Short-eared Owl finally seen in 2023.

Saturday 28th October 2023.

If it wasn't for birding pal Emma Parkes, I probably would have simply gone on to Titchfield Haven instead of risking going to Farlington Marshes and probably got a good soaking for our efforts. She said that it was going to be dry between 9 and 12 am and so, as Geoff Farwell, Andy Fisher and myself made our way down the A3, I took a last second decision to go to Farlington Marshes and hopefully finally catch up with my first Short-eared Owl of the year. I owe Emma one.

Above, the Lake on Farlington Marshes where the water level was the highest I have seen it this year. But we got superb views of the Bearded Tits here this morning. 

Above and below, Sanderling on the beach at Hill Head with a few Turnstone thrown in with them. Beautiful birds in the bright sunshine.

Sadly, Andy’s moth box turned up no moths whatsoever, with just a few Gnats and Crane Flies to look at, but after a refreshing coffee, we headed off south from a very wet Cowplain. All this week, the reserve has been inundated with photographers, getting some superb photos of the very showy Owls and lucky for us, one of the birds performed superbly for us. But what dozy numpty had left both his Camera and Binoculars at home??? Yours truly. After our trip to the Marshes, I went back home to retrieve them both.

Above, some of the Sanderling on the shore at Hill Head and below, the water level in the small harbour was overlapping the main road at times.

Above, this female Stonechat was by the main entrance to the reserve.

Geoff explained that there was going to be an exceptionally high tide today and even a few hours before high tide, one could see in the harbour how high the tide was already, which held a good number of Brent Geese resting on the water as I gave the harbour a quick scan and picked up at least 4 Sandwich Tern sat on the buoys and a lone Great Crested Grebe on the water. The water level on the Lake was very high, but it still held a good number of mixed varieties of waders including Lapwing, around 50+ Knot, Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank. It was nice to see the Pintail in their winter dress for the first time this season, mingling in with the Mallard, Teal and Gadwall present. A Greenshank was heard and then seen flying over the harbour and then onto the reserve as did a small flock of three Common Snipe.

Above, good numbers of Common Snipe were in front of the Meonshore Hide and below, Shoveler were also showing well from here.

Above, a large contingent of Starlings were on the islands in front of the Meonshore Hide.

Andy said that the ‘feral’ White Goose was still among the Canada’s out in the fields and the resident Barnacle Goose normally accompanies it. He and many of the fellow ‘Lazee Birders’ have added this goose to their Hampshire year list and I suppose I had to follow suit. Though I could not locate the Barnacle Goose among the Geese, when we neared the Deeps area, I soon found the bird grazing with the other Geese and, of course, the 'feral' White Goose! On seeing the bird, a quick check over the Point Field and I then caught a glimpse of my first Short-eared Owl of the year. Happy days! Not only two more for my Hampshire year list, but the 200 species for Hampshire too (208 UK species for the year in total).

Above, the Common Snipe performed well in front of the Hide. It was interesting to watch some of the birds square up to one another as in this photo. Below, another photo of the Starlings flying over the south scrape.

The Short-eared Owl performed superbly in front of us and even perched on a post as if to taunt me! So, forgetting to bring my camera, the bird showed right in front of us and now with the sunshine bursting through the clouds, the bird flew over the fields and then landed on the ground out of view. A male Kestrel was also seen perched on a small bramble within the fields and a Common Buzzard was seen distantly perched on a fence post at the back of the reedbed. Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were noted and a female Stonechat was seen in brambles near the Point Field. Always plenty to look at here on this reserve. Even three Ravens got in on the act, with two birds seen flying over the Point Field and another bird seen flying off west over the fields. Geoff said that the Ravens here had taken most of the Lapwing chicks here during the breeding season.

Above, we found several Fly Agaric Toadstools along the footpath on the east side. Below, two drakes and a female Shoveler in front of the Meonshore Hide.

After our superb showing of the Owl, we made our way back to the Lake and from the Viewing Platform, we had a superb show of at least 10 Bearded Tits flying in a tight flock up over the reeds in front of us, calling in doing so and then returning back into the reed bed again. This they repeated several times and again, I was rueing in not having my camera with me. A Cetti’s Warbler was calling loudly near us and then seen flying across the gap between the two reedbeds nearby. Happy with our trip here, after retrieving my Binoculars and Camera, we headed off to Titchfield Haven.

Above, there was just the one Little Grebe seen today. This was also in front of the Meonshore Hide. Below are three immature Mute Swans flying east over the reserve.

The weather was most certainly looking a bit ‘iffy’ and so quickly getting our access tickets, we made our way on to the reserve. The water level from the small harbour was nearly level with the main road as we got our tickets and at least the Sanderling and Turnstone on the shore were showing very well in the small roost. Entering the reserve, a female Stonechat was perched on a bramble near the entrance as we made our way to the Meonshore Hide. As expected, the water level on the south Scrape was very high, but one of the smaller nearer islands was just above water level and that suited the 50 or so Common Snipe just nicely. In the sunshine, they showed superbly and among them, there were a few Redshank, Lapwing and a single Dunlin.

Above, a mixture of Common Snipe, Redshank, Dunlin, Teal and Shoveler all sharing one exposed small island. Below, both Starlings and Lapwing flying over the reserve.

Two large flocks of Oystercatchers were on the furthest islands, including the bird with the pale head that has been here for several seasons now. Shoveler and Teal showed well just in front of the Hide as the Hide echoed to the sound of camera shutters from other birders present within the Hide. And who could blame them. At times, the light was superb as I took full advantage and to be honest, though I don’t possess the big expensive cameras that were present today, I was really pleased with my efforts today. Another bird present here included a Little Grebe to the west of the Hide, which showed very well. 

Above, another photo of the many Common Snipe present. I think this is arguably the most of this species seen together this year. Below, we just got into the West Hide just before the rain hammered down. I don't think the poor Highland Cattle enjoyed it much. 

We made our way to first, the West Hide and then onto the Spurgin Hide and on the way there, I found our first Fly Agaric Toadstools of the year (earlier, Matt Parkes sent a photo of one he and his wife saw in the New Forest this morning). There were at least four of these Toadstools present. The rain was starting to come down heavy and so we hit the West Hide first for a bit of shelter. There wasn't a lot on show here, but the grazing Highland Cattle that were taking a good soaking, but this carpeted Hide had a lot of potential for something interesting, though we saw virtually bugger all there. The Spurgin Hide was disappointingly quiet too, with just a female Sparrowhawk flying east high over the reserve and both a Cetti’s Warbler and a Chiffchaff noted. On exiting the Hide, a Water Rail could be heard calling, but we never got a glimpse of the bird as we made our way back to the car. So, despite my ‘absent mindfulness’ early this morning, it turned out to be a very good day indeed.      

A flock of Common Snipe flying in front of the Spurgin Hide. There were no sightings of Jack Snipe in front of the Hide, unfortunately and in fact, it was rather quiet in front of the Hide today.

There was no sign of yesterday's immature Merlin around today, but we had a good time here and saw some superb birds and other nature here including several Migrant Hawker Dragonflies still on the wing. I treated myself to a new Britain's Butterflies book from the Reserve Shop and will make a good read tonight. Fellow ‘Lazee’ Pete Gammage found a Black Tern hawking for insects in the north-east corner of Langstone Harbour this afternoon; a good late record for this time of year.

My year record of species in the Cemy this morning.

Friday 27th October 2023.

When the leaves are turning golden, there is nothing more heart-warming in being out on a sunny Autumn morning. The Cemetery was bursting with colour today.

I was seriously considering going over to Farlington Marshes this morning, but the heavy rain outside at 6am put me right off that idea and what with a ‘Delhi Belly’ still, I simply could not take that gamble. My wait to see a Short-eared Owl this year will have to go on. Sob! However, I was much happier with the weather as the morning wore on and so took the dogs over to Highland Road Cemetery instead. Who knows? Something good could be present?

Above, the walk started well over the Cemetery with a Skylark flying south over my local patch. Below, I was in for another surprise when a flock of Long-tailed Tits, my first of the season, were found on the west side of the Cemetery.

Above, one of the two Chiffchaffs found among the Long-tailed Tits showed well and below, there were two Redwing hidden in the treetops near the centre of the Cemetery.

A very good total of 27 species were seen or heard this morning, the highest so far this year, with a mixture of both summer and winter birds in the mix among them. The male Blackcap was a very nice surprise when I first heard it ‘chacking’ nearby and then discovering it perched right out in the open on a small exposed bush. I was so glad it hung around for me to grab a few photos of it. The Long-tailed Tits were also a nice surprise. They do turn up annually here though I rarely see them and this particular flock held at least two Chiffchaff roaming the trees and bushes with them. At least a dozen of these attractive little long-tailed birds were present.

This male Sparrowhawk scared the local Pigeons as he effortlessly flew through the Cemetery and then off south towards the coast.

Above, an immature Blackbird or possibly an immigrant Blackbird searching for food around one of the graves and below, a Jay hiding among the Autumnal leaves.

Overhead, singles of both Skylark and Linnet flew over, but only the former was seen heading south high overhead. Thankfully, my hearing is still sound as I managed to locate the bird by its call. The male Sparrowhawk showed well again today, flying low over the Cemetery and scattering the large number of Wood Pigeons that had gathered up in the treetops. Redwing could be heard when I reached the southern half of the Cemetery and eventually, they gave themselves up high up in the trees with the Pigeons. They did fly from one tree to another, but I was on the phone at the time and so missed the opportunity for a decent photo. Grumble!

Above, an adult Blackbird popped up close to the footpath and below, this male Blackcap was a nice surprise too.

Above, the Long-tailed Tits eventually made their way to the east side of the Cemetery and some even above my head and below, this Red Admiral was the only one seen today. 

There was no sign of the Green Woodpeckers today, but the Great Spotted Woodpecker popped in again, perching high in one of the trees near the north end of the Cemy. Other wildlife  I noticed today included the sightings of a few butterflies. Just singles of Red Admiral and Speckled Wood were seen and even the Bees on the Ivy Plants have decreased, though plenty of Common Wasps and a few Drone Flies on the wing.

Above, another photo of the vocal male Blackcap and below, the only Speckled Wood butterfly seen this morning in the Cemetery.

Above, I took my dog brush mitten with me today to give our Ted a good brush and this was the result! I could not believe how much came off him. Below, toadstools and other fungi are starting to appear now including what I think is Honey Fungus coming through.

With all this rain of late, the grass was very much saturated and with the forecast looking very showery today and over the weekend, I might be birding close to anywhere with Hides this weekend. The damp grass brings out the Toadstools and there were a few on show today. But naming them is a whole new ball game and though I have a Toadstool ID App on my phone, I do like to put it out to the experts to ID. Still, I do love Toadstools and Fungi and find them absolutely fascinating (sorry Mr Fisher!) and at this time of year, there are plenty to look at.  

Fungi is on the increase, especially due to the wet conditions of late and above, I believe the beginnings of Field Mushroom. Below, I think this is the start of Honey Fungus, which is a variable species in shape and colour. 

Above, Honey Fungus growing in the centre of the Cemetery and below, I found this Rusty-dot Pearl moth on the front of someones house in Highland Road, close to the Cemetery. They are immigrant moths from the Continent and are quite numerous this time of year.

The following birds were noted this morning:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Wren
• Robin
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Long-tailed Tit (12)
• Chiffchaff
• Blackcap (male)
• Goldcrest  
• Goldfinch
• Linnet
• Greenfinch
• Skylark
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay (2)
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Pied Wagtail
• Blackbird
• Redwing (2)
• Sparrowhawk (female)

Away from the Highland Road Cemetery, this adult White-tailed Eagle was one of two showing well at Inchmary, near Lepe Country Park. Photo by Andy Dickety. Below, the dashing immature Merlin was still showing well in someones garden close to the main entrance of Titchfield Haven this morning. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Above, the same Merlin by Titchfield Haven. Film footage by Mark Francis.

Still not 100%!

Thursday 26th October 2023.

Up to four or possibly more Short-eared Owls were seen on Farlington Marshes yesterday morning and were still present this morning. Photo by Emma Parkes.

I was still not feeling 100% today, but just about well enough to carry out my deliveries during the middle of the day, where I was for a short period over Old Portsmouth. That is where I heard the familiar call of a Chiffchaff and it didn't take long to find the bird in an ornamental small tree over at a private site off King Charles Street. The bird was seen flitting about in the tree and then flew to another tree to confirm it most certainly was a Chiffchaff. At this time of year, it's always best to double check these birds.

The Short-eared Owl on Farlington Marshes yesterday. Photo by Graeme Loader.

Above and below, two more of the same bird on Farlington Marshes yesterday. Above photo by Jan Dixon and the photo below by Emma Parkes.

If you could have heard the sound of my stomach today, I thought I had something growling in there! Thankfully, it was all bark and no bark if you get my drift, but that stomach bug I picked up really knocked the sails out of me. However, birding pals, Geoff Farwell and Andy Fisher had much better health as they went off yesterday to Farley Mount. They also had a good array of birds too that included the following: Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, 2 Raven, Marsh Tit, Stonechat, Woodlark, 100+ Redwing, 20 Fieldfare, 4 Redpoll, Crossbill, 50 Linnet and several Siskins. Not bad at all gentlemen.

A Great Northern Diver was off Hill Head a few days ago. Photo by Pete Appleton.

Andy even put the moth box overnight for Geoff to peruse and though there were apparently no moths, Andy found one later that day, which turned out to be a Red-line Quaker. The big news at present is the return of the Short-eared Owls to Farlington Marshes. Fellow ‘Lazee’ Andy Dickety was down there early this morning and at least one of the Owls was on the wing and later that morning, he reported that there was a huge number of ‘toggers’ (photographers) down there for the Owls - over 50 birders hoping to get a few photos of these gorgeous birds. I was tempted to go in the afternoon, despite the heavy showers, but my grumbling belly put paid to that. There were also up to 11 Bearded Tits showing well in the reedbeds by the Lake.

A Red-lined Quaker moth was found by Andy later in the day, a species I have yet to see this year.

Yesterday, Emma Parkes also got lucky with the Short-eared Owls and saw at least four, possibly five birds, but there could have been more present! Other birds seen of late included a juvenile Ring Ouzel on Portsdown Hill again and an immature Merlin seen over the Canal Path, Titchfield, by another fellow ‘Lazee’ James Cutting. On the UK rarity scene, Wales has come up with another interesting American passerine, a female Great-tailed Grackle. Whether it will be accepted as a genuine rarity we will wait and see, but it was most obviously ‘ship assisted’, but you can easily say that virtually all these ‘Yank’ passerines are.

This immature Merlin graced the Titchfield Haven Reserve today to the delight of 'Lazee' Birder Mark Francis who captured this superb photo. It was seen in various locations on the reserve, even in front of the Spurgin Hide and over the Canal Path.