Sunday, 3 April 2022

Birds and Flowers on Granta Park

3rd April 2022 - Andy M took an early morning walk in the sun around Granta Park today. Several birds were singing including Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff and the recently arrived Blackcap.  A few remaining winter visitors were also seen, including a couple of Redwing and a small flock of Fieldfare.  Unusually, a Treecreeper was also seen - the first for some time on GP - spotted carrying nest material as well as looking for insects in the crevices of dead trees.

The Celandine were all but over, only to be replaced by the small purple flowers of Ground Ivy, and the first few Cowslip flowers were just starting to show. The foliage of Garlic Mustard had also recently appeared, making a vibrant green carpet.

The 'early Song Thrush gets the worm!'

Kestrel waiting patiently for breakfast to show itself ...

.. before flying off to look elsewhere

The Rook were busy noisily nest-building

Rook nest

Rook mobbing a Buzzard that ventured a little too close to the rookery

An unusually pale-coloured Buzzard

A Treecreeper hunting for food in the crevices of an ivy-covered tree

Treecreeper 

Treecreeper 


Treecreeper 

Long-tailed Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Male Mallard by the lake

A pair of Mute Swan, female on the left

Grey Heron hunting in amongst the reeds

Moorhen lurking in the undergrowth around the lake

Young Elder leaves emerging

Ground Ivy

Ground Ivy

Garlic Mustard foliage

Garlic Mustard making a vivid green carpet

The first Cowslip flowers were starting to show in the entrance meadow

Cowslip flowers 



















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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)