Ring Ouzels at Butser Hill.

Wednesday 19th October 2022.

One of the male Ring Ouzels seen at Butser Hill early afternoon. 

With some time in my hands, Andy Fisher and myself took a drive to Butser Hill around midday to see if we could notch up another ‘year-tick’ for him. Though reasonably bright and sunny, there was a strong easterly wind blowing across the Hill, but as we made our way down the Hill and following a footpath on the west side, the area was protected by the wind and therefore our chances of finding a Ring Ouzel now looked promising.

Above, the Clustered Bonnet toadstools growing just outside Andy's front door! Below, Andy walking on Butser Hill heading to Bushy area where we saw the Ring Ouzels.

In fact, after finding a cracking male Ring Ouzel perched on a small bramble by the footpath some 100 yards away, below a large area of scrub; a further three more male birds soon flew out of cover and south over the valley below. But, fortunately for us, they all flew back again to return back into the scrub. Their distinctive calls echoed across the valley as they flew back into cover, though one showed well briefly. A few Blackbirds and Song Thrush were also seen as we made our way to where they showed last, but there was no further sighting of the birds, though we did hear one deep within cover.

The spectacular views from the west side of Butser Hill.

Other birds seen during our stay here included two male Kestrel's down in the valley that were getting a lot of hassle from the local Crows. We saw the birds several times, but quite often with a Crow giving them a bad time, hence the birds calling frequently. A pair of Stonechats were on the slope below us, as was a Green Woodpecker, which was seen hopping about on the short turf, while above us, the occasional flock of Meadow Pipit would pass by and a pair of Blue Tits flitted through the brambles above us. Not only enjoying the birds with a cup of coffee from Andy's flask, the views were amazing in the sunshine.

Above, the Ring Ouzel was seen well, although a bit distant and eventually flew down the valley only to return again to the same area.

We got to the end of the footpath then climbed the hill and then rounded the bushy area to return to where we first saw the Ouzels. From here, looking back across the escarpment, we saw at least two Ring Ouzels, again both males, fly out and when a female Sparrowhawk was seen to dive into the same Bushes, at least one Ring Ouzel flew out of cover, calling loudly. Then I spotted a large group of Thrushes flying out and hearing them call, they turned out to be  our first Redwing of the season, with at least 18 birds all heading south. Happy with our sightings, we made our way back to the car.

Above, Wild Basil was growing along the escarpment as we walked along the footpath. Below, the Vapourer Moth perched on Andy's jacket.

On our way back, Andy spotted a moth fluttering around by his feet and fortunately for us, it actually landed on Andy’s coat. It was a Vapourer Moth and I quickly took several photos before it could fly off. I thought I had seen one earlier on our trip here and this individual confirmed it. Back near the car park, we had a cup of coffee and rested on one of the park benches. From here, we had a pair of Common Buzzards riding the breeze to the south and a further three more Redwing flying south. The drive back through Clanfield produced a Red Kite sailing high over the village (our fourth raptor of the day) and a further three more Common Buzzards again sailing the breeze over the hill along South Lane. Most certainly, not a bad couple of hours birding. Andy now had his 190th species for the year and closing in on the magic 200. I had already seen a female Ring Ouzel earlier in the Spring at Old Winchester Hill, but these male birds were superb. in the Spring.  

Windy, but plenty of moths.

Wednesday 19th October 2022.

Two Turnip Moths arrived overnight in windy conditions.

It was very blustery overnight as I noticed the white sheet flapping about in the wind before I headed off to bed and I wasn't really expecting many, if any, moths the following morning. However, I was wrong. A total of 19 moths of 10 species were present and although there was nothing new for the year within the box, I was really pleased I actually got any.

There was just the one Double-striped Pug.

Migrant moths included the two Turnip Moths and the Rusty-dot Pearl this morning, though I am still awaiting one of the ‘line’ Quakers to arrive. Though not common in my garden, they do turn up annually. There were few birds noted overhead, probably due to the strong easterly wind, but I did hear a Grey Wagtail flying over the houses while checking the moth box.  

The L-album Wainscot is a familiar moth in my garden.

Moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Large Yellow Underwing
• 1 Lesser Yellow Underwing
• 4 Feathered Ranunculus
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 1 L-album Wainscot
• 2 Turnip Moth
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 6 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Clepsis consimilana
• 1 Rusty-dot Pearl

A good list of birds within the Cemy.

Tuesday 18th October 2022.

A very heavy dew in the Cemetery first thing this morning.

It was a beautiful morning with wall to wall clear blue sky, hardly any wind at all and relatively mild for this time of year (13 degrees Centigrade). Taking my usual anticlockwise route around my local patch, Highland Road Cemetery, I had already notched up 12 species by the end of the footpath on the west side that had included a calling Chiffchaff and a small flock of 3 Skylark flying high east. There was a heavy dew on the grass here this morning, signalling that it must have been very cold last night, but not too cold for a frost.

Above, the dew settling on the spiders webs. Below, many insects took advantage of the flowing Ivy Plants including this Tapered Drone Fly, one of our larger Hoverflies. 

A very good total of 27 bird species were seen or heard this morning and probably the best of an entertaining bunch was the Firecrest, which was first heard calling then seen flitting about the Holm Oak Clump of trees in the centre of the Cemetery. They are regular at this site and kind of expected for this time of year, though I am hoping for the rare Yellow-browed Warbler to make another appearance here. Long-tailed Tits are scarce at this location, but this morning's flock of around a dozen birds was quite exceptional, though I did see them the last time I was here. They normally come attached with a few other species and this time they were joined by at least one Goldcrest, a Blue Tit and a Chiffchaff.

Above, Goldfinches heading east over the Cemetery. Below, the colour of the trees look gorgeous in the Autumn sunshine.

The female Sparrowhawk also put in a brief appearance as she sailed quietly over the east side of the Cemetery then flew over the rooftops, scattering all the local Pigeons, Gulls and Starlings. I was lucky to come across the Green Woodpecker this morning as I found it perched on one of those concrete ornamental pots by a grave, though it didn't hang around long. There was a bit of visible migration this morning, what with a few Skylarks and Meadow Pipits going over and finally, Siskins are on the move and although I did not actually see the birds, at least two or three flew very high over; so very difficult to locate them as they fly so high up and against a clear blue sky, near impossible to find.

Above, the Green Woodpecker posed nicely for a few seconds. Below, Wood Pigeons will get into any position to get at an acorn! 

The mild and sunny weather brought out the insects too, with the flowering Ivy Plants attracting plenty of Common Wasps and Hoverflies, notably a few Drone Flies and Tapered Drone Flies. There were two butterflies seen this morning with one Red Admiral showing well on the last remaining flowers of a Buddleia plant and probably another one flying east of the Cemetery. Yes, a lovely walk around the Cemetery this morning and I also met some nice people walking their dogs and having a friendly chat with them. 

Above, a pair of Jays showed well occasionally and below, one of the dozen or so Long-tailed Tits.  

Birds seen or heard within the Cemetery this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Carrion Crow
• Jay
• Magpie
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Long-tailed Tit
• Chiffchaff
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Sparrowhawk
• Green Woodpecker
• Goldcrest
• Firecrest
• Skylark
• Meadow Pipit
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Siskin
• Wren
• Pied Wagtail 
• Blackbird
• Song Thrush

Photos taken today at the Cemetery from top to bottom: Jay, Long-tailed Tits, the Bracket fungus Red-belted Polypore and a Red Admiral.

Another interesting read coming up as my latest copy of the HOS Kingfisher magazine drops through the letterbox this morning. It was nice to see a lot of Andy Tew's photos within this edition.

A pleasant walk down the Canal Path.

Monday 17th October 2022.

The roosting Barn Owl was fast asleep from the Canal Path. 

A Water Pipit was seen over the last few days on the Bridge Street Flood, so seeing that both Andy and myself have not had the pleasure of seeing one this year, off we went to try our luck. Sadly, there was no sign of one, though there were a few Meadow Pipits present as well as several Pied Wagtails on the Flood. After checking the Flood thoroughly and also getting a glimpse of the roosting Barn Owl within the ‘Split tree’, we then made our way south down the Canal Path to see what we could find. 

Above, the female Sparrowhawk flying over the woodland and below, a Kestrel hovering near the Path. 

A lovely and fairly still morning here at the northern end of Titchfield Haven and at times, there was plenty to look at too. Back at the Flood, despite no Water Pipit, we had at least a dozen or so Black-tailed Godwits wading in the shallow water and a handful of Teal dabbling in the soft mud. A few Black-headed Gulls joined the birds, but little else of note in that particular area. Andy picked up both Kestrel and Common Buzzard while I was looking through my scope and also a female Sparrowhawk flying over the woodland behind where the Owl was roosting. 

Above, Andy spotted a Common Buzzard perched on a post nearby and below, one of many Stonechats seen this morning. 

A few Skylark, Song Thrush and Swallows flew overhead and out in the fields to the south, we found at least 6 Stonechats perched either on the fence line or on the vegetation, but I bet there were a lot more present. The wooded area along the Canal Path was alive with Chiffchaffs, but we could not find anything a bit more rare than that. Several Goldcrests were seen flitting about the trees and bushes and a Great Spotted Woodpecker showed well in the trees. An immature  Grey Heron was hunting in a field close to the main footpath, which attracted some ladies out for a walk down the path as I pointed out that it had just taken a Frog!

The immature Grey Heron hunting. 

We walked about half way down the Path before deciding to head back to the car. A Water Rail was heard calling deep within the vegetation somewhere by the Canal and we were amazed at how many fish were on show within the Canal, with Roach showing very well and a probable young Brown Trout on show as well. Good numbers of Common Darter Dragonflies were seen and just the one Migrant Hawker put on a nice show. Butterflies were a little scarce, yet by the Car Park, a Small White was seen fluttering past the car. A lovely walk as always down the Canal Path, although it does attract a lot of dog-walkers.    

Above, the Great Spotted Woodpecker along the wooded part of the Canal Path. Below, a Roach swimming quietly in the still Canal.

A trip to Woolmer Pond & Old Winchester Hill.

Saturday 15th October 2022.

The Green Sandpiper on Woolmer Pond this morning.

Just three moths in the moth box this morning. Whoopee doo! A Double-striped Pug, Light Brown Apple Moth and a Tachystola acroxantha was my reward for my efforts and it was even worse at Andy’s house where there was NONE! Well, that's not entirely true, as he found two later this afternoon, in the back porch: a Common Marbled Carpet and a Light Brown Apple Moth, which must have been hiding in all the clobber hanging around there.

Above, the Common Marbled Carpet moth found this afternoon back at Andy's house. Below, one of many Red Kites seen today.

While checking my moth box this morning, at least there was a bit of bird activity going on that included a pair of Sparrowhawks flying low over the house, both heading southbound although getting some unwanted attention from a Carrion Crow! A Chiffchaff was actually singing close to my garden and I saw the bird several times flitting about the trees at the back of the garden. A Wren and a Robin were heard at the back of the garden and overhead, both Pied and Grey Wagtail were heard calling, though not seen.

Top photo, Suede Bollette Toadstool and below, I believe are Inkcaps.

It was Woolmer Pond this morning for all our birding fun and although the weather was good at first, by the time we left, the rain clouds soon appeared. Bird of the morning was the Green Sandpiper that was feeding on the edge of the south half of the main lake. Surprisingly, there were no other waders present, normally a good number of Lapwing, but none today. It was rather quiet for birds around the perimeter, but at least there was a lot of Toadstools to look at, especially through the wooded area leading to the perimeter of the Pond. My ID skills on Toadstools are somewhat poor and so I expect to use the Facebook Fungi guys to help ID my photos.

Above, I thought this large cluster of probable Inkcaps was amazing and below, another shot of the Green Sandpiper with a Carrion Crow in the foreground.

Even the Cottage area was quiet, although a lot of Jackdaws flew over due to a passing Red Kite that sailed overhead. In fact, Red Kites were going to be a big feature today with many sightings of this enigmatic raptor. We even saw a flock of 6 birds together flying over the woods at the north of the Cottage along with a Common Buzzard. I was surprised that we did not come across any Stonechats at all, though there were plenty of Meadow Pipits over. We did come across a few Tit flocks within the woods that included Coal and Long-tailed Tits and the occasional Goldcrest and Chiffchaff, but no Crossbills or Siskins during our time here.

From top to bottom: the infamous Cottage at Woolmer Pond; a pair of Red Kites over Woolmer Forest and a pair of Long-tailed Tits within the Forest.

Out on the heath through Woolmer Forest, a pair of Woodlarks showed well, including one singing bird that climbed the sky and then flew off over the heath. A Great Grey Shrike was seen over this side of the Woolmer Forest this time last year, but despite several good scans across the heath, there was no sign. Sadly, all was very quiet indeed as we made our way back down the hill through the Forest and then back down the track to the car. Rain looked imminent as we hurried our pace. Though the birdlife was quiet, at least there were plenty of Toadstools to look at  (sorry Andy!) and a few Dragonflies were on the wing too. A Southern Hawker and a few Common Darters were seen on the way back, though too quick for me to take a photo. 

Another selection of Toadstools within Woolmer Forest. Top photo: Puff Ball; centre photo:  Saffron Milkcap. Bottom photo: Redhead Russula. I am using the ShroomID App on my smartphone and although it promises to be as accurate as possible, I must get into the habit of taking photos of the underside, stem as well as the top of the Toadstool/Fungus. I have always found this topic so interesting and I will add, I will never take any home to eat! It is far too dangerous to do so and I know people who have come a cropper and poisoned themselves by eating the wrong Toadstools!    

After our trip here, we popped into Clanfield to grab some refreshments before making our way to Old Winchester Hill. Parking wasn't too much of a problem, probably due to the long rain shower earlier. The idea was to sit on the bench and overlook the Hill to the west and watch what birds fly past, but that horrible westerly wind put paid to that after 30 minutes. But during that time, at least two Red Kites went past as did a female Sparrowhawk, one male Kestrel and at least three Ravens. I was happy with that. As we were leaving the area and making our way back to Clanfield along Hayden Lane, I saw a large flock of waders to the south of the road and I was in no doubt that they were Golden Plover, of which I quickly pointed out to Andy. There must have been approximately around 70+ birds in the flock, but as we were driving, I could not locate where they landed. Still, a notable sighting for here.  

Our late trip to Old Winchester Hill produced a few sightings as we watched from the Dave Compton memorial bench. Above, at least two Red Kites drifted through; looks can be deceiving and although it looked sunny and gorgeous overlooking the Fort, it was quite cold in that blustery wind. Bottom photo was of the female Sparrowhawk flying north.