Three more bird species added to my year list.

Saturday 19th August 2023.

Me, Andy and Geoff at Titchfield Haven today.

Though the day started off a bit showery, the rain moved on and the rest of the day was a mixture of bright, warm sunshine and a breezy south-westerly. Of late, Titchfield Haven looked like the top candidate to go birding and once Andy Fisher told me that the Wood Sandpiper was still present on the Bridge Street Floods, I had made my decision. Though I never put my moth box on overnight (supposed to be thunderstorms overnight. WRONG!),I was relying on Andys moth box to turn up the moths and fortunately for me, there were two micro moths there added to my year list.

Above, my first Garden Rose Tortrix this morning by Andy's moth box. Below, Andy sporting his new scope and carrier this morning. What a dapper chap!

Both Garden Rose Tortrix and Grey Knot-horn were added to my micro moth year list, which put me on 100 species exactly of micro moth for this year. The moths present by Andy’s moth box included the following:

• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 4 Willow Beauty
• 2 Pale Mottled Willow
• 6 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Riband Wave
• 1 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Mother of Pearl
• 1 Grey Knot-horn (NFY)
• 1 Garden Rose Tortrix (NFY)
• 1 Dingy Dowd

Above, Oystercatchers and a Med Gull with Herring Gulls at Hill Head off the Sailing Club. Below, these Gadwall were in the same area.

So, first stop was Bridge Street Floods for the Wood Sandpiper and it didnt take long to arrive at our destination. Andy was packing his new telescope, including a home-made carrier for the scope (it looked good and sturdy too) as we made our way south down the Canal Path to view the Floods to the east. There  wasn't a lot of the Floods to view due to the tall vegetation in front of it, but at first, we did pick up small numbers of Black-tailed Godwit feeding in the shallow water through the scope. Before long, I was onto my first ‘year-tick’ of the day, when I picked up a Green Sandpiper feeding in the vegetation. A good start. Andy had seen one earlier in the Spring down at Farlington Marshes and now we were after the Wood Sandpiper.

Above, a Med Gull with two Black-headed Gulls off the Sailing Club. Below, a flock of Oystercatchers taking flight after being flushed by a dog! Grrrr!

Another birder briefly joined us and said the Wood Sandpiper was showing from about 7am onwards and then another couple of birders told us that it was best viewed from the east side of the reserve, close to the main road, looking down onto the Floods. While they were chatting with Geoff, I quickly exclaimed that I had the Wood Sandpiper through the scope and soon got all the guys onto the bird. Sadly, I took no photos as both the Sandpipers were too distant to get any decent photo of them; but I was more than happy with two more ‘year-ticks’ under my belt.

Above, a Common Tern flying over the Reserve and below, Andy and Geoff checking out the reserve from the Viewing Platform.

Other sightings here included a pair of Common Buzzards soaring north over the Copse and a large flock of Hirdundines high overhead, which were probably Swallows and Martins. A Cetti’s Warbler was calling nearby, though out of site and once we were happy with our fill of the Sandpipers; I suggested we take a trip to Hill Head to view the Terns. So we jumped back into the car and headed south. Parking up in the Sailing Club car park, the beach held a good number of Black-headed Gulls and smaller numbers of Herring, Mediterranean and Great Black-backed Gull, while waders included Oystercatcher, Turnstone and Ringed Plover. There were no Terns on the beach at all, though a few Common Terns were seen further out over the Solent. Sadly, someone let their dog run loose on the beach and consequently, put everything up. So, we made our way to the Viewing Platform to view from there.

Above, another Common Tern over the reserve and below a Grey Heron on the island.

There were a number of nice species seen here though best of all had to be our first Water Rail of the year. Luckily, the water level was low enough to expose some mud below the reedbeds, which eventually encouraged the Water Rail to take a stroll close to the reeds, though it was too quick for me to grab a photo of the bird, which simply vanished back into the reeds and never to be seen again! This was my third new bird for the year, which now put me on 199 species for the year. Could I get to the magic 200 species today?

There were a good number of Turnstones, as per usual, around the small harbour. Below, yet another Common Tern over the reserve. 

Other sightings here included several Bearded Tits fluttering about the tops of the reedbeds, though the strong blustery wind made resting on the reedbeds challenging for the birds. A few Sedge Warblers were seen at the base of the reedbeds, while at least a dozen Gadwall were seen swimming on the River Meon in front of us. Several birds took refuge on the island taht included a Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Redshank and a few Lapwing, though all eventually went their own way. Overhead, both Sand and House Martins could be seen hawking over the reserve and a distant Avocet was seen wading on the South Scrape. Common Terns occasionally passed by, looking intently below for fish in the River and one individual actually sat on one of the Tern Rafts with a fish in its bill for about 30 minutes or so before flying off. Just standing there with that strong south-westerly blowing at me, it did get a little cold and so I asked the guys if they wanted to retire for lunch.

Above, a female Common Darter dragonfly at Woolmer Pond and below, a juvenile Stonechat by the Pond.

After grabbing some lunch from a nearby shop, we went back to Hill Head to enjoy our lunch. Earlier, we had a chat with local birder Dave Wallace, who consequently told us that the sea-watching from Hill Head had not turned up anything of note, so we ruled out a two hour sea-watch from here and Gilkicker and decided to go to Woolmer Pond instead. I had got a text from Emma Parkes to say that they were on their way to Lancing Ring, in West Sussex. I retorted that you can take tablets for that! 

Above, a female and below, a male Common Darter dragonfly.

The possibility of potential migrants and dragonflies made me decide on trying Woolmer Pond, where a Hobby and a Spotted Flycatcher were seen earlier today there. However, when we arrived, we noticed that the red flags were up therefore indicating that the Army was on the Firing Range this afternoon. Hurrumph! Nevertheless, though the bird sightings were a little mediocre, there were plenty of Butterflies and Dragonflies to keep us entertained.

Above, a Canada Goose overlooking a few of the Lapwing present. Below, another Stonechat on the site.

Of course, having Geoff along meant that the plants that we came across, we used Geoff's expertise in identifying the following: Spear and Creeping Thistle, Cats Ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Ragwort (along with the caterpillars feeding on them, Cinnabar Moth), St. John's Wort, Vervain and Biting Stonecrop were all seen this afternoon. Butterflies this afternoon here at Woolmer Pond included a good number of Common Blue’s and after careful examination of my photos, at least one male Brown Argus was seen in the Cottage Garden. Other butterflies included Large and Small White, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and a single Speckled Wood. Even a few moths got onto my day list that included a couple of Straw-barred Pearl and my first Straw Grass-veneer of the year. The Bracken here had really spread since the last time we were here and who knows what interesting things lurked within them and walking across the garden, good numbers of Common Field Grasshoppers took flight as we stepped across the short grass.

Above, my first male Ruddy Darter of the year, which was hawking the perimeter fence near the Cottage and below, one of several Common Blue Damselflies seen in the area.

Out on the Pond, there was a large gathering of Canada Geese present, possibly around 70+ birds and among them were a few Grey Lags. A lone Little Grebe was seen in the distance and just the one Gull, a Black-headed. A family flock of Stonechats were seen at the southern end of the Pond and another couple of birds to the north of the Pond. The only raptor we saw this afternoon was a male Sparrowhawk that eventually headed northbound and up to 70+ Lapwing were counted on the Pond itself. We did hear a few Chiffs deep within cover, but no other migrants for us this afternoon.

Above, there was a lovely carpet of Smooth Hawksbeard growing in the Cottage Garden. Below, a male Brown Argus spreading its wings in the warm sunshine.

Above, Brown Argus butterfly and below, a pair of Common Field Grasshoppers facing one another.

Above, a couple of nice micro moths were found within the Cottage Garden including a Straw-barred Pearl and below, a Straw Grass-veneer.

The site was alive with Common Darters that seem to favour everywhere we went, including the main footpath. However, I noticed one male looking very dark red and on closer inspection I was happy to announce that I had found my first Ruddy Darter of the year. Other Dragonflies present included a Migrant Hawker flying about around the garden, while Common Blue Damselflies were seen along the perimeter footpath after careful scrutiny of my photographs. All in all, a cracking day's birding with the boys and I am so looking forward to the next one.  OK guys, I have been told of late that my grammar is not the best in the world, but hey, it is what it is and I write from the heart, so please bear with me.

One of many Common Blue butterflies at Woolmer Pond today.

A Poplar Hawk-moth graces the moth box.

Thursday 17th August 2023.

My first Poplar Hawk-moth in the garden this year.

I woke up at ‘silly o’clock’ this morning, a full hour before my alarm at 5.30am this morning and eventually succumbed to having to get up or simply lay there. It was still dark when I went downstairs to make a coffee and so, chilling out for a while, I eventually made my way to the moth box around 6am. I don't normally put the box on two nights running for fear of trapping the same moths, but thank God I did. For I was blessed with my first ‘live’ Poplar Hawk-moth in the box. Last night was very warm and so I thought it would be a good night to have the moth box on and maybe pick up something unusual.

A medley of moths. The Poplar Hawk-moth, Garden Tiger and a Vine's Rustic.

A total of 63 moths of 24 species was a lot lower than yesterday, which was a bit disappointing, but I was made up with the Poplar Hawk-moth which I carefully placed in the centre of one of our plants. The first Turnip Moth for a few months was present as was a Cabbage Moth and on the micro moths, two Rusty-dot Pearls were probably the most notable.

Turnip Moth.

Sadly, nothing was heard or seen overhead during the time I was outside in the garden. It shouldn't be long now for some decent ‘Vis mig’ overhead?

A Garden Tiger moth with the wings open this time.

The moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Poplar Hawk-moth (NFY)
• 4 Brimstone Moth
• 6 Garden Tiger
• 1 Cabbage Moth
• 2 Square-spot Rustic
• 12 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 White-point
• 2 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 3 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Silver Y
• 3 Willow Beauty
• 5 Lime-speck Pug
• 1 Turnip Moth
• 2 Marbled Beauty 
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 2 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Ruddy Streak
• 1 Mother Of Pearl
• 2 Bird-cherry Ermine
• 3 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 5 Common Plume
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 2 Rusty-dot Pearl  

A family day out to Blashford Lakes.

Wednesday 16th August 2023.

This Brimstone butterfly showed well by the Info Centre.

Today, my family and I took the drive to Blashford Lakes today and by 11.30am, we parked up by the Info Centre and had a good look round. Isabelle had my spare binoculars, though we shared the camera (my Panasonic Lumix I did let Isabelle use whenever she needed it). Earlier today, I took my Nikon P900 into the London Camera Exchange to be mended and it looks like I will not be getting it back for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

Above, a 'teneral' Common Blue Damselfly by the Info Centre and below, I found my first ever Ringed China-mark moth perched on the back of the Info Centre.

The weather was a lot warmer than I expected with temperatures getting up to 26 degrees and hardly a breath of wind to be had all afternoon. This encouraged the likes of Dragonflies and Damselflies to be out in force and I was rewarded with sightings of both Brown Hawker dragonflies and Red-eyed Damselflies; two species that I have not seen this year. The former I have only seen by Woolmer Pond and there were so many of them throughout the Water complex. The latter was seen in front of the Ivy South Hide and showing well. A few Emperor Dragonflies were also on the wing and scanning across the water from the Hide, there were hundreds of Damselflies buzzing over the surface. A magnificent sight.

Above, a young Palmate Newt in the fish tank the children used for their lesson and below, a Great Diving Beetle, a species I am not sure I have ever seen before.

On reaching the Car Park by the Info Centre, we took a walk around the back of the building because I wanted to show them the pond behind there. A school party was just finishing their lecture and went back indoors to the classroom there, leaving behind a fish tank containing both a Palmate Newt and a Great Diving Beetle; both fascinating creatures. A male Common Darter perched by the edge of the pond and showed very well in the sunshine. I couldn't help myself, but I checked the back of the Centre for moths and was rewarded with not only my first Dingy Footman, but a small moth which I quickly potted to get a better look was in fact my first ever Ringed China-mark. Just goes to show, you just never know what is round the corner! 

Above, a Nuthatch in front of the Woodland Hide and below, I rescued this Hornet-mimic Hoverfly from a web inside the Hide and quickly potted it and released it outside. 'My good deed for the day' as they say!

Our next stop was the Woodland Hide where we spent a good half hour enjoying the birds coming down to feed on the feeders. OK, nothing out of the ordinary here, though it did entertain my family as I named the birds for them that included Nuthatch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blue and Great Tit. A Chiffchaff was sunning itself a little further back and a Jay came down to pinch sunflower hearts on one of the feeders!

Above, an array of passerines enjoying the feeder and providing an identity crisis for my family! Below, a Jay made easy pickings of this feeder.

Avoiding some rather irritating Wasps on our way to the Ivy South Hide, we eventually got to the Hide and although it was quite busy, the ladies all managed to grab a decent seat and wait to see what turned up. It didn't take long for a Kingfisher to be spotted above the reeds and busy fishing near a Grey Heron. I helped Isabelle and Sinead (who was now using my binoculars) to get onto the bird, but to be fair, it was quite distant and never got much closer during the time we were there. Out on the water, I saw a few Great Crested Grebes swam among the many Mallards and Coots, but best of all was a superb immature Goshawk that flew very low across the water, nearly grabbed a Mallard and then perched up out of sight within the trees opposite. That was totally unexpected, though I did read that one was around the area.

Above, three Red-eyed Damselflies on this angled tree branch including a mating pair in front of Ivy South Hide. Below, the arrow pointing to the Kingfisher. Yes, it was some distance away, but we all got to see it.

Closer to the Hide, I checked out both the Dragonflies and Damselflies where a superb Brown Hawker was flying very close to the window, but too fast for me to get a photo of this magnificent insect. Checking out the Damselflies, I found my first Red-eyed Damselflies of the year resting on vegetation floating on the water and surrounded by hundreds of Pond Skaters too. A young Black-headed Gull rested on one of the Tern Rafts and behind this, a lone adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen on one of the buoys. Isabelle eventually got a bit restless and so we made our way back to the car park.

Above, this male Common Darter was by the pond behind the Info Centre and below, a male White Wagtail in front of the Tern Hide.

We had a quick look from the Tern Hide where there were plenty of Pied Wagtails around in front of the Hide. However, while checking for waders nearby, I found a White Wagtail walking along the shoreline. This was only my second of the year and with migration in full swing, I wasn't really surprised to find one among the many Pied’s here. Our Sinead is a novice when it comes to birds and so I helped her identify the Cormorants from Great Crested Grebes and she is right, they have the same shape if you are a novice. Our bellies were soon rumbling and so I took the guys for lunch at the Alice Lyle Pub nearby.

Another photo of the male White Wagtail. 

After lunch, after enjoying more superb views of Brown Hawkers flying around the garden, I promised Isabelle and Sinead they could take some photos of the Ponies and Donkeys. I took them to Janesmoor Pond, off Forest Road near Fritham. From here, they all got to see plenty of Ponies, Donkeys and even Cows in the area; while I checked out the bird life that included about a dozen Pied Wagtails feeding among the animals and at least two Stonechats on the opposite side of the road. It was now 5pm and I knew that the M27 was going to be busy and so we made our way back home, reflecting on a lovely day out and a long list of excellent sightings.     

Our Isabelle was given this worksheet by one of the staff and she nearly had the lot.

A nice variety of moths today.

Wednesday 16th August 2023.

The micro moth, Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer. A common moth around this time of year, but this was the only 'year-tick' among a good many moths this morning. 

A dry, clear start to the morning with hardly a cloud in the sky and not a breeze to disturb the trees either at 5.45am. Coffee made and moth pots gathered, I made my way into the garden and already, I could see a few moths had settled on the white sheet behind my moth box. What was noticeable were TWO Tiger moth species present on the white sheet; a Garden and Jersey Tiger near one another. A good start to the day. Last night, while having a quick check of the moth box before retiring to bed at 11.30pm, a large moth flew out from behind the moth box, which I could only assume was an Old Lady moth. I have not seen one this year, though there was no sign of it this morning.

Good numbers of Garden Tigers were present this morning and this individual stood out amongst the rest, showing a lot more white on the wings than black.

In total this morning, there were 88 moths of 33 species, but despite the good numbers and variety of moths, there was only one new moth for the year, the micro moth Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer (Agriphila geniculea). This species becomes a regular occurrence as the year goes on and in good numbers too. The number of Garden Tiger moths this morning was nearly in double figures, scattered about either in my moth box or around the garden nearby. Vine’s Rustics were in double figures again and other notable macro moths included 1 Clay, 3 White-points and a Tree-lichen Beauty.

Not the most glamorous of micro moths, but this House Neb was only my second record for the year, though three were present this morning.

The micro moths were also in reasonable numbers and variety of which 3 Hawthorn Moths were present today and also my first Narrow-winged Grey for a month or so.

A Clay moth among the White-point moths this morning had to be analysed correctly.

Moths recorded this morning included the following:

• 9 Garden Tiger
• 1 Jersey Tiger
• 3 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Silver Y
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 2 Lime-speck Pug
• 7 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Marbled Beauty
• 1 Common Rustic
• 1 Large Yellow Underwing
• 3 White-point
• 14 Vine’s Rustic
• 3 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 3 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Clay
• 5 Willow Beauty
• 3 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Tree-lichen Beauty
• 2 Double-striped Pug
• 2 Box Tree Moth
• 2 Common Plume
• 2 Mother of Pearl
• 3 House Neb
• 3 Hawthorn Moth
• 1 Bramble Shoot Moth
• 1 Ruddy Streak
• 5 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Narrow-winged Grey
• 2 Dark Neb
• 1 Golden-brown Tubic
• 1 Dingy Dowd
• 1 Sussex Dowd
• 1 Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer (NFY)

Fellow 'Lazee Birder' Andy Dickety had this Hummingbird Hawk-moth by his house yesterday.

Visible migration should be starting now and overhead. I saw two, possibly three Greenfinches flying over and at least one Goldfinch (it or another came down to feed on the Sunflower hearts). Several flocks of Starlings flew over heading north from their roost, which I believe is under South Parade Pier. The soft ‘hooeet’ of a Chiffchaff could be heard in a neighbours garden and I eventually spotted it high up in a nearby Silver Birch tree. There are very few House Sparrows around at the moment as they seem to fly off and probably take their young ones out into the countryside where there is probably more food. Just one or two could be heard calling deep within nearby vegetation. Hopefully, it will not be long before the likes of Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail will be flying over again. As dusk was settling in last night, after dropping off Sinead and Isabelle, I got out of the car and saw an adult Swift fly into the nestbox containing its young. I read that adults will roost overnight in the nestbox should they have young still.

Wheatears are now starting to pour through to the coast now. This individual was photographed by Emma Parkes at Hook-with-Warsash.