Thursday 3rd April 2025.
After my first shift at Pembroke Road this morning, I made my way to my favourite bench overlooking the Solent at Southsea seafront (just east of the Pyramids) where I spent the next 2 hours checking out any visible migration that just might pass my way. The weather was similar to yesterday with a clear blue sky first thing, but clouds came in from the south. My weather App said rain was on its way, but that simply did not materialise (though we really do need some rain) and the south easterly wind was nowhere near as cold as yesterday. It most certainly paid off within the two hours with two more species added to my year list and a trickle of other species too.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Up to 14 species were recorded on my first shift here in Pembroke Road although to be honest, it was all the usual fare on show; but I did enjoy watching the diminutive Wren fly across the road in front of me then perch up and begin to sing. Like the Cetti’s Warbler, such a strong loud song for such a small bird. The two Pied Wagtails were in the Bowling Green first thing this morning before they put the water Sprinklers on and they were joined by several Starlings and a male Blackbird. This afternoon was fairly quiet too with just two more species added to the day total here: Black-headed Gull and Great Tit.
A few Hairy-footed Bumblebees were around the flower beds again and at least two Common Wasps were patrolling the same area. Sadly, no butterflies here today.
Southsea seafront & the Solent:
After all the work done by the Council and their contractors in improving the promenade here, I was somewhat surprised that the old Shelter that used to be here was still here! Mind you, a good lick of paint does wonders to the architecture and I took full advantage of it. When I arrived, there was someone already sitting in the shelter facing the sea, but he soon made his way once I settled down with my telescope in preparation for two hours of sea-watching.
The 'seawatch' kicked off nicely when I saw a Swallow coming in off the sea; my second of the year after the one in the New Forest last weekend. More were to follow during my spell here with a total of five birds in all. I probably missed a few coming in, but I was more than happy watching visible migration actually taking place. A small passerine flew in also, but it was a bit distant and looked good for a Pipit species. I did hear a Meadow Pipit flying over when I was leaving, so they must be on the move this morning.
I saw something flying fast westbound very low over the sea and once I got my telescope onto it, I soon realised it was a male Peregrine as I followed it over the sea and then watched it land on one of the tall posts about a mile out. While watching the Peregrine, I caught sight of an adult Gannet some distance out, but no mistaking my first one of the year. Sandwich Terns were going through in good numbers, although I think most were resident birds as they fished along the shoreline. However, I did spot a few distant birds going through in small groups. Mediterranean Gulls were also passing low over the Solent, though some flew literally just yards away over the beach and promenade looking for an easy human meal!
I saw something interesting through the binoculars heading westbound half way out across the Solent and so quickly got my scope onto the bird. It was a juvenile Kittiwake belting through across the sea; my second ‘year-tick’ of the day and a good species to be seen at this time of year. Of course, there were a lot of quiet spells during those 2 hours, but it was well worth being here during this short period of time. I am hoping that I will be coming here at first light and reap the rewards over the coming months.
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