The female Sparrowhawk is back again.

Wednesday 30th August 2023.

The female Sparrowhawk keeping an eye on her domain.

A clear blue sky overhead and bright sunshine was all that I was asking for as I took my dogs around Highland Road Cemetery early this morning. They had their new lead on today, a split lead which was bought for us by our Sinead and it was a success. They behaved themselves throughout our walk and even got up for a sniff with another dog. All good, phew! I was hoping for a few migrants within the Cemetery this morning and was pleased to see a Chiffchaff and hear a sub-singing Willow Warbler this morning.

This female Sparrowhawk scared off the young Blackbirds.

I was watching three juvenile Blackbirds feeding in the grass in the south-west corner, when suddenly, they all flew off in mad panic. A female Sparrowhawk flew in and I thought it grabbed something in a bush by the garden wall. It hadn’t and therefore perched on the wall and then flew up on a nearby rooftop - arguably the Queen of the Cemetery? Luckily, I got some half decent photos of the bird.

Above, one of the Robins showed very well and below, even the Collared Dove was rather confiding this morning; both seen in the south-east corner. 

There were at least two, possibly three Chiffchaffs within the Cemetery this morning and one individual calling over on the far east side of the Cemetery, deep within a canopy of a Scots Pine tree, did sound a little unusual. Though I did not have my binoculars with me, I still got a reasonable view of the bird as it flew into a smaller bush and perched briefly. A Willow Warbler was singing deep within the canopy of the Holm Oaks, but I did not get a view of the bird. There was a large number of Carrion Crows all perched up in the Beech Tree in the centre of the Cemetery, with at least 14 birds present and quite possibly the highest number I have seen here at this site. Finally, a Pied Wagtail; a species I hardly see over the Cemetery, flew over, but I did not get a sighting of the bird.  

Over on the east side of the Cemetery, it was a lot more unkempt and could there be something good lurking within there. Above, one of the few plants in flower here, Smooth Sow-thistle.

Birds seen in the Cemetery this morning included the following:

• Sparrowhawk: female
• Herring Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Goldfinch
• Blue Tit
• Willow Warbler
• Chiffchaff
• Pied Wagtail
• Robin   

Good numbers of Carrion Crows were in the lone Beech Tree.

Both Red Admiral and Small White butterflies were seen over the Cemetery, but very little insect life bar a few Hoverflies and Bumblebees. The Council workers were in the Cemetery again, strimming around the graves and despite the noise, there were plenty of birds and wildlife to be seen. There were not many wild flowers on show, with Smooth Sow-thistle, Mallow and Ox-eye Daisies the most notable. In Hampshire today, the Osprey was still showing well on North Binness Island this morning within Langstone Harbour.  

A female Striped-backed Fleckwing (Dasyrphus albastriatus) hoverfly on a Smooth Sow-thistle near the main entrance this morning.

Quieter in the moth box.

Wednesday 30th August 2023.

Just the one Marbled Beauty moth this morning.

Though I put the moth box on in the rain last night, I knew it was going to ease up by midnight and therefore, a chance to get some interesting moths by early morning. Both our dogs joined me this morning in the garden and behaved themselves, which was a bonus. There were a few moths present, but numbers are most definitely decreasing as cooler overnight temperatures arrive.

Lesser Yellow Underwing.

There were just 34 moths of 18 species this morning and one can see that a lot of these moths are familiar for Autumn species. Box Tree Moths are a familiar sight now for those into moths and up to 8 were in and around the moth box today. Some more familiar Autumn moths will hopefully grace my moth box soon. Eventually (and I have been saying this for ages), I will take my moth box over to Andy’s house to see what I can catch.

Mother of Pearl. This dainty, yet large moth, is in fact a micro moth! Work that one out! 

The moths present this morning included the following:

• 2 Willow Beauty
• 1 Marbled Beauty
• 2 Brimstone Moth
• 2 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 White-point
• 1 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Lesser Yellow Underwing
• 1 Large Yellow Underwing
• 3 Square-spot Rustic
• 2 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 2 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 2 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Narrow-winged Grey
• 1 Mother of Pearl
• 8 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Common Plume 

One of eight Box Tree Moths today.

Sadly, there was no ‘visible migration’ going on overhead this morning during the time I was out in the garden, but I am going to take the dogs out again this morning around HIghland Road Cemetery again for their morning walk. The incredible spectacle of both Selsey Bill and Sandy Point (Hayling Island) of the Balearic Shearwaters was also echoed off the Isle of Wight. 235 were seen flying east off Selsey and 125 were counted off Sandy Point, whereas the Isle of Wight (not sure where exactly), an incredible 500+ birds were recorded! 

Above, a Spotted Flycatcher and below, a Whimbrel. Both photos were taken recently by Pete Appleton.

On Farlington Marshes yesterday, an Osprey was perched on the North Binness island in the dead tree and other sightings on the reserve included a Ruff, 8 Cattle Egret and a Wigeon. Titchfield Haven hosted a Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Spotted Redshank and most likely the birds present when we were there recently.

Above, this Redstart was seen and photographed by Graeme Loader and below, a female Black Adder was photographed in Pig Push, New Forest by Emma Parkes.

More 'Vis Mig' & Highland Road Cemetery.

Tuesday 29th August 2023.

It is looking very Autumnal now in the Cemetery and hopefully, there will be a few passing migrants there over the coming months. The dogs are certainly getting better with their walking and I was very pleased with their behaviour today.

Up early again this morning, though not to do the moths. I left the moth box off last night as I didn't want to re-trap the same moths (gives them a fighting chance!), but putting my dogs out in the garden, up to 15 Yellow Wagtails flew over, with a flock of 14 flying west and a single bird a little earlier around 6.30am. High patchy white cloud was overhead, but again, not a drop of wind and so picking out the bird's calls was easy.

The female Sparrowhawk dashed in this morning to try and grab a small bird then settled briefly in nearby tree. A Magpie came in to check on the raptor. 

I took them for another walk around HIghland Road Cemetery, hoping for a migrant or two, but the only migrant I could find was a Chiffchaff; with just the one seen during my 45 minutes there. There was no sign of the Green Woodpecker again, but while standing in the south-east corner of the main footpath, I watched a female Sparrowhawk swoop in and I think it grabbed a small bird from a bush in front of me and then landed nearby in some trees (see photos). That was probably the highlight of the walk this morning, although my dogs behaved brilliantly with some other dogs they met at the gates today. So pleased.

Above, a female Sphaerophoria species of Hoverfly nectaring on a Yarrow plant and below, Horse Chestnuts are ripening, which is providing a banquet for the local Squirrels here in the Cemetery. The leaves can clearly be seen that they have been infested with the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner moth caterpillars.

Above, both Yarrow and Lady Bedstraw grow well between the graves. Below, a Robin singing by one of the smaller footpaths. I can hear them 'ticking' now deep within the vegetation; a typical Autumn sound. 

Again, all the usual birds were present this morning between 8 and 8.45am including a small flock of 9 Goldfinches heading high west (migrant birds?). One or possibly two Chiffchaffs were seen this morning, though near impossible to get a photo of as both birds were deep within vegetation and would not pop out to show themselves fully. Buggers! At least the Sparrowhawk showed well out on the edge of the tree.

Above, a couple of Goldfinches with a pair of Starlings on a nearby Aerial. Below, a Honey Bee is attracted to a Rose on a grave.

The following birds were present this morning:

• Goldfinch
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Blackbird
• Herring Gull
• Sparrowhawk: female
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Starling
• Dunnock
• Robin
• Chiffchaff 

On the way to the Cemetery, I found a Small Dusty Wave moth perched on the front of a white painted house along Albert Road; the only moth seen this morning and no butterflies either, though I suppose it was a bit early for them.

Above, just a few Collared Doves were seen this morning, though their numbers will be increasing as the year gets older. Below, the Small Dusty Wave moth that I found while walking to the Cemetery.

I found out before writing this up on my blog, that Selsey Bill had recorded over 238+ Balearic Shearwaters  (Is that a record for Selsey Bill?) that flew east this morning!!!! Incredible numbers. Possibly the same three Glossy Ibis that were on the Meander Pools over at Hook with Warsash early last Saturday morning (they had flown off by the time we were there), are currently on Posbrook Floods this morning. More incredible news on a National scale is the report that BOTH Brown Booby and Red-footed Booby could be seen on Bishop Rock Lighthouse yesterday! Who would of thought that a pair of Boobies would be seen together here!!! What on earth is going on!! The latter bird even made the Good Morning Britain news last week. I think 2023 has to go down as the year for seabirds. Finally, as I am writing this in my garden currently, there is a Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff calling in the garden behind me and also a Grey Wagtail has just flown over heading west. Autumn is certainly coming.

The Old Ladies have arrived.

Monday 28th August 2023.

One of four Old Lady moths around my moth box last night. Two remained this morning.

Yes, it has been a handful with our new dogs as they start to get to know us and our home a bit better (check the scratches out on my arms!), but they are adorable and I think we are going to have a good future together. This morning, it was back to the moths as my kind neighbour sorted out a new outside power point for me, so I could plug in the moth box. As it is getting darker in the evenings, it went on around 8pm and by 9.30pm, I ventured outside and was pleased with what was already there.

This Bloxworth Snout was present last night and photographed by Sinead.

Our Sinead even came outside when I told her about some large moths by the moth box and sure enough, they were Old Lady moths, my first of the year. In fact, a total of FOUR were present and two remained this morning while I was checking the box. Other moths present last night included a Bloxworth Snout (gone by the morning), a couple of Silver Y’s, Mint Moth, 2 Small Dusty Wave and a probable Dwarf Cream Wave.

A Blair's Mocha showing well on the moth box this morning with a Pale Mottled Willow close by.

This morning, it was very still with hardly a breath of wind and up above, a lot of broken clouds. It was that still, I could hear a bit of ‘Vis Mig’ going on and at two each of Grey Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail were seen to fly over between 6 and 7am. Back to the moths and the following were recorded this morning:

This superb photo of a Yellow Wagtail was recently taken by Pete Appleton.

• 2 Old Lady (NFY)
• 4 Lime-speck Pug
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 5 Willow Beauty
• 3 Large Yellow Underwing
• 1 Langmaids Yellow Underwing
• 2 Brimstone Moth
• 8 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Blair’s Mocha
• 2 Silver Y
• 3 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Marbled Beauty
• 1 Clancy’s Rustic
• 1 Tree-lichen Beauty
• 2 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 L-album Wainscot
• 4 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Turnip Moth
• 6 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Common Wainscot
• 1 Angle Shades
• 3 Dingy Dowd
• 1 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 6 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Rusty-dot Pearl
• 3 Apple Leaf Miner
• 1 Ruddy Streak
• 2 House Neb
• 1 Pellitory Cosmet

A nice collection of moths this morning I think, with the likes of Clancy’s Rustic, Tree-lichen Beauty, Langmaids Yellow Underwing, Blair’s Mocha, Common Wainscot and Turnip Moth providing a lot of interest. A total of 70+ moths of 29 species were recorded this morning. Not too bad.  

This Common Wainscot moth was only my third for the year.

Yesterday, early in the morning, a Willow Warbler was seen and heard sub-singing in the Holly Tree in my neighbours garden, until flying off across the gardens. Always pleased to have them here. The Black Stork was still doing ‘sorties’ over woods around Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, within the New Forest. Will it ever settle for us keen birders to grab a superb bird for our year list remains to be seen? Birding pal Geoff Farwell went to Farlington Marshes yesterday and recorded the following birds: Osprey, 10 Yellow Wagtails, Redstart, Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat. He also saw 9 Harbour Seals of which he quoted ‘big lazy lumps hauled out on the mudflats’! That made me laugh.  

Another one of Pete Appleton's excellent photos. This time, a Northern Wheatear that posed nicely for him. They are coming through now thick and fast all along the south coast.  

I had a lazy day today, keeping an eye on the dogs and taking them for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery twice (the second time with Isabelle walking Buddy, while I walked Ted). Sadly, not a great deal to be seen within the Cemetery, especially with two small dogs in tow, though a few Small Whites and Holly Blue butterflies were on the wing.

Above, one of many Holly Blue butterflies within the Cemy and below, Small White's were also in good numbers. This individual was in my back garden. 

Back in my garden, where I spent a good couple of hours, there was no more visible migration going on, but the Herring Gulls went mad overhead as a high flying Common Buzzard was soaring northbound over Southsea. The word went out that the Black Stork was seen soaring high over Keyhaven Marshes and one lucky birder managed to grab a quick photo of the bird.

The elusive Black Stork today flying over Keyhaven. Photo by Adam Court.

A Red Admiral butterfly in my back garden.

New members to the family!

Saturday 27th August 2023.

Looking stormy over the Solent from the Hook-with-Warsash Nature Reserve.

It's been a busy couple of days for Becky and myself as we have two new members of the family to attend to. We picked up two one year old rescued dogs, Jack Russells to be exact, who we have named Ted and Buddy and yes, they are going to be a handful at first, but so far so good. We have even taken them for several walks already and sadly, this was something they were never used to, so plenty of training to come.

Above, the micro moth, New Oak Slender moth, which was a new moth for the year. Below, one of two Maiden's Blush moths by Andy's moth box this morning.

However, as Becky, Sinead and Isabelle had the pleasure of looking after them today, I did a runner and made my way to Andy’s house for another day's birding. I knew the weather was going to be somewhat showery, but we didn't expect a couple of very heavy downpours that got me, Andy and Geoff totally soaked! Yes, you have to suffer for your art and to compound things, I only left the battery for my camera still at home in the charger! A serious ‘Senior moment’!!! So, all my photos today are from my mobile camera. 

Our destination today.

Andy’s moth box came first this morning and there was a small selection of moths to check out including my first New Oak Slender (Caloptilia robustella) of the year, which is a very small micro moth, but an attractive little moth. Two Maiden’s Blush were present and up to three Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. 

The moths recorded this morning included the following:

• 2 Maiden’s Blush
• 4 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 1 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 3 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 1 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 5 Willow Beauty
• 3 Double-striped Pug
• 4 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Common Grass-veneer
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 1 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 New Oak Slender (NFY)

While checking the moths, I heard a familiar call coming from a nearby tree and I could have sworn that it was a Yellow-browed Warbler. I quickly called out to Andy to come and see, but the bird soon went quiet and totally disappeared. One that got away, I’m afraid. Yesterday, Andy rushed down to Farlington Marshes last night as local birder, Jason Crook, had found a juvenile Temminck’s Stint on the reserve, but it didn't hang around long and flew off and never to be seen again, to Andy’s disappointment. So, was it back to Farlington Marshes this morning or somewhere else that was full of migrant passerines? Birdguides soon flashed up that 3 Glossy Ibis were on the Meander Pools on the Hook-with Warsash Nature Reserve early this morning and as we have not been here this year, I decided to head there this morning with the guys.

Above, two handsome chaps (not!) ready for good birding action. Below, the Red Underwing moth I found.

When we parked up at the lay-by off Hooks Park Lane and made our way to Hook Spit and overlooking Southampton Water. Geoff, as always, kept an eye out on the plants growing along the footpath that included the purple Sea Aster, the ‘daisy- like’ Scentless Mayweed and he also found a rare plant called Slender Hare's-ear Ear, which was a small dainty little plant. Out in the small harbour, a lone Black-tailed Godwit was feeding, but without my camera now, I could not get a photo of it. Hurrumph! Out on Hook Spit, a large contingent of Oystercatchers were resting and contained a few Curlew. An adult and juvenile Sandwich Tern came in and flew close in, calling as they passed by.

Above, the colourful Sea Aster and below, Scented Mayweed growing prolifically along the footpath.

Making our way to the first pool, we could see the huge freight tankers making their way out of Southampton Water and in the distance, a few of the huge pleasure Liners were moored in the Docks. Dark clouds were over the Isle of Wight and we could see the rain falling down over that side of the Solent. Good, it could stay there.

Both the Cows and the Yellow Wagtails dispersed when the first downpour arrived.

On the biggest main pool, we counted up to 65+ Black-tailed Godwit, 23+ Avocet, 2 Common Snipe, a single Common Sandpiper and at least two pairs of Little Grebe. A Whitethroat was flitting about in the brambles in front of us and then a Sedge Warbler joined it as they both scurried about within a small bush out on the reedbed. A Water Rail was heard deep within, but no sighting today. Geoffs sharp hearing picked up both Lesser Marsh Grasshopper and Field Grasshopper and we got to see a couple of the former species close up. A few butterflies were on the wing that included both Small Copper and Small Heath over the shingle.

One of the freight ships going out of Southampton Water.

As we moved onto the next pool, which was a lot smaller, a Wheatear flew up and circled us before disappearing over the shoreline. It was hotting up. What other migrant passerines lay in store? Another butterfly went through, a male Common Blue and then a Ringed Plover flew over our heads, calling as it headed off north. A flock of Linnets flew over our heads and landed nearby and that's when we met local birders, Dave Wallace and his wife again (we saw them at Titchfield Haven last week) and I resumed our conversation about our recent moth sightings etc. Another local Hampshire birder, came up to us and so I left Dave to chat with him as we made our way further south.

A lone Black-tailed Godwit feeding in the small harbour by Hook Spit.

After watching a fine male Stonechat on a fence wire, Andy had seen something interesting perched out on the reserve to the east. As it turned out, it was my first Whinchat of the year and a second bird was found nearby as well. Happy days indeed, with my 203rd species of the year under my belt. Just a shame about my camera. Grrrr! We then took the bridle path to the east and made our way along here, picking out a Chiffchaff call and flitting about in the trees. At the end of the bridle path, there was a large gathering of Cows near the edge of the field and here, a very large flock of Yellow Wagtails were seen. We must have easily counted at least 50+ birds here, with some coming very close to where we stood. And then it rained literally ‘Cats and Dogs’! It was a huge downpour and it even unsettled the Cows who walked off to seek cover under the trees nearby. Yes, it dispersed the Yellow Wagtails, but they soon slowly came back. Eventually, the rain stopped and we had a long spell of sunshine before the rain came back in again. Watching the Yellow Wagtails again, I turned round and found a superb Red Underwing moth perched on a wooden fence panel, my first of the year as I carefully prized open the wings with a bit of grass to reveal the amazing red and black underwing panel to the guys.

Sea Campion growing along the footpath.

We walked down Workmans Lane and then took a footpath east towards the Horse fields where we enjoyed several Swallows and House Martins perched on overhead wires. Even a Spotted Flycatcher joined them briefly and was later seen again in some dead trees on the way back. There wasn't a great deal of note by the Horse Fields, bar a few Whitethroats and a couple of Common Buzzards, though a large flock of around 100+ Goldfinch were noteworthy. I picked out a Small Heath butterfly on the ground to round off our trip here as we walked back in the rain to the car. 

The beautifully delicate looking Burnet Saxifrage growing on Portsdown Hill.

Before we headed off back home, the rain had now gone and I fancied the last hour on Portsdown Hill for possible migrants. We therefore parked up in the car park near Pigeon House Lane and walked down a footpath behind Fort Widley. From here, we had a sub-singing Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a few more common birds. The area had great potential for possible migrants and I expect there were many here this morning. I noted some of the plants growing here including the beautiful blue Field Scabious, Ragwort and a small delicate plant called Burnet Saxifrage, which Geoff identified for me. So, another cracking day birding where I got not only another new species for the year list, but also another moth for my year list. 

Meet the boys. Buddy and Ted. Fun times ahead!

Later on today, Geoff went back up to Portsdown Hill area between Portchester Lane / Fort Southwick area where he had 3 Wheatears, Whitethroat and a Curlew! The Black Stork that was seen in the Brockenhurst area of the New Forest recently was seen again today, soaring over the Wood Fidley / Pig Bush area of the New Forest and even over Lyndhurst; but it never settled on the ground. I know both Andy and Geoff need this species for their life list, however, I would be happy with it on my Hampshire list as the only one I have seen in the UK was on the Isle of Wight many years ago.