Abington Naturewatch: Swifts return to Abington

Thursday, 11 May 2023

Swifts return to Abington

11th May 2023 - John T has had Swift nesting in the eaves of his house, near Great Abington church, for some years now, and this year these particular Swift returned on 9th May, which is pretty much normal in terms of timing. He can hear them re-establishing their nests in the eaves, and screaming as the race around the property strengthening their pair-bonds and catching insect food.

Looking back at the Abington NatureWatch records, Swift have been first reported in the village as early as 30th April (2012) and as late as 11th May (2014), but generally they arrive a couple of days either side of 7th May, which is the date they were first spotted over the village this year. Incredibly consistent timing, given that they travel some 8000 miles to reach here from southern Africa! - Andy M

Swift - photo taken from John T's house near Great Abington church

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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)