No migrants within the Cemy.

Thursday 30th March 2023.

A Carrion Crow and a couple of Wood Pigeons searching for food. Yes, they are not the rarest of birds, but though they are common, they are always worth watching.  

It was back over Highland Road Cemetery late this afternoon for a quiet stroll to see if there were any migrants about. Sadly, it was much quieter than the last time I was here and with just 15 bird species seen during my hour there and not a single migrant, one could say it was rather ordinary. But that's never the case here. There is always something to look at and as I am interested in all aspects of nature, whether it's the birds, insects or plants, there is always something to grab my attention.

Above, the Horse Chestnuts are now in leaf and below this Robin was in song along the footpath. One of several was seen this afternoon.

There was no sign of any of the Firecrests seen earlier this week though the wind didn't help with a blustery southerly wind blowing across the Cemy. It was bright at first when I started my walk but the clouds rolled in and the threat of rain was always there. The likes of Willow Warbler and Blackcap should be a possibility soon and maybe a Redstart or something rarer? That's the great thing about birding, you just never know what might drop into this lovely area of Southsea.

Above, the Buff-tailed Bumble Bees and below, Honey Bees, enjoying the flowering Heather again.

Though it was overcast most of the time, there were some insects on the wing; notably the Heather grave that always seems to attract the Bees. Both Buff-tailed Bumble Bee and Honey Bees were present in small numbers here, but always prove a tad difficult to photograph as they are scurrying about deep within the purple Heather.

Above, the Horse Chestnut buds are opening up within the Cemy. Below, this male Blackbird flew up onto a gravestone right in front of me.

All the expected plants were on show and included a few new ones that included Annual Mercury and a sprig of Three-cornered Leek, a species I have not seen here before! It warms my heart to see the leaves starting to come out and the Horse Chestnut trees are starting to look quite impressive. 

This Three-cornered Leek was flowering near the Holm Oak Clump; the first I have ever seen within the Cemy.

The following bird species were present late this afternoon:

• Starling
• House Sparrow
• Blackbird
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Wood Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Black-headed Gull
• Herring Gull
• Wren
• Robin 

Again, large numbers of Hirundines at Blashford Lakes, Testwood Lakes and even Posbrook Floods and also good numbers of Willow Warbler logged today also. The first Sedge Warblers were heard today including birds at Testwood Lakes and over near Sidlesham Ferry Pool. Even the long staying juvenile Iceland Gull remains at Redbridge still. Grim weather is coming in tomorrow, with plenty of strong winds and rain. A possible seawatch on the cards? 

A showy Robin is always worth a photo.