Some superb moths & Old Winchester Hill.

Saturday 8th July 2023

Only my second ever Tawny Shears was in my moth box this morning.

A muggy start to the day as I started to explore my moth box and the surrounding garden at 4.45am. There was an overnight heavy shower and even a rumble of distant thunder at some unearthly time during the night, but the garden was near bone dry when I checked the moths. There were some interesting moths this morning with several that were new for the year, which put a big smile on my face.

Above, Marbled Green and below, Tree-lichen Beauty.

At least 7 new moths for my year list this morning that included Tawny Shears (only my second ever), Marbled Green, Tree-lichen Beauty, 2 Brown-tail, Rufous Minor, Rosy Minor and the micro moth, Regal Piercer (Pamene regiana). A total of 76 species of 34 species were recorded this morning, which I was pleased with both the volume and variety today. The Tawny Shears had me stumped at first and so I put a photo on Hants Moths and it was identified, thankfully. A very smart moth. Both Marbled Green and Tree-lichen Beauty are regular moths to my garden as are Brown-tails, though both Rufous Minor and Rosy Minor are most probably ‘aggs’ that need dissection to be 100% certain. The micro moth, Regal Piercer is a smart little micro and not often seen in my garden. 

Above, Brown-tail moth and below, the micro moth, Regal Piercer.

It looks as though it is going to be a hot day today with possible thunderstorms lurking about. The moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Marbled Green (NFY)
• 1 Tawny Shears (NFY)
• 1 Tree-lichen Beauty (NFY)
• 3 Common Emerald
• 2 Brown-tail (NFY)
• 1 Dark Arches
• 1 Uncertain
• 3 Pale mottled Willow
• 4 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 2 Silver Y
• 2 Heart & Dart
• 5 Riband Wave
• 3 Common Rustic agg.
• 1 Lackey
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Rufous Minor (NFY)
• 1 Rosy Minor (NFY)
• 1 Willow Beauty
• 1 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Codling Moth
• 3 Box Tree Moth
• 14 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Small Grey
• 1 Golden-brown Tunic
• 1 Ruddy Streak
• 10 Garden Grass-veneer
• 1 Dingy Dowd
• 2 False Cacao Moth
• 1 Fulvous Pearl
• 1 Barred Marble
• 2 Rosy Tabby
• 1 Regal Piercer (NFY)
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 1 Diamond-back Moth

Back over Andy Fisher’s house, he also had the moth box on overnight and there was a total of 23 moths of 13 species, though a few did fly off when I turned some of the egg trays over. Hurrumph! There was just the one new moth for the year, the micro moth Pied Grey (Eudonia delunella) and also my second Knot Grass of the year, which was a really fresh individual. The following were recorded:

• 1 Heart & Dart
• 1 Knot Grass
• 3 Uncertain
• 5 Riband Wave
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 1 Mint Moth
• 2 Garden Grass-veneer
• 1 Pied Grey (NFY)
• 1 Dingy Dowd
• 1 Yellow Oak Button
• 1 Codling Moth
• 2 Brown House Moth
• 3 Rosy Tabby

Above, the micro moth Pied Grey and below, my second Knot Grass of the year.

Though the early morning blue sky was replaced by a dark lead coloured sky overhead, I still fancied going up to Old Winchester Hill this morning and so with Andy onboard within the car, I went down to Drayton to pick up birding pal, Geoff Farwell. Arriving at the Old Winchester Hill Car Park around 9am, we slowly made our way along the footpath to the Fort area. Yes, the weather looked extremely ‘iffy’ and a few bolts of lightning overhead and loud rumbles of thunder, we knew we could be in for a bit of soaking! Thankfully, we stood under some trees along the footpath to avoid the worst of the rain and eventually, we got to carry on enjoying some superb birds and butterflies.

Above, Geoff and Andy check out the brambles and bushes for the large array of butterflies on show near the reserve entrance. The Building to their right hosted at least 9 Red Admirals resting on it! Below, one of many Chiffchaffs seen today. This was a singing individual by the main entrance to the reserve.

Above, several Yellowhammers were seen today and all were singing males too.

Our trip here kicked off with a Red Kite flying over the main road just before we turned off for the Car Park and several more showed very well during the day. Chiffchaffs were abundant too with several seen singing along the trees and brambles, while other warblers seen included a few Common Whitethroats feeding in the Rape Fields to the south and both female and male Blackcaps were seen in different areas of the site. A Raven showed briefly flying over the top of the Hill, while singing male Yellowhammers held territories at various locations here. While enjoying a spot of lunch from the bench by the Fort entrance, a male Kestrel was seen perched in a dead tree down in the valley below and seconds later, a pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west over the Hill. Our third raptor of the day was a Common Buzzard soaring over the fields to the north of the Hill Fort. While sheltering from the rain under some trees, we noticed quite a few finches flying in and out of the Rape vegetation that included Linnets, Chaffinches and a few Greenfinches. Even a Yellowhammer flew in and out and landed close to where we stood. A Grey Heron was seen flying south over the Hill and probably would have been feeding at a nearby Fish Farm further to the north.

Above, Andy sharing a cup of coffee and below, a Red Kite came close by.

Above, the Red Kite sailed by effortlessly and below, one of many Red Admirals seen today. At least one individual landed on me briefly too!

The occasional flock of Swifts would belt past overhead and even a small flock of House Martins buzzed over. The most intriguing bird sighting today was when Andy spotted a Wagtail flying south near the main entrance, but on closer inspection, it was yellow, so we can only assume it was a Yellow Wagtail. However, the bird never called at all, whereas most flyby ‘Yellow Wags’ I see always call. So we are going to have to put this bird down as a possible. 

Above, my first ever Small Grass Emerald and below, the micro moth Common Marble.

Above, a Barred Straw moth and below, the thunder clouds were rolling in over the Hill.

It was not just the birds we were looking for, as we notched up a good total of 17 species of Butterfly and a few moth species as well. The pick of the butterflies has to go down to the White Admiral we found fluttering around the trees and bushes near the reserve entrance. Sadly, Andy never got onto the butterfly, but I was in no doubt of its ID. However, Andy did see his first Essex Skippers of the year. At the start of the trip, it was still rather damp and grey and butterflies seen were either flushed from the footpath or seen trying to settle in the long grass. However, when the sun eventually came out, butterflies were simply everywhere. Amazing stuff, especially near the Fort entrance and the bushes around the reserve entrance. Other butterflies seen today included the following:

• Small Heath
• Red Admiral
• Marbled White
• Dark Green Fritillary
• Small Skipper
• Essex Skipper
• Gatekeeper
• Painted Lady
• Large White 
• Small White
• Ringlet
• Small Tortoiseshell
• Peacock
• Brimstone
• Ringlet
• Comma
• White Admiral

The moths seen on our trip here today kicked off superbly when my first ever Small Grass Emerald was seen fluttering around in the grass by our feet. I quickly potted the moth and concluded it was of the Emerald species, though I did not know what species at first and so discovered tonight it was actually a Small Grass Emerald. Happy days. Other moths present included a few Silver Y’s, the micro moth, Common Marble (Celypha lacunana) and my first Barred Straw of the year.

Above, this Marbled White butterfly had a few mites on it (red blobs) and below, I finally managed to get a photo of one of the Dark Green Fritillaries.

Above, after careful scrutiny, we were happy that this was an Essex Skipper and below, several Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen today.

Of course, Geoff was keeping an eye out for the plant life here and reeled off some really nice specialised chalkland plants that included Hedge Bedstraw, both Wild Thyme and Wild Marjoram, Wild Mignonette, Round-headed Rampion and Yellow Wort. Also, I was getting to ID with the help of Geoff’s expertise the likes of Wild Parsnip, Wild Carrot and Hogweed, that all look pretty much the same to the untrained eye. Dwarf Thistle was a surprise find of which Geoff explained how to ID this unusual Thistle. The only Orchids seen today were a few spikes of Pyramidal Orchid. All fascinating stuff to go along with all the superb species this amazing place has to offer.

Above, Geoff confirmed that this plant was in fact Bittersweet. Below, Round-headed Rampion, which is a speciality for Old Winchester Hill.

Above, Wild Mignonette growing near the south slope by the Fort and below, I found these Wild Raspberries growing close to the bench by the Fort entrance.

It did start to rain again around 2.30pm, but by then we were at the Car Park and so got back in the car. Geoff pointed out a road on the way here earlier that led to the hamlet of Coombe nearby and said that he regularly saw Little Owls down by the Farm Buildings here and so we took a look to see if we could see the birds. Sadly, there was no sign of the Owls, but we did see a Red-legged Partridge perched up on one of the stone walls there and several Stock Doves on the Buildings. I will try this place again when I am in the area.  

Above, several Painted Lady butterflies were seen today as well as the Comma's (below).

Above, I liked this capture of a Red Admiral on this Bramble flower.

Local Swifts are getting busy.

Friday 7th July 2023.

One of the Swifts landed on the nest box.

Our local Swifts were putting on quite a display out of the front of our house this morning as they zoomed in to feed their youngsters. At least 8 Swifts came down to examine the nest boxes, calling excitedly in doing so and the youngsters responding with their calls also. I am convinced that the nestbox on the opposite side of my road is actually a second brood; which can only mean good news for the Swift population in our road and the UK.

I hope to take some more photos later today of the birds, but some jobs have come my way so for now, adios.

Tending to its young and probably feeding them.

Both Barn and Tawny Owl are seen tonight.

Wednesday 6th July 2023.

I certainly would not mind this on my doorstep. The view from the start of the Canal Path. What goodies would it reveal tonight. I rarely go out in the evening, but after getting an invite from both Matt and Emma Parkes, I could not resist seeing some special birds.  

Tonight, I met up with both Matt and Emma Parkes on the Canal Path by Posbrook Floods. On a beautiful, still evening, I was rewarded with some superb sightings that included my first Tawny Owl of the year, plus sightings of a quartering Barn Owl and even a Hobby put in an appearance. My first Small Emerald moth of the year even put in an appearance, but thankfully, I had a moth pot to hand to get a closer look at this pretty little moth.

Above, one could deem this a gorgeous ornamental garden plant, however, I took this flower using my macro lens on my mobile phone. It is in fact a Great Willowherb plant, deemed a weed in some quarters, but what a beautiful flower when you see it close up. Below, a female Sparrowhawk soaring high overhead. Sorry about the clarity of the photo, but my camera does struggle with flight shots (or is it me?). A second Sparrowhawk, a male, was seen flying low over the fields further down the Canal Path. 

I arrived around 7pm and was lucky enough to park in the small car park off Bridge Street. Walking slowly down the footpath, I noticed how tall the surrounding plants were that included Great Willowherb, Marsh Thistle and Himalayan Balsam growing beside the Canal, but on the other side of the footpath, the Council have mown the grass adjacent to the footpath after complaints from the locals. Before Matt and Emma arrived, I was overlooking the fields by Posbrook Floods and noticed how many Common Whitethroats were searching for food in the tall grass. Easily around a dozen birds were counted and with a few singing behind me, it looks as though they are having a good year.

Above, though an invasive species, this Himalayan Balsam does attract the Bees and insects. Below, one of a pair of Grey Herons that flew low over my head. 

Other birds noted here included a singing male Reed Bunting and also a singing Sedge Warbler, but I could not pick out any waders on the Bridge Street Floods itself, though viewing was very limited due to the tall grass within the fields. A female Sparrowhawk flew high overhead heading north, but sadly, my Bridge camera is still struggling to take decent flight shots. Thank goodness Emma had brought along her camera, for my flight shots of birds were simply rubbish what I took tonight, bar a few. Again, it's not just the birds I was looking out for, for there were plenty of insects around this evening, especially the clouds of midges along the footpath.

Above, Common Whitethroats were abundant along the footpath and below, Reed Buntings were heard singing also within the fields. At least three were seen tonight.

The Hirundines present this evening grew in number as the evening wore on and included several House Martins and large numbers of both Swallow and Swifts. In fact, nearing 9pm, there were large gatherings of Hirundines flying over, but they had to be wary because there were raptors around this evening. A pair of Grey Herons flew low overhead and several more were seen further down the Canal Path, out on Posbrook Floods as was a small group of three Little Egrets.

Above, Purple Loosestrife plants were also abundant growing along the edge of the Canal. Below, singing Chiffchaffs gave us that sound of summer.

Emma and Matt soon joined me as we slowly made our way south down the Canal Path to join up with fellow ‘Lazee Birder’, Pete Appleton. Both Chiffchaffs and Cetti’s Warblers were in full song down the path, with the former showing very well at times including one bird we think was nesting close to the footpath. A pair of Stock Doves flew up from a fence in the fields and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, that were heard calling in trees behind us, flew over and headed off south over the fields. Then from one of the gates overlooking the fields, Matt spotted the resident Barn Owl hunting over a field and so we spent the next 15 minutes or so enjoying this magnificent bird going about its business.

Above, can you spot the Barn Owl?

Above and below, my best efforts with the Barn Owl this evening.

After the Barn Owl, which disappeared over the Canal Path heading west, we made our way south again and joined up with Pete Appleton and a few other birders present. After a good chat while watching Whitethroats, Swifts and other passerines, we carried on down the path, for Matt said they had a Tawny Owl a little way down the path. As the sun was setting, Emma caught sight of a raptor overhead and it turned out to be a superb Hobby. The sighting was brief, but later as we were making our way back up the path, the bird was seen again flying west low over the fields and looked as though it was after Hirundines which were now gathering up in very large flocks and getting ready to roost. Dusk was nearing and Bats were now on the wing as we spotted quite a few passing close overhead. What species they are, well I think you need to get a Bat Detector for that. Matt spotted a small macro moth and on closer inspection, I knew it was one of the Emeralds and so I got my moth pot out and carefully caught the moth. It was indeed a Small Emerald; my first of the year. A lot more moths were seen, but frustratingly, it would not settle.

And now from the professionals. Above, a photo of tonight's Barn Owl from Emma Parkes and below, the same bird photographed by Pete Appleton.

I could hear a Water Rail calling somewhere in the reedbeds some distance away, but knew we had no chance of seeing it. Better still, is when we heard a young Tawny Owl calling deep within some Willows by the footpath. Amazingly, the bird flew out of cover and landed on a dead tree in front of us and gave us good but very brief views of the bird, but it flew down back into cover, too quick for a photo for either of us. A second bird was calling nearby, but only the one was seen. This was a ‘year-tick’ for me and clawing back one species off Andy Fisher too. Sorry mate!

Above, the Small Emerald I potted tonight along the Canal Path. Well done Matt for spotting it.

It was now 10 pm and we were losing the last of the light, but what a great evening. Some amazing birds were seen tonight in such brilliant conditions too. Again, I would like to thank both Emma and Matt on a great evening and also, I like to thank Emma for allowing me to put her photos on my blog.           

Teasel in the sunset. A superb evening tonight.