Two Warbler species in my garden and another trip to Curtain Moat.

Friday 20th March 2026.

An adult Black-headed Gull with a Wood Pigeon by Curtain Moat.

The fine weather continued today with temperatures reaching around 16 degrees centigrade and with a light easterly wind, it was very pleasant to be working in Old Portsmouth today. The weekend weather is also looking very good, but I am still not quite sure yet where we are going. Though I did not have the Moth Box overnight, I couldn't help checking my garden out first thing this morning and I was pleasantly surprised. 

I also decided to take my Nikon Camera with me this morning and got to Old Portsmouth around 7.40am to take a short walk to the Curtain Moat and also to check the Solent.

St. Augustine LNR (My Garden):

As mentioned, before I headed off to Pembroke Road, a check of my garden revealed that both a Blackcap and Chiffchaff were singing close by. The Blackcap would not show itself having heard the bird singing within my neighbours Bay Tree and probably moved off north; however, the Chiffchaff showed itself nicely close to my bird feeders and quietly sang long enough for me to check it out and then head off to Old Portsmouth. More good news was the 6 House Sparrows taking advantage of the remaining Fat Balls. They have been so scarce of late around my garden, that I was over the moon they actually found my feeders. However, I bet they attack my Moth Box once more Moths eventually turn up.

Earlier today, while taking the dogs out for their morning walk, overhead, I heard a Siskin and a Meadow Pipit fly over, but could I see them? No chance!

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

One of the four Blue Tits showing well today.

Another cracking morning of bird species here in Pembroke Road with a whopping 19 species recorded from my walk to Curtain Moat and then by Pembroke Road itself. As mentioned, I took my Nikon Camera with me today and got some nice record photos of the area around Curtain Moat and some of the birds that inhabit the area. I gave Governors Green and along the seafront for any Wheatears as a few had been seen on the south coast, but sadly, no sign of any whatsoever.

Above, the pleasant pathway from Pembroke Road to the Curtain Moat. Below, Carrion Crows getting some great views from the Weather Vane on top of the Garrison Church.

Above, the tunnel leading to the Curtain Moat and below, one of many Starling by the Moat.

Above, the Curtain Moat looks quite tranquil. Below, 'Speckled Jim' and another Feral Pigeon by the Moat.

Above, there were so many Carrion Crows present along the new promenade and below, a lone juvenile Herring Gull loafing on the sea just offshore.

Above, the Hovercraft arriving from the Isle of Wight and below, an adult Cormorant busy fishing on the calm sea.

The Blue Tits were again seen displaying over Pembroke Road and in this superb light, they really looked stunning on their tiny wings. The Magpies were going back and forth over the road with nesting material, while Robins, Wrens and Dunnocks were in full song along with a very vocal Great Tit. A Siskin was obviously very high up as it circled a couple of times and called continuously. It was much quieter in the afternoon and nothing new bird species were added to my day total. Still, a good day and now for the weekend. Bring it on!

The following birds were recorded here today:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Feral Pigeon
• Wood Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Siskin
• Pied Wagtail
• Starling
• House Sparrow
• Dunnock
• Robin
• Blackbird
• Wren
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Cormorant
• Linnet