Wednesday 2nd April 2025.
Spring is most certainly kicking off for not only with migrants coming through but a big rarity here on the south coast is grabbing a lot of attention today. More about that later. The continuing sunny weather is keeping everyone happy, though don't tell that to the poor fireman trying to put out the fires in Moors Valley Country Park. We have had no serious rain for some time now and the ground is getting too dry. Let's hope the like of the New Forest and other woodland don't suffer the same way. I have not been doing any serious birding over the past few days, but I still had some nice sightings in Pembroke Road.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Though we have had sunny weather with a cloudless blue sky, the wind has come from the north-east and first thing in the morning it has been very cold. Thankfully, the afternoons have been much warmer and even hitting around 18 degrees this afternoon! Yesterday, there were just 13 species recorded, but though small in number, most of the birds showed very well including an adult Mediterranean Gull flying overhead. A Wren showed very well close to where I stood, singing it little heart out and always a joy to see close up. A large number of Wood Pigeons were on Governor’s Green, but still no migrants hopping about yet.
Today, just 12 species were recorded during the two shifts and although a low number, I watched a superb male Peregrine flying over the street and head off north low over the rooftops. I didn't need binoculars for this bird because it was so low and the light was so good, I could see every marking on the bird. What a fantastic sight. Up to three Pied Wagtails were on the Bowling Green early in the morning and a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew north; the first one this year at this location.
Insects were on the wing, especially in the afternoon when it got a lot warmer. Two species of butterfly were seen here that included a Peacock that landed nearby and a Small White that flew over the road heading north. Again, there were several Hairy-footed & Buff-tailed Bumblebees, though a Mining Bee species actually landed on me, but too quick in getting a photo of the insect.
I will not be putting on the Moth Box during the rest of the week due to the fact it is clear overnight with a strong north-easterly blowing throughout the night. I tried my luck last night and got absolutely nothing this morning for my efforts and what with the overnight weather conditions set to continue for the rest of the week, I shall leave the Box till Friday night.
Yesterday, a record number of Little Gulls took up residence on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes. A staggering 18 birds were counted, which was a Hampshire record. Though not in Hampshire, a Least Sandpiper was found on the Stilt Pool at Medmerry RSPB Reserve. Initially identifed as a Little Stint, further look at the photos proved it to be the Least Sandpiper and most likely the same bird that was previously seen at Somerset and then near Needs Oar Reserve in Hampshire. Sadly, the news did not go out till after the bird had left at this reserve as you need a Permit to be on it and also, only a select few were allowed to see the bird due to it being a private site. Personally, I just wouldn't bother in going to the place as one, it is a long drive to get to’ and two, it is a site for the privileged few to be allowed on.
On a positive side, the Least Sandpiper performed for the grateful masses and yes, I didn't want to drive all the way there to see a bird I have already seen before. I was lucky to see one on Sidlesham Ferry Pool in 1995, but at least it gave a lot of birders to add to their life list before it flew off strongly east late in the afternoon. Other sightings today in Hampshire included a Common Tern at Pennington Marshes and up to 4 Black-necked Grebes on Ibsley Water.
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