============================================ || || 14th 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 *** Please forgive any typos this week - managing on another pc where I can't use spellcheck. As spring creeps up on us, hopefully we can start to report species other than the birds, which tend to dominate winter recording. A quick scan through this week's sightings will show you what I mean. Bees, butterflies, moths and amphibia are all represented. Let's make an effort to find oil beetles. It would be good to have reports of bats and reptiles. Don't forget to report roadkills, hedgehogs and badgers for example. For many years I have been adding to my webpage about famous Lincolnshire people. John Redshaw has made a number of useful suggestions and contributions to this, the latest of which is to include a note and links on Welsh naturalist and antiquary, Thomas Pennant - 1726–1798. John writes: "Thomas Pennant was elected a member of Spalding Gentlemens' Society in 1768. He visited The Deeps in the East Fen with Sir Joseph Banks and recorded a wonderful variety of birds. Banks, incidentally was elected a member at the same meeting." Thank you, John. If there are any readers with an interest in Thomas Pennant who would like to write me a bit about his links with the county, please get in touch. Link: http://www.rogerparsons.info/ If you have been considering an entry in this years Lincolnshire Environmental Awards, don't forget the closing date is 30th April. I can report a steady trickle of new subscribers, balancing a few recent unsubscribers. If we can increase this slightly this will push us over the elusive 1100 barrier which we can't seem to break. 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 *** 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/ *** 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: Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT On Saturday 13th April 2013 we invite you to join us on a morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Please meet in the carpark at 9am. This is a free event but donations for the Trust will be welcomed. Please wear suitable clothing with stout boots or shoes and bring binoculars. For further details please contact Ray - 01472 320878. On Sunday 21st April 2013 we invite you to join us to walk with the wardens in Tetney Blow Wells nature reserve looking for wildlife including cowslips. Please park and meet outside the church in Church Lane, Tetney at 2pm. Please wear suitable clothing and stout shoes or boots. This is a free event but donations for the Trust will be welcomed. For further details contact Clifford Jukes - 01472 814887. *** 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 *** Wild Flowers of the Peak District *** Keith Scarrott writes: 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 *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 5/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Smew redhead, Freiston Shore on lagoon 6/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Smew redhead, Freiston Shore on lagoo Black Brant with 400 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Freiston Shore 7/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Freiston Shore on lagoon 16 Waxwings, Barton-upon Humber Black Redstart, Covenham Reservoir Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Frampton Marsh 8/4 Caspian Gull, Bonby Carrs Black Redstart, Gibraltar Point, roof of visitor centre 9/4 Black Redstart f, Short-eared Owl, Donna Nook, Pye's Hall Hen Harrier ringtail, Worlaby Carrs Bearded Tit,f, Kirkby on Bain pits, hide pit 10/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Freiston Shore on lagoon Water Pipit, Baston/Langtoft gravel pits - east of cross roads Caspian Gull, North Hykeham, Millennium Green Glaucous Gull, Frampton Marsh 11/4 9 Waxwings, Bourne, North Road/Maple Gardens Lesser Scaup drk, Freiston Shore on lagoon Osprey, Fosdyke Bridge Hen Harrier m, Wroot, Candy Corner Bearded Tit,f, Kirkby on Bain pits Glaucous Gull, Frampton Marsh 12/4 Lesser Scaup drk, Freiston Shore on lagoon Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook, south of Stonebridge Car Park 3 Black Redstarts, Gibraltar Point, by Visitor Centre Water Pipit, Baston/Langtoft gravel pits - east of cross roads 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. Brimstone Butterflies: MESSINGHAM SAND QUARRY Alice Nunn After an exceedingly long and cold winter I was pleased to see my first Brimstone butterfly of the year on Saturday 6th April at Messingham Sand Quarry. Flowers and vegetation very late, just a few Marsh Marigolds & Gorse. Willow late. Mistletoe in flower on crab apple tree. I have noticed a few awake Peacock butterflies flying in my various churches, where they hibernate for the Winter eg Winterton, Winteringham and Appleby. MARTIN Helen Whittle 6/4/2013 Brimstone. *** 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. ALFORD Alford Garden TF 454754 David Sheppard 7 April 2013 Bombus terrestris queen BOSTON 07.04.13 Mick Todd My neighbour invited me into his garden with a queerie about his bird box. While there he showed me a nest in a shrub on his fence. It was a blackbird's with 3 eggs. Perhaps spring has arrived! BOSTON 09/04/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson We had three Lesser Black-backed Gulls feeding on scraps on our lawn today. Good numbers of the smaller gulls are not unusual in the garden as the landfill site is nearby, but the larger gulls rarely occur in other than singles and tend not to remain on the lawn for as long as these. We also had a couple of Long-tailed Tits, one of which was sporting a ring on its right leg, so it wasn't one of mine. BRAMPTON SK 833800 08.04.2013 Alison Brownlow Small Tortoiseshell butterfly flying BRATTLEBY SK947807 Robert Walker 7/4/13 Nuthatch 2 Seen on mature ash tree at southern side of village. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 5.4.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Chiffchaff arrived 11thApril, 3 weeks later than in 2011/12 Common buzzards, 2, flying low over coniferous wood for 15mins Great spotted woodpecker, pair in orchard Moorhen under feeder Pied wagtail, 1stsighting in garden 2013 Red-legged partridges, 3, under feeder Redwing, 20, working across rough lawn Siskin on nyjer seed feeder, 1sttime seen on feeder Tawny owl calling in coniferous wood at 3pm Tree creeper working up orchard trees Tree sparrows collecting feathers Brown centipede, active in flower bed Early Bumblebee, Bombus pratorum, 1stsighting in 2013 Hundon Manor Farm TA 116 024 Canada geese, 4 Green woodpecker Tufted duck, 6 Grimsby Road garden TA 120 014 Goldcrests, 2 pairs Long-tailed tits, 4 Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Oystercatchers, 2, 1stsighting this year. New on Caistor list North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 Frogs still spawning Brimstone butterfly, 1stsighting in 2013 Midges and mosquitos at weekend Cherry Holt garden TA 115 015 Goldcrests 2 Moortown Road garden TA 105 002 Reed bunting, 2 Siskin, 2 CAMMERINGHAM SK958818 Robert Walker 7/4/13 Tree Sparrows 6 On small tree next to roadside hedge on 'Middle Street'. 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: Black-headed Gull Blackbird Buzzard (2) Canada Goose Coot Cormorant Great Black-backed Gull Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Goldeneye Goosander (2 – 2F) Great Crested Grebe Crow Great Tit Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Long-tailed Tit Mallard Magpie Moorhen Mute Swan Pheasant Robin Rook Shovelor (2-1D) Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon GRANTHAM Grantham crematorium SK923355 David Sheppard 8 April 2013 Bombus lucorum and Bombus terrestris queens HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 6/4/13 Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly 1 First sighting of the year in my garden, out in full morning sun. also Song Thrush 1 On branch of beech tree in full song most of afternoon, a rare visitor to my garden. 11/4/13 Mistle Thrush 1 Regular visitor to the garden over the past week. Calls from high branches of walnut tree overhanging the rear garden. HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 7/4 Mistlethrush 4 (one collecting nest material) 7/4 Redwing 1 Dates: 8/4 - 12/4 Greater spotted woodpecker 1 Date: 10/4 Greenfinch 2 Date: 12/4 Bumble bee of some sort. Masses of activity from the robins, blackbirds, great tits and collared doves. There are starlings nesting in a hole in a very old apple tree. KIRKBY ON BAIN Clare Brady 11 April 2013 1 swallow at Kirkby On Bain Thursday morning also lots of Chiff Chaffs call in Louth (Stewton Lane) morning - 12th April. LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 13/04/2013 Jayne Knight 09/04 Two Redpolls on the feeders. I think they were Common ones as around the same size as the Goldfinches and female, the red on the head was not very pronounced. OLD BOLINGBROKE 07.04.13 Mick Todd Taking advantage of the spring sunshine I visited Old Bolingbroke Castle. Unfortunately we did not see any newts but there was a large number of frogs calling and hopping about in the reed. There was a large amount of spawn in several areas. We also disturbed a snipe in the field behind the castle. STURTON BT STOW Sturton by Stow 18.03.2013 and 20.03.2013(late entry) Alison Brownlow Dotted Boarder moth at kitchen window. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 06.04.13 First fine day with lighter (though still E) wind First Bumblebee Queen (Buff-tailed) in garden on hellebore In the evening, when I went to retrieve my warm-lined gloves from the greenhouse, I got lightly stung by another, smaller bumblebee (probably Bombus lapidarius) that had decided to spend the night in one of the glove’s fingers. I put it somewhere sheltered and hope it survived. 2 Long-tailed tits on fat ball feeder (not seen for a while, though heard occasionally) 8pm: Bat, apparently emerging from below roof tiles (??) 07.04.13 (Hazy sunshine and light SW winds after a frosty night) For many weeks, my bird food had been eagerly awaited every morning by 6-8 male blackbirds. They must have been waiting for the change in wind direction, as this morning they were gone. 3 Goldfinches in garden (not seen since autumn) 08.04.13 Mistle Thrush foraging in meadow. Seems to me that the local Rabbit population is on the increase; did they benefit from the wet weather last year (grass aplenty)? Would be interested to hear other people’s comments. 09.04.13 3 clumps of Frog spawn in garden pond by the evening. Yellowhammer in local hedgerow. 10.04.13 2 clumps of frog spawn gone, presumably eaten by goldfish. Moved remaining and one new clump to a new wildlife pond that does not contain fish. So far, significantly fewer frogs and spawn than in previous years and 3-4 weeks later than usual. RIGSBY WOOD Rigsby Wood TF424765 David Sheppard April 2013 Primroses in flower 9 April Frog 10 April WALCOTT TF127569 week-ending 12/04/2013 Chris Lunn Birds (max. seen at any one time): Blackbird 6 Rook 7 Stockdove 2 Woodpigeon 4 Greenfinch 5 Long-tailed Tit 2 Chaffinch 4 Dunnock 4 Red legged Partridge 1 Tree Sparrow 2 House Sparrow 2 Jackdaw 2 Starling 6 Robin 2 Song Thrush 1 Blue Tit 2 (showing serious interest in nest box on garage wall) Great Tit 1 Wren 1 Mallard 2 (feeding on spilt food under feeders - and muddying the goldfish pond) Goldfinch 2 Buzzard 1 (flying over) Butterflies: Brimstone 1 (7April) (two unidentified - flew high across garden) Other Insects: 7 spot ladybird 1 (6/April) Honey bees active on catkins Mammals: Rabbits (oh surprise) Hedgehog (dead - road casualty) WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A. Parsons 6/4 Jackdaws squabbling over little-owl nest box Pair of Buzzards over 11.30hrs. Tawny owl calling in garden mid day. WILLOUGHTON Peter Morrell Willoughton SK931931 12.04.13 Great crested newt (adult male), smooth newt (adult male), toad (female) all active in my garden tonight after light rain earlier in the day. Smooth newts (both male and female) and female frog present in my garden pond. Blackbird sat on a clutch of eggs in pyracantha bush on wall against the house. WRANGLE COMMON 10/04/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson We did a BirdTrack count today and for the first time in months we were dry shod, the strong winds having dried the top surface of the land. In total we counted 43 species. Wader numbers had declined with only two Snipe present, together with a Woodcock and four Lapwings (displaying), whilst the Curlew flock had declined to fifteen birds. Teal numbers were down to two, with Mallard (25), Tufted Duck (2) and a solitary Pintail comprising other ducks present. There was no sign of the resident Mute Swans, but two Grey Herons were present, together with a single Cormorant. Raptors included singles of Kestrel, Buzzard and Peregrine - a very unusual record - whilst a male Marsh Harrier cruised over the fen, the first of the year. There was no sign of summer visitors. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 12th April 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth At 15.20hrs on the 11th light rainfall was observed but only amounted to 0.1mm. This is a significant statement because the last time it rained on the NNR was 24th March. The easterly air flow remained dominant throughout the week except for the 7th when we enjoyed winds from the SSW and the day time temperature rose to 12.0°C, a high not seen since an unseasonal 13.0°C was recorded on 14th February. ird sightings have included 18 Mute Swans and 2 Whoopers on Rimac lagoon on the 7th, several small flocks of up to 9 Redwing around Sea View at the beginning of the week, 81 Curlew feeding on the Sea View Washland on the 8th, several single Woodcock flushed out of the dunes, a male Reed Bunting and Coal Tit at the Sea View feeding station on the 10th, a female Wheatear near Crook Bank on the 8th and a Chiffchaff was heard near Churchill car park on the 12th. On a recently drilled arable field near the NNR at Churchill Road a flock of 116 Chaffinches was seen feeding. Amphibian activity remains poor with only a few clumps of frog spawn found. A brimstone and two peacock butterflies were on the wing on the 7th. 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 12.04.13 BIRDS Max nos. Avocet 9 blackbird 30+ black-headed gull 40+ blue tit 10 bullfinch 2 canada goose 6 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler 2 chaffinch 9 chiffchaff 5 collared dove 2 common gull 12 coot 50+ cormorant 2 curlew6 dunnock 6 gadwall 4 goldeneye F goldfinch 4 GC grebe 7 GS woodpecker great tit 8 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 20 grey partridge 2 herring gull 2 house sparrow 12 long tailed tit 2 magpie 4 mallard 10 marsh harrier 2 moorhen 7 mute swan 6 oystercatcher 6 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 10 redshank 30 redwing 15 (10th) reed bunting 2 ringed plover robin 8 sand martin 9 (10th) shelduck 13 shoveler 10 snipe 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling C. 100 swallow 3 (12th) teal 30 tufted duck 15 water rail 3 whooper swan 3 wigeon 10 wood pigeon 8 wren 6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ... We didn't own an Ipad Do you remember the 1980s? Speakers on.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeEWtNaW6KE ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/