A few migrants over the Cemy and a surprise plant.

Sunday 28th March 2026.

The female Great Spotted Woodpecker was unexpected this morning within the Cemy.

The dogs got their early morning walk around Highland Road Cemetery this morning and it wasn't too bad a start to the day either, with a bright yet overcast sky and a light south-westerly wind. Temperatures were hovering around the 13 degree mark, but the weather worsened in the afternoon as we took our Granddaughter, Isabelle, with her Dad over to Moors Valley Country Park, where the skies darkened and the temperature dropped as light rain fell.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Above, this singing Great Tit was among several seen this morning here.

There were a few notable birds seen this morning in the Cemetery that included a singing Blackcap and Chiffchaff, plus a female Great Spotted Woodpecker seen well up in one of the Horse Chestnut trees. I arrived at the Cemy around 8.30am and slowly took in the lovely Spring atmosphere here, keeping an eye out for anything of note. To be honest, I was hoping for a Wheatear perched on one of the gravestones or the descending trill of a Willow Warbler; but the wait goes on for these two migrant species. 

A pair of Robins sharing the same gravestone! You don't often see that from such territorial birds. Below, a male Blackbird on the hunt for worms in the tall grass.

Above, the Sulphur Tuft toadstools were still growing over on the east side of the Cemy, close to the main footpath and below, an inquisitive Robin about to pounce on a worm.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker was a bit of a surprise as it flew over my head and landed in one of the Horse Chestnut trees near the Mausoleum. Then I watched it fly off heading north-east over the Cemy and out of view. I have still had no sighting of the Green Woodpecker here this year and no sound of it either this morning. The Blackcap was heard singing again and then seen flying out of a bush over on the south side of the Cemy and out of view into other bushes. Even the Chiffchaff was playing ‘Cat and Mouse’ as it flicked about briefly within the Holm Oak clump and occasionally singing.

Above, another Robin on the hunt for food and below, a female Blackbird doing the same.

Above, another photo of the Great Spotted Woodpecker and below, several Blue Tits were around this morning.

A couple of Meadow Pipits were heard flying over and Robins seemed to be everywhere this morning within the Cemy and quite vocal too. The only insect seen here this morning was a Buff-tailed Bumblebee.

Above, Wild Mustard and below, Spanish Bluebell.

Above, a most unexpected find was this clump of Common Fumitory growing near the main entrance.

Near the main entrance, by one of the bigger graves, I found a clump of Common Fumitory growing. I do not think I have ever found this plant growing here in the Cemetery ever! A sprig of Wild Mustard was found close to the footpath; my first of this species here this year. There was a carpet of Spanish Bluebells (the non-native species of Bluebell) growing near the Holm Oak clump by the main footpath. I took my time walking around the site this morning and despite a lot of dog-walkers present here this morning, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk.

Moors Valley Country Park, nr Ringwood:

Above, this Great Tit was sharing the feeder with a Blue Tit near the Cafe.

As already mentioned, we took our Isabelle and her Dad (he drove my car after recently passing his Driving Test) to Moors Valley Country Park as he had booked ‘Go Ape’ for his daughter. Becky and I had lunch while they went off to do that and later we joined them and sat down under the trees, trying to keep warm with the light rain falling. From here, Siskins were heard and occasionally seen up in the tall Conifers and a pair were above my car within the car park when we were leaving; but too quick for me to grab a photo in time. Boo!

Above, a Blue Tit enjoying the nut feeder and below, sharing it with a Great Tit.

I really wanted to take a walk by the Lake, but Becky had other ideas, but I did see several Chaffinches nearby of which some male birds were in song. The feeders near the Cafe held both Blue and Great Tits, but not much else of note was seen here today. The drive to the Country Park and back produced sightings of Common Buzzard and Kestrel from the M27.

Yesterday, birding pals Emma and Matt Parkes took a trip just inside Wiltshire yesterday to see the Stone-curlews at the RSPB site of Winterbourne Downs (above) and below, this excellent photo of a Great Bustard taken at Enford Farm. Photos by Emma Parkes. 

Stone-curlews and Corn Buntings showing well.

Saturday 28th March 2026.

One of the pair of Stone-curlews we saw today.

It was back to see the Stone-curlews again for our annual trip to see these beautiful waders in the North of the County of which I will not disclose for obvious reasons and we were not to be disappointed. I had the pleasure of just Andy Fisher today as Geoff Farwell went to the annual Hampshire Ornithological Society AGM in Winchester. I was thinking of going, but didn't realise it started so early; but instead carried on birding throughout the day instead.

Once again, the weather was bright and sunny, though it was rudely spoiled by the occasional Hale Storm that came in on a very cold fresh north-westerly wind! We also tried our luck for Water Pipits around the Cress Beds around Alresford and lastly, a trip to the back of Portsdown Hill for possible Wheatears.

Cowplain Marsh Moth Box:

The only moth by Andy's Moth Box this morning was this Hebrew Character.

I didn't put my Moth Box on overnight as the temperatures dropped considerably overnight and so I left it to Andy’s Moth Box for any gems that might just turn up. In fact, there was only just the one Moth, a Hebrew Character to the rescue to avoid a complete blank. It will improve as the temperatures rise again (hopefully!)

A Chiffchaff was heard singing nearby from Andy’s garden and a flock of Jackdaws flew overhead in the clear blue sky as I chatted to Geoff and Andy over a cup of coffee. 

North Hampshire:

The Stone-curlew was seen this morning. Once settled, it proved quite difficult to see.

As mentioned, I will not disclose the exact area where the Stone-curlews were, but the long drive up to the north-west area of Hampshire produced multiple sightings of both Red Kite and Common Buzzard in some of the best countryside Hampshire has to offer. I was convinced that a pair of Grey Partridge flew over the road near Corhampton and a few Yellowhammers were seen flying over the road on the way up and then Andy told me that James Cutting had successfully seen both the Stone-curlews and Corn Buntings at the site we were heading for. Now our tails are up! A Hare was seen running over a field close to the main road and looked stunning in the early morning sunshine.

Above, a Red Kite did a flypass over the fields to the south of where the Stone-curlews were. Below, a singing Skylark flying over our heads in the sunshine.

Above, one of several Linnets present and below, a distant Corn Bunting singing nearby.

On arrival, we parked up carefully just off the main (and somewhat busy B-road), grabbed the scope and birding gear and then searched the area especially for them. It didn't take long for Andy to find the Stone-curlew and then a second bird and through the scope, we had superb views of the birds. We were a good distance away and there was already a bit of heat haze across the field and so please forgive the quality of my photos and film footage of the birds. However, it didn't take them long to eventually sit down and by God, they became very difficult to see due to their plumage blending in with their surroundings.

One of the Stone-curlews that was seen this morning.

I soon heard the distinctive call of a Corn Bunting and again, it didn't take too long to pick out a bird sitting on top of a hedgerow in the distance as I quickly got Andy onto the bird for our second ‘year-tick’ of the day. Another two birds were seen further south down the road, perched high up on a lone roadside conifer. Skylarks were literally everywhere and using the nearby hedge were a mixed flock of both Goldfinches and Linnets. A few years ago, we had a Wheatear in the same field, but despite searching the ploughed fields nearby, there was no sign of any Wheatears today. A Red Kite soared over the same field and flew off into the distance on those long graceful wings which rounded  off a successful trip to the north of the County. 

Drayton & Pigglestone Cressbeds, nr Alresford:

Andy checking out the far end of the Beds for the Water Pipits that were sadly not present today.

Water Pipit was next on the itinerary as we took the 30 minute drive to Alresford to try our luck on the Cressbeds there. The weather was playing its part and remained sunny throughout and parking up firstly by Drayton Cressbeds, we quickly checked out the nearest Cressbeds. The site was actually closed and so we could not enter the premises and so had to look through the perimeter fence instead. 

Above, a pair of Red Kites were patrolling the back of the Drayton Cress Beds and below, this male Grey Wagtail was one of three birds present.

Almost immediately, we came across at least 5 Green Sandpipers present on the Beds and both Grey and Pied Wagtail; but despite a lengthy stay and thoroughly searching the area for Water Pipits, there was no sign of the birds. It wasn't all doom and gloom as we saw a variety of birds here, notably a large flock of at least 20+ Linnets picking off seeds on the Beds and at least three Grey Wagtails were also present.

Above and below, Green Sandpipers on the Cress Beds.

A pair of Red Kites entertained us flying low over the Beds and one actually landed on the Beds briefly before flying off with its presumed partner. A couple of Common Buzzards drifted high over and even a male Kestrel put in an appearance by flying low over the Beds. We took a walk north along the Perimeter Fence to view the furthest Beds to the north, but apart from a few Green Sandpipers, there were again no sign of any Water Pipits. A Butterfly flew past and landed briefly on the Hazel trees and it turned out to be our first Small Tortoiseshell of the year. At least we got one more ‘year-tick’! A fellow birder walked up to us and after a brief chat, he told us that the Water Pipits had been seen on the nearby Pigglestone Cress Beds and so we took a drive down there to try our luck.

Above, one of three Green Sandpipers on the Pigglestone Cress Beds and below, the Cress Beds itself, complete with tractors!

Above, we got caught out with this Hale Storm!

To ‘cut to the chase’, again, there was no sign of any Water Pipits here and on the opposite side of the road either, but we did encounter up to three more Green Sandpipers present, plus a small flock of three Linnets and a pair of Common Gulls resting on the Beds. A couple of Chiffchaffs were singing nearby as we made our way back to the car and as we were walking back, we then got caught up in a Hale Storm! 

Pigeon House Lane, Portsdown Hill:

A Common Buzzard perched in a field by Pigeon House Lane this afternoon.

I decided to round off our days birding at the back of Portsdown Hill for possible Wheatears and after grabbing some lunch at the first Garage we came across on the drive there, we arrived around 2pm at the back of Portsdown Hill and pulled in at a layby on Pigeon House Lane to scan the surrounding fields. Sadly, we did not find any Wheatears, but there were a few Common Buzzards and plenty of Red-legged Partridges to see.

A pair of Common Buzzards drifted over the fields once we stepped out of the car at Pigeon House Lane.

We took a drive through the country lanes to get us to Denmead and were dismayed to see the grubbed up area at the bottom of Pigeon House Lane where we used to see the Mandarin Ducks. It is now a large ugly plant-less pond and quite frankly, looks horrible. What possessed the idiots to do this is beyond comprehension and who does it benefit? Certainly not the birds.

One of several Red-legged Partridges in the adjacent fields.

So there we have it. Another Saturday's birding over, but a successful one, nonetheless. I heard that Emma and Matt Parkes were also successful in seeing their Stone-curlews at a well-known site in Wiltshire this morning along with up to 21 Great Bustards too! The biggest laugh today was when it was put out on social media that a Kentish Plover was found at Normandy Lagoon, near Pennington Marshes; of which it turned out to be a first winter Ringed Plover! We had visions of all the birders at the HOS AGM leaving early and rushing down to see the bird. Giggle!

My first Angle Shades moth of the year.

Friday 27th March 2026.

After yesterday's glorious weather, it was back to winter again with overcast conditions, very much cooler than yesterday and drizzly light rain in the afternoon on a westerly wind. Temperatures were around 11 degrees centigrade, but in the wind, it was much cooler. Last night, I tried my luck again with the Moth Box and hopefully, something different in the Moth Box this morning.

St. Augustine LNR, My Moth Box:

The Common Plume moth was only one of two moths present this morning by my Box.

Despite promising conditions overnight, all I got were two of the usual Plume Moths for my effort: one Common and one Beautiful Plume. Something is better than nothing I suppose, but surely something notable will arrive soon. I shall try one more time tonight, though I am not all that confident.

Later, around midday, I found my first Angle Shades moth for the year perched on the door glass panel of a Retirement Home (see photo) and carefully went about taking some photos of it. I did get some funny looks from the residents too!

This Angle Shades moth was my first of the year; perched on a door of a Retirement Home.

While checking the Moth Box, I kept a sharp ear out for any Warblers passing through the gardens. Nothing! However, the distinctive call of Mediterranean Gulls could be heard as a pair of birds flew south-west very high overhead.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

One of the big ships sailing out of Portsmouth Harbour.

It wasn't very productive here in Old Portsmouth today, what with the poor afternoon weather and the 11 bird species seen or heard this morning on my first shift were all the usual species. Still no sign of any Hirundines over or Warblers singing yet; maybe next week perhaps? The local Wren was bursting into song this morning opposite where I stood and another just south of the Bowling Green. A pair of Carrion Crows are nesting in one of the Holm Oaks as I now see it come in with nesting material every now and then and the female could now be on eggs?

In Hampshire today:

This adult Kittiwake was a good find on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes, this morning. Photo by Steve Laycock.

A few migrants were reported at various sites today including 8 Sand Martins on Ibsley Water and were joined by an adult Kittiwake (see photo)! Fourteen Goldeneyes were also at the same location; a very good total for this time of year. Off Sandy Point, a pair of Black-necked Grebes in summer plumage were found on the sea and two male Wheatears were seen on Middle Wallop Airfield.

No Wheatears at Eastney Point, but plenty of Linnets.

Thursday 26th March 2026.

Linnets were the only notable birds seen at Eastney Point this morning. A flock of around 16 birds were feeding on the grass seed heads within the perimeter fence.

It was dry and bright this morning with hardly any clouds and even the wind had dropped considerably with a light northerly wind. However, it was still quite cold at first and I swapped my baseball cap for a warmer hat to wear on my first shift in Pembroke Road. After my first shift, I took the dogs for a walk around Eastney Point for, hopefully, an early Wheatear.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Bright sunshine over Pembroke Road this afternoon.

Surprisingly, despite the bright and sunny conditions, bird species were relatively low this morning with only 11 species seen or heard during the hour I was there. Out of all the species, a Goldfinch was probably the least expected. During the Autumn months, they are daily around the area, but this is the first bird I have seen here since January as the Goldfinch flew off west towards Portsmouth Harbour.

The weather was glorious again this afternoon, though there was some very high cloud moving in, though it still remained rather tranquil on my second shift. A further four more species were added to my day list here that included a Blackbird, Great Tit, Dunnock (heard singing) and House Sparrow. There were even a few Hairy-footed Flower Bee’s on the wing around where I stood by the gardens.

Eastney Point:

Eastney Pier in the sunshine.

I couldn't waste the opportunity in taking the dogs out in such fine weather and so rounded them up and got them in the back of the car and took the drive east to the Eastney Pier car park. It was very quiet there with only a few cars present as I first checked the harbour entrance which was in fact very quiet with only a few Black-headed Gulls present. 

Above, at least 4 Black-headed Gulls were on the beach by the car park. Below, a pair of Greenfinch were near the brambles including this male bird.

I checked the beach thoroughly for any Wheatears but drew a blank. So I made my way to the grassy field within the Water Treatment Works where, again, there was no sign of any Wheatears. However, a flock of around 16 Linnets were present picking off grass seed heads, before flying off north.

Above and below, some of the Linnets present here today.

A Cetti’s Warbler was calling deep within the brambles and a Dunnock was singing occasionally; but very little else of note here. I did walk further south to the beach by the Pier, but seeing there were a big pack of dogs being taken for their walk, I gave the place a miss in search of anything of note. This is normally a good spot for early Wheatears, but I had no luck this morning for this attractive early migrant. 

There were plenty of flowering plants around the Point today including the non-native Spanish Bluebells (above) and the Three-cornered Leek plants (below) as well as Red Dead-nettle and Periwinkle.

So there we have it; a very quiet spot of birding here at Eastney Point. Just a shame there were few birds around this morning although the Linnets put on a good show.

St. Augustine LNR ( My Garden):

A female Hairy-footed Flower Bee in my garden.

OK, my garden was a bit thin on the birdlife around lunchtime, but it was damn good for Bee’s and Hoverflies. A variety of these insects were on offer that included the following: at least two Hairy-footed Flower Bee’s, the Hoverflies: Spring Epistrophe (Epistrophe eligans), Humming Syrphus (Syrphus ribesii), Tiger Hoverfly (Helophilus pendulus) and finally a couple of male Platycheirus species that would not sit still long enough for a photo. All these were mostly basking in the sunshine at the back of my garden on one of my plants.

Above, the Spring Epistrophe and below, a Humming Syrphus hoverfly.

Above, the Tiger Hoverfly.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

It remained bright and sunny for our walk this afternoon in the Cemetery.

After my second shift at Pembroke Road, I took the dogs for their second walk of the day around Highland Road Cemetery. There was a good chance of a migrant or two, especially the likes of a Willow Warbler or Wheatear; but no such luck. However, there was a singing Blackcap hiding in one of the taller Bushes, but the bird remained hidden and so no photo. In fact, birds here were not easy to see and I felt lucky to come across a pair of Jays; but again, would not stay long enough for a photo.

At least a Robin perched long enough for a photo and below, a nice cluster of the humble Daisy growing on an area where it wasn't mown!

Above, some of the grass given a top mown around the Cemy and below, a lone Carrion Crow perched high up on this old TV aerial on a neighbouring house.

Another photo of the showy Robin. below, Bulbous Buttercups growing around the graves.

The only bird species that did was a Robin perched nicely nearby on a gravestone! Several Blackbirds put in a brief appearance but very little else bar all the very common birds. The Council had done a short cut of the grass in various areas of the Cemetery, but I was very disappointed to see that they had mown over the Lords & Ladies plants over on the southern end of the Cemy. At least two Chiffchaffs were encountered; one heard and another within a couple of feet briefly by the main footpath.

In Hampshire today:

Fellow ‘Lazee Birder’ Pete Gammage had up to 13 Wheatears off Pigeon House Lane, Portsdown Hill, this morning and also 17 Blackcaps around Fort Widley! Up to 4 Willow Warblers were heard singing at IBM Lake, Cosham and another singing at Lordshill, Southampton. Probably the same Great-tailed Grackle as the Southampton bird, was seen flying west around the Brownwich area.

This afternoon, an Osprey was seen high over Riverside Park, Southampton and a Little Gull was on Blashford Lakes again. The Ruddy Shelduck was still in fields off Ranvilles Lane, Stubbington along with two Wheatears and a Swallow heading north. Four Glossy Ibis were flushed off Posbrook Floods by a Marsh Harrier. Three more Wheatears were in fields south of the Lake at Farlington Marshes.