End of year review

Bird of the year was undoubtedly the European Roller at Brading Marsh, a great find by Paul White on July 8th. Other memorable moments: joining Neil atop Ventnor Downs and seeing a juv Pallid Harrier on September 22nd. A sea watch at SCP with many large shearwaters, both Cory's and Great, seen to pass by on October 13th. Personal highlights: A Night Heron at Bembridge/Brading Marsh on May 17th. Some pretty decent autumn vis mig stuff: added Bearded Tits (Oct 22nd) and Serin (July 21st) to my local Ventnor Downs flyover list. Also: good numbers of Honey Buzzard, Woodlarks, Tree Pipits, and Crossbill, etc. Here's to 2024....

A gusty & mild end to the year: New Year's eve sea watch produced low numbers of Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Gannets etc

Hooded Crow and RN Grebe

December: back on the 3rd, twitched the Hooded Crow at Cowes high school. Showed quite well.... But the crappy (oft rainy) weather continues - though it is mild again after a brief cold snap.

Ventnor, 14/12: two Velvet Scoter east the sea watch highlight; plus nine RT Divers west.

Bembridge Harbour: the Red-necked Grebe was still present in the harbour (15/12). Off of Spring Vale: GN Diver (x2), plus three distant Diver sp flew off (probably GN too), 1 x Slav, and common scoter (8), on Solent waters. 

Christmas period: given the mild weather being more or less stuck with consistent blustery westerlies: most of my birding time and attention has been given to morning sea watches, from either Ventnor or SCP; it's been reasonably productive:

- Christmas Eve: moving west past Ventnor, Kittiwake 17, Fulmar 10, Gannet 88, Auk sp 54, C.Scoter 1.

- Christmas Day: Ventnor: Black-throated Diver 1, RT diver 4, Kittiwake 54, Fulmar 12, Auk sp 200, Gannet 250.

- Boxing Day (calmer day/no sea watch): Black Redstart (Spring Gardens, Ventnor), and two Blackcaps. 

- 27/12: SCP; SSW (50mph gusts); 0745-1030; Kittiwake 134, Gannet 300, Auk sp 450, c.scoter 5, and a couple of misses, a skua sp and diver sp. 

- 28/12: Ventnor: 07:50-0930: GN Diver 1, RT Diver 26, Fulmar 15, Kittiwake 73, Auk sp 280, Gannet 169. 

RN Grebe in Bembridge Harbour on Dec 15th

Extensively walked this area not long ago...😲

Devil's Chimney beauty spot feared 'destroyed' in Bonchurch landslip. #iwnews #IsleofWight https://t.co/HZGRYkFw85

— Isle of Wight County Press (@iwcponline) December 12, 2023

The biggest landslip in 30 years, only just around the corner from me... The smugglers tea rooms, devils chimney all gone..
Thoughts are with those affected 😔#IsleOfWight #Landslip #Bonchurch #Ventnor #SmugglersTeaRoom pic.twitter.com/vnNA5fJ9PQ

— Matt Wickham (@MattwicksBMR) December 11, 2023

Snow Bunting - Atherfield

Not a lot of note of late - overhead passage at my local downland site seemed to quickly drop off during the first part of a stormy November - even with improved conditions yesterday I could only muster a Brambling and some woodpigs (c200). [Northerlies have just dropped the temperatures somewhat; first frost yesterday morning; single figures].  

This morning I visited Whale Chine and soon heard a calling Snow Bunting along the coast, not far from the car park; however, I didn't initially see it on the deck - only after carrying on half a mile or so west towards Atherfield, I heard it again (or perhaps another?) - and got to see it too, albeit briefly, along the field's edge; nice to see and hear one to some extent. Also, I tried the east side of the Chine and encountered a Short-eared Owl along the coastal path there. 

Looking towards Blackgang/Rocken End

Record shot?! [My first snow bunt since 2021].

Ollie saw it again - his photographs.

And a snippet of the vocal Snow Bunt:

Couple of evenings ago: the moon and Jupiter (+ moons left to right: Calisto, Europa, and Ganymede; I believe)

Bearded Tits (Vis mig) and Redstart sp?

Quite a decent vis mig session atop Ventnor Downs this morning on a much brighter day following several days of iffy weather. One sought after vis-migging species for me, well one of many, Bearded Tit (reedling), is one I've considered going over and sure enough for the first time it happened today; in a local context, another species that is probably less than annual on the Island and one I haven't experienced locally in over 10 years?! I recall last seeing them at Yarmouth (old railway station/ponds) on the odd occasion, a spot where they should be seen. And Brading marsh has had odd records in recent years...Unfortunately, I didn't see these as they passed over the downs around 10:15 - but as usual I had the recorder going to capture their unmistakable flight calls..

Aside from that highlight: two more Woodlarks (my fifth and sixth autumn birds) went right over me (calling) and at least 19 Xbills were nice to see, plus other bits n bobs including several Brambling. 

October 26th: a Redstart (fem type) was seen and photographed on Culver Down; it was pondered and suggested as a possible 'Eastern' Black Redstart/or hybrid? It remains a cautious if interesting 'possible'. One that could easily be overlooked. It'll be interesting to see the outcome of its ID either way. 

October 30th: the vismig highlight (before the heavens opened once again) included 68 Crossbills over Luccomber Down. Plus, a Ring Ouzel hanging about. [A lot of rain lately and the daily shoddy weather seems stuck - with more forecast this week including storms] 

Large Shearwaters (Great and Cory's)

An incredible sea watch, certainly by local standards anyway, unfolded at SCP on 13th. For context, there's only ever been a couple of accepted local records of single Great Shearwater thus far, one of which (one of the Island's first) I happened to be a part of with Dean back in July of 2018 - so these totals five years on abruptly took it to another level - to put it mildly. Also, Cory's may well be a relatively annual bird passing by here in small numbers, but double-figure counts are unheard of too. Fortunately big numbers (100s) were also seen not far away from us along the coast in Dorset (Durlston and Portland especially) - otherwise I think most local birders would have understandably questioned our sightings?! The question now: is it going to be the new normal? Presumably, a consequence of warmer sea temperatures etc, driving more of these sea birds northwards and then eventually even up channel into our waters...

I joined George around 09:15 near the eastern wall of the lighthouse, just after he'd already had quite a few Greats/Cory's past, and we soon picked up more of both species consistently heading by west. And Mark joined us too. [Squally showers to begin with, sunshine, ending with showers; F7 SW]. Totals compiled by George:

Durlston seawatch 6.45-15-15. Simply phenomenal with 350+ Great, 50+ Cory’s, 9 Balearics, 7 Sooty’s, 2 Manx, 1 Bonxie & 5Arctic Skuas. A day I’ll never forget. @DorsetBirdClub pic.twitter.com/E8r9XJm7ug

— OTBT birder (@BirderOtbt) October 13, 2023

Ring Ouzels (thrushes)

Vis mig thrushes: first Redwing yesterday; first fieldfare over this morning, plus several Ring ouzels on Ventnor Downs and 18+ reported on WHD. 

Plenty of variety over including 54 Redpolls and another Hobby (1cy) south yesterday. 

 

One of today's Ring Ouzels (above) - comparable with March's noc bird (below):

Record shot of ROs (at least four in this tree)

Clouded Yellow with Wall Brown - never really settled.

Woodlark(s)

The first Woodlarks, couple of singles AM and PM (latter one seen and heard with Neil) went over Luccombe Down on Sept 30th - a sure sign of autumn progressing - along with increasing numbers of linnets, chaffinch, alba wags, and the odd reed bunt/redpolls etc. However, the day-time temps remain very mild (around 18c). Today (Oct 1st), a Vestal on Luccombe Down, a migrant moth from the south (southern Europe and North Africa) - no doubt on the back of the southerly air flow. 

04/10/Luccombe/Bonchurch down: pretty good vis mig numbers, siskins, redpoll, goldfinch, couple of yellowhammers, pied wags, swallows/hmartins; and another single Woodlark high up and west at 09:08.

Luccombe Down: record shot of the Vestal Rhodometra sacraria (01/10)

Redpolls starting to go over now:

Another flyover Woodlark 04/10 - just about audible in between the boisterously singing Robin:

The sunshine always brings out Ventnor's ubiquitous wall lizards 

Momentary tussle - presumably a territorial dispute

 Yellowhammer: Aside from spring and autumn migration, I don't often see or hear them on this part of the island - despite the habitat etc - though obviously they breed not far away - the island probably still has a fairly stable(ish) widespread population. This one was perched before flying off. At least two others went over too (all west).

Quite a bit of stoat action lately:

Violet ground beetle - carabus problematicus - Luccombe Down

Bonchurch 06/10 - Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y (immigrant) moths:

Pallid Harrier (Ventnor Downs)

September 22nd: following the 'probable' Pallid Harrier ringtail that cruised past me over Gore Down a week ago, a much more confirmatory one was atop Ventnor Downs on Friday. After Neil Newnham contacted me to say he'd seen a 'ringtail harrier species hunting over the fields' - of which he'd eliminated Hen Harrier but with views that were frustratingly brief to say much more about it - I eventually joined him around 11am (no further sign up to that point). It was as we were making our way back towards the Radar Station that the 'harrier' (around 12:30pm) suddenly reappeared: quite low at first (obscured momentarily by trees) only to gain some considerable height to north of us over the eastern edge of the 'bowl' and viewable for three or more minutes; at times interacting with an airborne common buzzard; twisting and turning in the air. Gradually it steadily descended and came more or less towards us before finally dropping low over the fields again, giving us ample time to assess and confidently ID it. Nice. 

A Kes outside my window - couldn't resist a digi-scope photo. Another one was calling nearby:

A Short-eared Owl greeted me atop Luccombe Down on 23rd:

Box-tree Moth cydalima perspectalis - Luccombe Down (27/09) - a non native species increasingly seen - and the larvae are quite destructive (my understanding).

and Silver Y (29/09/23 Ventnor)

Probable Pallid Harrier (ringtail) and HB (Sooty and Balearics)

Today I decided to do something different and visited Gore Down nr Blackgang - a break from my usual early morning routine watch from atop Ventnor Downs. I got there early (6:35ish) and walked up to the 'Pepperpot' (St' Cath's Oratory) and followed the footpath across the arable field to the northern fence line, taking in the sights: had the stunning sun rise all to myself. Bird-wise, the sound of flyover mipits and siskins had already begun; and quite a few herring gulls were in the field. Then around 7am a raptor came in to view from the East of me. 

It was on the wrong side of me to begin with, with the light making it initially difficult to ascertain exactly what it was; though immediately it looked like a harrier sp; and as it got closer in front of me I remember seeing barring on its underwing primaries on the upstrokes, with a fairly pointed hand (no more than four prominent primaries). As it carried on on a westerly line I could gradually see more details, albeit from a rear-on view: the upper wing, the tail (obvious ringtail/banding/white upper tail patch), and the orange underbody coloration when it momentarily banked just before it dropped out of view (probably heading for nearby Chale/Military Road). The only features I didn't get all of were the 'collar' and head pattern, so I couldn't rule out say a monty's; though my gut feeling was juvenile Pallid - and certainly judging by its structure I could confidently eliminate a 'Hen' harrier. [NB a juv Pallid Harrier was reported at Compton Down later that same day/evening time; and one was seen a week or so ago at Shorwell/Cheverton Farm]. 

I was soon joined by Mark, Alan, and Hamish, and we had a pleasant morning with a few bits, siskins etc. going over. (No Wryneck though - this area has usually been reliable over the years). The harrier wasn't seen again either.

A couple of days ago (Sept 13th) a Honey Buzzard juvenile went over Bonchurch Down at 09:20 (my third or fourth? of the autumn). And the vis-mig has been steady most mornings, especially with hirundines, siskins and mipits. 

A quiet sea-watch at SCP on Sept 19th produced one Balearic Shearwater (west). However, the following day's watch (20th; slightly stronger southerlies), 11:45 - 13:45, produced two Sooty Shearwaters and 26 Balearics (west).  

Record shots of the HB

The Oratory at sunrise

Stunning (early morning) views from St. Catherine's hill nr Gore Down - looking west (below) in the direction the likely Pallid ringtail went off in:

Fox Moth caterpillar and common lizard - Luccombe Down

Back on Sept 6th a calling common Ringed Plover went over Luccombe Down: 

Honey Buzzard (Ventnor Downs)

A lunchtime visit to the 'downs/Luccombe Down' today produced a Honey Buzzard over at 12:15. I think it came right over me from the south; confusingly two commons were knocking about just prior to the sighting; I was avidly watching one of them (hanging in the air/looked ragged) and I remember clocking a raptor (probably it) flying right over me - the Honey B crossed its line into my field of view and was instantly recognisable, especially in direct comparison with the common buzzard. 

The HB went on to drift east/ENE and away from Luccombe. I was expecting it to come back south but it just kept going. So I put the news out to give any Shanklin to Sandown coastal birders a chance to possibly see it - and sure enough at least one local caught up with it - about 15mins later (12:30) over Sandown - and he photographed it too (appears to be an adult female) - it carried on Northwards towards Brading. 

My earliest one.

Otherwise at Luccombe/Ventnor Downs: Tree pipits have been going over nearly every day (27 west on 15th). Redstarts, spotted flys etc. Pied Flycatcher on Aug 23rd. 

Double-figure Tree Pipit counts: Aug 20th (c24), Aug 22nd(16), Aug 23rd (c25). 

A cracking adult male (Red) Crossbill circled right over me on Aug 21st, calling:

Flock of 11 Tree Pipits (Aug 22nd)

Wasp Spider (Aug 22nd) - never (knowingly) seen one at this south-coast downland site before.

Tree Pipits and Pied fly

The variable weather continues, often breezy from the west, rain/showers at times.  

SCP: a sea watch on 2nd produced a few Balearics and Manxies west (but generally quiet). A Cory's was seen in the morning (Gary H). [Slightly onshore WSW with strong gusts, drizzle, variable visibility]. 

Luccombe Down: first autumn Tree Pipit on 3rd; small numbers have followed since, often up high when the skies have been clear; five on 8th and seven over on 10th. Numerous Willow Warblers most days. Whinchat on 6th (a Bee-eater was reported the same day). Another Pied Flycatcher today (7th). Hummingbird hawk-moth (x2) on 9th; one on Luccombe Down and one outside my window.

A Jersey Tiger on the Buddleia today (Aug 9th) - was joined by a Hummingbird hawk-moth (also Red Admirals, Whites, and bees/hoverfly spp)

Most mornings Tree Pipits are heard going over - nowhere near the numbers my brother gets at his Ferry Hills site (Fife, Scotland) - see his August Trektellen counts - but always great to catch a few heading southwards over the island.

Photo from last year when I last visited - a site near the Forth Bridge

Balearic Shearwater - SCP

Mixture of weather of late, often breezy (westerlies) and temps no more than 18c. 

A sea watch at SCP today was about the best option, 09:45-12:15, on/off drizzly conditions (F5/WSW], managed to scrape one Balearic Shearwater west at 11:20. But precious little else. July closes...

SERIN (and Pied Fly)

Luccombe Down/Ventnor Downs, early doors (6am). Beautiful calm morning - started off with six airborne Kestrels gliding around together, mostly silhouetted, but probably comprised a few juvs and a couple of adults. A fellow birder soon joined me and at around 7:10 a calling Serin went right over us - continued south west towards Bonchurch/Ventnor. My second bird of the year but surprisingly my first flyover up there on the downs; nice out of the blue surprise. 

Also: single siskin and crossbill over; small numbers of xbills being a daily occurrence of late. Willow Warbler juvs turning up now.    

First autumn Pied Flycatcher and many willow warblers (c25) on 26th, along the east side of Luccombe Down. Two more Xbills (over NW) and one yesterday. 

Along Ryde sea front (Ryde youth)

Agapanthus (African Lily?) nr Bonchurch 

Local Herring Gulls - three juvs/nest site - At least five young (three and two) attributable to two rooftop nest sites barely more than 100 yards apart. 

Crossbill and YL Gull juv (sea eagle news)

Sea watch at SCP yesterday evening: a Manx and (my first/right on cue) juv Yellow-Legged Gull west etc. Swifts moving west/sw. Also two fresh juv Med Gulls cruised by with a few adults. One cetacean, a porpoise. [Four juv Yellow Legged off SCP on 16th.]

This morning: Ventnor Downs, a perched Crossbill singing was relatively unusual; usually just see/hear them as they fly over. Modest vis mig: one sand martin south with a couple of swallows. A few swifts. A couple of painted ls seen last few days. 

YL Gull juv, distant scope shots - had prey in its bill at times (some sort of flatfish/flounder?)

Sea Eagle news

We are thrilled that a pair of White-tailed Eagles have successfully reared a chick in England for the first time in 240 years this summer. A very significant milestone for the project.
Read more here: https://t.co/31xHZQTsxt@SeaEagleEngland @ForestryEngland pic.twitter.com/4vhwGCkkAx

— Roy Dennis Foundation (@RoyDennisWF) July 18, 2023

ROLLER - Brading Marsh RSPB

A Roller was found at Brading Marsh RSPB reserve yesterday late afternoon/evening (by PW); a local twitch had to be done - fortunately it was still there early this morning. Feeding from the wires just to the north of the old sea wall (stayed around till July 11th at least). Brading M delivers yet again. Supporting cast of Hobby, marsh harrier (juv), and WTE etc. 

Otherwise fairly quiet: Crossbills (singles and twos) have been relatively regular over Ventnor. Signs of autumn.....

Couple of record shots (somewhat murky morning - looked better in real life!)

NIGHT HERON - Bembridge Ponds

Walked the footpath to Bembridge Ponds from St Helens Bridge and heard a Black-crowned Night Heron, really vocal, initially distant, then flew (practically) right over me at dusk (21:30), sound recorded. Also, a Bittern 'booming', several Reed Warblers in song, and a hobby hawking just south of the road bridge. Vis mig Spotted FC on 22nd (Bonchurch Down) and Wood Sandpiper (Laundry Lane) on 23rd. 

There's been a recent national influx of these into Britain, probably due to the drought conditions on the continent.  

Night Heron sonogram - Appears to show a kink - which is diagnostic for this species (referencing The Sound Approach team's website)

2020 sound recorded Night Heron for comparison:

Recent pics:

It's been a good spring for Wood sands at Brading, Laundry Lane. On occasions, been up to four in the 'triangle field'.

Ventnor from Coombe Bottom (day) and Bonchurch Down (dusk)

jonspar · Night Heron (20230517) Bembridge Marsh