Back to my 'local patch'!

 Sunday 12th April 2026.

This Chiffchaff, which lacked most of its tail, was singing occasionally in the small trees.

So it was back to earth this morning when I took the dogs for their morning walk around Highland Road Cemetery. No Bee-eaters, Hoopoe’s or unusual Warblers present this morning, but after a bit of rain very early on this morning, it was dry and bright as we slowly made our way around my local patch. When I was in Turkey, I caught up with all the migrants seen back in Hampshire via various Whatsapp posts and even today, birding pals Emma and Matt Parkes saw their first Swift of the year over their house and also went off to see both a Bluethroat and a Hoopoe (though both birds were in Dorset!).

Above, the only Green Alkanet plant growing in the Cemy was now flowering and below, Herb Robert is now flowering too.

Above, several Robins were seen today and below, this Horse Chestnut tree towering over the Mausoleum was now in full leaf.

Above, one of a pair of Dunnocks seen this morning near the Mausoleum and below, Meadow Foxtail growing on the grass in the centre of the Cemy. A variety of grasses grow within my local patch.

Back in Highland Road Cemetery, it seems that the Council have left the grass to grow a lot longer than normal, which so benefits the local wildlife and a lot of common plants and weeds were all in bloom and showing well in the bright Spring sunshine. As for the birds, at least three Chiffchaffs were present and one was in song now and then. Also, a male Blackcap was in song, but tucked in far too deep within vegetation to actually get a view or photograph of the bird.

Above, one of the Robins by one of the footpaths and below, a Chiffchaff by one of the main paths.

Above, there were a few clumps of Bulbous Buttercups growing in the Cemy and below, a preening Wood Pigeon.

Above, looking north from the footpath at the southern end of the Cemy. I was hoping for an early Pied Flycatcher here. Wouldn't that be amazing? Below, the Spanish variety of Bluebells looking stunning in the sunshine.

Overhead, there was a steady stream of Gulls going over; mostly Black-headed and Herring Gulls, but I did hear a Mediterranean Gull calling, but failed to find the bird. I was scanning the sky now and then, hoping for my first ‘UK’ Swallow or Swift of the year, but not this morning.A lot of the usual birds were present and correct and that included a pair of Dunnocks (not a species I often come across here) that were chasing one another within the bushes near the Mausoleum. Sadly, no other migrants were on show, but I shall be coming over here more frequently now that the evenings are getting longer with my dogs.  

Our Turkish Holiday.

 Wednesday 1st April to Saturday 11th April 2026.

Hotel Barut, Antalya, Southern Turkey.

I encountered at least one Hoopoe within the grounds of the Hotel, but listening to them sing was a 'first' for me.

Today was the start of a ten day holiday to Lara Beach, near Antalya, Southern Turkey for a very relaxing break with my wife Becky. We stayed at the exclusive Barut Hotel, which is, incidentally, our 3rd stay at this beautiful location, though it was the first time we had been in the Spring and boy, did it produce the birding goods! The only thing was that you could not guarantee the weather as we experienced rain, wind, thunderstorm but plenty of warm sunshine between.

Above, Laughing Doves were abundant throughout the Hotel gardens as well as (below) White-eyed Bulbuls.

We had stayed overnight at a Gatwick Hotel before our early morning flight to Antalya Airport and the four hour flight had us in Turkey around 2pm Turkey time (they were two hours in front of UK time). The first bird I saw from the plane window was a probable Yellow-legged Gull flying over the runway, but after unloading the luggage, Becky and I spent a very relaxing afternoon around the Hotel grounds.

Above, a pair of Collared Flycatchers frequenting the main path on the west side of the Hotel Grounds and below, a Woodchat Shrike was seen on two separate occasions during the time I was there.

Over the course of this week, I intend to put a daily report of what was seen and photographed as I took well over 500+ photos for me to sift through and sharpen up. A superb total of 71 species were recorded during my 10 day stay there of which three were ‘Lifers’ (Ruppell’s Warbler, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler & Laughing Dove) and a host of superb species that were rarities in the UK. Butterflies, Dragonflies and Moths were in very short supply of which I have encountered a lot more when we have come here in the Autumn months and the temperatures were a lot hotter.

Above, Western Subalpine Warblers were seen several times, mostly along the west side of the Hotel grounds and below, having seen a few Night Herons by the small pool on the outskirts of the Hotel, this big flock 15 birds took off, circled and then landed out of view near the pool again.

So, as mentioned, I shall be adding more to this entry as the week goes on as I get back to normal back here in the UK. Some of the photos I took I was really pleased with as the light on most days was very good when the sun was out. I did not take my new Nikon camera because I fancied my Panasonic Bridge Camera instead due to the fact it was much lighter. I did take two Memory Cards and was so glad I did. Just scroll down every day and enjoy.

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