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.