Red-necked Grebe off Black Point & some good moths.

Saturday 30th November 2024.

These roosting Dunlin and Ringed Plover were 'digiscoped' on Black Point. Can you find the Grey Plover among them?

This morning, there was a choice in going down to the soggy Farlington Marshes or the much more amiable Black Point in search for a Red-necked Grebe to add to our year list. Yesterday, a Red-necked Grebe was still present late afternoon and so I took the gamble in driving both Andy Fisher and Geoff Farwell down to Sandy Point and walking the couple of hundred yards north to view from the Hayling Island Sailing Club on Black Point. Unfortunately for us, the murky overcast conditions lingered well into midday, but as we left the island, the clouds had parted to reveal a blue sky and sunny conditions. However, it was very mild today and at least it was dry.

The Moth Box:

My first Feathered Thorn moth of the year.

I have not had my Moth Box on over the past couple of weeks as the weather has been either freezing cold or raining. Ok, we have had a few good days and I shall put it on over the coming weeks; but for now, Andy had his Moth Box overnight and up to four moths were present. Two of the moths were new for the year that included a Feathered Thorn and a Winter Moth. A probable November Moth was also present near the Moth Trap and a micro of which Obsidentify believed to be a 100% Azalea Leaf Miner! Still, to get any moths this time of year is a challenge, especially in my Southsea Moth Box; so I was more than pleased with Andy's haul.

Above, a probable November Moth and below, a Winter Moth. The latter was also my first of the year.

Chichester Harbour & Sandy Point, Hayling Island:

Sanderling by the shoreline in front of the Dunlin and Ringed Plovers at Black Point wader roost.

The walk to Black Point was pleasant enough and one could see it was high tide on arrival to the harbour entrance from Seafarer Walk. The footpath held a calling Goldcrest, but little else of note as we strolled merrily onto our quest. By the main road leading to the Sailing Club, a pair of Great Crested Grebes swam and fished in the calm water within the adjacent creek and then Andy saw a Kingfisher perched distantly on a railing by the edge of the creek. I later managed to get a few photos and even some film footage of this delightful bird, though it always remained distant. A Harbour Seal popped its head up briefly in the harbour entrance.

Above, Oystercatchers resting on the island at Black Point and below, the Kingfisher by the creek.

On reaching Black Point, we kept our distance due to the large wader roost present on the soft sand. Another birder was present along with his well behaved dog, who told us he was a fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ by the name of Andy Scarborough. Here, we encountered at least around 800+ Dunlin and 150+ Ringed Plover; with smaller numbers of Sanderling (100+), Grey Plover (30+) and Knot (10+) and provided spectacular views of them swirling around over the sandy point only to settle down again. A scan over Chichester Harbour to the north, I picked up at least 4 Sandwich Terns fishing or resting on distant buoys. A few Great Crested Grebes were swimming in the harbour, but it wasn't till we carefully climbed the sandbank, slowly so as to not disturb the waders and search the other side of the harbour.

Above, Andy walking down the footpath leading to the harbour entrance and below, a Kingfisher seen distantly in the creek, which was well found by Andy.

Above, one of the Great Crested Grebes in the Creek and below, waders gather in the roost at Black Point.

From here, I scanned the harbour thoroughly, though with a large number of sailing craft on the water, it was going to be a challenge. But the challenge paid off when I found the Red-necked Grebe fishing distantly north-east in the harbour. Quickly getting the guys onto the bird (Andy Scarborough now joined us), I was in no doubt it was the bird we were looking for, but at first, it proved to be very difficult to locate while it was fishing. Eventually, the bird caught a fish as we watched it devour it and then went about preening and giving good views to nail the ID once and for all.

Above, one of the Great Crested Grebes in the Creek and below, Sanderlings along the shoreline at Black Point.

Above and below, waders at Black Point.

Behind the bird, a Great Northern Diver was seen briefly, but we got good views of the bird later on from the RNLI Station and concluded it was a juvenile bird, judging on how pale the bird was. A further four more Great Northern Divers were seen in the harbour on the ebbing tide later in the afternoon. Happy with our sightings, we slowly made our way back to the RNLI station briefly for a coffee and then back to the car. On our way back, a surprise sighting of a pair of calling Ring-necked Parakeets were seen as they circled high overhead and then flew off north-east. Local birder Andy Johnson had a flock of 7 birds here recently and more seen earlier in the year. Could they be breeding on the island? To round off our day here, we heard a Water Rail calling on the reserve adjacent to where I parked.

Above, the sound of calling waders is something to enjoy while being by their roost and below, Andy doing his best Sanderling impression!

Above, a pair of Ring-necked Parakeets flew over our heads at Sandy Point.

I had to get back to my wife early today and so I dropped the guys off at their respective homes and made my way back to sunny Southsea. Both Geoff and Andy met up again later in the afternoon at Farlington Marshes in hope of seeing a Short-eared Owl, but they had no luck there. Instead, Geoff recorded the following sightings there: 20 Avocets, 29 Grey Lag Geese, Stonechat, 2 Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier. Sadly, the whole reedbed now looks doomed due to the incompetence of the Sluice Gates from earlier this year; though on a positive side, the work is starting soon to mend the Gates. Finally! 

Above, the waders at Black Point and below, the Kingfisher by the adjacent Creek.

Fascinated by Spiders!

Friday 29th November 2024.

Another beautiful dawn over Southsea this morning.

Another gorgeous start to the day and not too cold either. I kicked off my day by taking my dogs for their early morning walk and the sun was yet to rise in the east, the light coming over Highland Road Cemetery was stunning to say the least. The silhouette of a Grey Heron flying east and being hassled by Gulls was seen while walking the dogs.

Above, the beautiful sunrise this morning over Southsea and below, two Spiders, Lace Weaver (left) and the oddly named Missing Sector Orb-weaver.

Fifteen species were recorded at Pembroke Road today that included a pair of Jays in the Sycamore trees and a lone Brent Goose flying northbound. However, it was a pair of Spiders that caught my attention today, when a Lace Weaver (the larger of the two spiders) and a Missing Sector Orb-weaver looked as though they were going to have a tussle; but they both eventually went their own way. They were on the house by the main road as I watched them for around 5 minutes.

Two colourful ducks that frequent Hampshire in the Winter. Above, a drake Red-breasted Merganser and below, a drake Goosander. Both photos by Rob Porter.

In Hampshire today, a Red-necked Grebe was off Farlington Marshes this morning, seen in Russell’s Lake within Langstone Harbour while another bird was seen off Black Point, Hayling Island, again along with 3 Great Northern Divers and 18 Avocet seen. A Black-necked Grebe and a Great Northern Diver were seen in Portsmouth Harbour this afternoon.

One of the Purple Sandpipers at Southsea Castle. Photo by Ollie Crabbe.

Red-necked Grebes & Whoopers in Hampshire.

Thursday 28th November 2024.

While walking the dogs at 7am this morning, I couldn't resist taking a photo of the dawn over Highland Road Cemetery.

Personally, it has been an extremely difficult week of which birding and the like has taken second choice. Currently, I have a poisoned finger, which typing my blog up proved very difficult; but I felt with all the sightings this week locally in Hampshire, I thought it was time to update the blog. The weather has been all over the place this week and even this morning, it was an icy start to the day after all the rain we have had. The flooding in the UK has been horrendous, but we have had it not as bad here down in Southsea.

The Red-necked Grebe off Hill Head. Photo by Christine Whiffen.

One species I have not seen for a few years now is the Red-necked Grebe and there have been three birds seen locally including one off Weston, Southampton and another off Hill Head. Then another was found off Black Point, Hayling Island! The question is, will any be still around by the weekend? So, while everyone was looking for one of these birds, Jason Crook found a flock of five Whooper Swans on the mudflats in Langstone Harbour but eventually flew off westbound at 3.46pm.

Above, the herd of Whooper Swans in Langstone Harbour this afternoon. Photo by Jason Crook. Below, one of the birds heading west. Photo by Ollie Crabbe.

It has been rather quiet here at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth; though I think the weather has a lot to do with that. I managed to get up to 13 species seen or heard this morning with the Jay being the most notable bird again.

A 'Blast from the past'. This Spotted Sandpiper was at Lower Brook, Romsey, 15 years ago this very week.

Storm Bert still present.

Sunday 24th November 2024.

A breezy overcast morning over the Cemetery.

Though it was very tempting to go back down to Gilkicker again this morning as Storm Bert is not quite done yet, I had too many chores to do with my wife and so I walked the dogs around Highland Road Cemetery early this morning. It was overcast but dry as we did our usual circuit around the Cemy, but I was getting updates by the ‘Lazee’s’ on what was going past Gilkicker and nearby watchpoints.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Above, a showy Wood Pigeon close to the main footpath and below, these two Magpies were part of a group of six birds together exploring the thick grass.

Gulls were flying overhead constantly including this Herring Gull.

Though it was very windy within the Cemetery (of which I kept an eye out for falling branches!), there were a few notable sightings as we slowly walked around. A Jay flew in and landed close by on a Gravestone, but flew off before I could get a photo of it. Three species of Gull flew over that included Herring, Black-headed and a single Great Black-backed Gull. It wouldn't have surprised me if a Kittiwake went over with so many flying through the Solent. Geoff saw one yesterday flying inland at Gilkicker! There were no Woodpeckers seen or heard this morning, despite most of the taller trees now void of leaves, but a Pied Wagtail flew over and both a Redwing and a Greenfinch were heard only.

Above, over in the north-east corner, this small Sycamore glowed brightly with its yellow leaves  underneath the huge Oak tree. Below, sadly, human pollution is not only in rivers and nearly everywhere you look, but even in the actual trees! Isn't it time these balloons were banned from being released outdoors?

The only insects seen was a single Buff-tailed Bumblebee flying low over the tall grass. Yet again, though there weren't too many birds on show this morning, I still enjoyed looking at the picturesque sight of all the colours of the leaves that were either in the trees or on the ground. 

This Great Black-backed Gull along with a Herring Gull was heading south over the rooftops.

Many Kittiwakes were passing Gilkicker again this morning along with a Velvet Scoter. Also three adult Little Gulls there and a first winter off Hill Head. A Little Auk was off the Milford Shelter this morning, a species I have not seen for many years now. I am sure there are more good birds to follow today. 

It actually got even better for those sea-watching today. A Leach's Petrel was seen along with 220+ Kittiwake, 7 Little Gulls and 2 Great Northern Divers from Gilkicker Shelter; but not only did the Milford Shelter have a Little Auk this morning, but both a Sooty and a Cory's Shearwater entertained the crowd there.

One of the seven Little Gulls seen today from the Gilkicker shelter. Photo by Andy Friend. 

A good seawatch off the Gilkicker Shelter.

Saturday 23rd November 2024.

An adult Kittiwake flying close in was one of many seen today.

Storm Bert blew in this morning with strong gale force winds and heavy rain threatening a good day's birding. I, originally, was thinking of going to Blashford Lakes, near Fordingbridge, to hang around the Hides and most of all, out of the rain with both Geoff and Andy on tow, especially that a White-tailed Eagle has popped on Ibsley Water a few times this week and Bramblings have been seen in front of the Woodland Hide. But, discussing our options, we went for Gilkicker. True, the weather was not looking good and driving all that way on the accident proned M27 put me off driving to Blashford. A Leach’s Petrel would have been nice today, but during our 4.5hr seawatch at the Gilkicker Shelter, we were certainly kept on our toes with some nice sightings.

Gilkicker Shelter, Gosport:

Two juveniles and an adult Kittiwake flying along the shoreline.

It was most certainly a Kittiwake day with an amazing count of at least 85 birds seen in various sized flocks. Most were a third of the way out in the Solent battling against the strong south-easterly wind, while some of the flocks flew right along the shoreline and gave some amazing views. Juveniles easily outnumbered the adult birds, but a fine spectacle they provided during our time there. Yes, the wind was very blustery at times and I was getting colder during the last hour there, but I think I made the right decision on making our way home before the rain really set in.

Above and below, the ghostly sight of an adult winter Med Gull passing close by.

Above, up to three Brent Geese were seen with this one heading east and a pair headed west. Below, a juvenile Gannet heading east in front of the Isle of Wight Car Ferry.

Behind us, a large flock of around 150+ Starlings were swirling around or searching as one big flock in the field behind us, which kept us entertained during a lull in the seawatch. Though a few large Gulls, notably Herring and a few Great Black-backed Gulls, it was quiet on the field, though there were a few hardy Dog-walkers playing with their dogs which disturbed the birds there.

Above, more photos of the Kittiwakes passing through. 

Over the rough sea, Gannets were trickling through and adult, sub-adult and juvenile birds all went through and to estimate how many, I would put it to around at least 40+ birds in all. A gorgeous adult winter plumage Mediterranean Gull flew past along the shoreline also heading east and a single female Red-breasted Merganser flew east low over the waves. Quickly seen through binoculars, I thought another close in pair of Kittiwakes went through east, but Geoff quickly got onto the birds and they both turned out to be an adult and a juvenile Little Gull! Fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Andy Friend rang me from nearby Hill Head and said he didn't get onto the Little Gulls but had plenty of Kittiwakes going through. We also saw up to 3 Red-throated Divers, all single birds, flying east low over the sea, which is always a bonus. The first bird we saw actually landed on the sea, but subsequently got lost in the waves.

Above and below, up to 150+ Starlings were searching for food behind the shelter.

Above, Geoff struggling against the wind to get back to the shelter.

Our final notable sighting was a drake Common Scoter flying low over the sea, again heading eastbound; but as the weather deteriorated again, it was time to make our way back home. Another seawatch is planned for tomorrow and all ‘Lazee Birders’ are invited to attend here at the Gilkicker Shelter and with the storms set to continue tomorrow, who knows what may turn up. From the Milford Shelter, near the Hants/Dorset Border, a Leach’s Petrel was lingering off there, but not a great deal else of note apparently. 

Kittiwakes heading east over the Solent.

 

Damn cold this week! Brrrrrr!

Friday 22nd November 2024.

Highland Road Cemetery at dawn this morning while I was walking the dogs. Though not seen, Blackbird, Robin and a Wren were all heard calling in the dark.

Well, we have come to the end of the working week (nearly) and it has been a very, very cold week too. With the temperatures coming down to near freezing (even lower in the wind!), there is a rest-bite with wetter and milder weather coming in over the weekend with Storm Bert arriving. Yesterday, Southsea experienced around 2 hrs of snowfall, which is rare this far south in Hampshire. It laid on the cars for a while, but by midday it had all fizzled out, unlike other parts of the UK that had a few feet of snow! The cold weather has had a knock on effect with the bird sightings too, especially in Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth. However, some of the ‘Lazee’s’ have ventured out into the cold and knocked off some excellent photos.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

A gloomy sky over Governor's Green and the Royal Garrison Church from Pembroke Road yesterday. 

Sadly, the cold weather has reduced the bird sightings here with the maximum seen being around 12 species and this morning, just 9 species were seen. Even the Jays have been scarce this week with one seen on Wednesday by the roadside as I was making my way home from a first shift and one was seen this morning flitting about the Housing Estate north off Pembroke Road. A vocal Pied Wagtail was on one of the rooftops nearby as I arrived first thing this morning here, but soon flew off northbound over the rooftops. I was so cold this morning that I struggled to concentrate on any birds flying over. Hopefully, it might be better later today?

Yes, it actually snowed in Southsea briefly yesterday. This was from my garden. Below, one of the 16 Purple Sandpipers seen this week on the rocks below Southsea Castle. Photo by Rob Porter.

This Purple Sandpiper at Southsea Castle this week was photographed by James Cutting.

Out and about in Southsea, I found a flock of some 100+ Brent Geese on a field within Eastney and below, this dog Fox was being fed in the gardens of a Retirement Home.