Category Archives: wildlife

Science and Conservation on the River

Leave a reply

Science and Conservation
Mark Bradfield of BBOWT (Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust) led a walk this morning as part of the Atom Science and Technology Festival. Passing through the lock he showed us a leaflet with paw prints so that we may now be able to tell a badger from a dog, and a mink from an otter. Mark was also interested to find that two of the earliest Lock keepers on the heritage board were Bradfields – possibly his ancestors.

He told us a lot of things on the way including what BBOWT is doing to control invasive animals like mink that are a real danger to Water Voles.
Science and Conservation
At the weir near swift ditch he identified some otter spraint (droppings), probably left as a territory marker. Otters are starting to make a comeback, and often eat the American Signal Crayfish (an invasive creature).
Science and Conservation
Mark also told us how important backwaters are for protecting fish from getting swept away. Backwaters and reed beds also help prevent flooding as not all the water goes down one fast channel.
Science and Conservation
He praised the reed beds over the other side of the river where a heron was stalking fish.

There was light snow falling throughout the day, and it was chilly. So after the ninety minute walk it was good to get back in the warmth. I visited the Community Shop (Free Space) where lots of children were enjoying making crystals as part of the Science Festival. The Market Place activities were not possible today because of the wind, but there are still lots of indoor talks and activities for the next week. See http://www.atomfestival.org.uk/

Please correct anything I got wrong in quoting Mark.

Osprey Sighting

2 Replies

Thanks to Steve for this from 1st September
Osprey
Excuse the poor photos but we couldn’t contain our excitement yesterday when around 2.00pm this Osprey began fishing almost opposite us in Wilsham Road on the River Thames in Abingdon.
Osprey

Frog and Hedgehog

7 Replies

Frog
Walking back from a meeting at Preston Road Community Centre this evening I spotted a toad on the pavement near the Old Saxton Arms – just there on the pavement in the rain.
Frog
Earlier I had seen a hedgehog crossing the road, and taking a long time doing it, sniffing for insects at it went. I don’t usually see live hedgehogs on the road.

Swan Upping 2017

1 Reply

Swan Upping 2017
On Friday 21st July 2017 the annual Swan Upping arrived at Abingdon, completing a five day journey up the Thames.
Swan Upping 2017
2017 was a relatively good year with more swans counted than the previous three years.
Swan Upping 2017
At Abingdon Marina two cygnets and a father swan were caught near the slipway. Their mother was nowhere to be seen.
Swan Upping 2017
David Barber, the Queen’s Swan Marker, and the Queen’s swan uppers were accompanied by swan uppers from both the Vintners’ and Dyers’ livery companies. Some swans are marked for the Queen and others for the Vintners’ or Dyers’ depending on parentage.
Swan Upping 2017
The swan and cygnets were assessed for signs of disease and injury, then weighed and ringed with identification numbers. Mr Barber gave a few white feathers, that had come loose from the adult swan, to a child who had held one of the cygnets.
Swan Upping 2017
The two cygnets were claimed for the Queen by Mr Barber, although the Dyers’ also tried to make a claim.
Swan Upping 2017
The flotilla of six traditional skiffs then rowed off back across the Marina to the Thames – they were rejoined by the three motor boats that give support and provide the occasional tow.
Swan Upping 2017
The end of the journey was at Abingdon Bridge where people had gathered. @TheAbingdonTaxi was there on the bridge – reporting directly on Twitter. He had already seen pictures, on Twitter, from @wbGabbleRatchet who was at the Marina.
Swan Upping 2017
At Abingdon Bridge the skiffs came together and the company stood up to toast the Queen.

A minute or so later they disembarked, and David Barber was talking on his mobile phone. Then he gave another interview to a lady from the press. A lot of his job is education and public relations to help raise awareness and protect swans. I think he said to her 134 cygnets this year.

Finally, a pleasure cruiser came under the bridge – ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ blaring out. One of the passengers made as if they were conducting the assembled throng on the bridge.