The Green Woodpecker showed well this morning within the Cemetery.
Another murky start to the day, with the fog horns going off in the Solent this morning apparently. The day did brighten up later around midday when I took the dogs for their walk around Highland Road Cemetery, though the sunshine was sporadic with the high cloud being pushed on by a light westerly wind. The temperatures got up to 15 degrees and it was quite comfortable this afternoon in Pembroke Road.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
It was pretty much the same birds as yesterday, bar the Redwing, but a singing Chiffchaff this afternoon was probably the highlight along with a calling Firecrest in the Holm Oaks. Firecrests are very much widespread now and as long as there are some thick evergreen Bushes or Holm Oaks, one could almost guarantee a bird there; which is a far cry way back in the 80’s when they were considered very localised around the New Forest area.
Just the one Brent Goose was seen flying east and a Jay put in a brief appearance flying over the road. A few Buff-tailed Bumblebees and Hairy-footed Flower Bees showed this afternoon around the flower beds.
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
Both male and female Hairy-footed Flower Bees were enjoying the flowering Hyacinth Bluebells on the graves within the Cemy.
I made the most of the weather while it was sunny at the time and so took the dogs for their second walk of the day around Highland Road Cemetery. There was no sign of the Black Redstart or Firecrest from Sunday, but a singing Chiffchaff was present again. Fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Ollie Crabbe took a walk here yesterday and also ‘dipped’ on the Black Redstart, but did see the Firecrest.
Above, the female Sparrowhawk showed well again and below, the female Hairy-footed Flower Bee balancing upside down on the Hyacinth Bluebells.
Above, a Dandelion giving a bright splash of colour and below, this female Blackbird was collecting nesting material already for another breeding season.
Both the Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker were seen today; the former feeding on an Ants nest by a grave, while the Great Spotted was seen just once high up in one of the Horse Chestnut trees. The alarm calls of many birds was raised when a female Sparrowhawk glided into the Hom Oaks. I gave it a good look high into the branches but failed to see the bird, though it was seen again soaring high over the Cemetery to the east and being hassled by Gulls.
Above, a Robin out in the open in search for food and below, the Green Woodpecker searching for Ants.
Above, this female Blackbird posed nicely in the sunshine and below, a Yellow-legged Mining Bee.
Sadly, not a single butterfly on the wing here during my time walking the dogs around the Cemetery, but there were plenty of Bees and Hoverflies on the wing including both sexes of Hairy-footed Flower Bee and Yellow-legged Mining Bees.
Above, another Yellow-legged Flower Beeand below, a Buff-tailed Bumblebee nectaring on the Cherry Blossom.
Above, the Great Spotted Woodpecker put in a brief appearance. Below, Lesser Celandine flowers.
Above, we have Common Groundsel, Red-dead nettle and Daises altogether in one spot.
Nationally, there seems to be an influx of Hoopoes in the UK, with an incredible 10 on St. Martins on the Isles of Scilly! I read that at least four birds were seen in Southern Ireland together! The Forster’s Tern has returned to Shipstal Point, Arne NR and the Booted Eagle is still in Cornwall. Please come east to Hampshire! In Hampshire today, I have just found out that a Blue-headed Wagtail had been found on the Deeps at Farlington Marshes. Migrants are coming thick and fast. I was hoping for a Swallow today over Pembroke Road; maybe tomorrow?
The Green Woodpecker within Highland Road Cemetery.
A Black-headed Gull with two of the Purple Sandpipers in front of Southsea Castle.
It was chilly again this morning although the temperatures did rise throughout the day. The low cloud still lingered here in Southsea with a light westerly wind. It was back to Old Portsmouth again today and after my first shift, I made my way to Southsea Castle, hoping for yesterday’s Red-necked Grebe to be still present.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
A reasonable total of 15 species were present today during my first hour here at Pembroke Road. A good start with a small flock of 4 Redwing flying low north was a nice surprise; a species that has had a scarce presence here on the south coast and now making their way back north to their breeding grounds. On the opposite spectrum, a Chiffchaff was in song somewhere near the Bowling Green and overhead, Mediterranean Gulls have returned with a pair of birds circling with Black-headed Gulls high overhead. Around Spring time, they turn up frequently around this site, passing from one harbour to another. A total of 17 species were recorded today.
Southsea Castle & the Solent:
There was no sign of the Red-necked Grebe but this flock of Brent Geese were just offshore.
After a very frustrating time with the dreadful Pay Machines in the Car Park near the Castle, I eventually made my way to the front of Blue Reef Aquarium to find yesterday’s Red-necked Grebe but it was all in vain. All I could find was a flock of Brent Geese swimming just offshore and even someone from the ‘Lazee’s’ could not find the bird either. So I made my way east, checking the rocks below the new promenade for the Purple Sandpipers.
Above, the rock layout all along the promenade and below, bathing Purple Sandpipers.
Above, a large gathering of the Purple Sandpipers and below, an adult Mute Swan flying east over the Solent.
Above, a few House Sparrows were on the hedgerows beside the Car Park.
I got to the usual spot below the Castle and it didn't take long to find the birds. Twenty were reported yesterday and I found all 20 Purple Sandpipers (the most I have seen here this winter) sat nicely on the rocks altogether though some were preening while a few more were hopping about among the rocks. It was low tide when I arrived and the sea over the Solent was very calm. Though there was no sign of yesterday’s Grebe, I did see a small flock of 3 Med Gulls flying east low over the sea and a Mute Swan soon followed them in the same direction. All the while I was watching and photographing the Sandpipers, a Chiffchaff was calling behind me, somewhere in the vegetation near the Castle. You can hear it calling on the film footage below.
The Purple Sandpipers below Southsea Castle this morning.
The male Black Redstart this morning within the Cemetery.
Not only did I get some amazing moths this morning, but a trip with the dogs over Highland Road Cemetery produced some nice birds too and I was blessed with a cracking male Black Redstart. The weather was bright at first and the overnight rain had departed early last night. I knew the temperatures were going to be mild and so the Moth Box had to go on. I was tempted to go and see the near Summer-plumaged Red-necked Grebe off Southsea Castle, but there was too much to do and the dogs needed walking. Maybe tomorrow?
The Moth Box:
My first Silver Y moth of the year.
It seemed a little quiet at first by my Moth Box at 6.30am today, but the more I looked, the more I found and amazingly, two new moth species actually climbed onboard my Life List! Both moths were micro moths of which one was a smart looking Lichen Tortrix (Acleris literana) and the second was the rare Scarce Oak Stilt (Povolyna leucapennella), which was identified when I put a photo of the UK Micro Moth Identification Facebook Page.
Above, the Scarce Oak Stiltand below, the Lichen Tortrix. Both species were 'Lifers'.
Other moths present included my first Silver Y of the year, two Early Greys and a Common Quaker. Two Common Plume’s and a Beautiful Plume made up the numbers. Some good moths are coming through now and long may it do so.
Water-dropwort Brown. My first of the year and not a common moth in my garden.
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
A view of the Cemy looking south. The clouds rolled in, but the birds were excellent.
I was on the hunt for migrants as I slowly walked around the Cemetery, keeping a sharp ear out for anything of note in doing so. I thought I heard another Ring-necked Parakeet, but the bird, if it was one, never materialised. All was fairly quiet at first, with just the usual species being seen or heard and then when I walked between the two large Horse Chestnuts on the footpath, right in front of me perched on a gravestone, was a pristine male Black Redstart. I used to get this species annually here in the Cemetery around this time of year, but the last few years, this species has been absent or simply I never was there when one arrived. Today was different, as I have never seen a male at this site and so marvelled at its stunning plumage. I managed to grab as many photos as possible and even some film footage of this beautiful bird and even put some photos on the Hampshire Birds Facebook Page.
Some of the photos I took of the Black Redstart. To be honest, I could have taken so many more of this very attractive bird.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard giving its alarm call, but I never got to see the bird this time, but I was much luckier with a singing male Firecrest flitting about in the bushes below the Holm Oaks. Near the Firecrest, a singing Chiffchaff was heard, but only briefly seen flitting about in the Silver Birch trees. A Long-tailed Tit was heard only somewhere within the Bushes to round off a very good morning trip here.
Above, a male Blackbird was one of several of this species and below, this Collared Dove was posing nicely on the southern perimeter wall.
Above, this singing Wren was holding territory in the centre of the Cemetery. Below, I found this single Common Speedwell flower by one of the graves. Such a beautiful shade of blue.
The leaves of the Horse Chestnut arrive for another Spring.
Back at Southsea Castle this morning, up to 20 Purple Sandpipers and a male Black Redstart were present as well as the Red-necked Grebe on the sea.
The male Black Redstart within the Cemetery this morning.
This gorgeous Common Snipe was right in front of the Tern Hide today.
Another Saturday already here and it was going to be another good one. The weather looked good too, with some sunshine but mostly overcast throughout the day and a shower or two on the way home. The Moth Boxes were relatively busy, especially Andy’s and a real surprise first thing in the morning too before picking the guys up and heading off back into the New Forest and Blashford Lakes. Later in the day, we were to meet up with both Emma and Matt Parkes at Blashford.
The Moth Boxes:
My first Herald moth of the year was by my Moth Box.
My Moth Box attracted just the three moths this morning that included two Double-striped Pugs, but best of all, my first Herald moth of the year. This early moth is irregular to my Box, but always most welcome with its rusty upper wing and unique looking shape. It was clinging upside down on the white sheet by the Box as I carefully potted it and took some photos of the moth inside the Kitchen.
Above, what the hell is that....... and below, Andy's Moth Box attracted these Early Grey's, Hebrew Character's and a Small Quaker.
While checking the moths, I thought I had heard a Ring-necked Parakeet give off one of their distinctive squawks! I looked up but nothing was seen. Then it did it again around ten minutes later and this time, I clocked two birds flying high over the houses heading east towards Highland Road Cemetery! That was totally unexpected and represented an excellent ‘Garden Tick’!
Above, Brindled Pug and below, Twenty-plume Moth were both new for the year for me.
Meanwhile, over at Andy’s Moth Box, there was a bit more activity regarding the moths. A good total of 6 Hebrew Characters, 2 Early Greys, 2 Small Quakers, a Common Plume and then my first Brindled Pug and Twenty-plume Moth of the year to round off a good number here. As per usual, Andy’s garden gets some nice bird life that includes a Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock and singing Coal Tits nearby.
Blashford Lakes, nr Fordingbridge, Hampshire:
The pair of Little Ringed Plovers on the small island in front of the Tern Hide. Our first of the year.
We were hoping to see both Little Ringed Plovers and Sand Martins today, seeing they were reported yesterday on Going Birding website and who knows what other migrants might be present. Thankfully, both species were present for us, adding to our ever growing Hampshire Year List and I have to say, the site was awash with singing Chiffchaffs!
Above, the pair of Little Ringed Plovers then moved over to where the Meadow Pipits were to the right of the Hide. Below, the Black-necked Grebe being photo-bombed by a passing Black-headed Gull to the left of the Hide.
Arriving at the site around 9.15am, we kicked off in the Tern Hide first of all and it didn't take long for me to pick out the Little Ringed Plovers (a pair) sitting on the small island in front of the Hide. A little later, both Geoff and Andy were outside the Hide within the Car Park and then Geoff called me outside to say that a flock of Sand Martins were hawking over the trees to the east of the Car Park. I quickly went outside to see for myself and sure enough, up to 6 birds were seen distantly; however, we were to get better views of them later in the day.
Above, one of many Great Crested Grebes on Ibsley Water and below, another photo of the slightly distant Black-necked Grebe with Wigeon and Black-headed Gulls.
Back on Ibsley Water from the Tern Hide, the whole area still had a very large number of wildfowl present that included mostly Wigeon, but there were also up to 6 Goldeneye (including three drakes) of which some were displaying to the females; Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler. A couple of Egyptian Geese were on the grassy spit while at least three noisy Grey Lags flew over the water and headed off east. A small flock of Canada Geese held one individual with a near all white face and most likely a hybrid bird. It was good to hear some young ladies getting excited about some of the birds being shown to them by a more experienced birder through his telescope. Took me back when we first started down Farlington Marshes and seeing species of birds for the first time.
Other wildlife here at this superb site included Scarlet Elf Cap fungi (above) and Primroses (below) as we walked through some of the woods.
There were plenty of Great Crested Grebes on the water and still some showing signs of Winter plumage still. There was just the one Black-necked Grebe present, which was now in full summer plumage but always remained a bit distant to get a really good photo. I believe there were two here yesterday, but only one bird could be found.
The Kingfisher was obliging as we neared the Ivy South Hide.
The waders present here today not only included the Little Ringed Plovers, but also several Oystercatchers, a few Lapwing (some were displaying), a lone Black-tailed Godwit and an amazingly showy Common Snipe right in front of the Tern Hide which entertained the birders and ‘toggers’ alike. Checking the skies above the tree line for the White-tailed Eagle that was seen yesterday here, we came across at least three Red Kites and at least two Common Buzzards. Up to 6 Meadow Pipits were on the grassy / stony area to the left of the Hide and from the Car Park, there were sightings of both a male Reed Bunting and a female Stonechat in the hedgerows. At least three singing Chiffchaffs were heard singing by the Car Park.
Above, flowering 'pussy willow' were adjacent to the footpaths.
In front of the Ivy South Hide, there were a lot of both Gulls and Cormorants present including a lot of juvenile Herring Gulls (above) and squabbling Black-headed Gulls (below).
We then took a long walk to the Woodland Hide, hoping for possible Brambling and Redpoll, but again, the feeders were all put away due to the outbreak of Bird Flu in the area and so, we made our way to the Ivy South Hide. Nearing the Hide, we came across an obliging Kingfisher perched on the water opposite the Hide and allowed me to grab a few photos of this beautiful bird. A few Siskins flew high over our heads, but no Redpolls were seen despite a good walk around the area. The Ivy South Hide was fairly quiet today, with plenty of Herring and Black-headed Gulls seen and the usual large number of Cormorants resting in the trees. The walk back to the Car Park was fairly quiet, but a Treecreeper collecting nesting material and then flying back into a nearby Oak tree was entertaining.
Above, one of the Robins feeding out of Andy's hand and enjoying it seems, some Monster Munch crisps! There are plenty of friendly Robins along the footpaths between the Hides here.
We made our way back to the Tern Hide again and soon met up with both Emma & Matt Parkes (and his two daughters). It reminded me of when I used to take my two boys birding with me, which brought back a lot of happy memories. All this morning's birds were still present and after half an hour or so, we decided to make our way to the Goosander Hide to hopefully get better views of the Sand Martins. On arrival, we saw a female Goosander some distance out and a male Pochard was present also among the many Tufted Ducks (though Geoff saw at least 4 Pochard). A flock of Sand Martins then came in from the north, quite high and a count of at least a dozen birds were seen, but none came down to the man-made nesting site for them like they did earlier in the week.
Above, the Treecreeper which wasgathering up nesting material and below, a view from the bridge overlooking the stream that cuts through the woodland near the Park Centre.
Above, one of many singing Chiffchaffs high up in the trees and below, the new Swift nesting house on the way to the Goosander Hide. It was actually playing Swift calls to attract the species. I think it's a tad early!
Above, some of the nine Common Buzzards swirling above our heads and also a 'photo bombing' Drone Fly (the large blob). Below, the Tern Hide viewed from the Lapwing Hide.
Above, my first Coltsfoot plants of the year and below, one of the male Bullfinches seen along the footpath.
We said Goodbye to Matt & Emma as they went off with the kids to Eyeworth Pond as Geoff, Andy and myself made our way to the Lapwing Hide. I was especially looking for Adders along the path where I had seen them in previous years, but none were to be seen. Overhead, a gathering of NINE Common Buzzards were swirling about high and along the path, we found our second singing Blackcap of the year. More and more Gulls were coming into the Lakes as the afternoon wore on and a good number of them were Mediterranean Gulls. Before entering the Lapwing Hide, a quick look through one of the screens overlooking a large pool covered in weed, held a single Little Grebe (now in summer plumage) and a single Gadwall, but little else. The Lapwing Hide was somewhat quiet and so we didn't spend too long there. The return journey back to the car produced large numbers of singing Chiffchaffs along the way and Andy found my second lot of Bullfinches for the year, with two males and a female in attendance and showing very well too.
Above, six Fallow Deer were seen running over the heath and below, a distant singing Dartford Warbler on the Gorse.
On the way back along Roger Penny Way through the Forest, I decided to give it another try from a well-known site here for raptors. Merlin was our target bird, but during the 45 minutes there, sadly, none were to be seen. However, we did see a Red Kite, Common Buzzard and up to two hunting Kestrels. My second Dartford Warbler of the year was seen singing on one of the Gorse bushes and though distant, it showed well. A few Meadow Pipits were in the area and a pair of Stonechats were down in the gully below of which, incidentally, the male bird with its striking white shoulder patch was most certainly reminiscent of a Continental bird. Finally, a Curlew was heard doing its ‘bubbling’ call over the heath somewhere; then we saw it flying high over the heath to round off another superb day's birding.
