=========================================== || || 15th April 2012 || || 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 1065 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are also 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor Writes *** Paul Money's "Nightscenes" says the Lyrid meteor shower is due to peak on the early hours of the 22nd April. If you are up and about and skies are clear, keep an eye out for them. I am already looking forward to the Transit of Venus on 6th June, the last in our lifetimes. It will not be quite as observable here as the last one in 2004. Venus transits occur in pairs, with an 8 year gap. There follows a longer gap of 121 years, so we shall all miss seeing the next one, unless medical science makes some astounding progress. The young Joseph Banks observed such a transit from Tahiti in 1769. http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2004/28may_cook/ The naturalist Gilbert White observed that Venus transit in his Selbourne garden. Less adventurous but more comfortable. If you intend watching the Sun rise at 4.47 BST with Venus in Transit, you need to have made plans for safe viewing. e.g. using a pair of eclipse glasses. Please do not stare at the Sun with the naked eye or try to observe the Sun through a telescope or binoculars! Paul Money's Nightscenes details the Transit and the safety measures he advises we use. The BAA shop sells a safe Solar viewer at £1.75. Naturalists ought to have one of these in a safe place ready for the next eclipse! See: http://britastro.org/baa/ Shop: http://britastro.org/baa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=93 Click on "other items" and select "Solar Viewers" Roger *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. Sunday, April 29, 2012 Little Haw Wood (Forestry Commission site) Southwest of Castle Bytham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Moths to look out for... *** See Colin Smith's webpage on the LNU website: http://www.lnu.org/moths.php Reports welcome. *** Oil Beetle Hunt: Top News! They are here. *** Charlie Barnes writes: Oil beetles are still in Lincolnshire! Surveyors wanted! Following the recent plea in the Wildnews Bulletin for sightings of oil beetles, it was a pleasure to confirm their existence in Lincolnshire. Seeing my request, Catherine Brown contacted me to say she had spotted a single male on a road verge near Grantham. Her excellent description left me in no doubt of what she had seen and I visited the site a few days later. Approximately 15 females and 1 male were counted - most were seen burrowing on the verge. Catherine's record represents the first for the South Lincolnshire vice-county and only the 6th record for the historic county as a whole, the last being seen near Elsham in 1984. Despite being black and nearly 3cm long, it's quite possible that further colonies exist but haven't been recorded. If you would be interested in looking for oil beetles in your area you can either get in touch for more information or just take a camera with you when out walking and snap anything that's big and black! To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao With the paucity of records in Lincolnshire we have no "hot-spots" to concentrate on - they could be just about anywhere! As a rule, oil beetles like firm bare ground so road verges, footpaths or tracks are ideal. If you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk Garry Steele adds: Also, alas although I haven't got any Oil Beetle records for you, this was a timely topic in many ways as my brother contacted me only the other week to say he had spotted his first ever Oil Beetle at Budby Common NNR in Nottinghamshire. Apparently this is the only site remaining in Nottinghamshire where it is thought Oil Beetles can still be found. *** Lincoln's Commons *** Caroline Steel writes: City of Lincoln Council is producing management plans for the three commons in the city (West Common, South Common and Cow Paddle), all of which are Local Wildlife Sites. Botanical records are fairly comprehensive and the Council has commissioned great crested newt surveys this spring. However, records of other groups are far from comprehensive and would merit attention. Records of reptiles and breeding birds would be particularly welcome. Knowing how many skylark young survive each year, despite dogs and horses, would be interesting. There are reports of adders from both South and West Commons (including dogs having been bitten by them) – could there be any truth in these accounts? Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has been heavily involved in developing the management proposals and would like to help establish a recording programme. Please contact Caroline Steel csteel@lincstrust.co.uk if interested in recording on any of the commons: and please could all readers with an interest in reptiles comment on whether adders could possibly be present. *** Moorhens and other beasties *** Garry Steele writes: re: Moorhens nesting high up in trees/bushes: About 10 years ago I came across such a nest at an estimated 12 feet above ground level in a hawthorn tree in Nettleton Valley near Caistor. My attention was initially drawn to the presence of the nest by the excitable calls of baby moorhens overhead, plus Mum Moorhen making repeated contact calls from the rushy stream course below. This was quickly followed by each of the young (I cannot remember exactly how many now) jumping in turn from off the nest and tumbling as best they could through the mass of thorny branches to the ground below and then galloping off to the cover of the rushes and Mum. Also, just to say that I enjoyed the piece produced by John Redshaw on your website about Martin Lister. I was particularly interested to read that the two British Twyblade species (Listera) are named after him. http://rogerparsons.info/famous.html *** Late Mistletoe Records *** Roger Parsons writes: Brothertoft to Langrick Bridge TF265473 West side of B1192 in parallel tree line to west of road and field. Tree in centre of row. Tree shadows clearly visible on Google Maps but could not pick out mistletoe shadows. Host tree species uncertain. [Site already reported in an earlier Bulletin, Paul reminds me, by Mick Todd.] Also In willows along Langrick Road, Boston alongside North Forty Foot Drain. TF3144 May have been previously reported but noticed them today again - 20+ plants. I had an amusing 15 minutes looking at these two locations via Google Maps "yellow man" Street View application and also at a Butterbur plant site. Found the Butterbur plants but not the mistletoe - because of the leaves on the host trees in the photographs. There is scope for virtual botanising by Street View that we may not yet have explored! However, I don't think it will ever replace a good walk. *** Botany - Next Plant Hunt - Butterbur *** Paul Kirby suggested the Butterbur, Petasites hybridus, for our current "species hunt". Your reports, please. Paul wrote: See: Rogier van Vugt's Daisy family Photo gallery. http://www.pbase.com/rogiervanvugt/daisy_family_compositae In row 13 there are correctly labelled sharp close ups of both male & female flowers. Paul recommends we look at the photo of the female flower. Also: He has sent me a good picture of a male inflorescence plus a fine botanical illustration by Ross Craig that you may find useful. Please e-mail me if you would like a copy: rparsons@enterprise.net Paul kindly provided the following identification advice: Butterbur is dioecious i.e. there are separate 'male' and 'female' plants and since spread is predominantly vegetative, by rhizome fragments, individual colonies are almost invariably of one sex. The structure of the individual flower heads making up the inflorescence may initially appear quite confusing but once understood makes sexing the plant very easy. The source of the confusion is the presence of stigmas in both the male and female florets. First see Stella Ross-Craig's drawings of the plant. In 'male' plants the individual capitula [flower heads] are composed of 20 - 40 hermaphrodite florets. These are all tubular and the purple anthers can be seen below the 'furry' white club-shaped stigma, see the Baston photo. The stigma is sterile and so though hermaphrodite in structure the flower is functionally male. In 'female' plants the individual capitula are composed of about 100 very narrow tubular female flowers with a projecting forked style. Just to muddy the waters, in the female flower heads there are usually 1-3 hermaphrodite florets among the female florets (clearly visible in the van Vugt photo) and in the male flower heads there can be 0 - 3 female florets around the edge. From mid to late April onwards separating the male and female plants becomes much simpler. For as the season progresses the male inflorescence remain quite small (< 8ins tall) and compact and soon start to wither away and disappear below the expanding leaves. This is in striking contrast to the female inflorescences which elongate (can be > 2ft tall), become quite lax, persist and remain visible among and above the leaves and so can be spotted at a distance or while driving past at speed. [See the Roger Goy Column below for latest Butterbur reports.] *** Next Exotic Pest for Beekeepers to worry about? *** Asian Hornet Reports wanted. https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/index.cfm?pageid=208 *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 16th April we hold our AGM at 7.00pm, followed by our indoor meeting at 7.30 p.m., where Anthony Hurd, Marine Conservation Assistant of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, will be speaking about what the Wildlife Trusts' North Sea Project is doing to achieve living seas. Find out more about the fascinating species and habitats to be found in our coastal waters. This will take place at in Grimsby Town Hall. Admission £2. Trust goods stall, raffle, tea/coffee available. For further information please contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** April Wash Cruise on Mystere - a few places left *** Steve Keightley writes: I have a couple of places left on a birding trip out into The Wash on board Mystere, 21st April 2012. Depart Sluice Bridge Boston at 0900. It is an 8 hr trip and as usual will be a having a good look around for birds and other wildlife. The cost is £37.50 per person. See photos from last years trips on my website http://www.yellowbellybirdphotography.co.uk Cick on the Mystere tab at top of page. *** Cruising in the Wash *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The Wash is an incredibly important place for birds and you can get a unique close up look at them on one of the South Lincs RSPB regular cruises. Starting at the Grand Sluice bridge Lock in Boston aboard the 50 seater Boston Belle, they are designed for both avid birders and those with a more casual or general interest in nature. In 2011 more than 100 species were seen, averaging 60 per cruise (which lasts 4/5 hours). The 2012 programme runs from April to October. For more information e-mail slincsbirdcruises@btinternet.com Call the cruise hot line 07531495521 or visit www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2012 *** DEADLINE 30th APRIL Time is running out if you want to submit a project for the annual Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. I am told a few have started to trickle in. Many Bulletin readers have been winners or runners-up over the years and the scheme is a very good thing and deserves our support. The deadline for submissions is 30th April 2012. The following website will remind you of what is involved. http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 my 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. 8/4 Redstart, Gibraltar Point 4 Short-eared owls, Freiston Shore 10/4 Thayer's Gill juv 3.5 mls NE of Brigg, east of Eltham, W of A15, SW of Middlegate in field with white tanker TA043122 Pager gibberish. I have received a lot of garbled pager messages mostly relating to the Thayer's Gull. I have not tried to decipher these. If interested in Thayer's Gull ID see: http://thebirdguide.com/gulls/herr_vs_thay.htm 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. Strongly recommended. [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. Butterbur Records for Paul Kirby: Arnolds Meadow Nature Reserve, Spalding Keith J Seaton, VRM A good patch of Butterbur on the wet area of the meadow has been there for many years and is in flower now. River Lymn, Raithby Bridge TF 366884 Garry Steele 08 April 2012 Butterbur Once again I have known about, and been passing this very extensive patch of Butterbur for a long time, but you tend to forget about such things. I must have come across many more places where Butterbur grows in Lincolnshire over the years during the course of my travels. It's just a case of bringing them to mind again! Regarding the question of male or female plants, having now just looked at the link to the images provided by Paul I think all the ones I have sent records in for the Bulletin to date have probably all been female. Hagworthingham TF344692 Chris J Manning 5 April 2012 Butterbur, not sexed yet Caistor Wendy Handford 9/4/12 Butterbur is growing along a 30 metre stretch of the bank of a chalk stream in Millfields Park, Caistor. TA 113 012. Coningsby, Wharfe Lane, near River Bain TF228585 East side of Wharfe Lane on verge. 11.4.12 Roger Parsons Seen from road - intend to visit to sex the plant. Note - plants visible on Google Street View! *** 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 MARSHES AND WOLLA BANK John Walker 12/4/12 The 45mm of rainfall this month has raised water levels considerably and the main drain is now almost full and at the top of the new sluice, the reedbed is also covered in a pool of 6 to 8 inches of water as is the area to the south of the car park, so making this years potential reed growth look more promising. A scattering of migrant birds included willow warbler, pied, yellow and white wagtails, meadow pipits, blackcap, also snipe redshank and curlew have been seen on the wetter areas of grassland. BOSTON A16 Hilldyke, north of Boston TF 341469 Garry Steele 12 April 2012 Hedgehog 1 Dead - road casualty DEEPING LAKES David Griffith 01/04/2012 Garganey (drake) Red kite Oystercatchers (pair mating) 10/04/2012 Red kite Buzzard Sparrowhawk Long eared owl (reported regularly on site since 28th March) 13/04/2012 Black tailed godwit Common tern x2 Long eared owl (still showing well from main hide) Song thrush x2 GOSBERTON B1397 Gosberton Risegate TF 24304 Garry Steele 12 April 2012 Hedgehog 1 Narrowly avoided being run over HAGWORTHINGHAM A158 Hagworthingham TF 345695 Garry Steele 08 April 2012 Hedgehog 1 Freshly dead – road casualty HIGHALL WOOD north-west of Woodhall off Viking Way. TF21165 R & A Parsons Wood anemone in profusion Lesser celandine Primrose Vegetative rosettes of spotted species of orchid Violet Dog's Mercury HOLBEACH RANGE. Northern end. R & K Heath (WeBS count) 8/4/12 Poor wader numbers, not helped by mist. 1 Barn Owl. 1500 Herring Gulls. In the colony. Another 500 on field. 2 Kestrels. 2 Marsh Harriers. 2 Peregrines. I wonder whether if this is the pair sometimes seen round Boston Stump or do we have a pair looking at one of the power stations? 3 Short eared Owls. On passage I assume. 1 Wheatear and 1 Swallow. Migrants at last! LINCOLN SK972739 Jayne Knight 11/04/12 Blackcap singing in garden 13/04/12 Brambling Really pleased with this sighting, not seen any here for a few winters but this one quite happy to forage under the sunflower heart feeders while I was poddling about in the kitchen 20ft away with the back door wide open. Smashing. NORTON DISNEY Norton Disney Bottoms Jeremy Hutchinson 8/4/2012 70 + Fieldfares 50 + Linnets in field left uncultivated over the winter. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 08.04.12 TF3084 – TF3283 (Raithby to Tathwell) Chiffchaff 3 Magpie 2 Mallard 2 (m) Red Partridge 2 Skylark singing 5 Wren plus usual blackbirds, finches, tits etc. ½ blackbird egg on ground with a little fresh yolk showing (predation?) Rabbit 5 Dandelion, lesser celandine, daisy, white + red deadnettle, speedwell, lords & ladies, honesty, primrose RIVER WELLAND. Spalding to Deeping Lakes. R & K Heath (WeBS count) 7/4/12 Most of the winter duck have gone, but we did have. 2 Bewick Swans. 2 Barn Owls. 30 Great Crested Grebes. Mostly paired up. 3 Kestrels. 2 pairs of Oystercatchers. RIVER WITHAM 8 April 2012 Kevin Marshall WeBS Core Count - Bardney Bridge to Five Mile Bridge I was returning to my car after completing a WeBS count when I noticed ripples on the River Witham near Bardney Lock Bridge. Expecting to see a Great Crested Grebe or something similar I put my bins up just as the head of a Grey Seal broke the surface. I watched it for 10-15 minutes as it slowly swam down the river in the direction of Boston and hopefully the safety of the North Sea! I've never seen a seal in fresh water before. SPALDING In Adams grass field between the Coronation Channel and A16 bypass. Downstream from Low Road bridge around 250m Spalding 8/4/2012 K J Seaton Seen during Webs count on Sunday: a Sacred Ibis One was seen flying South at Spurn Point and also near Thurlby earlier last week. Possibly the same one reported on Lincolnshire Bird Club forum. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 7/4/2012 Barn owl hunting in area 3pm. 3+ brown hares, 2 adults and 1, maybe 2 leverets. 6.30opm in area. 12/4/12 Barn 0wl sitting out a downpour 10pm. 13/4/12 2 tawny owls heard in garden am. Two buzzards patrolling area, p.m.. Green woodpecker heard frequently. Lady's Smock in flower on South-facing drain bank TF 216535. WILSFORD 13 April 2012 Richard Dawson Adult male common lizard disturbed whilst digging in a compost heap. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 No report yet. SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week Ending: 13th April 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Peter & Janet Roworth The beginning of April started as March left with pleasant dry, sunny days and warm temperatures. From the 3rd temperatures plummeted to daytime highs in single figures, with some rain which we must agree is very welcome. The winter has been another dry one and the water levels in the freshwater marsh, ditches and ponds were low. However there was some heavy rainfall in March and this, together with the recent wet weather (40.9mm so far this month) has caused levels to rise and the freshwater marsh ditch is the highest since last April, and plant growth is noticeable. Spring bird migration is beginning to pick up a pace and although Chiffchaffs have been seen and heard for some time other migrants are now being seen. Of note on the 11th three singing Willow Warblers and four Blackcaps were heard between Brickyard Lane and Rimac and a male at Sea View; 11 Wheatear were sighted in one group on the saltmarsh near Sea View; three Bramblings were seen and two Swallows flew north over the dunes. Later in the week three Common Cranes and four Common Buzzards flew south over Rimac, a Grasshopper Warbler was heard at Rimac, a Lesser Whitethroat was heard near Brick- yard, three White Wagtails have been seen, and a female Black Redstart appeared in a garden at Sea View. Peacock butterflies, three green-veined whites and a single speckled wood were seen mid-week. Common scurvy grass is in flower on the saltmarsh, and elsewhere cowslips and marsh marigold are just coming into flower. Field mouse-ear and spring beauty are well in flower. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for February 2012 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp RSPB Frampton Marsh The juvenile Spoonbill remained until the beginning of the month (2nd). Waterbird numbers continued to impress with up to 18 Bewick's Swans, 23 Whooper Swans, five European White-fronted Geese, Black Brant (19th & 25th), up to nine Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2000 Dark- bellied Brent Geese. A record 357 Pintails were counted (12th) and three Scaups were present throughout. A probable Kumlien's Gull was seen (5th onwards) with two Iceland/Kumlien's Gulls seen together on one date (23rd). Waders included up to three Spotted Redshanks and 20 Ruffs. The first returning Avocets arrived (from 21st). A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen late in the month (26th). Twite peaked at 20 and Lapland Bunting two. RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore Woodcock were seen on three dates and a Water Rail on one (11th). Offshore there were three Little Auks and 25 Razorbills (10th), Pomarine Skua, Great Northern Diver and 10 Razorbills (13th) and Red-necked Grebe (18th) The Lagoon had three redhead Smew (12th), 1360 Wigeons and four Snow Buntings (13th) and Scaup (from 18th). A Black Brant was seen on the mudflats (22nd). A count of 380 Linnets on the arable areas (13th) was noteworthy. ALSO: Gibraltar Point NNR the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock also held up to 15 Pale-bellied birds and at least two Black Brants (21st). Crossbill (2nd) and Woodlark (23rd) were other notable sightings. Whisby Nature Park and North Hykeham Pits Highlights for Feb included Bittern (4th) Raven and two Smew (both 8th). The early signs of spring were also evident with the first returning Shelduck (8th) and Oystercatcher (17th), with other passage waders including three Dunlins (3rd-16th) and single Redshank (3rd-7th). Gulls included single Caspian (13th) and a Mediterranean (24th-29th). Single Peregrines were seen on three dates and up to two Little Egrets were present all month. Other birds of note included 12 Goosander (3rd-8th), three Water Rails (all month), Kingfisher (all month), wintering Chiffchaff (3rd), 14 Tree Sparrows (all month), 210 Greenfinchs (15th), 25 Goldfinchs (17th) and 54 Linnets (17th). Other sites Up to four Smew were seen at Baston-Langtoft Gravel Pits, with two males at Kirkby on Bain Gravel Pits. Also there was a Ring-necked Duck (4th), the Great White Egret continued to put in an appearance and a White Stork was most unseasonal. Up to three different Kumlien's/Icelands Gulls were present at Boston Tip. Two Cetti's Warblers and four Chiffchaff were wintering at Marston STW (23rd), while one or two Blackcaps were in Lincoln. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 13.04.12 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 38 barn owl blackbird 10 blackcap 5 black headed gull 10 blue tit 11 bullfinch Canada goose 2 carrion crow 3 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 14 collared dove 2 common gull 6 common tern 2 coot 38 cormorant curlew 2 dunnock 6 gadwall 4 goldneye F goldfinch 4 GC grebe 6 GS woodpecker great tit 4 grey heron greylag goose 15 house sparrow 10 kestrel long - tailed tit 2 magpie 3 mallard 12 marsh harrier M+F moorhen 6 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 2 pheasant pied wagtail 2 pochard 4 redshank 2 reed bunting 6 robin 8 sand martin 6 (1st on 26/3) shelduck 16 short-eared owl shoveler 2 sparrowhawk F starling 9 swallow 2 (1st on 31/3) tawny owl teal 4 tufted duck 16 water rail 2 wood pigeon 4 wren 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Photo site update :- Bardney Limewoods 2008 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157604757394558/ Bardney Limewoods 2009 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Bardney Limewoods 2010 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157623488040369/ Bardney Limewoods 2011 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157626361531988/ For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny macalpine@doddington.demon.co.uk *** Contacts List *** *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 *** 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. *** Hedgehog Survey *** http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** 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. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** 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 *** 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 *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.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 *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk 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 *** Help BBCT with Amazon *** The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have an association with Amazon which helps to raise money for Bumblebee Conservation without any cost to the purchaser. If you buy anything from Amazon click onto the site via Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Support us - Easy fund raising - Amazon. If you do this Amazon will donate 8% of the price paid to Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Link: http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/fundraising.html *** Wash Estuary Project Contacts *** Jeff Goodley - Wash Estuary Project Officer jeff.goodley@washestuary.org.uk Vivien Hartwell - Wash Biodiversity viv.hartwell@washestuary.org.uk *** 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: john.badley@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 recorded in my garden 2011: www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies 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 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Sunday, April 29, 2012 Little Haw Wood (Forestry Commission site) Southwest of Castle Bytham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 27, 2012 Oxgangs House Springs, Nettleton Top (Courtesy of Rachel Gibbons) South of Caistor 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from Nettleton Top (road from Nettleton to Claxby) take first track on right side and park to side of track at first bend at TF113 979. NB. Steep slopes present so stout footwear recommended. Habitats: Spring, marsh, pasture and possibly some arable Leader: Richard Chadd 07990 564519 richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk Sunday, June 17, 2012 Bridge Farm, Snitterby Carr (Courtesy of Patty Phillips) Northwest of Market Rasen 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in yard of Bridge Farm at TF0187 9469 (DN21 4UU). Take minor road which connects A631 and B1205 on west side of River Ancholme. Follow Snitterby Carr Lane to end and turn right before river. Habitats: River Ancholme, ponds, ditches, pasture and arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 01, 2012 Farmland at Baston Fen (Courtesy of Nicholas Watts) Southeast of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road from Baston to Pode Hole. Park at TF1433 1598 on south side of road, opposite track to Home Farm (about 1km east of road which goes through Langtoft Gravel Pits). A meeting to particularly look for arable 'weeds'. Habitats: Arable and ditches Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 15, 2012 Joint Meeting with British Dragonfly Society Private Blow well site at Holton Grange (Courtesy of Mike Jex) South of Holton le Clay 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park near lake at TA298 009. Take Station Road off A16 towards Tetney, then take track on right just past dismantled railway crossing. Follow track for about 500m then take track on left towards lake. Habitats: Wooded blow well, lake, ponds, ditches, pasture and arable. Waithe Beck nearby. Leader(s): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Chris Manning chris@lincsdeer.info Sunday, August 19, 2012 Elsea Park Meadows (Courtesy of Elsea Park Community Trust) South of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small car parking area at TF0968 1876 which is just off the A151 south of Bourne (about 400m west of junction with A15). Habitats: Meadows, woodland edge, ponds and ditches Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, September 08, 2012 Mayflower Woods (Courtesy of ConocoPhillips) This event is on Saturday. Northwest of Immingham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening moth/bat session starting at 7.30pm. Meet in car park at TA1593 1579. Take A160 off from A180, straight on past roundabout and then right turn at crossroads (with petrol station). Follow lane for about 450m, car park on left side. Habitats: Woodlands, grassland, ponds and stream. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 21, 2012 Fungus Foray Rigsby Wood LWT Reserve. West of Alford 12.00 for 13.00 start. Turn north towards South Thoresby at the Miles Cross Hill crossroads on the A1104 road half way between Ulceby Cross and Alford. After 2 km, the wood will be seen set back from the road on the right. Park along roadside at TF419 761. 150m walk along field edge to wood. 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: kay.raby hancock-barry graham.downs baroy claire.weaver *** Link(s) of the Week *** Jayne Knight writes: am wasting many hours watching the Osprey nest at Rutland Water www.ospreys.org.uk/webcam/ and Bald Headed Eagles in Iowa www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles That one is also fascinating for the very voluable colony of House Sparrows that seem to either spent a lot of time disporting themselves around/on the nest or actually live in it. Not so much activity now the eaglets are growing up, but when Mrs BE was incubating the sparrows were quite blasé about sitting on the edge of the nest near her. Resources for experiencing 2012 Transit of Venus http://www.transitofvenus.org/ NASA: 2004 and 2012 Transits of Venus http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/transit/venus0412.html White Nose Syndrome in bats http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17626503 Carlsberg Squirrel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEJhlcMUfiM and penguin playing table tennis http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=uNfx1C_-Y-Y ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/