Abington Naturewatch: February 2016

Saturday 27 February 2016

Siskin and Brambling in Lewis Crescent

Andy has taken photos of a male Siskin resplendent in its summer plumage, and a male Brambling still in winter plumage; both joined the usual birds on their feeders on Friday 26th morning.

Both are apparently travelling around with a flock of Goldfinch and Greenfinch.

A pair of Stock Doves have also been visiting the garden lately, and this week a Great Spotted Woodpecker has started regularly 'drumming' in the oak trees.

Lesser Redpolls in High Street

Jennifer is now seeing 4 or 5 lesser redpolls every day. They are getting through the niger seed at a great rate!

Tuesday 16 February 2016

Barnacle Geese at Granta Park

Derek took this photo of 15 Barnacle Geese on the cricket field at Granta Park on the morning of 16th February:

and David took a few closer pictures on on the morning of 20th:

Monday 15 February 2016

Valentine's Day birds in the High Street

Jennifer had so many little birds feeding in her garden that she got her camera out... and took several photographs through the kitchen window, all in early afternoon.

Blackbird

Blue Tit and Goldfinch...
with Lesser Redpoll, probably juvenile, on left of green feeder

Blue Tit

Chaffinch and Hedge Sparrow

Chaffinch

Chaffinches

Goldfinch

Great Tit

Long Tailed Tits

Long Tailed Tit

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)