A few more migrants in the Cemy.

Friday 8th September 2023.

Looking very Autumnal in the Cemy with these Horse Chestnut leaves and fruit on show.

I don't think it is as hot as yesterday, but still quite warm with hardly any wind this morning as I took my dogs around Highland Road Cemetery around 9am this morning. Earlier today, I could hear a few Yellow Wagtails flying high overhead, but I could not pick them up visually. I did not have the moth box on overnight for I did not want to trap the same moths again and so it will be going on tonight instead.

Above, a Hornet-mimic Hoverfly nectaring on the Ivy and below, one of many Drone Flies also enjoying the Ivy.

Migration is now fully underway and I was hoping a few migrants would be in the Cemetery and this morning, I was rewarded with both a couple of Chiffchaffs and the first Blackcap of the Autumn at this site. However, the Blackcap was heard only and as I did not have my binoculars with me, I recognised the bird by call alone. I am pretty sure I saw the said bird as a warbler species flew east over the Cemy and landed in a bush further to the south east.

Above, the familiar sight of Magpies and below, Starlings going into their spotty Autumn plumage.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker was again seen briefly, flying up into trees north of the Cemy and then heard calling later during my walk. Jays have been missing for a while now and so seeing one high up in a tree preening was a welcome bonus and later, two birds were seen flying from tree to tree. Most of the regular birds were present and correct, but no sign of the Sparrowhawk this morning.

Above, the Collared Doves are being seen often now. They seemed to have disappeared in the summer, but are now making a welcome return. Below, flowering Ribwort Plantain within the Cemy over on the east side.

Regarding insects, I found a Hornet-mimic Hoverfly nectaring on a large Ivy Plant along with many smaller Drone Flies. I regularly see this species here on these plants that are now flowering and giving off a heady scent to attract the Bees etc. Butterflies this morning included the usual Red Admiral, Small White and Holly Blue. A Vapourer Moth was seen spiralling across the Cemetery at the northern end. I am always noting down any unusual plants and I would take a photo and put it on the UK Wild Flowers Facebook page for the experts to have a go identifying it and now I am also using Geoff Farwell to ID my plants as well. However, one species I found growing along one of the footpaths I think I have identified correctly as Common Chickweed, a relatively common plant sporting the tiniest white flowers.

Above, Chickweed growing by one of the footpaths and below, Perennial Sow-thistle, both growing in the Cemy.

On a negative note, my Nikon P900 that I put into the London Camera Exchange a few weeks back is no more. I got a quote to fix not just the motor but also the lens (?????), which came back as £380 to repair. I only paid £499 for it, so I’ll just have to stick with my Panasonic Lumix Bridge Camera instead. Hurrumph!! 

  

This Chiffchaff was one of two this morning in the Cemy.

The following bird species were present this morning within the Cemetery:

• Herring Gull
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay (2)
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Blackbird
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Great Tit
• Blue Tit
• Blackcap 
• Chiffchaff (2)
• Dunnock
• Wren
• Starling
• Robin

This Jay was preening high up in one of the trees. 

Above and below, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth was seen again feeding on these plants where I was working on my second shift this afternoon. Second time this week I have seen it. Both photos were taken from my mobile camera, so apologies for poor quality.

Superb haul of moths this morning & a bit of overhead bird passage.

Thursday 7th September 2023.

My first Canary-shouldered Thorn moth of the year. 

It was humid overnight again and not the best sleep I had. However, the moth this morning made up for that with an excellent variety and also some nice new species for my year list. There were at least 146+ moths of 38 species recorded today with two that were new for the year: the gorgeous Canary-shouldered Thorn (annual in my garden) and the micro moth, Marsh Grey (Eudonia pallida). 

Above, Grey Dagger. Though it is very difficult to distinguish between this species and Dark Dagger, I have gone for the former. Below, the beautiful Burnished Brass moth.

Also present was my second ever (after seeing one in June earlier this year) Portland Ribbon Wave, a rare migrant moth along with my second Burnished Brass of the year, my first also in June this year. Two stunning moths indeed. Other excellent moths included a Grey Dagger and a Clancy’s Rustic and amongst the micro moths, a Marsh Grey (Eudonia pallida) was new for the year and three Gold Triangles was most certainly noteworthy. There were double figures of Willow Beauty, Pale Mottled Willow, Double-striped Pug and Small Dusty Wave and easily my best haul of moths for quite a few months. This heatwave is set for the rest of the week, so who knows what could turn up among them.

Above, Clancy's Rustic and below, Portland Ribbon Wave; both immigrant moths.

Above, my first Marsh Grey of the year.

The moths recorded this morning included the following:

• 2 Old Lady
• 4 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Grey Dagger
• 14 Willow Beauty
• 9 Marbled Beauty
• 1 Burnished Brass
• 6 Lime-speck Pug
• 3 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 10 Pale Mottled Willow
• 2 Riband Wave
• 18 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Angle Shades
• 2 Vines Rustic
• 1 Canary-shouldered Thorn (NFY)
• 12 Small Dusty Wave
• 7 Large Yellow Underwing
• 3 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 5 Garden Carpet
• 3 L-album Wainscot
• 1 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 1 Silver Y
• 1 Clancy’s Rustic
• 1 Portland Ribbon Wave
• 1 Square-spot Rustic
• 8 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Rusty-dot Pearl
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 2 Narrow-winged Grey
• 1 Marsh Dowd
• 3 House Neb
• 2 Dark Neb
• 1 Marsh Grey (NFY)
• 1 Beautiful Plume
• 3 Gold Triangle
• 2 Elbow-striped Grass-veneer
• 4 Apple Leaf Miner
• 7 Ruddy Streak
• 3 Light Brown Apple Moth

While checking the moth box, there was a bit of bird activity going on above me with two Tree Pipits flying over along with a Grey Wagtail, several Yellow Wagtails and a Swallow. A Chiffchaff was calling in the gardens behind mine. On my first shift this morning, I heard several Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail over, but not easy to hear because of the traffic passing by.

Above, a Wheatear and below, a Yellow Wagtail. Both birds photographed at Farlington Marshes yesterday by Ollie Crabbe.

This afternoon, while not enjoying temperatures of 85 degrees, I was doing my second shift this afternoon, when I noticed a Hummingbird Hawk-moth flitting about one of the garden plants by the roadside here in Old Portsmouth. It returned a couple of minutes later after belting off somewhere, but this was my first individual for September. With this heatwave, I hope there is a lot more to come.

Grey Wagtails and Siskins over the Cemy.

Wednesday 6th September 2023.

This Willow tree is what I call the 'Flycatcher' tree as most years, the Spotted Flycatchers are seen here, but I have not seen them yet. 

We are now officially into a little heatwave where the temperature are being recorded around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and so I took my dogs for an early morning (well, 9ish as I had my first shift this morning after the School Summer break) walk around the Cemetery. There were a few more species logged this morning including both Grey Wagtail and Siskin flying overhead and a pair of Sparrowhawks soaring together in the clear blue sky.

Above, one Sparrowhawk was joined by a second bird high over the Cemetery.

The Grey Wagtails included a pair flying south and then another bird seen a little later flying south and finally another was heard only. The pair of Siskins were picked up by their call first and then, amazingly, seen flying eastbound low over the Chestnut trees. Normally, they are very high up and near impossible to see against a blue sky. All the usual birds were noted including a few singing Robins. I read this week that it is the females that sing now due to holding their territory from migrant Robins. Whether that is true or not, I am not sure because that's a new one for me. But hey, scientists are discovering new things everyday.  

Above, almost meadow-like conditions in some part of the Cemetery, which is an oasis for insects. Below, a singing Robin. Is it a female bird?

17 species, the highest this week so far, were seen or heard this morning, which included the following:

• Sparrowhawk (2 females or immatures)
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Blackbird
• Herring Gull
• Blue Tit
• Robin
• Goldfinch
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Chiffchaff
• Grey Wagtail (3 seen & 1 heard)
• Dunnock
• Wren
• House Sparrow
• Starling 

Above, a Collared Dove on an aerial on a house at the southern end of the Cemetery. Below, Holly Blue's were abundant again today.

Nothing new of note regarding the insects within the Cemy this morning. Small White butterflies were abundant again and a few Holly Blue’s and Red Admirals were on the wing too. Moths this morning included a single Straw-barred Pearl and at least a couple of Vapourer Moths. If only the latter would settle. They really are a smart looking moth. Fellow 'Lazee' Andy Friend done some 'birding' over Catherington Downs (one of my old haunts when I lived in Lovedean / Horndean) and recorded the following: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, Redstart, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Blackcap, Willow Warbler and a Bullfinch.

Above, the Smooth Sow-thistle's are growing quite tall and below, a few Herring Gulls flapped high over the Cemy today. This individual is moulting its primary feathers.

Above, the regular sortie from this Spitfire over Southsea as it went about its spins and manoeuvres high over our City.

Olive-tree Pearl moth new for the year.

Tuesday 5th September 2023.

My first Olive-tree Pearl of the year.

Putting the moth box on overnight paid dividends this morning as I clocked up a very good haul of moths and added a new species for the year list. It was going to be a humid night and even by 10pm last night, the moths came in thick and fast, with a couple of Old Ladies fluttering around and lots of Box Tree Moths. In fact, they were easily the most numerous of species this morning with a total of 22 moths in all; easily surpassing the highest total of this species this year.

One of two Old Lady moths.

An Olive-tree Pearl (Palpita vitrealis) was new for the year and though classed as a micro moth, it is certainly a smart dainty looking species. Three species of Underwing were present, while all the familiar moths were present in reasonable numbers. The weather most certainly has an impact on moth numbers and the hot weather during the day is supposed to last till at least Thursday and get up into the 90’s! I shall no doubt put the moth box on possibly tonight. 

One of three Marbled Beauty moths. 

Also noteworthy was the two Great Green Bush-crickets calling in vegetation somewhere by the gardens last night. It was too dark to see the Crickets, but I could clearly hear ‘stridulate’ (the rubbing of wings to produce their stridulation) deep within the vegetation. Sadly, they are not making the same sound during the day, but I shall keep an ear out for them.

One of at least 22 Box Tree Moths today.

A total of 97 moths of 31 species were recorded:

• 2 Old Lady
• 4 Willow Beauty
• 3 Marbled Beauty
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Silver Y
• 3 Small Dusty Wave
• 4 Garden Carpet
• 3 Shuttle-shaped Dart 
• 2 White-point
• 1 L-album Wainscot
• 1 Riband Wave
• 8 Large Yellow Underwing
• 2 Lesser Yellow Underwing
• 3 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 1 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 3 Square-spot Rustic
• 4 Vines Rustic
• 3 Pale Mottled Willow
• 3 Brimstone Moth
• 2 L-album Wainscot
• 1 Olive-tree Pearl (NFY)
• 22 Box Tree Moth
• 2 Elbow-striped Grass-veneer
• 6 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Hawthorn Moth
• 5 Ruddy Streak
• 1 Chestnut Tortrix
• 1 Broom Shoot Moth
• 1 House Neb
• 2 Brown House Moth
• 1 Pellitory Cosmet

I was watering the garden during the early part of the evening and a lot of moths flew out of the plants when dowsed with water including this splendid Small Blood-vein, which was completely unexpected. This was my first of the year of this well marked moth. As dusk fell, a Migrant Hawker Dragonfly was making sorties over mine and my neighbour's garden until disappearing.

Rather quiet within the Cemy again.

Monday 4th September 2023.

Another glorious weather day while I was walking the dogs within the Cemetery and more tomorrow it seems.

It was very quiet around Highland Road Cemetery this morning, though I probably left it a little late at 11am to catch any early migrants. A Chiffchaff was heard only and a lone Swallow flew low over the Cemy, but too quick for me to grab a photo. My first Greenfinch for at least a week flew high over heading west, but no sign of any Woodpeckers or the Sparrowhawk this morning.

Above, a Honey Bee enjoying the few flowering Buddliea plants. Below, the two most common Corvids in the Cemy. The Carrion Crow has a lot of white pigmentation on its wings. 

I got this plant identified by birding pal Geoff Farwell as an Annual Wall-rocket.

Birds recorded in the Cemy this morning included the following:

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

It was another glorious day, with a clear blue sky and temperatures getting up to the mid 70’s; but at least it brought out the insects to look at. 14 species of birds were recorded (see below) and regarding the insects, Honey Bees enjoyed the remaining flowering Buddleia and butterflies included Small White, Large White, Holly Blue and a couple of Red Admirals.

Above, there are still Holly Blue butterflies in the Cemy and below, I found one Scarlet Pimpernel plant one of the graves.

I was always checking the plants growing around the graves, checking for anything different and I found a Scarlet Pimpernel plant growing on one of them. I also found a few Herb Bennet plants and also a species that I am my birding pal Geoff Farwell to ID later tonight. Hampshire was relatively quiet today, though a lot of migrant passerines were seen at various sites. The Osprey was again perched on the dead tree on North Binness Island in Langstone Harbour. Birding pal Geoff Farwell went to Farlington Marshes again yesterday and recorded the following: 2 Ospreys, 2 Cattle Egret, Little Stint, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, 40 Greenshank, Whimbrel, Sparrowhawk, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat and 2 Wheatears.

Below, I have added some nice photos taken over the weekend and a few sent to me from friends.  

This Raft Spider was seen on Arne RSPB Reserve. Photo by Emma Parkes. 

This Yellow Shell moth was photographed at The Oaks Crematorium today. Photo by Paula Slape.

Above, a Knot was flying around Pennington Marshes over the weekend. Photo by Christine Whiffen. Below, a quick look at my moth box tonight and there were at least two Old Lady moths present plus two Box Tree Moths and a Small Dusty Wave. I think it is going to be quite humid tonight, so hopefully a good selection of moths tomorrow morning. Also in the garden, I can hear at least two Great Green Bush Crickets calling somewhere in the vegetation, but out of view.