Another great day out on the south coast.

Monday 26th August 2024.

One of the marvelous views overlooking Pennington Marshes looking east.

I took the opportunity on this Bank Holiday Monday to take a trip down to Pennington & Keyhaven Marshes with both Matt & Emma Parkes today and we had a great variety of birds on this superb reserve. Not only did we get a hatful of lovely birds to look at, including a ‘year-tick’ for me here; we later went into the New Forest to take a look around Pig Bush area and again, there was a nice variety of birds here to look at. The weather simply couldn't make its mind up today, although the majority of the day, it was bright and sunny with a breezy south-westerly. We finished the day off searching for a Pied Flycatcher that was reported around the Church at Nursling.

Above, the three Spoonbills that were on Fishtail Lagoon eventually landed on Butts Lagoon.

My day started by meeting the guys at Fareham Leisure Centre car park, but getting there was a bit hairy to say the least. A huge downpour over the M27 made the motorway like a lake and my car did not like it one bit. Thankfully, I did take my wet weather coat along with me, but as soon as I got to the car park, the rain had totally stopped. Phew! While waiting for them to arrive, I heard a variety of birds calling in the distance that included a Yellow Wagtail, Jay, Goldcrest and a variety of finches and titmice all calling in the background. It probably was worth going to give the area a good once over, but I didn't have the time.

Above and below, good numbers of Redshank were offshore by the mudflats and islands.

Above, a juvenile Sparrowhawk was hunting over the saltmarsh and then flew northbound close to where we stood. Below, summer plumage Grey Plover were on the mudflats offshore.

On arrival within the car park at Pennington Marshes, we walked south to the sea wall and took a lazy stroll westbound along the seawall. The tide was out within the Solent, exposing a lot of the mudflats that supported a variety of waders that included Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Turnstone plus a few Dunlin; but on the first stretch of water on Fishtail Lagoon, there was a selection of waders here included around 60+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpipers, several Lapwing and a lone Common Snipe. Three adult Spoonbills could be seen in the distance and after a short while, the Spoonbills took off and flew eastbound right in front of us. Gorgeous. A pair of Reed Buntings flew up from the seawall and headed off onto the reserve and Pied Wagtails seemed to be everywhere. I was hoping for a Little Stint or Curlew Sandpiper, but despite a good search, there was no sign of them here today.

Above, one of two Common Sandpipers (centre) on Fishtail Lagoon among Black-tailed Godwit. Below, a Common Snipe feeding in the same area.

Above, a lone Black-tailed Godwit flying across the lagoon and below, a large contingent of Black-tailed Godwits sharing an island with Canada Geese.

Out in the Solent, we picked up some of the distant Eider ducks swimming on the water and some on the islands, while back on dry land, both a female Marsh Harrier and a Kestrel were seen. Matt soon picked up a juvenile Sparrowhawk hunting over the islands and it quickly settled on the saltmarsh for a few minutes before flying towards us and then northbound over the reserve, scattering some of the waders and a large number of Pied Wagtails. Both Grey and Yellow Wagtails were heard, but sadly, no sightings of the birds. Things got even better regarding the raptors when I found a juvenile Osprey fishing over the Solent. I then watched the bird fly down and plunged into the sea to grab a fish. It wasn't successful this time, but as we watched it hovering over the sea again, it splashed down again and this time, it was successful and then flew off to find a perch (which it did) to eat its breakfast. I might be an old Birder now and have been birding for over 46 years; but that was the first time ever I have actually seen an Osprey hunting and be successful. Simply amazing to watch.

Above and below, having been successful in catching a large fish, the juvenile Osprey began its breakfast. Emma picked out a blue ring on one of the legs and looked good for one of the Poole Harbour birds. 

Above, a Grey Heron coming into land by Fishtail Lagoon and below, a Willow Warbler in the large clump of bushes between the two Lagoons.

Above, a Reed Warbler showed well at times in the large clump of bushes and below, a Sedge Warbler popped out too.

Above, the female Stonechat sat nicely on the fence below the seawall and below, one of two Wheatears were also seen from the seawall.

Between both Fishtail and Keyhaven Lagoons, there is a large clump of trees and bushes and this excellent spot supported a good variety of passerine species here that included Reed and Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Willow Warbler, Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Greenfinch and several Robins! Nearby, we found a pair of Stonechats on the sea wall and at least two Wheatears were picked up perched on the Gorse Bushes. This variety of birds kept us entertained for a good twenty minutes or so as we soon made our way to the Jetty Lagoon where a Wood Sandpiper was reported. The Spoonbills seen earlier, were now sleeping quietly on Butts Lagoon as we passed and to be honest, we were going to walk past the Jetty Lagoon when Matt stopped to check out an interesting wader that had caught his eye. It turned out to be a Spotted Redshank in winter plumage feeding on the far side of the pool and better still, Emma saw a smaller wader nearby; the Wood Sandpiper. This was my first ‘Wood Sand’ of the year and the bird looked stunning in the sunshine. Just a shame it was so far away as my photos didn't do it justice. We managed to get a few other birders onto these exciting waders (my good deed for the day!) and after checking the Solent once more where we saw a few more Eiders out on the water and a pair of Great Crested Grebes; we then decided to take a trip to Pig Bush, within the New Forest. As we made our way back to the car, there was a large flock of Goldfinches present, fluttering around the fields and hedgerows and some feeding on the Teasel and overhead, Swallows and Sand Martins chased insects in the sunshine.

Above, Hurst Castle and Lighthouse in the distance and the Isle of Wight behind it. I must pay a visit here one day. Below, a flock of Ringed Plovers were present just off the seawall.

Above, both the Wood Sandpiper (left) and Spotted Redshank remained distant on the Jetty Lagoon. Below, the Spotted Redshank did venture out a bit closer.

Above, a showy Grey Heron on Jetty Lagoon. Below, Emma checking out the birds offshore. I think, if you can put up with the many Cyclists, joggers and dog walkers; then this has to be one of the best nature reserves in Hampshire.

The car park at Pig Bush was quite busy as we parked up and then took a stroll around the edge of the wood, southbound. It didn't take long to get onto a group of Spotted Flycatchers busying themselves chasing insects. In all, it was difficult to get an exact count as they were very flighty, but at least 7+ were here including several juveniles. A Firecrest was heard and eventually seen very well several times as was a few Treecreepers. A couple of Marsh Tits were showing well for us too as they flew from bush to tree to bush in search of food. Fellow Birder (and ‘Lazee’) Steve Laycock and his friend joined us for a chat for around ten minutes as we watched the Flycatchers go about their business.

Above, some of the Spotted Flycatchers at Pig Bush this afternoon. Below, my first Heath Bumblebee of the year.

Above, a Hornet-mimic Hoverfly took us by surprise. I have not seen many of these away from Highland Road Cemetery. Below, Emma found some Puffball toadstools.

Above, at least two Treecreepers were seen in the woodland at Pig Bush.

After Steve left to go to Keyhaven, we carried on with our walk and enjoyed more views of the Spotted Flycatchers; but we could not find any Pied Flycatchers here, unfortunately. On the heath, I could hear a family flock of Linnets and some landed on the same bush as a male Stonechat. A Heath Bumblebee, my first of the year, was found walking on the ground and all around, I could hear the sound of Wood Crickets stridulating deep within cover; though they seemed to be everywhere. A Hornet-mimic Hoverfly briefly settled on a bramble and Matt even found a Froglet that quickly hopped into cover and out of view. We then walked south along the heath and entered another wood where we had good views of another Treecreeper and a pair of Stock Doves; though it was very quiet there. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over our heads after having seen it perched high up in a distant dead tree. Sadly, there were no Honey Buzzards on show, even though Steve Laycock had seen one earlier as well as a Goshawk. 

Above, a distant Red Kite soared over woodland and fields behind St. Boniface Church. 

Above and below, these juvenile Swallows were being fed by the parents that were hunting nearby.

After having lunch back at the car park, Emma had seen a post on Going Birding that a Pied Flycatcher had been seen at a church in Nursling, near Southampton and so we headed off there to round off the day. Sadly, even though we checked the churchyard here thoroughly, there was no sign and we realised that we were looking in the wrong place; but not before we had a sighting of a Red Kite and good numbers of Swallows. In fact, I think we were a long way off and so called it a day. I was knackered anyway, especially after getting a crap night's sleep and getting up so early; but it was most certainly a good day with some amazing birds and great company too. Below, is some of Emma's photos she took today.

Above, one of the Spotted Flycatchers at Pig Bush. Below, one of the Wheatear's at Keyhaven Marshes.

Above, a Marsh Tit at Pig Bush and below, the adult Swallow came in to feed its youngster.

Another reasonable catch of moths & Highland Road Cemetery.

Sunday 25th August 2024.

One of the most beautiful moths for this time of year, the Jasmine Moth.

Clear skies overnight normally produces a low haul of moths to my Moth Box, but I was relatively pleased with this morning's moths present, which included a few nice surprises too. A bright, near cloudless morning was nice to wake up to though it was just 14 degrees, there was hardly any wind.

Above, one of two Rusty-dot Pearls and below, the stunning Canary-shouldered Thorn.

There were at least 61+ moths of 26 species recorded this morning and although there was nothing new for the year, there were a few nice moths to check out including my second Jasmine Moth of the year (one of my favourite moths) and another Canary-shouldered Thorn. The most numerous moth easily was the Common Plume’s with at least 18 present in or near the Moth Box.

Cabbage Moth.

The moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS:

• Garden Carpet
• Garden Tiger 2
• Canary-shouldered Thorn
• Vine’s Rustic 6
• Cabbage Moth
• Pale Mottled Willow 4
• Yellow-barred Brindle
• Double-striped Pug
• Willow Beauty 2
• Large Yellow Underwing
• Square-spotted Rustic
• White-point
• Brimstone Moth 2
• L-album Wainscot
• Common Rustic
• Lime-speck Pug 2

MICRO MOTHS:

• Common Masoner
• Rusty-dot Pearl 2
• Dark-spotted Moss-moth
• Box-tree Moth 2
• Common Plume 18
• Garden Pebble 2
• Chevron Grass-moth 2
• Jasmine Moth
• Light Brown Apple Moth
• Apple Leaf Miner 3

Other interesting insects that were attracted to my Moth Box included a Cinnamon Sedge Caddis Fly; one of our largest Caddis Flies. There were plenty of small Spiders in and around the Moth Box and although not a problem, I always release them, then clean the spiders webs away from the Box.

The Cinnamon Sedge Caddis Fly; a species that is regular around my Moth Box.

Birding pal Geoff Farwell took a walk down Pigeon House Lane, on Portsdown Hill yesterday afternoon, in the brighter weather and recorded the following on his travels: 2 Common Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, Firecrest, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 50 Swallows, 30 Herring Gulls, Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels and a flock of 16 Magpies! Andy Fisher took a walk in the rain around Farlington Marshes earlier in the day with a friend and saw an Avocet and a Marsh Harrier, and a little later, a Kingfisher over Chichester Harbour.

One of my favourite photos this week. A cracking photo of a Nuthatch by Emma Parkes.

I had another walk around Highland Road Cemetery this morning and it actually turned out to be a rather good trip. OK, nothing exceptionally rare there, but a good variety of wildlife to look at. The sun was shining again and with a nice soft breeze blowing from the south-west, it was comfortable conditions to take the dogs for a slow stroll around my local patch. However, I shared the Cemetery with a lot of dog-walkers this morning; some sociable, some miserable, but that's the way it goes here.

Above, the regular sortie of the Spitfire flying over Southsea seen from the Cemetery. Below, a Small False-greenbottle. 

Above, Honey Bees enjoying the Buddleia and below, a Red Admiral was nectaring close by.

Starting with the birds present, the clump of bushes around the south-east corner of the Cemetery held some interesting birds as I spent a good ten minutes here waiting on what would show. Earlier, I was checking out a male Common Blue butterfly when something caught my eye. A pair of juvenile Blackbirds were busy scoffing on the ripe Blackberries within the bushes and were joined by an adult and another juvenile. Then a juvenile Green Woodpecker flew in, though proved too difficult to photograph due to the foliage and a second bird shortly followed. I'm glad to know that they have bred successfully somewhere locally. Also within the same bushes, I was pretty sure a Lesser Whitethroat flew from one bush to another, but that was the last sighting of the bird despite waiting a while for it to reappear. This would have been only the second ever I have seen in the Cemy.

Above, only my second ever sighting of the Dusty-winged Lacewing. Below, one of the juvenile Blackbirds.

Above, another of the juvenile Blackbirds scoffing down the Blackberries and below, the clump of Bushes that seemed to attract a lot of birds of late.

Earlier, I had seen the pair of Jays flying off heading westbound over the rooftops. Fortunately, they returned to the Cemetery and at least one was seen perched distantly on a gravestone near the Mausoleum. The soft ‘hooweet’ of a Willowchiff was heard near the Mausoleum, but there was no sighting of the bird which was calling deep within a bush. Walking the path by the Holm Oak clump, I heard a Firecrest calling deep within cover and although I got brief glimpses of the bird, it did not show fully as it moved on south. I think I see more Firecrests here than Goldcrests! All in all, not a bad selection of birds along with all the common species here.

Above, a lone male House Sparrow was lurking about in the same bushes and below, a Batman Hoverfly was nectaring on this clump of Yarrow.

Above, most unexpected, I found this Meadow Vetchling plant growing near a grave and below, a male Common Blue butterfly also in the south east corner.

On the butterflies front, there were four species seen today that included two species of Blue butterflies: Common Blue and Holly Blue; both males too. At least two Red Admirals were seen and several Small White butterflies scattered around the Cemy. A Jersey Tiger moth was flushed from one of the bushes over in the south-east corner, close to the footpath and a Vapourer Moth spiralled across the gravestones. Another odd insect I found was the Dusty-winged Lacewing; a species I think I have only ever seen once before and similar to a small moth in flight. Though photographing the species was a bit of a challenge.

Above and below, one of the Jays is showing briefly.

Above, this Holly Blue butterfly proved difficult to get a decent photo. Below, a Harlequin Ladybird on Smooth Sow-thistle.

The plants within my local patch were all the usual species although a lot are well passed their sell-by date. However, a lot of Buddleia was still on flower, which can only mean good news for the insects. I did find my first Meadow Vetchling plant for the year; a small sprig growing by one of the graves. I did find it pays to spend some time in the Cemetery as there could be anything flying around or over and could pull a surprise or two.

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