Monday 12 October 2020

News. Winter visitor birds starting to arrive

Monday, 12th October 2020

Winter visitor birds are starting to arrive in the Abingtons.  Migrating to the UK from their breeding areas in northern Europe, the recent northerly winds have resulted in large numbers of 'winter visitor' birds arriving in the UK over the last few days. 

Both species of 'winter thrush' - Redwing and Fieldfare - were spotted flying over the Old Railway Cutting and Lewis Crescent today, by Andy M.   Photos of both species below, were taken from the very useful 'How to Identify' article on the Woodland Trust website (link here).

Last year, the first Redwing were seen on 9th, and the first Fieldfare on 31st October.

If you spot any winter-visitor birds, or indeed any other interesting birds in the parishes, please let Derek T know in the usual way.

Fieldfare
Slightly larger than a Blackbird.
Characteristic grey head and tail, chestnut back, and speckled breast, tinged with orange.
Feeds in open fields.  Bold and noisy, making a characteristic 'clacking' call, often from tree tops.


Redwing
Slightly smaller than a Blackbird.
Distinctive white eye stripe, and red underwing patch, with dull brown back and speckled breast.  
More quiet and shy. Often seen feeding in berry bushes. Makes quiet 'seeep' call.



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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)