Yellow-browed Warblers at Sandy Point.

Saturday 5th October 2024.

It has been a few years since I have seen one of these beauties. Both the Yellow-browed Warblers showed today, though the one at the bottom of Seafarers Walk showed very well. I well remember the call of this species and it didn't take long to find one of the birds.

With the Yellow-browed Warblers down Sandy Point showing well during the last few days, Andy, Geoff and I had to go for the birds and also join a throng of ‘Lazee’s to view the birds. Last night, I went to another gig to see the Smyths at the Wedgewood Rooms and not only was it a superb gig, I was drinking non-alcoholic Cider all night to have a clear head the following day. Sensibly, I put the Moth Box on before making our way to the gig and though I checked out the egg trays before leaving to pick Geoff up, it was still too dark to check inside the Moth Box and so once I got back home from today's birding, I had the chance to study what was inside. The weather was excellent today with a near cloudless sky and plenty of sunshine though there was a breezy southerly when we arrived at Sandy Point.

The Moth Box:

A Bloxworth Snout caught this morning and quickly potted.

Again, there was nothing new for the year here today from the Moth Box, but a few notable moths again included a Bloxworth Snout and a Clancy’s Rustic. There were at least 38 moths of 11 species recorded today. Sadly, our Andy was too pickled from last night to put his Moth Box on, but having a coffee outside within his garden, we picked out at least 4 Song Thrushes flying high over. Shouldn't be long now before we get our first Redwing of the season. 

The moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS

• Bloxworth Snout
• Garden Carpet
• Pale Mottled Willow 3
• L-album Wainscot 6
• Feathered Ranunculus 2
• Lesser Yellow Underwing 7
• Clancy’s Rustic
• Angle Shades
• Double-striped Pug 4

MICRO MOTHS:

• Rusty-dot Pearl 2
• Light Brown Apple Moth 10

Seafarers Walk, Sandy Point, Hayling Island:

Chiffchaffs were all over the place this morning, probably well into double figures.

We arrived at Seafarers Walk around 9am and walked down the footpath leading to the harbour entrance, we then made our way to the big empty car park behind the Lifeboat Station and joined up with fellow ‘Lazee’s’ Pete Gammage and Keith Turner. There were Chiffchaffs everywhere here and a few Blackcaps too, but it didn't take too long before we heard our first Yellow-browed Warbler of the day. The bird was deep within a copse and only fleeting views of the bird were had and so we decided to walk the long way round the houses to view the bird from the other side of the gated off area.

Another photo I took of the Yellow-browed Warbler off Seafarers Walk. The bird was hard to get a photo off though, thankfully, it showed very well at times.

When we got round the other side, we met up with three more fellow ‘Lazee’s’, Pete Appleton, Graeme Loader and Rob Porter (these kind chaps allow me to use their superb photos on my blog) and from here, the Yellow-browed Warbler, which was calling frequently, showed very well at times and I even managed to grab a half decent photo of the bird. The bird was seen both on the outside of the Copse and also in some Sycamore trees on the other side of the road, but was never an easy bird to get a decent view of as it was constantly on the move. 

While walking through the Sandy Point Nature Reserve, we found this dead Slow Worm. I have not seen one in many a year.

Other birds noted here included good numbers of Swallows passing through and a Skylark was heard flying high overhead. There was a lot of migration going on overhead and birds seen included Meadow Pipits, Linnets, a Grey Wagtail and a male Kestrel also put in an appearance. Something was tapping a tree bough somewhere nearby and sure enough, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was eventually seen flying overhead heading west. A Vapourer Moth was obviously disturbed by something and flew around where we all stood at the bottom of Seafarers Walk.

Above, Parasol Mushrooms on the reserve and below, a Sandwich Tern flying past Sparkes Marina near Black Point.

After an hour or so and having some great views of the Warbler, we decided to take a trip to Sparkes Marina to see if there were any waders on Black Point. However, there was a change of plan as both Andy Friend and Simon King (more fellow Lazee’s) drove up and they took us on the Sandy Point Nature Reserve to view the other Yellow-browed Warbler. This individual did not show nearly half as well as the first one, though some of the others managed to connect well with the bird; but to view the bird deep within a small copse proved very difficult at times. At least a pair of Goldcrest showed very well in front of us as did a few Chiffchaffs. More 'Lazee's' arrived that included JB, Becky and Kev Brooks were all there too and after around an hour, we decided to call it a day here and head off to Sparkes Marina.

A Little Egret off Sparkes Marina. Sadly, no roosting waders at Black Point, but despite warning signs about roosting waders there, the ignorant people there simply just walk on there anyway. Nature loses again.

As expected, there were no waders at all on Black Point due to dog-walkers and a load of dudes doing water sports, but a large flock of Ringed Plover flew south to the beach and Swallows were pouring through heading south. A Sandwich Tern flew up and down the harbour and after having lunch, we then made our way to Hayling Oyster Beds. Both Matt and Emma Parked managed to get down to view the Yellow-browed Warbler which was a ‘lifer’ for them. Well done guys.

Hayling Oyster Beds, Hayling Island:

Ringed Plovers and Dunlin off the spit at the Oyster Beds.

Parking here at this site was looking improbable, but I managed to grab the last parking space here before we walked up to the Oyster Beds. It was high tide within Langstone Harbour as we made our way to the site. Our first notable bird was a Wheatear along the foreshore. The bird showed very well as we made our way to the end of the spit to view the waders here. There was a good variety of waders showing well that included Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin and Turnstone resting among the rocks. Over the harbour, I found my first pair of Red-breasted Mergansers flying over the harbour and landed among a large number of Brent Geese (also my first of the season) near the islands. A lone Knot was seen among the waders here too.

Above, the Wheatear by the Oyster Beds and below, Ringed Plover and Dunlin at the end of the spit.

Above, waders flying around the Oyster Beds and below, fellow 'Lazee' Rob Porter walking away from the Wheatear he was photographing.

Above, a mixture of Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone and Oystercatcher and below, good numbers of Oystercatchers resting on the small islands.

Above, Ringed Plover & Dunlin flying across the water and below, a Dunlin flying past us from where we stood.

Above and below, more waders are coming into roost.

Above, Andy takes a rest, but always keeps an eye for anything flying over. Below, what's not to love? A tranquil scene here on the Oyster Beds.

Above, Grey Plovers roosting further north on the Oyster Beds and below, a drake Common Scoter swimming just behind the rocks.

Above, a male Common Darter resting on a fence post near the Hayling Billy Line.

We made our way further north to check the waders roosting here and found good numbers of Grey Plover here and a few Curlew among them. Three Little Egrets stood with two Grey Herons among the waders and best of all, I found a drake Common Scoter swimming just behind one of the islands, of which I quickly got the boys onto the bird. A Common Buzzard was seen soaring over by the roadside trees; our second raptor of the day. So not a bad days’ birding and our first new species of bird in Hampshire for around nearly two months!

Above, photos of the Yellow-browed Warbler this morning by Emma Parkes.

Busy again in Pembroke Road, but few moths this morning.

Friday 4th October 2024.

One of two Clancy's Rustics this morning.

The Moth Box was on overnight and again, not that many moths and the variety was low again; but hey, at least there were some moths to look at. Again, there were plenty of birds passing over this morning at Pembroke Road and although nothing out of the ordinary, a nice variety.

The Moth Box:

I could only find one Double-striped Pug.

There were just 13 moths of 9 species recorded this morning, which was rather disappointing. All the usual suspects were present and I suppose getting TWO Clancy’s Rustics was good. The White-shouldered House Moth was a surprise and a welcome addition to my October list.

Feathered Ranunculus moth.

The moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS

• Feathered Ranunculus
• Garden Carpet
• Clancy’s Rustic 2
• L-album Wainscot
• Angle Shades
• Lunar Underwing
• Double-striped Pug

MICRO MOTHS

• Beautiful Plume
• Light Brown Apple Moth 5
• White-shouldered House Moth

While checking the moths, there was a bit of visible migration going on overhead that included at least two ‘alba’ Wagtails (Pied or White Wagtail), several Meadow Pipits and even a Linnet flew over. The Chiffchaff was heard calling in the neighbouring gardens again.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

At least 17 species of bird were either seen or heard this morning on my first shift and among them, the scarcer species included a Linnet, Grey Wagtail, Jay, Chiffchaff and a flock of Swallows; though these birds were heading east rather than west! When the traffic is quiet, I can pick up all those birds calling overhead or over the other side of the Bowling Green; but when the cars are going past (and it can be rather busy on this road!), you cannot hear any birds!

In Hampshire today, yet again, both the Yellow-browed Warblers were present and showing well at Sandy Point, Hayling Island, this morning (if they are not there tomorrow, I will most certainly be p***ed off!!!). Three Glossy Ibis were at the Bridge Street Floods, Titchfield, again. A Tree Sparrow was seen and heard at Barton on sea Golf course this morning and a Black-necked Grebe was off the Oysterbeds. While writing this up on my blog at 4pm, a possible eastern form of Lesser Whitethroat has been found at the Point Field on Farlington Marshes. 

Plenty to see at Pembroke Road.

Thursday 3rd October 2024.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Jays have been showing all week in Pembroke Road. Photo by Pete Appleton.

Autumn migration is in full swing and while a lot of birders are rushing around to pick off the latest rarity, I had too much on to go chasing stuff and so enjoyed the peaceful tranquility of Pembroke Road for my first shift. I notched up an impressive 17 species of bird that included a few additions and what with the cold northerly wind bringing in the overwintering thrushes now, I kept an eye out for my first Redwing of the season. Sadly none to report (over a 100+ birds flew over Fleet Pond, in the north of the County), but I did see two individual Song Thrushes flying over and probably were migrant birds.

This Osprey was found and photographed by Andy Friend today, flying over Hayling Oysterbeds.

Both Grey and Pied Wagtail were noted this morning along with good numbers of Meadow Pipits flying over, while at least 2, possibly 3 Chiffchaffs were flitting about in the trees opposite. My first shift at Pembroke Road started off superbly with a male Peregrine flying high east and slowly making its way along. It was low enough to get a really good view in the early morning sunshine. A small family flock of 3 Mute Swans (2 adults and a juvenile) flew east and probably headed towards Canoe Lake. A pair of Jays were seen in both my first and second shift here on Pembroke Road, making use of the roadside trees. If only I had my camera to hand for they showed very well perched up in the nearby trees. Yesterday, I forgot to put on my blog that a Coal Tit was calling and then seen in the big garden of 33 Pembroke Road, which is a very good record here.

The Carnation Tortrix moth I found this morning.

Other interesting sightings included a Carnation Tortrix sitting on a leaf on the Hibiscus plant behind me; only the second sighting this year of this small micro moth. A few Harlequin Ladybirds were also on the plant as were a few rather large Garden Spiders (Araneus diadematus) which are abundant now.

I treated myself to a new pair of binoculars; the Hawke Endurance ED and I have to say, they are seriously value for money. I was well impressed with them.

Back in my garden, the flowering Ivy is giving off its heady scent and attracting many Bees, Hoverflies and Butterflies. I had a superb Comma butterfly (rare in my garden) perched on one of the Ivy flowers along with up to 4 Red Admiral butterflies.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandy Point. Photo by Andy Friend.

The two Yellow-browed Warblers are still present at Sandy Point today and hopefully, will linger into the weekend. A Little Stint was found among the roosting waders at nearby Black Point.

Migrant moths still showing in the Moth Box.

Wednesday 2nd October 2024.

One of three Rush Veneer micro moths this morning.

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:

The Feathered Ranunculus. You can even see the feather-like antennae in this photo.

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.

At least three Rusty-dot Pearl moths were present.

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

Marbled Beauty. Again, a common moth, but always a pleasure in getting one to the trap.

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. 

One of the Yellow-browed Warblers on Hayling Island today. Photos by Andy Friend.

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).

 

Pembroke Road & Highland Road Cemetery.

Tuesday 1st October 2024.

A male Sparrowhawk entertained over Highland Road Cemetery late morning.

How on earth is it October already? Arguably one of the most exciting months for birding that could produce some amazing birds due to some very uncertain weather. ‘Twitchers’ will be on full alert ready to pick off that way off course and birders are looking forward to more migrants to land nearby whether it be on land or from the coast. Already, there are large numbers of Yellow-browed Warblers in the UK including one reported at Sandy Point, Hayling Island this morning and so that is why I took a stroll around Highland Road Cemetery this morning after I got back from seeing my father. My first shift at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth came first and I had a nice variety of birds here this morning.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The two footpaths between the Bowling Green and the house adjacent to the footpath.  Today, up to 6 Pied Wagtails were on the Bowling Green and a Chiffchaff was calling down one of the footpaths. 

An incredible 22 species were noted here today, with 20 species seen this morning and another two more species later in the afternoon. The weather was a lot better than the day before with a light breeze and a lot of overhead clouds, all the hallmarks of an Autumnal day and a few Autumnal birds made their mark here. All the usual birds were either heard or seen, but it also a few I don't see often including a flock of House Martins (later in the afternoon), Pied Wagtails (a total of 6 seen in the Bowling Green), a flock of around 20 Swallows heading west (in the morning), a few Meadow Pipits and at least three Jays flying around the trees. The Jays were seen in the afternoon too and showing well. A lone Cormorant flew west high over the trees and headed off towards Portsmouth Harbour. This afternoon, the House Martins and a couple of House Sparrows were added to this morning's total.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Above, I caught this Squirrel eating a leaf while the dogs looked on! Below, the Honey Fungus is starting to go over now around this Beech Tree.

This Virginia Creeper was stunning in the sunshine against the dark green background of this Conifer. Below, one of two Speckled Wood butterflies that were seen today.

At 11am, It was bright and sunny when I walked into the Cemetery with my dogs and almost straight away, a Chiffchaff was heard calling. Could there be a Yellow-browed Warbler lurking about here perhaps? I have seen them here in the past and so it looked promising. In fact, at least two calling Chiffchaffs were calling in nearby trees by the footpath and another was heard calling and seen a couple of times in the centre of the Cemetery. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard briefly calling in the north-east corner, but I had better luck with a male Sparrowhawk that soared over the Cemetery then headed off high south, scattering all the Pigeons below.

Above, the second Speckled Wood seen on my walk here in the Cemetery and below, just one of the flowering Ivy Plants that attracted so many insects.

Above, a queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee enjoying the flowering Ivy. Below, a Hornet-mimic Hoverfly enjoying Buddleia.

In one of the tall ornamental Conifers held a Firecrest. Even though the bird was calling frequently, it proved a nightmare to get a photo and the one I eventually got just about identifies it as one. Overhead, there was a small trickle of Meadow Pipits going past as per expected, but no Hirundines going over that I could see.

Above, the only photo I managed to get of the Firecrest within the Cemy, but you can just make out the distinctive plumage of the bird. Below, a Drone Fly on another Buddleia.

Above, another photo of the Hornet-mimic Hoverfly and below, even a Red Admiral butterfly was found on the Buddleia.

On the insect scene, a lot of the flowering Ivy produced good numbers of Bees and Butterflies and the scent of the Ivy was quite powerful at times. Four species of Butterfly were seen here this morning that included Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Large and Small White and with Common Wasps, Drone Flies and Bumblebee’s present; I had a lot of wildlife to look back on from my walk around my local patch.

Above, good numbers of Small Whites were around today and below, a Red Admiral sunning itself.

Above, love them or loathe them, there were good numbers on Common Wasps.

Above, some of the photos of the male Sparrowhawk flying over the Cemetery.