More superb birds on the south coast.

Saturday 18th January 2025.

And at last, the Fly/Pye Cup is gratefully received by yours truly from last year's previous winner, Mr Fisher. For those not in the know, the cup is awarded for the first one to get to 100 bird species in Hampshire between the two of us.

Another great days birding with my pals Geoff Farwell and Andy Fisher today where our birding exploits took us to Weston Shore, Southampton; Hill Head & Brownwich Cliffs and both Bridge Street Floods and Posbrook Floods (top end of Titchfield Haven) and lastly one more top bird Reserve to see our first Long-eared Owl in Hampshire for many, many years; of which I have been asked to remain nameless for the security of the said bird.

However, I will start on a sad note that my father, James Goodridge, passed away in the early hours of Friday morning after a long illness. My father introduced me into the fantastic world of Birding at a very early age by taking me and my brothers over the countryside behind Wecock Farm Estate, way back in the early 70’s. His knowledge of birds and especially their calls, was something else and taught me my fieldcraft in looking for birds. I have a lot to thank him for and I can remember when he took us to Farlington Marshes for the very first time and I was freaking out over Reed Bunting and Yellow Wagtail (the latter used to breed on the reserve in very good numbers!). That did it for me and with the likes of Geoff and Andy joining me, my Birding ‘hobby’ suddenly took off into a different dimension.

Though I went on a few trips with him over the years, ill health on his part took its toll, though he really enjoyed his freshwater fishing on Southwick Park Lake, he did enjoy me pointing out the birds in the area. I remember taking both him and my Mum to see the Owls on Farlington Marshes way back in the 80’s and also to see the Dotterals on Cheesefoot Head not long ago. Many memories that will linger with me for the rest of my Birding days. He is finally at rest now with my Mum. He may have been a cantankerous and argumentative guy at times, but he was my Dad and I shall very much miss him and our chats and  have a good laugh over a coffee.

Southampton Water, Weston Shore:

Gulls, Carrion Crows and Oystercatchers on the foreshore from Weston Shore. Sadly, the Grebes and Divers offshore were all distant birds on Southampton Water and light was poor too.

Though there was hardly any wind, there was very heavy cloud overhead and bitterly cold too. The temperature remained around 6 degrees all day, so I was so glad I was really togged up!

An Oystercatcher on the foreshore here.

Though it was tempting to go for the Lesser Scaup and Snow Bunting in Dorset with both Emma and Matt Parkes (of which the guys were succsessful), it was the lure of a Hampshire Red-necked Grebe I found more enticing as Geoff and Andy (now feeling much better) joined me to take the trip west to view Southampton Water. There was a host of goodies here to hopefully add to our year list and so parking up within the fairly large Car Park overlooking Southampton Water, I grabbed my scope and began to search the large expanse of water in front of us.

A Curlew heading northbound along the foreshore.

High tide was around 2pm today and the foreshore was exposed here for a good number of Gulls, Brent Geese and a few waders (Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher) to go about their business. A large flock of Dunlin flew low over the water heading south and a pair of Pied Wagtails were flying around the area. Behind us, within the woodland, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard ‘drumming’ as I started checking out Southampton Water. It didnt take too long to pick out our first Slavonian Grebe of the year some half distance out between us and Hythe Pier on the opposite side of the water. There were at least 20+ Great Crested Grebes on the water, but it took about half an hour to finally pick up the distant Red-necked Grebe swimming near the Slavonian Grebe. I quickly got the guys onto the bird through the scope and not long afterwards, we were also viewing our first Great Northern Diver further north within Southampton Water. I was sure a second bird was seen too nearby, but I just couldn't get enough sightings of the bird to be 100% sure and couldn't really rule out a Black-throated Diver. The bird was actively fishing and did not stay on the surface of the water long enough. Never mind, three good species added to our year list and to see all five species of Grebe in January was really pleasing.

Hill Head & Brownwich Cliffs:

Lapwing over Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.

Recently, a pair of female Velvet Scoters were off Hill Head, notably Brownwich Cliffs and so I made this our next destination. We parked up at Hill Head and checked the waders on the foreshore to the west where Andy quickly picked up Sanderling and Ringed Plover for his year list. On a small island just south-west from where we stood, I scanned the island thoroughly and found our first Eiders of the year. At least 7 birds present, including four drakes among the small number of Gulls also resting on the island. A scan over the calm Solent proved fruitless, but Andy finally picked up his first House Sparrows of the year in the brambles opposite! Dude!!

The male Marsh Harrier sailing over the fields at Brownwich Cliffs.

We drove further west along Hill Head, parked up and then took the footpath up to Brownwich Cliffs until we got to the clearing overlooking the fields to the north and the sea to the south. The guys quickly scanned the fields and noticed a male Marsh Harrier sailing low over the fields and in turn, put up a large flock of both Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. Andy found the calling male Reed Bunting in a nearby hedgerow to add to his year list, while we picked out at least four Common Buzzards in various areas of the fields.

A Shag was seen on the water, but all the Scoter were a long way off to grab a photo.

Geoff found a distant pair of ducks on the sea near the Darling Buoy and sure enough, they were our first Velvet Scoters of the year, both female birds. It didn't take long before Geoff found another pair of ducks on the water and low and behold, these were our first Common Scoters of the year! They were a male and female bird, but they did not linger and both headed off west towards the Calshot area. A Shag swam close in on the sea, which was added to Andy’s year list and the only other notable birds here were at least three Great Crested Grebes on the water.

The Eiders off Hill Head this morning.

Bridge Street Floods & Posbrook Floods, Titchfield Haven:

This Egyptian Goose was my first of the year.

Our next target bird was the Glossy Ibis that have been regularly putting in an appearance at these sites; but for the first time today, we actually ‘dipped’! Trying Bridge Street Floods first, we took the footpath north past the Horse Stables, but the Ibis were nowhere to be seen. It wasn't all gloom as Geoff found my first Egyptian Goose of the year, standing quietly in a field by itself. I checked out a large puddle in a nearby field and found our first Grey Wagtail of the year and a little later, I found a Stock Dove perched on top of St. Peters Church, our first of the year (we did see another a little later down the Canal Path flying over). A pair of Red Kites were seen soaring to the east over the trees to add to MY year list and so pleased with what we had found here, we made our way to Posbrook Floods down the Canal Path.

Above and below, two more species were added to my year list; a Grey Wagtail and Red Kite.

The weather had not changed a bit since birding over at Weston and still remained very cold. The Bridge Street Floods held a good number of Gulls, but I could not find my first Med Gull of the year among them. A few Pintail, Gadwall, Teal and Mallard were swimming on the water and when a female Sparrowhawk buzzed through over the Floods, everything took off including a small flock of Black-tailed Godwit and much larger number of Lapwing.

Chiffchaff on the Canal Path.

At least two Stonechats were seen out in the fields, a male and female, but it was very quiet down the Canal Path. A few Long-tailed Tits were seen and a Cettis’ Warbler was heard but not seen. A male Kestrel put in an appearance flying low over the fields and by the Bridge, Andy notched up another ‘year tick’ with his first Great Spotted Woodpecker flying over. He was picking off a lot of the common birds he had not seen yet during our time there and one of those was a superb Firecrest flitting about around the Ivy on a large tree. Sadly, despite a good search around the Posbrook Floods, there was no sign of the Ibis. I also searched through the number of Tufted Ducks there in case the drake Ferruginous Duck was hiding among them. Nope! Sadly, this bird disappeared from Brownwich Pond earlier in the week and has not been found since.

A Common Buzzard overlooking the fields near Titchfield.

The walk back was somewhat quiet, though Andy finally got his first Chiffchaff of the year with a bird calling and flitting about low down by the Canal. I managed to prise out a female Greenfinch within the adjacent hedgerow for Andy to add to his year list to round off a nice walk at this location. Our final stop was to hopefully see the Long-eared Owl at a Hampshire site and though it took some finding, it looked superb through the telescope as we eventually left it in peace and headed off back home to reflect on another superb day's birding.

A male Kestrel seen today on our travels.

On the subject of Long-eared Owls, the warden at Pagham Harbour has since discovered another two more birds on the reserve along with the three birds already there! Incredible. How many more lay undiscovered on the south coast?

Still plenty to see over the Cemetery.

Thursday 16th January 2024.

A small number of Goldfinches were within Highland Road Cemetery this morning.

Though I am still firing on just 3 cylinders, I am always keeping an eye out for the wildlife and this morning, I had the opportunity to take another stroll around Highland Road Cemetery with my dogs again. Beforehand, it was back to Pembroke Road, OId Portsmouth for my first shift of the day where there was another good showing of Brent Geese on Governor’s Green. It was bright this morning, though high cloud dominated and very little wind to keep the temperatures just below double figures.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

As mentioned, the Brent Geese dominated this morning's sightings here in Old Portsmouth as I watched flock after flock join the three birds already present when I arrived. By 8.30am, there were easily 70+ birds present and all moving as one across Governor’s Green, picking off new grass shoots. Only when there was a lull in the traffic passing by, you could hear them mumbling to themselves.

All the usual birds were present that also included a pair of Pied Wagtails on the Bowling Green and a pair of Mute Swans flew in from the harbour and headed westbound towards Canoe Lake. A total of 14 species were noted this morning and though there was no sign of the Jays this morning, I did see at least one bird yesterday afternoon here; so they are still about.

On my second shift to Pembroke Road this afternoon, another two more species were added to my day total with a noisy Jay showing very well on top of the bare branches within the large front garden opposite Pembroke Close. I was checking the increasing number of Brent Geese within Governor’s Green when suddenly, there was a whoosh of wings as everything took off. I was convinced a large raptor had flown over, but despite searching through the many Gulls; including several Great Black-backed Gulls (new for the day here) and Wood Pigeons; there was no sign of the raptor. Very frustrating indeed. About ten minutes later, the Brent Geese looked to return, but they circled a few times and then flew off.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

There is quite a variety of trees within the Cemy.

It still remained fairly bright when I walked the dogs through the Cemetery, with little breeze although the best of the weather was way over in the west with a seam of clear blue sky in the distance. A dozen or so dog-walkers were also present this morning, but all behaved nicely as we slowly strolled along my usual route.

Above, a Collared Dove was one of a pair here and below, it was good to catch up with the small number of House Sparrows too.

Above, a few Robins were noted along the footpath and below, Blackbirds were abundant too.

The Green Woodpecker was heard calling briefly, but there was no sighting of the bird today. I was pleased to see several House Sparrows within the Cemy seeing they seem to be absent from my garden for a few weeks now. I still have the feeders up, but I had to replace the rotten Fatballs in my garden due to non usage! The Jay was briefly seen in one of the ornamental Conifers and a pair of Goldcrests were flitting about among the branches close to one of the Holm Oaks on the eastern side of the site.

This male Goldcrest was flitting about the smaller branches by the footpath with its partner not too far away. Possibly another pair were nearby too. Below, House Sparrows find comfort on the edge of this bush for protection.

There were a few Goldfinches and Greenfinches around today, but no sign of any Redwings in the treetops, though plenty of Blackbirds throughout the area. Up to 18 species were recorded today; which wasn't too bad for this time of year. 

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Green Woodpecker
• Jay
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Feral Pigeon
• House Sparrow
• Robin
• Starling
• Wren
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Goldcrest (pair)
• Blackbird
• Herring Gull
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch

The Brent Geese are back on Governor's Green.

Tuesday 14th January 2025.

An amazing sunrise this morning over the Solent.

I suppose that this flu virus I currently have WILL take time to go, but i am still working nonetheless. Today, the weather was much better and the day started off with an amazing sunrise. On my way to Old Portsmouth, I pulled over by Southsea seafront and took a few photos of the amazing sunrise, along with many other people doing the same thing here. There was hardly a breath of wind today and plenty of sunshine as the day wore on. 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Brent Geese on Governor's Green this afternoon.

The main birds seen today here in Pembroke Road were the Brent Geese. Governor’s Green, in front of the Royal Garrison’s Church, held over a 100+ birds grazing on the lush grass here. When there were no cars going down the road, you could hear the peaceful cackling between them and when I got the opportunity, I watched them squabbling among themselves. It suddenly felt like I was back walking around Farlington Marshes again.

Above, birding pals Emma & Matt Parkes are spending a few days on the Elmley RSPB Reserve, Kent and took the following photos. From the top: Bittern, Short-eared Owl, Little Owl and a male Bearded Tit.

Unfortunately, there was a little else on offer here today with just 12 species seen or heard today and even the Jays have disappeared this week. Lets see what the coming week will bring.

The drake Ferruginous Duck on Brownwich Pond. Photo by Andy Friend.

In Hampshire today, the drake Ferruginous Duck is now on Brownwich Pond, near Chilling, having been seen on Normandy Marsh last Sunday. The Lesser Yellowlegs are still on Keyhaven Marshes and a couple of distant Velvet Scoter were off Brownwich. The Black-necked Grebe numbers off Hayling Oysterbeds have now increased to four birds. Numbers of this species of Grebe have sharply declined over the years where there used to be well into double figures.

Finally, a chance for some birding.

Sunday 12th January 2025.

A rather scenic look over the Cemetery.

I finally got to walk the dogs this morning around Highland Road Cemetery and although I am still not feeling 100%, I made the effort to make the most of a cold but dry walk around my ‘local patch’. It was around 6 degrees centigrade this morning and overcast too, but pleasant enough to take a nice slow stroll in search of the wildlife on offer here. I have to admit, I was envious of all those friends of mine birding yesterday as I rested all day instead; but it seemed I didn’t miss too much yesterday and even the Lesser Scaup had looked to have departed too.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

One of the star birds of the Cemy, the Green Woodpecker, which showed well several times today. I am pretty sure that this is a female bird.

Yes, it was really fresh this morning while walking around the Cemy, but there was no frost and the light wasn't too bad once I got down to the southern end of the Cemetery. A very impressive 21 species were recorded here this morning where the trip here kicked off superbly with a female Sparrowhawk flying in from over the rooftops and then seen flying through the nearby Holm Oaks, which in turn, got the birds giving off their alarm calls. I could hear Long-tailed Tits calling deep within the trees, but though I heard the birds several times over in the north of the Cemy, I didn’t actually see them this time.

Above and below, a few Starlings were seen over in the southern end.

The Green Woodpecker showed well several times though I did struggle in getting any decent photos of the bird. I believe there were probably two birds involved this morning. Though not seen, when I was down the southern end of the Cemetery, I could hear a flock of Brent Geese flying somewhere close to the beach, but the houses were in the way to grab a sighting.

Above, I normally get better photos of the Jays here, but they were quite elusive today. Below, Blackbirds were abundant throughout the area.

I noticed a good number of Blackbirds here this morning with an estimated 12 birds counted but there were no other thrush species found today. A male Goldcrest was seen singing in one of the Holm Oaks on the east side of the Cemy, though trying to grab a photo of the bird was near impossible as they hardly stayed still among the leaves.

Above, the Mausoleum stood out when the low sun reflected on the building. Below, a female Blackbird hopped around close to where I stood when I passed the same building.

Yesterday, I watched the Urban Birder David Lindo on the excellent Love Your Weekend programme and as he explained, though it is great to see something special when you are out and about birding, the best part of all is simply just being there and taking it all in. My sentiments entirely.

The Green Woodpecker among the tangle of branches.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Sparrowhawk: female
• Jay
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Herring Gull
• Brent Geese (heard only)
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Green Woodpecker
• Long-tailed Tit
• Blue Tit
• Goldcrest: singing male
• Blackbird
• Wren
• Starling
• House Sparrow
• Robin
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Pied Wagtail

Though there was no sighting yesterday of the drake Lesser Scaup, much to the annoyance of many a ‘Lazee Birder’, a first winter Little Gull was a good record on the sea off Chilling Cliffs. The Lesser Yellowlegs entertained the birders on Keyhaven Marshes still, while from the Weston Shore, Southampton; the trio of Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe and Great Northern Diver would have sat nicely on someones year list. However, news just in this morning, a drake Ferruginous Duck has been found with Tufted Ducks on Normandy Lagoon, near Pennington Marshes. There has most certainly been some quality wildfowl to start the new year off!

Two quality photos by Emma Parkes taken yesterday at Acres Down, in the New Forest. Above, Marsh Tit and below, a female Firecrest.

Birding pal, Geoff Farwell, took himself up to Abbotstone, near Alresford, yesterday and notched up the following sightings: Green Sandpiper, 10 Lapwings, Egyptian Goose, Raven, Sparrowhawk, 3 Red Kite, 6 Common Buzzard, Kingfisher, 3 Stonechat, 30 Skylark, 38 Fieldfare, Chiffchaff and Reed Bunting.

A quick update despite having flu.

Friday 10th January 2025.

The drake Lesser Scaup on one of the smaller lakes at Blashford. Photo by Andy Friend.

I thought I would update what has been going on in the birding world here on the south coast and there has been more very rare birds turning up in Hampshire. Unfortunately, I have contracted Flu from my beloved wife and have been off work since Wednesday when I suddenly felt bloody awful and went downhill. Annoyingly, I cannot carry out my two jobs, but my two employers have been more than sympathetic.

A Barn Owl poking its head out of this old tree stump. Photo by Matt Parkes.

This week, amazingly, a drake Lesser Scaup had been found on one of the smaller pools at Blashford Lakes. I have not seen this species in Hampshire and only have ever seen two in my lifetime. I believe one was here a few years ago, also in one of the smaller pools on Blashford Lakes. Again, I don't know all the details on where exactly it is, but I know someone who does. However, I cannot see me birding over the weekend as I still feel totally drained of energy

Lovely close up of a Sparrowhawk. Photo by Andy Tew.

In Hampshire, the Lesser Yellowlegs was still present on Fishtail Lagoon and interestingly, a ringtail Hen-Harrier was over the heath at Woolmer Forest. The three Scaup are still present this morning on Milton Lakes.

A blast from the past. I took my grandchild Isabelle to see the Little Owl at Fort Cumberland around three years ago. The Little Owls eventually got kicked out by a Barn Owl!

102 species for the year in Hampshire.

Tuesday 7th January 2025.

One of several Common Buzzards seen today on Portsdown Hill this morning.

My plan today was to get to 100 species in Hampshire for the year to win the Fly/Pye Cup and bring it back to Southsea once again. Andy Fisher has held it for the past two years, but, sadly, Andy was ill over the weekend and so I mopped up the best I could. Today, though bright and sunny, was very cold with a blustery westerly wind blowing over Old Portsmouth and despite nearly freezing to death in Pembroke Road, after a few jobs, I made my way up to Portsdown Hill to not only get my 100th species for the year, but added two more additional birds to my list.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Apart from that horrible wind again, it was bright and sunny, though on my first shift here in Pembroke Road, only 12 species were seen or heard. A Peregrine or a Grey Wagtail passing overhead would have been nice, but it was not to be. However, on my second shift, both Jay and a hovering Kestrel seen near the Curtain Moat, put the day's total here to 14 species.

Portsdown Hill, Hampshire:

A flock of Linnets were discovered from a lay-by on Pigeon House Lane.

I decided to drive up to Fareham and from the motorway, I took Boarhunt Road to get to the St. Nicholas Church Car park to view the fields opposite the Farm. From here I scanned the fields thoroughly for any Gamebirds and came up trumps with a pair of Red-legged Partridges scrambling about in the fields to add to my year list. Despite a good search, I could not find one Pheasant, which was surprising as there are normally truckloads around this area. Even the best laid plans sometimes do not happen. Not a great deal of note here and so I climbed back into the car and made my way to Pigeon House Lane.

Finally, the Gamebirds were discovered. Above, a pair of Red-legged Partridges were found in the field adjacent to St. Nicholas Church. Below, my 100th species were these male Pheasants.

Along the way, while driving eastbound along James Callahan Drive, I saw another much larger covey of Red-legged Partridges in a field adjacent to the road. Shame, as they would have made an excellent photo, On reaching Pigeon House Lane, I drove slowly down the road and eventually parked up half way down in a layby to check the countryside. From here, I was lucky enough to pick up my first Linnets of the year feeding on the stubble within a field nearby along with a solitary Goldfinch. Year-tick number two. The third was seen almost immediately, when I heard a Yellowhammer calling. It didn't take long to find the male bird perched on a bramble near the Linnets and a second bird was seen further along the hedge. I also scanned the fields and the horizon for a Red Kite, but the best I could do was a couple of distant Common Buzzards perched on bushes.

Just part of the Fly-tipping that goes on here within the country lanes.

Mandarin was now on my radar and to see these, I had to get to Hook Heath Farm where a small pond was hosting the birds nearby. I parked near the Ford and then on foot, made my way up to the Farm. Sadly, a lot of rubbish had been dumped on the side of the road, which is a big problem down here as Fly Tipping still goes on in this beautiful part of our countryside. On top of that, someone with a tractor was hedge trimming and the noise was deafening as I made my way past the tractor and up to the Farm.

And now the hedgerows get ripped to pieces!

I was now on 99 species for the year and eventually, before I encountered the Mandarins, I found my first Pheasants of the year to get my 100th species at last. Three male birds were out in the fields viewed by the side of the road and I took a few photos in the bright sunshine of the colourful birds. Passing the Farm to my left, I checked out the heavily grown over pond to the right and it wasn’t going to be easy to view the Mandarin either. In fact, I could not obtain any photos as the birds were seen for a few seconds at a time, two drakes that were swimming under all the vegetation. Happy with the Mandarins now on my year list I took a slow walk back to the car and then I heard a Redwing calling. I found a clearing through the roadside hedge and picked up a male Stonechat in the field and then I saw the Redwing flying out of a hedge and away over the countryside to make it 102nd species of the year.

Another Common Buzzard perched by a roadside tree.

I then sent Andy a text: ‘It’s coming home, it's coming home. The Fly/Pye Cup is coming home!’

Sanderling added to year list.

Monday 6th January 2025.

Though I had a pair of binoculars, I didn't have my main camera and so these distant Sanderling among the Gulls on Eastney Beach was the best I could offer. I could have gotten a bit closer, but a dog walker was about to flush all the birds anyway.

It was a horrible start to the day with squally showers and a strong and very cold westerly wind blowing here on the south coast. However, the showers eventually gave way to a bit of sunshine, but remained very cold in that wind. I returned back to work in Old Portsmouth today, after a nice two week break, but returned in grim weather to start the week. Between shifts, I had the opportunity to take a quick look on the beach for Eastney for Sanderlings and thankfully, they duly obliged.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

There were very few species on show on my first shift with just the usual Herring and Black-headed Gulls, Carrion Crows and Wood Pigeons braving the awful weather. But it wasn't till this afternoon that I managed to get up to 12 species for the day here at Old Portsmouth, but nothing unusual among those species seen or heard today.

A superb close up photo of a Kestrel that was taken by Pete Appleton recently.

Eastney Beach, Portsmouth:

I parked up by Fort Cumberland, flushing a pair of Meadow Pipits from the grass and grabbed my spare binoculars (having left my new ones in Matt’s car last Saturday. Doh!!!) and made my way to the beach. There was a dog walker on the beach with three dogs in attendance walking along the shoreline and in front of them were a small group of two Sanderlings walking fast along the same stretch of shoreline. They did fly off as the dogs approached but looking back westwards, I found a flock of 60+ birds on the shoreline among the many Herring and Common Gulls. The Sanderling was my 96th species for Hampshire and my 97th species overall in the UK and hopefully, with more to come tomorrow!

One of the Long-eared Owls at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. Photo by Pete Appleton.

In Hampshire today, the 3 Glossy Ibis remain faithful to Posbrook Floods still and a Yellow-browed Warbler was seen again at Eastleigh Sewage Works and in West Sussex, the Long-eared Owl was still being seen by some of the ‘Lazee’s’ over at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve.