Carrion Crows and a Magpie in the treetops within the Cemetery. The Crows do like gathering up in numbers here occasionally.
With just a few days left of this year, I thought I would add this post to my blog even though there were very few birds to be seen today. This morning, I took the dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery and later in the afternoon, I took a walk with my wife Becky around the new promenade in front of Southsea Castle. It was yet another overcast day with hardly any wind again, though still quite cool.
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
A female Blackbird over on the south-east corner.
An early morning walk around the Cemetery with the dogs produced very little I’m afraid. All the usual birds were noted, including a pair of Jays that flew off north over the houses from the Cemetery; but little else of note apart from them. Again, the light was poor this morning but at least it wasn’t foggy like it was over the Solent and further north in Hampshire. If it wasn't for the fact that I recognised a lot of birds calling by the call, the only birds seen were the Herring Gulls and the Crows, though I did see a lone Collared Dove high up in one of the trees to the south of the Cemetery.
Just the one lone Collared Dove seen here this morning.
The birds noted this morning here included the following:
Herring Gull
Collared Dove
Feral Pigeon
Wood Pigeon
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Jay x2
Blue Tit
Blackbird
Robin
Wren
Starling
Southsea Castle, Hampshire:
Parking up in the D-day Museum Car park, Becky and I took a slow walk to the new promenade in front of the Castle and it was teeming with people out for a stroll. I did take my spare binoculars with me, for I had a chance of finding the Purple Sandpipers that had already been seen by Rob Porter (fellow Lazee) this morning. Sadly, despite a good search, there was no sign of the birds, however, I did find a Harbour Seal swimming westbound just off the rocks and quickly got my wife onto the Seal using my binoculars. Further out in the Solent, an adult Shag was swimming well offshore. Despite a sign clearly marking that people should stay off the rocks, there were three idiots upon them. Despite having a moan to one of the parents, I wasted my breath.
Birding pal, Geoff Farwell, went to a fogbound Longwood Warren in the north of the County and notched up the following birds: 7 Red Kites, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Ravens, Woodcock, 2 Stonechats, 140+ Chaffinch, Brambling and 300 Rooks. He also heard some Golden Plovers but failed to see the birds in the gloom.
Some of the many Golden Plovers that flew high over Thorney Island this morning. Breathtaking views at times as the sound of their wings beating as they flew past.
Sadly, the weather wasn't all that great today, with low overhead clouds, drizzle at times and rather cool at around 8 degrees centigrade. The good news is that there was no wind whatsoever as we headed into West Sussex for a change. Thorney Island was our destination today with a possible Short-eared Owl or Hen-harrier on the cards and we rounded off the day with a trip back into Hampshire over at Woolmer Pond.
Thorney Island, West Sussex:
More Golden Plover streaming over our heads on Thorney Island.
It has been a while since I have been to this superb site and we were in for a real treat when we made our way to the harbour wall over on the east side of Thorney Island. With no wind to hamper our hearing, we watched in awe the many waders present here out in the fields and by the Great Deeps and with a pair of female Marsh Harriers keeping watch, there was so much to look at. Arguably, the best sighting must surely have been the huge number of Golden Plovers flying overhead. Easily over 500+ birds, one could hear their wing beats as they passed overhead, swirling around and then returning back over the island.
Above, a good sized flock of Shelduck resting on the water over on the east side. Below, a Kingfisher about to land by the harbour wall.
Other waders present in large numbers included Dunlin, Grey Plover, Redshank, Lapwing and Curlew and also a flock of 30+ Avocets seen flying over the Great Deeps. A Greenshank was seen flying over the footpath and disappearing into the harbour while it or a second bird was seen further south near the harbour wall. While checking out the Greenshank through the scope, a Kingfisher was found perched on the harbour wall. I was too slow to digiscope the bird as it flew over the harbour and landed on rocks to the north.
Above, one of the two female Marsh Harriers over on the east side of the island and below, a Greenshank was by the harbour wall.
The tide was up within Chichester Harbour as I checked out the water through the scope and found at least three Red-breasted Mergansers (a drake and two female birds) and up to four Great Crested Grebes on the still calm water. A couple of Rock Pipits flew over as did a flock of Linnets heading north over the site. Geoff found a female Peregrine sitting out in the fields, but again, too quick for me to digiscope the bird as it flew off north. Unexpectedly, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the bushes by the harbour wall and then flew off northbound. Checking the waders out over the harbour, I picked up a flock of Black-tailed Godwit containing at least 50+ birds flying close to the Chidham harbour wall and among them, a smaller flock of Dunlin were also present. To be honest, I could have stayed here a lot longer and who knows what would have flown in. However, there was the west side of Thorney Island to explore.
Above, this Brent Goose was loafing on the water over on the west side among the Wigeon. Below, the Little Deeps on Thorney Island.
Parking up by the Water Treatment Works, we made our way along ‘dog-crap alley’, which is the footpath leading to the harbour wall on the west side, where one has to be very careful not to tread on the dog mess that so many dog-walkers blatantly just leave. Plus I could not believe how many dog poo-bags had been left behind here. I think it's time the Council actually closes this footpath and ban all dogs here or heavily prosecute the offenders.
Above, one of the two Kingfishers that were seen flying up and down the Canal. Below, a Grey Heron with a couple of juvenile Cormorants on the Great Deeps.
On finally reaching the harbour wall, there was a large flock of Wigeon to greet us, with a few Brent Geese among them loafing on the water. On reaching the Little Deeps, we took a break for a cup of coffee and picked out a few Tufted Duck and a drake Pochard on the water. There was no sign of any Bearded Tits or even Reed Buntings within the reeds which was eerily quiet. However, a male Kestrel was hovering close to the harbour wall and then seen flying off close northbound with a Shrew in its talons! Looking south, I swore we saw a Diver species, that quite possibly have been the Black-throated Diver seen earlier this week nearby. It was most definitely a Diver and I was pretty sure it had white on the flanks; but when we got closer to the bird, it simply vanished!
Above and below, Oystercatchers flying off the island and into the harbour.
On reaching the Great Deeps, while enjoying another coffee, the Great Deeps held a good variety of birds. On our way to the Great Deeps, a pair of Kingfishers were seen flying up and down and afforded some excellent views now and then. It was seen later on with a fish in its bill after a successful catch in the corner of the Great Deeps. From the Sluice, there were a large number of wildfowl present including three Mergansers that swam with the many Coots present. Along the watersedge and further east, there were Teal, Pintail, Mallard and Shelduck present in good numbers and a large flock of Brent in the field to the south and a small group of three Grey Lags were behind these.
Above, a Black-headed Gull eating a Crab. I also watched a Herring Gull catch and devour a Crab also. Below, the second winter Mediterranean Gull swimming on the Great Deeps with a couple of Coots and a Little Grebe.
Above, the second winter Med Gull and below, a Grey Heron caught and ate a Shrew.
A few Grey Herons were around here, either fishing or simply just standing there and one individual we watched actually caught a mouse/vole!!! Surprisingly, only one Little Egret was noted and no sign of any Great White Egrets here today or Cattle Egrets; normally good for these species here. A second winter Mediterranean Gull was a nice surprise swimming on the water here along with two Little Grebes. On our way back to the car, a Chiffchaff flitted about the brambles by the footpath briefly and then we had to run the gauntlet of that dreaded footpath back to the car, but not before meeting and chatting to both Barry and Margaret Collins; regulars to this wonderful place.
Golden Plovers flying over our heads on the Island.
Woolmer Pond, Bordon, Hampshire:
The high water level on Woolmer Pond was evident. Just a shame there were very few birds on it.
The weather was still no better here at Woolmer Pond and a bit of drizzle had set in too, but it eventually stopped as we made our way from the small car park near Greatham village and crossed the road to make our way to the perimeter by the Pond. Blue Tits and a few Long-tailed Tits were seen in the Silver Birch trees, but there was very little on the Pond itself. A few Tufted Duck and a Canada Goose was all we could find on the water as we made our way north to the Cottage and then onto the heath through Woomer Forest.
Above, a fairly large flock of ten Blue Tits were found in the Silver Birches and below, the guys having a coffee break in the Cottage garden.
Above, Puffball Toadstools growing within the Woolmer Forest and below, one of the Goldcrests we encountered on the way back to the car.
After having lunch within the Cottage grounds, we made our way to the heath on the other side of the Forest, but there was hardly anything seen. A couple of Crows flew over and the odd Wood Pigeon, but simply no other birds were noted. Shame really, for it has always had something good to look at here, but not today. One could clearly see the damage caused by the fire here last year with the base of the Conifers all charred, but out on the heath where a lot of the heather was burnt away. Purple Moor Grass has replaced the heather, but I am sure the heather will come back again, for it is such a hardy plant.
Above, Purple Moor-grass growing over the heath behind the Forest and below, another of the Goldcrests seen.
Above, False turkey-tail fungus was growing on the fallen tree in the Cottage garden.
Again, it was rather quiet on the way back, but we eventually found a lot of bird activity where we came across a large group of Goldcrests. In fact, a particular small conifer held over 15+ Goldcrests and with more nearby, I can safely say that I have never seen so many Goldcrests in one spot! Even a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew out of the trees here and headed off north. To round off our trip here, a pair of Egyptian Geese were flying over the east side of the Pond heading south. Yes, the weather was pretty naff, but it was quiet and peaceful here as we bid farewell to this superb site.
One of the female Marsh Harriers seen today on the east side of Thorney Island.
With the Christmas period nearly coming to an end and a good walk overdue, it was back over to Highland Road Cemetery for a nice relaxing walk with the dogs. As per usual, there was far too much to eat and drink and though I took it easy this year, I still enjoyed myself and I think my family did too. The weather has been somewhat indifferent over the past few days. Though fairly cool, with hardly any wind, it remained mostly overcast and even drizzle set in later in the afternoon today, which was very much like yesterday.
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
A dull, overcast quiet morning over at the Cemetery
Though there was nothing unusual around the Cemetery late this morning, it was a pleasure to be out walking the dogs instead of sitting watching awful Xmas telly programmes surrounded by sweets and alcoholic beverages!! Within the Cemy today, up to three Jays showed reasonably well and a flock of 14 Goldfinches flew over the tops of the trees with several seen high up in the southern end of the Cemy. It was good to see a Collared Dove here today for they have been scarce this winter here. I remember getting double-figures of this species in previous winters; so where are they going?
Above, Herring Gulls upon the Chapel by the main entrance of the Cemetery and below, a small flock of Starlings in the trees at the southern end.
Above, a lone Collared Dove was a surprise. Sadly, their numbers here have drastically declined from recent winters. Below, one of a flock of Goldfinches in the tall trees in the southern half of the Cemy.
Above and below, one of the Jays showed well.
Above, a few Wrens were heard and this one was actually seen. Below, there were plenty of Blackbirds present here today with this one close to the Mausoleum.
The birds noted within the Cemetery today included the following:
Herring Gull
Black-headed Gull
Wood Pigeon
Feral Pigeon
Collared Dove
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Jay (3)
Goldfinch (14)
Starling
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Blackbird
Robin
Wren
Nationally, easily the biggest ‘twitch’ in the UK would be for the American Yellow Warbler that was found on Christmas Eve at New Hythe Gravel Pits, in Kent and was still present and showing well today. Though I have never seen one in the UK, I remember finding one on the island of Nevis, in the West Indies many years ago. Stunning little birds. One of my Facebook friends, Dave Hutton, went to see the bird today (see photo) and managed to at least get a couple of decent photos of the bird.
The American Yellow Warbler at New Hythe Gravel Pits, Kent, today. Photo by Dave Hutton.
In Hampshire today, within the Weston Shore and Hythe area today, the Red-necked Grebe was showing still and both Black-throated and Great Northern Diver were seen today, but the long staying Black-throated Diver in Emsworth looks as though it has gone. On Christmas Eve, birding pal Geoff Farwell went birding around the Cheriton area and saw the following birds: 6 Red Kites, 4 Common Buzzard, Raven, 37 Little Egrets, Water Rail, 450 Common Gulls, 9 Common Snipe, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Stonechat, 1000+ Starlings, 25 Fieldfare, 28 Linnets, 15 Meadow Pipits and 7 Yellowhammers.
The Kingfisher in front of the Ivy South Hide this morning.
The weather was looking very grim at first light this morning and I had no choice in finding somewhere with Hides. I was thinking of going for the Black-throated Diver at Emsworth or even to Bransbury Common further north of the county, but the rain put me off and so we made our way to Blashford Lakes instead. It was not a bad trip either where we had a few good birds, notably from the Tern Hide and also Ivy North Hide. Geoff and Andy were both in good form as we spent a good five hours at one of our favourite locations.
Tern Hide, Blashford Lakes NR:
A female Tufted Duck in front of the Tern Hide.
Most of the wildfowl was over on the north and east side of Ibsley Water, but thankfully, I had my telescope to hand where we had reasonable views of at least two Goldeneye (male and female) and a male Goosander on the water. Up to three Green Sandpipers were seen from the Hide including one bird that was kindly pointed out to us by a birder within the Hide, seen to the east of the Hide along the shoreline.
Above, this drake Goldeneye was not an easy bird to digiscope and below, looking through the windows over on the east side of the Hide to see the Green Sandpiper and to photograph the bird wasn't by all means easy!
Above, a drake Pochard with a Coot and a pair of Gadwall in front of the Tern Hide and below, a view of Ibsley Water and the Tern Hide from the Viewpoint.
Myself (check those eyebrows out!!!), Andy and Geoff on the Viewpoint.
All the usual wildfowl were present including a very large number of Pintail upon Ibsley Water. Wigeon, Teal, Mallard and Gadwall were present with smaller numbers of both Pochard and Tufted Ducks. Apart from the Green Sandpiper, the only other waders noted were a 40+ flock of Lapwing over the reserve. Several Grey Herons were fishing the shoreline and were joined by a lone Great White Egret over on the east side and the only raptors seen here today included a Common Buzzard and a Kestrel.
Woodland Hide, Blashford Lakes:
This 'ringed' male Blackbird was by one of the feeders near the Info Centre.
We didn't exactly go into the Hide, but viewed from the outside and checking on the feeders, there were a number of birds including Coal, Great and Blue Tits taking advantage of the seed-feeders and also a few Robins enjoying them too. Overhead, a small flock of Siskin were seen and a female Sparrowhawk soared overhead, putting the woodland birds on their guard below including Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreepers and a pair of Goldcrests. On the woodland floor, I found a few clumps of Sulphur Tuft toadstools growing on old logs.
Above, this female Sparrowhawk soared over the woods by the Centre.
Above and below, this 'ringed' Robin was waiting to be fed by us and Andy found a crumb for it to pick off his hand!
Above, a Goldcrest in flight near the Woodland Hide.
Ivy South Hide, Blashford Lakes:
Above, one of the Great Crested Grebes in front of the Ivy South Hide.
Ivy Lake was also alive with wildfowl of which Wigeon easily dominated in numbers. There were smaller numbers of Gadwall, Teal and Tufted Duck among the Wigeon. There were a few Gulls on the water of which one looked quite promising for a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull; but I am waiting for confirmation. I have to be honest, this species, along with Caspian Gull, I am a little inexperienced in as I have not had the pleasure of seeing very many over the years. But this site does produce a lot of these species during the winter.
Above, Cormorants were abundant from the Hide and below, a small number of Pintail were also on Ivy Lake.
Above, a putative 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull and below, Wigeon, Teal and Tufted Duck in flight over Ivy Lake.
Above and below, some of the Wigeon on Ivy Lake were getting a bit frantic.
Wigeon in flight over Ivy Lake.
A few Great Crested Grebes were fairly close to the Hide and a Little Grebe popped out of hiding from the reedbeds. Cormorants were resting in the nearby trees and Geoff had the briefest of views of a Kingfisher passing his eye-shot while checking out the wildfowl through his scope. A Raven flew westbound high over the lake, which was our second one of the day having seen one on our drive to Fordingbridge. After having lunch within the Hide, we all agreed to make our way to the Ivy North Hide.
Ivy North Hide, Blashford Lakes:
The Kingfisher in front of the Ivy North Hide.
Though no Bitterns have been seen this winter here at this site; normally a reliable site for the species, but today, we were nicely entertained with a variety of birds in front of this Hide. Again, good numbers of both Wigeon and Teal were swimming in front of the reedbed and Geoff found another Green Sandpiper on the opposite side of Ivy Lake, in front of the viewing screen and remained there throughout our stay there.
Above, a Coot and a Cormorant in front of the Hide and below, there were plenty of wildfowl on Ivy Lake in front of the same Hide.
Above, the Cetti's Warbler eventually popped out long enough to grab a photo and below, a Blue Tit also in the reedbed.
Above, the reedbeds in front of the Hide and lastly, the gorgeous Kingfisher posing nicely by one of the channels.
As soon as we got inside the Hide, a Kingfisher was showing extremely well, resting on a reed stem in one of the channels between the main reedbed. The bird showed several times here and gave me ample opportunities to take some nice photos. I have been seeing photos of this species during the week on the various Facebook bird sites. We had two good sightings of the Water Rail hopping between two of the reedbeds in front of the Hide but far too quick to grab a photo. A Cetti’s Warbler put on an appearance in front of the Hide and I was extremely lucky to grab a photo of this very shy warbler. Both Blue Tit and a Wren also were seen within the reedbed; but maybe one day, the Bittern might come back here. I've had some good memories of previous sightings of this species in the past here.
The Kingfisher in front of the Ivy North Hide.
Most of our trip here was overcast, but we did have a brief bright spell which looked promising, but by 2pm, the drizzle set in again and so we made our way back to the car and home.
