Migrants are on their way.

Thursday 12th September 2024.

A Hornet-mimic Hoverfly with two Batman Hoverflies on an Ivy Plant in Highland Road Cemetery this morning.

Another glorious start to the day with a clear blue sky and hardly any wind, unlike the day before where it was not only windy, but very cold indeed. An Arctic blast hit the UK yesterday with snow over the Cairngorms and here in the south, temperatures were down to single digits. Today, it was a lot warmer in the sunshine and though there were a few rain showers in the afternoon, it was mostly sunny and bright. The sunny weather encouraged a lot of passerines to make a move overhead and again, plenty of insects around taking advantage of the flowering plants.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

A Small White butterfly in Pembroke Road this afternoon. 

Up to 16 species were recorded during both my morning and afternoon shift at Pembroke Road and that included both a Yellow and Grey Wagtail heard flying over and on the opposite side of the road, a Chiffchaff was heard singing briefly. A few Meadow Pipits were on the move too, with these birds actually seen flying low and heading west. A flock of Starlings suddenly took flight around the Garrison Church as a female Sparrowhawk soared past them and perched on one of the distant rooftops. A few Hirundines were on the move too as a probable Swallow flew over Governor’s Green though headed off west, whereas, two House Martins showed well as they flew overhead at speed, heading west.

Above, a variety of different coloured Harlequin Ladybirds and their larvae were swarming along these railings along Pembroke Road.

On the insect front, yesterday morning, I was checking Governor’s Green when I noticed several Harlequin Ladybirds and their larvae on the perimeter railing fence. In fact, it turned out that every spike on the fence held at least one Harlequin Ladybird or larvae and at least five or more different colourations. So, probably hundreds of them here this morning, taking advantage of the bright weather. Today, a Small White butterfly was resting on one of the house walls and then took off and showed well. Many Bees were on the wing too, enjoying all the flowers along the roadside houses, which included Buff-tailed Bumble Bees, Batman and Marmalade Hoverflies and a small Wasp that grabbed my attention. After noting its diagnostic abdomen, I concluded, with a bit of research, that it was actually a Digger Wasp!

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

One of several Chiffchaffs in the Cemy this morning.

Becky and I have been looking after our daughter’s Labradoodle puppy since yesterday and so once I got home from my first shift at Pembroke Road, I took her for a walk around the Cemetery. Even though she is still very young, she walked superbly for me and we slowly walked around the Cemetery in the bright sunshine. 

Above, one of several Red Admiral's here in the Cemy and below, one of two Hornet-mimic Hoverflies in the Cemy with two Batman Hoverflies in attendance.

A very much dead Ivy Bee caught by this Garden Spider and below, a very much alive Ivy Bee.

There was a reasonable variety of birds seen within the Cemetery this morning and again, there must have been a good fall of Chiffchaffs once again here on the south coast. In just one area of the Cemetery, I counted at least five birds flitting about around each other and the Green Woodpecker flew up into one of the taller trees when I approached the warblers. Overhead, a Yellow Wagtail was heard to call, but I had better views of the Meadow Pipits that flew westbound. Another migrant, a Tree Pipit, was heard and then seen flying westbound high over the Cemetery. While checking the Warblers, I was sure I heard a Firecrest calling, but it only called just once and was never seen. It was good to see a nice variety here this morning plus all the common birds here this morning.

Above, one of many Tapered Drone Flies seen today and below, a Turnip Sawfly.

Above, flowering Ribwort Plantain and below, another Chiffchaff showing well.

Above, on closer inspection of the photo, there were two Tree Pipits flying over the Cemetery and below, could there be more goodies hiding in the Cemy that I missed?

The sunny weather brought out plenty of insects as one particular Ivy Bush held numerous Bees and Hoverflies including Hornet-mimic Hoverflies, Drone and Tapered Drone Flies, Thick-legged and Batman Hoverflies as well as good numbers of Common Wasps. Large and Small White butterflies and Red Admirals were all abundant too. This cold snap we are having is set to disappear over the weekend as the temperatures start to climb back up to where they should be for this time of year.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Starling
• Robin
• Blackbird
• Chiffchaff 6+
• Firecrest (heard only)
• Meadow Pipit
• Yellow Wagtail (heard only)
• Green Woodpecker
• Tree Pipit (heard)

Even from my garden, I am always keeping an eye out for nature and I have had both Small White and Large White enjoying the Ivy growing in my garden and a few Red Admirals have gone through too. Chiffchaffs have been heard calling deep within vegetation and my neighbours tree as well as a few Yellow Wagtails and Meadow Pipits going over. Around midday, a large dark cloud passed overhead (just as I had hung out all my washing on the line), but it was circling just below it which had me rushing back into the kitchen to grab my binoculars. Three birds were circling together, but all looked different. One was a Raven, another was Herring Gull, but the third was most definitely a falcon, but it was big and to me, it looked like a big Kestrel, with thin outstretched wings ruling out both Peregrine and Sparrowhawk; but it flew like a Kestrel, but too big for one. Eleaonora’s Falcon? The bird flew off southbound and was lost to view as did the other two birds.

Above and below, a Common Sandpiper at Blashford Lakes today. Photo by Andy Tew.

On a controversial note, the reedbed on the Lake at Farlington Marshes has been nearly destroyed by the broken Sluice Gates spilling tons of seawater from the harbour. The utter incompetence by the people supposed to be looking after the place beggars belief and a birding friend of mine has told me over the past month, lamenting on the very poor Marsh Management going on here on my favourite reserve. The Social Media, including Facebook and the ‘Lazee Birder’ Whatsapp group has been awash with negative comments about the poor Management on Farlington Marshes. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as the Environment Agency, bowing under a lot of people pressure, has assured the public and Nature groups that work is underway next month to replace the old Sluice gates and hopefully, the reedbed and the Lake itself will be back to normal; however, this will take a long time and who knows how much damage has been done. We shall see over the coming year. Sadly, hardly any waders have been seen roosting or feeding on the Lake area this Autumn and I for one, is fuming over this total incompetence by the idiots running the place. 

House Moss-moth new for the year.

Tuesday 10th September 2024.

Above, a Feathered Ranunculus (left) with a Grey/Dark Dagger moth.

A rather dark, blustery morning with heavy overcast skies with a westerly wind buffeting the garden. At first glance this morning, there seemed to be very few moths outside the Moth Box this morning and it wasn't till 6.45am that it was just light enough to check the Box. A total of 59 moths of 19 species was well down from last Sunday's total, but still a nice variety though as the return of all the Autumn moths were apparent this morning. The only new moth for the year was a micro moth, the House Moss-moth. 

The House Moss-moth was my first of the year.

My second Grey/Dark Dagger moth was present again; a species that can only be reliably identified properly through dissection. A good total of Large Yellow Underwings again and a couple of Old Lady moths that were resting in the Moth Box.

The moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS:

• Old Lady 2
• Large Yellow Underwing 11
• Lesser Yellow Underwing 3
• Shuttle-shaped Dart
• Double-striped Pug 6
• Bright-line Brown-eye
• Pale Mottled Willow 5
• Small Dusty Wave 2
• Vine’s Rustic 2
• Feathered Ranunculus
• Square-spot Rustic 3
• L-album Wainscot
• Willow Beauty 4
• Lime-speck Pug
• Grey/Dark Dagger agg.

MICRO MOTHS:

• House Moss-moth (New for Year) 2
• Common Plume 10
• Rusty-dot Pearl
• Narrow-winged Grey

Overhead, both Yellow and Pied Wagtail were heard only while I was checking the moths.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Very quiet here in blustery, overcast conditions today, with a bit of drizzle on my first shift and much windier conditions in the afternoon shift. Just 8 species were seen today and all being the common species regularly seen too. Sadly, the Council came in to butcher the plants growing on the path leading to the Curtain Moat and I wasn't impressed with the mess they left behind either! It was fairly quiet in Hampshire today, though a couple of Black Terns were reported from Sandy Point, Hayling Island this morning.

Pembroke Road & the Cemy.

Monday 9th September 2024.

The Cemetery was alive with butterflies this afternoon that included a Painted Lady, Red Admiral and a Small White sharing the same Buddleia plant.

The weekend came and went in a blink of an eye and it was back to work this morning. Yesterday early evening, a Yellow Wagtail was actually seen for a change, flying westbound over the houses, calling while I walked home after parking the car. I decided to not put the Moth Box on overnight due to the fact there were a lot of moths still present by my Box including at least four Old Lady moths! This morning was nice and bright again, with a bit of cloud overhead and while walking the dogs at 6.30am this morning, I caught sight of a pair of Meadow Pipits heading west. My day consisted of two rounds of Pembroke Road in Old Portsmouth and then a walk over Highland Road Cemetery again with the dogs. It was very tempting to take a trip over Titchfield Haven to view the Wryneck that was still present near the Meonshore Hide; but I really didn't fancy the long drive over.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Though it was overcast this morning in Pembroke Road, it was relatively mild and hardly any wind, which is a bonus. Up to 13 species of birds were recorded including a few notable birds: a Grey Wagtail flying low over my head heading north and a Mute Swan flying over Garrison’s Church. There were all the usual birds present to keep me entertained and this afternoon was much quieter. With the Wryneck still showing over Titchfield Haven, I really fancied a good walk around the Cemetery when I got back home after my second shift.

The Painted Lady butterfly in the Cemetery late this afternoon.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Though there were several Chiffchaffs heard calling within the Cemetery, none were actually seen and the only other bird of note here late this afternoon was a Jay that was playing hide and seek high up in one of the Lime trees. In fact, it was the insects that grabbed my attention the most; especially the butterflies. Birding buddy, Geoff Farwell said a while ago that the Small and Large White butterflies were very late this year which was probably due to the wet Spring we had. However, today, the Cemetery was swarming with them. I lost count on how many Small and Large White’s were on the wing, but nearly every Buddleia bush had at least one on there. Several Red Admiral butterflies were seen and also a Holly Blue feeding on an Ivy flower. Best of all, was a Painted Lady on a Buddleia plant and even shared one particular flower with a Red Admiral and a Small White!

Above, the Jay that was proving very difficult to get a decent photo of.

Above, an Ivy Bee.

Above, the Holly Blue butterfly feeding on the Ivy.

Above, a Small White butterfly and below, the Painted Lady.

Above, a Painted Lady and below, a Batman Hoverfly sharing an Ivy plant with a Turnip Sawfly.

Above, a Turnip Sawfly and below, the Pied Hoverfly sharing a Cat's Ear flower with a Turnip Sawfly.

Above, I found this Hornet-mimic Hoverfly on the grass as we walked along.

Other insects on the wings included a single Hornet-mimic Hoverfly, literally hundreds of Drone Flies and Batman Hoverflies. I also found a Pied Hoverfly on a Cat’s Ear flower, sharing it with a Turnip Sawfly. Most of the Ivy plants were in flower and attracted countless insects that have been mentioned and in the late afternoon sunshine, the butterflies were also enjoying nectaring on the Ivy plants. 

The Wryneck at Titchfield Haven today. Film footage by Mark Francis.

A large haul of moths and back over the Cemy.

Sunday 8th September 2024.

The Dark Spectacle moth.

The Moth Box

A Blair's Mocha.

Thankfully, the rain overnight had disappeared this morning, leaving behind a bright start, though some large heavy cloud overhead looked threatening. I finally got the chance to put my Moth Box on overnight, the first time in a few days, and was rewarded with a good array of moths that included up to SEVEN Old Lady moths; my highest ever total in one morning in my garden of this large species of moth.

One of two White-point moths.

At least 97 moths of 30 species were recorded this morning and although there was nothing new for the year, there were some quality moths present. My second Dark Spectacle of the year was on the white sheet behind the Moth Box; the first being way back in May. Other notable moths included a Jasmine Moth, Light Emerald, Blair’s Mocha and the micro moths, Tree-mallow Tortrix, Pellitory Beauty and a Gold Triangle. The garden was sodden from the overnight rain and the moths were well spread out near the moth box and so I trod carefully in not treading on any! There was at least three species that were in double figures that included Large Yellow Underwing, Willow Beauty and Garden Carpet.

Above, heavy rain clouds moved off east and below, one of an incredible 7 Old Lady moths present in and around my Moth Box.

Above, the gorgeous Jasmine Moth.

The moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS:

• White-point 2
• Old Lady 7
• Willow Beauty 13
• Pale Mottled Willow 3
• Square-spot Rustic 2
• Lime-speck Pug 5
• Double-striped Pug 7
• Bright-line Brown-eye
• Light Emerald
• Large Yellow Underwing 10
• Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
• L-album Wainscot 3
• Garden Carpet 10
• Brimstone Moth 2
• Silver Y 2
• Small Dusty Wave 4
• Blair’s Mocha
• Dark Spectacle
• Angle Shades 3

MICRO MOTHS:

• Rusty-dot Pearl 3
• Jasmine Moth
• Light Brown Apple Moth
• Common Plume 4
• Ruddy Streak 2
• Tree-mallow Tortrix
• Beautiful Plume 4
• Dark-spotted Moss Moth
• Box-tree Moth
• Gold Triangle
• Pellitory Beauty

Highland Road Cemetery

One of several juvenile Blackbirds over in the south-east side of the Cemy.

The dogs got an early morning walk this morning over Highland Road Cemetery and though the place was soaking wet, it was bright and sunny and there was plenty of birds seen within the area. On the way there, I found a Bloxworth Snout moth perched on the doorstep of a nearby house near the Cemetery. This species is a nationally rare moth, but Portsmouth is a good stronghold for them.

Above, the Bloxworth Snout I found on the way to the Cemy. Below, a juvenile and adult Blackbird on my walk.

What was noticeable this morning were the amount of Chiffchaffs present here today. There must have been a good fall of them overnight as I recorded at least 8 birds seen or heard on my walk round including 5 birds around the bushes in the south-east corner. I also had one in my neighbours tree early this morning while I was checking my Moth Box. I heard the bird calling then seen briefly flying away from me and shortly afterwards, a Yellow Wagtail was heard calling high overhead, but yet again, I could not locate the bird and a similar situation with a Meadow Pipit overhead too. A Sparrowhawk flew up from bushes to try and grab a passing Starling, that just got away in time. All in a split second. Surprisingly, only one Goldfinch was seen this morning, but plenty of Blackbirds over in the south east corner.

Above, up to 5 Chiffchaffs, including these two, were in the south east corner of the Cemy.

On the insect front, a probable Migrant Hawker was seen in the south-west corner high up in a Conifer searching for its breakfast and two Red Admiral butterflies were noted. Ivy is about to start to flower and this attracted many Drone Flies and Batman Hoverflies. My first Ivy Bee of the year was found sunning itself on an Ivy Leaf. Even Fungi is starting to appear with two large Dryad’s Saddle fungi found near the large tree stump that was still sporting the Bracket Fungus growing on it.

Above, Bracket Fungus and below, Bracket Fungus growing in the Cemy.

Above, a Batman Hoverfly and below, one of many Drone Flies seen today.

Above, my first Ivy Bee of the year and below, Garden Spiders are now being found in numbers.

The birds recorded in the Cemetery this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Jay
• Magpie
• Great Tit
• Blue Tit
• Yellow Wagtail (heard only)
• Meadow Pipit (heard only)
• Chiffchaff 8+
• Blackbird
• Goldfinch
• Robin
• Sparrowhawk
• Starling

I found this Red Admiral butterfly by the roadside outside my house yesterday and so picked it up carefully and placed it on one of our outside plants. It looks as though it has just come out of its Chrysalis and the wings have not fully dried out yet.

In Hampshire this morning, the Wryneck seen at Titchfield Haven yesterday late afternoon, was still present this morning and showing now and then. Emma Parkes told me that a huge number of Red Admiral butterflies are migrating over to the UK, with a reported 30,000+ coming over yesterday and some houses in Kent were apparently covered in them!

The Wryneck by the coastal road at Titchfield Haven. Photo by Mark Francis.

A male Red-backed Shrike at Church Norton.

Saturday 7th September 2024.

The gorgeous male Red-backed Shrike at Church Norton this morning.

I picked the guys up a little later than normal and on reaching Andy’s house, the first port of call was going to be his Moth Box. Due to a lot of rain overnight over the past few days, I have relented in putting my Moth Box on and thankfully, Andy had his on overnight. Our day was going to be spent firstly in the West Sussex area, for a superb male Red-backed Shrike had been found by the Paddocks at Church Norton yesterday and was still present this morning. Subsequently, a Wryneck had been found near Manor Farm, Hamble and though tempting, the weather really didn't improve as the rain got steadily heavier as the day wore on. So, as Andy still needed an Osprey for his Hampshire year list, we finished the day off at Broadmarsh for a superb Osprey on the North Binness Islands, within Langstone Harbour.

Andy’s Moth Box, Cowplain Marsh:

My first Burnished Brass moth for the year.

A total of 29 moths of 12 species were counted this morning and some quality moths were among them too. My first Burnished Brass moth of the year was a real stunner and a Portland Ribbon Wave was a ‘first’ for both Geoff and Andy. There were good numbers of both Large Yellow Underwings and Square-spot Rustics and a really tatty Old Lady moth was a nice moth to see too.

This Portland Ribbon Wave was a great find in Andy's garden.

The moths recorded in total here included the following:

MACRO MOTHS:

• Light Emerald
• Burnished Brass (New for Year)
• Portland Ribbon Wave
• Large Yellow Underwing 8
• Lesser Yellow Underwing 3
• Square-spot Rustic 8
• Pale Mottled Willow
• Old Lady
• Silver Y
• Double-striped Pug

MICRO MOTHS:

• Light Brown Apple Moth
• Common Plume 2

Church Norton & Offshore, West Sussex.

The male Red-backed Shrike.

A Red-backed Shrike, especially a male, is a quality bird and I expected the car park at Church Norton to be packed; but fortunately, there were a few spaces left. I met fellow ‘Lazee’ Grahame Loader within the car park as he showed us a superb photo on his camera of the said Shrike; though he had to wait an hour or so for the bird to reappear earlier this morning. Thankfully for us, the bird remained in situ where he told us it would be and got my camera ready………..bloody disaster! The bird was showing extremely well just below where we stood overlooking one of the Paddocks, but hey ho, the battery in my camera was completely flat! While I spent the next five minutes throwing a right verbal ‘paddy’, I decided to try my luck in digiscoping it and thankfully, I think it paid off. The bird did show very well and used various perches until flying off distantly to perch again on some bramble by the reedbed further west.

Above and below, the male Red-backed Shrike.

Happy with my photos and seeing such a superb bird (only my third time ever I have seen a male bird in the UK), we decided to check out the huge Gull flock offshore. Grahame had told us that a juvenile Sabine’s Gull (seen around 7am and seen to fly off west), several Black Terns, an Osprey and an Arctic Skua were offshore at Selsey Bill; therefore it was worth checking this large group of Gulls. When we got to the beach overlooking the sea, the Gulls had nearly vanished, but Geoff picked out a large flock on the beach further west. In fact, there must have been at least around 70+ Gulls here and 75% of them were all Mediterranean Gulls. In fact, scanning the sea behind them, there were even more on the sea; easily 150+ it seems.

A large number of Med Gulls and several Black-headed Gulls were on the beach and also on the sea.

Then using the scope, I looked towards the harbour entrance where there was yet another large flock of Gulls and then I found a Great Skua chasing some of the Gulls to disgorge their food. I quickly got the guys onto the bird and though distant, I got a good look at the bird to rule out a dark-phased Arctic Skua; the said Skua being a much bulkier bird with dark all over body and flashing white patches on the wing. This was yet another new bird for the year; my 210th species of the year.   

Broadmarsh, Bedhampton, Hampshire:

The Osprey on North Binness Island with a passing Black-headed Gull. All my photos today had to be digiscoped.

The Wryneck was seen earlier today and no subsequent sightings it seems and as the weather was looking decidedly wet, I said to Andy and Geoff about trying for the Osprey on North Binness Island. We parked up at Broadmarsh car park as we took our grub (bought earlier) and telescope and quickly checked out the islands. It only took me a few seconds to pick up Andy’s first Osprey of the year, quietly perched on a tree branch on the island. Nearby, I saw a large Egret fishing on the edge of the island and Geoff quickly confirmed through the scope it was in fact a Great White Egret. Two superb birds in a matter of seconds. A little while later, I remembered that fellow ‘Lazee’, Garry Fennemore had seen a Peregrine on the island here during the week and it didn't take too long for me to pick up, not just one, but two Peregrines perched on two different islands!

The Great White Egret by North Binness Island.

I also pointed out a large gathering of Little Egrets on one of the smaller islands with a few Grey Herons among them. Geoff exclaimed that this little island was in fact Round Nap Island. I counted at least 40 Little Egrets on the island, roosting on the island while it was high tide, but that was only on the side of the island facing us. Who knows how many more were on the other side of the island? I did a slow scan over Langstone Harbour and counted at least 22 Great Crested Grebes here on the water. Several flocks of Swallows were flying low over the islands and large flocks of waders, notably Curlew, Oystercatcher and Black-tailed Godwit were seen heading towards Farlington Marshes. As the rain got heavier, I decided to call it a day and took the guys back home.