsmouth.
This singing male Common Whitethroat was at Milton Lakes this morning.
This afternoon, I was chatting with my neighbours, checking out the Hoverflies and Bees that were in good numbers in my back garden including more Syrphus species of Hoverfly. Sadly, I didnt have my camera to hand as my first Holly Blue butterfly fluttered past. Fortunately, it hung around for my neighbours to see too as it went back and forth in our respective gardens. Later this afternoon, some of the 'Lazee Birders' went up to the north of the county to view the Night Heron and Andy Tew managed to get some decent photos of the bird (see below). I hear the vast majority of birders behaved themselves, but there were a few idiots being stupid just to get the 'money shot' and being rude to the locals.
The Stockbridge Night Heron today. Photo by Andy Tew.
The female Sparrowhawk in the Cemetery early afternoon.
There was still a breezy north-easterly wind blowing today despite the bright sunshine, though when the sun went behind the high clouds, the temperature most certainly dropped. I took another walk around Highland Road Cemetery again early afternoon and I was pretty determined to find myself a nice migrant bird flitting about among the trees. Yet again, there were no sight or sound of any migrant birds, but a few more Bees were on the wing and both the male and female Sparrowhawk popped into the Cemetery.
Above, the purple flowers of Cut-leaved Cranes-bill are now growing around various parts of the Cemetery. Below, one grave had this lovely spray of Bluebells growing on it.
On my journey around the Cemetery, I recorded up to 18 species of birds during my walk, though apart from the Sparrowhawks (the male was soaring over on the south side of the Cemetery until flying off south and the female was seen perched in one of the tall trees near the Mausoleum) and up to three Great Black-backed Gulls, it was just the usual birds all present and correct. Though, nevertheless, all birds are worth watching, even the common ones that can do something unexpected occasionally. It is breeding season now and watching them searching for nesting material or even singing their hearts out (like the couple of Wrens I saw today) to hold onto their territory or attract a mate is always rewarding. The following birds were seen or heard during my walk around the Cemetery today:
Sparrowhawk (m & f)
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Blackbird
Feral Pigeon
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Robin
Wren
Starling
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull (3)
House Sparrow
The obligatory Robin showed today; this individual popped out of hiding from its nest site. Below, the Horse Chestnut trees are certainly looking resplendent now.
All the usual plants were visible again throughout the Cemetery including a few new clumps of Cut-leaved Cranes-bill and the Cuckoo-pint plant was still in good nick over on the south side of the Cemetery. One of the graves has a nice display of Bluebells (see photo) near the centre of the Cemetery, while most have both Ribwort Plantain and Common Groundsel growing on them with the occasional Common Field-Speedwell. Remember guys, I am a bit of a novice when it comes to plants, but my knowledge of them is getting better year after year and with those great guys on the relevant Facebook sites, help in ID is always close to hand.
The relatively small Grey-patched Mining Bee's was busy enjoying the Dandelions today.
I found an interesting little Bee nectaring on Dandelions on my walk round and I got it confirmed as a Grey-patched Mining Bee. In fact, I found at least two on separate Dandelions and both showed very well. Not a great deal else of insect life and again, no butterflies were on the wing this afternoon during the time I was there, which was probably due to the blustery wind.
Above and below, Wood Pigeons are very common here and enjoy the bountiful leaves on the trees to feed on.
Above, a Blue Tit showed well in the south east corner, busy searching for nesting material around some of the gravestones.
As I was just turning into the road where I live when I heard a raptor calling overhead and I then watched a pair of male Peregrines calling to one another and for a change, not too high up either, though too quick to grab a photo. This is probably the lowest I have seen the birds over our houses and I really didn't need binoculars to get a good look at them. Just to show it's always worth keeping one's eyes open! In Hampshire today, yesterday’s male Ring Ouzel was still present on the south slopes of Old Winchester Hill (see photo) and Farlington Marshes boasted 3 Little Terns, a Hobby and a Ruff this afternoon.
Above, the male Ring Ouzel at Old Winchester Hill today. Photo by Andy Friend.
Above, a Sedge Warbler and below, a Common Whitethroat were both at Pennington Marshes today. Photos by Andy Tew.
The Ibsley Water female Black-winged Stilt gracing itself in front of the Tern Hide at Blashford Lakes yesterday. Photo by Emma Parkes.
As Spring is starting to warm up, migrants are coming in thick and fast and that includes a number of scarce birds to the UK also. Last weekend produced a nice variety of migrants and a female Black-winged Stilt graced the shoreline of Ibsley Water on Blashford Lakes. It made a three hour stay at this superb site and then was seen to fly off and no doubt disappointed a few late comers in seeing this enigmatic southern European wader. Thankfully, ‘Lazee Birder’, Emma Parkes, was there to capture this lovely bird through her lens and allowed me to put some of her lovely photos on my blog.
Some more excellent images of the female Black-winged Stilt. Photos by Emma Parkes.
Good news for those who missed it yesterday for the bird returned again today and seemed to commute between Ibsley Water and the River Avon by Harbridge. Another migrant, the Ring Ouzel, was found today at Old Winchester Hill, in virtually the exact area where I saw one this time last year and a nice male bird too (I had seen the female bird only). Both Sedge and Reed Warblers seemed to be well in now, though I have yet to see any up to now.
Above, a Tree Pipit that was photographed near Woolmer Pond last Saturday. Below, a Sand Martin on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes. Photos by Pete Appleton.
This singing male Blackcap was photographed at Wildern Local Nature Reserve, Hedge End by Pete Appleton.
Birding pal, Geoff Farwell, was birding in Queen Elizabeth Country Park on Sunday and recorded the following sightings: 6 singing Firecrest, a single Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff and a displaying singing Tree Pipit. He also had his first Orange Tip butterfly of the year. Today, I didn't really have time to do any birding, though I did see something very large but very high up heading north high over Southsea this morning and could of quite possibly be something very interesting. Sadly, I did not have my binoculars to hand. I was a bit more lucky with a Common Buzzard soaring over the rooftops from my garden late morning, hotly being harassed by the local Gulls.
A probable Common Furrow-bee was rummaging around near where I stood this afternoon.
I had the pleasure of taking our Granddaughter, Isabelle, over to Highland Road Cemetery, so she could ride her pushbike and I could grab some photos while I was over there. True, I spend most of my time giving her all of my attention, but I do point out some of the nature that is present there. She does like nature, but in relatively small doses. For example, she was fascinated with watching Blood / Spider Mites on our patio within the garden ( I have never seen them before in my garden), for she has never ever seen them before. I also pointed out the male and female Hairy-footed Flower Bees going about their business in the garden too, but she still has this child-like fear of Bees still.
Above and below, the male Peregrine is high over the Cemetery.
I think I roughly saw around 15 species around the Cemetery, but most of that was going by bird songs and calls. However, I did see a male Peregrine soaring very high over the Cemetery and managed to get a few photos of the bird. Though to be honest, my Nikon P900 does struggle to get a sharp photo of such distant birds. I am struggling at the moment to Photoshop my photos on my Laptop, so I might have to pop into Curry’s for them to look at what is going wrong.
Above, we watched this male Blackbird searching in the cut grass for food. Below, a Herb Robert flowering in the Cemy; my first one seen this year.
Above, even the Horse Chestnut is starting to flower, with these 'spikes; now on show.
I couldn't find any migrants within the Cemetery, although I was sure I did hear a Blackcap singing very briefly. A few more plants are out for the first time including a few Herb Robert plants and the leaves are really coming out on the Horse Chestnut trees now. This is encouraging for the insects and obviously for the birds passing through. Hopefully, a Redstart or even a Pied Flycatcher might be noted over the coming weeks? Isabelle had a great time riding her bike and then playing a few games within the Cemy until we eventually made our way home for more activities in our back garden! When she is in my company, she gets me 100% and always has my undivided attention; so when she takes an interest in any nature, it's what I live for.
The Black-winged Stilt on Ibsley Water entertained the crowds. Photo by Emma Parkes.
Hot news on the birding front today was the finding of a Black-winged Stilt on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes. A good many of the ‘Lazee Birders’ connected with the bird, including Emma Parkes, for the bird was a ‘lifer’ for her and she has kindly allowed me to put some of her superb photos of the bird on my blog today. Many thanks Emma. Also today, I got a text from birding pal Nigel Sivyer that he saw at least two Nightingales were back at Marlpit Lane, on the West Sussex border. Up to four singing male Nightingales were also at Whiteley Pastures, so I shall pop along to one of these destinations shortly.
The Black-winged Stilt on Ibsley Water. There has been a mini influx of this species in the UK including another bird on the Isle of Wight. Photos by Emma Parkes.
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