Thursday 7th August 2025.
One of four Common Terns within the harbour entrance.
Late this morning, I took the dogs out for another walk and this time, I fancied a trip over by Eastney Outfall. It was still overcast when I arrived with my dogs, Ted and Buddy, then first took a walk around the spit opposite the Hayling Ferry. The tide was up within Langstone Harbour and so took a walk around the area and then a short drive to the Car park a little further south for another walk around by the Outfall.
Eastney Harbour entrance and Outfall:
Adult and juvenile Starlings in the brambles.
When we arrived at the Spit, a few Mediterranean Gulls were around the area including one on the beach near some sea-anglers and another perched on one of the posts within the harbour entrance. Another bird flew over my head and headed off south. At least four Common Terns were fishing offshore and quite vocal all the time I was there. It was all quiet within the harbour and apart from the Gulls and Terns, there was nothing else of note.
Above, these Black-headed Gulls were on the roof of one of the buildings. When I checked the photo, I noticed one of the birds had rings on its legs. I then contacted fellow birder James Cutting and sent him this photo. He did some research to show that the bird was actually ringed in Spain!
Above, this 'ringed' Med Gull was on the beach and a second bird was perched on a post in the harbour entrance.
Above, a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls on the roof on one of the buildings.
We then took a walk up to the Canteen area where there were at least 40+ Starlings foraging along the shoreline or perched up on the buildings and fence-line along with around a dozen or so House Sparrows for company. All was quiet here too and so we made our way back to the car and headed off to the southern Car Park.
There were always going to be a few plants around that included Wild Parsnip (above) and Smooth Hawksbeard (below).
Above, Mugwort and below, Lucerne; all growing abundantly around the Outfall area.
Parking up overlooking the harbour entrance, I made my way to the brambles where there had to be around 500+ Starlings present. Most were now starting to go into the Autumn ‘spotty’ plumage, though I did pick out a lot of juvenile birds. I can only assume they are eating the blackberries here as well as any insects they can find. On the subject of insects, there were only a few butterflies around that included just Small White’s. I had better luck with Moths on the wing when I flushed a Jersey Tiger moth from the Brambles and I managed to catch up with it and take a few photos. As I rounded the corner further south, I flushed a Common Carpet moth, but it was too quick for a photo as was a Hummingbird Hawkmoth that was lingering around the concrete area on the south side of the beach!
Above, Starlings taking flight over the brambles and below, I found this Jersey Tiger moth within the brambles.
Above and below, Common Terns over the harbour entrance.
The dogs thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the beach as I let them loose from their lead and checked out the area by the shoreline. There were a lot of guys fishing off the Outfall as I sat there enjoying my dogs going about their business. Sadly, there were no birds to be seen or heard here and eventually, we made our way back to the car.
Above, it may have been a bit of a grey day, but sitting there with my dogs was such a peaceful time. I think I shall have more of them in the future. Below, Locks Lake at high tide.
On the subject of plants in bloom here, it included clumps of Smooth Hawksbeard, Mugwort and a pretty purple plant called Lucerne as well as Sea Radish and Mallow growing by the fenceline. Despite being quiet for birds, it was nice to be out and about with the dogs somewhere a bit different. In the afternoon, while sitting with my wife in the back garden, a Swift flew high over the house. This was the first one I have seen this month as they are now getting scarce here over Southsea.
