Still plenty to see over the Cemetery.

Thursday 16th January 2024.

A small number of Goldfinches were within Highland Road Cemetery this morning.

Though I am still firing on just 3 cylinders, I am always keeping an eye out for the wildlife and this morning, I had the opportunity to take another stroll around Highland Road Cemetery with my dogs again. Beforehand, it was back to Pembroke Road, OId Portsmouth for my first shift of the day where there was another good showing of Brent Geese on Governor’s Green. It was bright this morning, though high cloud dominated and very little wind to keep the temperatures just below double figures.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

As mentioned, the Brent Geese dominated this morning's sightings here in Old Portsmouth as I watched flock after flock join the three birds already present when I arrived. By 8.30am, there were easily 70+ birds present and all moving as one across Governor’s Green, picking off new grass shoots. Only when there was a lull in the traffic passing by, you could hear them mumbling to themselves.

All the usual birds were present that also included a pair of Pied Wagtails on the Bowling Green and a pair of Mute Swans flew in from the harbour and headed westbound towards Canoe Lake. A total of 14 species were noted this morning and though there was no sign of the Jays this morning, I did see at least one bird yesterday afternoon here; so they are still about.

On my second shift to Pembroke Road this afternoon, another two more species were added to my day total with a noisy Jay showing very well on top of the bare branches within the large front garden opposite Pembroke Close. I was checking the increasing number of Brent Geese within Governor’s Green when suddenly, there was a whoosh of wings as everything took off. I was convinced a large raptor had flown over, but despite searching through the many Gulls; including several Great Black-backed Gulls (new for the day here) and Wood Pigeons; there was no sign of the raptor. Very frustrating indeed. About ten minutes later, the Brent Geese looked to return, but they circled a few times and then flew off.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

There is quite a variety of trees within the Cemy.

It still remained fairly bright when I walked the dogs through the Cemetery, with little breeze although the best of the weather was way over in the west with a seam of clear blue sky in the distance. A dozen or so dog-walkers were also present this morning, but all behaved nicely as we slowly strolled along my usual route.

Above, a Collared Dove was one of a pair here and below, it was good to catch up with the small number of House Sparrows too.

Above, a few Robins were noted along the footpath and below, Blackbirds were abundant too.

The Green Woodpecker was heard calling briefly, but there was no sighting of the bird today. I was pleased to see several House Sparrows within the Cemy seeing they seem to be absent from my garden for a few weeks now. I still have the feeders up, but I had to replace the rotten Fatballs in my garden due to non usage! The Jay was briefly seen in one of the ornamental Conifers and a pair of Goldcrests were flitting about among the branches close to one of the Holm Oaks on the eastern side of the site.

This male Goldcrest was flitting about the smaller branches by the footpath with its partner not too far away. Possibly another pair were nearby too. Below, House Sparrows find comfort on the edge of this bush for protection.

There were a few Goldfinches and Greenfinches around today, but no sign of any Redwings in the treetops, though plenty of Blackbirds throughout the area. Up to 18 species were recorded today; which wasn't too bad for this time of year. 

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Green Woodpecker
• Jay
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Feral Pigeon
• House Sparrow
• Robin
• Starling
• Wren
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Goldcrest (pair)
• Blackbird
• Herring Gull
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch