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Southsea Beach gannet
1 Single bird very distinctive but rather
fleeting as no binoculars with me
Hello folks
There are now increasingly larger numbers of
black-headed gull chicks to be seen, but the very close proximity of
some nests will create problems for these fiercely territorial birds.
The density of gull nests obviously precludes
good numbers of nesting common terns; however, 8 common tern pairs are
fighting for territory (1 on North/East/Banana Island) and 7 on
West/South Island).
We really must have a competition to decide
on names for these two islands – please do offer suggestions (printable,
of course) - we would use the most popular!
There were three Mediterranean gull nests
seen – but it is possible that one or two were missed – it will be a
case of finding a special viewpoint.
As expected, there were no Sandwich tern
nests and, as yet, the 3 pairs of oystercatchers have not found suitable
places.
The recently imported shingle (western end of
the “NW Bund”) is proving attractive to little terns and to an
oystercatcher pair and a common tern pair that might well try nesting
there (encouragingly, a ringed plover was there on Sat & Sun). If little
terns do nest there, they might become of interest to a kestrel that
regularly hunts nearby – hopefully, any little tern chicks will start a
new fashion and actually use chick-shelters. So far, no little terns
have shown interest in the bare shingle area north east of the lagoon on
the “North Spit” (a better name, please?!).
It is hoped that weather conditions will be
good enough to do a nest count on the harbour islands soon – the count
will have to be done at some time between Wed 22 May &Tue 28 May, before
the main hatch starts (eggs are static – small chicks not so!)
Regards
Fareham Creek Eider 1 male. (The ex Petersfield bird?) also Sandwich tern. A Hudson
Farlington Marshes 08:00 Marsh Harrier 2 female/imms types. Did a circuit of sea-wall, point field but settled along stream - often in air together. T Doran
We also came across a couple of wasp beetle, [ on Farlington Marshes north of the road] these longhorn beetles are very brightly coloured black and yellow, hence the name and often sun themselves in the open on logs and leaves. R Chapman 108ft Blog
Southsea Castle 19:00 Purple sandpiper 3 getting late. T Doran
Fareham Creek 13:45 eider 1 male. The male was hauled out of the water nicely sat on an island in full view. Seen from the main Gosport road. Whimbrel also present by cams hall. PS Scorey
Nest Count on RSPB Islands
As well as the nesting gulls we also saw a few other birds, a flock of
about 40 bar-tailed godwit with a few knot
and 3 turnstone including one in beautiful summer
plumage. As we left the slipway a common seal was in
the creek and a fox walking along the strandline by
Budds Farm.
Hayling Island 08:45 Golden oriole 1 Female, flew towards Lakeside Pitch n Putt, but could not be relocated. Also cuckoo, wheatear, willow warbler, sedge warbler, sand and 8 house martin, arctic skua and a very late green sandpiper. A Johnson [Bird seen later in W Sussex. jg]
Southsea Castle 2 purple sandpiper 2 Feeding on rocks at 1400hrs. MH Terry
