Wednesday 4 May 2022

News - first Swift of the year spotted

1st May 2022 - News!

The first sighting this year of a Swift in Abington was reported today.  Just one, flying low over Polly M's garden in Great Abington, heading north over the rest of the village.  Maybe 'one of ours' that nest in the village, but equally likely to be a bird travelling through.

In recent previous years, Swift were first reported on 4th, 5th, 5th, 7th and 8th May - remarkably consistent given the distance they have travelled to get here!

Swallow were first spotted this year by Brian and Pamela P, who reported birds returning to their barn on the LSA on 13th April, and there have been several sightings around the LSA since. This is a week or two later than previous years - first reports on 2nd, 5th, 5th, 6th and 7th April - a delay this year in line with reports elsewhere in the UK .

As of 4th May, House Martin have yet to be spotted in the village this year.  Again, this is late compared with previous years, when first reports in the village have been on 5th, 19th, 19th, 22nd and 23rd April.  Again, this aligns with delayed arrivals across much of the UK.

Swift - note the long 'scythe-like' shape of the wings
[Photo 21May2021 Abington Andy M]


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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)