Abington Naturewatch: December 2018

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Blue Tits inspect nest box - spring is coming!

Andy M heard birds calling insistently in the garden today, and tracked it down to a pair of Blue Tits inspecting a nest box on the side of the house. One bird (possibly the male) was clearly very happy - blue crest up and blue tail spread - standing guard and calling to the world that this box was theirs, while the other spent ten minutes or so inspecting inside and out. We'll see whether it passed muster!

Wednesday, 26 December 2018

Golden Plover over Roman Road

Andy M took a walk along the Roman Road east of Worsted Lodge on 16th Dec. Besides seeing nice views of a Yellowhammer, and numerous Fieldfare and Redwing, he saw several loose V-shaped flocks of what looked like waders flying south over the fields towards Abington. Probably 50-100 birds in total. One group came over low enough to get a few photos, allowing identification of the birds as Golden Plover.

Anne D-N reported also seeing large flocks of Golden Plover on the fields near Abington Park Farm in previous years (last sightings Jan 2017). On that occasion, Anne reckoned the flock had 80+ birds and they flew in tight formation, all landing together and flying up together - and looked stunning in flight when the sun caught their wings.

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)