My first Angle Shades moth of the year.

Friday 27th March 2026.

After yesterday's glorious weather, it was back to winter again with overcast conditions, very much cooler than yesterday and drizzly light rain in the afternoon on a westerly wind. Temperatures were around 11 degrees centigrade, but in the wind, it was much cooler. Last night, I tried my luck again with the Moth Box and hopefully, something different in the Moth Box this morning.

St. Augustine LNR, My Moth Box:

The Common Plume moth was only one of two moths present this morning by my Box.

Despite promising conditions overnight, all I got were two of the usual Plume Moths for my effort: one Common and one Beautiful Plume. Something is better than nothing I suppose, but surely something notable will arrive soon. I shall try one more time tonight, though I am not all that confident.

Later, around midday, I found my first Angle Shades moth for the year perched on the door glass panel of a Retirement Home (see photo) and carefully went about taking some photos of it. I did get some funny looks from the residents too!

This Angle Shades moth was my first of the year; perched on a door of a Retirement Home.

While checking the Moth Box, I kept a sharp ear out for any Warblers passing through the gardens. Nothing! However, the distinctive call of Mediterranean Gulls could be heard as a pair of birds flew south-west very high overhead.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

One of the big ships sailing out of Portsmouth Harbour.

It wasn't very productive here in Old Portsmouth today, what with the poor afternoon weather and the 11 bird species seen or heard this morning on my first shift were all the usual species. Still no sign of any Hirundines over or Warblers singing yet; maybe next week perhaps? The local Wren was bursting into song this morning opposite where I stood and another just south of the Bowling Green. A pair of Carrion Crows are nesting in one of the Holm Oaks as I now see it come in with nesting material every now and then and the female could now be on eggs?

In Hampshire today:

This adult Kittiwake was a good find on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes, this morning. Photo by Steve Laycock.

A few migrants were reported at various sites today including 8 Sand Martins on Ibsley Water and were joined by an adult Kittiwake (see photo)! Fourteen Goldeneyes were also at the same location; a very good total for this time of year. Off Sandy Point, a pair of Black-necked Grebes in summer plumage were found on the sea and two male Wheatears were seen on Middle Wallop Airfield.