A line of Brent Geese heading westbound over the Solent.
Geoff and Andy picked me up from my house this morning and it was Andy’s idea to make use of the strong wind and rain to do a ‘sea-watch’ from the Gilkicker shelter this morning. So I am blaming him for yet another Gilkicker poor and very cold three hours here, where we saw very little going through and so just after midday, we made our way to the Sailing Club at Hill Head for a much better time and a lot more birds. It turned out that Selsey Bill was getting the ‘lion's share’ of birds going through, whereas the Solent, from Gilkicker, was virtually void of birdst. Despite a strong south-easterly and drizzle on and off throughout the morning, nothing really came of it (again!), as the birds most likely passed through around the southern half of the Isle of Wight and back out into the English Channel.
I still managed to take several photos here at the Gilkicker shelter including one of many Carrion Crows on the beach (above) or the Starlings on the field behind us.
Above, bath-time for the local Starlings and below, a bit of excitement when a juvenile Herring Gull passed through!
Above, small boats enjoying the battering from the waves in the Solent and below, even more excitement when a Common Gull headed east over the Solent.
Above, Fawley Refinery in the distance burning off the excess gas. My late father worked there many years ago.
The Solent from Gilkicker:
We arrived at the Gilkicker shelter around 9.15 am. Saw next to bugger all and then left around just after midday. The End! OK, it wasn't a total loss, for we did have a Brent Goose go west low over the sea and eventually land on the shoreline about a mile away and up to four species of Gull also flew past (but no Kittiwakes) within those three very long hours. Geoff did pick out a Great Crested Grebe through his scope, but both Andy and myself missed it. The only good to come out of this were the guys themselves who kept me entertained throughout the morning. There was a large flock of Starlings on the green behind us as well as around twenty or so Herring Gulls, but nothing unusual among them. A pair of Jackdaws were searching for food among the small plants on the beach and a lot of Carrion Crows were doing the same thing in front of us, but that was our morning at Gilkicker in one short paragraph!
Hill Head and Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve:
Dark-bellied Brent Geese passing the Sailing Club at Hill Head.
Parking up within the Sailing Club Car Park, we had lunch overlooking the oncoming tide and a wealth of birds on the shoreline. Large numbers of dark-bellied Brent Geese had gathered on the shore with many more in the distance and also some of the sea too. As far as we could see, they were all adult birds too, however, sadly some idiots decided to walk up to the Geese and flush the birds, though they didn't travel too far.
Above, several Oystercatchers were on the shoreline by the Sailing Club and below, at least 50+ Turnstone were also present.
Above, I counted at least 57 Ringed Plovers resting on the shoreline and below, one of the drake Eiders on the sea.
There was a good number of waders in front of us too that included at least 20+ Sanderling, 58 Ringed Plovers, approximately 50+ Turnstone and smaller number of both Oystercatcher and Redshank among the other birds and now that the clouds and rain had gone east, the bright late Autumn sunshine shone down over the birds and making photography much more easier. Gulls were abundant here too as I scanned through them, hoping to pick out something interesting among the many Herring and Black-headed Gulls, but all I could find was a single Common and Great Black-backed Gull.
Above, one of the Oystercatchers heading west over the beach and below, a pair of Ringed Plovers.
Above, a mixture of Sanderling and Ringed Plovers on the beach.
Above, three of the many Sanderling showing well in front of the Sailing Club. This individual on the right was heavily ringed and Geoff managed to get the details of the bird itself: The bird was ringed as an adult incubating a clutch of 3 eggs in north-east Greenland on July 25th this year. It is believed to be a male bird and was then consequently seen in the Dutch Waddensee on August 22nd.
Out on the sea, the only bird we could find was a smart drake Eider, which was later joined by a another drake Eider, but I could not find anything else on the calm sea; though the waders and geese made up for that. A pair of Little Egrets flew east along the shoreline and settled some distance away near a flock of Brent. We were joined for a while by local birder Mark Francis and during our interesting conversation, I found a male Kestrel perched on a nearby tree, looking down at something possibly to attack on the ground. The strong sunshine lit the bird up nicely as did a male Pied Wagtail that walked very close to where we stood. After having lunch and spending a good hour or so by the Sailing Club, I suggested we walk down to the viewing platform to round the day off, overlooking the reserve.
Above, Turnstone and Ringed Plover getting restless from the incoming tide and below, an adult Cormorant fishing in the sea.
Above, this male Pied Wagtail walked just a few feet in front of us by the Sailing Club and below, I saw this male Kestrel land in the trees just north of the Club.
A mixed flock of Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Sanderling on the beach.
From the Viewpoint, I finished off the last of my lunch as we checked out the birds on the island and also over the Reserve. The small island held a variety of birds that included several Lapwing, a single Cormorant and several Black-headed Gulls. A pair of Egyptian Geese flew in off the main Reserve and also landed on the island. A male Marsh Harrier flew in from the north, but was getting a lot of hassle from the Crows and did a U-turn back up the Reserve. A Common Buzzard also got the same treatment as it made its way west over the Reserve.
Above, a preening drake Shoveler and a Coot on the River Meon. Below, a male Marsh Harrier graced the Reserve, but it didn't linger long and flew back north.
Above, Black-headed Gulls spending time preening on the posts by the small island. Below, a female Marsh Harrier getting harassed by the usual Carrion Crows as she passes over the Reserve.
Above, one of the pair of Egyptian Geese coming into land on the small island and below, a Corrmorant preening on the same island.
Above, several Lapwings were roosting on the island along with the Black-headed Gulls.
Within the reedbed and brambles in front of us, a Cetti’s Warbler was seen very briefly flying from bush to bush and a Water Rail was heard a couple of times but not seen. A pair of Common Snipe was seen to fly over the Reserve and then dropped like a stone into the islands on the South Scrape. We could see rain coming in from the west over the Solent and as the first spots of rain fell on us, there was a terrific rainbow showing over the Reserve. Gorgeous.
It is not easy to grab a quick photo of Pembroke Road on arrival as this is a busy road used by those on their way to work.
Fortunately, the weather has been quite pleasant over the past couple of days, especially today with bright sunshine; but low and behold, wet weather is coming in again for Saturday! Both of my entries for today and yesterday I have decided to add as one entry and both at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth and although the bird totals were not huge, I think in years to come when I look back or someone looks back on what was around this site, it is always useful to gauge populations of birds in Portsmouth.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Yesterday in Pembroke Road, a total of 13 bird species were recorded and the pick of the bunch had to go down to a small flock of three Redwings. I first heard one around 8.20am flying overhead, but it only called once and I could not locate the bird. Then moments later, a small flock of three birds flew into the Sycamore trees opposite and then into the neighbouring garden and out of sight. They were later seen flying off north over the rooftops. Daytime Redwing sightings here have been uncommon this season, but should we get a cold snap, they become a bit more noticeable.
Today, just 11 bird species were noted and it was the Jays that put on a good performance for me today. As per earlier this week, I watched one bird hovering briefly trying to pick off acorns from the Holm Oak trees and then flying off, should it be successful, back west down the street to consume their bounty. I only wish I could have my camera with me but work comes first. On arrival this morning, Governor’s Green was loaded with Herring Gulls searching for worms in the wet grass; with at least 40 birds present, they were mostly adults with just a few juveniles present.
I noticed that a single Garden Spider was still present in its web between the two bushes where I stand and a Buff-tailed Bumblebee briefly put in an appearance before shooting off around the corner. Later in the day, when I was out and about around Eastney, I found at least two Red Admiral butterflies still on the wing. The weather was now bright and sunny and mild yet again and obviously, the butterflies took full advantage of this.
Firecrest. These have been recorded in Pembroke Road several times this year, though mostly hidden in the Holm Oaks. But I remember one bird literally flying towards me then veering off at the last moment to land opposite where I stood. This photo was taken by Pete Appleton at another location.
I was wondering why there were hardly any parents with the kids going to school this morning and it turned out that it was another Inset Day, which I wasn’t aware of. So, I headed off home early.
In Hampshire today:
Apart from the Boat-tailed Grackle in Holbury, Southampton, the rarest bird in Hampshire today was a drake Green-winged Teal that was found by Jason Crook in Sweare Deep in Chichester Harbour, close to the Langstone Mill Pond. I understand this species has now been degraded to a sub-species by the birding authorities, but still a lovely bird to look at nonetheless. A Black-necked Grebewas seen off Brownwich, near Hill Head and the three Velvet Scoters and Red-necked Grebe were still off Netley, in Southampton Water. A Ruff was a surprise find off the Salt Cafe, Portchester among a large number of waders.
This male Kestrel was in Southampton Cemetery. Photo by Rob Porter.
Dawn over Highland Road Cemetery while I was walking the dogs.
Another cold frosty start to the day here in Southsea and a busy day for me and so it was back to Pembroke Road again where I notched up a reasonable number of bird species. There was excitement in Hampshire today when a Great Shearwater was discovered on the sea within Southampton Water and lingered long enough for a few lucky souls to get a Hampshire ‘tick’. I was too busy working to make the long trip down to Fawley or Calshot to view the bird, though I did get to see several on the Pelagic from Falmouth back in August.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Fourteen bird species were seen or heard today in Pembroke Road, of which three species were seen on my afternoon shift: a juvenile Mute Swan flying very low eastbound and then turned to head towards the Curtain Moat. Some House Sparrows were heard calling from their usual hedgerow by the Bowling Green and to round this afternoon off, a flock of a dozen Long-tailed Tits flew in and landed in the Sycamore trees before returning back to the garden from whence they came.
The Great Shearwater in Southampton Water today. Photos by Simon King.
This morning's shift produced the showy Jays again, where they showed nearly all morning and very well too in the bright sunshine, busy searching for acorns from the Holm Oaks. All the usual suspects were present, but little else to set the heart racing. Tomorrow is going to be a bit different with rain coming in and the temperatures going to rise.
A blast from the past. 16 years ago on this very day, I saw my third ever Spotted Sandpiper. seen at Lower Brook, Romsey.
Up to three Jays were seen in Pembroke Road this morning, though this was one of a pair of birds in the Cemetery later in the morning.
It was back to sunny but cold weather again today as temperatures were below 10 degrees throughout most of the day; but at least it was dry. A light northerly wind kept it cold as I paid my usual daily visit to Pembroke Road in Old Portsmouth and then treated the dogs for a nice slow walk around Highland Road Cemetery around midday. To be honest, nothing that exciting to report from this morning and my walk with the dogs, but there was plenty to look at.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
One of two paths that lead to the Curtain Moat.
I notched up 13 bird species this morning here and although most of the birds were all the common ones, it is interesting to note the number of birds that are out and about between 8 and 9am. The local House Sparrows were ‘chirruping’ from their usual hedgerow by the Bowling Green and a flock of seven birds flew out and headed off to gardens north of the road, leaving behind several still calling within the same hedge (below).
The hedge that is favoured by the House Sparrows by the Bowling Green.
The local Jays numbered at least three individuals as I watched a couple of them try to dislodge Holm Oak acorns from their husks; trying to hover briefly as they grabbed a few and then flew off to a neighbouring tree to devour them. Not a great deal else of note, though plenty of Wood Pigeons were still up in the nearby Sycamore Trees until a couple of stroppy Carrion Crows flew in and scattered the birds. A Dunnock was heard calling somewhere down the pathway leading to the Curtain Moat and the ‘ticking’ of a Robin could also be heard as was a Goldfinch. Hopefully, something interesting will turn up on my second shift later today.
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
A fresh lovely morning with the dogs over the Cemetery.
The weather was still bright and sunny around 11am as I then took the dogs for another walk around my ‘local patch’. Around a dozen bird species were noted during my slow walk round, but despite the lovely weather (still cold though!), nothing was singing at all and that included the local Robins here. I did, however, hear a Blackbird ‘sub-singing’ deep within vegetation near the Mausoleum.
Another view of the Cemy looking south-east and below, one of several Blackbirds seen today.
Above, there were many Wood Pigeons around today, some all fluffed up like these two individuals high up in the Lime Trees and below, clumps of Yarrow plants were still in bloom; good news for the remaining insects.
Above, a Marmalade Hoverfly resting on an Ivy leaf and below, one of the big branches that has come down during the last storm here.
There was still no sign of the Green Woodpecker on my trip here and I am wondering if it really is still here. It has been well over a month now since I saw one here last, though someone I was talking to a few weeks back claimed to have seen the bird. The Herring Gulls were giving their alarm calls somewhere over rooftops near Winter Road, but there was no sign of any Sparrowhawks circling high above either. A pair of Jays were making a din within the trees by the Mausoleum, but it was about 15 minutes later when I got good views of the birds in a nearby tree (see photo) and in this excellent light this morning, I was pleased to get a good shot of it.
Above, one of a pair of female Greenfinches high up in the Plane Tree and below, the footpath leading west at the top of the Cemetery.
Above, I couldn't resist taking this photo of aSquirrel eating acorns in the bright sunshine and below, a clump of Ox-eye Daisies still in bloom.
Above, a Lawson's Cypress Conifer. The Cemetery has a lot of different tree species within it and getting to grips with them isn't easy unless you are an expert (of which I am not!).
As I entered the Cemetery, the Cedar Tree near the entrance held a quiet calling Goldcrest; but I simply could not get a view of the bird. At least two Pied Wagtails were heard flying over the Cemetery as did a small flock of Starlings; but none settled. The usual flowering plants were by the gravesides including Yarrow, Smooth Sow-thistle and I even found a clump of Ox-eye Daisies by one of the graves. With some flowers still in bloom, I wasn’t really surprised that a few insects were on the wing as I found a Red Admiral butterfly and a Marmalade Hoverfly from the pathway, although the former would not settle for me. Hurrumph!
First thing this morning, Herring Gulls searching for worms on Governor's Green.
The morning started off a bit wet when I took the dogs for their early morning walk, but it eventually dried up and though we had the odd shower during the day, it was mostly dry, sunny but cold. Temperatures did not exceed 10 degrees with a northerly wind blowing throughout the day. It was back to Pembroke Road in Old Portsmouth for another start to the week's work here, but an impressive number of bird species were seen including a superb male Peregrine Falcon this afternoon.
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Up to 14 species were recorded in Pembroke Road during both the morning and afternoon and as mentioned, easily the pick of the bunch was the male Peregrine that flew over the road and headed off north-west over the houses at a rate of knots! That livened up my afternoon somewhat and also added to the day list was a Black-headed Gull that had to give up its food it had picked up from somewhere as it was being pursued by three Herring Gulls and a Carrion Crow! A Pied Wagtail was the third bird species to be added this afternoon.
This morning, my first Brent Geese (a pair) of the season flew over Governor’s Green, heading in an easterly direction. Flying the opposite direction were a pair of Cormorants flying over the same area and headed off towards Portsmouth Harbour. Again, all the usual birds were noted here including a Robin, House Sparrows (heard only in the hedgerow by the Bowling Green) and a Blue Tit. Insects are becoming scarce now, but a Buff-tailed Bumblebee was enjoying the few flowers still blooming close to where I stood.
During the middle half of the day, I saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying north over the houses in Henderson Road, Eastney.
Yesterday, birding pal Geoff Farwell, was birding down Farlington Marshes where he recorded up to 20 Avocets, Greenshank, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens, 3 Sandwich Terns, Water Pipit, 4 Stonechat, Grey Wagtail and a Firecrest.
A pair of Hen Harriers at the Burgh yesterday. Photo by Emma Parkes.
Matt & Emma Parkes toured the area of The Burgh, near Arundel and were rewarded with superb views of a pair of Hen Harriers. Also seen there included Red Kites, Common Buzzards, Kestrels, Grey Partridge and flocks of Redwing over. A Tawny Owl was heard calling near one of the Farms. It has been a long time since I have been to this excellent site but I just might take a drive there soon.
Above and below, a male Hen Harrier showing very well at the Burgh. Photos by Emma Parkes.
In Hampshire today:
Nothing whatsoever was reported on the Lazee’s Whatsapp site, so I had to glean my info from today's sightings from Hants Birding where locally, a single Purple Sandpiper, a Shag and a Great Northern Diver were off Southsea Castle. Over in Southampton, the Red-necked Grebe and Velvet Scoters were off Weston Shore and the Boat-tailed Grackle was still in its usual garden at Holbury. At Hayling Oyster Beds, 2 Whimbrel, Greenshank, 20 Knot, 19 Mergansers and 3 Goldeneye were recorded.
A drake Teal coming into land in front of the Meonshore Hide, Titchfield Haven. Photo by Emma Parkes.
A pair of Common Snipe kept us entertained during our stay in the Meonshore Hide.
I knew from last night's weather forecast that it was going to be poor, with rain all day for our region on the south coast and so the option was either the Hides at Titchfield Haven or Bashford Lakes? I opted for the former and so picking both Geoff and Andy up at ‘Cowplain Marsh’ (Andy’s house) we took the drive southbound to this superb Reserve, despite the inclement weather (nothing whatsoever in or around Geoffs Moth Box this morning). A strong southerly was blowing in off the Solent and surprisingly, it was damn cold too as the rain stung your face as we made the long walk to the first Hide after paying for our tickets.
A hot flask of coffee, a dry cosy Hide and great company; what more do you want on a grim days birding? This photo was from the Spurgin Hide.
Emma Parkes joined up later in the morning within the Meonshore Hide where there was only one chap present within the Hide, but even he left after 30 minutes on our arrival and should he be reading this, thank you for pointing out the Marsh Harriers at the back of the back of the Reserve. After a good couple of hours within the reserve (possibly longer), we eventually left the Meonshore Hide and made our way to the Spurgin Hide and tried our luck for the Penduline Tits that were seen here a week ago. You probably know what happens next?
Despite the poor weather, it didn't stop the local birds carrying on with their day with good numbers of Mallard, Turnstone and a few Redshank here in the small harbour by the main road.
Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, Hill Head:
A female Marsh Harrier, of three over the Reserve, occasionally flew close over the nearby reedbed.
The rain was coming down with a strong wind behind it as we made our way around the small harbour that contained a mixture of Turnstone, Redshank, Coots and numerous Mallard. The long walk to the Meonshore Hide seemed endless, but on arrival, there was just the one chap quietly sitting there enjoying the peace and quiet before we arrived! Actually, we kept our conversations as quiet as possible and it was another chance to see how well my new camera copes with dull and wet conditions.
Above, one of a few Redshank in the small harbour and below, the usual good numbers of Turnstone were also showing well in the same area.
Above, close to the Meonshore Hide, there was this Redshank, Lapwing and three Teal present and below, the Lapwing had departed and left behind the two other species.
Thankfully, the small islands in front of us had some very obliging birds to photograph that included good numbers of Teal, Shoveler, Redshank, Lapwing and a couple of showy Common Snipe. A Grey Heron dropped in briefly as did a Little Egret during our stay here in the Meonshore Hide and now and then, everything would take flight as a passing raptor whizzed through over the Reserve; notably a female Sparrowhawk. Up to three Marsh Harriers, all female types, were seen over the Reserve, with one individual doing sorties close to us over the eastern reedbed. It was a pleasure to watch as it used the wind to stay motionless over the reedbed, looking down to spot an unwary duck or Coot below in the reeds. Then it was twisted away, sometimes hassled by the local Crows and then returned to to try its luck again over the same bit of reedbed. I understand that the Marsh Harriers had a good breeding season here on the Reserve, which is excellent news. On the way down to the Reserve, we saw both a Red Kite and a Kestrel to add to our raptor list for the day.
Above, there were a lot of birds in front of the Meonshore Hide to enjoy and below, this female Teal was preening herself.
Above, the Common Snipe resting on one of the small islands and below, the partial albino Oystercatcher among its fellow species along with a pair of Gadwall and a female Teal.
Above, the female Marsh Harrier quartering over the reedbed again and below, a Grey Heron coming into land in front of the Hide.
As well as the ducks already mentioned, there was also a flock of around 50+ Wigeon on the North Scrape briefly before they flew off and also Mallard, several Gadwall and out of the blue, Geoff picked out the drake Goosander that has been around for several weeks here. It was sat on one of the small islands with Teal; it must have flown in while we were not looking. It lingered here for around another ten minutes and then flew off south over the reedbeds. Throughout the morning, we could hear a Water Rail ‘squealing’ in the reedbed just right of the Hide and while Andy went outside for a ‘fag’, the Water Rail flew out of the reedbed right in front of us and landed out of view within the reedbed to the left of the Hide. Later in the early afternoon, another Water Rail, along with a Fox, was seen on the footpath on the Reserve as we made our way back to the car. There were at least 50+ Oystercatchers using one of the islands to rest on and it included the partial albino individual that has been around for a couple of years here. Another flock of Oystercatchers were also using the grassy bank to the west of the South Scrape and these were eventually joined by a flock of around 50 Black-tailed Godwits that had just flown in from the fields to the north of the Reserve.
Above, a flock of around 50 Black-tailed Godwit joined the resting Oystercatchers on the west side of the South Scrape and below, the drake Goosander turned up, but it didn't stay that long before flying off.
Our last notable sighting was of an adult Mediterranean Gull flying south over the Scrape and then headed off towards the seafront in the wind and rain. Enjoying our time here, especially out of the rain and having enjoyed one of Emma’s home-made Sausage Rolls, we made our way to the Spurgin Hide. Although our time within that Hide was somewhat brief due to the lack of birds!
Above, the beautiful colours of the drake Teal and below, a female Shoveler. Both birds are obligingly in front of the Meonshore Hide.
Of course, there was not an ‘inkling’ of any Penduline Tits, though as Geoff pointed out, there was plenty of ‘Reedmace’ for the birds to enjoy in front of the Hide. The wind and rain was relentless and as flocks of Teal, Gadwall and Shovelers headed north over the reedbeds and large numbers of ‘honking’ Canada Geese arriving onto the Reserve, it was too quiet here. Having already emptied my delicious flask of Coffee, I was now scrounging from Andy for a cup of his ‘God awful’ brew, but it was hot and wet I suppose! A fairly large flock of Stock Doves took off from a distant tree, circled a few times and returned to the same tree which signalled it was time to get back to the car. I don’t think we could have walked fast enough to get back to the warmth and dryness of my car, but as always, the great company I keep always keeps me cheerful despite the grim weather.
The two Common Snipe in front of the Meonshore Hide with a few Teal.
