Sunday, 3 April 2022

Unusual duck spotted in the village

3rd April 2022 - David F had been hearing an unusual duck call this week and whilst out walking today he finally managed to get a view of them in a tree. The said unusual birds are a pair of Mandarin Duck, a species native to the Far East but escapees have now naturalised in the UK.  Slightly bizarrely, these 'wood ducks' are perfectly happy perching in trees, and indeed nest in holes high up in trees.  David also saw a pair of Mute Swan on the lake.

Mandarin Duck, male

Mandarin Duck, female

Mute Swan pair on GP lake

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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)