Peregrine and Ravens over Old Portsmouth.

Thursday 22nd October 2026.

Another stunning dawn over Highland Road Cemetery while walking the dogs early this morning.

A very strong westerly blew over Old Portsmouth this morning on my first shift in Pembroke Road and although it was thankfully dry with plenty of early morning sunshine, the wind chill factor kicked in and felt like single figures. At least we didn’t get the same downpour with the wind from yesterday, but Storm Austin will be kicking in overnight and very strong winds are set to batter the south coast tomorrow afternoon. Grumble! Again, the Moth Box will not be on tonight and I have put it in a safe place so it will not be blown over.

 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Early morning at the start of my first shift in Pembroke Road.

Today in Pembroke Road was one of the better days, not only for the weather but also the birds where the main highlight was a female Peregrine flying at speed over Governor’s Green and then out into Portsmouth Harbour. It was my first raptor here in Old Portsmouth for many weeks and it consequently put up all the Wood Pigeons and the small flock of Starlings by the Garrison Church.

Seconds later, a pair of Redwing flew over my head and first headed south and then back north again over the houses. That was a good find, and the third really notable sighting was a pair of Ravens flying over heading east. This is a species I might see maybe twice or three times in a year here over Old Portsmouth, but a good find nonetheless.

A flock of 6 Siskin was a nice surprise too and although I never heard them call, they flew low enough for me to see them clearly as they sped off westbound. Two more flocks of finches flew west but too distant and no flight call so I could not identify them accurately. The Jay showed briefly yet again and was heard later in the afternoon with its scratchy call.

A very sunny afternoon here in Old Portsmouth.

In the afternoon, a flock of at least 10 Pied Wagtails were seen in a tight bunch on Governor’s Green and remained there for at least 20 minutes until they dispersed. A Grey Wagtail was heard calling in the afternoon, but I could not locate the bird, but a good addition to my day total of 21 bird species. This morning, I was sure I saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth flying at pace west just above the pavement, but it didn’t stop and simply disappeared; unlike the many Common Wasps that seemed to be everywhere currently.

The birds seen or heard today included the following:

• Peregrine (f)
• Herring Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• House Sparrow (heard only)
• Starling
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Raven (2)
• Wren (heard only)
• Robin (heard only)
• Blackbird
• Redwing (2)
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit (heard)
• Siskin (6)
• Pied Wagtail (10+)
• Grey Wagtail (heard)

In Hampshire today:

This White-tailed Eagle followed by a Black-headed Gull was at Fishlake Meadows. Photo by Andy Tew.

A Ruddy Shelduck was seen but flushed by a Sparrowhawk from Titchfield Haven just after midday and a Glossy Ibis flew over the reserve also. A male Ring Ouzel was found at Sinah Warren, Hayling Island this morning and up to 5 Cattle Egrets were seen in Northney.

This Common Buzzard was over Fishlake Meadows. Photo by Andy Tew.