=========================================== || || 20th May 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 1075 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 *** "The Weather Outlook" seems to suggest changeable conditions ahead with the prospect of prolonged periods of wet weather in June. However they do also mention the possibility of a 'Spanish Plume', which is not a migratory moth but a weather system pulling up hot conditions from Southern Europe and North Africa. Hot conditions sounds good! Last time I recall this happening it also pulled up a lot of Painted Lady butter- flies. "Warm with Painted Ladies" sounds an attractive prospect. Should we receive an influx of interesting migrant insects please send in your reports. You may also like to send this information to Butterfly Conservation via their website. See: http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/sightings_home/1095/migrant_watch.html Reminder Bulletin readers are welcome at all LNU events. We would like to involve everyone with a scientific interest in the natural history of Lincolnshire to develop their skills in identification and recording. Have a look at: http://www.lnu.org/events.php Roger *** Next LNU Event- all welcome *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. 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 *** LWT Wildlife Workshops at Willow Tree Fen *** Alan Phillips sent in the following: An Introduction to Entomology - Monday 28 May, 10am - 4pm Bird Survey Techniques Course - Wednesday 30 May from 10am - 4pm Water vole and otter workshop - Friday 1 June, 10am – 4pm Further details: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/news/press-release.php?article=511 Editor adds: Do check out the website because you will need to contact the Trust and book a place. The workshops are free! *** Life on the Verge *** Mark Schofield writes: With days lengthening and flowers opening, the survey season is now upon us! Most grassland wildflowers will be most easily recognisable from the start of June until probably the end of September. You can be a perfect novice at botany because a free Wildflower ID Guide is available and you only need to look for a shortlist of species. Now's your chance to visit the Life on the Verge website at www.lifeontheverge.org.uk and search through the survey maps which show roads near you that have yet to be explored. You can use the website to claim sections of road to survey and you will be e-mailed maps and satellite photos you can print out as well as survey forms. Results maps displaying the wildflower discoveries of the previous 3 years will help you to identify possible hotspots to aim for! Top tip: Try using Google Maps Street View (drag and drop the little yellow man on the Google Maps website) to check what roadsides look like superficially before you claim them. If the verges look wider than a metre and not just swamped in scrub or nettles, you may find more flowers. Surveys should take no longer than 1-2 hours and only a single visit is necessary. If have been beaten to it by the lawn mower or plants appear to be late flowering simply return a month later. From personal experience, you can cover much more ground once you 'have your eye in'. We are only 57% complete on the Limestone in North and South Kesteven and 29% complete on the Chalk in the Wolds. There are still some gems out there that really deserve to be discovered! Contact: mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk *** Bombus subterraneus reintroduction project *** Alan Phillips writes: http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/subt_project.html Almost the target 100 queens were brought over from Sweden a couple of days ago and are currently in quarantine. There are in fact several historical records of this species in Lincolnshire. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 26th May 2012 you are invited to join us on a morning bird walk lead by John Nelson. Please meet in the carpark by the Yacht Club at end of Humberston Fitties at 9am. Please wear suitable clothing and foot wear. This is a free event but donations will be collected towards the Trust. For further details please contact John Nelson 01472 235922. *** Hedgehogs and other beasties *** Eddie Smith comments: I read with interest Mary and Phil's predator problems. Predators, fur and feathered, concentrate their efforts near food sources, so why feed our birds when its not necessary? Winter feeding does help some of our birds through hard times and a safe provision of clean water is a great help all year round. Additional food during spring and summer, in my opinion is not necessary. Birds generally do not breed unless there is a food source for their young. Providing an all year excess may encourage too-early breeding with dire results. Young birds should be brought up on a natural healthy diet as they were when I was a boy, we had more birds but no feeders. A brief word on the Sparrow Hawk: a lady rang me last winter saying she was loosing many birds at her feeders from Sparrow Hawk attacks. My advice was put the feeders out of the Hawks flight line, make it difficult for the predator to approach at speed. Another measure taken was to put up some garden netting in strategic places. A little time spent finding the best spots for the netting and feeders paid off. The hawk still came but the birds had much more chance to escape. She was delighted. Cats: we know that they are biggest killer of small birds and mammals so what do we do to keep them out of our gardens? Has anyone got a sensible answer? Would like to some suggestions. Editor adds: our cat has taken to hiding in long grass close to a mud puddle used by housemartins. Time to bell the cat? *** Understanding zooarchaeology *** The Sheffield Zooarchaeology Team writes: Registration is now open for our short course: *Understanding zooarchaeology: a short course for archaeology and heritage professionals and enthusiasts* University of Sheffield, 5th-7th September 2012 Over three days our team of zooarchaeologists will introduce participants to the methods that can be used to gather infor- mation from archaeological animal bones and the relevance of these remains to wider archaeological study. Zooarchaeology is the study of animal remains from archaeological sites. Animal bones and teeth are among the most common remains found on archaeological sites. This material can contribute valuable information to our understanding of how people lived in the past. Among other things animal bones can help to tell us about diet, farming, cooking and eating, trade and industry, social status, ethnicity, beliefs and environment in the past. The course is designed for people with little or no previous exper- ience in zooarchaeology, and is an ideal introduction to the field for archaeologists, museum curators and other heritage professionals who come across animal bones and/or zooarchaeological reports in their professional capacity. Through short lectures, discussions and hands on practical workshops, the course will give the participants practical experience of zooarchaeological methods and will help you to understand the archaeological potential and limitations of zooarchaeology, enhancing your ability to critically interpret archaeological animal bone data. For students the short course will provide a firm basis for further training and is a great opportunity to improve your employability by broadening the types of archaeological evidence you have skills in and experience using. Zooarchaeologists at the early stages of their careers may also be interested. Tuition fees for the course are £165 waged, £110 unwaged/student/ retired. For more information and to register, please visit our website: http://www.shef.ac.uk/archaeology/research/zooarchaeology-lab/short-course or e-mail us on: zooarch-shortcourse@sheffield.ac.uk Editor adds: I might just go on this course as I will be retired by then! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 12/5 9 Curlew Sandpipers, Black-necked Grebe, 5 Garganey, 6 Little Stints, Hen Harrier, Little Gull, Frampton Marsh Osprey, Messingham Sand Quarry Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore 13/5 Possible Montagu's Harrier, Frampton Marsh also 7 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, 3 drk Garganey. Osprey, Messingham Sand Quarry Montagu's Harrier, Theddlethorpe All Saints/Great Carlton 14/5 11 Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, 3 drk Garganey. Frampton Marsh Montagu's Harrier, Osprey over Rimac Golden Oriole, Gibraltar Point 15/5 Black-winged Stilt, Red-rumped Swallow, Frampton Marsh plus 7 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Little Stints. 16/5 Honey Buzzard, Gibraltar Point Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh plus 13 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Little Stints, 3 Ruff. 17/5 Black-winged Stilt, Black-necked Grebe, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Gull, Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh 20 Crossbills, Gibraltar Point Garganey drk, Fiskerton Fen 18/5 Black-winged Stilt, Black-winged Stilt, 2 Temminck's Stints, 25 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Black- necked Grebe, 4 drk Garganey, 9 Little Gulls, Short-eared owl, Frampton Marsh Garganey drk, Fiskerton Fen Red-rumped Swallow, Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore Great northern Diver past 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. BOURNE WOODS TF076201 Vin Fleming 24th April 12 Semi-free morel - Mitrophora semilibera - 26 fruitbodies (found by Willie McLaughlin) In grassland near woodland entrance TOFT TUNNEL LWT RESERVE TF07078189 Vin Fleming 5th May 2012 Thimble morel - Verpa conica - 38 fruitbodies (16 in west part of reserve and 22 in the east) Semi-free morel - Mitrophora semilibera - 4 fruitbodies (all in east section) Last saw these morels here 8 years ago almost to the day (3rd May 2004 - during our last wet spring?) when 61 fruitbodies of Verpa conica and 19 of Mitrophora semilibera present HORBLING LINE LWT RESERVE TF115352 Vin Fleming 12th May 2012 Thimble morel - Verpa conica - 9 fruitbodies (in N half of reserve c 20m north of steps into reserve - under hawthorn) - some just emerging NB - also last saw these morels here in 2004 when 27 fruitbodies of Verpa and 6 of Mitrophora semilibera present DEEPING LAKES LWT RESERVE TF182079 Vin Fleming 13 May 2012 Thimble morel - Verpa conica - 26 fruitbodies under hawthorn/elder scrub The recent wet weather is providing good conditions for morels (noting also the sightings in last week's bulletin). Still worth checking suitable areas - the two species above (especially V. conica) are, in my experience, typically found under hawthorn scrub on bare soil - not an uncommon habitat so worth checking such habitats if interested. Some pictures of the species above on the 'Lincs Wildlife Trust Bourne Area group' Facebook page. *** 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. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 12/05/12 Caistor Market Place TA 119 012 Approx. 20 swifts Garden at TA 113 022 Linnet's nest with 5 eggs in hawthorn hedge Garden at TA 111 026 Hedgehog foraging under hedge Adult and one young rabbit feeding twice a day in wildflower meadow Field vole by greenhouse 5 jackdaws 'working' across lawn 3 Canada geese in neighbouring field of winter wheat Great tits nesting in space under roof of workshop Collared doves nesting in leylandii hedge Song thrushes nesting in hawthorn hedge Adult male common toad 2 adult male common frogs, 1 olive brown, other sandy yellow First sighting this year of: Brimstone butterfly (we have recently planted alder buckthorns) Common sorrel Bistort Sweet woodruff Meadow foxtail FRAMPTON RSPB Peter Whitcomb 11 May 2012 Avocet not counted Black necked Grebe 1 Black winged Stilt 1 Brent Goose c30 Curlew Sandpiper 1 Garganey 3 drake Little Gull 1 Little Stint 1 Little Ringed Plover 2 Swift 60+ Turtle Dove 1 in farmyard to north Yellow Wagtail 1 FRAMPTON RSPB Peter Whitcomb 15 May 2012 am Black winged Stilt Little Gull 4 Swift 100+ FREISTON SHORE RSPB Peter Whitcomb 11 May 2012 p.m. Avocet 6 Bar tailed Godwit 6 Brent Goose c900 mostly in fields Common Tern 8-9 Tree Sparrow 8 Brown Hare 7 FREISTON SHORE RSPB Peter Whitcomb 12 May 2012 early am Avocet 10prs on reservoir Black tailed Godwit 38 Brent Goose 100s distant The Wash Cuckoo 2 Curlew 50+ Redshank at least 2 prs Sedge Warbler 1sm Shelduck 14 Wheatear 1 on reserve 4 nearby Whitethroat 2sm Brown Hare 8 FREISTON SHORE RSPB Peter Whitcomb 13 May 2012 am Avocet 10 Brent Goose 5 Common Tern 12 Ringed Plover 2 Tufted Duck 8 Turtle Dove in nearby garden FREISTON SHORE RSPB Peter Whitcomb 14 May 2012 p.m. Avocet 2 additional prs nesting Cuckoo 1 Herring Gull 2prs nesting Lesser Whitethroat 1sm Pink footed Goose 2 presumably injured birds Whimbrel 2 over GIBRALTAR POINT Peter Whitcomb 12 May 2012 Avocet 6 Jackson's Marsh Little Egret 2 Jackson's Marsh Short eared Owl 1 Saltmarsh Spring Beauty alongside approach road near the Sanctuary HIGHALL WOOD 16th May 2012, 21.30hrs Jo Minchin Grid Reference : TF 2218 6505, on the Spa trail Highall Wood, Woodhall Spa. 3 Nightingales in full song. LINCOLN John Farmer 15/5/12 No Oil Beetles but I did find a Sexton Beetle in the garden this week. MARTIN Garden H. Whittle 10 May Swifts x12 Housemartins x 11 pairs nesting Turtle dove - feeding under bird table! (a first in 15 years) MESSINGHAM SAND QUARRY John Davison/Ray Halstead 7th May 2012 Just had verified by Michael Jordan a rare mycological find, Helvella queletii This has never been recorded in Lincolnshire before and at very few other sites in the UK. There are 20 records on the FRDBI many of which are duplicates and only 4 on CATE, (Association of British Fungus Groups). Also heard the Cuckoo whilst I was there and saw my first Swifts of the year. MOULTON MARSH NR R & K Heath 14/5/12 Shorteared owl 1 1 Turtle Dove heard 18 species recorded NAVENBY Jennifer Playford Am attaching a photo of a white squirrel which lives in our garden. [Photo sent to C J Manning] This is its second year, we think. It is frequently mobbed by our resident jackdaws especially if it goes near their nests. A couple of years ago we had a white jackdaw which survived for about 5 years. I have a lot of video footage of it. It never appeared to have a mate but it socialised with the other jackdaws. WATERS EDGE Waters' Edge Sightings on Sat 12/05/12 and Fri 18/05/12 Julie Ellison Birds Blackbird Blackcap 1 Black-Headed Gull 2 Carrion Crow Chaffinch 1 female feeding chick and 1 male Chiffchaff heard several in woods Common Tern 2-3 Coot 1 on nest nr visitor centre, pair with 3 chicks in West Pond on Sat; 5 on Fri Goldfinch 3 Great Tit 1 Greylag Geese 4 near visitor centre and 2 pairs at Folly pond (with 4 goslings between them on Sat, but only 3 on Fri) House Martin 3-4 near Visitor Centre House Sparrow heard in car park, and near visitor centre Kestrel 1 Magpie Mallard 72 near Visitor Centre + others elsewhere Moor Hen 1 Mute Swan 3 Pied Wagtail 2 Reed Bunting 1 male singing Reed Warbler 1 seen in reeds, + heard in several reed beds Robin 2 in south of Woodland Walk wood, another 2 in north of Woodland Walk wood Sedge Warbler (heard only) Song Thrush 2 squabbling in Woodland Walk wood Starling 7 Swallow 6+ Swift 6-10 Tufted Duck 6 (3 pairs) Willow Warbler 1 seen in car park, several heard in various parts of reserve Wood Pigeon Butterflies Green-Veined White 2 (on Sat) Orange Tip 1 (on both days) Peacock 1 (Sat) Ladybirds within a 2 meter stretch of woodland path 7-Spot 3 14-Spot Yellow 3 Plants in Flower Black Medic Bluebell Buttercup: Celery-leaved Creeping Meadow WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 12/5/2012 Single bat hunting in orchard 9pm. [RP] Cuckoo calling, 13/5/2011 8.30am - 2 weeks later than usual .[AP] Yellow wagtail on lawn - 9am - very unusual here. Lapwings displaying, skylarks singing in area - 8.45am. Marsh harrier patrolling area - 11am. 16/5/2012 Brown hare in area [RP] Marsh harrier hunting 7.30am at TF 2154 [RP] Grass snake basking at TF 2154 [AP] short-eared owls hunting, 4.30pm - dark one at TF 2155 Lighter one at TF 2154 [RP] Possible Little owl at TF 2154 [AP] Badger signs in area - trail camera on the case. 18/5 Marsh harrier hunting 5.30pm - TF 2153 3 greylag geese landed in garden to wait for a straggler, then left together. Photos taken. WILLOW TREE FEN NR R & K Heath 13/5/12 Cuckoo heard 2 Turtle Doves heard 38 species recorded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 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 18th May  2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth A cold raw week, blustery winds mainly from a westerly sector with just the occasional sunny spell allowing day time temperatures to rise to 17.5°C on the 14th. Ground frosts of -2.5°C were recorded on the 16th and 17th. The main group of Whimbrel have left the area but two flew over Rimac on the 14th.  Seven Wheatears, and later another 11 (possible Greenlandics), all looking tired and 'fresh in' were on the saltmarsh near Brickyard  on the 14th. Other records have included singles: Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, Hobby and Sand Martin. Large flocks of Woodpigeon have been roaming over and foraging on the saltmarsh with numbers reaching 180+.  Around 20 Shelduck are also regularly feeding on the saltmarsh.  A sparring session between a Short-eared Owl and male Marsh Harrier over Rimac made a fine sight, albeit for only a few seconds; it is quite amazing how agile a Short-eared Owl can be. The unseasonable weather has not suited butterflies; sightings have included 3 green hairstreaks, 5 holly blues, several orange tips and small coppers, and 2 small whites. In a sheltered pond near Churchill there have been 3 teneral azure blue damsels. Sand sedge is beginning to show on the dunes and the first skull cap flowers have been seen. Hawthorn buds remain on the point of bursting but in some sheltered areas blossom is beginning to show. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for April 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 highlight of the month was a male Black-winged Stilt (19th until May). Other wader species noted included two Little Stints (30th), Jack Snipe (21st and 22nd), up to 30 Ruff and two Spotted Redshanks. Waterbirds included a male Scaup all month, up to three Garganey and a late Whooper Swan (24th). Several groups of up to 10 Arctic Terns passed through (from 24th). Little Gulls were seen on two dates. Raptors included Red Kite (6th) and Osprey (14th). Single Whinchats were seen on two dates and Water Pipits on four dates, while White Wagtails peaked at 10 (14th). A marauding Great Skua (from 30th) was seen to kill three Coots and a Lapwing. RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore On the sea 50 Fulmar were seen (3rd), with a Great Skua and six Arctic Terns (28th). Short-eared Owls were more evident this month, with up to four (8th). Other bird of prey included Merlin, Hen Harrier and Marsh harrier. An impressive flock of 430 Linnets were in the game cover crop (4th). On the lagoon peak wader counts were 950 Oystercatcher and 55 Turnstone (8th). ALSO: Gibraltar Point NNR Raptor passage included Rough-legged Buzzard (12th), and Osprey (30th). Three Common Cranes (12th) also didn't stay for long. Other migrants included 3,000 Redwings (3rd), Hooded Crow (7th), Redstart (8th), Crossbill (11th), Firecrest (22nd), 40 Arctic Terns (24th) and a Red-rumped Swallow (30th). An excellent peak of 13 Ring Ouzels was recorded (24th). Treecreepers were seen on two dates. 500 Sanderling and 22,000 Knot (8th) were notable counts. Other sites Lincolnshire's second King Eider, a female, was seen on a boat trip in The Wash off Wrangle (21st), while a Black- winged Stilt seen previously in Leicestershire was at Willow Tree Fen, near Bourne (from 14th) before relocating to Frampton Marsh. Common Cranes were seen at Halton Holgate (two) and Kirkby Moor. A drake Ring-necked Duck at Kirkby Pits and West Ashby Pits and a Great Grey Shrike at Nocton Fen were both seen on and off. A Bittern was at Baston Fen (7th), three Caspian Gulls at Lincoln (19th) and two White Storks at Gosberton (23rd & 24th). A Sacred Ibis at Thurlby Pit and Spalding provoked interest as it may have been from a self-sustaining continental population and therefore potentially a future British tick! 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 18.05.12 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 45 blackbird 16 blackcap 4 black headed gull 24 blue tit 12 Canada goose 6 carrion crow 6 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 5 collared dove 2 common gull 4 common tern 6 cuckoo coot 30+ cormorant curlew dunnock 6 gadwall 2 goldfinch 3 GC grebe 5 GS woodpecker great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 20+ house martin 22 house sparrow 10 jackdaw 3 kestrel LBB gull 2 linnet 2 long - tailed tit 4 magpie 7 mallard 14 marsh harrier M+F meadow pipit moorhen 7 mute swan 6 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 3 pied wagtail 2 pochard 12 reed warbler 14 reed bunting 5 robin 6 sand martin 10 sedge warbler 8 shelduck 8 sparrowhawk F starling 5 swallow 50+ swift 50+ tufted duck 11 water rail wheatear whitethroat 10 willow warbler 8 wood pigeon 5 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 Peter Whitcomb 13 May 2012 Blackcap 2sm Cuckoo 1 Garden Warbler 1sm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 or try http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/products.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, 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: None this week. *** Link(s) of the Week *** History of The Wildlife Trusts video: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/100 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/