Crossbills (LEOs Nightjar & RV Darter)

Evidently going to be a Crossbill year with more this morning (June 4th), either perched or on the move. At least sixteen at Luccombe Village including 10+ that landed on a pine tree in a garden before leaving southwards. Evening-time: at least two juv LEO begging and Nightjar heard. 

June 8th: 57 Xbills (N) Nansen/Luccombe. Also, a male Red-veined Darter on Nansen Hill.

Xbills calling

Nightjar and LEO juvs not far from home (June 4th)

Golden-ringed Dragonfly - Luccombe Farm (June 9th)

Savi's (better-quality recording)

Yesterday evening (May 30th) I returned to see if the Savi's was still there following a week of no further reports of it (the grim weather didn't help); fortunately it was and in much improved conditions:

SAVI'S Warbler (reeling)

Yesterday evening (May 23rd) I could hear a SAVI'S Warbler, albeit distantly in breezy conditions and somewhat drowned out by the din of geese etc. I missed the last one (2020?). I managed to get a low quality sound recording of this one at least. Not seen. 

Xbill movements are increasing with c25 west (May 26th) over Ventnor: Nansen Hill (5) & and Leeson Road (c12); and Nick had x8 along the coast. 

Brading Marsh from Bembridge windmill

Luccombe Chine from Bonchurch Road

Barn Owl whilst walking home 

Savi's warbler
Scientific name: Locustella luscinioides
Savi's warbler is a species in grass warbler genus Locustella. It breeds in Europe and western Palearctic. The common name of this bird recognises Italian ornithologist Paolo Savi, the author of "Ornitologia Toscana".… pic.twitter.com/d8PrdvXcVe

— The feathers (@birdd111) March 28, 2025

THRUSH Nightingale (quite possibly?!)

This morning (May 22nd) a head wind dropped a couple of things near Luccombe Chine: a Reed warbler and this Nightingale singing away in some scrub: after a recording of its song was widely shared (and debated) it came to light it was likely a much rarer Thrush Nightingale! aka 'sprosser'. I'd messaged Mark B at nearby Haddon's Pits and we'd got to within a couple of meters of it....The Island's first (I believe) if accepted.

Thrush Nightingales are barely annual in Oslo although small numbers are regular nearby. A pair did breed last year and a male is back singing in the exact same spot. Hopefully a mate will turn up again this year. pic.twitter.com/r512ZzUtnH

— Simon Rix (@si_rix) May 15, 2025

Woodchat Shrike (twitch) Brading Marsh

A Woodchat Shrike was found yesterday (May 15th) at Fatting Marsh just to the south of Brading Marsh. However, early this morning (May 16th) it couldn't be found in that specific area, but luckily, it was seen again at the northern end of the marsh near Bembridge Ponds - and I got to see it around midday. My first since the 2017 bird at the relatively nearby New Bridge Pools (Carpenters Farm area). Also, a Hobby and Marsh Harrier seen. Otherwise: the odd Crossbill and a few hirundines have gone over (Haddon's Pits yesterday) and x8 Crossbill over Nansen Hill on May 18th. 

Unmistakable - at times showed better than my record shots might suggest! and at its closest only a few meters away. 

Painted Lady Luccombe Farm May 20th

Meanwhile in Hampshire:

Hudsonian Godwit-ad female-Titchfield Haven NR, Hants,GR8 find by @MarkFra64259515 & the first for the home county,really enjoyed this bird,even though I found the first for Portugal with @PeterAlfrey Terceira, Azores-July 2007 & seen on the nest in Churchill, CA this was class! pic.twitter.com/bCeagIVDSt

— Wader-World 🌍 (@Waderworld1) May 17, 2025

Golden Oriole (Bembridge Airfield)

I covered some ground today (May 14th) on a pleasant sunny morning - Bembridge Windmill to Laundry Lane via the 'old sea wall' (Brading Marsh & New Bridge) - and back again. Whilst crossing the airfield on my way back at around 10:25am I heard this Golden Oriole singing and calling from the trees near Brading Marsh. It was vocal for a good half an hour or so (not seen), with an accompanying Blackbird and Cuckoo (background). 

Great Egret - quite a scarcity a decade or so ago - but now resident 

Good numbers of Glanville seen - Ventnor Downs - May 15th

Couple of Painted Ladies - SCP lighthouse wall - May 10th (evening)

BB Chaser - Corner Cottage (Luccombe Down)