Abington Naturewatch

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Spring on the Roman Road

The May flowers are out early - in large numbers - on the Roman Road (and elsewhere).

There's also some pussy willow.

Sunday, 25 March 2012

Birds return to Granta Park Lake

At the members' meeting on Saturday 24th March, it was reported that bird life had returned to Granta Park

Saturday, 10 March 2012

Mike and Lois Bull have added a new species to the Abington list today - a Ringnecked Parakeet on their peanut feeder!

The RSPB says that it is the UK's only naturalised parrot - it is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and very steady, direct flight. Often found in flocks, numbering hundreds at a roost site, it can be very noisy.

Saturday, 25 February 2012

Tree Sparrows in the Abingtons

First recorded sighting of Tree Sparrows in the Abingtons, 22 February 2012.

Both sexes have identical plumage. They can be distinguished from house sparrows by the rufous brown crowns to their heads (house sparrow males have slate grey crowns), the black patches on their cheeks, and a double set of white wing bars. Three individuals have joined a small flock of House Sparrows and are regularly visiting a seed feeder in the garden.

Photos: Anne Dunbar-Nobes

Monday, 19 December 2011

Fungi at Granta Park

George found a variety of fungi around Granta Park on 16th November.

Monday, 10 October 2011

Daddy Longlegs

Jim Cracknell took these photos on a bedroom window sill at the rear of their bungalow.

Saturday, 8 October 2011

Red on Red - Ladybirds

Jennifer took this picture on 6th October

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)