A quiet day in Pembroke Road, but plenty in Hampshire.

 

Monday 20^th July 2026.

The Fox on the shed roof nearby.

After a busy weekend, I returned to work this morning for my first shift in Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth. I did not run the moth box overnight, but it will be switched on tonight for the first time in a few days. Although there were no moths to inspect, I heard a Fox scuffling around the back gardens this morning and later saw it from our back bedroom window, sitting on a shed roof.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Garrison Church and Governor's Green.

Pembroke Road was quiet this morning, with only eight bird species recorded during my hour there. All were the usual birds, seen or heard, and there was nothing notable to report. The only insects seen were Buff-tailed Bumblebees, and no Carnation Moths were found. The recent cooler weather was probably unsuitable for much insect activity.

In Hampshire today:

Some of the 'Lazee Birders' including myself and Andy Fisher.

Hampshire birders had plenty to see today, with Pennington and Keyhaven Marshes taking the spotlight. A Pectoral Sandpiper was present at Keyhaven, along with a Wood Sandpiper, while nearby Fishtail Lagoon held five Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper and a Little Ringed Plover. At Titchfield Haven, a Little Stint was seen with four Common Sandpipers and a juvenile Water Rail.

Above and below, the Long-tailed Shrike in Gloucestershire. Photos by John Manley.

Nationally, the Hudsonian Godwit remained at Cattawade, Suffolk, while several ‘Lazee Birders’ travelled west to Eastleach Martin, Gloucestershire, for the Long-tailed Shrike.