Plenty of Brent Geese around Eastney.

Wednesday 4th December 2024.

A gorgeous way to start the day.

There was another stunning sunrise this morning as I made my way along the Southsea seafront and even though it was overcast, the stunning redness of the sun rising over the horizon was amazing over the flat calm sea. It was back to Pembroke Road this morning and although a tad chilly, there were a few birds of note this morning.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Brent Geese and a lone Herring Gull on the football fields at Eastney. Apparently, juvenile birds have been scarce this winter, but I found at least 10 among these birds.

A count of 12 species today at Pembroke Road that included a pair of Goldcrests flitting about the Holm Oak trees and then flying off north over the houses. The Jay was again showing well several times in the Sycamore trees near where I stood and they were occasionally calling throughout the afternoon. A good number of Herring Gulls were on Governor’s Green today, making the most of the grass being cut by the Council and finally, a Cormorant was seen flying southbound to either Curtain Moat or the Solent.

Later during the morning, I found three separate flocks of Brent Geese on my travels that included one flock on the football pitches at Eastney. I checked this one thoroughly with my binoculars in case there was a Red-breasted Goose hiding among them, for there were at least 500+ here grazing on the short grass. The second flock was in front of the old Royal Marine buildings near the seafront and a small number were on the Mini Golf-course where around a dozen were present.

More Brent Geese on the green in front of the old Royal Marine Barracks, Eastney.

In Hampshire today, up to three female type Black Redstarts were present around the Southsea Castle area and two Red-necked Grebes were also in Hampshire; one in Langstone Harbour and the second off Weston. Two female Scaup were also in Langstone Harbour which were seen from Milton Lakes.