============================================ || || 10th April 2011 || || LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. News from the Lincolnshire Coast NNRs 5. News from Far Ings NNR 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Bulletin is being read by 940 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union or any associated organisations. Please make contact via the LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ or e-mail wildlifenews@lnu.org, or contact the Editor to join up and contribute articles or reports. [Or cancel!] E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editorial *** Note: I plan a walkabout over the school holiday. Normal service will resume in about a week. Please keep those reports coming in. Thanks. Roger p.s. Note the 940 members! Another 60 gets us up to the 1000. Can you help with a bit of publicity? *** April Lyrids *** Paul Money's "Night Scenes 2011" reminds me that the April Lyrid meteor shower will be falling from 19th to 25th April, with a peak on the 22nd. The moon could spoil the seeing if the cloud doesn't, but make a mental note and let us know if you see anything. Meteor links can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/cosmic.html *** LNU Events *** For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. See section 11 for full programme. April 17, 2011 Wilsford Heath Quarry SSSI (Private site) South of Ancaster 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small on-site car park at SK985 413. Gate to site to be unlocked by land owner. Habitats: Woodland. Scrub, Calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Dead Otters Found Dead In Illegal Eel Traps *** See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-12998075 The Environment Agency Press says: Four otters have drowned after becoming trapped in a net set illegally to trap eels. The otters, a protected species, were discovered by members of the Barton Wildfowlers group at Barton Clay Pits on Thursday, 31 March – the last day of the first ever close season for eel fishing. Phil Smith, Environment Agency Biodiversity Officer, said: "It is tragic these four otters met their end by drowning in such an horrendous way, in nets being used illegally on an unauthorised site. If the people who set these nets are caught, we will not hesitate to prosecute. Eel nets should be used only with permission from the land owner and the consent of the Environment Agency." *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards are coming up, so if you have a project to submit, now is the time to think about it. The deadline for applications is: 30 April 2011 See: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ An on-line application form is available on: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/how-to-enter.php Bulletin readers will all be connected to likely projects. A good number of entries is always very encouraging to the organisers, so how about having a go? *** Joseph Banks Lecture *** A note from Paul Scott The Sir Joseph Banks Society Annual Lecture is to be held on Thursday May 12th at Horncastle College. Dr. Rob Wheeler will give a talk about Banks and the draining of East, West and Wildmore Fens. Dr Wheeler is secretary of the national Charles Close Society and author of the recent volume "Maps of the Witham Fens from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century." Doors open at 7.00pm with a 7.30pm prompt start. See link to a map for those not familiar with the venue. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-culture-and-heritage/lifelong-learning/horncastle-college?tab=maps *** Beetle to Watch For *** Charlie Barnes writes: Elater ferrugineus, the Rusty Click Beetle, is classified as endangered in the UK, with records restricted to a few areas in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and London. This summer a nationwide programme of "mark capture release" will be taking place to help establish the true distribution and status of the species. Volunteers will be required to monitor traps set to attract the beetle. If you're interested in taking part, contact Charlie Barnes charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk for more information. *** Far Ings Botany Course *** Buttercups and Willowherbs Saturday 16th. July 2011 A half day course looking at Ranunculus and Epilobiums. A friendly atmosphere, with tea and coffee. Suitable for the beginner or someone with an established interest. Indoor Talk Outdoor Walk Tutor: Mick Binnion Please contact Far Ings Visitor Centre to reserve a place Tel. No. 01652 637055 (You don't have to be a Brain Surgeon!) All welcome. Adult event. Price of the course £5. Includes booklet. *** Grantham Area Group of the LWT *** Sunday 17th April 2.30-4.00pm Tortoiseshell Wood & Porter's Lodge Meadow Walks Location OS: 130 GR: SK963197 Guided walk with expert around the reserve Bring binoculars and wear strong footwear *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 11th April 2011 you are invited to join us for an illustrated talk entitled "Cutters, masons and bumbles" This is about social and solitary bees and is presented by invertebrate expert Dr. David Sheppard. This will follow the group's AGM which starts at 7.00pm. This will be held in the banqueting room of Grimsby Town Hall. Admission £2. There will be Trust goods stall, raffle and refreshments. All are welcome to join us. For further information contact Jenny Redpath Grimsby 502858 *** Sleaford LWT *** Sleaford Area Group of the LWT Solo Club, Sleaford 7.30pm, Mon 18th April AGM followed by talk by Dr David Sheppard called `Cutters, Masons & Bumbles`, relating to the lesser known types of bees. Admission one pound. Coffee & biscuits will be available. Sat 11th June. Coach trip to RSPB Titchwell on the Norfolk coast, and Castle Acre Priory (English Heritage) and Castle. Take a picnic lunch. The cost will depend upon coach numbers. Meet Eastgate Car Park (Sleaford) at 8.30am. For details & bookings please ring Anthea Ashmore on 01529 413890. *** Alkborough Flats Event *** 12th April - 10am Family fun on the farm A brilliant morning out for all the family. See the newly born spring lambs, cows and calves. Learn what farm life is all about! Please wear suitable clothing and wellies. Cost: £2/child Dawn Chorus Walk and Breakfast - 7th May 4.30am, £5 per person A leisurely walk followed by hot drinks and breakfast at the Paddocks Tea Room Bird Walk - 28th May 8.30am, £2 per person A relaxed stroll around Alkborough Flats with help identifying any birds seen Photography - 28th May 2pm, £10 per person Capture the magic of Alkborough Flats and the surrounding area with the help of local photographer Lee Beel. www.lee-beel-photography.co.uk All levels of ability and any camera welcome Landscape in Watercolour - 6th June 10am, £10 per person + lunch Develop your artistic skills with the help of a local artist. Different watercolour techniques will be covered and there will be plenty of opportunity to put these into practice. Lunch at the Paddocks tea room Booking is essential for all events, please call: 01724 721269 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. 2/4 16 Shorelarks, Gibraltar Point 2 Garganey, Covenham Reservoir 3/4 3 Firecrests, 6+ Crossbills, Gibraltar Point Firecrest singing, Far Ings Waxwing, Westwoodside 2 Lapland Buntings, 35 Twite, Osprey, Frampton Marsh White-tailed eagle, Little Cawthorpe Western subalpine warbler, Humberston Fitties Garganey, Kirkby on Bain. 4/4 4 Lapland Buntings, Frampton Marsh 10 Waxwings, Bourne, Exeter Street Rough-legged Buzzard thru Gibraltar Point Garganey, Kirkby on Bain 5/4 Red Kite, Cleethorpes, St Pewter's Avenue Garganey, Kirkby on Bain 11 Waxwings, Bourne, Exeter Street 6/4 Great Grey Shrike, Luddington Grasshopper Warbler, Cleethorpes Country Park Garganey, Kirkby on Bain Hen Harrier, Manby Flashes Ring Ousel, Saltfleetby NNR 7/4 2 Common cranes, Serin, Gibraltar Point 2 Common cranes, Freiston Shore Slavonian Grebe, Barton upon Humber, Water's Edge 8/4 Garganey, Kirkby on Bain Slavonian Grebe, Barton upon Humber, Water's Edge Common Crane, Anwick Great Grey Shrike, Luddington Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. South Lincolnshire bird sightings March 2011 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings. Whisby Nature Park and North Hykeham Pits The wintering Siskins remained until mid-month (12th). Lesser Redpolls were seen all month and with them were two Mealy Redpolls (13th to 15th). 30 Pink-footed Geese landed briefly (18th) before continuing their journey, while a Green Sandpiper (13th) was probably a late wintering bird. Spring migrants included the first singing Chiffchaff (11th), two Sand Martins and two Little Ringed Plovers (23rd), two Willow Warblers (30th) and two Blackcaps (31st). Gibraltar Point NNR Black Brant (11th-12th), Great White Egret (14th & 17th) and Red Kite (28th-29th) were all seen on two dates, while up to seven Crossbills, 10 Shorelarks and 30 Avocets were regular. A Firecrest was seen on several dates. A Spoonbill was seen on one date (3rd) as were two adult Mediterranean Gulls (25th). Woodlark (11th) and Water Pipit (29th) appeared to be passing through. Summer visitors included White Wagtail (21st) and Little Ringed Plover (29th). Other Sites Waxwings included 70 in Grantham, 60 in Lincoln, 15 at Belton Park (1st) and 14 at Skegness. A Red-necked Grebe was at Kirkby on Bain for a day (2nd). Also here a Great White Egret was present though elusive throughout the month. 10 Goosanders were at Hartsholme Country Park (20th) and up to three Smew were at Kirkby on Bain and Baston-Langtoft. The first Wheatear reported was at Great Hale (19th). It was a great month for Red Kites with sightings from at l east 13 locations. A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Dorrington Fen (26th). *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming, We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from all readers, be they beginners or professionals. Thanks. ANDERBY CREEK Anderby Creek (Lincs Coastal Country Park) Dave Miller & John Walker 7th April Canada Goose 2 Mallard 1 Marsh Harrier pair displaying BH Gull ca 20 Common gull ca 10 Herring Gull ca 30 Woodpigeon 3 Barn Owl 1 Swallow 7 Chiffchaff 1 Willow Warbler 1 Wren 2 Dunnock 8 Chaffinch 2 Linnet 4 Reed Bunting 2 Harbour Porpoise at least 2 feeding about 100 – 150m offshore ANTON'S GOWT/Water Rail way R & A Parsons 3/4/11 Woodcock 2 pairs of oystercatcher "interacting" Chiffchaff 12+ Great spotted woodpecker BARDNEY Phil & Mary Porter 2/4/11 We had a remarkable day of garden birds on Saturday, which justified huge outlay on birdfood. 1 great spotted woodpecker c.12 goldfinches c.15 greenfinches c. 20 chaffinches 2-3 bramblings 1 female reed bunting (we had seen a male about 10 days previously which was our first) 1 male yellowhammer …..and best of all a mealy redpoll complete with greyish plumage, broad whitish wing bar and clear white rump area visible between the wing-tips. It fed on niger from a dispenser and also spend a good while pecking into plum blossom. BASTON Grummits Resevoir, Baston Ian Misselbrook 03 April 2011 1 Brimstone Butterfly Coltsfoot Cowslip –probably introduced 3 Red Crested Pochard 1 Chiffchaff 2 Oystercatchers Baston and Langtoft Pits Ian Misselbrook 03 April 2011 Lesser Celandine Dandelion Ground Ivy Red Dead Nettle Stinging nettle Common Daisy 2 Brimstones 1 Peacock 1 Queen Buff-tailed Bumble bee 3 Red crested Pochard 2 Sand Martins 2 singing Blackcaps 3 singing Chiffchaffs Displaying Lapwings Pair of Oystercatchers BOSTON (BLACK SLUICE) 31/03/2011 Roy and Kath Pearson Sand Martins 2 BOSTON (OLD LONDON RD HOSPITAL SITE) 04/04/2011 Roy and Kath Pearson Very vocal Green Woodpecker BRANSTON; VALLEY ESTATE 4/4/2011 Janis Wright Sparrowhawk seen skimming the top of our hedge in an attempt to take one of the resident sparrows. BRANT BROUGHTON A17 near Brant Broughton TF916533 (approximate area) Liz Fleuty 28th March 2011 c. 18:40 Possible red kite flying north - south I didn't get a good look at it as I was driving at the time, just noticed it flying over and saw a forked tail. Can anyone confirm? CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK 893 575 2/4/2011, 19.20 Jeremy Hutchinson Swallow (the earliest I've ever seen anywhere). FAR INGS 04/04/11 Mick Binnion The first of the swallows arrived today. Two flying with the sand martins. One of the Mute Swans is already tight down on eggs, on a massive construction, biggest I've seen in years, very elevated. FRAMPTON VILLAGE Barry & Jane Kyme 30/3/11 A first for the feeders in the garden, 3 Bramblings feeding on the ground underneath. A camera has been assembled in a tit nestbox and some purchased wood chippings put in the bottom of the box. Interestingly a Great Tit has visited several times to remove some of the large chippings and flown away with them. A Barn Owl was seen hunting on Mon 28th Feb and again on Tues morning when it was seen to climb into a large shrub in the hedgerow covered with ivy. When it didn't emerge a later investigation showed that it appeared to be roosting there and indeed didn't emerge until dusk. An Egret has also been seen on several occasions visiting a dyke. Last week a bike ride along the Welland from Fosdyke Bridge towards Surfleet reservoir revealed a Short Eared Owl which was hunting , it was observed for a good 10 minutes. A follow up visit the next day failed but a Barn Owl was found along the same stretch of river. FENTON (own garden) SK846 767 Richard Fox 7th April 2011 Brimstone Holly Blue Pair of Common Buzzards riding thermals above garden Sparrowhawk (f) keeping locals at bay Stock Dove (until Sparrowhawk arrived!) FENTON (Ramper Lane) SK844 772 Richard Fox 7th April 2011 Plenty of activity along the lane (farm track) with Chiff Chaff very vocal Green Woodpecker House Martin (5) Swallow (2) The herd of Mute Swan all but disappeared now Green veined white Holly Blue HUTTOFT Huttoft Pit Dave Miller 6th April Mute Swan 3 juvs Greylag Goose 10 Canada Goose 6 Wigeon 2 Mallard 2 Shoveler 2 Tufted Duck 1 Little Grebe 1 Marsh Harrier pair displaying Moorhen 1 Coot 5 Woodpigeon 6 Blue tit 1 Swallow 4 Small Tortoiseshell 6 Peacock 6 Holly blue 1 KIRKBY UNDERWOOD CALLAN'S LANE WOOD, 6 April 2011 16.00 – 1700 hrs 20+ Orange Tips –all males 4 Brimstones 1 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Peacock Plants in flower:- Bluebells Primroses Coltsfoot Dandelion Lesser Celandine Birds Mallard Pheasant Woodpigeons Carrion Crows Rooks Willow Warblers -3 singing Chiffchaffs -6 singing Blackcaps -3 singing Goldcrest -2 singing Marsh Tits a pair Coal Tits Blue Tits Great Tits G.S Woodpeckers 3 -2 drumming 2 green Woodpeckers 1 Nuthatch Blackbird Song Thrush Robin Wrens 3 Bullfinches Chaffinches LACEBY BECK 03/04/11 Mick Binnion 1 Small Tortoiseshell 6 Brimstone ! Plenty of Bee-fly about. RAND WOOD TF082779 C Smith 6/4/2011 Moths to Actinic light Brindled Beauty 4 Brindled Pug 3 Chestnut 8 Clouded Drab 11 Common Quaker 7 Early Grey 5 Early Thorn 1 Early Tooth-striped 2 Frosted Green 1 Hebrew Character 11 Lunar Marbled Brown 1 Powdered Quaker 1 Shoulder Stripe 1 Small Quaker 1 Streamer 5 Twin-spotted Quaker 3 Water Carpet 1 Agonopterix ocellana 1 Diurnea fagella 10 RIPPINGALE Observers garden Ian Misselbrook 6 April 2011. On the warmest day of the year a mix of winter and spring. I disturbed a Fieldfare in the garden at 7.00 am and a male Brambling is still coming to the feeders now resplendent in summer plumage despite two appearances by a Sparrowhawk. Also in the garden a Blackcap, a summer visitor in full song. Wild flowers include masses of Lesser Celandine and Early Dog Violets. Butterflies on the wing; 2 Holly Blues, 1 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Peacock. SEACROFT Seacroft Marsh SSSI Dave Miller 29th March Chiffchaff 1 31st March Ringed Plover 3 Redshank 2 BH Gull 9 Common gull 17 Herring gull 12 Woodpigeon 6 Carrion Crow 4 Skylark 1 Swallow 1 Dunnock 5 Pied Wagtail 2 Meadow Pipit 4 Chaffinch 2 Reed Bunting 2 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Rabbit 1 J Haines 4th April Skylark 3 Swallow 1 Wheatear 1 Chaffinch 2 T Savage 7th April Harbour Porpoise – dead Tree/shrub survey 5th April Common Beech, Sycamore, Norway Maple, Hawthorn, Oval-leaved Privet, Sea Buckthorn, Elder, English Elm, Golden Weeping Willow, Holly, Crab Apple, Black Poplar, Snowberry, Leyland Cypress, Coton- easter, Common Hazel, Cherry Laurel, Lombardy Poplar, Wayfaring Tree, Barberry. SKELLINGTHORPE Skellingthorpe Old Wood SK9072 Caroline Steel 28 March Six buzzards wheeling and crying over wood on a warm and sunny afternoon. Who would have thought it possible a few years ago? ULCEBY CROSS TF418742 John Nickson 3rd April 2011 Red Kite. RAF WADDINGTON Brian Eke & Co-workers 03/04/2011 Curlew Corn bunting pr nest site prospecting Buzzard Wheatear 3m/3f Fieldfare 200 Field speedwell Meadow buttercup 04/04/2011 Curlew 2/1/1 have had 5 Fieldfare 70 Redwing Sparrowhawk f Mallard 6 Wheatear 3m/7f Buzzard White dead nettle 05/04/2011 nights Stonechat m Magpie Swallow 2 Wheatear 3m/6f Curlew 2 06/04/2011 nights Linnet 80 Wheatear 3m/16f had 13 sitting in a 100m area taking the sun and sheltering from the wind Fieldfare 75 Curlew Yellowhammer 3 nest building Tortoiseshell WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 3/4 Bombylius major [Bee fly] Andrena fulva [tawny mining bee], also "mines" in grass. and another Andrena-type bee species, much smaller, working wild plum blossom. Any thoughts? Stockdove - pair. 5/4/11 Brimstone butterfly. 6/4/11 3 Peacock and 1 Small tortoiseshell butterfly. WILLOWTREE FEN NR, GUTHRAM. John Redshaw 3rd April 2011 Buzzard 1,  Marsh Harrier  1, Oystercatcher 2, Red Kite 1, Swallow  2, Teal  18, Butterflies: Brimstone 4, Comma 2,   6th April 2011 Bewick's Swan 2, Blackcap 3, Gadwall 2pr., Mute Swan 44, Sand Martin 3, Wigeon 4, Yellow Wagtail 1. Butterflies: Brimstone 3, Peacock 10, Small Tortoiseshell 6, Large White 1. WOODTHORPE C. Brady 6/4/2011 Swallow at Woodthorpe last night and still there this morning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/index.php Katherine Bocock 18/03/2011 Black-throated Diver Chiffchaff 3 Firecrest Goldcrest Great White Egret Pink-footed Goose 8 Red-throated Diver 7 Short-eared Owl 2 Stonechat White-fronted Goose 10 Woodcock 19/03/2011 Corn Bunting 18 Hen Harrier 3 Merlin Peregrine Redwing 3 Tree Sparrow Woodcock 4 20/03/2011 Buzzard Crossbill Stonechat Treecreeper 22/03/2011 Brimstone Butterfly 24/03/2011 Buzzard Chiffchaff Goosander 1 Shorelark 8 Siskin 20 White Wagtail 27/03/2011 Avocet 29 Black-tailed Godwit 4 Chiffchaff 1 Corn Bunting 13 Goldeneye 2 Hen Harrier 2 Pintail 2 Redpoll 2 Rook 2 Siskin 20 Stonechat 2 Woodcock 1 28/03/2011 Avocet Coal Tit Corn Bunting Goldcrest Hen Harrier Merlin Peregrine Pochard Ringed Plover Snipe Stonechat White Wagtail 30/03/2011 Golden Plover 21 Marsh Harrier 1 Sand Martin 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Wheatear 2 31/03/2011 Fieldfare 5 Goldfinch 50 Merlin Redwing Siskin 22 Swallow 3 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker. 7th April 2011 Considerable insect activity this week with dozens of bumblebees, ladybirds, and various flies. Marsh marigold ,and ground violets in flower. Migrant birds seen included, osprey 1, swallow 34 north on weds, common crane 2 circling then south, willow warbler 20 singing weds, blackcap 5, chiffchaff 9, wheatear 2, sedge warbler 1, house martin 1, ring ouzel 1, RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore John Badley March 2011. RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp Avocets continued to increase with up to 27. Other waders included up to 18 Ruff, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and 50 Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors were well represented with Rough-legged Buzzard (5th) and the first reserve record of Goshawk (14th). Up to 40 Twite were in front of the 360 Hide throughout. Whooper Swans peaked at an impressive 157 (19th), a Black Brant was seen on one date (5th) as was Great White Egret (8th), although a Little Gull remained for nearly two weeks (7th to 19th). Summer migrants included Sand Martin (from 12th), Swallow (19th), Garganey, Wheatear and six Little Ringed Plovers (from 28th) RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp Avocets started to return from the beginning of the month, with a peak count of 18 (20th). A Rough-legged Buzzard flew South (8th). Good numbers of Goldeneyes and Red-breasted Mergansers were present offshore, with up to 30 of both and a Shag was also present on one date (22nd). 11 European White-fronted Geese (20th-24th) and a Greenshank (24th) were seen on the wet grassland. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Report follows next week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Adrian Royle's website for photos of species from the Limewoods. http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ CHAMBERS FARM WOOD 27.3 - 2.4.11 Adrian Royle A bit more birdwatching than I would normally do; lots of Chiffchaffs 41 singing males heard over 2 days, probably a few more though that I missed. Still a few Brambling and Redpolls, lots of Siskins and more Spring migrants arriving. The first Blackcaps heard on the 29th, also a Nuthatch calling. More beetles about especially Ladybirds; 23 Pine Ladybirds found on one tree on the 31st and 11 Kidney Spot Ladybirds also on the 31st. I would normally be happy to see a couple of these but seeing so many was a big surprise. More Bee Flies - Bombylius major about but still not many. The big, hairy, supposedly rare fly Tachina ursina seen last week is now almost common up to 8 seen on 2nd April. My first Groundhoppers of the year showed on 31st, 1 Common and 3 Slender Groundhoppers. Also 2 Green Shieldbugs nearby. SOUTHREY WOOD TF13368 C Smith 5/4/2011 Moths to Actinic light Brindled Beauty 3 Brindled Pug 7 Chestnut 14 Clouded Drab 4 Common Quaker 21 Dotted Border 3 Early Grey 3 Early Thorn 1 Engrailed 2 Frosted Green 8 Hebrew Character 15 Lunar Marbled Brown 1 March Moth 1 Oak Beauty 5 Purple Thorn 1 Satellite 4 Small Quaker 42 Streamer 1 Twin-spotted Quaker 7 Diurnea fagella 15 Semioscopis avellanella 1 Tortricodes alternella 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk] When sending in reports please follow Bulletin layout to save editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms via Tori Sandilands at the Lincs Wildlife Trust Horncastle office, e-mail vsandilands@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny macalpine@doddington.demon.co.uk *** Contacts List *** PC Nigel LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer - Community Safety Police HQ Deepdale Lane Nettleham Lincs LN57PH Tel 01522 558684 e-mail: nigel.lound@lincs.pnn.police.uk or Nige LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer County Police Station Sea Lane Ingoldmells Lincs PE24 44XX Tel: 01522 558684 e-mail: nigelound@btinternet.com *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** Whisby's Bee and Wasp List *** Dr Michael Archer and Alan Phillips have put together an impressive list. Have a look and see how many species you recognise by name! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php?id=73 Also see: http://norwegica.wordpress.com/author/norwegica/ Could this be the year you learn to identify bees and wasps? *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning Email: chris@lincsdeer.info Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** New Met Office Service *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20090727.html *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** LNU Plant Galls Recorder *** Graeme Clayton Please note my new addresses for plant gall id etc:- 46 Sibthorp Street Lincoln LN5 7SH gclayton54@o2.co.uk Willing to check or identify any plant gall material. Recording forms www.british-galls.org.uk *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Bird Club Grantham Peregrine Project *** The Lincs Bird Club is pleased to announce the return of the Grantham Peregrine Webcam. Images from the tower at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham can be seen at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/pegcam.html while details of daily activity can be found at http://pegcam.blogspot.com. Birds have already been seen in the nesting tray, so fingers crossed that they breed again successfully in 2011. Details of last year's successful breeding attempt can be download at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/Articles/2010_Peregrine_Blog.pdf *** Wash Cruises *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB group have released details of their 2011 Wash Birdwatching Cruises programme. Each Cruise lasts about 4/5 hours and after boarding the boat at Sluice Bridge, Boston the trip follows the river Witham into the Wash, along the river Welland with views over the saltmarsh bordering the RSPB reserve before returning to Boston. During 2010 over 100 bird species were seen and seals are also seen on most cruises. There are 15 cruises starting 13th April and continuing until 22nd October. RSPB members £14 (children under 16 £8) and non-members £16-50 (£9). Further details on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk or call 07531495521. *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Natural England http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs. Wildlife Trust Website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ Lincs Environmental Records Centre The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk or for more general queries: info@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk *** Interesting Weather radar website *** Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.co.uk/ RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: freistonshore@rspb.org.uk Bardney Limewoods www.limewoods.co.uk limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's moths: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v499/jsylvester/Moths%20in%20my%20garden%202010/ Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: I've put all my decent photos of common butterflies on the Grimsby website: See http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk Chambers Farm Wood NEW contact - Mary Porter Mary.porter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Lincolnshire Bird Club Secretary - Janet Eastmead: janet.eastmead@talktalk.net Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Identifying Hoverflies - have you registered yet? *** Information from Ian Macalpine-Leny Whisby Education Centre in conjunction with Roger Morris are holding an Introduction to Hoverflies event on 26th and 27th March 2011 and 24th September 2011 (3 day course). Roger Morris describes the course as follows:- An Introduction to Hoverfly Identification This course is designed to give the novice sufficient confidence to tackle these attractive and interesting flies. By the end of the second day most pupils can be expected to understand the critical parts of the keys that often cause trouble. The programme comprises a mixture of formal and informal sessions. Identification sessions use preserved material provided by the course tutors. Course literature has been designed to compliment the keys in Stubbs & Falk's British Hoverflies. A second session in September is scheduled to provide an opportunity for pupils to refresh their knowledge and have specimens confirmed. It will also give an opportunity to look at more challenging genera that often cause difficulties. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. April 17, 2011 Wilsford Heath Quarry SSSI (Private site) South of Ancaster 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small on-site car park at SK985 413. Gate to site to be unlocked by land owner. Habitats: Woodland. Scrub, Calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 15, 2011 Priory Farm, Orford (Sir Richard Sutton Settled Estates) NW of Binbrook. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in yard of Priory Farm at TF194 945. Habitats: Waithe Beck, marsh, ponds, arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 19, 2011 Great Eau - Theddlethorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at TF454857 Healey Land, park on side of Road - note cattle may be grazing. Habitats: River, Marsh, Ditches. Leader: Chris Manning 07752 353303 chris@lincsdeer.info Sunday, July 03, 2011 South Farm, Thurlby. SW of Lincoln. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in yard of South Farm at SK907 614. Habitats: River Witham, ponds, grassland and arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, July 16, 2011 Hatfield/Thorne Moor NNR Joint Meeting withYorkshire Naturalists' Union Botanical Survey Habitats: Moorland and Heath Contact Ian McDonald at iannutwell@talktalk.net if interested Saturday, August 13, 2011 Alkborough Flats (North Lincs Council and Environment Agency) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in car park at SE879 221. Take lane on left just pass church (if coming from south) and continue downhill. Evening moth/bat session starting at 8.30pm Habitats should be Saltmarsh, marsh, lagoons, ditches, pasture. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Colin Smith (evening) 07595 414318 Saturday, September 24, 2011 Riseholme College, N of Lincoln, off A15 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in car park next to Conference Hall at SK981 756 Evening moth/bat session starting at 7pm. Includes an opportunity to investigate the LNU Collection and encourage students to use them. Habitats: Parkland, woodland, lake. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com (afternoon) and Colin Smith (evening) 07595 414318 Sunday, October 23, 2011 Fungus Foray, Callan's Lane Wood (Forestry Commission site) Kirkby Underwood. North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at car park TF061 270 Habitats: Mixed Woodland Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find a copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Recent mailfails: *** Don't Try This! *** [Speakers on!] http://www.wimp.com/tryslingshot/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/