============================================ || || 7th April 2013 || || 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 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 1090 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. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. 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 *** There are lots of opportunities for action in this week's Bulletin: an LNU Field Meeting at Broughton Far Wood SSSI; a Butterfly Conservation Indoor Meeting; a Hedgehog Street hibernation survey; the LBC Garden Bird Survey; The Great Oil Beetle Hunt; Beach reports for Dave Miller; and talks at Scunthorpe Museum, LWT Groups at Grimsby & Cleethorps, Grimsby, Grantham, Gainsborough, RSPB Lincoln and South Lincs RSPB in Boston. You can book yourself on a boat trip into The Wash and fill in an entry form for this year's Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. You even have time to book yourself onto the The British Myriapod & Isopod Group (BMIG) Annual Field Meeting! We are still hovering at a readership of about 1090, which is really good, but i would like to move that total up to 1200 this year. If you know anyone who would be interested, please forward this Bulletin to them using the special link "Forward to a Friend" at the bottom of your own Bulletin. Keep the information coming, please. Your reports and other contributions help to make the Bulletin interesting and useful. There are some interesting reports in this week. Many thanks. Roger *** Next LNU Event - reminder - all welcome *** For LNU meetings see section 11 for full programme. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co. and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch - This Saturday, 6th April *** Lesley Robinson writes Spring Indoor Meeting - Saturday 6th April 2013 At: Chambers Farm Wood Education Centre, Wragby (TF148738) Time: 2pm The Butterflies of Bulgaria Speaker: Nick Greatorex-Davies and A Walk up a Mountainside in the Western Ghats - looking at Indian Butterflies and their Origins Speaker: Sandhya Sekar Light refreshments will be available at a small cost. *** The British Myriapod & Isopod Group 11-14th April 2013 *** Imogen Wilde writes: The British Myriapod & Isopod Group (BMIG) will be having their Annual Field Meeting and AGM in Lincolnshire this year. The dates are Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th April 2013, and the group will be based at Scamblesby, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire is relatively under-recorded for myriapods and isopods and this will be a good location for exploring under- worked areas, such as the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Limewoods, heaths near Market Rasen and Woodhall Spa and also coastal dunes. The AGM will be held on the evening of Friday 12 April. If you would like further information and a booking form for accommodation then please contact Imogen Wilde: imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk. All LNU members are very welcome, whether staying with the group in Scamblesby or making their own accommodation arrangements. *** Hedgehog Street Hibernation Survey *** If you wish to report hedgehog sightings to Hedgehog Street, living ones and road kills, you may use the following link. As emergences are late, this is a good week to start reporting. But please report them in the Bulletin too so we all know. http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Egg thieves - caution needed *** As far as sensitive bird reports are concerned, please send any nest-related or territorial information to the appropriate bird recorder rather than the Bulletin. Birds of prey in particular. 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 *** Garden Bird Survey *** The Lincolnshire Bird Club Garden Bird Survey record sheets went out to all LNU members with the AGM mailing. Your help with these will be very much appreciated. For more information, see: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/information/garden_bird_survey.htm I strongly recommend that contributors who report lots of quite common "garden regulars" have a go at the survey in order to put together a useful wider picture across the county. You can then refocus your Bulletin reports on particular species of interest. e.g. species showing unusual changes in numbers or seasonality. *** Oil Beetles - The Hunt Continues - Reminder *** Until last year oil beetles hadn't been seen in Lincolnshire for decades, but with your help we found them! The Black oil beetle was rediscovered in Lincolnshire in April 2012 near Grantham - easily recognised by its large size (up to 3 cm) and shortened wing cases, they can be found from March to June in meadows and coastal grassland. For the third year running, Buglife are promoting a national survey for our species of oil beetle, although only two of them (the Black oil beetle and the Violet oil beetle) have ever been seen in Lincolnshire. See: http://www.buglife.org.uk/getinvolved/surveys/Oil+Beetle+Hunt/Oil+Beetle+Hunt+-+The+Fab+Four.htm They seek out bare ground to dig burrows in which the females lay their eggs and can often be found on footpaths where the soil has been compacted by walkers. Once the eggs hatch, the larva lay in wait on flowers where they hitch a ride on an unsuspecting bee. They get carried to the bee's nest where they disembark and proceed to eat the store of pollen and nectar and the bee's eggs. Records of oil beetles will help towards their conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan - if you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk *** Sightings on the Beach? Reminder. *** Lincs Wildlife Trust Coastal Ranger, Dave Miller, requests information on unusual sightings on the beach. e.g. massed wash-ups of starfish and sunstars, porpoises and even sunfish. If you see anything while visiting the coast would you please send details to: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk Editor adds: Or you can post them in the Bulletin to encourage others. For coastal reserve locations see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/map.php and the Shark Trust website: http://www.sharktrust.org/ *** Plug for Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes events 2013 *** Rachael Clark writes: They are not all on the website yet as separate events, but some are, along with the downloadable list. http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/news-and-events/category/events http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/conservation/article.php?id=27 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** Ruth Snelson writes: Our website is up and running. Our website is up and running. http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** WHISBY BIOBLITZ Friday, July 12 + Saturday 13 July *** Charlie Barnes writes: Bioblitz = intensive survey and identification of species in an area. All welcome from beginners to experienced naturalists. Experts will be on hand to help with identification and recording. Event details below in section 11. Watch the NEW Bioblitz website for updates. http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/national-bioblitz/midlands/lincolnshire-bioblitz.html *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 8th April 2013 we hold our AGM at 7pm followed by an illustrated talk on British Orchids by Mick Binnion starting at 7.30pm. This will be held in Grimsby Town Hall admission £2. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle, tea/coffee. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath- 01472 502858 *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: Wed 24 April 2013: (Sales stall: books and magazines) AGM followed by Idle Valley Nature Reserve -? A warden's perspective Come and find out lots more about this very important conservation area that has walks and a Visitor Centre just a stone's throw away in Retford! For more information, please ring Joy on 01427 628457 or E-mail Linda ? woodentops@darter.plus.com *** LWT Grantham Branch *** Marion Ellis writes: Fri 12 April 7.30pm Barkston & Syston Village Hall The Wildlife Trusts' Film "100 Years of Nature Conservation" *** Wild Flowers of the Peak District *** Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Meeting on Monday, 8th April, 2013. Patrick Harding, botanist and mycologist, presents an illustrated talk about 'Wild Flowers of the Peak District' in the upper room of the North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BD. Car park at rear. ALL VERY WELCOME. No admission charge but donation bowl provided. Contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098 or Dr Sheila Wyllie on 01724 720298. The Ornithology Section of The Scunthorpe Museum Society. Meeting on Monday, 15th April, 2013, 7.15pm start. Richard Baines, Professional Ecologist working for Yorkshire Coast Nature will be giving an illustrated talk on "Flamborough Headland - Bird Migration and Conservation" in the upper lecture room of the North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BD. Free car park at rear. ALL VERY WELCOME. No admission charge but a donation bowl is provided. Contact Dr Sheila Wyllie on 01724 720298. *** RSPB Lincoln *** Maureen Staples writes: On Thursday 11th April 2013 at 7.30pm we invite you to join us at our next meeting where Jim Almond will be giving an illustrated talk on A Winter Weekend in Vancouver. This will take place in The Robert Hardy Building, Bishop Grossteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln. RSPB members and students £3.00. Non members £4.00. Free Parking. See: http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** S Lincs RSPB Meeting *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: 25th April at 730pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "Lands End to The Highlands, in search of butterflies", by Geoff Adams Members £2, non-members £3-50, all welcome. See: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** BOSTON BELLE Wash Cruises 2013 *** The South Lincs RSPB have announced details of their Wash Birdwatching Cruises aboard The Boston Belle for 2013. Each cruise starts at Boston's Sluice Bridge Marina and lasts 4 to 5 hours. During 2012 over 100 different bird species, averaging about 60 per individual cruise, were seen. Sightings included plovers, turnstone, dunlin, knot, redshank, godwits, egret, eider, harriers, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and kingfisher. Seals are also seen on most cruises. There is a programme of 12 cruises for 2013 starting 20th April and finishing 12th October. RSPB members and non-members are welcome. Full details including revised booking arrangements for 2013, can be found at: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - Reminder! *** If you are associated with a project deserving the recognition the Award scheme brings, you should start thinking about your entry over the next few weeks - as the deadline is 30th April. The application process is simple and straightforward. The Lincolnshire Environmental Award website link is: http://lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 1/4 17 Waxwings, Barton-upon-Humber bus station 8 Waxwings w of Long Bennington on Valley Lane west of Fen Lane Junction to industrial estate Lesser Scaup drk, Smew redhead, Freiston Shore on lagoon, also ringtail Hen Harrier. Caspian Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 7 Avocets, HenHarrier, Bonby Carrs Spotted Redchank, Wroot 2 Snow buntings, Cleethorpes opposite leisure centre Shorelark, Gibraltar Point 2/4 8 Waxwings w of Long Bennington on Valley Lane west of Fen Lane Junction to industrial estate Lesser Scaup drk, Freiston Shore on lagoon Hen Harrier ad m over Saltfleetby St Peter Hen Harrier m, 5 Short-eared Owls, Worlaby Carrs Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Caspian gull. North Hykeham, Millennium green Bittern, Gibraltar Point, Jackson's Marsh 3/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Freiston Shore on lagoon Long-billed Dowitcher, Alkborough Flats, use car park off Whitton Road Common Scoter f, Gibraltar Point, Fenland Lagoon Iceland Gull, Caspian Gull, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, Bonby recycling plant American Wigeon drk, Fiskerton Fen Bewick's Swan, with 13 Whooper Swans, Kirkby on Bain, Reverslea Pit 4/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Freiston Shore on lagoon Caspian Gull, Whisby Nature Park, Teal Lake Iceland Gull, 2 Caspian Gulls, Bonby recycling plant 5/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Smew redhead, Freiston Shore on lagoon 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. 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. ALFORD David Sheppard In response to the challenge of finding insects during the current late spring, I have run a couple of yellow water traps in my garden in Alford (TF454754). The traps only yielded flies, mostly tiny midges (Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae) but also a few bigger beauties. All are widespread species known to hibernate or to be active during the winter months. If anyone wants to check these identifications (or identify a couple of Lonchaeidae, a few tiny Spaeroceridae, several Anthomyidae or those midges!), I have the specimens. Tephrochlamys rufiventris (Heleomyzidae) 1st April 2013 Heleomyza (Leria) serrata (Heleomyzidae) 3rd April 2013 Copromyza similis (Sphaeroceridae) Lesser dung flies 2nd April 2013 Muscina assimilis (Muscidae) 2nd April 2013 Phaonia signata (Muscidae) 3rd April 2013 Dasyphora cyanella (Muscidae) 4th April 2013 Calliphora erythrocephala (Calliphoridae) bluebottle 3rd April 2013 Pollenia rudis (Calliphoridae) golden-haired cluster fly 1st & 3rd April 2013 Peacock butterfly (Inachis io) flying through the garden 2nd April 2013 Also: Eristalis tenax (Syrphidae) at flowers in Skegness B&Q garden centre (TF552632) on 3rd April 2013. *** 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 experts. Thanks. BANOVALLUM HOUSE LWT RESERVE TF257695 Charlie Barnes 3 April 2013 Small tortoiseshell x1 BASTON FEN NR 29.3.2013 Kerry Harrison Long-eared Owl - 3 in willow bushes; Marsh Harrier - 1 BASTON FEN NR 31.3.2013 John Redshaw, Roger Favell & Kerry Harrison Teal - 5; Goosander - 2 (RF), Lapwing - 10; Snipe - 3; Curlew - 1 (RF); Little Egret - 1 (RF); Marsh Harrier - 1; Hen Harrier - 1 (KH); Red Kite - 1 (RF); Short-eared Owl - 2; Water Pipit - 1 (KH). BRACEBY TF011347 Jenny Wallace/Charlie Barnes 31 March 2013 Fallow Deer x4 CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 1.3.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Common shrew, dead Rabbits, 1 adult and 3 juveniles on lawn Collared doves nesting in Leylandii hedge Pheasants, 1 male with 2 females under feeder Hairy bittercress in flower Hundon Manor Farm TA 116 024 Great spotted woodpecker drilling hole in oak Skylark singing Tree creepers, 2, showing courtship behaviour(?) on mature Sycamore Wold View verge TA 120 013 Groundsel, 1st flowers of 2013 DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve – TF187083 Date: 05/04/2013 Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 0900 – 1130 Weather: Cold, with very strong NE winds. Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Canada Goose Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Crow Goldeneye Goosander – 7(3 drakes) Great Black-backed Gull Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Rook Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon Others: Grey Squirrel (2) DEEPING LAKES NR David Griffith 01/04 Red kite x2 Goosander x2 Siskin x8 Redwing x12 Goldcrest Chiffchaff Lesser black backed gull x6 Oystercatcher x2 Goldeneye x8 GRANTHAM Jeremy Hutchinson 31/3/2013 Belton Park SK935 395 Red Kite Buzzard Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (2) Green Woodpecker (heard, but not seen). HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Sunday 31 March 2013 Peacock butterfly in my greenhouse, presumably woken up after hibernation. Also, small bee on snowdrop flowers and ladybird under a leaf. Quite a bonus really, considering it was only 6 degrees C despite the sun! HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date 2/4 Muntjac 1 Collared dove 1 Date 3/4 Blackbirds 4 Starlings 4 Collared doves 2 Great tits 4 Date 4/4 Starlings 7 Date 5/4 Chaffinch 2 We also had a millipede in the kitchen. LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 06/04/2013 Jayne Knight 29/03 & 05/04 Goldcrest feeding on the crumbled pastry I put out for the Robin. (Jus-Rol Shortcrust, baked for 20mins so it still soft) Had very good views today, 5th, when it perched on fence and washing line before flying down and tucking in. 30/03 Heron flew West, mid-morning. 31/03 Buzzard overhead, around noon. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 31.03.13 Common Dog Violet (plenty of them) and Lesser Celandine coming into flower in local verges, also a few dandelions (which have been very reluctant this year). 02.04.13 2 Red-legged Partridges searching for food in garden – a first. Brown hare in local lane. Buzzard over meadow. 8pm: Tawny Owl flew past downstairs window. 03.04.13 Song Thrush singing at 6am Later: Dunnock and Chaffinch in song Blue Tit has resumed “hammering” in tit box. 04.04.13 Thought I heard a Frog croaking near garden pond, but couldn’t actually see one. Although it’s been sunny of late, still no flying insects visible in my garden except a few mosquitoes and the odd fly. Must be the continuing strong NE winds. TEMPLE WOOD TF0529 Jenny Wallace/Charlie Barnes 1 April 2013 Muntjac x2 Fallow Deer c6 WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 04/04/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson The Ponds were almost bereft of birds today, the only species of interest being singles of Common Snipe and Jack Snipe. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A. Parsons 30/3 Pair of stockdoves nesr feeder. 31/3 Buzzard low over garden flying west, 2.45pm. Muntjac deer adult stock still at TF 236529 at 12.26 hrs. (Possibly disturbed by shooting at Haven Bank shooting ground.) 1/4 Yellow Dung fly spp on dog poo! Green woodpecker heard. Great spotted woodpecker drumming - garden regular on feeders. 3/4 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Queen (Bombus terrestris) in garden. 5/4 Yellowhammer m under feeder in garden WILLOWTREE FEN NR 3.4.2013 John Redshaw Shelduck - 3 prs; Wigeon - 530; Gadwall - 14; Teal - 83; Mallard - 26; Shoveler - 20; Tufted Duck - 7 (on river); Dabchick - 1; Coot - 33; Water Rail - 1; Moorhen - 5; Lapwing - 65; Snipe - 5; Jack Snipe - 1. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006059.aspx Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. Note - author is on holiday for a few weeks, so may not be updated much for that period. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 22nd March 2013. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Week ending 29th March 2013. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth The bitterly cold easterly winds continued for the whole of the week and were constantly blowing at f5-6 (mid 20s mph) but this peaked to a gust of 47.5+mph which was recorded on the dunes near Crook Bank on the 24th. With the high tides being at a low height the strength of the winds caused some dramatic sand blow with drifts up to 1.3m in depth and in places 30m wide over the fore dunes south of Brickyard; a sight not seen by local people in 40 years. This just shows how susceptible habitats can be to extreme weather. Here we have some foreshore dune vegetation which is now buried, but in other areas there is the development of embryo dunes which will be colonised by pioneer species. Along the tideline from Mablethorpe North End to The Haven there has been a wreck of bird corpses on the strand line; species were Razorbill 33, Puffin 28, Guillemot 17, Common Gull 9, Herring Gull 3, Black-headed Gull 1, Fulmar 1, Lapwing 2 and Blackbird 1. A freshly killed Harbour Porpoise was found on the tideline near Rimac on the 29th. Bird sightings during the week remain very few. Of note 2 Water Rails were squealing near Rimac and 10 Mute Swans on Rimac lagoon both on the 26th. On the 29th a female Hen Harrier was seen hunting over the salt marsh, a Common Buzzard flew south over Brickyard and a foreshore count from Rimac to Crook Bank yielded Common Gull 5000+, Herring Gull 800+, Oystercatcher 92, Knot c850, Ringed Plover 12, Dunlin c120, Sanderling 50 and Cormorant 47. Week ending 5th April 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth March was a cold month dominated by very raw easterly winds which averaged f6 or more. On the 24th a gust of 47.5mph was recorded on the sand dunes near Crook Bank. A spell of light rain and snow showers occurred from the 5th - 19th giving a total of 43.3mm out of the monthly total of 45.5mm. Fifteen ground frosts (-7.0°C on 14th and 19th) and 7 air frosts (-4.25°C on the 14th) were recorded. Day time temperatures were poor throughout the month reaching only 10.75°C on the 2nd confirming this to be the one of the coldest March's since the 1960s. The strong cold easterly winds continued into April and on the 4th a gust of 36.5mph was recorded near Rimac. Sand was again blowing across the beach and more sand blow formations were observed. Natural History records of note include an imm Merlin and male Marsh Harrier over the salt marsh on the 2nd. On the 3rd 105 Chaffinches (in three flocks) flew south over Sea View, 250+ Starlings were feeding on the adjacent grassland, 9 Mute Swans on Rimac Lagoon, and a male Hen Harrier flew over the saltmarsh late evening. Bird song remains occasional, mainly by tits, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Mistle hrush and Skylark. Daisy, lesser celandine, coltsfoot, dandelion, red dead-nettle and common whitlow grass have been seen in flower. A few common newts, frogs and toads have braved the cold weather but only occurring in sheltered undergrowth and ponds. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx Reports for March 2012. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh The highlight of the month was an all too brief fly over by a White-tailed Eagle (19th). More regular were four European White-fronted Geese all month, along with up to 50 Whooper Swans (19th). Spoonbills were seen on several dates, with up to three present (21st). Returning avocets like most summer visitors were late, but rapidly increased up to 48 (29th). Spotted Redshanks were seen on two dates, with Jack Snipe on one. The few migrants that did arrive were Black Redstart (9th), Wheatear (15th), Sand Martin (19th) and Chiffchaff (22nd). A Bearded Tit (31st) was also probably passing through. Other sightings included four Snow Buntings (4th), Red Kite and Bullfinch (17th), Water Pipit (24th) and up to 30 Twite (29th). RSPB Freiston Shore A first-winter drake Lesser Scaup (19th onwards) on the lagoon was only about the fourth Lincolnshire record and unsurprisingly a first for the reserve. A redhead Smew (form 10th) added variety. Other sightings included seven Scaup and Kittiwake (13th), Slavonian Grebe (16th), Red Kite (17th) and up to 15 Avocets (24th) Gibraltar Point NNR A first-winter Caspian Gull (25th & 26th) was a good site record. A Black Brant was in with the Dark-bellied Brent Geese (4th), as was a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (17th) but both were only seen on one date. Bearded Tits were seen on two dates (3rd & 14th). A peak of 4000 Golden Plovers (3rd) contrasted with just one Jack Snipe (11th), although up to nine Woodcock were also reported. Up to two Stonechats (14th & 15th) could well have been migrants as there have been none wintering in recent years, but these were the only potential spring migrants in an unusually quiet March. Other sites Three Bean Geese at Whisby Quarry (11th onwards) were also seen at Whisby Nature Park, while a redhead Smew at Langtoft Fen (16th) was more fleeting visitor. The White-tailed Eagle at Frampton Marsh was also seen over Kirton Marsh (19th and 20th). Three Cranes were reported flying over Hartsholme Park (21st). A pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers here were more regular. At least two Caspian Gulls were at North Hykeham Pits (from 6th) with a Long-eared Owl lingering at Deeping Lakes. Despite the cold weather up to four Cetti’s Warblers persisted at Marston STW, where up to six Twite were very good inland record. The first Chiffchaffs were at Swanpool (19th) and Marston STW (23rd). Waxwing sightings decreased, but there were still up to 27 in Lincoln (2nd), 39 at Beckingham (22nd) and 20 in Skegness. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1083404.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 05.04.13 BIRDS Max nos. Avocet 4 barn owl bittern M blackbird 30+ black-headed gull 60+ blue tit 10 bullfinch 2 canada goose 8 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 8 chiffchaff 3 collared dove 2 common gull 10 coot 50+ cormorant 2 curlew 12 dunnock 6 gadwall 6 goldeneye F goldfinch 6 GC grebe 6 GS woodpecker great tit 8 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 30 herring gull 2 house sparrow 15 jackdaw 2 kestrel long tailed tit 8 magpie 4 mallard 13 marsh harrier 3 moorhen 5 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 2 peregrine pheasant 2 pied wagtail pochard 10 red crested pochard redshank 4 reed bunting 2 robin 8 rook 4 shelduck 6 shoveler 8 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk 2 starling C.1,000 teal 37 tufted duck 20 water rail 2 wigeon 20 willow tit wood pigeon 10 wren 7 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.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 *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: I have recently agreed to take on the roles of Regional Co- ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). I will be organising a few field meetings to hunt for spiders and other arachnids in due course, but if any LNU members wish to get in touch in the meantime then please contact me on my e-mail address: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** 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 *** 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 *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** Hedgehog Survey *** Not yet sure if this will extend to the current autumn/winter. http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** Met Office E-mail 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/about-us/guide-to-emails *** 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: http://www.lnu.org/ www.lincsbirdclub.co.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 Environmental Records Centre Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) To learn more about the project or to find out how to get involved, please visit http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ Hartsholme Country park. To learn more about the park or to get in involved at the park please visit http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/visitor-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/hartsholme-country-park/ contact Park Rangers at hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation http://www.lnu.org/ 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: http://www.lnu.org/ www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.lnu.org/ www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Bardney Limewoods Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://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: http://www.lnu.org/ www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p015pqyz Les Binns: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoheathen/sets/ Leslie Hebden http://www.flickr.com/photos/13718295@N07/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ Youtube videos by Colin Green. Little Scrubbs Meadon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqCJLrTQmg&feature=relmfu Greetwell Hollow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmzLFrbjFU&feature=plcp Rimac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=plcp *** 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 Hartsholme Country Park: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 19, 2013 Field Meeting Hills and Hollows Quarry, Harrowby (Courtesy of Londonthorpe and Harrowby Parish Council) Just east of Grantham. 13.00 start on site. Two limited space parking spots on road verges at SK928351 and SK937353. The western parking spot along Coldharbour Lane has fairly steep path up to site (follow path north then east to site). From the eastern parking spot (on a bend of Turnor Road) follow path west direct to site. Meet up at SE corner of site for 1pm. NB. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub, broadleaved woodland. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk Saturday, May 25, 2013 Meeting with Lincs Geodiversity Group Welton-le-Wold Quarry SSSI West of Louth 10.30-15.30 (bring lunch) Park at TF281879 (LN11 0QT) Site to be sign-posted off the A631 west of Louth. Habitats: Woodland, grassland, scrub. Leader: Helen Gamble 07958 805213 helen.gamble@lincolnshire.gov.uk Guide available from info@lnu.org Saturday, June 08, 2013 Field Meeting - With evening moth/bat element Allington Meadows SSSI (Courtesy of Bill Cragg) Northwest of Grantham 12.00 for 13.00 start and then 9pm start for evening session. Car parking at SK871399 about half way along minor road between Allington and Gonerby Moor junction of A1. Habitats: Hay meadows, hedges, ponds and Foston Beck. Leader: Barry Johnson barryjohnson131@gmail.com Sunday, June 30, 2013 Field Meeting Brampton Farmland (Courtesy of R and A Brownlow) Northwest of Saxilby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take track to east side of A156 (between Torksey and Marton) immediately north of where the road crosses a large drain. Follow the track which runs parallel with the drain and then take first track on left to small car park at SK842808. Habitats: Arable, grassland, ponds, drains, broadleaved woodland and vegetated sandhills. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, July 12, 2013 Bioblitz Event + Saturday 13 July Whisby Nature Park Southwest of Lincoln Use main car park (£1 fee applicable, 10am-4pm period) located at SK910662. Bioblitz "nerve centre" will be the Education Centre (not main visitor centre) and will open from 10am each day. Come and go when you like and see what species you can add. A range of experts will be around the site both days. Evening moth trapping and bat recording starting from about 9pm on Friday night, depending on weather. Event includes evening moth element. Habitats: Wide variety including woodland, grassland, brownfield habitats, lakes, ditches and marsh. Contacts: Phil Porter 01522 500676 whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk and Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, August 04, 2013 Field Meeting Middlemarsh Farm (Courtesy of J and S Dodsworth) Southwest of Skegness 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road southwards situated about half way between the Burgh bypass and Skegness. Private track to the farm is on left about 1.25km from main road. Keep on track for about 1km and park in farm yard at TF528632. Habitats: Pasture, wetland recreation area, ditches and some arable. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, September 07, 2013 Field Visit - With evening moth/bat element Byrons Lodge and Farm, North Somercotes, (Courtesy of B and L Libell) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening moth/bat session starting at 7.30pm. Park along driveway to Byrons Lodge at TF415973 (postcode LN11 7LL) or on minor road verge nearby. Take Jubilee Road off the A1031 and then turn left onto Bank End road. Then take first right and Byrons Lodge is about 150m along on right. NB. Owner has stipulated no children for this one. Habitats: Pasture, pond, young woodland and various drains. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 13, 2013 Fungus Foray Snipe Dales Country Park - Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust East of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use the Country Park car park (£1 fee) TF330 682 which is well signposted from the A158 Skegness- -Lincoln road and from the B1195 Horncastle--Spilsby road. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Grassland, marsh and 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 If you are having difficulties with spam folders etc. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. Latest Mailfails. Please update your profile if necessary or you could be deleted from the mailing list. *** And Finally ... Petitions, petitions, petitions.... Some people like doing these. John Raby sent me the following link regarding pesticide threats to bees. [The 38 Degrees website covers a number of topics. "38 degrees is the angle at which an avalanche happens."] http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/ban-the-pesticides-that-are-harming-our-bees#petitionst Natural cycles in vole populations across Europe are fading away, and climate change is likely to be the culprit, a new study in Science shows. http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/news/story.aspx?id=1428&cookieConsent=A ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/