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What a beautiful day today and after I had been to the Gym this morning, then washed the car, a full body massage and finally lunch, I then took my dog ‘Scruff’ for a walk around Old Winchester Hill. The temperature must have been close to the 70’s with hardly any wind but bright unbroken sunshine.
Earlier today, while washing the car, two Skylarks (my first for a couple of months) flew overhead heading west. Also, I heard some Siskins calling but I couldn’t locate them in the bright blue sky.
Arriving at 2pm, I said hello to the voluntary warden who was checking the cars coming in, then strolled along the footpath at a nice relaxed pace. Overhead, we had a couple of soaring Common Buzzards with several more seen along the walk. A Goldcrest, my first of the month, flew over the footpath and into cover. Several Chiffchaffs were also seen, located by the solemn whistle. The area was alive with walkers making the most of a gorgeous afternoon and fortunately, there were hardly any dogs around and so Scruff could run around in peace.
Out in the fields, several Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were seen, with one Skylark in full song somewhere high in the sky. With all these birds around, I wasn’t too surprised when a female Merlin flew past and out over the fields. The bird took just seconds to fly over the horizon and out of view. A Common Buzzard was then seen high above us, circling round and round. My first Yellowhammer then flew out of cover then headed south over the fields.
The walk south of the fort produced a pair of Stonechats at first. The southern slope held another Stonechat, this time a female, and also at least one Wheatear present here too. I was keeping an eye out for a Ring Ouzel, but yet again, no diamonds. A good size flock of Goldfinches was entertaining as they searched for thistle heads to feed on. A pair of Green Woodpeckers was seen on top of the fort with one flying down into the slope and another perched on one of the few trees here. A Fox was seen briefly popping out of cover down in the valley. Not too much to be seen on the way back but butterflies included Red Admiral, Comma and several Large Whites still on the wing.
Interesting sightings locally included the reappearance of the Great White Egret on the Deeps, Thorney Island; the Pectoral Sandpiper was seen again in Pagham Harbour along with a Spoonbill but the Brown Flycatcher had disappeared overnight. I was seriously thinking of going last night so I am glad my sixth sense kicked in, as I decided not too! I’m up to 93 species for the month already and quietly confident of breaking the 100 barrier this weekend. And hopefully with a lifer on board too! Finally, a Grey Wagtail flew over the house in Southsea late afternoon, which was another addition to my month list. Excellent.
Left, Scruff on the south side of the fort and right, a view overlooking the hill from the north.
