Tuesday 26 May 2015

Wrens' nest in Lewis Crescent

Andy M was watching the birds around his garden over the bank holiday weekend for the Abington Birdwatch and was pleased to discover that a Wren had made a lovely nest in the ivy on the fence at the bottom of the garden. 

Interestingly, one adult spent a little time brooding the young - maybe it was a little cooler on Monday. However, mostly the adults were very busy feeding the young - at least three - so busy in fact, that they were quite happy to let him get close enough for a picture or two!



Saturday 23 May 2015

Reed Warbler at Granta Park - and report of a Cuckoo

Last weekend, Andy M took this picture of a Reed Warbler in full song. It has been singing in the reeds around the lake at Granta Park for a couple of weeks now.



Polly M has heard a Cuckoo calling, when out in the garden around mid-day on 21st May.  It sounded as though it was somewhere along the field boundary between their house and Pampisford Road.
"... in June I sing my tune.."

Thursday 21 May 2015

Orange Tip and Speckled Wood butterflies in High Street Little Abington

Jennifer took these pictures on 9th May

Orange tip on Bistort (persicaria)

Speckled wood on Evergreen alkanet

Note: Evergreen alkanet is a pernicious weed in gardens but the butterflies feed on it when it’s in flower – the rich blue of the flowers is lovely in May

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Long-tailed tits nesting

Andy M writes:

The Long-tailed tits nesting under our kitchen window fledged yesterday (11th May). 

I thought they were getting noisy and restless in the nest on Saturday- so much so that they were popping their heads out of the nest to take a look at the world...


Robin on nest

Andy M took this picture of a Robin on its nest on 25th April. See those hungry open beaks!


Wednesday 6 May 2015

Hedgehog in Church Lane

Len saw this little chap in a neighbouring garden:


Dawn Chorus

A few Abington residents joined a Granta Park expedition at 6.30 on Friday 1st May, followed by breakfast in the cafĂ©, in order to discover the best way to hear the dawn chorus.

Len took this photo...


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)