November 2024 - Summary of Sightings from the Abingtons

November 2024

Amphibians and Reptiles

No reported sightings.

 

Birds

A notably good total of 52 species reported this month in 369 records. Small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare spotted, and unusually a sizable mixed flock of Golden Plover and Lapwing was feeding in fields adjacent to the ORC. Blackcap were spotted feeding in gardens and both Barn Owl and Tawny Owl reported. A few Parakeets were also reported.

Around 100 Golden Plover, and a similar number of Lapwing were spread seen feeding across the fields adjacent to the ORC on 20^th (see blog) These were unusually close to the village, being more typically seen to the north along the Roman Road. Small numbers of Fieldfare were spotted on the LSA and ORC, as well as in a crab apple tree by the old pottery, and a flock of 12 Redwing were seen along Chalky Rd (see blog), and near Church Lane.

A group of three Parakeet (species unrecorded, but presumably Rose-ringed Parakeet) were seen and heard flying over Westfield on 2nd. These remain an unusual sight in rural villages locally, although a population is now regularly seen in warmer conurbations, including Cambridge).

A Barn Owl was spotted around an outbuilding on the LSA, and a Tawny Owl was regularly heard and occasionally seen around Hall Farm. One or two Buzzard were regularly spotted at multiple sites around the villages, and a Kestrel was seen around Cambridge Rd, the LSA and the Perse sports fields. A Red Kite was reported three times, and a Sparrowhawk twice, both mostly to the south of the village.

A male Blackcap, and sometimes a pair, were commonly seen on Lewis Cres early in the month (see blog), often amongst a mixed tit flock which included Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit (see blog) the latter two species also being seen in Cambridge Rd and Hall Farm gardens, as well as on the LSA. Several Blue Tit and Great Tit were reported more widely, as were Goldfinch (often 8-12) and Greenfinch (more usually 3-4), and 1-2 Chaffinch at several locations. Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock and Wren were all regularly seen in several gardens, and Goldcrest were occasionally heard singing when the weather was warmer.

A male Pheasant was seen strutting around a Lewis Cres garden, and Red-legged Partridge were spotted on the LSA and ORC, as well as along Bourn Bridge Rd. A Jay was a regular visitor to several gardens, as well as being spotted on the LSA and in GP. Magpie were similarly widespread, including five seen together along Church Lane and on the LSA. A Collared Dove made a welcome return to a Cambridge Rd garden, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker also returned to several gardens.

On GP lake, around 30 Mallard, two Moorhen and two Little Grebe were seen, and a pair of Mandarin Duck was seen along the river on GP (17^th). Four Grey Heron were seen in Bancroft Meadow (10^th) as well as flying over Lewis Cres on two occasions. A few Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull were also seen in GP, and a flock of around 100 Black-headed Gull was also seen on the Perse sports fields.

Unusually, a Grey Wagtail was spotted in a Meadow Walk garden, and Pied Wagtail were seen around Hall Farm and on the LSA. A few Linnet and Yellowhammer, as well as nine Skylark were also seen on the LSA.

Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Rook were all reported, often in large numbers on GP and fields on the LSA. Similarly, 100+ Woodpigeon were reported in fields behind Lewis Cres. Stock Dove were also regularly seen amongst the increasing number of Feral Pigeon in Lewis Cres, and up to 20 House Sparrow and 12 Starling were also recorded.

 

Butterflies and other Insects

No reported sightings.

 

Mammals

Fallow Deer – a herd of about 15 were seen in the field south of ORC on 21^st (see blog).

Hedgehog – one small hedgehog was seen in a Bourn Bridge Rd garden in the early morning on 1st.

Muntjac – one seen in a Cambridge Rd garden on 9^th, and one in Lagden’s Grove, GP on 17th.

 

Flora and Fungi

An unusual pink-coloured fungus was spotted by Emma J on the LSA (see blog). The autumn colour of the trees has also been good this month (see blog).

 

Weather

A drier than usual month with only 41.25 mm of rain, whereas the average is just over 60 mm. The highest temperature was 18.3 degrees C on the 24th and the lowest mins 4.1 degrees C on the 20th. The first three weeks of the month were mild for November before the first frost, with winds westerly to south-westerly until the 20th.

Many thanks to all those who contributed reports of their sightings for November 2024.
David & Gaynor Farrant, Jayne Gamble, Emma Jones, Carole McCrae, Len Mead, Andy & Polly Merryweather, Joan Nevin, Brian Parris, Gill and Richard Smith, Suzan Stewart, John & Maggie Turner, Derek Turnidge.