Pembroke Road & the Cemy.

Monday 9th September 2024.

The Cemetery was alive with butterflies this afternoon that included a Painted Lady, Red Admiral and a Small White sharing the same Buddleia plant.

The weekend came and went in a blink of an eye and it was back to work this morning. Yesterday early evening, a Yellow Wagtail was actually seen for a change, flying westbound over the houses, calling while I walked home after parking the car. I decided to not put the Moth Box on overnight due to the fact there were a lot of moths still present by my Box including at least four Old Lady moths! This morning was nice and bright again, with a bit of cloud overhead and while walking the dogs at 6.30am this morning, I caught sight of a pair of Meadow Pipits heading west. My day consisted of two rounds of Pembroke Road in Old Portsmouth and then a walk over Highland Road Cemetery again with the dogs. It was very tempting to take a trip over Titchfield Haven to view the Wryneck that was still present near the Meonshore Hide; but I really didn't fancy the long drive over.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Though it was overcast this morning in Pembroke Road, it was relatively mild and hardly any wind, which is a bonus. Up to 13 species of birds were recorded including a few notable birds: a Grey Wagtail flying low over my head heading north and a Mute Swan flying over Garrison’s Church. There were all the usual birds present to keep me entertained and this afternoon was much quieter. With the Wryneck still showing over Titchfield Haven, I really fancied a good walk around the Cemetery when I got back home after my second shift.

The Painted Lady butterfly in the Cemetery late this afternoon.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Though there were several Chiffchaffs heard calling within the Cemetery, none were actually seen and the only other bird of note here late this afternoon was a Jay that was playing hide and seek high up in one of the Lime trees. In fact, it was the insects that grabbed my attention the most; especially the butterflies. Birding buddy, Geoff Farwell said a while ago that the Small and Large White butterflies were very late this year which was probably due to the wet Spring we had. However, today, the Cemetery was swarming with them. I lost count on how many Small and Large White’s were on the wing, but nearly every Buddleia bush had at least one on there. Several Red Admiral butterflies were seen and also a Holly Blue feeding on an Ivy flower. Best of all, was a Painted Lady on a Buddleia plant and even shared one particular flower with a Red Admiral and a Small White!

Above, the Jay that was proving very difficult to get a decent photo of.

Above, an Ivy Bee.

Above, the Holly Blue butterfly feeding on the Ivy.

Above, a Small White butterfly and below, the Painted Lady.

Above, a Painted Lady and below, a Batman Hoverfly sharing an Ivy plant with a Turnip Sawfly.

Above, a Turnip Sawfly and below, the Pied Hoverfly sharing a Cat's Ear flower with a Turnip Sawfly.

Above, I found this Hornet-mimic Hoverfly on the grass as we walked along.

Other insects on the wings included a single Hornet-mimic Hoverfly, literally hundreds of Drone Flies and Batman Hoverflies. I also found a Pied Hoverfly on a Cat’s Ear flower, sharing it with a Turnip Sawfly. Most of the Ivy plants were in flower and attracted countless insects that have been mentioned and in the late afternoon sunshine, the butterflies were also enjoying nectaring on the Ivy plants. 

The Wryneck at Titchfield Haven today. Film footage by Mark Francis.