Storm Bert still present.

Sunday 24th November 2024.

A breezy overcast morning over the Cemetery.

Though it was very tempting to go back down to Gilkicker again this morning as Storm Bert is not quite done yet, I had too many chores to do with my wife and so I walked the dogs around Highland Road Cemetery early this morning. It was overcast but dry as we did our usual circuit around the Cemy, but I was getting updates by the ‘Lazee’s’ on what was going past Gilkicker and nearby watchpoints.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Above, a showy Wood Pigeon close to the main footpath and below, these two Magpies were part of a group of six birds together exploring the thick grass.

Gulls were flying overhead constantly including this Herring Gull.

Though it was very windy within the Cemetery (of which I kept an eye out for falling branches!), there were a few notable sightings as we slowly walked around. A Jay flew in and landed close by on a Gravestone, but flew off before I could get a photo of it. Three species of Gull flew over that included Herring, Black-headed and a single Great Black-backed Gull. It wouldn't have surprised me if a Kittiwake went over with so many flying through the Solent. Geoff saw one yesterday flying inland at Gilkicker! There were no Woodpeckers seen or heard this morning, despite most of the taller trees now void of leaves, but a Pied Wagtail flew over and both a Redwing and a Greenfinch were heard only.

Above, over in the north-east corner, this small Sycamore glowed brightly with its yellow leaves  underneath the huge Oak tree. Below, sadly, human pollution is not only in rivers and nearly everywhere you look, but even in the actual trees! Isn't it time these balloons were banned from being released outdoors?

The only insects seen was a single Buff-tailed Bumblebee flying low over the tall grass. Yet again, though there weren't too many birds on show this morning, I still enjoyed looking at the picturesque sight of all the colours of the leaves that were either in the trees or on the ground. 

This Great Black-backed Gull along with a Herring Gull was heading south over the rooftops.

Many Kittiwakes were passing Gilkicker again this morning along with a Velvet Scoter. Also three adult Little Gulls there and a first winter off Hill Head. A Little Auk was off the Milford Shelter this morning, a species I have not seen for many years now. I am sure there are more good birds to follow today.