Old Portsmouth & the Cemy.

Thursday 19th December 2024.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth.

The Royal Garrison Church in Old Portsmouth. The clouds rolled in around 3pm but it was still very cold in that wind.

It was damn cold today with a fresh north-westerly blowing across Old Portsmouth and remained for the rest of the day. On the positive side, it was bright and sunny with a bit of high cloud, but the couple of hours I was there this morning and afternoon, I thought my finger tips were going to drop off! Yesterday, there were a total of 14 species seen and today, I got up to 15 bird species in all during both shifts in Pembroke Road. Most of the usual birds were seen, including the noisy Jays and a pair of Brent Geese put in an appearance too as they flew eastbound to join their compatriots. Greenfinches had been seen both today and yesterday, which included a flock of 6 birds yesterday.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

The cold wind was still blowing through the Cemetery, but it didn't stop a Starling singing its heart out within these trees.

After doing a few chores around the house, I wanted to not waste the bright weather and so took the dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery. Again, the chilly north-westerly wind blew through the Cemetery, keeping the temperatures down to around 8 degrees, though it felt more like 3 degrees! 

Herring Gulls circled over the Cemy with both adults and this juvenile, above, going over. Below, up to three Blackbirds were seen on my walk round.

It was quiet at first and eventually, the birds started to appear or be heard. It was not till I reached the south-east side that a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling somewhere further north. Unfortunately, I never saw the bird as by the time I got up to the north-east corner, the bird had flown. There was no sign of the Green Woodpecker today either, but a male Sparrowhawk showed well briefly, flying low over the gravestones over on the east side and I think it landed out of sight within a tall Conifer. Two male Greenfinches were in one of the trees in the north-east corner, before flying off northbound over the houses. This species has suffered a sharp decline due to infections, so it is good to see these birds around here. Pied Wagtails never settle in the Cemetery and it is always good to see one on my travels here, though they are always a flyover. My final notable bird was a Goldcrest, which was heard and then seen flying out of a Conifer in the middle of the Cemy.

Above and below, two male Greenfinches showed well briefly in the north-east corner.

Due to recent storms, I noticed a lot of branches down on the floor, though I suppose it is good for the trees to lose their deadwood; as long as it doesn't drop on my head when I am walking around! Very few dog-walkers today here and so less disturbance for the wildlife here. The only plants I found flowering today were Smooth Sow-thistle; though these were few and far between.

I did find a few Smooth Sow-thistle's growing around the Cemetery.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Blue Tit
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Sparrowhawk (male)
• Greenfinch
• Wren
• Blackbird
• Starling
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Pied Wagtail
• Goldcrest

In Hampshire today, the showy Black-throated Diver was still showing to the small crowd gathered by the Town Mill Pond in Emsworth for its second day (or possibly third?). See below. A staggering 32 Spoonbills were on Normandy Marshes and up to 3 female type Scaup were on Milton Lakes. 15 Cattle Egrets were found in the fields at Northney, Hayling Island and Great Northern Divers were in Portsmouth Harbour and Langstone Harbour.

Above, the Black-throated Diver on Emsworth Mill Pond. Photo by Andy Friend.

Above, film footage of the same Black-throated Diver. Film footage by James Cutting.

Some excellent news today was of the completion of the repairs to the Sluice Gate on Farlington Marshes. Though this is great news, it is a temporary arrangement and hopefully soon will be fully completed. However, the damage done by the sea water could be irreparable due to the fact that the main reedbed on the Lagoon has been destroyed. Whether it will grow back remains to be seen, but the dependency of nesting birds and also the insects within the reeds will be lost for some time. Maybe the waders will come back to roost during high tide; something we all birders and wildlife enthusiasts hope and pray for.

Above, a superb ariel photo of the flooded Lake area on Farlington Marshes. As you can see, the reedbed on the Lake has been totally lost due to the flooding by the sea water. Photo by James Cutting. Below, finally, after the repair work had been done, the water was receding on the reserve. Photo by Tim Doran.

Fairly quiet over Old Portsmouth so far this week.

Tuesday 17th December 2024.

Sunrise through the Holm Oaks yesterday morning in Pembroke Road.

This is the last week I’ll be working before Christmas and it was back over to Pembroke Road in Old Portsmouth to provide the first two days of bird sightings. The weather has turned back to overcast and drizzly conditions, but, surprisingly, it is very mild. In fact, it is supposed to be in double figures! In Hampshire, there are always some good birds turning up, which are being discovered by many of the ‘Lazee Birders’ who are mostly retired from work and have the pleasure in exploring top sites here in the south.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

A full moon showed well at 8am yesterday morning, but it eventually clouded over in Old Porstmouth.

Fifteen species of birds were recorded yesterday in Pembroke Road which included a nice flock of 6 Greenfinch going over and all the usual birds within the area. A lone Brent Goose flew over from Portsmouth harbour and headed off eastbound.

Today, I got up to 14 species, which also included a pair of Brent Geese and a Cormorant heading south. Up to four Blue Tits were chasing each other through the Holm Oak trees and a pair of Jays showed well next to the trees until flying off south. Sadly, nothing more unusual here today, but you just never know what just might fly over from 8am onwards.

Black Redstarts have returned to Lee on Solent again which included this female (above) and male (below). Photos by Emma Parkes.

Above, a male Goldeneye and below, a female type Long-tailed Duck at Keyhaven Marshes. Photos by Chris Geary.

Above, a Spotted Redshank on Pennington Marshes and below, a male Hen-harrier in the New Forest off to roost. Photos by Chris Geary.

In Hampshire today, the two female Velvet Scoters were off Chilling Cliffs again and both Black-throated Diver and a female Eider were seen nearby. The two female Scaup were both on Milton Lakes and a single bird off Stokes Bay, while Weston Shore still held the Red-necked Grebe and Slavonian Grebe along with a Great Northern Diver. More Great Northerns’ were off Sandy Point, Emsworth Mill Pond and Hayling Oyster Beds.

Velvet Scoters added to Hampshire year list.

Saturday 14th December 2024.

A Grey Heron standing guard over a small pond on Farlington Marshes.

Me and the guys were hoping to get our first Velvet Scoters of the year when a reported pair of females were seen off Weston Parade yesterday along with a host of nice birds on Southampton Water. The weather was looking good with the cloud actually thinning out to reveal a bit of sunshine at last. It was still quite cool with an easterly blowing through the Solent, but with flasks of coffee and warm weather clothing, it was an enjoyable day. Sadly, no moths whatsoever in Andy’s Moth Box today and so we headed off westbound.

Weston Parade, Southampton:

The Slavonian Grebe with a Great Northern Diver behind on Southampton Water.

Arriving at the Car Park along Weston Parade, a site we have never been before, incidentally; I set up a scope and got down to check Southampton Water to the west. Some of the big ships were docked up nearby including the Queen Mary 2 and a large tanker, which dwarfed the small boats sailing past. 

One of two Great Northern Divers on Southampton Water.

There was no sign of Velvet Scoters off the Car Park, but Mark Francis at Brownwich Cliffs reported the birds off there instead! Meanwhile, though we had a brief view of the Red-necked Grebe off the Car Park, the bird simply disappeared minutes later and a Slavonian Grebe replaced it. At least a dozen or so Great Crested Grebes were also swimming offshore, but more over the Fawley side of the water. Up to two Great Northern Divers were also seen here and Andy picked out a flock of waders that turned out to be a flock of 50+ Golden Plover. A Little Egret flew past close in and headed off north along the shoreline to wrap up our trip here.

Brownwich Cliffs, nr Titchfield Haven:

The female Velvet Scoters off Brownwich Cliffs.

Before parking up near the Toilet Block, I had a quick chat with Mark Francis, who was looking out into the Solent through his scope. He confirmed exactly where the Velvet Scoters were and so after parking, we made our way through the Chalets and headed off westbound along the footpath to Brownwich Cliffs.

Above and below, the view from Brownwich Cliffs looking south with the Isle of Wight in the background. 

Above, a large flock of Meadow Pipits flew up from the adjacent field to perch on the bushes by the main footpath. Below, Andy and Geoff checking out the fields.

Above, Andy looking on at Brownwich Cliffs.

Above and below, two of the three female Goosanders just off the Chalets.

We had a quick look over the Solent through a gap in the vegetation and picked out several Great Crested Grebes and a lone Cormorant, but no sign of the Scoters. When we reached the large clearing overlooking both the Solent and Southampton Water, Andy picked up a flock of duck flying eastbound and on closer inspection through the scope, a small flock of 4 Common Scoters then settled on the water. Minutes later, another group of four birds were seen flying over the sea and then towards us. Two of the birds were definitely the female Velvet Scoters (202nd species in Hampshire this year) and were also joined by a pair of Eiders. That put a big smile on Andy’s face. 

The Velvet Scoters off Brownwich Cliffs.

Geoff picked out a large flock of Eiders some distance out with Fawley Refinery in the background. There were at least 18 birds out there and were joined by several Herring Gulls hoping for a free meal. As we made our way back to the car, the same Eiders were seen flying east low over the sea and settled somewhere on the Solent east of the reserve. While watching the Velvet Scoters, a drake Goosander flew low over our heads, heading towards the reserve and as we reached the Chalets, there was a group of three female Goosanders close in on the water until flying off west.

Farlington Marshes & Langstone Harbour:

A Marsh Harrier flying over the fields at Farlington Marshes and spooking the Brent Geese.

I had to be back home by around 3pm to help put up Xmas decorations and bath the dogs. So, to round off our days birding, we decided to try our luck for Short-eared Owls on Farlington Marshes. As the main entrance is closed to the public due to the reparation of the Sluice Gates over on the west side of the reserve, we parked up at Broadmarsh, Bedhampton, then walked along the main footpath to the reserve and then up to the Deeps area.

Above, an Oystercatcher flying over Langstone Harbour and below, Dunlin and Redshank near the Marshes.

Above, a Redshank and below, Turnstone along the shoreline.

Above, a pair of Pintail close to the shoreline in Langstone Harbour and below, a Redshank just off the Marshes.

Above, there was a lot of Teasel along the east side of the Harbour Wall. Below, the Marsh Harrier flying over the Marshes.

Above and below, Brent Geese on the reserve.

Above, Workmen with their Digger ready to mend the Sluice Gates over on the west side of the reserve and below, more Brent Geese flying onto the reserve.

Above, yet more Brent Geese arriving onto the reserve and below, a male Stonechat near the Blockhouse. 

Along our way, there were a good number of waders feeding on the ebbing tide that included Oystercatchers, Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew and Grey Plover all showing well. The Brent Geese were abundant and showed very well over our heads and in the fields, though they were a bit skittish due to the raptors seen on the reserve. A Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and a Kestrel were all hunting over the reserve in search of prey while along the harbour wall, we saw at least three Stonechats and at least one Rock Pipit. A Raven was seen chasing the Marsh Harrier as we made our way back to the car and although we had no sightings of any Short-eared Owls (there hasn't been for the past few weeks), the day was ending bright and clear overhead.

Redpoll over Old Portsmouth this morning.

Thursday 12th December 2024.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales returns back to Portsmouth Harbour as she passes the Royal Garrison Church with Black-headed Gulls upon the Governor's Green.

What has been mostly an overcast week so far continued today although the temperatures were still in single figures here in Southsea. Yesterday was a bit quieter than today within Pembroke Road, but a group of FOUR Jays was probably the best sighting here, though a Firecrest was heard within the Holm Oak trees again. This morning, up to 15 species were recorded and that included a Lesser Redpoll flying high over Pembroke Road heading westbound. Just the one Jay heard this morning, but they should be showing well this afternoon. The birds recorded this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Blackbird
• House Sparrow
• Blue Tit
• Lesser Redpoll
• Greenfinch
• Pied Wagtail
• Robin 
• Starling

Above, the Yellow-browed Warbler at Hilsea Moat and below, one of the female type Scaup on Milton Ponds. Both photos courtesy of Chris Geary.

In Hampshire, another Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered along the vegetation at Hilsea Moat and showing well at times over the past few days (see photo). Jason Crook’s female type Scaup was on Milton Lakes yesterday too. He had them earlier last week and they look as though they might be settled on there. There was a nice selection off Weston Sailing Club, Southampton, this morning where one could view a Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver and a Shag!

Jays & finches the highlights today.

Monday 9th December 2024.

A cloudy start to the week at Pembroke Road.

Another cold day today with a chilly north-easterly blowing over Southsea. It was still quite dark when I took the dogs for their early morning walk, yet I could hear both a Blackbird and a Wren calling despite being very dark as I passed nearby St. Margaret's Church. After a blowy weekend, it was a bit calmer this morning and my bird sightings today were down Pembroke Road in Old Portsmouth.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Lovely colours in the sky over the Holm Oaks adjacent to Pembroke Road at 8am today.

I had a total of 15 species recorded here today during both shifts and although nothing that unusual, I was pleased with what I saw today that included three species of Finch: Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. A pair of Jays, always entertaining, were flitting about both the Holm Oak and the nearby Sycamores, but no sign of any Brent Geese or Cormorants over today. The birds seen or heard today included the following:

• Jay (2)
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Herring Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Blue Tit
• Starling
• Robin
• House Sparrow
• Goldfinch (4)
• Greenfinch (3)
• Chaffinch
• Pied Wagtail
• Wren

It was fairly quiet in Hampshire today with the 3 Glossy Ibis still on the Posbrook Floods again and in front of the Tern Hide at Blashford Lakes, both the female Red-crested Pochard and Black-necked Grebe were present while one of the White-tailed Eagles was on the bank nearby. Nationally, there has been a large influx of Little Auks down the eastern coast of England and hopefully, we might actually get one or two down here in the South? A showy Black-throated Diver was by Chichester Harbour yesterday and fellow ‘Lazee’ Andy Scarborough (who we met recently at Black Point) got some excellent film footage of the bird (see below).

The Black-throated Diver on Emsworth Slipper Mill Pond by Chichester Harbour. Filmed by Andy Scarborough.

A very quiet seawatch off Gilkicker.

Saturday 7th December 2024.

A Herring Gull chasing a Carrion Crow over the beach hoping to snatch whatever the Crow might drop! Unfortunately, there was very little to take photos of today.

I had already made up my mind to go to the Gilkicker shelter last night and told both Andy & Geoff our destination and for Geoff to bring his scope along. Storm Darragh was in full force here in the Solent, but I understand the likes of the South-west of England and Wales were taking the brunt of the storm as we arrived at the Car Park to take part in what was one of the coldest and birdless sea-watches this year.

The Solent, Gilkicker Shelter, Gosport:

A pair of Brent Geese struggling against the wind as they headed west towards Hill Head.

Sensibly, both Emma & Matt Parkes decided not to come down here to join us as us guys took refuge on the east side of the Shelter to avoid the rain showers and the worse of the wind. I read somewhere that it is best to sea-watch after the worst of the wind has died down, but there was always the chance of something good like a Skua, Shearwater or Petrel in such conditions and as both Blashford Lakes and Titchfield Haven were closed today, that's why we took the gamble on GIlkicker.

Above and below, an adult Herring Gull bravely negotiates the wind along the beach.

Above, another Herring Gull chasing this poor Carrion Crow across the beach. and below, Geoff struggling to get his spare leggings on!

Arriving at 9am, we spent the next FIVE hours here, shivering and buffeted by the wind and mostly staring at an empty angry sea! Both Herring Gulls in various ages and a few Great Black-backed Gulls went through over the Solent, causing a brief bit of excitement until we checked what they were through our respective telescopes! However, it wasn't totally a waste of time as Andy found the bird of the day heading fast east. A Red-throated Diver hurried past close in as I quickly got the scope on it to verify the ID. Fellow ‘Lazee’ Gary Fennemore, had a number of Divers flying into Chichester Harbour earlier this morning, but this ‘Red-throat’ was the only Diver seen today. Two Great Crested Grebes were seen swimming on the sea and another single bird was seen flying west into the wind low over the sea. Up to 5 Brent Geese were seen during our five hours there and the only other bit of excitement was a Wood Pigeon trying to break the sea speed record heading east over the sea!

Storm Darragh over the Solent.

Sadly, that was virtually it when it came to the birds here today, but we did enjoy watching both the Isle of Wight Catamaran and Car Ferry make their way across the choppy Solent, NOT!!!