Blackcaps in the Cemy.

Monday 2nd October 2023.

The female Sparrowhawk made another appearance today across the Cemetery.

It was a grim start to the day with heavy overcast cloud and occasional drizzle, but at least there was a small trickle of Meadow Pipits seen this morning on my first shift down Pembroke Road. Even a Chiffchaff was both heard then seen nearby and the odd Red Admiral butterfly fluttered past me and away. There was no moth box overnight as I knew it was going to be a wet night.

Above, a few chewed on Field Mushrooms were still near the footpath and below, the perfume of the flowering Ivy was very strong this morning, especially as there was literally no wind and attracted plenty of insects and Red Admirals butterflies.

When I got back home, I got the dogs ready for another walk and yes, Highland Road Cemetery again. The weather did improve a little, but it remained very mild and overcast as we did our usual route around my local patch. Again, there was nothing unusual within the Cemetery, but I was pleased to see a pair of Blackcaps, albeit, all too briefly. I heard them first, but it took a while for the birds to show. I have to say, this species has been very scarce this Autumn. I am wondering if more are staying in the UK due to the warm conditions? I am starting to think about taking my binoculars in the future because there were a lot of small passerines flitting about around the trees by the Mausoleum, including good numbers of Chiffchaff and at least a pair of Goldcrests.

Above, Red Admirals were abundant again and one even settled on me a couple of times! Below, the female Sparrowhawk heading across the Cemy.

A male Goldcrest flitting through the trees by the Mausoleum.

Despite being there for at least an hour, virtually nothing passed overhead except from the odd Pigeon, but at least the female Sparrowhawk put in an appearance as she sailed across the Cemetery and in towards the Holm Oaks. Sadly, there were only 15 species seen today, though another way of looking at it, especially after the latest UK Wildlife Report had been announced and the massive decline of species in the UK, I did actually see some birds. Will I say the same in 20 years time?

Above, another photo of the male Goldcrest. The female was nearby.

Above, a first winter Blackbird enjoying the many berries present and below, a male bird soon joined in.

In Hampshire today, there were still two Grey Phalaropes to check out with one on Pennington Marshes and the other on Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve today and plenty of waders around Hampshire to enjoy. The bird species seen in Highland Road Cemetery this morning included the following:

• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Robin
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Herring Gull
• Blackbird
• Chiffchaff
• Goldcrest
• Goldfinch
• Herring Gull
• House Sparrow

Spoonbills on Pennington Marshes. Are these the birds that flew over Highland Road Cemetery last month? Photo by Emma Parkes.