An update from Pembroke Road.

Friday 28th November 2025.

It is not easy to grab a quick photo of Pembroke Road on arrival as this is a busy road used by those on their way to work.

Fortunately, the weather has been quite pleasant over the past couple of days, especially today with bright sunshine; but low and behold, wet weather is coming in again for Saturday! Both of my entries for today and yesterday I have decided to add as one entry and both at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth and although the bird totals were not huge, I think in years to come when I look back or someone looks back on what was around this site, it is always useful to gauge populations of birds in Portsmouth.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Yesterday in Pembroke Road, a total of 13 bird species were recorded and the pick of the bunch had to go down to a small flock of three Redwings. I first heard one around 8.20am flying overhead, but it only called once and I could not locate the bird. Then moments later, a small flock of three birds flew into the Sycamore trees opposite and then into the neighbouring garden and out of sight. They were later seen flying off north over the rooftops. Daytime Redwing sightings here have been uncommon this season, but should we get a cold snap, they become a bit more noticeable.

Today, just 11 bird species were noted and it was the Jays that put on a good performance for me today. As per earlier this week, I watched one bird hovering briefly trying to pick off acorns from the Holm Oak trees and then flying off, should it be successful, back west down the street to consume their bounty. I only wish I could have my camera with me but work comes first. On arrival this morning, Governor’s Green was loaded with Herring Gulls searching for worms in the wet grass; with at least 40 birds present, they were mostly adults with just a few juveniles present. 

I noticed that a single Garden Spider was still present in its web between the two bushes where I stand and a Buff-tailed Bumblebee briefly put in an appearance before shooting off around the corner. Later in the day, when I was out and about around Eastney, I found at least two Red Admiral butterflies still on the wing. The weather was now bright and sunny and mild yet again and obviously, the butterflies took full advantage of this. 

Firecrest. These have been recorded in Pembroke Road several times this year, though mostly hidden in the Holm Oaks. But I remember one bird literally flying towards me then veering off at the last moment to land opposite where I stood. This photo was taken by Pete Appleton at another location.

I was wondering why there were hardly any parents with the kids going to school this morning and it turned out that it was another Inset Day, which I wasn’t aware of. So, I headed off home early.

In Hampshire today:

Apart from the Boat-tailed Grackle in Holbury, Southampton, the rarest bird in Hampshire today was a drake Green-winged Teal that was found by Jason Crook in Sweare Deep in Chichester Harbour, close to the Langstone Mill Pond. I understand this species has now been degraded to a sub-species by the birding authorities, but still a lovely bird to look at nonetheless. A Black-necked Grebe was seen off Brownwich, near Hill Head and the three Velvet Scoters and Red-necked Grebe were still off Netley, in Southampton Water. A Ruff was a surprise find off the Salt Cafe, Portchester among a large number of waders.

This male Kestrel was in Southampton Cemetery. Photo by Rob Porter.