Singing Firecrest in the Cemy.

Thursday 27th February 2025.

The singing male Firecrest in Highland Road Cemetery this morning.

A much better day with prolonged spells of sunshine throughout the morning and carrying on into the afternoon. It was cold at first this morning as I went to check my Moth Box for any goodies, but again, it drew a complete blank! Fume! There were a few notable sightings from Pembroke Road this morning and after a few chores after my second shift, I took the dogs out for a nice slow walk around Highland Road Cemetery.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

This afternoon, I found a Seven-spot Ladybird close to where I stood in Pembroke Road.

Just 12 species were noted here in Old Portsmouth this morning, though amongst them, the Jay showed again and four Brent Geese were seen flying east high over Governor’s Green (none settled though). There were SEVEN Pied Wagtails counted flying over and heading north over the houses having been flushed by something from the Bowling Green. As we head into March this weekend, there should be some passage coming up soon with finches and Pipits on the move or maybe something rarer perhaps?

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

The gorgeous weather continued throughout the morning and though a little cool, it was a lovely walk around my local patch this morning.

Sixteen species were recorded within the Cemetery this morning and easily the pick of the bunch was a singing male Firecrest that was seen in the centre of the Cemetery, searching for food among the small Holm Oak bushes. I first picked up the bird by its call and then, thankfully, it flew into my direction and landed in the Holm Oak by the main footpath where the bird showed down to around 10 feet. But getting a decent photo with my old camera was certainly not easy, but I was pleased with what was taken.

Above, the Lords & Ladies plants were growing again in their usual place and below, the now regular Collared Doves were up in the tall Horse Chestnut trees.

There was no sight or sound of any Woodpeckers here today, but the Jay showed briefly flying through the trees. Robins were in song and hopefully, the likes of Blackcap and Chiffchaff will be in song here soon.

Above, my first Hoverfly of the year, a male Spotted Maliscaeva resting on a Dandelion and below, this Buff-tailed Bumblebee was enjoying the flowering Heather on one of the graves.

The Lords & Ladies plants were starting to come through in their usual spot close to the garden wall in the southern half of the Cemetery and there were a lot of Daffodils in bloom in various areas as well as Cherry blossoms coming out in a few trees. A few Bees were on the wing and on one grave that is covered with flowering Heather, at least one Buff-tailed Bumblebee was enjoying nectaring on these plants. I did find one Hoverfly, my first of the year, a male Spotted Maliscaeva on a Dandelion.

Above, Cherry Blossom is starting to appear in the Cemy now and there were several graves sporting Daffodils to brighten up anyone's day.

Above, this rather stubborn Wood Pigeon eventually moved away despite my dogs ready to give it a good sniff! Below. a male Blackbird searching for food in the grass by the main footpath.

The birds recorded this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie 
• Jay
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Firecrest: male
• Goldfinch
• Blackbird
• Starling
• Robin 
• Wren

Above, the male Firecrest seen this morning.

Yesterday, birding pal Geoff Farwell took a walk in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and had at least 12 Hawfinches there. Also present there was a Marsh Tit, Firecrest, Siskin & up to three Common Buzzards. I heard this morning that the Black-throated Thrush was still present this morning in the same garden at Lindford and arrangements are being made to get access again for this weekend. Meanwhile, the first true migrants were appearing in the UK with a male Wheatear that was found on Monday at Portland Bill and a trickle of Sand Martin sightings in the UK today. Spring is on its way. Huzzah!