Another walk in the Cemy.

Sunday 12th February 2023.

There are plenty of areas within the Cemetery to find something interesting, but not today!

The weather wasn't really up too much at first this morning, with heavy cloud and a bit of drizzle when I took a walk around Highland Road Cemetery. I wasn’t feeling all that great, all bunged up etc., but taking a walk around here is far better than being stuck in front of a TV. I did not expect anything out of the ordinary here today, but you just never know that something good could be lurking about between the graves! A Hoopoe would be nice!

Above, the regular flock of Starlings here flying north over the Cemy. Below, some of the Greenfinches in the centre of the Cemy. This species was in double figures this morning, by far the largest number here for some time.

Well, to cut a long story short, there was nothing really all that exciting here, but counting the species here and getting more than 15 species during my hours walk round the site is always a bonus. A total of 20 species were recorded here today that included a Great Black-backed Gull over and a good number of both Goldfinch and Greenfinch feeding in the large Oak Tree in the north-east corner of the Cemetery. At least 30+ Goldfinch flew over my head and at least 14 Greenfinch were seen in one flock as well.

Above, the Heather on one of the graves over on the east side is now in bloom, so Early Bumble bee should be on the wing soon as will a few Hoverfly species. Below, a Jay was just above me in one of the smaller trees.

The Jays reappeared again and showed very well in the northern half of the Cemetery. A Pied Wagtail flew over again, but as per usual, proved elusive for a sighting. A female Goldcrest was also showing very well in the large Oak tree, though with the poor light and the bird being so active, getting a decent photo was proving difficult.

Some more photos of the Jays in the Cemy. It was surprising how close they allowed me to be before flying off.

Away from the birds, the usual plants were on show and there was even a showing of Daffodils coming through on some of the graves and with Spring on its way, hopefully a few migrants will be gracing the Cemetery. I was up at ‘silly o’clock’ this morning and got on with doing my blog from yesterday's sightings. Though it was still dark, I could hear a Blackbird singing at around 6.15am somewhere outside; a sure sign that Spring was on its way. Despite the feeders all being topped up, there has been no further sign of the Blackcap in my garden. Fellow ‘Lazee’ Graeme Loader told me yesterday that he has had a female Blackcap in his Waterlooville garden of late.

Above, a couple of Goldfinches among a large flock in the large Oak tree and below, the female Goldcrest was joining them in the same tree.

Birds seen and heard this morning included the following:

• Great Black-backed Gull   
• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Goldcrest (f)
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch
• Robin
• Wren
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Pied Wagtail
• Blackbird
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie 
• Jay

Above, the Daffodils are now pushing through to brighten up the Cemy and below, one of several singing Robins seen this morning. Always a joy in hearing them.