=========================================== || || 8th July 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 1088 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor Writes *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2012 The latest crop of diverse and original projects have been judged and celebrated. Details of winners and runners-up: http://lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ To my amazement I have 9 working days to my retirement from teaching - which I shall certainly miss. I expect I will do a little freelance work, but initially will try to catch up on all those domestic jobs languishing on my To-do list. The Bulletin will continue as usual, interrupted by an occasional walkabout, I expect. Keep the information flowing, please. Looks like more awful weather is to hit us this weekend. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/em/em_forecast_warnings.html Roger *** STURTON BY STOW Rainfall Data *** Rodge Brownlow writes: For a comparison listed below are the rainfall figures for last year and this year to 30th June 2011 199 mm 2012 423 mm Figures are for Sturton by Stow and may vary considerably for other areas. *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. 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 *** iSpot *** The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website: http://www.ispot.org.uk/node/275032 A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives This is a project run by The Open University as part of Open Air Laboratories (OPAL), where you can "Learn more about wildlife, share your interest with a friendly community and get help identifying what you have seen." The project is essentially in the business of helping people learn how to identify the wildlife they encounter, and encouraging them to get involved in biological recording. *** Flying ant season *** Alan Phillips writes: As flying ant season is almost upon us, which often means numbers of unwelcome or dead ant guests about the house and garden, I would welcome specimens forwarded to myself for identification and to generate records. Although they will most likely be Lasius niger, this common species (which most of us have in our garden) is woefully under- recorded. A few dead or alive specimens popped in a small tube or similar, and posted with record details is all that's needed. If you feel like you could send some, please e-mail me for a postal address: aculeates@gmail.com (They could also be handed to me at LNU field meetings - but please check with me beforehand to see if I'll be present). Thanks. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18674341 Louis Rummer-Downing [BBC Natural History Unit] is hoping to film this flying-ant-event somehow. He writes: Really, what we are after is to film Lasius niger (ideally) or flavus perform their nuptial flight - from them leaving the nest to the actual flight itself. What we really need is a network of people who know of a nest in a photogenic location - rural or pretty back garden which we can then film in. If we can find this and film it we believe we would be very lucky! The film crew would only be three people or so, so not invasive at all. Contact details are: Louis Rummer-Downing Tel 07817 139 662 Tel 01179 747479 E-mail: louis.rummer-downing@bbc.co.uk *** Glow Worms in Lincolnshire *** Charlie Barnes writes: The county dataset holds records from 10 sites across Lincolnshire in the last 10 years. There is a large cluster of recent records from sites in the south-west corner of the county, with a good number of records from Messingham Sand Quarry, Kirkby Moor and the Chambers Wood area. If anyone would be interested in looking at sites with historic records (a number of sites appear to have a single record), do get in touch. Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk *** Butterfly Conservation Events *** Have a look at their website: http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/ Next Events: SATURDAY 28TH JULY 2012 MOTH NIGHT AT CHAMBERS FARM WOOD Time: 21.30 until late... Meeting Place: Education Centre, Chambers Farm Wood, near Bardney, Lincoln Grid Reference: TF147739 Contact: Toby Ludlow Telephone: 01526 343910 Target Species: Moths SUNDAY 29TH JULY 2012 OPEN DAY AT CHAMBERS FARM WOOD (FOLLOWED BY LINCOLNSHIRE BRANCH AGM) Time: Open from 10.00 Guided Butterfly Walk at 11.00 (AGM Starts at 15.00) Meeting Place: Education Centre, Chambers Farm Wood, near Bardney, Lincoln Grid Reference: TF147739 Contact: Peter Cawdell Telephone: 01522 560646 Mobile: 07867 954770 Target Species: White Admiral, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak & Marbled White Keep those butterfly records coming in to Allan Binding: allan.binding@ntlworld.com And moth records to Colin Smith: csmith668@btinternet.com *** Bird Club Website *** The Bird Club website is outstanding and well worth a visit. http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/ Bird club recorders are: North Lincolnshire: John Clarkson recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk South Lincolnshire: John Badley recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Hornet Moths and other Beasties *** FOLKINGHAM Peter Howse I first noticed the two unusual insects resting on the shady side of the unidentified type of poplar tree during a brief sunny spell mid afternoon Sat. 30 June. One was fanning its wings and went on a brief flight before returning to the tree. When I looked later they had gone, but on Sunday one was back on the tree. I'm keeping an eye out, but have not seen them again. I identified them from Skinner's 'Moths of the British Isles' Plate 2 - Nos.32&33 Sesia apiformis - from the yellow marks on the (thorax). The Lunar Hornet (thorax) is all black. I did take a photo. The tree I estimate at 25' and is all on its own, planted when I moved here in 2000. There are various trees in other gardens and in the hedgerows of the fields at the back, but I know of no other poplars nearby. The tree is at the foot of my garden at TF06671 33744 which faces north onto open countryside. Colin Smith responded: A very nice picture and no doubt about it being a Hornet Moth. A very nice find and unusual to be on an isolated tree, quite exciting. It does make me wonder if there may be more about than we realise. Have you had a look for the pupal case sticking out of the tree trunk? That would prove it was breeding there. Editor adds: Always nice when an identification comes together like this. A good record. Well done both and thank you. See: http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=370 If you spot anything similar, a digital photograph is invaluable evidence to support the record. Peter tells me he has had a good look for pupal cases or holes, but no luck. *** Lincolnshire Grazing Marshes website *** Joe Blissett writes: There's a lot going on in our first year and you could possibly include everything in the Wildnews Bulletin. Please would you simply signpost people to the electronic copy of our newsletter: http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ My events listing is at the back, entitled 'Marshes Month'. This will be each July for the next 3 years, featuring events on both the historic and natural environment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 30/6 Roseate Tern, Freiston Shore Black-necked Grebe, Frampton Marsh Great Northern Diver past Gibraltar Point Spotted Redshank, Arctic tern, 32 Little Gulls, Gibraltar Point 1/7 Western Black-eared Wheatear, Frampton Marsh Roseate Tern, Freiston Shore King Eider past Gibraltar Point with small Eider flock Possible Black Kite over Ruckland 2/7 Roseate Tern, Freiston Shore Yellow-legged Gull, Elsham Possible Black Kite, Southrey, Lowthorpe 3/7 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, North Hykeham, Lincoln Tip Glaucous Gull, Elsham Roseate Tern, Freiston Shore 4/7 2 Quail, Worlaby Top 3 yellow-legged Gulls, Elsham 5/7 Caspian Gull, 9 Yellow-legged Gulls, Gainsborough Landfill 6/7 21 Crossbills, Gibraltar Point 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. June highlights for Whisby Nature Park and North Hykeham Pits. The end of June usually gives an early indication of breeding success for some species with Nightingales, despite the atrocious weather, having a good year with 15 singing males and at least one brood known to have fledged. Black-headed Gulls have again increased to 709 pairs whilst 23 pairs of Common Terns nested. Three pairs of Oystercatcher tried to nest but only one was successful, whilst the Sand Martin bank had around 34 occupied nest holes. After the failure of the Kestrels last year to fledge young it was pleasing to observe three chicks in the nestbox during the month. Non breeding records included Little Egrets on 8th and 11th, Kingfishers on 9th and 13th, a Barn Owl on 15th, but only two Hobby records on 6th and 18th. The eastern side of Whisby and the adjacent North Hykeham Pits produced some good Larid records with a first summer Caspian Gull from 18th-21st, a peak of up to 14 Yellow-legged Gulls on 21st and up to three Mediterranean Gulls all month. Finally fishermen at Apex Pit reported Osprey fishing on 22nd but unfortunately it didn't linger. In an appalling month for butterflies, seven species were recorded (Brimstone, Common Blue, Large Skipper, Large White, Orange-tip, Ringlet and Speckled Wood) but quite sunny days went by with scarcely any to be seen. Richard Davidson has developed an eye for the 'long-legged flies' of the family Dolichopodidae and as these form an important community for evaluating wetland quality, their identification is important. Twelve species have been confirmed so far for the month, most of which belong to this important moisture-loving community. Results in July will hopefully push them beyond a notional threshold of 20 species which is held to indicate excellent marshland quality. A curious discovery of two very large gathered Giant Puffballs secreted beneath a clump of Hawthorn near the entrance was a bit of a mystery. This species has grown on and, mostly, off throughout the history of the Reserve but they were always kicked over or disappeared before the sporing stage. Despite their lack of attachment, these individuals probably got their spores away. The colony of Chimney Sweeper moths was substantially fewer than usual but the high count was still a respectable 81 on 19th. Some very small Emperor Moth larvae were found on 17th. As is often the way, without our really noticing, the formerly very common and easily disturbed shaded broad-bar has drifted away over the years with none seen this year so far. This species, among other formerly very common moths, has been flagged up as being of conservation concern. Odonata seem to be doing much better than moths; Azure and Blue- tailed Damselflies were reported in good numbers (100+) in the first half of the month, during which Hairy Dragonflies continued to be recorded (three on 6th). A male Broad-bodied Chaser on the 6th was a good record. Possibly Red-eyed Damselflies have been somewhat affected by the weather having been seen only on 6th. The prevalence of cool damp conditions has produced unheard-off abundance of early-summer flowers. The acid grasslands of Teal Lake and Wet Heath are covered in forbs with hardly any room for grass in some places. Sheets of Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus), Birdsfoot (Ornithopus), Hare's-foot Clover and Heath Speedwell at the former, and thriving sphagnums interspersed with large quantities (for Whisby) of Heather, Heath Bedstraw and Tormentil at the latter have been much appreciated as the like may not be seen again for a long time. The patch of Maiden Pink at Teal Lake is increasing slightly by seed now, and there are good numbers of Green-flowered Helleborines at Magpie Walk although the annual count won't take place until mid July. We no longer count the Southern Marsh Orchids at the main colony but the plants at the Grebe Walk pathside along the railway fence now numbers over 1,300. Of interest were five Southern March Orchids of the variety albiflora which have pure white flowers, although unfortunately they are hidden away on Den's Island and so are not really viewable. Occasionally a calcicole from the Lincoln limestone is able to find a foothold at Whisby. Some years it may be Pyramidal Orchid, this year a Hoary Plantain was found. Phil Porter Grahame Hopwood Whisby Nature Park *** 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. BASTON FEN LWT RESERVE TF145178-TF139174 Vin Fleming 26 June 2012 A minimum of 12 noctule-like bats (large bats flying high and fast with occasional stoops) feeding over the low wash and the river (2150-2210) much like a party of swifts. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 30.6.12 Caistor Wildlife Area TA 111 015 Meadow vetchling Brigg Road garden TA 112 025 Swallows building new nest. 3rd adult present Tree sparrows in nesting box Brigg Road wildlife garden A 111 026 Stream rises by 400mms after downpour – some moles drowned Sparrowhawks nesting in coniferous wood Adult male toad and several toadlets Ringlet Feverfew Figwort Greater bird's-foot trefoil Sainfoin (introduced into meadow) Brigg Road verge, disturbed, TA 111 026 Hairy tare Knotgrass Lesser sea-spurrey (new to Caistor list) Scarlet pimpernel Water Hills TA 123 017 Harebell Old hospital site TA 103 013 Betony Grimsby Road garden TA 118 012 2 Greenfinch nests Secret location Bee orchid Generally among residents 2nd nests of song thrushes, sparrows and tits DEEPING LAKES NR D Griffith 1 April 2012 Garganey 10 April Long Eared Owl 15 April Mediterranean gull x2 20 April Arctic tern x4 Mediterranean gull x2 Red Kite x2 7 May Linnet x2 Cuckoo Blackcap x3 Cetti's Warbler Arctic tern x2 Common tern x10 10 June Hobby Lesser Black backed gull x4 (plus 3 Juveniles) Garden warbler x3 Treecreeper Willow warbler x2 Oystercatcher x3 (plus 3 Juveniles) 17 June Bar head goose 24 June Buzzard Black headed gull x100+ (Plus 70+ Juveniles) Cetti's Warbler 1 July Reed Warbler x10+ Lesser black backed gull x6 (plus 2 Juveniles) Greylag goose x170+ Canada goose x15 Little grebe x1 (plus 1 juvenile) Sand Martin x8 (using new artificial nesting bank) Swift x5 Lapwing x16+ Black headed gull x100+ (plus 70+ juveniles) Oystercatcher x4 Common tern x 20 Stock dove x2 Chiffchaff Garden warbler x3 Cetti's warbler Sedge warbler Kestrel Green woodpecker Whitethroat x3 Willow warbler x2 Reed bunting x2 House martin x4 Pochard x4 OXCOMBE Bluestone Heath Road Nev Gurnhill Sunday 1st July 2012, 12.10pm Red Kite on a rabbit carcass. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 26.06.12 10pm: Barn Owl hunting along hedgerow. First sighting this year, though heard a few weeks ago. 27.06.12 A swarm of Honeybees tried to settle in our chimney with numerous bees straying into the lounge. We turned on the gas fire for an hour and now think this may have persuaded the queen to move on. By the time the pest control man arrived 24 hours later, there were only a few stragglers left. Worth a try. 01.07.12 June Rainfall: 124mm, 2nd quarter total = 284mm, that's 3 times the amount we had in 2Q 2011. We've had 386mm in the first 6 months of this year, not far off my 2011 annual total of 400mm. 02.07.12 Coaltit feeding fledglings from fatball feeder. 03.07.12 Juv. Great Spotted Woodpecker begging Wren foraging 2 juv Grey Partridges Caterpillars of Cucullia verbasci (Mullein Moth) on Verbascum phoenicium. 04.07.12 Housemartins having a hard time. The second collapsed nest, partially rebuilt, has collapsed again. Perhaps it is too damp and humid for the mud to harden properly. 05.07.12 Numerous bumblebees in sunny weather, but hardly any butterflies bar one Small White. A few Swifts in area. 06.07.12 3 Housemartins seen flying around cattle in heavy rain; must be desperately hungry or trying to feed nestlings. RIPPINGALE TF09422 27716 29/06/2012 Pauline Warman Moths Caught in MV trap left overnight: Privet Hawk moth Heart and Dart Spectacle Elephant Hawk moth Hebrew character Setaceous Hebrew character Poplar Hawk moth Common footman Clouded Border Rustic Flame Mottled Beauty Cinnabar Cream-bordered green pea White ermine Udea olivalis Uncertain Rustic Agriphila tristella Marbled minor Pseudargyrotoza conwagana Dark Arches Coronet Middle-barred minor Lime-speck pug Buff Ermine ROBERT'S FIELD LWT RESERVE TF000149 Vin Fleming 30th June 12 Glow-worms - 7 counted from 2230-2300. Most (6) in the northern field, the 7th being in the southern of the two fields. TESCO'S, BOURNE TF102193 Vin Fleming 23 June 2012 Agrocybe molesta (a fieldcap) & A. praecox (spring fieldcap) fruiting extensively on the bark mulch on the flowerbeds surrounding the car park WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. 30/6 10am - Hummingbird Hawkmoth 1pm Grass snake - big female adult - basking on top of compost heap. Also - cast snake skin near compost heap. Painted Lady Orange underwing moth in garden p.m. - disturbed by mowing. Tawny owl on electricity post calling 10-12pm. 1/7 Cuckoo calling [AP] Hummingbird hawkmoth seen several times from 9am to 12 noon. Nectaring on Valarian. 2/7 and 3/7 Cuckoo calling 2+ Whitethroats ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 8th July 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth The rainfall has continued on and off for most of the week and the summer is becoming the wettest for quite some time. This, combined with high day and night temperatures, has very much favoured the growth of vegetation. Many visitors have commented on how good the flowers on the sand dunes have looked and both Cliff M and John W say it has been the best for many years. The yellows of common bird's- foot-trefoil, hop trefoil, common cat's-ear, yellow-wort and lady's bedstraw, the blues of tufted vetch, viper's-bugloss and speedwell sp., the reds and pinks of marsh orchids, pyramidal orchids, common centaury, sea bindweed, restharrow and musk thistle, and the whites of eyebright and white campion all help to provide a palette of colour over the NNR. Pyramidal orchids are giving a fine display with one area boasting many hundred specimens including a few pure white flower spikes. Insect activity remains very poor. Only a few butterflies on the wing this week including the first ringlets on the 30th, occasional red admirals, small tortoise- shells, small coppers and a few large and small skippers and meadow browns. Single painted ladies were seen on the 30th and 1st. Dragon/damselfly sightings have been very few. Those on the wing include emperor, black-tailed skimmer, 4-spot chaser, large red damselfly and azure damsels (many). Interesting bird records for the week include Whimbrel 4 on the 1st, several flocks of Curlew feeding on recently baled fields adjacent to the NNR and then roosting out on the fore- shore but 70+ birds was a nice sight on the new Sea View Washlands on the 1st. 70+ Black-tailed Godwits flew south on the 2nd and several flocks of 200+ Swifts feeding/flighting over the dunes during the week, being particularly noticeable at the onset of periods of heavy rainfall. The high tide count on the 4th along the southern sector included 6 Common Scoter on the sea and 50 flying north, single Whimbrel, and in one grounded flock a single Little Gull with 2 Common Terns and 38 Sandwich Terns. Quail have been heard calling in the evenings from the saltmarsh and nearby meadows around Sea View. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for June 2012 - awaited John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh The highlight was undoubtedly Lincolnshire's first Black-eared Wheatear (12th), a first-summer female, seen and photographed by just one fortunate observer. An adult Rose-coloured Starling (20th onwards) was a reserve first and also rather elusive during its stay. The Black-necked Grebe first seen in April showed better all month and up to two Garganey were seen. Raptors were well represented with Red Kite (2nd, 23rd and 24th), Montagu's Harrier (12th & 16th), Hobby, Peregrine and up to five Marsh Harriers. Waders were still passing through with up to two Little Stints (1st), up to two Curlew Sandpipers, up to four Ruff (16th), single Spotted Redshank and Wood Sandpipers (4th & 15th). Two Mediterranean Gulls (10th) popped in to the Black-headed Gull colony and up to 11 Little Gulls were also present. A Roseate Tern on the Reedbed (30th) was the third first for the reserve in June. RSPB Freiston Shore A pair of Roseate Terns on the lagoon (28th) were both ringed on both legs suggesting they originated from Coquet Island, Northumberland. Little Tern and several Sandwich Terns and 200 Common Terns were also present at the same time. A different Roseate Tern was seen two days later. Mediterranean Gulls were seen on a few dates. One Short-eared Owl (10th) was seen, but Barn Owls were more regular. Two Pink-footed and four Dark-bellied Brent Geese (24th) were rather unseasonal. Gibraltar Point NNR A Spoonbill was in residence for most of the month. Among the gulls were up to 23 Little Gulls (30th), a Mediterranean Gull on several dates and a Baltic Gull was reported (9th). Waders included single Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint at the start of the month and Green Sandpiper nearer the end of the month. Sanderlings are always among the last waders to head north, but 1700 (6th) was an excellent count. The sea was generally quiet, but four Manx Shearwaters (4th) were the highlight. Birds of prey seen included Red Kite (4th), Hobby and both Short-eared Owl and Montagu's Harrier at the start of the month. Migrants included 17 Turtle Doves (2nd), a Hawfinch (4rd), up to 117 Crossbills (5th), and the highlight, a less than co-operative Common Rosefinch (20th). Other sites A Garganey was at Kirkby Pits (until 4th). Quail were reported calling from North Rauceby, Langtoft and RAF Coningsby. A Montagu's Harrier passed through Metheringham Airfield (7th) with an Osprey there two days later. An Osprey was also seen at Deeping Lakes (1st). Two Caspian Gulls were at North Hykeham Pits with up to 14 Yellow-legged Gulls (21st). John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 06.07.12 BIRDS Max nos. avocet 6 blackbird 10 blackcap 3 black headed gull 22 blue tit 7 Canada goose 23 carrion crow 5 chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 8 collared dove 2 common gull 3 common tern 6 coot 20+ cormorant dunnock 5 goldfinch 8 GC grebe 5 great tit 6 greenfinch 3 grey heron greylag goose 130 herring gull house martin 15 house sparrow 12 kestrel lesser whitethroat linnet 2 long - tailed tit 4 magpie 4 mallard 23 marsh harrier M moorhen 5 mute swan 8 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pochard 4 reed bunting 6 reed warbler 12 robin 3 sedge warbler 7 shelduck 4 skylark sparrowhawk F starling 9 swallow 30+ swift 40+ tawny owl tufted duck 10 water rail whitethroat 10 willow warbler 4 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) 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 and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 E-mail: 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 *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also 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 or try http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/products.html *** 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/ Youtube video of visit to Rimac NR Colin Green. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=em-share_video_user *** 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, 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: gordon@hickmore - 550 invalid mailbox (call fwd) *** And finally *** Rutland Water Osprey Webcam http://www.ospreys.org.uk/webcam/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/