Firecrest in the Cemy.

Saturday 12th March 2022.

A rather showy Jay this afternoon.

I was back over Highland Road Cemetery on a much sunnier, but breezy afternoon, hoping for a possible early migrant and although no Chiffchaffs or Black Redstarts were present, I did find a Firecrest skulking about by the Holm Oak clump. Firecrests are regular here in early Spring and Autumn, but still a nice surprise among the 18 species of birds recorded here this afternoon. I had heard the bird calling at first deep within one of the Holm Oaks and then it flew out of cover briefly and straight back out of sight within another Holm Oak. It was also heard twice more in the same area though never seen.

Above, buds are starting to come out on the Chestnut trees and below, the Jay showing well in the sunshine.

It was mostly the same birds as yesterday here at the Cemetery, with the addition of the Firecrest and Dunnock. The male Green Woodpecker showed well briefly, perched up in a tree before flying down and out of sight; though it was quite vocal throughout my walk this afternoon. There was just the one Jay saw today, but it did show very well. The following species were recorded this afternoon: 

• Herring Gull
• Feral Pigeon
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Robin
• Dunnock
• Wren
• House Sparrow
• Blackbird
• Firecrest
• Green Woodpecker

Other notable sightings included my first Light Brown Apple Moth which fluttered over a few graves and then briefly settled on a gravestone for me to quickly grab a photo or two. White-tailed Bumble bees were noted around the grave that was covered in purple Heather, including a Queen that looked a bit dormant. Throughout the year, the Bee’s love this particular grave and a wide variety can be seen here.

Above, a White-tailed Bumble Bee on the heather and below, the Queen deep within the heather.

I found my first Light Brown Apple Moth of the year this afternoon.

In Hampshire today, migrants have been turning up in various locations including Sand Martins at various locations, a White Wagtail at Posbrook Floods and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers at Moorcroft Farm in Ringwood. The Ring-billed Gull was again on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes, with a fine photo of the bird on the Hants Whatsapp. Back in West Sussex, a pair of LRP’s were at Medmerry RSPB Reserve on the Stilt Pool today.

Above, one of several Robins seen today. Below, there were quite a few Greenfinches around here today.

Another Robin posing nicely in the sunshine.

On a lighter note, though I am being very careful with this Covid I have at present, I have been watching Series 1 of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone fishing. If you have not seen it yet, it is a ‘must watch’. Not only are the two comedians superb in it, but they take fishing and the nature involved quite seriously (well mostly!), but I have not seen a rubbish episode yet. BBC iPlayer is showing both series 1 and 4 at the moment and my wife and I are really enjoying them. Hopefully, a series 5 is on the horizon?    

The male Green Woodpecker was vocal today.