Swallow and Willow Warbler added to my year list.

 Thursday 16th April 2026.

The male Sparrowhawk in Highland Road Cemetery that was seen later in the afternoon.

I cannot believe we are half way through April already and I feel like a very late starter when it comes to the UK migrants, but today, I saw two more species for the year, which now put me on 161 species for 2026 so far. The ten days in Turkey was simply terrific, but it was now back to reality to the UK birds and with Spring now in full swing, I am sure I shall be adding many to that total over the next few months.

Pembroke Road was quiet this morning and the wet weather did not help matters as rain eventually fell around 8.15am on my first shift, but this afternoon was much brighter and warmer on my second shift and it finished off with a bang! When I got home, I promised my dogs another walk and so took them to Highland Road Cemetery to not only walk their little legs, but hopefully find a migrant bird or two?

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

As mentioned, the weather turned nasty this morning during my first shift here in Pembroke Road and with only 11 species seen, sadly, there were no migrants seen or heard. Just the usual birds were seen, though my usual singing Robin was nowhere to be seen this morning. This afternoon, the weather was much better, with bright sunshine and yes, plenty of clouds, but with a breezy South-westerly wind blowing, it wasn't too bad on my second shift. Three more species were added to my day total and that included a Magpie, Black-headed Gull and wait for it………... .my first Swallow of the year (in the UK!). I was literally walking back to my car after finishing my shift and out of the blue, the Swallow flew high west over the road and disappeared towards Governor’s Green. Happy days!

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Most of the trees in the Cemy are now in leaf throwing various shades of green in the bright sunshine.

The weather was still fairly bright and the wind was light as I took my dogs for another walk and this time, it was back over Highland Road Cemetery. Could there be some interesting migrants lurking away in the leafing trees? I had to laugh at the half-hearted attempt by those cutting the grass within the Cemy and to be honest, it looked absolutely awful. A brand new Rubbish Bin had been installed near the main entrance and so much better than the old wire mesh job that has been here ever since I have been here!

Above, a Six-spotted Ladybird amongst the leaves and below, what a damn eyesore. The recently cut grass within the Cemy!

Above, a flowering Borage plant being flanked by Common Vetch and below, a male Blackbird high up in a tree and giving me the 'evils'!

I wanted to see some migrants and my wish was granted. My first Willow Warbler of the year (Yes, I did see one in Turkey) in the UK was found over on the east side. I first heard the bird doing the ‘hoooeeet’ call, which was much longer in sound than a Chiffchaff and so my interest was raised and then it gave its familiar song. Though I did not grab a photo, I did see the bird very well before it flew off into the canopy of a tree and out of view. My second ‘year-tick’ of the day. I did actually see a singing Chiffchaff before the Willow Warbler sighting and although the 'Chiff' showed briefly, it was too quick for me to grab a photo.

Above, an Early Mining Bee nectaring on Dandelions and below, a variety of plants in this photo including Spanish Bluebells, Daisies and Dandelions.

Above, a male Blackbird simply chilling out in the south-west corner of the Cemy and below, Germander Speedwell growing nearby.

Other birds noted included a superb male Sparrowhawk that literally scattered a load of Wood Pigeons from the trees as the bird flew low over my head and then landed in a nearby tree for around 2 minutes. It then flew off strongly south, but not before I grabbed a few photos of the bird. Apart from a few Blackbirds, Great and Blue Tits, to be honest, there were hardly any birds seen here this afternoon apart from the birds mentioned. A few insects caught my eye and that included Marmalade Hoverflies, an Early Mining Bee nectaring on a Dandelion and the only butterfly seen was a Red Admiral. 

Above, another photo of the male Sparrowhawk in the Cemy this afternoon and below, the white spikes of the Horse Chestnut tree.

Above, a Marmalade Hoverfly resting on the Holm Oak leaves and below, I must have taken several photos of this Horse Chestnut tree over the years and it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful it is. I just might go and give it a hug!

A lovely afternoon walk of which both the dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed this afternoon. I am going to try to keep up these afternoon walks in the Cemetery for I could get something really special within the Cemetery. I think I am due something rare here.

In Hampshire today:

A dark-phased Arctic Skua passed Hill Head early this morning and was subsequently seen off Sandy Point, Hayling Island, a little later. The Curlew Sandpiper, along with a Little Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin were on Fishtail Lagoon, Pennington Marshes today along with good numbers of Avocets. Up to 4 Common Whitethroats were also on the reserve as well as a juvenile Spoonbill.

Blashford Lakes hosted well over a 1000+ Sand Martins with big flocks going through within a 3 hour period and up to 4 Common Terns graced Ibsley Water along with a Common Sandpiper and a White-tailed Eagle over. Titchfield Haven hosted 4 Common Terns along with a Lesser Whitethroat and a Common Sandpiper.

 

Please keep reading my birding exploits in Turkey from an earlier entry. I am still updating it on a daily basis.

A good selection of Moths this morning.

 Wednesday 15th April 2026.

My first Lychnis moth of the year in my Moth Box this morning.

It was wet last night and obviously well into the morning as I awoke to a very damp garden. Last night, before retiring to bed, a quick check of the Moth Box was a bit of a task as the whole garden seemed to be littered with snails and slugs going about their business on the very wet patio! This morning, I had my highest count of Moths for the year and a few ‘year-ticks’ into the bargain as well. To cap it off, my first UK Yellow Wagtail flew high over the house heading north!

My Moth Box:

This Bloxworth Snout was found later in the morning by my Moth Box.

A good count of 14 moths of 7 species were recorded this morning and a further check when I got home from my first shift at Pembroke Road, another moth species was added; my first Bloxworth Snout of the year resting on my bike cover beside the Box. There were three more Moths that were new for the year that included a Lychnis, Brimstone Moth and the micro moths, Sulphur Tubic (Esperia sulphurella) and Ruddy Streak (Tachystola acroxantha).

New for the year were the moths Sulphur Tubic (above) and Brimstone Moth (below).

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Lychnis * x1	Light Brown Apple Moth x7
Common Quaker x1	Common Plume x1
Brimstone Moth * x1	Sulphur Tubic * x1
Bloxworth Snout * x1	Ruddy Streak * x2

The Moth Box always seems to attract other insects and this morning was no exception with up to four Chequered Hoverflies (Melanostoma scalare) and a Common Wasp on the egg trays within the Box.

Above, two of the four Chequered Hoverflies present this morning and below, a Common Wasp also took refuge in my Moth Box overnight.

Overhead, I heard my first Yellow Wagtail in the UK (saw many in Turkey last week) fly high north over the house and a Mediterranean Gull was heard again in the distance.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

This is the garden in Pembroke Close, close to where I stand in Pembroke Road. The lawn itself was a haven for plants with the likes of Spanish Bluebells, Three-cornered Leek, Bulbous Buttercups and a few other flowering plants inhabiting the garden. The leaves on the trees have the potential of hiding a possible migrant, so I shall keep a close eye on this garden over the coming months.

There was a bit of a mixture of weather today and on my first shift at Pembroke Road, it was very overcast, but mild with a breezy south-westerly wind blowing across the road. Again, after my Yellow Wagtail sighting earlier this morning, I was banking on a Hirundine flying over, but the wait for one goes on. This afternoon, the weather turned worse with persistent rain throughout my second shift, but my 13 bird species this morning on my first shift were added by one more species this afternoon - a Magpie!

A Robin was seen singing close to where I stood on the corner of Pembroke Road and Pembroke Close; so pleasant to hear over the noise of the passing cars. There were no migrants seen at all here today and it was left to the more common birds to add to the species count. A Carrion Crow perched on a rooftop nearby was being harassed by around 6 Herring Gulls; but the Crow stood its ground as the Gulls tried in vain to bombard the Corvid. I have a suspicion that one of the Gulls could be nesting up there?

It was very tempting to take a quick walk this morning into Highland Road Cemetery, especially with a singing Chiffchaff within there. What else could be there?

Earlier today, my dogs had their usual walk past Highland Road Cemetery (it's so tempting to have a walk round, but I simply have not got the time) and a Chiffchaff was heard singing somewhere within the Cemy and I was pretty sure I heard a Swift overhead, but failed to locate the bird.

Evening update: I found my first Small Dusty Wave moth of the year in my garden tonight, but it was too dark and not easy to get a photo of the Moth. Hurrumph!

In Hampshire today:

A singing Common Whitethroat seen and photographed recently by Rob Porter.

The long-staying American Golden Plover was still present today at Bunny Meadows, Warsash, still (I could be tempted to go for the bird on Saturday should it still be present) and Winchester College Water Meadows held 3 ‘reeling’ Grasshopper Warblers along with a Mandarin and a selection of Warblers and Hirundines present. Off Hill Head this morning, an Arctic Skua, 6 Kittiwakes and 3 Gannets went past and the Velvet Scoter was off Brownwich still. A White Stork flew over Fishlake Meadows again (another likely candidate site for this Saturday).

The stunning Red-spotted Bluethroat at Swineham Gravel Pits, Dorset. Photo by Emma Parkes.

A few surprises at Pembroke Road today.

 Tuesday 14th April 2026.

The Royal Garrison Church at the back of Governor's Green. No Wheatears bouncing on the Green yet!

A fine day here at Pembroke Road today, with a lot of sunshine around, but there was a bit of cloud first thing which produced a little bit of rain, but that soon disappeared, leaving behind sunshine for those on their way to work, including myself. I have been watching the Lazee Birders Whatsapp sightings coming through for those lucky enough to be retired or simply taking the day off and Fishlake Meadows was producing a vast array of migrants today. I didn't have my Moth Box on last night as I wanted yesterday’s Moths to move on before switching the Box on again.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Canal Moat early this morning. Who is the mystery shadow by the Moat?

I was hoping for my first UK Swallow or Swift this morning, seeing it was a bit cloudy with a southerly wind blowing; the chances of one or two arriving was promising, but there were none seen here today. However, a Little Egret heading west over Governor’s Green was a nice surprise as it headed towards Portsmouth Harbour.

On arrival, I was a tad early to start work and so took a walk over to Curtain Moat to see if anything unusual was occurring. All the usual birds were noted including lots of Starlings and Feral Pigeons by the Moat itself and an Oystercatcher was first heard then seen flying east low over the Solent. I had my spare binoculars with me, but I could not find anything of note over the Solent. I shall be doing a bit of sea-watching very shortly, but I need to find a place to look from due to all the building work going on to protect the sea defences.

Curtain Moat with the Solent in the background.

Back in Pembroke Road, all the usual birds were noted as 14 bird species were recorded from my two shifts here today. A Goldfinch flew in and landed on one of the tall trees near the footpath on the opposite side of the road from where I stood and was joined by a pair of Starlings until both flew off. A pair of Blue Tits were giving off their alarm call, but I could see no raptor coming through which was disappointing. There were plenty of House Sparrows calling in the hedgerow by the Bowling Green and at least two male Blackbirds seen during my time there. The Bowling Green is being used now by the Bowling Club and so parking in the afternoons is going to be more difficult than usual.

In Hampshire today:

One of the Curlew Sandpipers at Keyhaven Marshes. Photo by Steve Laycock.

Once again, a lot of migrant birds were reported today (via both Hants Going Birding site and the ‘Lazee’s’ Whatsapp) and pick of the bunch included the following: 3 Arctic Terns past Hill Head early this morning, male Redstart at Woolmer Pond, Velvet Scoter, Common Tern and 3 Swallows at Brownwich,  2 Curlew Sandpipers and a Little Ringed Plover at Keyhaven Marshes, a White Stork flying over Blashford Lakes plus a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Garden Warblers and up to 300+ Sand Martins by the Goosander Hide.

Singing Sedge Warbler at Fishlake Meadows today. Photo by Andy Tew.

Moths present in my garden & a Collared Dove over Pembroke Road.

 Monday 13th April 2026.

This Angle Shades Moth was by my Moth Box this morning. This was my second one of this species this year.

It was back to work this morning and Pembroke Road beckoned to do my first shift after the Easter Break. Last night, I put the Moth Box on within my garden and hoped for the best and was pleasantly surprised with a few Moths present. However, the working week didn't start off that well as some idiot's car alarm was going off in the very early hours of the morning. Grrrrr! The weather today looked promising but a few rogue heavy showers were encountered today around midday as temperatures climbed to around 12 degrees with a very light south-westerley wind.

My Moth Box:

My first Pale Mottled Willow of the year.

There were 7 moths of 5 species this morning and among them was my first Pale Mottled Willow of the year and a striking individual it was too. Other ‘macro’ Moths included a Common Quaker, an Angle Shades and two Double-striped Pugs. Two Light Brown Apple Moths were the only ‘micro’ moths recorded today.

A Chequered Hoverfly was also within the Moth Box this morning.

Also within the Moth Box, a Chequered Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) was present, perched on the inside wall of the Moth Box. Overhead, a Linnet and Goldfinch flew over and I also could hear a Mediterranean Gull calling somewhere in the distance.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

A sunny start to the week in Pembroke Road.

Yes, it was back to work here in Old Portsmouth and thankfully, it was pleasant and dry during both my shifts here. A reasonable total of 16 bird species were recorded today and pick of the bunch was actually a Collared Dove! This species is rarely recorded here for one reason or another and it was the first one I have seen here this year. Three species of Gull were seen that included Black-headed Gull (2), Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull (2). Sadly, nothing else that exciting today here I'm afraid.

The plants in the garden have grown considerably since I was here two weeks ago.

In Hampshire today:

Though not in Hampshire, this superb Red-spotted Bluethroat was seen in Dorset yesterday. Photo by Emma Parkes.

A good variety of migrant birds recorded throughout Hampshire including Whitethroats, Reed and Garden Warblers, Sand Martins, Tree Pipits, Wheatears, Redstarts and Common Terns to name but a few. A Blue-headed Wagtail was found on Farlington Marshes this morning, but no further sign of yesterday's Bonaparte’s Gull on Fishlake Meadows. 

The Bonaparte's Gull on Fishlake Meadows yesterday. Photo by Andy Tew.

Back to my 'local patch'!

 Sunday 12th April 2026.

This Chiffchaff, which lacked most of its tail, was singing occasionally in the small trees.

So it was back to earth this morning when I took the dogs for their morning walk around Highland Road Cemetery. No Bee-eaters, Hoopoe’s or unusual Warblers present this morning, but after a bit of rain very early on this morning, it was dry and bright as we slowly made our way around my local patch. When I was in Turkey, I caught up with all the migrants seen back in Hampshire via various Whatsapp posts and even today, birding pals Emma and Matt Parkes saw their first Swift of the year over their house and also went off to see both a Bluethroat and a Hoopoe (though both birds were in Dorset!).

Above, the only Green Alkanet plant growing in the Cemy was now flowering and below, Herb Robert is now flowering too.

Above, several Robins were seen today and below, this Horse Chestnut tree towering over the Mausoleum was now in full leaf.

Above, one of a pair of Dunnocks seen this morning near the Mausoleum and below, Meadow Foxtail growing on the grass in the centre of the Cemy. A variety of grasses grow within my local patch.

Back in Highland Road Cemetery, it seems that the Council have left the grass to grow a lot longer than normal, which so benefits the local wildlife and a lot of common plants and weeds were all in bloom and showing well in the bright Spring sunshine. As for the birds, at least three Chiffchaffs were present and one was in song now and then. Also, a male Blackcap was in song, but tucked in far too deep within vegetation to actually get a view or photograph of the bird.

Above, one of the Robins by one of the footpaths and below, a Chiffchaff by one of the main paths.

Above, there were a few clumps of Bulbous Buttercups growing in the Cemy and below, a preening Wood Pigeon.

Above, looking north from the footpath at the southern end of the Cemy. I was hoping for an early Pied Flycatcher here. Wouldn't that be amazing? Below, the Spanish variety of Bluebells looking stunning in the sunshine.

Overhead, there was a steady stream of Gulls going over; mostly Black-headed and Herring Gulls, but I did hear a Mediterranean Gull calling, but failed to find the bird. I was scanning the sky now and then, hoping for my first ‘UK’ Swallow or Swift of the year, but not this morning.A lot of the usual birds were present and correct and that included a pair of Dunnocks (not a species I often come across here) that were chasing one another within the bushes near the Mausoleum. Sadly, no other migrants were on show, but I shall be coming over here more frequently now that the evenings are getting longer with my dogs.  

Above, my first Holly Blue butterfly of the year in my back garden this afternoon. Below, there were a number of Drone Flies around as well as the Holly Blue (also, a Small White flew through briefly) including this individual.