Wednesday 22 December 2021

2021 ANW Christmas Photo-Quiz

Much the same as the quiz at our member's meeting in early December, but this version is all virtual, and has a few bonus questions at the end! 

Each 'question' consists of a 'close-up' of different species - birds, animals, insects, plants, amphibs - they're all here!  All the species have been seen and reported within the Abington parishes during 2021, and all the 'close-ups' are taken from photos posted on the blog this year.

So - How many species can you identify? 

Answers are available at the end of the quiz, and will also be posted on the blog early in the New Year!  Have fun!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and a safe, healthy and Happy New Year!
- from the ANW Project Team.

To see a larger view of the 'questions' below, simply click on the 'image' and navigate using the bar at the bottom.




























ANSWERS 
available by clicking HERE


Monday 20 December 2021

November 2021 - interesting sightings from around the Abingtons

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.




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)