Med Gull over the Cemy.

Tuesday 17th January 2023.

One of the footpaths running through the centre of the Cemetery. Though there were a few dog-walkers around this morning, no dogs were running loose for a change.

Last night, the temperatures really plummeted as the UK went through another ‘cold snap’. Lucky for us here in Southsea, we escaped any snow and severe ice, though Cornwall got a heavy dusting of snow. Having some time off this morning, I was determined to give my ‘local patch’ Highland Road Cemetery a try. There was always a chance of something out of the ordinary over there. 

From top to bottom: Juvenile Herring Gull on the frosty grass. A female Blackbird was one of many Blackbirds present today, but no other thrush species and the usual flock of Starlings on the rooftop at the southern end of the Cemetery.

However, my day began with a bang when I was looking out of the bedroom window to check the local House Sparrows feeding on the Fatballs and Sunflower hearts. There were easily at least a dozen birds here in the garden, when suddenly a female Sparrowhawk swooped down and grabbed one of the House Sparrows on the fence! I could even hear the hapless Sparrow making distress calls as it was carried away to be consumed. C’est la vie!

From top to bottom: some of the 30+ Goldfinches present this morning. The male Great Spotted Woodpecker up in one of the Lime trees and the final photo of frost on the grass and plants, which proved on how cold it was this morning.

It was very cold walking around the Cemetery this morning, with temperatures below freezing and with that biting north-easterly, my poor ears were frozen. Note to self: take a warm hat next time! Again, I saw 20 species within the Cemy this morning and although there was nothing very unusual, an adult Mediterranean Gull flying high west over the Cemy was without doubt the bird of the trip here. Though they regularly fly over, they are not so common in the winter and so seeing one is always a bonus. There was still no sign of the Green Woodpecker this morning, but the male Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen several times today, mostly high up in the Lime Trees over on the west side.

From top to bottom: Ice had now formed where the flooded footpaths once were. The adult Mediterranean Gull flying high west over the Cemetery. This Robin came down by my feet after spotting a worm on the ground near the Mausoleum. 

There was just the one Goldcrest seen this morning, a female bird in the lone Holm Oak again on the east side near the large Oak. I am hoping for the return of the Firecrests soon, though they tend to be in the Holm Oak clump further west within the Cemy. There were two Jays again seen near the Mausoleum and the Pied Wagtail was a flyover bird heading south. I am trying to get to the Cemy at least once a week and with luck, something like a Black Redstart or something rarer might turn up.

This confiding Robin consumed the worm it had found earlier.

Birds seen within the Cemetery this morning included the following:

• House Sparrow
• Starling
• Robin
• Wren
• Great Spotted Woodpecker (male)
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch
• Blue Tit
• Goldcrest (female)
• Mediterranean Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Herring Gull
• Jay
• Magpie
• Carrion Crow
• Feral Pigeon
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Pied Wagtail 
• Blackbird

It is always good to see youngsters taking an interest in the nature around them. This young lady was photographing a Collared Dove perched on a gravestone.

The Great Grey Shrike was yet again seen early this morning by a couple of the ‘Lazee Birders’ at Pig Bush, New Forest. The adult Sabine’s Gull is spending another day at the pools at Southmoor and still attracting a steady stream of admirers. A total of 4 Great Northern Divers were recorded off Sandy Point, Hayling Island, this morning. More cold weather is predicted for tomorrow, but whether we will get any snow is unlikely. Winter Watch is returning to our TV tonight and hopefully, two weeks worth as well. Something decent to watch again at last.

The male Great Spotted Woodpecker high up in one of the Lime trees again.

Yellow-legged Gull on Canoe Lake.

Monday 16th January 2023.

The adult Yellow-legged Gull on Canoe Lake this morning.

I had to take a trip into ‘town’ late this morning, but before that, I remembered what Andy said about the adult Yellow-legged Gull on Canoe Lake, of which he ‘year-ticked’ the other day and so I thought before I make my way to the grim shops in Portsmouth City Centre, I take a drive down to Canoe Lake to see if the bird was there. The weather looked a bit indifferent at the time with heavy overcast skies and always the threat of rain and it certainly has gotten a lot colder with a north-westerly blowing.

Above and below, the adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Parking up on Eastern Parade, I could see there were quite a few large Gulls resting on the large White Swan boats and it didn't take too long to pick out the 4th winter adult Yellow-legged Gull standing on one of the boats preening itself. The yellow legs and darker mantle could clearly be seen as I took a few photos of the bird, but it was another addition to my year list and now I was wondering if the Little Owls would be showing this morning? I had a check of all the other large Gulls present, but all seemed to be juvenile Herring Gulls and no Caspian Gulls hiding among them!

Above, a lone Med Gull flying into the harbour entrance with a couple of Cormorants and a Black-headed Gull below it. Below, two of the four Stock Doves present near the Little Owl site.

The tide was low within the Solent, but there were no Sanderling to be seen on the shoreline on Eastney Beach. The wind here was simply freezing and as I forgot to bring my warm hat along, my ears took some severe punishment from the biting wind. The sea, however, was dead calm, but no Divers or Auks to be seen despite a good search for both species. There were three Cormorants on the hunt together near the harbour entrance and one looked as though it had caught something that consequently attracted a lot of larger Gulls. I did see a single adult Mediterranean Gull flying into the harbour entrance and continuing on south, but little else.

The Gulls were getting excited after one of the Cormorants had caught a fish near the Harbour entrance.

I bumped into another birder who I recognised and after a quick discussion, he told me the Little Owls was a ‘no show’. Bugger! I had to look for myself and sure enough, the holes in the wall of the building were empty. Apparently, one had been seen on Friday morning, so maybe that's the best time to search for them? For compensation, the regular Stock Doves were present with four birds resting on the wall and keeping out of the strong cold wind. Nothing much else to report here as I gave the sea a good scan again and obviously too cold for the Nudists today, thankfully! 

Above and below, now the Starlings have taken a liking to the Fatballs in my garden as well as the House Sparrows. I have started putting apples out for the birds, hoping a wintering Blackcap might come into the garden. 

Tree Sparrow at Chilling Barns.

Sunday 15th January 2023.

This Chiffchaff was in the car park at Chilling Barns.

It was back birding with Andy this morning and the long staying Tree Sparrow was our target today. ‘Lazee Birder’ Graeme Loader had seen the bird yesterday and took some damn good photographs of the male bird and grabbing some important info off him on exactly where to look for the bird, was most helpful this morning. Thankfully, the weather was on our side with plenty of sun in a bright blue sky, though there was quite a blustery west wind blowing to keep the temperature cool.

The preening male Tree Sparrow at Chilling Barns this morning.

I have never been to the small car park by Chilling Barns and negotiating the deep water filled potholes was challenging, especially for my new car I have recently purchased. Nevertheless, I negotiated the poor bit of road, parked up and then we were on our way in search of the rare Spadger! On our way there, I was finally blessed with my first Great Spotted Woodpecker of the year with a male bird flying in front of us along the road and then perching up on a roadside tree. Thank you very much for my first ‘year-tick’ of the day. Incidentally, Andy tells me that I am second in the Hampshire ‘year-listing’ with 113 species for the year and with the Woodpecker, I was now on 114. By the car park, I found a Chiffchaff flitting about the trees and a female Goldcrest was along the footpath showing well.

Not the sharpest photo of the male Tree Sparrow

We now had to find the fallen tree where the Tree Sparrow resided with the regular House Sparrows and on rounding a small copse by an arable field, a large flock of Linnets, probably around 60+ birds, was flying around the fields; our first Linnets of the year! We were nearly back by the car park and Andy picked up some House Sparrows perched by some brambles next to the same field. One most certainly looked good for Tree Sparrow, but we had to get nearer to make sure and thankfully, it paid off. However, it could have all gone south when a female Sparrowhawk flew low over, consequently scattering all the passerines around including at least a dozen Pied Wagtails and 6 Chaffinches that were also in the area. 

A much better photo of the male Tree Sparrow. Photo by Graeme Loader.

As we moved further in the field but nearer to the Sparrow, we then got a great view of the bird and yes, we had our first Tree Sparrow of the year. This was Andy’s since the 1980’s and my first in Hampshire since then too. I was fortunate to see a good number of them last year at Welney WWT on the bird feeders, so to see this species two years running is exceptional for me. Long gone are the days when Tree Sparrows used to reside in Hampshire, sadly. We were joined by fellow ‘Lazee’s’ Andrew and Michaela Dickety as I quickly pointed out where to look for the birds. He told us that they had already had a superb day, starting off with Southmoor for the Sabine’s Gull and Barn Owl, then for the Tree Sparrow and later that morning, the Glossy Ibis at Posbrook Floods. Apparently, I have since found out the Tree Sparrow was sporting a ring number of PF82959 and was ringed as a chick at Marlborough Downs, near Hungerford.

Brent Geese off Gilkicker this morning.

We eventually made our way gingerly back to the car, due to the extremely muddy field, but safely made it back to the car. Our next port of call was to be Gilkicker for a sea-watch and hopefully add to our year list. Yesterday, a Little Auk and Fulmar were seen off Hill Head and so a sea-watch in these winds could be promising.

Andy's first time at Gilkicker this morning.

After paying the car park fee, we made our way to the shelter at Gilkicker overlooking the Solent and although we had to contend with all the public passing by, we did see a few notable sightings. Andy, thankfully, had a flask of hot coffee and I had a couple of Wisper Chocolate Bars to go with the hot drink. Now for some birding here for the next few hours. Though we had no new birds to add to our year list, again there were some birds going through. Several small flocks of Brent Geese were seen, all heading west, while out in the Solent, I think we had at least 10+ Kittiwakes going through; again, most going through heading west. A lone Mediterranean Gull flew east along the beach. I was really hoping for a Common Scoter or an Eider, but made do with a pair of Mergansers flying west. Andy picked up a Sandwich Tern also heading west through his binoculars though I was quickly on to it with the scope.

The male Tree Sparrow this morning at Chilling Barns.

A few Auks went through off Hill Head yesterday, but today, at least 5 Auk species headed west, all singles, but all too distant to get an ID. Finally, a lone Great Crested Grebe also headed west low over the sea and not too far out. Becky wanted me home early today and so we left around 11.15am, but not before making our way along the top of Portsdown Hill for an outside chance of a Red-legged Partridge in one of the arable fields. Nope. No sign of any and so we made our way home. Not a bad morning and to get the Tree Sparrow was a big bonus.          

Some flooded footpaths over the Cemy.

Saturday 14th January 2023.

Overcast and stormy conditions when I first took a walk into the Cemetery early this afternoon.

I knew most of Saturday was going to be a washout with heavy rain accompanied by a strong westerly wind and so I cancelled this morning's birding with Andy and had a lazy day indoors with my wife, but not before a big breakfast in Mumms Cafe in nearby Albert Road! Thankfully, the rain eased up just after midday and so I took a stroll around Highland Road Cemetery to check not only what damage the wind and rain had done, but also if there were any Woodpeckers on show today. Still have not seen one this year! Shocking!

From top to bottom: a flock of Goldfinches over the Cemetery; Starlings in their usual tree in the southern half of the Cemetery and below, I dont think I have ever been around the Cemy with some of the footpaths being flooded. Just goes to show how much rain we have had of late.

I'll cut to the chase; there were no Woodpeckers whatsoever in the Cemy this afternoon which was very disappointing, though the grim weather didn't help somewhat! The rain came in again while I was walking around, though I didn't really get a soaking as I hid underneath a large overhanging bush in the centre of the Cemy. From this viewpoint looking east, I added a Great Black-backed Gull, Song Thrush and Jay to my trip here that consisted of 19 species for my walk around my local patch. 

From top to bottom: Goldfinches sharing a tree with a Collared Dove; this Robin singing by the footpath was one of several singing Robins and bottom photo, the Great Black-backed Gull which landed on a rooftop by the Cemy with a Herring Gull in attendance. 

Earlier today, I had seen a female Sparrowhawk soaring over the gardens behind, which the Herring Gulls alerted me too with their alarm calls. Back in the Cemetery, a female Chaffinch was present, a species that is uncommon here and seen around the Mausoleum area. There was a healthy flock of Goldfinch seen here today with at least 40+ birds present with a few Greenfinch among them. There was just the one Jay seen, but a showy individual that was seen several times.

From top to bottom: the Jay showed well again this afternoon. A male Greenfinch and a female Blackbird were both near the Mausoleum.

Bird species seen this afternoon in the Cemetery included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Great Black-backed Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Wren
• Robin
• House Sparrow
• Blackbird
• Song Thrush
• Starling
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie 
• Jay
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Chaffinch (f)
• Blue Tit
• Wood Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Feral Pigeon 

Other than birds, the only flowers I found were a few Daisies on show in the damp grass and the Common Groundsel, which was everywhere around the graves. I did find a Hoverfly species that was perched on the bush where I was sheltering from the rain. Thankfully, the experts on the Facebook UK Hoverfly site identified my photo of the Hoverfly as a male Melescaeva auricollis.

From top to bottom: Turkey-tail Fungus growing on one of the old tree stumps near the Mausoleum. A lot of branches had come down due to the strong winds of late and below, the male Melescaeva auricollis Hoverfly.

Some ‘Lazee Birders’ were watching from Hill Head this morning and came up trumps with a Little Auk flying around over the Solent and eventually landed on the sea some 400 metres out and lost to view. I wonder if this is the same bird that was seen fly west off Selsey Bill last month? A Fulmar was also seen heading west over the Solent. Yet again, the adult Sabine’s Gull was showing well on the small island on Southmoor and entertaining the crowds coming down to see this rare Arctic gull. There were reports of some over-keen photographers climbing fences to get their ‘money shot’ of the bird and consequently disturbing other birds present. Glad I wasn't there, because I cannot keep my mouth shut when those idiots do this.

This male Blackbird was one of at least ten birds of this species present this afternoon.

A Long tailed Duck was seen off Black Point, Hayling Island,  this morning along with 4 Great Northern Divers by Andy J and yesterday, some chap reported that he saw the Little Owl back at Fort Cumberland! I have tried twice over the past few weeks to no avail; so I shall have another look in the coming week. There is talk of possible snow again in the early part of next week. Cold weather is expected to return for a few days, which could possibly bring in something rare alongside the Sabine's Gull?

Glossy Ibis showing well by the Canal Path.

Wednesday 11th January 2023.

The adjacent Canal was near bursting its banks and in some places, it was! 

I knew some horrible wet weather was arriving this afternoon and so I took a late morning walk down the Canal Path at Titchfield, before the worst of the weather arrived. There was so heavy traffic making its way east on the M27 and it had a massive knock on effect within main streets in Fareham, but thankfully, I was going westbound. The weather held this morning till my departure, but I could see the storm clouds brewing to the west after picking up four more nice ‘year-ticks’ for my year list.

Above, this Squirrel did not upset the sleeping Barn Owl within the 'split tree' along the Canal Path. Below, a male Stonechat in the fields near the Bridge Street Floods.

Four Glossy Ibis have been frequenting the Posbrook Floods over the past few days and so I was reasonably hopeful they would still be there, but not before checking the usual ‘split tree’ for the Barn Owl to the west of the Path. Sure enough, one of the birds (there were two present on Monday) showed well and was totally unaware of the presence of a nearby Squirrel! Nothing was going to spoil its beauty sleep! This was my first Barn Owl of the year and one of our most reliable ones, though I would really like to have seen it hunting over the fields, but one needs to be here around dusk to see that.

Above and below, Black-tailed Godwit on Posbrook Floods.

The Canal itself looked fit to burst its banks due to the amount of rain we have had of late and the Bridge Street Floods were exactly that; flooded! However, there were a good number of wildfowl there including Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler and a small skein of Canada Geese. A male Stonechat was seen in the edge of some tall grass and I did hear the scolding call of a Cetti’s Warbler, but failed to see the bird. Bugger! A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling briefly as well, but somehow eluded me.

Above, more Black-tailed Godwit arriving on the Posbrook Floods. Below, one of the four Glossy Ibis seen preening.

There were a few birders making their way south down the path, on their way to view the Ibis no doubt and some armed with some mighty looking long-lens cameras. I checked out the area where they were most likely to be on the Posbrook Floods and I found the four Glossy Ibis on the edge of the water among a large flock of Black-tailed Godwit. So I walked further down the path to be adjacent to the birds and managed to grab some nice photos and film of the birds. These birds have been in the area now for some time and fingers crossed, they might stay to breed this year, which would be a magnificent achievement. The birds were quite inactive at first, mostly preening until a low flying Helicopter went overhead and everything, including the Glossy Ibis, were up and away.

Above, three of the four Glossy Ibis on Posbrook Floods. Below, film footage of one of the birds preening.

Thankfully, the birds all returned safely down to the ground to start feeding among the Godwit. I was happy with what I saw and checking the darkening clouds to the west, I slowly made my way back to the car, but not before checking the Gulls on Posbrook Floods. Among all the Gulls, I managed to pick out my first Mediterranean Gull of the year, but it got better when a pair of Water Pipits flew low over my head and I could clearly see how pale they were and also the call gave it away too. This was my 4th ‘year-tick’ of the day which now put me on 113 species for the year.

From top to bottom, this adult Mediterranean Gull was my first for the year, the Glossy Ibis in flight after being disturbed by a passing Helicopter and thankfully, settled down again among the Black-tailed Godwit.

Walking further north to the car park, the call of a Chiffchaff stopped me in my tracks as I spotted a pair perched on the thin branches of a fallen tree. Nearby, a Robin and Great Tit share the same branches and I could hear, yet again, another Cetti’s Warbler calling, but again, no sign of the bird. Still, it was a good 90 minutes birding with some cracking birds seen. I was very lucky with the weather as it was getting a bit dark to the west. Someone had a count of 321 Black-tailed Godwit present here and the same birder heard a Green Sandpiper calling as well.

From top to bottom: a Fox was standing on the reserve watching me go past, a Robin and Great Tit share the same fallen tree as did this Chiffchaff.

The Sabine’s Gull is still present around Southmoor and has taken a liking for the flooded field now, though has been mobile. A flock of 9 Red-throated Divers went west through the Solent from Hill Head this morning and the Tree Sparrow is still present at Chilling Barns. 

Above, the sleepy Barn Owl within the 'split tree' and below, the Glossy Ibis feeding with the Black-tailed Godwit on Posbrook Floods.

One of the best photos of the adult Sabine's Gull I have seen so far at Southmoor. Photo by Christine Whiffen.