Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Kingfisher nesting along the river

17th July 2026 - whilst walking through Sluice Wood, Julia M heard an unusual muffled bird call, apparently coming from along the river. Further investigation led her to discover that the sounds were coming from a hole in the bank, and were most likely from young Kingfisher in the nest burrow. 

Having alerted Andy M, he sat for a while waiting for the adult to return, which after some time one did, delivering food to the evidently hungry and very noisy young, before backing out of the burrow and immediately diving into the water to wash its feathers - all over in a flash.

This is the first confirmed record of nesting Kingfisher along the Abington stretch of the river for many years, and given the very low level of the water, its a wonder there were enough fish to feed the family. About a week after this, Julia passed the spot again, and heard nothing, so it is assumed (hoped) that the young fledged.




[photos Andy M]
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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)