Rarities pouring into the UK.

Thursday 21st September 2023.

Sadly, no American passerines in the Cemy this morning, so I had to make do with some obliging Chiffchaffs instead. At least 6 were either heard or seen this morning.

It seems like a long time since I have put anything on my blog and that was due to the extreme bad weather we have had over the past few days. The UK took a battering from Hurricane Lee that was slowly crossing the Atlantic and there was another following it according to the weather forecast this morning. However, despite the grim weather (very strong winds and heavy rain which produced a ‘Yellow’ weather warning), the winds have most certainly produced some amazing sightings, not only on the south coast, but Wales in particular. More later.

Above, there were still a few Smooth Sow-thistle plants along with Purple Toadflax growing around the graves within the Cemetery. Below, a Meadow Pipit flying high overhead.

Above, as me and the dogs were sheltering under the large Oak Tree in the north-east corner of the Cemy, this Carrion Crow was getting somewhat damp in the heavy rain shower. Below, Ivy Bees and Common Wasps enjoy the flowering Ivy.

The poor weather even resulted in me not putting my moth box on overnight for fear of it blowing over in the strong winds, but it was a lot better today as the winds have abated, but there was still the threat of heavy showers today. I managed to take the dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery this morning and was rewarded with at least 6 Chiffchaffs, though only two showed well. Overhead, there was a small trickle of Meadow Pipits flying over and the total species seen this morning was 17; the highest for some time, that included a Jay, Greenfinch and a Goldcrest plus all your usual suspects. The Goldcrest was the first one this month here in the Cemetery and although I never got a sighting of it, it was most likely a migrant bird. Surprisingly, no Wren or Collared Dove to add to that total. The following birds were either heard or seen this morning:

• Jay
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Herring Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Goldcrest
• Chiffchaff
• Blackbird
• Robin
• Starling
• House Sparrow
• Meadow Pipit

There were plenty of insects again within the Cemetery, notably the Common Wasps, Drone Flies and Batman Hoverflies enjoying the flowering Ivy Plants (they really give off a strong scent when you walk past them) and also upon them were good numbers of Ivy Bees. At least four Red Admiral butterflies were seen, including two nectaring on the flowering Buddleia near the entrance and also a few Large Whites on the wing over the Cemetery. However, best of all was a Painted Lady that briefly stopped on some Ivy before flying off.

Above and below, another couple of photos of one of the Chiffchaffs in the centre of the Cemetery.

Above, a Drone Fly on an Ivy plant and below, I came across at least 10 Batman Hoverflies resting either on this Conifer or on my hat!

Above, this Red Admiral butterfly was sunning itself on a Buddleia plant near the main entrance.

As mentioned earlier, the very strong winds brought in some interesting birds to the south coast and sure enough, Grey Phalaropes began to arrive. These diminutive waders are normally storm driven into the UK and two birds turned up yesterday; one off Hill Head and another on Blashford Lakes. Today, there were two at Keyhaven Marshes that showed very well to all that went to view the birds. However, to eclipse these lovely birds (I do hope one hangs around this weekend), the west coast is awash with very rare American passerines! Today, in Wales alone, there are the following birds: Magnolia Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Alder Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo and a Bobolink! I think this September could be going down as one of the best for North-american passerines?

Above, this Grey Phalarope graced Hill Head just offshore, though you had to be quick to see it at times. These superb photos were taken by Mark Francis.