Thursday 16th April 2026.
The male Sparrowhawk in Highland Road Cemetery that was seen later in the afternoon.
I cannot believe we are half way through April already and I feel like a very late starter when it comes to the UK migrants, but today, I saw two more species for the year, which now put me on 161 species for 2026 so far. The ten days in Turkey was simply terrific, but it was now back to reality to the UK birds and with Spring now in full swing, I am sure I shall be adding many to that total over the next few months.
Pembroke Road was quiet this morning and the wet weather did not help matters as rain eventually fell around 8.15am on my first shift, but this afternoon was much brighter and warmer on my second shift and it finished off with a bang! When I got home, I promised my dogs another walk and so took them to Highland Road Cemetery to not only walk their little legs, but hopefully find a migrant bird or two?
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
As mentioned, the weather turned nasty this morning during my first shift here in Pembroke Road and with only 11 species seen, sadly, there were no migrants seen or heard. Just the usual birds were seen, though my usual singing Robin was nowhere to be seen this morning. This afternoon, the weather was much better, with bright sunshine and yes, plenty of clouds, but with a breezy South-westerly wind blowing, it wasn't too bad on my second shift. Three more species were added to my day total and that included a Magpie, Black-headed Gull and wait for it………... .my first Swallow of the year (in the UK!). I was literally walking back to my car after finishing my shift and out of the blue, the Swallow flew high west over the road and disappeared towards Governor’s Green. Happy days!
Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:
Most of the trees in the Cemy are now in leaf throwing various shades of green in the bright sunshine.
The weather was still fairly bright and the wind was light as I took my dogs for another walk and this time, it was back over Highland Road Cemetery. Could there be some interesting migrants lurking away in the leafing trees? I had to laugh at the half-hearted attempt by those cutting the grass within the Cemy and to be honest, it looked absolutely awful. A brand new Rubbish Bin had been installed near the main entrance and so much better than the old wire mesh job that has been here ever since I have been here!
Above, a Six-spotted Ladybird amongst the leaves and below, what a damn eyesore. The recently cut grass within the Cemy!
Above, a flowering Borage plant being flanked by Common Vetch and below, a male Blackbird high up in a tree and giving me the 'evils'!
I wanted to see some migrants and my wish was granted. My first Willow Warbler of the year (Yes, I did see one in Turkey) in the UK was found over on the east side. I first heard the bird doing the ‘hoooeeet’ call, which was much longer in sound than a Chiffchaff and so my interest was raised and then it gave its familiar song. Though I did not grab a photo, I did see the bird very well before it flew off into the canopy of a tree and out of view. My second ‘year-tick’ of the day. I did actually see a singing Chiffchaff before the Willow Warbler sighting and although the 'Chiff' showed briefly, it was too quick for me to grab a photo.
Above, an Early Mining Bee nectaring on Dandelions and below, a variety of plants in this photo including Spanish Bluebells, Daisies and Dandelions.
Above, a male Blackbird simply chilling out in the south-west corner of the Cemy and below, Germander Speedwell growing nearby.
Other birds noted included a superb male Sparrowhawk that literally scattered a load of Wood Pigeons from the trees as the bird flew low over my head and then landed in a nearby tree for around 2 minutes. It then flew off strongly south, but not before I grabbed a few photos of the bird. Apart from a few Blackbirds, Great and Blue Tits, to be honest, there were hardly any birds seen here this afternoon apart from the birds mentioned. A few insects caught my eye and that included Marmalade Hoverflies, an Early Mining Bee nectaring on a Dandelion and the only butterfly seen was a Red Admiral.
Above, another photo of the male Sparrowhawk in the Cemy this afternoon and below, the white spikes of the Horse Chestnut tree.
Above, a Marmalade Hoverfly resting on the Holm Oak leaves and below, I must have taken several photos of this Horse Chestnut tree over the years and it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful it is. I just might go and give it a hug!
A lovely afternoon walk of which both the dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed this afternoon. I am going to try to keep up these afternoon walks in the Cemetery for I could get something really special within the Cemetery. I think I am due something rare here.
In Hampshire today:
A dark-phased Arctic Skua passed Hill Head early this morning and was subsequently seen off Sandy Point, Hayling Island, a little later. The Curlew Sandpiper, along with a Little Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin were on Fishtail Lagoon, Pennington Marshes today along with good numbers of Avocets. Up to 4 Common Whitethroats were also on the reserve as well as a juvenile Spoonbill.
Blashford Lakes hosted well over a 1000+ Sand Martins with big flocks going through within a 3 hour period and up to 4 Common Terns graced Ibsley Water along with a Common Sandpiper and a White-tailed Eagle over. Titchfield Haven hosted 4 Common Terns along with a Lesser Whitethroat and a Common Sandpiper.
Please keep reading my birding exploits in Turkey from an earlier entry. I am still updating it on a daily basis.
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