My first Hampshire 'Manxie'.

Saturday 30th August 2025.

The Wryneck was just visible in the vegetation from the Hayling Billy Line.

Sadly, Geoff couldn't be with us today as he had already made other arrangements and so it was Andy Fisher and myself grabbing a hatful of ‘year-ticks’ of which Andy notched up 5 to my 4 ‘year-ticks’. We were originally going for the Wryneck by the Hayling Billy Line on Hayling Island, but when Andy read out from Hants Birding that a Manx Shearwater had been seen off Hill Head, then that took priority! 

Before this though, there were two Moth Boxes to go through and both the Boxes threw up some nice surprises. The only downside today was that the weather was very unpredictable despite the weather forecast saying that rain was coming in around 2pm. WRONG! The morning was peppered with heavy showers and a good soaking was had at times.

My Moth Box:

This Clancy's Rustic moth was my second for the year.

My first morning back from Devon and I was pleased with a total of 52 moths of 25 species present today. There was a clear blue sky overhead and temperatures were around the 15 degree mark with hardly any wind. However, that was to change later in the morning as rain made its way in and the wind really picked up. Autumn moths are now starting to come through and this morning, a Clancy’s Rustic (my second of the year) was present, along with 2 Square-spot Rustics, a Turnip Moth and 3 Lesser Yellow Underwings; all classic Autumn moths. Among the micros, pick of the bunch was the Tree-mallow Tortrix (Crocidosema plebejama), which was my second of the year. Other immigrant moths present included 3 Langmaid’s Yellow Underwings and 7 Rusty-dot Pearls.

The Moths recorded this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Clancy’s Rustic x1	Box Tree Moth x2
Brimstone Moth x2	Rusty-dot Pearl x7
Double-striped Pug x4	Common Masoner x1
Willow Beauty x2	Apple Leaf Miner x1
Square-spot Rustic x1	Common Plume x4
Small Dusty Wave x2	Beautiful Plume x1
Turnip Moth x1	Light Brown Apple Moth x2
Lesser Yellow Underwing x3	Ruddy Streak x2
Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing x3	Tree-mallow Tortrix x1
Setaceous Hebrew Character x2	Barred Marble x1
Pale Mottled Willow x2	Chevron Grass-moth x1
L-album Wainscot x3
Vine’s Rustic x2
Bright-line Brown-eye x1

While checking the Moth Box, a pair of Yellow Wagtails flew high overhead heading westbound. Apart from a few Starlings passing over, all was quiet.

Andy’s Moth Box, Cowplain Marsh:

My second Small Emerald Moth of the year.

As Andy made me a cup of coffee, I got about checking out the make-shift Moth Box Andy devised using a lamp and all the lights on in his back room. I had used his Moth Box while I was staying in Devon and brought it back today. He did warn me that he had a Hornet somewhere near the Moth Box of which I did find and carefully potted it and released it at the back of his garden.

The Hornet that was by Andy's Moth Box.

There were 20 moths present of 12 species of which easily the best was my second Small Emerald Moth perched on his back door. Though there were not many species here, it certainly produced quality with another Small Blood-vein present and two species of Grass-moths. Not bad, seeing that his lamp produced this many Moths.

The Moths recorded in Andy’s garden included the following:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Small Emerald Moth x1	Common Grass-moth x3
Small Dusty Wave x4	Narrow-winged Grey x2
Small Blood-vein x1	Common Plume x1
Square-spot Rustic x2	Box Tree Moth x1
Willow Beauty x2	Chevron Grass-moth x1
L-album Wainscot x1

The Solent, Hill Head, Fareham:

As mentioned, our plans had changed entirely as we then made our way to Hill Head for this Manx Shearwater seen early this morning amongst a feeding flock of Gulls. Both Andy and myself have never seen a ‘Hampshire’ Manxie and I am pleased to say we managed to see the bird. The weather was looking a bit ‘iffy’ as it was now overcast and the wind was picking up. I had my scope with me and got about checking the large number of Gulls (and a few Terns) around half a mile out within the Solent. While Andy checked with another birder nearby if he had any luck, I picked out a light-phased Arctic Skua chasing the Gulls and waited patiently for Andy to return and put him on the bird. 

While watching the Arctic Skua, I then picked up the Manx Shearwater flying around low over the sea in front of the Gulls. Regular birder Mark Francis and his father then joined us when I gave the shout that I had the Shearwater in my sights. Mark and his Dad quickly picked up the bird, which had gone missing for over an hour, and so did Andy through his binoculars and finally, I had my first Manx Shearwater in Hampshire waters. Huzzah! Then a large rain shower came in and to avoid a severe soaking, we took shelter back in my car till it passed over.

We picked up both the Skua and Shearwater again and incredibly, while watching these two superb birds, Mark gave the shout that a Grey Phalarope was passing through and flying low over the water heading west. To be fair, it was difficult to see at times without a scope, plus the bird landed on the sea a couple of times and virtually disappeared until it took flight again. We saw the bird a couple of more times before it flew off west again and by now, more and more birders were turning up hoping to see these amazing seabirds. Very happy with today’s sightings, I suggested to Andy to try our luck for the Wryneck on Hayling.

Hayling Billy Line, Hayling Island:

Another photo of the Wryneck from the Hayling Billy Line.

We got lucky and managed to park up in the main Car Park near the Esso Garage and then took a walk to the Oysterbeds. The tide was coming up and so I wanted to check the islands to see if I could find an Osprey for Andy who needed this for his Hampshire year list. Sadly, no sign of any on the islands or in Langstone Harbour, but while sat on the bench overlooking the Tern rafts, I picked out a juvenile Arctic Tern flying past! Though I had seen Arctic Terns off Falmouth earlier this month, this was my first in Hampshire this year and an unexpected bonus; it certainly put a big smile on Andy’s face.

Above, you can just about see this Common Tern chick on the Tern Raft upon one of the pools at the Oysterbeds. The parent bird was seen a few times close by. Below, a Little Egret keeping a watchful eye on us as we strolled past.

We made our way to the Hayling Billy Line and joined a few other birders present. One of them, a chap called Roger, told us that he had seen the bird five minutes before we arrived, which meant the bird was still present. Excellent. Another large shower came over and therefore another soaking, but after the rain departed, out popped the Wryneck low down on a bramble. I managed to grab a few photos of the bird and though obscured a little by small branches, we had a good view of the bird before it flew down onto the ground and out of sight. After around 30 minutes or so, it flew south and landed on another bramble where I got a good view of the bird through the scope before it flew down yet again. But during that time, a lady who had waited very patiently for the bird to show was about to go, but I told her to look through my scope to view the bird, which made her a very happy lady and gratefully thanked me and went home happy.

Above and below, I found this peculiar looking plant called Weld or Dyers Weed. Its stems look similar to tentacles!

Above, a Common Gull resting on the Oysterbeds and below, Yellow Toadflax also grows by the Oysterbeds.

Andy Friend and his mate Kev joined us, along with our old pal, John Cronin. The Wryneck had flown up once more and landed on a distant bramble and I managed to get all the guys to view the bird through my scope. The bird was happy to be there for quite a while as I managed to take some film footage of the bird, though it wasn't easy with the wind buffeting my scope (see below). The bird would disappear for a length of time, but during this, we had a host of nice birds to look at that included a superb Hobby flying low over the same field and then over the rooftops before flying off south.

The Wryneck at the Oysterbeds from the Hayling Billy Line. Photo by Andy Friend.

Above, it was windy at the Oysterbeds and therefore the film footage is a bit shaky, but the Wryneck showed very well on top of a bramble.

Other sightings during our two hour stint here included a male and female Sparrowhawk, a Common Buzzard, several Common Whitethroats, a very brief Blackcap, Green Woodpecker and a Grey Heron flying over. An Osprey flying over would have been the icing on the cake, but we had to wait later for that species! So with four new Hampshire species seen today for my year list (now on 198 species for Hampshire this year), I decided to try our luck over in Portsmouth Harbour to round off our day.

Portsmouth Harbour from Portchester:

We made our way to the Salt Cafe Car Park to view Portsmouth Harbour from there and as there was a reported FOUR Ospreys seen there this week, we surely had a chance in finding one out there. Peewit Island was our best bet and so after ordering some hot drinks from the Cafe, we grabbed a table, set up my scope and then BINGO, I found an Osprey feeding on a fish perched on a signpost on the island. Andy was ecstatic and now he had his fifth ‘year-tick’ for the day. Though distant, the bird still showed well enough to see it was an Osprey as the bird continuously fed on the large fish and occasionally spread its wings for balance against the blustery wind blowing across the harbour. Some great birds and moths today, despite the unpredictable weather and with Autumn now upon us, what goodies lie in wait for us over the coming months.

Also present in Hampshire today was a Bonaparte’s Gull that was found on Keyhaven Marshes today. Hopefully, the start of a string of rarities coming in. Earlier today, Mark Francis also had an Osprey flying over the Solent heading towards the Isle of Wight and up to TWO Arctic Skuas were seen.

Another trip over to Appledore.

Thursday 28th August 2025.

Dawn over out Cottage this morning.

Our penultimate full day here in North Devon and sadly, the heavens did open as promised by the Met Office. Therefore, no Moth Box overnight, but I did manage a walk with the dogs after breakfast between rain showers. I’m not complaining about the weather as the ground and plants here most certainly need it and desperately by the look of it.

Above, I took an early morning walk with the dogs, but it had to be quick as the rain was coming. Below, one of several Swallows passing across the fields.

Our Buddy checking out (safely I might add) the Sheep. I do believe he has never ever seen one before!

The dogs were very good and obedient while off the lead, which is very encouraging, as I walked around the perimeter of the main field and then onto the neighbouring field, hoping there might be an interesting migrant bird around. I read this morning that there was a Wryneck found at Hayling Oysterbeds and to be honest, I was hoping I might stumble upon one here around the gardens and fields. Nope! The best I could muster this morning were a couple of calling Chiffchaffs in the hedgerows and small flocks of Swallows passing low over the fields. A flock of 7 Pied Wagtails perched up on overhead wires distantly and another couple flew off over the fields and a pair of Goldfinches also flew over the field.

Above, Sloe berries were abundant in the hedgerows. Below, easily the most commonest moth was the Common Grass-moths. This one was in Cottage where I released it later in the evening.

Above, looking north from Appledore Quay over to Instow.

This afternoon, Becky and I took another drive over Appledore and to have a spot of lunch. The weather was still a bit showery throughout the afternoon, but there was a lot of sunshine to take a walk along the promenade. Of note, an adult Mediterranean Gull flew over our heads and several Swallows flew low over the road. We had lunch in the Seagate Hotel of which we had possibly the best Haddock and Chips in a very long time. Washed down with a pint of Neck Oil, what's not to love! So, that was our last full day in this superb part of the Devon countryside; the only downside was the stupid Sat Nav in our car that took us down the narrowest country lanes to save a couple of minutes. Scary stuff! Again, I am not going to put the Moth Box on for a final time due to more heavy overnight rain coming our way.

More Moths and a trip to Heddon Valley.

Wednesday 27th August 2025.

My first Purple Thorn moth of the year.

It was not the perfect start I wanted for this morning as I gambled on when the rain was due in early in the morning. As the Moth Box had no shelter from the incoming rain that was due around 7am, I awoke at stupid o’clock just in case the rain came in early. In fact, it was when I was tidying the Box away that the rain started coming down. So, despite losing a lot of sleep, after I had finished with the Moth Box and counted everything up, I had another cup of coffee and went back to bed for a couple of hours.

My Moth Box:

My first Parsnip Moth of the year.

I picked up two more ‘year-ticks’ this morning for my efforts, which included a superb Purple Thorn (my 6th species of Thorn for this year) and the micro moth, the Parsnip Moth (Depressaria radiella). That was the first Purple Thorn moth I have seen for many a year and I don't often see Parsnip Moths either.

Above, a Chinese Character and below, the Twenty-plume Moth.

Other notable species included my second Chinese Character of the year and probably my 3rd Twenty-plume Moth of the year too. Yes, numbers were down a lot from yesterday with just 33 moths of 17 species recorded.

Yellow Shell.

The Moths recorded this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Chinese Character x1	Common Grass-moth x5
Double-striped Pug x1	Light Brown Apple Moth x2
Snout x2	Twenty-plume Moth x1
Brimstone Moth x5	Parsnip Moth x1*
Yellow Shell x1
Common Rustic x1
Setaceous Hebrew Character x4
Large Yellow Underwing x1
Light Emerald x2
Flame Shoulder x3
Yellow-barred Brindle x1
Purple Thorn x1*
Early Thorn x1

My Moth Box also attracted another species of Bush-cricket this morning; an Oak Bush-cricket, which was happy to sit in one of the egg trays until I helped it on its way back to the garden. I couldn’t hang around long once the rain started to fall, even though it was light at first, but it got heavier when I was asleep.

The Oak Bush-cricket on one of the egg trays.

Heddon Valley, near Martinhoe:

The Hunters Inn, which was down in the Heddon Valley. A lovely pub with a warm welcome and excellent food.

We were racking our brains this morning on where to go and decided to head to Exmoor to view the scenery, however , the weather looked a bit indifferent with a lot of showers and a few sunny spells. On our way there (the damn Sat Nav keeps taking us down the tiny country lanes!!!), we stopped off at the Old Station House Inn for a coffee and then picked up the road again on the A39 into Exmoor. We saw the sign for the village of Parracombe and though we drove through it down the very narrow lanes, there was hardly anything there to really look at and so we headed to Haddon Valley instead.

I saw this interesting picture hanging up within the Old Station House Inn of the birds and wildlife in Exmoor.

However, we took probably the scariest tiny road leading to the area and I really had to have my wits about me to negotiate the tiny road. How anyone can live down here and be happy with driving down that road day in day out is beyond me; but on the plus side, it is probably very peaceful and I expect the wildlife here is amazing.

Above, a Large White butterfly nectaring on one of the garden plants and below, looking back up the valley. The slopes were heavily wooded, though I believe there were plenty of footpaths there for those who wanted to walk through the woods.

Above, a Wood Pigeon high up in one of the few Conifers and below, the Hunters Inn snuggled in amongst the trees and vegetation.

We eventually got to the large Car Park at the bottom of the valley and then made our way to the Hunters Inn for a bite to eat and a refreshing pint! Happy days! Though I clobbered a Wasp for jumping into my dinner, the sun was now out and though a tad breezy, it certainly was a beautiful place that was surrounded by steep valley slopes laden with most Oak trees. I expect the likes of Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers are abundant here? I was sure I heard a Willow Tit calling near the Cafe area nearby, but I didn't catch any sighting of the bird. In fact, I did also hear a Treecreeper, Nuthatch and a Common Buzzard, but saw none of them! Yep, a gorgeous place, but there were plenty more country roads to negotiate back to our Cottage.

Above, with Wales in the background when I took this photo, we watched this Common Buzzard sail over the countryside below and then further west along the coastline from a viewpoint overlooking the area.

From the same viewpoint where we pulled over into a small Car Park, we could see Crock Point below.

As we were coming out of Barnstaple and making our way over the River Taw along the A361, I caught sight of a large interesting raptor to my right and sure enough, it was a superb Osprey soaring high over the River. This species is now making its way further south to feed up before that long trip home to Africa and to see one today was the icing on the cake for a lovely day out.