A few migrants over the Cemy plus a few Butterflies.

 Sunday 19th April 2026.

Some of the 20 or so Med Gulls flying high south over the Cemy this morning.

The dogs got their early morning walk this morning over Highland Road Cemetery and the light this morning was excellent. The only downside was that there was a northerly wind and that is why I never did a seawatch as planned for this morning.  I was also out late last night and so I didn't even have the Moth Box on (really slacking!). There were a few notable birds within the Cemy today and even some butterflies were on the wing too.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

A Magpie standing tall and proud in the sunshine.

There were a few migrants within the Cemy this morning and almost immediately, a Chiffchaff was heard singing again, but it took around 20 minutes to find the bird and it turned out to be the tail-less individual I saw earlier this week. Not too far away from the bird, a Willow Warbler was heard to sing, though quietly within the large Oak tree in the north-east area of the Cemy. Unfortunately, there was no sighting of the bird despite waiting for a while for the bird to show.

Above, the first Field Poppy I have seen in the Cemy this year. Below, a Mining Bee species.

To be honest, there were few birds around this morning with just a few sightings of Robins, Blackbirds and a Great Tit, despite the glorious weather, but the calls of Mediterranean Gulls high overhead had me craning my neck as a scattered flock of around 20 birds were seen all heading south towards the Solent.

Above, the tail-less Chiffchaff was seen singing again and below, one of two Speckled Woods this morning.

Above, a Holly Blue butterfly and below, a Great Tit.

A Carrion Crow about to fly over my head.

On the insect scene, a Holly Blue butterfly was seen perched on the ground, sat on a small leaf and two Speckled Woods were dancing with one another low across the grass, until one flew off and the other landed on the grass. I found several Mining Bee perched around some bushes and although I wasn't quite sure what actual species it was, I know someone who might. I really do love this time of year and it's only going to get better here as Spring moves on.

In Hampshire today:

The Hoopoe today at Popley. Photo by Steve Laycock.

The migrants, especially the rare ones, are coming in thick and fast, with a Hoopoe being the highlight today being found in the village of Popley, near Basingstoke. A female Pied Flycatcher was found yesterday at Northney Paddocks and this morning, a Whinchat was found along the Canal Path at Titchfield and another at Gunner Point, Hayling Island along with several Wheatears. A Hobby flew over north Hayling this morning. Over at nearby Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve in West Sussex, the Woodchat Shrike was present for its second day.

Above, the Hoopoe at Popley today. Photo by Steve Laycock. Below, a singing male Redstart. Photo by Emma Parkes.