Sunday 7 April 2019

News. Raven seen for the first time in the Abingtons

Saturday, 6th April

A Raven was seen flying over the Old Railway Cutting, early on Saturday morning.

At first heard, making a loud, deep and repeated 'kraw', it was flying low about 30 metres up, across the arable fields to the south of the railway cutting. It progressed, somewhat erratically, over the cutting and headed out towards Hildersham.

Even at a distance, the all-black bird appeared large and heavily-built. The large bill and thick-set 'feathery' neck, as well as the long primary wing feather 'fingers' and deep powerful wing beats, all  seemed to set this bird apart from the usual Carrion Crow or Rook.

Andy M took a few photos, which he shared with a few birder friends for their opinion, and who agreed that this was indeed a Raven.

Apparently, Cambridgeshire has a few Raven reports each year, mostly in the south and east of the county, but they do seem to be spreading east.  Excitingly, Derek confirmed that this is the first report of a Raven in The Abingtons.





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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)