Sunday 22 March 2020

News: Blackcap singing - first this year

Sunday 22nd March 2020

Less than a week after the first Chiffchaff were heard singing their characteristic song, Andy M heard the first Blackcap singing this morning, along the Old Railway Cutting.

Last year in the Abingtons, the first singing Blackcap was heard on 19th March, also along the Old Railway Cutting - remarkably consistent timing!

Producing a fine musical song with a wide range of notes, and often including some scratchy sounds in the middle, the Blackcap song typically ends with a fast run of clear warbling flute-like notes.

 Male Blackcap singing
Male Blackcap singing

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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)