A couple of hours birding on the coast.

Tuesday 18th February 2025.

This Common Gull was flying along the shoreline by Eastney Beach.

I visited three areas this morning in pursuit of anything of avian interest and what with a freezing easterly wind blowing, it most certainly a good reminder we are still in Winter despite sunny conditions. Thankfully, I was well wrapped up against the cold and therefore, I decided to take a trip to Southsea Castle, Fort Cumberland and the harbour entrance at Eastney. There were mixed fortunes regarding the birds, though there were some notable sightings today.

Southsea Castle and the Solent:

I can safely say that what a waste of time and effort it was there today! There was no sign of any Purple Sandpipers, even though I gave the rocks below several scans in the bright sunshine, but to no avail. Absolutely nothing on the sea either and the only bird I saw there was a very distant Cormorant perched on one of the tall posts. Even the Castle itself was near birdless  apart from a couple of Feral Pigeons. I assume the Black Redstarts have one or simply I was unlucky in not finding them. Though disappointing, I then made my way to Fort Cumberland. At least there was a bit more to see there.

Fort Cumberland and the Solent, Eastney:

The view of Eastney Beach looking west. Will there be a Wheatear here at the end of the month?

I have heard no reports of any Owls roosting in the holes on the southside of Fort Cumberland this winter, but I thought I would try my luck anyway. Making my way along the shingle up to the ruined buildings to the north, I kept a sharp eye out for any Black Redstarts among the buildings (normally a good site here in late Winter and early Spring), but none were to be found. Just Feral Pigeons around the buildings, though a pair of Meadow Pipits did fly over.

Above and below, up to 13 Stock Doves were counted near the Owl roosting site.

Above, an adult Common Gull along the shoreline.

Above and below, Sanderling on Eastney Beach.

I got up to the end of the promenade here and scanned north to the holes in the building wall, but all that were there were both Stock Doves and Feral Pigeons. I counted 13 of the former along the stretch of wall, though I am sure there were more around. As I made my way back, I was wondering where all the Sanderlings were and I saw them some distance away and sure they were to be disturbed by all the dog walkers, I waited for them to make their way towards me. There was one single bird searching for food close to where I was, but as I slowly made my way to the shoreline, the Sanderling simply walked close by and showed very well scurrying fast to avoid getting a soaking. A few Common Gulls flew along nearby above the surf, but little else of note.

Sanderling on Eastney Beach this morning.

Harbour entrance & Langstone Harbour, Eastney:

A male Red-breasted Merganser flanked by Herring Gulls at Lock Lake, Eastney.

Fully expecting a cold easterly blast once I stepped out of my car on the spit opposite the Hayling Ferry Terminal, I made my way west along the spit to view the harbour overlooking Lock Lake and Milton Lakes in the distance. The tide was out and the exposed mud held small numbers of Redshank, Oystercatcher and Curlew. A scan over the harbour revealed at least three Red-breasted Mergansers and at least two distant Great Crested Grebes. Though there were a good number of Black-headed and Herring Gulls present resting on the mudflats, I could not find anything interesting among them.

A feeding Redshank on the mudflats at Lock Lake, Eastney.

As I drove back down Ferry Road, a dog Fox was standing right by the roadside and as I slowed down to get a better look, I could clearly see its eyes clearly as it stared up at me and then walked back through the hedgerow and out of sight. A nice end to a cold trip here.