Few birds in awful weather, but several unexpected Moths.

Wednesday 21^st October 2026.

A rainbow over Portsmouth this afternoon.

Well, that was a morning I can easily forget or can I? I took a right good soaking on my first shift in Pembroke Road where the rain first fell gently and then a huge dark raincloud came in from the west along with gale force winds. Standing up in that wind and rain proved difficult and I felt sorry for all those parents struggling to bring their kids into School. It was that bad this morning that my actual waterproofs and waterproof boots were all soaked through!

An Olive-tree Pearl moth was also by the Lodge.

At least there were a few birds around and after the worst of the weather had passed, I found a small group of Moths by the main entrance to Sommerson Lodge, Milton; where I found an Angle Shades, 3 Double-striped Pugs and an Olive-tree Pearl (Palpita vitrealis). I have relented in putting the Moth Box on so far this week due to the unpredictability of the overnight weather and what with Storm Austen on its way, I think its going to be a no show here in Southsea this week.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

An Angle Shades moth at Sommerson Lodge today. This was my second of the month.

The most notable sighting this morning was a Wood Pigeon battling the gale-force wind and heavy rain. It struggled to make headway but eventually managed to fly over Governor’s Green. Once again, many Wood Pigeons were feeding on the fresh grass shoots on Governor’s Green.

Just 11 bird species were recorded today, despite it being quite sunny later in the afternoon, but it was quite breezy at times. The Jay put in a brief appearance by the trees next to the Bowling Green and it was this afternoon that a pair of Pied Wagtails were seen on the Bowling Green. Just one Great Black-backed Gull and Black-headed Gull were seen today, both seen flying over Governor’s Green. 

The birds recorded this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Blue Tit
• Pied Wagtail (2)
• Wren (heard only)

 

In Hampshire today:

Despite the poor weather today, there were some notable birds seen in Hampshire and kicking off with Blashford Lakes, the female Ruddy Duck was once again still here along with 2 each of Goosander and Goldeneye. Also present were a Green and Common Sandpiper and a pair of Yellow-legged Gulls.

Over at the Milford Shelter, a minimum of 100+ Razorbills were recorded going past and at least 150 Gannets plus 2 Kittiwakes. In the New Forest, Leadenhall had 2 Ring Ouzels and a Fieldfare. At Brownwich this morning, a White-fronted Goose was with Grey lag Geese and later seen again on Titchfield Haven.

Above, up to 3 Double-striped Pug moths were at the main entrance to Sommerson Lodge. Below, not just Moths were present as I found this Fork-palped Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus) on the same wall as the Moths.

This was the long staying adult Ring-billed Gull at Walpole Lake, Gosport 17 years ago to the day. It was affectionately named Ringo! It spent around seven winters at the same site!