Friday, 7 May 2021

News: Swift seen over Abington - and bang on schedule!

Thursday, 6th May 2021

Whilst walking up Great Abington High Street on Thursday evening, Andy M spotted a single Swift, flying around over the High Street and Mortlock Gardens.  A single bird was again seen over Lewis Crescent on Friday, so it may be that this one is a 'local bird' here for the summer.

This is the first report over the Abingtons this year, and it's bang on schedule when compared to first sightings in previous year over the villages. Considering the distance these birds travel to get here, the first sighting dates are amazingly consistent - between 4th and 7th May in eight of the last twelve years!

2021 - 6th May.     2020 - 5th May.   2019 - 4th May.    2018 - 7th May.    2017 - 5th May.
2016 - 2nd May.    2015 - 7th May.   2014 -11th May.   2013 - 6th May.    2012 - 30th April.
2011 - 6th May.     2010 -12th May.

Photo: Patrick Barkham Guardian website  


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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)