Sunday 8 July 2018

Granta Park wildlife

Whilst out on a lunchtime walk in Sluice Woods on Granta Park this week, Andy M heard a persistent mewing from one of the big trees - and looking up saw an adult Kestrel with prey feeding a recently fledged youngster - close to a decaying branch that may have been the nest until very recently. The adult retired to a spot further along the branch, and shortly afterwards, the young also ventured out a little further along the same branch.

Adult Kestrel
Young Kestrel just outside the possible nestsite
Young Kestrel a little further along the branch

Alongside the lake, a number (maybe 10-20) skimmer dragonflies were living up to their name - skimming just above the water, as well as resting occasionally on the damp lake edge - like this Black-tailed Skimmer.  Note the yellow spots on the side of the abdomen, and golden-coloured 'costa' or front wing edge (thanks Darren!)

 Black-tailed Skimmer on the damp edge of the lake

In the woodland edges around the meadow near Sluice Wood, this female Banded Demoiselle was sitting prominently in the dappled sun.  (Thanks again to Darren for the id)

 Female Banded Demoiselle in trees around the Sluice Wood meadow


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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)