Curlew Sandpipers en masse despite poor weather.

Thursday 11th September 2025.

This Canary-shouldered Thorn was easily the 'pick of the pops' this morning among a small number of moths.

The Moth Box was back on overnight for I took a big risk with the weather and thankfully, it wasn't raining by the time I got to check for moths. However, the rain wasn't too far away and on both my first and second shift at Pembroke Road, I took a good soaking and the wind was, at times, blowing a gale! Despite the weather, there was a good number of waders being seen, notably Curlew Sandpipers on the south coast.

My Moth Box:

Just the one Square-spot Rustic by the Box this morning within a very soggy eggtray.

I didn't really expect too many moths this morning due to the overnight weather as a strong south-westerly was blowing and although a clear blue sky overhead, the garden patio was still soaking from overnight rain. I waited till it got much lighter and quickly potted a gorgeous Canary-shouldered Thorn that was perched on the white sheet, of which I released a little later after I thoroughly checked the Moth Box. All the expected species were present, although all in small numbers. A total of 14 moths of 10 species were present today.

The Moths recorded this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Canary-shouldered Thorn x1	Rusty-dot Pearl x2
Lesser Yellow Underwing x1	Box Tree Moth x1
Large Yellow Underwing x1	Ruddy Streak x1
L-album Wainscot x1	Common Plume x3
Square-spot Rustic x1	Light Brown Apple Moth x2

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

This Small White butterfly was in my garden this afternoon and below, a few Batman Hoverflies were also present.

Yes, the weather was damn awful at times, but I did manage to get to see and hear up to 12 species of birds on my first shift this morning, but nothing more on my second shift. Three Pied Wagtails were on the Bowling Green during the morning, including two adults and a juvenile bird. Yet again, all the usual species were present again, but nothing out of the ordinary. Considering how poor the weather was, I was lucky to get 12 species this morning and so lets see what tomorrow brings.

In Hampshire today:

This Willow Warbler was seen on a boat off the Isle of Wight. Photo by Stephen Caudle.

I was wondering if anyone did any sea-watching today due to the strong winds blowing along the coastline, but I couldn't find any news. However, both Titchfield Haven and Farlington Marshes hosted large numbers of Curlew Sandpipers today (will they hang around for Andy Fisher to finally add one to his Hampshire year list?), with Titchfield hosting 8 birds and Farlington Marshes hosting 11 juvenile birds! A Grey Phalarope was on the North Scrape at Titchfield Haven still along with up to three Ruff and a pair of Glossy Ibis were on Posbrook Floods

Above and below, Curlew Sandpipers on Titchfield Haven. Photos by Daz Gorman. 

Above and below, Curlew Sandpipers on Titchfield Haven. Photos by Pete Allison.