Back over the Cemetery again.

Sunday 16th February 2025.

Wood Pigeons on the main footpath as you walk south from the main entrance. It is hard to believe that this species is on the Amber list of birds in the UK.

The weather was much better than yesterday, with hazy sunshine and just a bit of cloud; but it was still very cold with temperatures hovering around just 5 degrees fahrenheit. The dogs had not had their walk today due to lots of household chores and after I had a text from Matt Parkes that he ‘year-ticked’ a Brambling earlier today at the West Sussex site of Warnham NR; I decided to walk the dogs back over Highland Road Cemetery.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

One of the Starlings on the heavily pruned tree this afternoon.

Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were actually seen this afternoon, although I was a tad lucky to see the former. I saw something fly off south and land up in a tree in the distance, but wasn't quite sure what it was. I therefore took a photo and later checked it on my laptop, I could then see it was a Green Woodpecker. Earlier, a female Great Spotted Woodpecker was much easier to see as it was seen calling high up in a tree in the north-east corner and showed very well.

Above, the distant Green Woodpecker and below, the female Great Spotted Woodpecker within the Cemetery.

Other birds noted on my walk here today were the Jay, that was only seen briefly flying in and out of the Cemetery and also the Starlings; all perched up in the heavily pruned tree in the southern half of the Cemetery. Just the one pair of Collared Doves were sleeping in the Chestnut trees and I counted at least 5 Greenfinches perching high up in the trees. Not one Robin was heard or seen this afternoon! There were just a few dog-walkers here this afternoon, leaving me to enjoy the birds more easily without the birds being flushed.

Above, this Jay was seen in a garden at the southern end of the Cemetery, but preferred to be partly hidden while I was there. Below, a view of the Cemetery towards the Mausoleum.

Above, the pair of Collared Doves high up in a Horse Chestnut Tree. Below, after the Beech Tree was chopped down and removed, the Council had replaced it with this tree. What species it is, is anyone's guess! 

The birds noted this afternoon within the Cemetery included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Carrion Crow
• Jay
• Magpie
• Pied Wagtail
• Greenfinch 
• Blackbird
• Blue Tit
• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Wren
• Collared Dove
• Feral Pigeon
• Wood Pigeon

Earlier today, making our way back from shopping, we were stationary within Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth; when a female Sparrowhawk flew low over the road and headed off north over the houses and seconds later, a Mediterranean Gull was to be seen flying east. 

It was rather quiet in Hampshire today though a Long-tailed Duck was seen off Hamble Point and a Red-necked Grebe was seen off Weston Shore and also another off Hayling Island.  A Barn Owl was seen at Farlington Marshes late afternoon and another at Tichborne.

Martin Down & Blashford Lakes.

Saturday 15th February 2025.

There was a glorious sunrise over Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea, this morning. However, it soon gave way to rain! 

I fancied somewhere different today and with my ever growing year list, I thought I would take a gamble and meet up with both Emma & Matt Parkes at Martin Down; a cracking area on the Hampshire / Wiltshire border. The weather was going to play a strong part today for there was a 30% chance of rain in that particular area and sure enough, it virtually rained all the way there after I had picked up both Geoff and Andy.

Andy’s Moth Box had attracted just the one moth again and yet another Acleris notana / ferrugana micro moth for the third week running. Surely, something must turn out different from this species? Enjoying a cup of coffee in Andy's garden, we were treated to good views of Goldfinches, Chaffinches and even a Coal Tit popped in too. 

The micro moth, Acleris notana / ferrugana. These have to be dissected to ascertain their true ID.

Martin Down, Hants / Wiltshire border:

Skylarks were abundant in the area including this singing bird on the ground! 

The rain was still coming down when we arrived at the car park, but was slowly easing up by the time both Matt & Emma arrived. On our way here, we saw at least two Common Buzzards perched by the roadside on Telegraph poles and also two Little Egrets near a stream as we passed through the village of Martin.

Above, this was the best I could do when trying to photograph the Stonechats. Below, this Common Buzzard was quite showy. One of around four birds seen here today.

Once we got all togged up against the weather, we made our way onto the Down and it didn't take long to pick up my first ‘year-tick’ of the day when I heard the distinctive noise of very fast whirring wings. Quickly looking north, a pair of Grey Partridge flew low and fast heading north across the scrubby grass and then quickly disappeared too! A very good start to our trip here. All was eerily quiet at first, with hardly any birds calling bar a few Meadow Pipits going over.

Above, Andy, Geoff and Emma on the main footpath and a lovely view of the fields over Martin Down. Below, we finally caught up with a Corn Bunting.

As we passed the large Blackthorn bushes heading east, we caught sight of a Kestrel perched up distantly on one of the small trees. As we moved further along, we caught sight of a small passerine perched on a bush and it was our first male Yellowhammer of the day and was joined by a female bird (Andy’s second ‘year-tick’ of the day!). Up to three male Stonechats then were seen and though they all posed well for those with a fast focusing camera, my efforts were in vain. Bugger! Eventually, the sound of Skylarks filled the air as we saw at least 20 birds in the area, including some that were actually singing on the ground! But where were the Corn Buntings?

Above, this Corn Bunting was giving Emma the runaround and below, five Roe Deer ran across a neighbouring field to the south of Martin Down.

Above, the colourful Brown-lipped Snail near the Blackthorn bushes and below, a map of the area within the car park. Most useful. 

Way in the distance to the north, I caught sight of a very large flock of thrushes which I can only assume were Redwing, with at least 60+ birds spread out over a big distance and then they flew off into the gloom. Yes, it was still spitting with rain and visibility wasn't all that good on the horizon. We decided to eventually circle back to the car park, but on the way there, more good birds arrived. At least four Common Buzzards were in the area and also a Red Kite sailing over the fields to the north. While watching a Buzzard, probably looking for earthworms in a neighbouring field, I found another small flock of 8 Redwings searching for food near the Buzzard. But they all seemed to get along nicely. Another large flock of birds flew up to the north and these were much larger than the last big flock we had seen earlier. They were in fact Golden Plovers, with at least 150+ birds circling high over the fields and yet another ‘year-tick’ for Andy! It got better when I distinctly heard a Corn Bunting singing somewhere and it didn't take too long to pick out the bird sitting on top of a small bush some distance away. My second ‘year-tick’ of the day! In fact, a little later, we went on to see two more birds, both together perched on a tall bramble.

This Red Kite sailed over our heads near the Blackthorn Bushes.

A couple of Ravens were seen over the fields and near back where the Blackthorn bushes were, there was a good number of thrushes to be seen that included a Mistle Thrush, two singing Song Thrushes, several Redwing and at least 6 Blackbirds. Another pair of Grey Partridge was flushed and flew off over the tussocky grass and this time, Geoff managed to see the birds having ‘dipped’ on them earlier in the day here. Pleased with our sightings, we slowly made our way back to the car but not before a pair of ladies within the car park told us that a Chicken had ran and hid in the brambles here. I personally didn't see it, but it was calling frequently!

Blashford Lakes, Blashford:

A pair of Goldeneye in front of the Tern Hide.

After Martin Down, we tried unsuccessfully to park somewhere near Wyke Down, which isn't too far away for possible Short-eared Owl and Hen-harriers, but we simply couldn't find a decent location to park. Maybe next time. Instead, we took the country route down many one-track roads to Blashford Lakes instead.

Above and below, this was the nearest the Black-necked Grebe was seen in front of the Tern Hide.

Above, a pair of Oystercatchers joined a flock of Wigeon on a small island in front of the Hide. Below, we found lots of Scarlet Elf Cap fungi growing throughout the woods.

The weather was much brighter now as we made our way to the Tern Hide. One of the wintering Black-necked Grebes was still showing very well and among the many Pintail, Teal and Tufted Ducks present, I counted up to 10 Goldeneye still present here, that included four drakes. A lone Egyptian Goose was seen over on the east bank and a Common Buzzard was seen plucking feathers off a dead Gull also on the east bank. After 45 minutes or so, we took a walk to the Ivy North Hide where we had sightings of Andy’s first Green Sandpiper of the year and also a Kingfisher perched near the Sandpiper where the screen was opposite. A few Cetti’s Warblers were playing hide and seek within the reedbed in front of us and large numbers of Teal on the water also contained a Little Grebe that was in near summer plumage and also a Great Crested Grebe that was in full summer plumage! A Little Egret popped by briefly and a pair of Common Buzzards drifted over the trees in the distance. Yet another winter when no Bitterns were seen in front of the Hide, sadly, but maybe we might get lucky at Fishlake Meadows in the coming months?

Can you spot the Kingfisher and Green Sandpiper in this photo? Below, this Robin was enjoying the sunflower hearts by the Woodland Hide.

Above, good numbers of Siskin were by the Woodland Hide and below, a close up of a Jay on the feeders.

From the Woodland Hide, though there were no Bramblings or Redpolls on show, we did have good views of the Siskins and other birds including a showy Jay on the feeders. Coal and Blue Tits were showing well as per usual here and it's nice to see the male Chaffinches looking smart in the spring plumage. The surrounding woodland was smothered in Scarlet Elf Cap fungi and looked so colourful against the leaf litter. It was now nearing 4pm and we still had to get back to the Tern Hide car park before they shut the gates at 4.30pm. Despite the weather, it was a good day where I picked up two more species to add to my year list and Andy finished the day with EIGHT more that included a male Bullfinch when we made our way to the car! Jammy sod!   

This male Merlin was seen by Matt & Emma on their way back through the New Forest at Telegraph Hill. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Little Egret & Chiffchaff seen in Pembroke Road.

Thursday 13th February 2025.

Starlings in Highland Road Cemetery this afternoon.

The cold, overcast weather carried on into today and by God, I was damn cold down at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth. The only saving grace is that we actually saw the sun this afternoon, albeit briefly, but the cold was still there. There were a few surprises in Pembroke Road today and I rounded the day off with a walk with the dogs around Highland Road Cemetery again.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Despite the cold, there was a good variety of birds to be seen during my two spells in Pembroke Road and easily, the pick of the bunch was my second Little Egret for this site. The bird was seen flying over Governor’s Green and then over the houses heading north. That wasn't a bad start to the day, especially after birding pal Matt Parkes had seen several Barn Owls this morning up in the Alresford area this morning! Up to 15 species were seen today here, easily the highest number this week.

Up to six Pied Wagtails were using the Bowling Green and Governor’s Green, looking for insects in the short grass, while several Brent Geese flocks headed east over the Curtain Moat; however, none decided to settle on Governor’s Green while I was there today. The Jay popped in again until flying off north and this afternoon, I saw something small and green fly across the road and land in a small bush by the houses. I never saw it fly out, but a Chiffchaff began calling on the opposite hedgerow by Governor’s Green.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

Starlings in the heavily pruned tree at the southern end of the Cemetery. 

The sun did show a few times while walking around the Cemy with the dogs, but it was still very cold, though I was well wrapped up against it. There were no Woodpeckers on show this afternoon, which was a shame, but the Long-tailed Tit flock were back again, flitting around the branches of one of the Chestnut trees over in the north-east corner and close by, a male Greenfinch was ‘wheezing’ high up in the same tree.

Above, a Wren actually showed itself this afternoon in the Cemy. Normally, all I get to know is that there is one singing or scolding deep within a bush! Below, the last of the sun showing through the clouds late afternoon.

Above,  one of around ten Long-tailed Tits in the north-east corner and below, a male Greenfinch was seen 'wheezing' high up in the same tree.

A large flock of Starlings, at least 30+, were around the south-east corner and then perched up in one of the heavily pruned trees like the last time I was here. The Jay showed very well again, looking to dig up acorns it had buried last Autumn on the grass and stayed long enough for a few photos. Even a Wren came down and actually showed himself as it searched for insects within a grave. It was good to see (or should I say hear) two separate flocks of House Sparrows chattering among themselves in two different areas of the Cemy. Sadly, this species is in decline in the UK too along with many other small birds. Another bird that is scarce of late, especially in the Cemetery, is the Song Thrush. I heard one call and managed to watch it fly into a bush and out of view. Pleased with that.

Above, a few Daffodils were in flower this afternoon and below, a male Blackbird posing nicely on a gravestone.

Above, this Jay showed well in the short grass near one of the main footpaths.

In Hampshire today, I think the sighting of the day had to go down to the 23 Hawfinches seen at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel near Church Crookham. Two Red-necked Grebes were seen; one off Weston Shore and one off Southsea Castle for its second day. Three Velvet Scoter were seen off Gunner Point, Hayling Island and a male Black Redstart was seen on the harbour wall in Gosport.

Three Velvet Scoters flying over the Solent recently. Probably the same birds that were seen off Hayling Island today. Photo by Andy Friend.

The cold weather continues but some interesting birds around.

Tuesday 11th February 2025.

The Blackbirds are enjoying the Apples I am putting out in my garden.

Another very cold day and dull day with heavy cloud overhead and a very light north-easterly wind. The trend for this week is the same weather conditions virtually all week. It was back to Old Portsmouth again today and after both my  shifts there, I took the dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery to grab the last hour there before it was closed at 5pm.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

It was damn cold this morning and things didn't really improve at all this afternoon either. During my first shift in Pembroke Road, a few small flocks of Brent Geese headed eastbound high over Governor’s Green and three birds actually landed there. But it was this afternoon when there were a few more interesting sightings that included a flock of 11 Pied Wagtails flying silently over and headed off northbound. A Goldcrest was heard several times within the Holm Oaks, but I didn't get not one sighting of the bird. Finally, a Kestrel was seen flying south over Governor’s Green and then went into a stoop and landed briefly on the Royal Garrison’s Church, some distance away. The school kids were playing football on the Green this afternoon, so the Kestrel didn't stay long. In all, just 12 species were seen all day here.

Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea:

This Jay showed very well for about a few minutes, Did it bury this acorn or dig it up?

Once I got back from my second shift, I made my wife a cup of tea and then grabbed my camera and took the dogs over Highland Road Cemetery for a slow walk round. I had an hour left before the Cemy actually shut for the day and surprisingly, there were a few interesting sightings here today. Both the Green & Great Spotted Woodpecker were present this afternoon, but only the Great Spotted was actually seen, albeit briefly.

Above, one of the Long-tailed Tits in the Oak tree and below, a male Greenfinch in the same tree. 

Over near the lone Holm Oak in the north-east corner, I found a flock of Long-tailed Tits high up in the Oak Tree; numbering around 10 birds and along with them, there was a small flock of 6 Greenfinches within the same tree. This species has gone through a major decline of late, a loss of down to a disease called Trichomoniasis that has wiped out about 80% of the British population. So, any numbers here are noteworthy.

Above, another male Greenfinch in the same Oak Tree and below, Starlings perching on a heavily pruned tree in the southern half of the Cemy.

Apart from the birds, Daffodils were starting to bloom in the Cemetery, despite the cold weather and this should provide the necessary nectar for our insects to arrive. Spring is just around the corner? 

Above, a lead grey sky overhead and a heavily pruned tree. What's not to love? Below, Daffodils about to bloom on one of the graves.

In Hampshire today, both Red-necked Grebe and a Long-tailed Duck were seen off Hill Head and a small flock of 5 Black-necked Grebes were off Hayling Oyster Beds with another on Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes.

There have been a good number of Hawfinches in the village of Wherwell, near Basingstoke of late. Film footage of one by James Cutting.