The Brent Geese are back on Governor's Green.

Tuesday 14th January 2025.

An amazing sunrise this morning over the Solent.

I suppose that this flu virus I currently have WILL take time to go, but i am still working nonetheless. Today, the weather was much better and the day started off with an amazing sunrise. On my way to Old Portsmouth, I pulled over by Southsea seafront and took a few photos of the amazing sunrise, along with many other people doing the same thing here. There was hardly a breath of wind today and plenty of sunshine as the day wore on. 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Brent Geese on Governor's Green this afternoon.

The main birds seen today here in Pembroke Road were the Brent Geese. Governor’s Green, in front of the Royal Garrison’s Church, held over a 100+ birds grazing on the lush grass here. When there were no cars going down the road, you could hear the peaceful cackling between them and when I got the opportunity, I watched them squabbling among themselves. It suddenly felt like I was back walking around Farlington Marshes again.

Above, birding pals Emma & Matt Parkes are spending a few days on the Elmley RSPB Reserve, Kent and took the following photos. From the top: Bittern, Short-eared Owl, Little Owl and a male Bearded Tit.

Unfortunately, there was a little else on offer here today with just 12 species seen or heard today and even the Jays have disappeared this week. Lets see what the coming week will bring.

The drake Ferruginous Duck on Brownwich Pond. Photo by Andy Friend.

In Hampshire today, the drake Ferruginous Duck is now on Brownwich Pond, near Chilling, having been seen on Normandy Marsh last Sunday. The Lesser Yellowlegs are still on Keyhaven Marshes and a couple of distant Velvet Scoter were off Brownwich. The Black-necked Grebe numbers off Hayling Oysterbeds have now increased to four birds. Numbers of this species of Grebe have sharply declined over the years where there used to be well into double figures.