A gorgeous Fox in the Cemy.

Sunday 7th September 2025.

It is always lovely to see a Fox in the Cemetery.

It was back over Highland Road Cemetery this morning with my dogs, but that persistent breezy south-easterly wind was still blowing and so viewing any birds in the trees was not going to be easy. On a positive note, it was very mild and in fact, quite warm as temperatures were up in the low 70’s. Rain was forecast in the afternoon for a few hours, but we didn't get any that I knew of. I didn't put the Moth Box on overnight as Becky and I got back late from a lovely meal out over Petersfield with friends; so it was nice to have a lay in this morning.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Unfortunately, there were very few notable birds seen or heard today over the Cemetery with just 8 species recorded. Yes, the wind didn't help and although I heard ‘ticking’ Robins virtually everywhere in the Cemy, I never actually saw one! So it was left to the other wildlife to keep me entertained and arguably the best sighting was a young dog Fox.

Above, a Hornet-mimic Hoverfly enjoying a sprig of Buddleia and below, Ivy Bees feasting on the nectar from Ivy.

Above, I found several Rush Veneer micro moths in the short grass and below, Cats Ear flowers were everywhere as was Yarrow.

I first encountered the Fox over in the south-eastern end of the Cemetery, giving himself a good scratch. However, a dog-walker with a very inquisitive and angry looking Labrador spooked the Fox and it disappeared into a nearby garden. It was when I was leaving the Cemy, that the same Fox was seen walking along the footpath near the main entrance and then back over into the Cemetery once more and not taking a blind bit of notice of both me and my dogs. Gorgeous creature.

The Fox over in the south-east corner was having a scratch in the sunshine. Below, a sprig of Purple Toadflax was still growing on the perimeter wall in the southern end.

Above, a view of the Mausoleum and below, this is a Blue Atlas Cedar tree within the Cemy. I have been using my Google App from my mobile to identify many of the ornamental trees within the Cemetery.

The Ivy is now starting to flower and in turn, attracting a lot of insects that included Ivy Bees and Batman Hoverflies. I even found a Hornet-mimic Hoverfly nectaring on a Buddleia flower, but the only butterfly seen this morning was a Red Admiral that would not linger long enough for a photo. Still, a pleasant walk was had and I certainly enjoyed seeing a Fox in the Cemy again.

Above, a Batman Hoverfly and below, large clumps of Honey Fungus growing near one of the footpaths.

Above, Ivy Bees nectaring on the Ivy flowers. Below, the Fox enjoying the sunshine.

The main bird grabbing a lot of attention currently is a Saker Falcon that has been showing very well over the back of Portsdown Hill. It has been seen taking Pigeons and even Red-legged Partridges and there have been plenty of ‘Lazee Birders’ taking some amazing images of the 'Buzzard-sized Falcon'. The bird is an obvious escaped bird, but everyone is saying it really is worth going to see.

In Hampshire today:

The Saker Falcon behind Portsdown Hill having caught a Red-legged Partridge. Photo by Graeme Loader.

Farlington Marshes still hosted the eclipsed drake Garganey, the two Little Stints and now 4 Glossy Ibis were seen along the Stream area. However, it seemed that Keyhaven Marshes was the place to be with a Curlew Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl and a Honey Buzzard seen there today.