=========================================== || || 22nd 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 *** It was good to see St Swithin's day was dry and sunny this year, but it is probably too much to hope that "for 40 days it will remain." Pauline Warman sent me a picture of the Aurora Borealis taken in Rippingale Fen - showing it CAN be seen if you get lucky. Keep checking those key notification websites, especially: UK AuroraWatch http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ Solar Terrestrial Dispatch http://spacew.com SOHO http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/ Pauline's photo has now been posted on the website of the Cloud Appreciation Society. [Thanks, Ian.] See: http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/gallery/photo-08070/ Note: Photo quality varies according to your pc and settings. On one of my pcs it is very clear, on an older one it is dark and virtually invisible. [As far as I know there are no websites notifying when the Sun itself can be seen - sorry Kev. Stick to Cloud Appreciation.] Keeping information up to date. In order to be an effective network we need to make sure that our list of contacts is accurate and up-to-date. If you spot any errors or gaps in the "contacts" list in section 8, please let me know. If you are involved with a natural history organisation that would benefit from publicity in the Bulletin, please do send in information that you feel would be of interest to readers. This means that an "all welcome" policy applies to any such events, of course. Keep sending in your news, questions, observations and reports. They all help to keep the Bulletin interesting. Thanks. Roger *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. 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 *** 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. 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 *** 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 *** Hedgehogs, Slime and other wildlife *** Chris Manning writes: Hedgehog records are increasing at the moment with 55 recorded to date, last year we recorded 112 so possibly a normal year and hopefully an indication of a stable population. Charlie Barnes on Slime Not sure if you've had an answer to this from someone else more qualified – but I believe the "slimy growth" Alison is referring to is Nostoc commune (or some other species of Nostoc) – a cyanobacteria. Some info here http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/bluegreenalgae.htm I've seen quite a bit around too, Jacquie Harrison on weather and trends: 14th July 2012 I've noticed several scattered changes to my normal summer sightings that may be weather-related - but no expert especially away from bird sightings. On 24th June - I drove across Wolds from Burwell to Hemingby and saw lots of single, mainly young hares - all in deep grass on verges rather than fields or in hedge bottoms - I assumed because the latter were too wet and that is why so many were visible from the car? We've got a willow warbler in neighbour's willow for first time in many years - I live in terraced housing in Lincoln.  Likewise there are many bats on the damp evenings when usually just seen a couple of times a summer in our back gardens/yards area.  There are more insects (excluding bees and butterflies) so guess these are the reason. Sunday 8 July, Lower Ancholme was running extremely fast, whole clumps of reeds and large branches afloat - noticed the odd curlew back in area very early and the sedge warblers were surviving but could not hear/see reed warblers which are normally about.  Does anyone know why one species would survive and the other not? For about 2 kilometres of Lower Ancholme walk there were common blue darters everywhere - we believe just hatched as first sunny day for several and many were mating. Rather wonderful. George Rutter, on weather related wildlife: 14th July 2012 SLOOTHBY So far this year the wet weather has affected wildlife on the farm as follows: Butterfly numbers down, No turtle doves or cuckoo heard, Singing chiffchaffs seem more common/obvious, Thistles in pasture are especially prevalent, Wildflowers in ours meadows seem very vigorous (tufted vetch, great burnet, selfheal and meadow vetchling plants appear larger than normal.) As mentioned, slug and snail numbers greatly up on last year. Good year for meadowsweet being so wet. SPALDING late Cuckoo Keith Smith writes on 17th July 2012 Played golf at Spalding last night (Monday 16th) and all night long at least one Cuckoo was calling, at one point I saw one calling quite nearby. I would have thought this was very late in the year for this to happen. BRACEBY flycatchers: Marion Ellis writes: For Ailis Smith's photos of the Spotted Flycatchers that nested in their wisteria go to www.braceby.org (Babies on the home page, parent on the Wildlife page.) *** Marshes Month Blurb *** Joe Blisset writes: The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) is working with local people, groups, charities, schools and businesses to discover, celebrate and protect the area's unique natural and built heritage. From guided walks, workshops and story telling to 'time travelling' with LCGMP living history events and traditional skills workshops, 'Marshes Month' is full of carnivals, celebration and culture each July. LCGM Photographic Competition to be launched An exciting new photographic competition has been launched by the project this summer. Lasting a full year, it will open in June, ready for Marshes Month 2013 when there will be a host of activities and events to celebrate the Lincoln- shire Coastal Grazing Marshes. The ideal time to start shooting! To be eligible for the competition your photographs must have been taken within the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes area. Up to one photo may be submitted for each category and all must all have been taken by the person registering the entries. The competition theme is 'The Living Marshes'. We would like to show different aspects of life in the area which will be encapsulated within four categories Working life Hidden Heritage The grazing marshes in all weathers Wildlife To learn more about the project or to find out how to get involved, please visit www.lincsmarshes.org.uk or contact Joe Blissett on 01507613132 *** Heritage Open Days 2012 *** Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th September 2012 "Celebrate the rich and varied local heritage of Lincolnshire - over 100 special openings and events have been arranged across the county. "This year's theme is Trade and Travel in Lincolnshire which includes events such as guided tours of historic houses, living history and events celebrating the unique contribution that Lincolnshire has made to trade and travel." http://www.lincsheritage.org/hod/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 14/7 Black-necked Grebe, Baston Langtoft gravel pits White-ruimped Sandpiper, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 15/7 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Adult Mediterranean Gulls and 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Black-necked Grebe, Baston Langtoft gravel pits Caspian Gull adult, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits 16/7 Short-eared Owl, Crowland, Deeping High Bank Black-necked Grebe, Frampton Marsh Turnstone, Bassingham at Thurby gravel pits 17/7 8 Yellow-legged Gulls, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Quail male singing, Worlaby Top plus 2 Adult Mediterranean Gulls at Manor Farm 18/7 Whinchat, Bonby Carrs 4 Yellow-legged Gulls, east of Elsham 19/7 Mediterranean Gull, Cleethorpes Black-necked Grebe, Baston Langtoft gravel pits 3 Caspian Gulls, 20+ Yellow-legged Gulls, Whimbrel, Gainsborough landfill site Black-necked Grebe, Frampton Marsh 5 Yellow-legged Gulls, east of Elsham Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Whitton Sands Common Scoter drake, Covenham Reservoir White-rumped Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 20/7 30 Puffins, Arctic Skua past Theddlethorpe 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 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. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 14.7.12 Caistor Wildlife Area TA 111 015 Yellowhammer Creeping thistle Common ragwort Hundon Farm ponds TA 113 022 Grey heron Brigg Road wildlife garden A 111 026 Hedgehog in orchard 7pm Buzzard eating rabbit Juv Great spotted woodpecker using feeder Moorhen visiting daily Pheasant Tree sparrows' 2nd brood in nestbox Common striped woodlouse (new to Caistor list) Marmalade hoverfly (new to Caistor list) Wild carrot Wild marjoram Viper's bugloss Brigg Road verge, disturbed, TA 111 026 Scentless mayweed Caistor bypass sown annual meadow TA 113 009 Hedgehog feeding on verge 11am Common poppy Corn chamomile Corncockle Cornflower Corn marigold Moortown Road ponds TA 093 004 Coots with 6 chicks Moorhen Common carp Rudd Tench *** 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. ASLACKBY Jeremy Hutchinson Sunday 8th July 12 Road east of Aslackby Grid Ref TF105 308(approx) Single Turtle Dove. (This is the only one I have seen all of this so-called summer. I haven't even heard one at home, which is probably the first year I have neither seen nor heard one locally.) BOOTHBY PAGNELL Keith Smith on 14/7/2012 With the wet weather our meadow has gone wild, by now it should have been eaten down by the sheep and burned dry by the sun. Instead it is knee high and full of various wild flowers and clovers including for the first time two Bee Orchids. Every other step you seem to stand on an ants nest some of which are as high as 30cm. This of course encourages the Green Woodpeckers who are regular visitors. One strange thing is that during the winter and spring we were feeding seven water hens along with our chickens, but they have not made an appearance this "summer". Could they still be nesting? BRACEBY TF015353 Marion Ellis on 15.7.2012 7 occupied House Martin nests, 5 on the north side of the house, 2 on the south Swallows in our stone shed successfully fledged 2 young The Spotted Flycatchers in our neighbours' wisteria successfully fledged 4 young At 4.30pm on Sat 14th barn owl noticed for the first time flying into a hole in the sycamore at the bottom of our garden, its regular nest site. Last year we did not see it there at all. Nest last occupied in 2010 when a photograph showed one of the pair was ringed. BRADLEY VILLAGE Bradley Village TA 24212 07039 17/07/2012 Mick Binnion The Grimsby and Cleethorpes Turnstones Wildlife Watch Group adopted a hole in the ground at the Vanson Centre. The Group have been busy planting marginals, emergent and submerged plants (all native species). We only started the project this year, but already have recorded: Blue-tailed Damselfly, One Black Tailed Skimmer male and a pair of mating Four Spotted Chaser followed by the female egg laying. With no fish in our newly created pond (naturally clay lined) we hope for more species in the following years of improved conditions. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson SK 909 2581 19th July 2012, 16.45 Female Hobby (first Hobby sighting this year) carrying unidentified prey item. RIBY Riby - Barton Street 11 July 2012 Chris J Manning 2 badgers. One adult dead on road, the other a youngster sniffing at the carcass, it appeared uninjured was later seen on the verge, possibly the cub. LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 21/07/2012 Jayne Knight Great Tit parents busy feeding audible fledglings earlier in the week, but while enjoying coffee out in the garden on 17th July was delighted to be able to observe, at very close quarter, 3 brand-box new juv Great Tits exploring the sunflower heart feeders and, eventually, feeding from the portholes. Also, am getting a few House Sparrows back in the garden. 3 female and 2 male regular visitors and, this week also, a couple of juvs. Today, 18th, while watching the spectacular thunderstorm from the back door noticed a frog motionless by the wheeliebins. Stayed there til the storm ceased, but when I moved out to photograph it, hopped into the shrubbery and disappeared. About 7cm long. DEEPING ST NICHOLAS 17.07.12 Mick Todd While working in oilseed rape field the sky was filled with about 20 swifts and at least 6 skylarks, there were also a couple of pairs of yellow wagtails. The highlight being one of the wagtails jumping up to pick insects off some mayweed, just a few feet in front of our vehicle, with its mate fluffing up its feathers and hopping around next to it. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler HOUSEMARTINS: 14.07.12 Egg shells under one of the north-facing nests indicate a recent hatching (first brood). Also one dead chick on ground, about half-grown; presumably starved as no signs of attack on nests. 2 Swifts flying with Housemartins, even approaching their nest sites and veering off just before they hit the wall. Housemartins seemed slightly intimidated. Are these young swifts? Is there any purpose to this behaviour? Happened last year, too. 18.07.12 Can hear chicks in 2 or 3 of the northern nests, also increasing amount of droppings underneath one, suggesting these chicks are old enough to reach the entrance hole and eject their poo (very comical to watch as they do this straight after a feed.) The 2 collapsed nests on the southern side remain deserted. Generally, only 5-10 birds seen flying together regularly, when there would have been 30-40 by mid July in previous years. 17.07.12 Buzzard 18.07.12 Brown Hare 19.07.12 Grey Heron WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 15/07/2012 Roy and Kath Pearson It being dry, we managed to gain access today in spite of vegetation over head height, but bird numbers were low. However we recorded ten singing male Reed Buntings, a species that has increased markedly in recent years. Sedge Warblers were in short supply with only one being recorded to eight Reed Warblers. (Ringing in the past has suggested a 1:3+ ratio.) Five Swallows were feeding over the Ponds and three Swifts, a species that isn't common here especially in sunny conditions, so this may indicate early movement south, but obviously the sample is too small to form definite conclusions. A Lesser Whitethroat in song was quite an unusual bird for this site. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 14 July 2012 Woodmouse, pregnant female adult - cat kill 2 grass snake mortalities today in garden, one apparently a young female that died while laying in the compost heap, the other a large female, possibly killed by a rat or cat. also Brown hare adult - roadkill TF 221533 Dead pigmy shrew TF 230528 20/7/2012 5.30am - Hummingbird hawkmoth working Valerian. Stoat adult crossing road E to W TF 216536 at 09.25hrs. Barn owl out hunting in area at 8pm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Gibraltar Point: 17/07/2012 Black-tailed Godwit 14 Green Sandpiper 1 Greenshank 2 Little Ringed Plover 3 Mediterranean Gull 1 Redstart 1 Ruff 3 18/07/2012 Black-tailed Godwit 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Greenshank 2 Ruff 3 19/07/2012 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Green Sandpiper 1 Ruff 3 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 20th July 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth The pale pink of restharrow is now being added to the floristic mix of colours on the dunes and there is going to be a good show of marsh helleborines in the areas of freshwater marsh. Sea lavender is in full bloom on the saltmarsh, and sea mayweed and sea rocket is flowering on the outer dunes. A low water count along the foreshore from Brickyard Lane to Saltfleet Haven by JW on the 17th included Sandwich Tern 254, Common Tern 7 , Little Gull 2, Arctic Skua 2 pale phase roosting, Whimbrel 11, Curlew 102, Lesser-black Back Gull 7 (including 1 very dark grey backed bird), Sanderling 46, Dunlin 7, Oyster- catcher 13, Redshank 21 and Kittiwake 4. The high spring tide at 0630-0800hrs was very lively and noisy along the southern sector of the reserve this morning (20th) from Churchill south- wards, reported CM. Sightings included Sandwich Tern 700+ of which 8-10% were young birds, Arctic Skua 1 intermediate adult, NB with a dark phase bird earlier in the week and 2 light phase birds that JW saw, this makes 4 individuals over the past 4 days, Common Scoter c65 on sea, Great-crested Grebe 1 on sea, Puffin c30 north in a tight flock (feeding party back to Bempton?), Gannet 5 north, Shelduck 12 north coming from a long way out, Sanderling 49, Oyster Catcher 15 south, Common Gull 5, Herring Gull 20, Greater B-b Gull 4, Lesser B-b Gull 1. Small flocks of Whimbrel have been present in the Sea View area, sometimes associated with Curlew, flighting from the salt marsh to adjacent pasture and then out to the foreshore; 16 birds in one flock were seen on the 19th. Other records of note for the week include Short-eared Owl 1 hunting over the salt marsh near The Haven on the 18th, Barn Owl over the dunes north of Sea View, Grasshopper Warbler 1 singing at Rimac on the 18th, single Sand Martin and a Common Snipe over the salt marsh on the 15th. Cuckoos seem to have departed, there is a good number of second brood juv Common Whitethroats around and minor song from Blackcap, Turtle Dove, Dunnock, Skylark, Wren and Robin. One unexpected observation Cliff came across whilst walking the beach near Brickyard on the 16th was a fox at the tide edge 1km out feeding on a dead seal. The seal was entangled in mono-filament fishing net. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Week Ending: 20.07.12 BIRDS Max nos. avocet 2 blackbird 10 blackcap 3 black headed gull 30 blue tit 6 Canada goose 6 carrion crow 3 chaffinch 9 chiffchaff 3 collared dove 2 common gull 4 common tern 4 coot 30 cormorant 2 curlew dunnock 5 goldfinch 7 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 249 hobby house martin 6 house sparrow 10 kestrel lapwing 6 linnet 2 magpie 3 mallard 31 moorhen 5 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 2 pheasant pied wagtail 2 pintail F pochard 4 reed bunting 5 reed warbler 8 robin 3 sedge warbler 4 shelduck 6 song thrush sparrowhawk M starling 9 swallow 30+ swift 6 tawny owl tufted duck 28 water rail 2 whitethroat 6 willow warbler 5 wood pigeon 15 wren 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ SOUTHREY WOOD Colin Green 18 July 2012: Ringlet - many Meadow Brown - many but a lot less than ringlet (probably a third e.g., Most seen together of ringlets 5, Meadow Brown 2). Large White - 7 Speckled Wood - 2 Large Skipper - 2 White Admiral - 7 (4 were seen on oaks in a brief period of sunshine and 3 singly gliding down, but none settled. All within 200 yds. None were seen as they were last year as you walk up the ride from the entrance. The undergrowth has been cleared. Brambles are growing back though and honeysuckles have been left on the remaining trees. Visited the area where I saw a huge number last year but this has also been cleared - in fact it is no longer a plantation clearing. Warmer weather coming though so we shall see). Lunar Moth 1 Brown Hawker 2 Common Darter 2 Common Lizard on logs Plenty of deer tracks p.s. these figures required are of totals seen on a walk and not as required for the Butterfly Watch, most seen at one time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** 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. *** 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 *** Lincolnshire Grazing Marshes website *** Joe Blissett writes: Please visit the electronic copy of our newsletter: http://www.lincsmarshes.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, 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: Jasmine.Atkinson *** And finally *** The BBC is without equal in its coverage of natural history and environmental issues. The following links are well worth a look: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/ First Picture of an Atom's shadow: hope the long link works. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120710-first-picture-atom-shadow-photograph-science-nature-smallest?source=link_tw20120711news-atomshadow ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/