Thursday, 10 April 2025

Unusual garden visit from a Linnet pair

10th April 2025 - a pair of Linnet dropped into Andy M's front garden, to feed on some grass seeds growing along the edge of the driveway. It seems possible this was a breeding pair, since although the plumage of the male was not particularly brightly coloured, as would normally be the case in Spring, the female collected a feather before they both flew off, maybe to line a nest? 

Whilst Linnet can fairly often be seen in farmland around the edges of the village, it was quite unusual to see a pair in the garden.

Linnet pair, female on the left

Male Linnet - grey head and chestnut-brown back, but the red patches normally present
on the forehead and breast of breeding males seemed quite muted in this individual.


Female Linnet - generally duller coloured than the male and lacking any red,
with a paler more streaked appearance on the back and breast.

Female collecting a feather - maybe to line a nest?

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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)