Quiet again over the Cemy.

Sunday 20th April 2025.

The footpath led to the southern half of the Cemy.

The weather seemed a bit chilly this morning and there was patchy cloud drifting over on an easterly wind as I took the dogs for their early morning walk around Highland Road Cemetery. There were not many dog-walkers this morning, but it was fairly quiet within the Cemy with not many birds actually singing either. I couldn't find any migrant birds here, but a few of the usual birds kept me entertained and now plants are emerging, there were a few that were seen for the first time flowering this morning.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

One of a pair of Med Gulls flying over the Cemy.

I only managed 13 species of bird this morning while walking the dogs around the Cemetery, which was rather low for this time of year, but I did get to see the male Great Spotted Woodpecker again. He was quite vocal this morning, calling in various parts of the Cemetery, but I came across him over on the east side having landed in an old Horse Chestnut tree until flying off into the neighbouring trees.

Above, the Lords & Ladies plants in the southern half of the Cemy are nearly in full bloom. Below, Robins were busy looking for worms and insects throughout the Cemy.

Above, the Horse Chestnut trees are in full leaf now by the Mausoleum.

Above, the top four photos are of the male Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Above, a male Blackbird in search of a juicy worm.

Several Mediterranean Gulls flew high over the Cemetery, but only the two birds were actually seen along with the usual Herring and Black-headed Gulls. A few Wrens sang and occasionally, a Robin, but nothing else of note. There were several showy Blackbirds near the footpath, searching for worms etc. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them had young in the nest here.

Above, Thyme-leaved Speedwell and below, Ribwort Plantain that was now flowering.

Above, Herb Bennet also now in flower.

Hardly any insects were seen, but some new flowering plants were showing that included Herb Bennet, the tiny Thyme-leaved Speedwell and Ribwort Plantain were also flowering. I regularly kept an eye out in the sky for my first Swift of the year as it should not be long now.