Wednesday 21st January 2026.
Well it has to be said, the weather today was simply atrocious with strong winds and heavy rain throughout the day, though it did ease up a little in the afternoon. I was very busy today working, doing my usual shifts in Pembroke Road and too busy during the day to do any birding, then getting an opportunity to check my mobile phone. I was astonished to find that there were some 50+ messages on Whatsapp. To cut to the chase, a superb Killdeer had been found at Ripley Farm Reservoir, just north of Christchurch. This is one stunning American wader and sought after from the more serious birder and it obviously didn't take long for a steady stream of admirers from all over the place.
This is one bird I have always wanted to see, but they are so rare in the UK, especially in Hampshire (the last one was in 1980) although there was one reported in Southern Ireland recently. Possibly the same bird? If it does remain at the same site tomorrow, I think both Andy and myself will be going after my first shift tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
The weather really was poor all day at Pembroke Road, with constant rain (very heavy at times) throughout the day and a blustery southerly wind. All the usual birds were seen, though hardly any passerines were seen. I could hear the House Sparrows chirping away in the hedgerow by the Bowling Club and at least three small flocks of Brent Geese flew overhead.
The male Blackcap was singing again deep within cover of my neighbours Bay Tree, despite the wind blasting the gardens with heavy rain falling down.
No comments:
Post a Comment