Warmest day of the year so far?

Tuesday 24th February 2026.

Dawn over Highland Road Cemetery as I walked my dogs this morning.

Today surely had to go down as the warmest day of the year so far and dry too! Temperatures rose up to at least 16 degrees centigrade this afternoon in the wall to wall sunshine and it certainly brought out not only the birds, but also a variety of insects. One of the ‘Lazee Birders’ reported both Peacock and Brimstone butterflies within his garden and another ‘Lazee Birder’ saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth over in Emsworth! The light southerly winds kept the temperature warm and to be honest, I even had my washing out on the Washing Line during the day for the first time this year. It also encouraged me to put my Moth Box out in the garden for the first time this year. Ever hopeful!

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The early morning cloud eventually gave way to bright sunshine and then the temperature rose considerably.

As mentioned, it was very warm for the time of year today and this afternoon, I really felt overdressed and was glad when my second shift within Pembroke Road was over so I could take my thick coat off! I saw and heard up to 17 bird species from both shifts here today and that included up to 5 different flocks of Brent Geese flying east high over Governor’s Green and the Jay put in a few appearances this morning. This afternoon, a Goldcrest was heard calling deep within the Holm Oaks and a Pied Wagtail flew high over the road. Singing birds here today included Wren, Dunnock and Great Tit and all three showed well at times this morning. The Blue Tits were displaying again with at least four birds chasing one another.

One of the flocks of Brent Geese passing eastbound near Pembroke Road.

I was hoping for a butterfly today, especially in the afternoon, but the best I could muster was my first Early Bumblebee of the year, which was nectaring on some of the garden plants close by, but too quick for a photo.

My Garden:

One of the male Blackcaps seen in the middle of my neighbours Holly Tree today. It was singing repeatedly for about 15 minutes in the tree.

Both the two male Blackcaps were seen today and both were heard singing too, though trying to get a good photo proved difficult as one bird that was seen the best, was deep within my neighbours Holly Tree (see photos). The female Black Redstart was heard calling and then seen very briefly in my neighbours garden before flying off. A pair of Blue Tits popped in briefly to have a go at the Sunflower Hearts, but flew off and gave their alarm call as a female Kestrel flew high over the house and headed off west. Kestrels are very rare over this part of Southsea and I think I have only ever had a handful of sightings from my garden!

This male Blackcap was not easy to get a decent photo of the bird. Below, one of a pair of Blue Tits in my garden today.

Above and below, one of two Green Sandpipers on the Cress Beds near Kingsworthy, Winchester. Top photo with a Grey Wagtail. Photos by Andrew Dickety.