Thursday, 19 February 2026

Red Kite perched in garden

28th January 2026 - Andy M watched a Red Kite circling over his garden recently. Nothing particularly unusual in that, as these magnificent birds often patrol along the field edge behind the house. 

On this occasion however, the bird started circling down lower and lower until it finally dropped onto the ground alongside the hedge, only to rapidly reappear and fly into a large oak tree. There it perched for some time while it appeared to tear at a food item in its talons, before consuming it. Closer inspection suggested that what it was eating was actually a slice of white bread - an unusual supplement to its usual diet of carrion, but I guess when the weather is hard, one can't afford to be picky!



Lesser Redpoll visiting 'down south'

28th January 2026 - Andy M was lucky enough to regularly have up to three Common (Lesser) Redpoll visit his garden during the last week of the month. These small, feisty birds are members of the finch family that visit southern Britain during the winter months, usually on appearing in gardens only when the weather gets colder. Despite the small size, they will often dominate the feeders, pushing off their larger cousins.

Smaller and more streaky in appearance than the more common finches, both male and female have a small yellow bill and a red crown or 'poll'. The male also sports a red throat and breast which intensifies in colour as the breeding season approaches. Come the spring, they will head north to breed, some to the north-west UK as well as to northern Scandinavia and Russia.

male

female

male

female

male

male

Winter flora in Sluice Wood

25th January 2026 - David F took these photos of Snowdrop and Aconite whilst out in Sluice Wood.


Wintery sun through Lagden's Grove

18th January 2026 - a few scenes of wintery sun, whilst Andy M was walking through Lagden's Grove, on GP.




A few brilliant fungi

18th January 2026 - Andy M spotted some tiny fungi, all punching well above their size in terms of colour, in Lagden's Grove on GP. 






Snowdrops and Aconites in Sluice Wood

18th January 2026 - the Snowdrops were out in abundance in Sluice Wood on GP, with the Aconites ready and waiting for a little sun.





Wintery scenes in Sluice Wood

4th January 2026 - David F took these atmospheric photos during a chilly, wintery walk through Sluice Wood.


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)