Superb birding from Colmore and Kilmeston.

Saturday 7th February 2026.

A male Stonechat with a male Yellowhammer in the countryside near Colmore village. Today was a very good Yellowhammer day, with many seen today and my first of the year too.

Though the weather was poor today, I have to say that it was one of the best days birding this year. Last Saturday, while Andy Fisher and myself were ‘dipping’ on both Cirl Bunting and Ferruginous Duck, Geoff Farwell was up in the northern half of Hampshire, visiting the small rural village and surrounding area of Colemore, near East Tisted. His impressive list of bird sightings most certainly whetted my appetite and so I suggested taking a trip to this location, which was the first time I have been up to this particular area. I had to get home early today and so to round off the day, we visited the countryside of Kilmeston, near Alresford; for possible Corn Bunting.

Cowplain Marsh:

What a great Moth to start the year off with; a Spring Usher. This was only my 'second ever' of this species.

My day kicked off with a bang when a Firecrest was heard calling near Andy’s house. Though I never got a sighting, I was pleased to add this species to my year list, though I am sure I shall see plenty of these birds within the coming year. Andy had the Moth Box overnight for the first time this year and amazingly, there was a moth. In fact, it was my second ever Spring Usher and a ‘first’ for Geoff of this species. Though there were no other moths, I was more than happy to kick off the year with this excellent species.

Colemore, nr East Tisted:

A skulking Grey Partridge trying to blend into the tall vegetation nearby. A further 10 more birds joined this individual.

Sadly, the weather was awful. Persistent drizzly light rain throughout the day (though there were a few breaks where the rain stopped briefly) was the order of the day, though it was relatively mild with temperatures around 11 degrees, but I was so glad I brought my Wellington Boots along with me. As mentioned, I have never been to the small hamlet of Colemore before, but on the way to the location (and negotiating the terrible pot-holes on the A32!), Geoff was telling me that within the surrounding fields at Colemore, a Partridge recovery programme was going on and also looking after the supporting nature in the area.

Above, the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula and below, some interesting writing on the walls of the church that might have Dr Alice Roberts intrigued? The church is dated around the 16 hundreds and has been rebuilt several times over the years. 

We parked up by the 13th century Church of St. Peter ad Vincula (Geoff and Andy took a look inside while I was having my lunch) and then took the footpath to the east side of the Church and over into the fields. On arrival, a flock of Greenfinch flew in and landed in a nearby tree and I was sure that I heard a Brambling flying over. Both Andy and I saw a smaller, slimmer bird flying away to the west; but the guys were not 100% sure and so the ID of this bird went begging.

Above and below, my first Snowdrops of the year. These were around the front of the churchyard here at Colmore.

I have to say, this area must be ‘Red Kite City’ as there was at least a dozen birds in the area during the time we were there and they certainly are such a beautiful bird to watch, twisting their tail like a rudder to change direction and slowly flapping on those long wings. Wonderful birds. It was a cracking site for raptors with sightings of several Common Buzzards in the area, a male Kestrel gliding over the countryside in front of us, a female Sparrowhawk also gliding over a valley nearby and probably the best of the lot, a stunning female Merlin hunting over the trees and fields close to the Church. This was my second sighting of this species this year after the male bird we saw at Blackgutter Bottom, in the New Forest and Andy found the bird too!

Above, a flock of Greenfinches flew in by the Churchyard and below, Sheep were grazing in the fields adjacent to the footpath.

Above, a sign giving full information on the Grey Partridge introduction scheme. Below, another photo of one of the many Grey Partridge's seen today. 

The area is noted for the re-introduction of Grey Partridges and it didn't take long to see our first birds of the year slowly creeping low down into the vegetation on the edge of the field we walked through. A total of 11 birds eventually walked into the tall vegetation and out of view with a further 8 or more flying low over the fields and out of sight. There were a lot of feeders around for the game birds, of which both Pheasant and Red-legged Partridges were also in the area.

Above, Geoff and Andy counting the Grey Partridges skulking at the edge of this field. Below, one of many Skylarks over the fields.

Above, a Common Buzzard soaring over the fields and below, two male Yellowhammers in a bramble by the footpath.

We were hoping for Bramblings as Geoff took us to an area where he saw them last week. A string of trees with a steep valley below held no Bramblings, but we did get to see our first Woodlarks of the year. Possibly two or three birds were in the area and despite the drizzly weather, this did not put the birds off from singing high over the countryside. Yellowhammers were abundant too, including one that immediately flew over the car as soon as I arrived in Colmore and then a large number perched in a bramble grabbed our attention and among these birds, a pair of Stonechats joined the Buntings. Overhead, flocks of Linnets and Chaffinches were seen and a few Meadow Pipits were noted.

Above, a bush full of birds. A large number of Yellowhammers were in the bush and were soon joined by a pair of Stonechats. Below, male Catkins were abundant along the Hazel hedgerow.

One of the country roads we walked along in the drizzle and below, a Grey Heron flew high over the road heading south.

Along the narrow country road, we had a good sized flock of House Sparrows flitting about in the hedgerow that numbered around 20+ birds. It was good to see a nice sized flock around as this species is now classed as a ‘Red listed’. Overlooking a steep valley for around 15 minutes, we just listened to the sound of both Skylark and Woodlark high over the countryside and in the nearby trees, a Nuthatch was singing. I heard my first ‘drumming’ Great Spotted Woodpecker of the year, but it was a distant bird of which we never saw. I really could have spent several hours here and what must it be like here in the sunshine. It looked perfect for raptors and I bet there were Barn Owls around this superb area of countryside?

Above, though it was murky at times, this valley looked stunning and the potential of some really nice birds. A Woodlark was singing high over the valley and plenty of raptors were seen here. Below, two Hares were seen distantly in one of the fields.

Above, a male Chaffinch perched in the Hazel hedgerow and below, while I enjoyed my lunch, I noticed this Red Kite preening high up in a nearby tree within the village.

On the way back to Colmore, we had sightings of Goldcrest, Chaffinches and a pair of Hares in the fields, which were my first of the year. Another Hare was seen running into the woods down in the valley. A probable Bank Vole was seen all too briefly running into a hole at the side of the road and overhead, a flock of 11+ Fieldfares flew high southbound over the countryside to nearly round off a superb trip here. When we reached the car, a pair of Bullfinches flew over and a Red Kite was seen perched in nearby trees. It was time for lunch, though the rain got a bit heavier and so the guys went into the Church for a good look while I sat in the car eating my lunch.

Kilmeston, nr Alresford:

One of several Red Kites over the countryside here.

Our second and final stop was to be in the countryside in Kilmeston where Geoff had seen a couple of Corn Buntings earlier in the year. Andy and I both wanted this species for our year list; but it wasn't to be. We parked up on the side of Wheely Down Lane and checked out the fields here for the Buntings. We could see a good number of Skylarks over the fields and despite the wind and drizzle, a Woodlark was heard to sing here as well! A large flock of Linnets could be seen in the distance and also what looked like good numbers of Buntings but too far in the distance to be absolutely sure. 

Above, a Red Kite sailing overhead behind this tree near the roadside.

We therefore took a walk down Love Lane to hopefully find and check out the Buntings. A Firecrest was calling deep within the neighbouring Conifers and a few Yellowhammers were seen close by. Geoff pointed out a small flock of 11 Golden Plovers flying low over the field in the neighbouring fields and also a big scattering of Wood Pigeons too. I was amazed to see how many Kites and Buzzards were soaring over the countryside here and it really amazes me on how successful these birds are. The Kites, especially, put on a superb display, but it was just a shame the weather was so poor today.

One of many Yellowhammers seen today including this smart male bird.

When we got to the bottom of Love Lane, large numbers of Redwing were flying from the fields into the neighbouring woodland. Easily around 40+ birds were counted and then it was the turn of the Yellowhammers. Again, a large number had gathered here and fortunately for us, many were perching on the overhead wire before flying into a nearby hedgerow. I think Geoff counted at least 30+ Yellowhammers although some looked a bit rounder and larger, but that could be the light distorting the view of the birds. Though no Corn Buntings were seen or heard, it was still a cracking place to be. There ended another cracking day’s birding with Geoff and Andy with four more species added to my year list and I am looking very much forward to next weekend.

A couple of Redwing over Pembroke Road.

Friday 6th February 2026.

The female Black Redstart showed relatively well up in the bare tree. 

More and more rain this morning threatened to dampen the whole day and a lot more is set to come over the next 6 days (according to the Met Office)! Though it was damp throughout the morning with some very heavy showers at times, this afternoon was much drier and with hardly any wind, it was rather mild with midday temperatures around 10 degrees.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The view from my Office window in Pembroke Road!

A good total of 15 bird species were seen today, though all were seen on my first shift despite being rather sunny this afternoon. Pick of the bunch went to the pair of Redwing flying over and heading east low over the road. I had heard them earlier before I actually saw them, so I can only assume they were in the neighbouring trees?

The very wet weather overnight produced big puddles on the Bowling Green, but a pair of Pied Wagtails found the place to its liking and remained there for at least 20 minutes or so. Good numbers of Herring Gulls were seen today and a few Great Black-backed Gulls, but no Black-headed Gulls whatsoever! Again, no Brent Geese flew in from the harbour, though at least 50 birds were seen on Southsea Common later in the morning and many more over at Eastney during midday. A small group of 5 Blue Tits were high up in the trees before flying off north over the houses.

Yesterday, a Goldcrest was calling within the Holm Oaks here and a Jay was seen briefly flying south over the road  and into the Holm Oaks.

My Garden:

Another photo of the female Black Redstart. The bird has now spent nearly 3 months in and around my garden.

Once again, the female Black Redstart was seen perched high up in the bare tree at the back of my garden and I managed to grab a few photos of the bird despite the poor weather this morning. This afternoon, the male Blackcap was singing its heart out deep within my neighbours Bay Tree, but I failed to get any sighting of the bird.

Above, up to three Blue Tits were in my garden and enjoying the Fat Balls and below, a pair of Blackbirds were also present including this female bird.

In Hampshire today:

Virtually, all the news came from Weston Shore, Southampton, today where the Black-necked Grebe was still showing well offshore along with two Great Northern Divers and up to 44 Great Crested Grebes. Three Russian White-fronted Geese were still on Farlington Marshes as well as a Water Pipit. Five Purple Sandpipers were on the rocks at Southsea Castle and both Long-tailed Duck and Red-necked Grebe were off Hayling Oyster Beds within Langstone Harbour. It looks as though the Snow Bunting that was at Black Point earlier this week had returned to East Head, on the opposite side of the harbour near West Wittering.

Finally, a dry day on the south coast!

Wednesday 4th February 2026.

Dawn over Highland Road Cemetery this morning. Good to hear the birds singing now at this time of day.

Finally, a day without rain at last. It was bright and sunny throughout the day here on the south coast, with a breezy south-easterly that got stronger as the evening wore on. Temperatures were a bit chilly first thing, but it warmed up into double-figures in the afternoon sunshine. My day kicked off by walking the dogs at 6.45am on their usual walk that took me past Highland Road Cemetery and as dawn came, I could hear both Robin and Blackbird singing within Cemy. Herring Gulls screamed overhead as I made my way back home to get ready for another busy day. When I got home, a check in the garden revealed both the male Blackcaps high up in the bare tree at the back of my garden, just sitting there preening.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Fourteen bird species were seen or heard today here in Old Portsmouth and though nothing ‘out of the blue’ was noted among the usual birds, the pick of the bunch was my first Pied Wagtails on the Bowling Green for this year; a pair were chasing insects on the short grass and totally ignoring the fake plastic falcon perched on the building and the two raptor kites flying overhead!!Yes, I have seen a few fly over in January, but none have actually been seen by me on the Bowling Green. Up to FIVE Blue Tits were in a group high up in one of the bare trees adjacent to the Bowling Green and I was sure I heard a Jackdaw (rare here) calling somewhere behind the Bowling Green, but I failed to locate the bird. 

Above, Wigeon and Canada Geese were seen grazing from the Canal Path and below, a Common Buzzard keeping an eye out for an easy meal along the Canal Path.

Above, Andy's first Blackcap of the year seen near the first bridge from the Car Park at Titchfield and below, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker seen up in the trees beside the footpath.

The usual passerines were present and correct, which included the noisy House Sparrows, Blackbird, singing Dunnock, Great Tit and Wren. I didn't see any Brent Geese today flying in from the harbour, but when I drove past Southsea Common, at least a 100+ birds were present in the fenced off area for the birds. I also saw large numbers of them on the Cricket Green at Eastney, easily around 200+ grazing on the Green and more seen flying over Eastney around midday. Again, I have added some more photos from last Saturday on this blog entry.

My first Zebra Jumping Spider of the year.

The warmish weather this afternoon on my second shift brought out a few insects of note and that included what I believe was a Glimmer Hoverfly (Riponnensia splendens). Though I never actually got a photo of it (not for the want of trying with my mobile camera!), judging by its size and colour, I cannot see it being anything else. The insect landed on the flowers present briefly, but would not linger long enough for me to grab a photo. However, I had more luck with my first Zebra Jumping Spider of the year, which was seen today walking up and down the white-washed wall by where I stood.

In Hampshire today:

Hayling Oyster Beds and Langstone Harbour were still hosting a good variety of birds this morning that included the Black-necked and Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, the drake Scaup and two Great Northern Divers. Staying with Hayling, a huge count of 101 Med Gulls were in fields off West Lane and over at Northney, the Black Brant was with around 80 Brent Geese. Two Great Northern Divers were off Black Point, but no reports of the Snow Bunting today.

Three Little Gulls were off Weston Shore, Southampton and a Water Pipit was on the Drayton Farm Cress Beds at Alresford. Five Glossy Ibis were on the Bridge Street Floods, Titchfield; I wonder if the limping bird has succumbed? The female Red-crested Pochard that we failed to see in January was seen again on Rockford Lake, Blashford and a White-tailed Eagle made an appearance on Ivy Lake. Finally, up to 13 White-fronted Geese were still at Pennington Marshes today. Sadly, there was no sign of the Cirl Bunting at Wicor Mill today or this week so far. I wonder if it will return again?

Above, a bit of a 'blast from the past'. I took this photo exactly 6 years ago today in Highland Road Cemetery of this pair of Foxes. They looked amazing in the strong early morning sunshine.

A very wet day here on the south coast.

Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

This Robin was wading in the flooded footpath near the Canal Path, Titchfield.

Today was a complete washout with persistent rain all day here in the south, but on a positive side, I still had a reasonable total of bird species in Pembroke Road. I think everyone now is getting a bit fed up with this rain, but like previous recent Winters, we should now expect more and more rain although judging by some of the flooding in areas, especially in the likes of the west country, they seemed to really have suffered.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Despite the poor weather all day, I did manage to see up to 14 bird species here in Pembroke Road within both of my shifts. Two flocks of Brent Geese came in off Portsmouth Harbour and headed eastbound and a Cormorant flew north over my head, circled and then flew back south towards Curtain Moat. The usual three species of Gull were seen again (Herring, Black-headed and Great Black-backed) and on arrival for my first shift, the wet grass on Governors Green attracted around 20+ Herring Gulls searching for worms.

The usual passerines were seen and heard and included a singing Great Tit and Robin and the House Sparrows were yet again very vocal in the Bowling Green hedgerow. It was much quieter on my second shift, but a pair of Black-headed Gulls were seen flying low north over my head to add to the day total.

Back in my garden, while having lunch I had a quick look at the large tree at the back of my garden and saw the female Black Redstart briefly perched high up, quivering her tail against the overcast sky. It surely will not be long before she departs and tries to find a mate? Today, I have added some photos I took from last Saturday that I have not put on my blog yet. Enjoy.

Above, a showy Grey Wagtail at Brownwich Pond and below, a Long-tailed Tit in mid-flight along the Canal Path.

Above, a Common Buzzard on the look out near the Bridge Street Floods and below, resting Cormorants and Gulls in the same area.

In Hampshire today:

Unsurprisingly, there were few records on the Going Birding website though a good count of 97 Great Crested Grebes off Lee-on-Solent was exceptional and an additional 45 off Weston Shore, Southampton was impressive too. A Razorbill was off Lee-on Solent as well. A Black-throated Diver was seen distantly in the harbour from Hayling Oyster Beds. 

A male Stonechat along the Canal Path, Titchfield.

Some good birds in Hampshire today.

Monday 2nd February 2026.

It doesn't look good with the weather this week with more heavy rain coming in again, but today, it mostly remained dry though a strong easterly wind got up in the afternoon at Pembroke Road. There was a bit of drizzle early on today, but it did clear up and there was some sunshine in the afternoon. There were some interesting birds around in Hampshire today, but it was the start of the working week and it was back to the birds of Pembroke Road.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

It was lovely to see a carpet of Crocuses in bloom below the Holm Oaks in Pembroke Road this morning.

OK, nothing really exciting was seen today; though I thought I had a pair of Ravens flying south-west over Governors Green, but I did not see enough of the birds as they flew off strongly towards the Garrison Church. A total of 14 bird species were seen from both shifts at Pembroke Road today and on arrival first thing this morning, the House Sparrows were really making a noise in the Bowling Green hedgerow and probably getting excited with Spring on the way.

Three species of Gull were seen again with Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull all seen well. But what was noticeable was the amount of birds actually singing that included Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Wren and Great Tit. The Jay was heard calling  deep within the Holm Oaks, but no sighting today.

In Hampshire today:

The Snow Bunting at Black Point, Hayling Island, today. Photo by Andy Friend.

The Snow Bunting that had been frequenting East Head, near West Witterings finally made it into Hampshire and was found this morning at Black Point, Hayling Island. It eventually moved further south along the beach, saving a lot of admirers a long walk. Farlington Marshes birder, Jason Crook, found TWO Caspian Gulls in the middle of the reserve and earlier, he watched a juvenile Black-throated Diver fishing off Broadmarsh within Langstone Harbour. Nearby, he also saw the Great Northern Divers, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup and two Black-necked Grebes. A Little Gull was seen briefly off Southsea Castle this morning along with a Shag. Two Slavonian Grebes and a Red-necked Grebe were on the sea off Brownwich this morning. 

A drake Eider off Hill Head recently. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Yesterday, birding pal Geoff Farwell took a drive to Preshaw Down, near Beacon Hill, yesterday and saw the following species: 2+ Corn Buntings, 50+ Redwing, 30 Fieldfare, 4 Firecrests, 2 Ravens, 3 Red Kites and 4 Common Buzzards. A Firecrest has been singing at Cowplain Marsh (Andy’s house)  for the 4th day in a row!

TWO male Blackcaps today!

Sunday 1st February 2026.

It was still very damp over the Cemetery on arrival.

The dogs got their daily walk this morning over Highland Road Cemetery and after a lot more rain early this morning, it was dry enough to take a pleasant walk around my favourite part of Portsmouth. By the time I finished my walk here, a bright blue sky was heading our way from the south followed by bright sunshine. It was all the usual birds seen here this morning with the added bonus of a female Sparrowhawk over and a pair of Jays showing very well by the main footpath.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

A pair of Jays showed incredibly well for me this morning.

A good count of 18 bird species were present here this morning, although a lot were heard only, but what did show had shown very well indeed. A large scattering of Wood Pigeons overhead and the distant Herring Gulls screaming had me searching the sky for the cause of all this commotion and as expected, a Sparrowhawk flew low over the rooftops heading south-east; a large female bird too.

Above, a trio of Great Black-backed Gulls flying high south over the Cemetery and below, this well soaked Collared Dove was busy preening itself high up in one of the Chestnut trees.

Above, the pair of Jays near the footpath and below, the female Sparrowhawk flying over the rooftops nearby.

The Jays were heard as soon as I arrived in the Cemetery, but it wasn't till I got over onto the east side that a pair of birds were seen close to the main footpath and probably looking for the acorns they had buried late last year? A notable sighting included a small flock of three Great Black-backed Gulls flying very high towards the coast and thankfully, using my camera on its highest zoom, I could identify what the distant birds were. Most handy. No Crests or Warblers in the Cemy today, but it will not be long before we get our first singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap here.

Above, Crocuses are starting to bloom in the Cemetery and below, a fine male Blackbird perched in one of the smaller trees.

Above, a rather pale female Blackbird and below, one of the Jays perched on a gravestone.

It was good to see and hear the House Sparrows again today within the Cemetery, though staying deep within cover over on the east side. As mentioned yesterday on my blog, they really are getting scarcer and this small flock is one of the few places I have found them recently in Portsmouth. A good number of Blackbirds are still present, though I wonder how many of these are immigrants from Scandinavia? Sadly, nothing out of the ordinary, but always good to see some of our common birds close up and doing well.

Above, my first flowering Germander Speedwell of the year.

My Garden:

The female Black Redstart was getting a soaking this afternoon.

The female Black Redstart was again showing well in the back of my garden and neighbouring gardens both in the morning and in the afternoon and she was joined by TWO male Blackcaps that were showing well in the tall bare tree. Along with a couple of Blackbirds, a pair of Great Tits and three Blue Tits, it was a good showing of birds despite the rain falling again this afternoon.

Above, another shot of the female Black Redstart and below, the male Blackcap was sharing the same tree.

Above, a record photo of both the male Blackcaps.