November 2021
Amphibians and Reptiles
No sightings reported this month.
Birds
A total of 356 reports
received this month, containing 49 different species. Several reports of both Fieldfare
and Redwing, as well as a single report of another winter visitor, the Siskin.
Redwing – two
reports, including a larger flock of 20, on the LSA on 29th. Fieldfare – six reports, mostly of small
flocks of 1-4, on the LSA and flying over Lewis Crescent.
Mistle Thrush –
a pair seen several times in trees near Lewis Crescent, and also heard singing when
windy. Song Thrush – nine reports
of 1-2 birds at several sites, and several comments that Blackbird were
being seen more often in gardens this month.
Siskin – single
report of 1-2 birds calling overhead near Lagden’s Grove, GP on 9th. Unusually early for the Abingtons, where it
is more usually reported on feeders later in the year, or in January.
Kingfisher – two
reports, both of a single bird, and unusually both seen around garden
ponds, one on High St, LA (13th), and a second in Mortlock Gardens (14th).
Peregrine – single
bird seen overhead, south of Chalky Road, and heading towards Linton (7th). Sparrowhawk – six reports of birds hunting
near garden feeders. Red Kite – four reports of 1-2 birds soaring quite
low over the village, Buzzard – two sightings, and Tawny Owl –
heard frequently in GA.
Tree Sparrow –
possible sighting of this locally unusual relative of the more common House
Sparrow, in a garden on Church Lane, early in the month. House Sparrow was reported six times.
Pied Wagtail – several
reports of small numbers from several sites, including calling from roof ridges,
and feeding on GP cricket green. Barnacle Goose – five also seen on GP cricket
green.
Little Egret –
three reports, along the river between the Millennium Bridge and Sluice Wood.
Great Tit, Blue Tit
– regularly reported at garden feeders, alongside a Coal Tit and up
to 12 Long-tailed Tit seen occasionally in gardens on both Cambridge Rd
and Lewis Crescent. One report of a Goldcrest near the Millennium Bridge.
Goldfinch –
good numbers regularly on feeders, with increasing numbers of Greenfinch
and Chaffinch also now being reported more regularly. Regular reports of
Robin, Dunnock, Jay and a Wren more occasionally. Collared Dove and Stock Dove – groups
of up to six regularly in some gardens, but noted as being seldom seen in
others.
Great Spotted
Woodpecker – now regularly on feeders in several gardens, and a Green
Woodpecker was reported once from Abington Woods. Nuthatch - continue to be ‘regular’ visitors to gardens on High Street, LA, and Church
Lane.
Skylark, Linnet,
Yellowhammer and Lapwing – reported around fields south of LSA. A
few Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull (up to 20) also in
fields around LSA, and on Church Lane.
Butterflies, Bees
and other insects
Very
few sightings – just a Brimstone and a Peacock.
Mammals
Fox – droppings
seen in a LA garden on 16th, and a youngster or female spotted in Bourn Bridge
Rd, near the carriage track, on 23rd.
Hare – single
one seen in the fields near AbPkFm in 29th.
Flora &
Fungi, and Rivercare
No reports this month.
Weather
A very dry month, with only 21.5 mm of
rain this being mainly in the first and last weeks of November. The highest
temperature was 17.2 degrees C on the 9th and the lowest minus 5.2 degrees C on
the 29th. Overall it was relatively mild, with blustery winds at the start of
the month, and a colder snap towards the end, with the rest of November being
very quiet.
Many thanks to all those who contributed
reports of their sightings for October 2021:
Barry Brooks,
Peter Brunning, Mike and Lois Bull, David Farrant, Gaynor Farrant, Jennifer
Hirsh, Roger Law, Len Mead, Andy Merryweather, Sue Middleton, Marion Rusted, Gill
Smith, Derek Turnidge, Iain Webb.
