Saturday 27 July 2019

Jackdaw 'pellet'

Andy M was intrigued to find what he thought was an owl pellet on his flat roof recently.  Pale in colour, and about 3cm by 1cm, it seemed to contain mostly plant material, such as the husks of grain - not the bones and fur of small animals as might be expected for an owl.
After some investigation, it seems that some corvids, and particularly Jackdaw, also produce 'pellets' and those produced by Jackdaw can be somewhat pale and contain indigestible plant and seed matter. Mystery solved - but sadly no owls!


'Pellet identification chart' (photo: The Barn Owl Trust website)
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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)