A beautiful day with a 'booming' Bittern.

Saturday 1st March 2025.

A drake Pintail was one of many showing well in the sunshine off the harbour wall near the Sluice Gate.

Geoff, Andy and myself went to two sites today and the weather was very kind to us indeed. Yes, there was a heavy frost first thing this morning, but it was bright and sunny with a cloudless sky throughout the day. Farlington Marshes was our first port of call and in the afternoon, we enjoyed a superb afternoon at Fishlake Meadows and today, both Andy and myself picked up two more ‘year-ticks’ to our respective yearlists.

Farlington Marshes & Langstone Harbour:

Footprints in the ice. We found these footprints when we walked along the footpath by the Bushes area. They were most likely to belong to a Moorhen or Coot?

We managed to park close to the main entrance when we arrived around 8.30am and making our way to the main Lake, a Song Thrush was seen singing to the east within the Bushes area. High tide was around midday today and out on the mudflats to the west of the reserve, there were small numbers of Redshank and Curlew; but there were a lot more waders on the Lake itself. We made our way to the Viewing platform and enjoyed a variety of waders including a flock of 29 Avocets on the water. I have to say, the Lake is looking a lot better since the Sluice Gate was temporarily fixed and the water level has dropped considerably.

Above, more Pintail seen from the seawall and below, a Redshank flying onto the main Lake.

Above, a large number of Avocets were on the Lake and below, these Eurasian Teal were sunning themselves just below the Viewing Platform.

Other waders present included good numbers of both Redshank and Dunlin feeding around the edges of the Lake and an impressive number of Common Snipe were also feeding on the wateredge as well as a pair of Greenshank at the far end of the Lake. Out in the fields, there was still a healthy number of both Brent and Canada Geese grazing on the rich grass, though all took off when a Common Buzzard passed by overhead. On the rising tide, more Redshank and Dunlin were flying onto the reserve, but the remains of the damaged reedbed held hardly anything, apart from a few Grey Herons resting near the Stream area.

Above, Common Snipe feeding with a Redshank on the main Lake. You can see the ice build up on the shoreline to prove how cold it was last night. Below, a Grey Heron preening on the Willow Pool.

Above, the sunny weather brought out some of the Rabbits from their warrens. Below, we found this Owl pellet on the sea wall by the Point Field. Possibly, from a Barn Owl?

Walking anticlockwise around the reserve, we kept a sharp eye out for an early Wheatear; but we were not lucky this morning. Nearing the Point Field, I was hoping for a Bar-tailed Godwit among the many waders on the mudflats, but again, no such luck. However, there was a good sized flock of Knot to the south of the reserve, plus large numbers of Dunlin and Grey Plover on the mudflats. Geoff pointed out a Harbour Seal resting on the mudflats, looking huge despite the distance between us and the impressive mammal. The Point field was very quiet, though our first Cetti’s Warbler piped up deep within the brambles, though it wasn't seen. I was hoping for a Dartford Warbler to pop up here this morning, but no sight or sound of any this morning.

Above and below, Dunlin were still in good numbers on the mudflats off the Point Field.

Above, a flock of Shelduck coming onto the reserve from the harbour and below, a drake Shoveler on the Deeps. We didnt see many Shovelers on the reserve today, so this close bird grabbed my attention.

Out in the harbour to the east of the reserve, there were at least two pairs of Red-breasted Mergansers swimming in the channel as well as a pair of Great Crested Grebes. The Deeps held all the usual waders and wildfowl that included at least four Black-tailed Godwits. I could hear several Mediterranean Gulls passing over, but a pair of birds flew over our heads as I obtained a reasonable photo of the birds. Apparently, there are hundreds now on Hayling Oyster Beds currently and I just might pay a visit to see this spectacle soon.

Above, a pair of Med Gulls sailing high overhead by the Deeps and below, one of the singing Chiffchaffs near the Info Building.

Above, a pair of Brent Geese near the main footpath and below, view of the top of the Stream.

Above, this male Kestrel was hunting in the Bushes area and below, Geoff and Andy enjoying the sunshine.

Above, will Andy manage to cross a very soggy stretch of water? Below, and touchdown. Splosh!

From the Information Centre, we saw our first singing Chiffchaffs grabbed our attention as at least two birds were seen singing. I managed to film both birds actually singing, but please excuse my poor film footage. Better still, my first Bearded Tit, a male, of the year flew over our heads and landed in the reedbed behind the Info Centre. Well pleased. A male Reed Bunting was singing in the same reedbed and showed briefly flitting about in the reeds and bushes. We walked along the footpath between the Bushes area and the Stream and though soggy, I was sporting my Wellington Boots today. Phew! It was rather quiet here up until a female Kestrel was seen hovering nearby and showing very well in the strong sunshine to round off a good trip here this morning.

Singing Chiffchaffs by the Info Centre. This was the first time we had heard singing Chiffchaffs this year, a wonderful sound of Spring. 

Fishlake Meadows, Romsey:

The female Marsh Harrier was seen several times this afternoon over Fishlake Meadows.

After buying some nosh from a nearby Grocery Store, we soon parked up within the reserve Car Park and then made our way north along the Canal Path. We were hoping to hear the Bittern ‘booming’ this afternoon, seeing it was reported earlier today from this site and thankfully, we all eventually got to hear the bird. From one of the viewpoints, we saw a Great White Egret lazily flap across the stretch of water in the distance and overhead, a superb female Marsh Harrier was flying low over the reeds and then circled higher and higher until flying off north. A Common Buzzard was also seen flying over. 

A singing Dunnock by the Canal Path.

Cetti’s Warblers were calling everywhere though proved difficult to see at times within the reedbeds and brambles. I was hoping for a Blackcap along the Canal Path (a male bird was seen earlier this week here), but no sign of any today. A pair of Marsh Tits were a surprise find, both birds coming very close to where we stood by the main footpath, but both proved very difficult to grab a photo. A pair of Siskins were seen in trees adjacent to the footpath, with the male bird in full song as the female went about searching for food.

The female Marsh Harrier over the reserve.

We met up with another birder and while chatting, he told us that he had heard the Bittern earlier this morning and told us to head to the Screen area where he had heard it. Again, I was thankful I had taken my Wellington Boots as the main path to the Screen was flooded in areas as Geoff and Andy struggled to get through. From the Screen, we heard at least ten Water Rails calling deep within the reedbeds, but, frustratingly,  not one would show. The female Marsh Harrier came into view again and showed superbly sailing over the reedbeds and then headed off back north. Earlier, Geoff had heard the Bittern ‘boom’ briefly, but both Andy and I somehow did not hear it. Then, eventually, the Bittern ‘boomed’ for us, which sounded like someone blowing into a bottle! Though not seen, we are assured that we can add this species to our year list from the ‘Lazee Birders'; so therefore I had my second ‘year-tick’ of the day. 

One of several Reed Buntings seen on the reserve this afternoon.

Before we left the Screen area, we saw a Kingfisher flying low over the water and a male Reed Bunting  had perched on a nearby bush. Overhead, both male and female Sparrowhawk were seen and thanks go to the Long-tailed Tits that were flitting about in the bushes behind us for giving off their alarm call. I would not have seen them if they did not give off their alarm call. Yet another great days birding with the guys with plenty to see and arguably the best weather of the year so far.  

Above, the singing male Siskin by the Canal and below, a small flock of Grey Lag Geese flying north.

I was pleased to hear that both Emma & Matt Parkes and James Cutting got to see the organised ‘twitch’ to see the Black-throated Thrush this morning at Landford, which was arranged by Simon King et al and over £500 raised for charity too. Happy days.

The Black-throated Thrush in Landford this morning and was showing well. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Singing Firecrest in the Cemy.

Thursday 27th February 2025.

The singing male Firecrest in Highland Road Cemetery this morning.

A much better day with prolonged spells of sunshine throughout the morning and carrying on into the afternoon. It was cold at first this morning as I went to check my Moth Box for any goodies, but again, it drew a complete blank! Fume! There were a few notable sightings from Pembroke Road this morning and after a few chores after my second shift, I took the dogs out for a nice slow walk around Highland Road Cemetery.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

This afternoon, I found a Seven-spot Ladybird close to where I stood in Pembroke Road.

Just 12 species were noted here in Old Portsmouth this morning, though amongst them, the Jay showed again and four Brent Geese were seen flying east high over Governor’s Green (none settled though). There were SEVEN Pied Wagtails counted flying over and heading north over the houses having been flushed by something from the Bowling Green. As we head into March this weekend, there should be some passage coming up soon with finches and Pipits on the move or maybe something rarer perhaps?

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

The gorgeous weather continued throughout the morning and though a little cool, it was a lovely walk around my local patch this morning.

Sixteen species were recorded within the Cemetery this morning and easily the pick of the bunch was a singing male Firecrest that was seen in the centre of the Cemetery, searching for food among the small Holm Oak bushes. I first picked up the bird by its call and then, thankfully, it flew into my direction and landed in the Holm Oak by the main footpath where the bird showed down to around 10 feet. But getting a decent photo with my old camera was certainly not easy, but I was pleased with what was taken.

Above, the Lords & Ladies plants were growing again in their usual place and below, the now regular Collared Doves were up in the tall Horse Chestnut trees.

There was no sight or sound of any Woodpeckers here today, but the Jay showed briefly flying through the trees. Robins were in song and hopefully, the likes of Blackcap and Chiffchaff will be in song here soon.

Above, my first Hoverfly of the year, a male Spotted Maliscaeva resting on a Dandelion and below, this Buff-tailed Bumblebee was enjoying the flowering Heather on one of the graves.

The Lords & Ladies plants were starting to come through in their usual spot close to the garden wall in the southern half of the Cemetery and there were a lot of Daffodils in bloom in various areas as well as Cherry blossoms coming out in a few trees. A few Bees were on the wing and on one grave that is covered with flowering Heather, at least one Buff-tailed Bumblebee was enjoying nectaring on these plants. I did find one Hoverfly, my first of the year, a male Spotted Maliscaeva on a Dandelion.

Above, Cherry Blossom is starting to appear in the Cemy now and there were several graves sporting Daffodils to brighten up anyone's day.

Above, this rather stubborn Wood Pigeon eventually moved away despite my dogs ready to give it a good sniff! Below. a male Blackbird searching for food in the grass by the main footpath.

The birds recorded this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie 
• Jay
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Firecrest: male
• Goldfinch
• Blackbird
• Starling
• Robin 
• Wren

Above, the male Firecrest seen this morning.

Yesterday, birding pal Geoff Farwell took a walk in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and had at least 12 Hawfinches there. Also present there was a Marsh Tit, Firecrest, Siskin & up to three Common Buzzards. I heard this morning that the Black-throated Thrush was still present this morning in the same garden at Lindford and arrangements are being made to get access again for this weekend. Meanwhile, the first true migrants were appearing in the UK with a male Wheatear that was found on Monday at Portland Bill and a trickle of Sand Martin sightings in the UK today. Spring is on its way. Huzzah!

A Pembroke Road catch up.

Wednesday 26th February 2025.

Dawn over Highland Road Cemetery this morning before the rain came in.

After yesterday’s Black-throated Thrush sighting, arguably the best bird of the year so far, it was back to earth with some ‘bread-and-butter’ birding with the sightings of yesterday morning and today's efforts at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth. The good weather from yesterday disappeared and persistent and sometimes heavy rain came in to make it a rather soggy start to the day and it eventually dissipated around 2pm. For the Black-throated Thrush in Landford, there was no further access granted to view the garden where the bird was seen yesterday. As far as I am aware, there were no further sightings during the afternoon yesterday and no reports whatsoever today. I hope it survived the threats from the local Cat and the Sparrowhawk!

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The five Brent Geese on Governor's Green this afternoon.

Before I headed back home after my first shift in Pembroke Road, a total of 12 species were noted here, which included a Jay flying over the road and on Governor’s Green, where there were three Brent Geese and another 13 that flew over and headed off east. Unusually, there was more than one Great Black-backed Gull present over the rooftops with a further three more birds noted. I suppose the breeding season is not too far away and maybe the birds were a little frisky?

Today, despite the wet weather this morning, the day kicked off well with a Jay showing very well in the small garden within a tree near where I stood. It made a few ‘squawks’ and then flew off south. Up to 4 Pied Wagtails were on the Bowling Green this morning, though I will be checking them carefully for White Wagtails soon now that the mornings are getting lighter. The total number of species seen this morning was 12. The weather brightened up considerably this afternoon as a small group of five Brent Geese made the most of the sunshine and grazed on the rich grass on Governor’s Green throughout my time there. A small yellowish Bee tried to land on me but, unfortunately, it didn't settle and flew off. My thoughts were it could have been an Early Bumblebee, possibly?

This Barn Owl was filmed at Old Winchester Hill. Film taken by James Cutting.

A Black-throated Thrush in Hampshire.

Tuesday 25th February 2025.

The male Black-throated Thrush in a Lindford garden. Photo by Andy Tew.

A few days ago, one lucky chap couldn't believe his eyes when feeding below his bird-feeder, a male Black-throated Thrush, a first for Hampshire, was seen and thankfully, photographed by the finder. It was quickly put out to the Hampshire elite who confirmed its identity and then the rush was on the following day, as birders went 'en masse' yesterday to see this superb eastern Asian species within a garden at Lindford, near Bordon. Though the original finder refused to allow birders into his garden, thanks go to Alan Lewis and Simon King who negotiated with a nearby neighbour to kindly allow birders to use here garden for two days running. Wellington boots and a scope were essential, but at least the bird was on view this morning to please the ever growing number of birders present, who incidentally, behaved themselves impeccably.

Above and below, these were the best photos of a bad bunch of the Black-throated Thrush. In my defence, the bird was distant and my camera did not compare to some of the 'rocket launchers' that were there this morning!

I got a text from Andy Fisher saying that he was willing to pick me up after my first shift this morning although I had to be back by 2pm at the latest. All systems go to see my second ever Black-throated Thrush (having seen one in Oxfordshire many years ago) and my first Hampshire one. When Andy arrived, Geoff was already in the car and we then made our way northbound up the A3. The weather was perfect now, with bright sunshine and even the temperature was in double figures at last.

Film footage of the Black-throated Thrush that was taken yesterday, taken by Andy Friend.

We parked up as requested in a lay-by in Broxhead Farm Road and then walked to the gate by the River Wey. From here, we could see birders up ahead, including Andy Friend who was asking us to hurry up as the Thrush was showing very well in the garden underneath the feeders. It only took a matter of seconds for us to get on the bird and once we had seen it, I quickly set up my scope to get a really good look at this amazing bird. The bird flitted in and out of the garden and viewing was limited to around 30 seconds or so before it would hide in the surrounding vegetation. The feeder above the bird had attracted Siskins and even a Redpoll (seen earlier in the day, but we dipped on that!) and also a Great Spotted Woodpecker, but when a male Sparrowhawk flew in and landed on the nearby fence, the birds panicked and all flew off, including the Thrush.

This was my effort in filming the Black-throated Thrush this morning.

Once the Sparrowhawk flew off eventually, high over the trees, the birds slowly came back, but it took a while for the Black-throated Thrush to return, but by then, after having a good chat with many a ‘Lazee Birders’ there, we made our way to the car and made our way to Drayton Watercress Beds, near Alresford where there were supposed to be three Water Pipits seen reported today.

Green Sandpipers were abundant around Drayton Watercress Beds with at least 7 birds seen here this morning.

Once we parked up in another lay by near the Watercress Beds, we made our way to the site and searched for the Pipits. To cut to the chase, we didn't find any Water Pipits, but there were about a dozen Meadow Pipits present to check through. Up to at least 7 Green Sandpipers were present and up to four Grey Wagtails as well as numerous Pied Wagtails. A few Common Buzzards sailed overhead and I dipped on a Marsh Harrier flying over the fields as I was too busy checking the Beds through my scope. Out in the fields, a pair of Hares were seen, but they bolted in a nearby hedgerow before I could get a photo. Yes, we were disappointed and we even tried the Watercress Beds a little further down the road, but to no avail. We tried a few more Watercress Beds around the countryside near Alresford, but though we saw no Water Pipits, we did see at least four Red Kites sailing over the countryside.

By the roadside verge near Drayton Watercress Beds, we found a large number of Lesser Celandines in bloom and Red Dead-nettle was also found.

Our last throw of the dice to find a Water Pipit was the Watercress Beds at Warnford and so we took the drive south to this quaint neck of the woods. We pulled up opposite the Beds and thoroughly checked them out, but there was hardly a bird there. However, a superb Barn Owl flew over the Beds and looked as though it was hunting for food in the area. I quickly ran back to the car to grab my camera and as soon as I was ready to take a photo, the bird disappeared into a neighbouring field and promptly wasn't seen again. Yesterday, Andy had the pleasure of seeing a Barn Owl near the main entrance to Farlington Marshes and finished his day off with the South Boarhunt Little Owls and so for me to see a hunting Barn Owl in broad daylight today was quite exceptional.