Abington Naturewatch: April 2015

Sunday 26 April 2015

Red Kite over Granta Park

Andy M took this picture of a Red Kite over Granta Park on 24 April

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Blackbird eggs in Cambridge Road garden

Derek took this photo in his garden on 18 April. It appears to show parts of two separate Song Thrush eggs, found a few feet apart. He believes that the eggs hatched and were not predated.

Sunday 5 April 2015

Spring flowers on the Roman Road

Jennifer went for a walk on the Roman Road on the morning of 5th April, in the sunshine.

These photographs are of cowslips (the first few flowers but lots of plants and buds) and ground ivy:

Cowslips

Ground Ivy

Friday 3 April 2015

Partial Albino Blackbird near Church Lane

For some time, a Partial Albino Blackbird has been seen on or near the path from Church Lane to the Millennium Bridge - but as far as we know, no-one has managed to take a photo until now.

Gill Smith took this photo on the morning of 3rd April.

These albino birds are not unknown but are not common, as this report from the Daily Telegraph notes.

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)