Another good day's birding with more 'year-ticks'.

Saturday 8th February 2025.

At last the weekend. A Long-tailed Duck had  been present off Weston Shore for the past few days along with a few other scarce birds and I also fancied a trip to Fishlake Meadows to hopefully hear or possibly see, a Bittern that was reported earlier in the week. However, the weather was very poor in the afternoon and with low heavy overhead clouds throughout the day, therefore getting photography was hard work for anything distant. It was a very cold day (around 5 degrees centigrade all day) and the only saving grace was that there was hardly any wind.

Weston Shore, Southampton Water:

The Long-tailed Duck was always distant, but it did get a little nearer to the shoreline on Southampton Water.

Though there were no moths in Andy’s Moth Box this morning, Geoff and I were treated to a flock of around 15 Siskins flying over his garden! Not only was the second week running that Siskins flew over his garden, but both times, Andy was still indoors and still needed this species for his year list too! A Coal Tit, a small flock of Goldfinch and a male Chaffinch were also seen here while we enjoyed a hot drink.

Another poor photo of the distant Long-tailed Duck.

The thirty minute journey to the Weston Shore Car Park was a bit of a breeze and we soon got onto the 1st winter male Long-tailed Duck out on the water. A kind fellow birder came over to us and told us where to look for the bird and after picking it up through the scope, I quickly got the guys onto the bird. After around 20 minutes, the bird flew further north and landed not too far away and remained there up until we left.

One of several Brent Geese flying up channel along Southampton Water.

Checking the water for other birds, among the many Great Crested Grebes sitting on the calm water, I found the long staying Red-necked Grebe, though it was very distant and difficult to locate once it dived. That was the same for the Black-throated Diver also out on the water and as soon as you got onto the bird through the scope, the bird dived; but both Andy and Geoff managed to connect with the bird eventually. This was a ‘year-tick’ for Andy and cheered him up big time. Other birds seen included a few flocks of Brent Geese flying north over the water and several flocks of Curlew and Oystercatcher were seen flying low over the water. Visibility over towards Hythe was poor, which was going to be the theme of today. Next stop, Fishlake Meadows.

Fishlake Meadows, Romsey: 

Siskins by the Car Park at Fishlake Meadows.

By the time we got to the reserve, drizzle had started to fall. We had bought some hot food from a nearby Newsagent and enjoying this, I picked out a large flock of Siskins up in the trees and quickly got Andy onto the birds to add to his every growing year list. A good start. We made our way slowly north up the Canal Path where Andy was on a roll with more added to his year list that included Great White Egret, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cetti’s Warbler and a fine Water Rail. Good numbers of Cetti’s Warblers were calling around the reserve, but it took one by the Canal to finally nail a sighting of the bird. The Great White Egret was a very distant bird, but no mistaking what species it was. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over the main lake in the centre of the reserve and lucky for us, we heard a Water Rail calling from the Canal area and we just managed to view the bird through the brambles as it searched the muddy flood for food by upturning the fallen leaves. I was lucky enough to see a second bird as we walked along the footpath leading to the River Test; this individual swam across a stretch of water and promptly disappeared into the reeds before the guys could get on it.

Above, another photo of the Siskins by the Car Park and below, clumps of Mistletoe were growing in this tree near the main entrance.

Above, it was very gloomy looking distantly over the reserve, especially when the rain came in. Below, Freshwater Clams were scattered along a short area by the Canal. Did Otters cause this?

Above and below, this Cetti's Warbler showed well by the Canal.

Above, this Jay flew down and landed on the footpath and below, Andy was feeding this very tame Robin some Doritto crumbs!

Other notable birds seen in the gloom included a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying overhead and a Jay landed on the footpath as we made our way back to the car. A small flock of 4 Gadwall were seen on one of the pools and we accidentally flushed a Common Buzzard by the River Test as the bird soon settled in trees near the main road. The rain was now getting a bit harder as we made our way, at pace, back down the footpath to the car. Again, we had several large flocks of Siskins flying over and by the time we got back to the car, we then had lunch.

Canal Path, Titchfield Haven:

The three Glossy Ibis flying north up the reserve. 

Our final destination was to be the Canal Path at Titchfield Haven for another chance of finding the Glossy Ibis that has currently made the place their home. They have been virtually here all winter, but we failed to locate the birds last month; but second time lucky? The heavy rain while driving along the M27 had finally stopped when we reached the small car park near Titchfield Village and so we made our way to Posbrook Floods after some kind birders pointed us in the direction of the Ibis.

Above, a flock of Wigeon were out in the fields adjacent to the main footpath along with a Common Gull. Below, a lone Black-tailed Godwit with Wigeon near Posbrook Floods.

The Bridge Street Floods held a few wildfowl, notably Pintail, Mallard, Teal and a few Shelduck and close by, a small flock of around a dozen Lapwing were just north of the main pool. A fellow birder back in the car park said he had seen a Stonechat being accompanied by a Dartford Warbler. Sadly, there was no sign of those birds during our time here. Suddenly, while walking down the Canal Path, everything on the marshes to our left took off including a large flock of around 60+ Black-tailed Godwit and good numbers of Wigeon. Geoff then saw the Ibis flying away from us heading south, but at least we actually saw them, which was my second ‘year-tick’ of the day and Andy’s 8th year tick of the day!

Above, another photo of the Glossy Ibis and below, the female Kestrel overlooking the reserve.

We were hoping to see the birds on the floods, but there was no sign of the birds. By a small footpath just south of Posbrook Floods, we came across a small gathering of Chiffchaffs that were busy chasing flies. Also present was a Firecrest that was doing the same along the brambles and were all soon joined by a small flock of Long-tailed Tits. On the way back to the car, the Glossy Ibis once again were seen, but this time flying back down south over the reserve and out of view. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over our heads for the second time today and a showy male Kestrel perched on some exposed branches over the main footpath until flying off the reserve to round off a gloomy but enjoyable day's birding. 

And here is Andy doing his Morrissey impression at Fishlake Meadows.

No more Beech Tree in the Cemy.

Thursday 6th February 2025.

A lovely, but cold, walk around the Cemetery. 

I was itching to get back over Highland Road Cemetery this morning after my first shift in Old Portsmouth; not for the birds, but to see the result of what the Tree Surgeons had done and how far they had cut down the old Beech Tree. I was in for a surprise. It was a cold morning, but a clear sky overhead with unbroken sunshine throughout the day and a north-easterly wind.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

A fairly quiet day here in Pembroke Road with just 12 species seen during both shifts. A few parties of Brent Geese flew over, but none came down to feed on the lush grass on Governor’s Green while I was there. The dog walkers does not help, with some coming onto the Green and letting their dog run free doesn't help matters.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

A pair of Collared Doves showed well in one of the tall trees that was now full of buds.

As mentioned, I was interested in seeing how many trees had been lopped or taken down and as expected, the old Beech Tree (it really has looked sick for some years now) had been taken down, leaving behind a large brown stain where it once stood. I give those Tree Surgeons some credit, they really are efficient. It was most likely taken down for safety purposes. Fungi growing around the base of the tree was a tell-tale sign that the tree was sick.

There weren't many Blackbirds around this morning, but this female bird showed well by the main footpath.

Back to the birds and again, it was fairly quiet within the Cemetery with just 15 species noted today and nothing of real significance to report either. Good to see a pair of Collared Doves back in the trees over in the southern end of the Cemetery and a Greenfinch was heard giving its ‘wheezing’ song somewhere in the treetops. Just two Goldfinch seen this morning and the large gathering of Magpies near the Holm Oaks was present again with at least 15 individuals seen and making a loud din.

Above, one of the Collared Doves joining a nearby Wood Pigeon. Below, several Blue Tits were chasing one another by the main footpath.

The birds seen or heard in the Cemetery this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Wren
• Blackbird
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Feral Pigeon
• Robin
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit 

Above, the Holm Oak clump was spared the Chainsaw, but (below), this poor ornamental Conifer did not! It looks ridiculous now!

There used to be a 60ft Beech tree here!

In Hampshire today, a Long-tailed Duck had been found off the Weston Shore for its second day; a species I would like to see this winter. It was joined by the regular Red-necked Grebe and also 2 Great Northern Divers and a Black-throated Diver.

The Long-tailed Duck off Weston Shore today. Photo by Andy Tew.

First moth in my garden for the year.

Tuesday 4th February 2025.

There was only one moth present in my Moth Box this morning, this Common Plume Moth.

An overcast and fairly cool day with the threat of drizzle or rain later in the day. Thankfully, the rain didn't turn up during my time at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth, today. Just 12 species seen today from Pembroke Road that did include good numbers of Brent Geese flying over and a small flock on Governor’s Green again this morning. Sadly, the school children were using the green in the afternoon as several Brent Geese flocks circled over and then flew off east.

A stunning juvenile White-tailed Eagle over Milkham Enclosure, New Forest. Photo by Emma Parkes.

This morning, an adult Mute Swan flew east low over Governor’s Green and a Chiffchaff was heard calling in the distance, within the hedgerow by the Bowling Green next to the House Sparrows. They were the main birds of note and most of the usual birds here were seen or heard.  

A drake Goldeneye seen at Normandy Marshes. Photo by Andy Friend.

Earlier today, I had my Moth Box on overnight; the first time this year after yesterday’s clean up of the Box plus the change of the bulb. The only moth to be had was a Plume Moth. Sadly, no ‘macro’ moths yet, but one moth is always better than none. Later in the day, I was meeting one of my Brothers to discuss my Father’s funeral arrangements and both Red Kite and a hovering Kestrel were seen near the A3 in Waterlooville. I was hoping to take a look for the Barn Owl over Milton Lakes, but the weather didn’t look all that promising, so I gave it a miss. However, in Hampshire today, Mark Francis had a male Merlin over Posbrook Floods along with the regular three Glossy Ibis. Three Black-necked Grebes were still off Hayling Oyster Beds and one on Blashford Lakes. I have heard that the roosting Long-eared Owls over at Pagham Harbour were disturbed by some very inconsiderate 'toggers' who apparently shined a torch on them. Unbelievable. I do hope the word gets out who actually did this and gets their just rewards! The birds always come first! Consequently, they have moved from their usual roosting site. 

Above, a Goshawk soaring over Nomandsland, New Forest. Photo by Jay Bee and below, a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker photographed at Acres Down, New Forest. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Above, a Water Rail showing remarkably well at Fishlake Meadows and below, a Cormorant struggling with a freshly caught Eel at the Gosport Ramparts. Both photos by Emma Parkes.

Today, I have added some excellent photos from both the ‘Lazee Birders’ and also Emma Parkes, who I am very grateful for as always.

Large Brent flock on Governor's Green.

Monday 3rd February 2025.

Some of the Brent Geese on Governor's Green this afternoon.

Another working week has begun and at least it was a bright and sunny morning. Drizzle then came in around 2pm but soon fizzled out, leaving a relatively mild day. It was back to Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth, this morning where there were a few notable sightings. Around 11am, I noticed the Council (or possibly private Tree Surgeons) slowly chopping down the old Beech Tree within Highland Road Cemetery. That tree, which was probably around 80yrs old, had very few leaves in the summer and the Council obviously thought that the whole tree was rotten and had to go.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Up to 13 species were recorded today and that included an impressive count of around 130+ Brent Geese grazing within Governor’s Green this afternoon. It even attracted a couple of ladies who took some film footage of them on their mobile phones. It was good to hear both Great Tit and Robin singing away this morning, heralding Spring wasn’t too far away. This afternoon, my first Buff-tailed Bumblebee of the year, was searching for flowers near where I stood and it actually felt mild this afternoon.

This afternoon, I put out some Apple halves, hoping for Blackcaps to come into the garden. It worked last January.

Later in the afternoon, I not only put out some Apple halves for the Blackcaps (should they return this winter), but I also cleaned up and changed the blown lightbulb on my Moth Box. Some chap up in Horndean was now regularly getting some interesting ‘micro’ moths to his box. So, I put the Box on tonight and fingers crossed, I could get a few. I read with interest that a Barn Owl was hunting this evening over Milton Lakes. Me and the guys tried unsuccessfully on Saturday for the one seen in previous winters over in Warblington. I just might try my luck tomorrow late afternoon.

Great Spotted Woodpecker showing well in the Cemy.

Sunday 2nd February 2025.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen this morning here in the Cemetery.

It was back over Highland Road Cemetery this morning and a glorious morning it was too walking around my ‘local path’ with the sun blazing away. Again, the temperature never got into double figures, but it was a pleasure just to be out in the sunshine after so much rain we have had this week.

Above, this Blue Tit was the first bird seen as I entered the Cemy with my dogs. Below, not many Blackbirds were seen this morning. This female bird showed briefly.

Above, two of the many trees that were pruned by the Council this week. Below, a view of the Chapel looking west.

Sixteen species were recorded this morning that included the male Great Spotted Woodpecker again, high up in one of the Chestnut trees in the centre of the Cemetery. There was no sign of the Green Woodpecker today, but a Jay flew over and landed in a tree close to where I stood. But it was far too quick to grab a photo of the bird as it flew off over the Cemetery with something in its bill. It was good to see the Collared Doves back in the Cemy. I heard one calling first then looked south and saw a pair of birds fly into a tree close to the houses. All the usual birds were present as it will not be long now before the first Wheatear to turn up. They are virtually annual in the Cemetery, so I shall be keeping a very sharp eye out for one.

Above and below, love them or loathe them, I counted 14 Magpie's in all in one of the trees here.

Above, a pair of Carrion Crows were high up in the Oak tree and below, another photo of the male Great Spotted Woodpecker.

The male Great Spotted Woodpecker.

A lot of tree pruning has been going on throughout  the week here by the Council and it was evident with the exposed branches standing out like sore thumbs. Don't get me wrong, but the Council have done a stellar job here and are very tidy too. I was hoping that a Brimstone butterfly might have been on the wing here this morning, but there is a good chance one might be out in the afternoon when it warms up a bit.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Collared Dove
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Herring Gull
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Goldfinch
• Blackbird
• Wren
• Robin
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Great Spotted Woodpecker: male

Earlier today, Matt & Emma Parkes connected with the 'drumming' male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Acres Down. Below, for the second week running, Andy's moth trap yesterday attracted another Acleris notana / ferrrugana micro moth.

A good day at Hayling Island & Warblington.

Saturday 1st February 2025.

This gorgeous Sandwich Tern was off the Oysterbeds and more were seen in Chichester Harbour.

Another good days birding with Geoff and Andy which took us around Hayling Island and we finished the day around the fields and Cemeteries at Warblington. Though there was hardly any wind (except by the seafront), it remained a very overcast day with thick clouds making the light not that great for photography, especially for distant birds. On a positive note, I notched up another 8 new species for the year, while Andy grabbed 9 species today. 

Sandy & Black Point, Eastoke, Hayling Island:

A dull grey start to the day made photographing the distant birds very difficult, hence no photos from this area bar this one of the harbour entrance at Sandy Point. 

We had a good trip here at these sites, which kicked off with a good look at the harbour entrance. From the Lifeboat Station, a female Common Scoter was sitting on the calm water within the entrance and at least two Great Northern Divers were present there. Looking further into Chichester Harbour, I found my first Sandwich Tern of the year flying low over the harbour heading west. Through the scope, I picked up several Mergansers and Great Crested Grebes and even found a pair of Slavonian Grebes that eventually made their way to the harbour entrance and were joined by one of the Great Northern Divers and the female Common Scoter. Yesterday, 8 Slav Grebes were found late in the day here at this site.

High tide was around 1.30pm today, hence why I decided to go here first and view the birds on a rising tide. The sand bar just north of East Head held a drake Eider resting out of the water and was later seen flying low over the harbour and heading south. We made our way down past the Sailing Club to view the waders from Black Point where, among many Oystercatchers and lesser numbers of Curlew, I found a couple of Knot feeding together to add to both Andy and my year list. Not a great deal else to be seen here, so we made our way to Sandy Point again and viewed the Gorse bushes for a possible Dartford Warbler. Both Pete Gammage and Keith Turner were here and as we joined them for a chat, Pete picked out not only a drake Common Scoter heading east low over the sea, but a large flock of FIFTEEN Red-throated Divers heading distantly westbound high over the Solent. Another new bird species for our growing year list. Sadly, no sign of anything lurking in the Gorse bushes but there was a pair of Teal on the pool in the distance.

Hayling Oysterbeds, Hayling Island:s

This Sandwich Tern flew close past us when we reached the Oysterbeds.

Our next stop was to be the Oysterbeds and as the tide was nearly at its peak, the waders were pouring in to roost on the exposed islands by the Beds. From the Car Park, we enjoyed a hot tasty snack from the nearby Greggs and I picked out Andy’s first Med Gull of the year nearby resting on the water. Also from the Car Park, two Goldeneye swam close to one another: a drake and what looked like an immature drake. Three Black-necked Grebes were easily picked up within the harbour, well south of the Oysterbeds on a flat calm water along with good numbers of Mergansers and Great Crested Grebes.

Above, this adult Med Gull was joined by a second bird and below, a showy flock of Turnstone close to the footpath.

Above, at least a dozen Turnstone were just below where we stood on the spit and below, our first Rock Pipit of the year finally gave itself up.

When we reached the end of the spit overlooking the harbour, more new birds for the year started to appear. At last, our first Rock Pipit flew towards us and landed below us on the rocky shoreline and showed well. Andy managed to pick out a Greenshank over on the far side of the Oysterbeds, another new species for the year and on the main pool, two more Med Gulls swam with at least three Mergansers. I gave a good scan over the islands looking for a Peregrine, but it was on my third sweep that I found a female bird sitting on South Binness Island to add to my year list. The waders passing by kept us busy most of the time and looking skywards, three Ravens were flying together and circled round and round for a while till flying off east. As we passed the big main pool, a gathering of 5 Little Grebes were present with the Mergansers to round off a good trip to this part of the Oysterbeds.

Above, three photos of the Ravens over our heads at the Oysterbeds. Note that one of the birds was upside down! Below, a drake Merganser caught a fish.

Above, a mass of waders jostling for a space on one of the islands and below, five Med Gulls together on the island near the Car Park. One of the birds was in full summer plumage.

We made our way eventually around to the Hayling Billy Line where we found out that the area south along the Bill Line was blocked and so we had to turn back and walk back the way we had come. A bloody headache indeed! Before that, I checked the islands the waders were resting on and found two Whimbrels together sleeping quietly on the rising tide. These were also my first of the year and totally unexpected too, though I did hear a rumour that at least one bird had been wintering here. Despite a damn good search through the scope, I could not locate any Bar-tailed Godwits, though some other birder said they had seen two here around 1pm! Fume! A Kingfisher here performed superbly by hovering over the water in search of small fish. This it had done several times until flying off south as we pointed it out to some interested passers by.

The two sleeping Whimbrel in the northern end of the Oysterbeds.

Warblington, Hampshire:

Up to 7 Cattle Egrets were seen with Cattle south of Pook Lane.

My last stop today was for the Cattle Egrets in the Cow fields around Warblington. We reached Pook Lane and quickly had a good look for the Barn Owl in one of the nearby trees. Sadly, it was nowhere to be seen. Last year, the bird was getting disturbed by not only ‘toggers’, but other interference from non-birders too and there have been no further reports of the Owls since, I believe.

A Cattle Egret (left) and a Little Egret by the Cattle and below, the Green Woodpecker in the south Cemetery. 

Looking south into one of the Cow fields, it was ‘Bingo’ as we found a total of 7 Cattle Egrets stood motionless by a herd of Cattle. There was a huge number of birds present here including up to 100+ Stock Doves, 40+ Wood Pigeons and at least 50+ Jackdaws as well as a large flock of Starlings all in this one field! The Cattle Egrets were my first of the year and my 8th new bird today. Two Little Egrets were also among the other Egrets too and a male Kestrel was close by to add to an impressive number of birds. Wait for it, wait for it………..Andy got his first Rook’s of the year flying over, lol!!!

Above, the Greenshank on the Oysterbeds. A second bird was on the big pool by the Hayling Billy Line. Below, some of the Mergansers and Med Gull on the Oysterbeds.

Not done with Warblington, we parked up by the Church and tried our luck for Green Woodpecker within the nearby Cemetery, just south of the Church. I have previously been lucky with Green Woodpecker sightings here in the past and sure enough, we found one over on the west side of the Cemetery. That put a big smile on Andy’s face. Not an awful lot else seen here as we made our way then to the new Cemetery, east of the Church. We came across a large flock of Collared Doves that Geoff counted up to 35+ birds, all taking advantage of the exposed hay bales by the farm along with several Chaffinches and Goldfinches. At least five Little Egrets were with the Cattle north of the new Cemetery and a male Kestrel flew low over and headed off south to round off a very good day’s birding again.