Though quiet, the Cemy looked stunning.

Sunday 4th May 2025.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

It's 'no mow' May here in the Cemetery.

I took my dogs for their morning walk a little later than expected and I must say, it was certainly a lot cooler than yesterday and a bit more breezier. However, it was pleasant enough for a nice slow walk around the Cemetery and though only the usual birds were encountered, there were a few insects on the wing and a lot of plants in bloom too. On the way to the Cemy, I could hear the cries of Swifts and the sounds from which they were coming from were two Swift Boxes that had been installed on a house in Highland Road. I had never noticed them before here and so must have only been recently installed. Excellent stuff. These boxes had Swift calls coming out of them to entice the Swifts to nest there.

Above, this female Blackbird was busy searching for worms within the tall grass and below, one of the Swifts heading north over the Cemetery.

Above and below, more photos of the Swifts going over.

Above, a Robin perched on a gravestone close to the footpath.

The Cemetery had all the usual birds showing fairly well and included a Dunnock that actually showed very well for a change by the Holm Oak clump. There were no migrants seen here this morning, except for the Swifts overhead, where two birds followed one another low over the Cemetery. The birds are now busy caring and looking after their youngsters and that included the Starlings nesting in the guttering of the surrounding houses where you could hear the youngsters calling within. Blackbirds were collecting worms etc, for their broods as well and it will not be long for the youngsters to venture out into the world, if they can avoid all the Corvids and Cats in the area.

Above, Birds-foot Trefoil growing along the footpath and below, a Wood Pigeon in one of the old and smallest Horse Chestnut trees.

Above, this Horse Chestnut, laden with 'spikes' looked amazing in the sunshine. Below, a Buff-tailed Bumblebee nectaring on a Green Alkanet.

More flowering plants were on show this morning including Herb Bennet, both Smooth and Prickly Sow-thistles, Wintercress, Common Vetch and Green Alkanet (the latter attracting a Buff-tailed Bumblebee). Though fairly quiet with the birds (around 14 species seen or heard), it was a pleasant walk with the dogs and relatively few dog-walkers too.  

Despite being totally butchered, this tree within the southern perimeter of the Cemetery, still finds a way to produce leaves. Below, a Wren in full song proclaims its territory to a rival nearby Wren.