No migrants in the Cemy,.

Friday 22nd March 2024.

The male Giant House Spider where I am working in Pembroke Road. Old Boris has been here for the past two days. Heaven knows how big the female is. 

The weather turned again today as the temperature dropped considerably and it was most certainly glove weather! Overcast, with a westerly blowing down the road, my first shift was a little uncomfortable at times. Not a great deal of excitement on my first shift in Old Portsmouth and after this, the dogs got their regular walk around Highland Road Cemetery where, unfortunately, there were no new migrants today. Rain did threaten with a bit of drizzle in the air, but it did not materialise during my walk round this morning. I had the Moth box on overnight and this morning there was bugger all in or around the box. It really is a lottery at the moment with the moth box and I am glad Andy Fisher is getting some in his up at Cowplain Marshes! 

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

A total of 15 species were recorded here this morning, with all the usual species being recorded and apart from a female Sparrowhawk sailing north low over the trees, it would have been a rather quiet morning here. Not literally though as a Great Tit was in full song throughout the time I was there and a burst of both Robin and Dunnock songs in the distance too. It looks as though the Brent Geese have now gone as none were on Governor’s Green nor Southsea Common. I have been hoping for a Swallow to buzz through, but I suppose it's only a matter of time now. Those grey skies overhead could hold something good. An Alpine Swift flew in over the Isle of Portland yesterday, so worth keeping your eyes peeled overhead. Yesterday’s Giant House Spider was still present above the front window of the house I am close to (not everyone's cup of tea), but a fellow Council worker I was talking to yesterday was most interested as we yapped about the birds we have seen over the years. On my second shift this afternoon, a male Sparrowhawk flew low over my head and headed north.

Above, one of many Blackbirds seen today and most in good voice too. Below, at least a dozen or so Goldfinches were still present today.

Above, there would have been a large Pine tree a few weeks ago and now just Ivy and a few plants grow here now. Below, a flock of Starlings overhead and making use of the recent cut grass in search for insect.

Above, unfortunately, the camera could not get a better photo of this blurred male Great Spotted Woodpecker in one of the Lime trees. Below,  a singing Blackbird along the main footpath.

Above, this Buff-tailed Bumblebee was enjoying nectaring in the Heather and below, I found this Barren Strawberry plant growing by one of the graves.

Above, there is a pale winged pair of Carrion Crows that roam the Cemetery, which have been present here for several years. 

Highland Road Cemetery:

So it was back for another walk with the dogs around the Cemetery again, but there were no migrants seen this morning, despite a good search. All the usual suspects showed well and I suppose the bird of the morning here had to go down to a ‘drumming’ Great Spotted Woodpecker high up in one of the Lime Trees. I did manage to grab some awful photos of it, but it was obscured by a lot of small branches and twigs. Blackbirds, Robins and Wrens were in full song and there were still good numbers of Goldfinches around too, with at least a dozen seen in one area. Just 16 species were recorded today, which was down from a few days ago, but I am sure it will pick up later. 

A Buff-tailed Bumblebee was seen and photographed on the grave with all the flowering Heather on it; this particular grave on the east side of the Cemetery does attract a lot of Bees and I always make a point of checking it out. The usual plants were in flower that included my first Bulbous Buttercup and Barren Strawberry of the year, Red Dead-nettle, Daisies and Common Groundsel.

The birds recorded in the Cemetery this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie__
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Robin
• Wren
• Great Tit
• Blue Tit
• Goldcrest (2)
• Great Spotted Woodpecker (male)
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch    

Above, this Osprey had been seen earlier past Hayling seafront and then past Hill Head. Photo by Mark Francis. Below, this Robin nested in someones Horse Riders hat over in Funtley.

I got a text from Matt Parkes this morning to say that a Quail flew across the road in the Corhampton area, while he was driving to work! Just goes to show that things are most certainly on the move. Yesterday, a pair of Whooper Swans were seen offshore at Medmerry RSPB Reserve, West Sussex. The birds then drifted west and were seen from Sandy Point from fellow ‘Lazee’ Garry Fennemore. An Osprey was also seen flying past Hayling Island and then seen from Hill Head (see photo). This morning, up to 25 Sand Martins were over Posbrook Floods.