Redpoll over Old Portsmouth this morning.

Thursday 12th December 2024.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales returns back to Portsmouth Harbour as she passes the Royal Garrison Church with Black-headed Gulls upon the Governor's Green.

What has been mostly an overcast week so far continued today although the temperatures were still in single figures here in Southsea. Yesterday was a bit quieter than today within Pembroke Road, but a group of FOUR Jays was probably the best sighting here, though a Firecrest was heard within the Holm Oak trees again. This morning, up to 15 species were recorded and that included a Lesser Redpoll flying high over Pembroke Road heading westbound. Just the one Jay heard this morning, but they should be showing well this afternoon. The birds recorded this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Blackbird
• House Sparrow
• Blue Tit
• Lesser Redpoll
• Greenfinch
• Pied Wagtail
• Robin 
• Starling

Above, the Yellow-browed Warbler at Hilsea Moat and below, one of the female type Scaup on Milton Ponds. Both photos courtesy of Chris Geary.

In Hampshire, another Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered along the vegetation at Hilsea Moat and showing well at times over the past few days (see photo). Jason Crook’s female type Scaup was on Milton Lakes yesterday too. He had them earlier last week and they look as though they might be settled on there. There was a nice selection off Weston Sailing Club, Southampton, this morning where one could view a Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver and a Shag!