Sunday, 24 February 2019

Trip to Fen Drayton Lakes

In glorious spring sunshine, six ANW members enjoyed a walk around the RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes reserve on Saturday 23rd Feb. As well as seeing a good variety of bird species and large numbers of ducks, we were lucky enough to get great views of a Marsh Harrier hunting effortlessly above the reedbeds, and a Water Rail briefly, as it scuttered across the water between reedbeds just in front of us.  It was also heard making its strange 'grunting, squealing' call, known as 'sharming', from the reeds shortly afterwards.

A total of 39 bird species were seen.

The group also saw a few Brimstone butterflies, out in the gloriously warm sunshine, and broke out the sunhats in celebration!

A male Goldeneye - with striking white flanks and white cheek-spot (DLT)

 A male Tufted Duck - also with white flanks, but less prominent, 
with a plain dark head and obvious tuft (AM)


 A courting Great Crested Grebe pair - matching each other's head-shakes (AM)

David, Ross, Anne, Derek and Sally - taking a well-earned lunch in the sun! (AM)

 The team 'on the case' (DF)

What bird? Where? (DF)



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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)