Wednesday, 8 January 2025

December 2024 - Summary of Sightings around the Abingtons

December 2024

Amphibians and Reptiles; Butterflies and other Insects; Flora and Fungi

No reported sightings.

 

Birds

A total of 48 species were reported this month in 321 records. Unusually, a Nuthatch has been seen in several gardens this month. Both Redwing and Fieldfare continue to be reported, and several Mistle Thrush were heard singing around GP.

A Nuthatch has been regularly visiting a garden on Church Lane this month, with other more sporadic sightings on both Bourn Bridge Rd and Linton Rd. These relatively unusual garden visitors were only previously reported in January this year, so its good to see them around again.

A small flock of Fieldfare were spotted on the LSA, as well as around Hall Farm, and a few Redwing were seen on the LSA and on GP (see blog). There seem to be fewer berries around for them this year, so who knows if they will stay around.

Three Mistle Thrush were heard singing mid-month, their calls resonating all around GP. On the lake, 11 Canada Goose, two Greylag and a Little Grebe joined a few Mallard and Moorhen (see blog), and three Grey Heron were spotted resting on Bancroft Meadow. Around the now-cleared mound, a flock of Meadow Pipit were seen feeding, as were a few Pied Wagtail, and just across the river on the Perse sports fields, good numbers (100+) of Black-headed Gull were also seen.

Mixed flocks of up to six Blue Tit and four Great Tit were regularly seen in gardens, often including a few Coal Tit or Long-tailed Tit, as well as an occasional Blackcap or Goldcrest in some gardens. Flocks of up to 8-9 Goldfinch were also garden regulars, with 30 also being seen on GP, and 2-3 Greenfinch were also reported on feeders. Encouragingly, a few more Chaffinch also seem to be around. Blackbird were also often seen, as well as a few Dunnock and Wren, and a singing Robin could often be heard.

A Song Thrush was seen in a Cambridge Rd garden, as well as on GP and the LSA, and a group of Starling made a welcome return to a Hall Farm garden after a long absence, and small flocks were also seen on GP and the LSA. The colony of House Sparrow on Lewis Cres continues to thrive, with 10-20 hopping around their hedge on a sunny day.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was regularly spotted in Cambridge Rd and Hall Farm gardens (see blog), and a Jay and 1-2 Magpie were seen at several sites. A Collared Dove was occasionally reported, joining the more numerous Stock Dove, Woodpigeon and Feral Pigeon seen at several locations.

A couple of Buzzard were seen ‘worming’ on the Perse sports fields, and were seen overhead on a number of occasions. A Red Kite and a Kestrel were both reported from several locations, and a Sparrowhawk was seen catching an unfortunate Goldfinch on Lewis Cres (see blog). Up to three Tawny Owl were also heard calling at various locations around the villages.

A male Pheasant appeared throughout the month under a Lewis Cres feeder, and a covey of Red-legged Partridge were seen on the LSA, where small numbers of Skylark were heard singing. Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Rook were also reported, often in quite large numbers on GP.

 

Mammals

Fallow Deer – two seen at the top of Chalky Rd in 23rd.

Hare – one on GP near Illumina on 15th.

 

Weather

The rainfall in December was 51 mm which is slightly over the average. The highest temperature was 15.5 degrees C on the 18th with the lowest being minus 0.5 degrees on the 4th. This was the only day the temperature went below freezing, so overall a mild month with winds mainly from a southerly direction. This may account for many bulbs starting to shoot and the fact that some Snowdrops and Aconites are in bloom.

 

Many thanks to all those who contributed reports of their sightings for December 2024.

Jeff Dowling, David & Gaynor Farrant, Gordon & Carolyn Hannah, Andy & Polly Merryweather, 

Gill & Richard Smith, John & Maggie Turner, Derek Turnidge.

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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)