Wednesday 2nd October 2024.
Today was nearly a repeat of yesterday where there was a good variety of birds at Pembroke Road again, but this time, I had the Moth Box on overnight; hoping for something new for the year. The weather wasn't too bad again either with mostly sunshine and just a hint of a north-easterly wind, but it was relatively mild throughout the day. There were a few moths present this morning and I even managed a coffee with a friend of mine at the Coffee Cup around 9am and of course, I kept an eye out for the birds, while enjoying a good chat.
The Moth Box:
Among the 36 moths of 13 species, probably the pick of the bunch would be the Rush Veneers. Though a common migrant moth from the Continent; numbers of this species vary year on year, but to get three in my Moth Box was rather pleasing. Feathered Ranunculus and Lunar Underwing, both Autumn specialities, were present this morning and again, happy to get these moths. However, I am still waiting for a Black Rustic or something more unusual. Patience is the key.
The moths recorded this morning included the following:
MACRO MOTHS:
- Lunar Underwing
- Feathered Ranunculus
- L-album Wainscot 2
- Pale Mottled Willow
- Large Yellow Underwing 4
- Lesser Yellow Underwing 4
- Marbled Beauty
- Double-striped Pug
MICRO MOTHS:
- Rusty-dot Pearl 3
- Light Brown Apple Moth 12
- Ruddy Streak
- Rush Veneer 3
- Common Plume 2
While checking the moths, a Chiffchaff was in the tree at the back of my garden and occasionally, it was actually singing and only seen briefly. A few calling Meadow Pipits flew high overhead, heading westbound over the houses. What does Old Portsmouth have in stall for me this morning?
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
A pair of Jays were seen again this morning, calling and flying from tree to tree until heading off west. The Chiffchaff was calling deep within the footpath adjacent to the Bowling Green, but was seen in the afternoon shift. The usual large flock of Starlings swarmed around the area of Governor’s Green and up to four Pied Wagtails were seen on both the Bowling Green and Governor’s Green. In the afternoon, the Wagtails were quite flighty and a Meadow Pipit was seen among them, though soon flew off west, with others seen flying overhead. Just the one Swallow was seen flying over westbound today. Seventeen species in all wasn't a bad total today and thankfully, the weather was kind to us, despite some very dark clouds over in the west!
Regarding the insects here, both Small and Large White butterflies were seen and just before I left on my second shift, a Speckled Wood flew down to the roadside until flying off just before I got into the car to head home.
The birds seen or heard this morning at this location included the following:
- Herring Gull
- Wood Pigeon
- Feral Pigeon
- Jay (2)
- Magpie
- Carrion Crow
- Pied Wagtail (4)
- Meadow Pipit
- Chiffchaff
- Robin
- Great Tit
- Blue Tit
- Swallow
- Wren
- Blackbird
- Starling
- House Sparrow
I even had time for a Coffee and a chat with a friend of mine, Gary Cole, at the Coffee Cup in Eastney seafront. From here, I still had my eye open for anything interesting and during the 90 minutes we were there, I saw a Sandwich Tern flying up and down the shoreline; a male Kestrel searching for food on the beach and several flocks of Swallows hawking for insects over the beach; all while I was enjoying a couple of cups of delicious coffee.
Yesterday’s Yellow-browed Warbler was found again by Andy Johnson at Sandy Point, Hayling Island and was even joined by a second bird! Should it be there tomorrow, there is a possibility that I just might pop down to see the bird(s).
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