A quiet walk around the Cemy.

Wednesday 20th December 2023.

A lone Starling keeping guard for raptors in the south-west end of the Cemetery.

A breezy, yet mild morning with temperatures around the 10 degree mark and unexpectedly to be mild all week. The blustery westerly wind probably didn't help with checking out the birds within Highland Road Cemetery this morning, but at least it was bright throughout my walk with the dogs. There were not many dog walkers this morning, which is always a blessing and again, my dogs behaved very well, though I always keep them on a lead, they could have easily grabbed a Squirrel if the aforesaid creature didn't see my dogs in time!

Above, one of a pair of Carrion Crows lacking pigmentation in their wings within the Cemetery. Below, one of several Blue Tits seen this morning.

Above, the old tree stump sporting two types of fungi: on the bough of the tree grows Tinder Bracket Fungus and below, on the base is Honey Fungus. Below, this Yarrow was growing near the main entrance. There were few flowering plants again within the Cemy, though Smooth Sow-thistle and Daisies were still to be found in flower.

Sadly, nothing that special this morning over the Cemetery today, with just 15 species seen during the hour over there. The Jay was seen briefly by the Holm Oaks and small numbers of Goldfinch flew over occasionally, but generally, it was rather quiet. Last night, while walking the dogs, it was a clear night with the moon shining brightly and I heard at least a dozen Redwings flying over and quite high up too, judging by their calls. However, the night before while also walking the dogs, the Redwing flying over was much lower down due to heavy low cloud overhead.

• Jay
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Herring Gull
• Pied Wagtail
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Robin
• Wren
• Collared Dove
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Goldfinch

Over the past few days, a drake Ring-necked Duck was reported to be on Linbrook East Lake, Blashford; but a little too distant for me to travel midweek due to work commitments. It was associated with a flock of Tufted Duck and hopefully, might be around this weekend?

Above, a male Bearded Tit and below, a male Dartford Warbler. Two quality photos by Pete Appleton.

A drake Pintail by Emma Parkes.