============================================ || || 28th 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 *** Getting this off asap - without running spell-check - so please forgive any typos. Thanks for all the interesting reports. I hope every reader of the Bulletin would instantly recognise a Western Subalpine Warbler, the subject of a lot of recent pager messages. If, like myself, you have never heard of these, visit: http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?tx=7665 I think everyone knows the importance of specific location details for reports. Recorder, Allan Binding sent me the following reminder. "Can you inform people that have submitted records that these records cannot be used unless they a give good indication of where they are recording from. e.g. "Boston" or "Scunthorpe" cannot be used as the location covers a wide area and sometimes two vice counties. A record with the location given with a postcode, grid reference, description of location (e.g. Bottesford, Scunthorpe - Boston North or South) helps a great deal. Without this information the records cannot be used by many types of recording software." Actually, we are not doing too badly if you look at recent Bulletins, but keep your reports as thorough as you can to make the work of the recorders as easy as possible, please. [If you are reluctant to put such information in the Bulletin, you can always ask me to forward it to the appropriate recorder and I will delete the Grid Ref or Postcode for your Bulletin version.] Early warning of walkabout. PLEASE NOTE I plan to take a holiday the last fortnight of May. There will be no Bulletins between 16th May and 2nd June and I will use the week of the 2nd June for catching up. There is no reason why you should not keep sending reports, but you will get no acknowledgement or thank you until I get back and read your emails. Roger *** Next LNU Event - today - 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 - Final 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/ *** Bat Records please *** Annette Faulkner writes Bats have been having a hard time of it this spring. They should have come out of hibernation in mid March, and there were the first stirrings the previous week – but then the weather closed down and they went back into hibernation. Or some of them did. To date the Bat Group has had 23 bat calls, mostly of pipistrelles, as usual, but one or two other species as well. Of the ones for which I have data all have been underweight, and even once back up to weight we have had to hang on to them to await warmer weather before we could release them. The only one that wasn’t was one that was disturbed during building work on 3rd April – a female pipistrelle that was still at a healthy 6 grams, suggesting she had not yet come out of hibernation at the point at which she was disturbed, as her active weight would have been 5 grams. Then yesterday (Friday 19th) we took in an emaciated Daubenton’s bat from Stamford, and were passed a dead one from Tattershall Castle. The Stamford bat also died within hours. Both were way below their normal weight and died from starvation, even though they were close to the excellent foraging areas of the River Welland and Tattershall gravel pits respectively. Tonight I had an email from a colleague who has a Whiskered roost in his roof: he’d found a grounded female. She is also underweight and will need feeding up. The problem, of course, is not just the low temperatures and the prolonged hibernation, but the knock-on effect on bats’ invertebrate food supply – which has been clearly almost non-existent for some species. Last year those bats which had access to aquatic invertebrates seemed to fare better than those dependent in terrestrial ones, but is this true now? Could the very cold temperatures have depressed the emergence of aquatic insects and been the cause of the deaths of the two Daubenton’s, for example? I asked a friend who is a freshwater biologist this question and he said most certainly, and indeed there has as yet been very little bat activity over the River Welland in Spalding, where we live. However, tonight, at last, the river was busy, with Daubenton’s, common and soprano pipistrelles and a passing noctule out foraging. Perhaps the corner is turned at last, but keep an eye out for any grounded bats, or bats low on walls. If their weight is too low they get too weak to fly and need taking into care for feeding up and getting going again. Please don’t pick up a bat with your bare hands! They rarely bite, but an injured bat may, and Daubenton’s have occasionally been found to carry a rabies-type virus that can be transmitted through a bite, or saliva coming into contact with broken skin. To date it hasn’t been found in any of the Lincolnshire Daubenton’s that have been tested – but there’s always a first time, and you usually won’t know what species your bat is at that stage. Scoop the bat up in a cloth, or wear gloves if you have them, put it in an escape-proof box and phone us on 01775 766286. (We are away till May 2nd, please follow the instructions on the answerphone). And now is the time to really start looking out for them at dusk. Do please send your sighting records in! Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Can Bumblebees Sting? *** John Redshaw writes: Regarding Alice Nunn's question (19th April) "Can Bumblebees Sting?" My first, memorable, encounter with wildlife was when, at a very early age, I was crawling on my great grandmother's lawn at Dyke and my knee landed on a very large bumblebee. Yes, it objected, and indeed, they can sting. As a very small child it was very painful and not easily forgotten. *** Beetle to Watch For *** Charlie Barnes writes: Elater ferrugineus, the Rusty Click Beetle, is classified as endangered in the UK, with records restricted to a few areas in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and London. Surveying involves using a pheromone baited trap to attract the beetle, mark it using ink and releasing. Following the poor summer in 2012, it is hoped to repeat the survey in 2013. We didn’t get any positive reports of Elater ferrugineus in Lincolnshire during the previous round of surveys – will 2013 be the year? Volunteers will be required to monitor traps set to attract the beetle. If you're interested in taking part, contact Charlie Barnes for more information. charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk *** Drowned Wildlife? *** you may remember that David Fogg reported some animal deaths between Torksey Lock to the Bayford, four foxes, one mink and one roe deer. Chris Manning comments: In South Yorkshire the canals acted as linear pitfall traps to monitor expanding deer populations in the 1990s (Colin Howes, Doncaster Museum). The Fossdyke flows between Torksey & Brayford and does seem to have a lot of records, but it’s difficult to know if they fall in there or are transported. One hot-spot is Drinsey Nook SK873742, I can’t see a habitat reason for more deaths there, but it’s on an acute bend and I suspect flow dynamics lead to an accumulation of carcases, which may then be released when currents change. I have discussed it with British Waterways (now Canal and Rivers Trust) and they are aware of the issue which is a national one, and improvement works do take place. Editor adds: Bone bed assemblages were presumably created in just such a way, though in most cases comprising a mixture of disarticulated bones due to transportation and other factors. *** Oil Beetles - The Hunt Continues - Reminder *** 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 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 *** Report 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: 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 On Saturday 27th April 2013 we invite you to join us on our annual walk around Bradley and Dixon Woods just south of Grimsby, where we will be looking at the spring flowers and for other wildlife with Mick Binnion. Please meet in the parking area at 2pm. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. On Saturday 4th May 2013 we invite you to join us on a morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume, looking for warblers and other birds. Meet in the car parking area at 8am. Please bring binoculars and wear suitable clothing and footwear. This is a free event but donations for the Trust will be welcomed. For further details contact Ray - 01472 320878 *** RSPB Lincoln *** See: http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** S Lincs RSPB *** 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/ 20/4 Curlew Sandpiper, Anwick Fen Green-winged Teal, Water Pipit, Kirkby on Bain pits, Riverslea pit Lincs/E Yorks, 3 Dotterel SW Adlingfleet bu A161 7 Common Cranes flew north past Gibraltar Point 12.50pm also ringtail Hen Harrier 7 Common Cranes flew north over Donna Nook 1.45pm 21/4 Western Subalpine Warbler m, Gibraltar Point opposite beach car park by Tennyson sands from North hide 2 Firecrests, Gibraltar Point Redstart m, Saltfleet, east side of dunes betw Sea Lane and Howden's Pullover, also White Wagtail Green-winged Teal, Water Pipit, Kirkby on Bain pits, Riverslea pit 22/4 Ring Ouzel, Marston 4 Avocets, Little Ringed Plover, Covenham Reservoir Western Subalpine Warbler m, Gibraltar Point opposite beach car park by Tennyson sands from North hide 23/4 Western Subalpine Warbler m, Gibraltar Point in hedge opposite beach car park by Tennyson sands from North hide Long-billed Dowitcher, Alkborough flats - use new car park, Whitton road Osprey, Massingham Sand Quarry 30 White Wagtails, Frampton Marsh 24/4 Ring Ouzel, 2 Redstarts, Donna Nook f Redstart, m Whinchat, Barton-upon-Humber, Water's Edge Long-billed Dowitcher, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats - use new car park, Whitton road Common Crane, Gibraltar Popint, Tennyson's Sands 25/4 3 Ring Ouzels, Whinchat, Donna Nook 26/4 2 Ring Ouzels, Redstart, 2 Tree Pipits, Donna Nook Redstart f, Far Ings, Reeds Hotel grounds 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. Palmate Newts – Breeding season Chris J Manning writes: I just surveyed a pond near Market Rasen with all three species present. In previous surveys late May we didn’t find palmate newts this time we did, including 1x larva which is exceptionally early or had it overwintered? Has anyone any observations of the breeding season of Palmate newts in Lincolnshire? Mining Bees Question: Julie Ellison writes: GARDEN 11 CEMETERY RD, WINTERTON SE 932 186 Mining bees ID question: I'm pretty sure the larger, foxy-ginger ones, that started building nests in my lawns, boarders and under the hedges this week, are Tawny Mining Bees, but I don't know what the smaller ones are, that emerged a couple of weeks ago. At first I thought these earlier ones were Early Mining Bees, but they do not have the foxy tail-end, that (I gather from the internet) the Early Mining Bees have - the rest of the description fits. Any idea what these smaller and earlier ones are? They like daisies, if that's any help. I also haven't seen them going into nests, although they behave like the Tawnies, whose nests are obvious everywhere. There are good numbers of both kinds of bee this year. *** 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 GARDEN TF 454754 DAVID SHEPPARD Andrena nigroaenea (soitary bee) 13th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 21st - 25th. Nomada succincta (brood parasite of Andrena nigroaenea) 20th. Anthophora plumipes (solitary bee) 22nd. Lasioglossum calceatum (solitary bee) 23rd. Bombus terrestris (Buff-tailed bumblebee) 20th. Loricera pilicornis (ground beetle) 20th Bembidion guttula (ground beetle) 21st Notiophilus biguttatus (ground beetle) 22nd Bombylius major (Bee fly) 20th, 22nd, 25th. Lyctocoris galactinus (plant bug) 20th Peacock butterfly 20th. Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Brown House moth) in house!! 24th ANDERBY CREEK 26th April – Invigor-8 walk 10.30 – 12 Dave Miller Kestrel 3 Reed Bunting 6 Reed Warbler 4 Sparrowhawk 1 Marsh Harrier 1male & 1female Grasshopper Warbler 1 Wren 3 Great Tit 1 Swallow ca 20 Greylag Goose 2 House Martin 3 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Wheatear 2 Peacock 1 Curlew 1 Blackbird 2 Hare 1 Herring Gull 2 Whitethroat 5 Black-headed Gull 1 Lesser Whitethroat 2 Mallard 1 Dunnock 4 Linnet 3 Goldfinch 8 Canada Goose 4 BARDNEY TF118 699 24/04/13 Steve Green 8.30am Cuckoo (heard from direction of Scotgrove Wood) 8.30pm First sighting of the year for 'our' bat. BARTON, WATERS' EDGE, TA 033 231 20/04/13 Julie Ellison Birds: Barn Owl (1 hunting over long grass by the Visitor Centre) Blackbird Black- Headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Geese Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coot Feral Pigeon Gadwall Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe (2 pairs) Great Tit Grey Heron House Martin Lesser Black-Backed Gull Little Grebe (3+) Magpie Mallard (including pair with 13 ducklings) Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Reed Warbler Robin Swallow Tufted Duck Willow Warbler Wood Pigeon Plants in Flower: Coltsfoot Cowslip Daffodil Dandelion Primula (garden varieties) Insects: Buff-tail Bumble Bee (several queens) Peacock Butterflies (several in different parts of the park, including 2 pairs) Bats: Common Pipistrelle Daubenton's Noctule Soprano Pipistrelle BIGBY MAIN ST, BIGBY Julie Ellison at the edge of a flower boarder next to the pavement TA 059 072 24/04/13 7-spot Ladybird 4 BIGBY CHURCH, church yard TA 059 074 Julie Ellison 24/04/13 Lots of Tawny Mining Bee nests and active bees BOSTON 18.04.13 Mick Todd The mild weather has stimulated things in my garden pond, several egg-laying smooth newts observed and finally some frog spawn! BOSTON 20/04/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson Common Whitethroat on the lawn. Last recorded occurrence in the garden 1978. Male Blackcap feeding on fat balls. BRAUNCEWELL TF061528 21/4/13 Robert Walker Skylarks 2 Suddenly came up off public footpath on field margin - no nest seen. also heard/saw a further 10 skylarks during our 10 mile walk from Ruskington, Cranwell and Brauncewell also TF025516 Green Woodpecker 1 Heard in trees and then seen near old farm buildings. also on walk:- Brown Hares 3 Separate sightings. Small Tortoiseshell butterflies 12 Peacock 8 CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 1.3.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Rabbits eating sugarbeet and primroses Woodmouse nest in Phlomis Jays, 2 Pheasant, male and female eating sugarbeet Frog, young male, in stream, (never seen in stream before). Pill woodlouse, new on Caistor List Bee fly on hyacinth Earwig Wasp Field horsetail, fertile shoots Germander speedwell Goat willow catkins shedding pollen Ground ivy Oxlip Snakeshead fritillary Brigg Road TA 113 020 Fox, very dark colour, roadkill Hedgehog roadkill Pheasant, female, roadkill Toads, several, roadkills Blackthorn in flower North Street garden TA 118 015 Brambling Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Cuckoo 21stApril, same date as 2012 Fern fronds unfurling North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 All frogspawn hatched: last to be laid has largest tadpoles. Caistor Churchyard TA 116 012 Comma Small tortoiseshell 14-spot ladybird Pollen beetle Shieling farm TA 106 027 Robins’ nests in shed, hay bale and teapot. Swallows arrive 23rdApril Peacock butterfly DEEPING LAKES NR David Griffith 21/04/2013 Cetti's warbler Reed warbler x5 Sedge warbler Blackcap x5 (all singing males) Shelduck Willow warbler Oystercatcher x4 Lesser black backed gull x9 Sand Martin c20 Swallow x3 Common tern x4 Reed bunting x8 Buzzard DEEPING LAKES NR David Griffith 26/04/2013 Osprey Hobby Red legged partridge x2 Buzzard x2 Yellow wagtail x13 Oystercatcher x4 Lesser black backed gull x11 Cetti's warbler Sedge warbler Reed warbler c4 Sand Martin c30 House Martin c30 Swallow c20 Blackcap x4 DIGBY CORNER LWT TF088551 w/e 26/04/2013 Chris Lunn Birds (present): Willow Warbler Blackbird Chaffinch Great Tit Robin Blue Tit Magpie Goldfinch Wren Pheasant Blackcap Jackdaw Butterflies: Peacock Other Insects: Large Bee-fly Bombylius major Several unidentified solitary bees DUNHOLME TF026792 Phil Busby Week ending 26th April 2013 Rear Gardens Great Tit (1) Goldfinch (1) Wood Pigeon (1) Siskin (1) Along Ashing Lane On Pond Mallard Ducks (2) In Garage Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) (1F) Lots of Frog spawn on pond not hatched yet. HORNCASTLE TF257695 Charlie Barnes 23/04/2013 Tree Bee, Bombus hypnorum sunning on fence HORNCASTLE TF261691 20/4/13 Robert Walker Tawny Mining bee (Andrena fulva) 1 female (As identified from photograph sent to Alan Philips) Appeared in my conservatory at home Also in garden Small Tortoiseshell butterfly 1 Brimstone 1 Large White 1 heading for my brassicas! HORNCASTLE (carpark of the Fighting Cocks pub) TF256 697 18/04/13 Steve Green 1 bat (pipistrelle?) HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 21/4 Magpie 1 being 'mobbed' by collared dove Peacock butterfly 1 Date 22/4 Pheasants 2 Male and female walking around garden Date 23/4 Peacock butterfly 1 Collared doves 2 Male and female Greater spotted woodpecker 1 Date 24/4 Small tortoiseshell butterfly 1 Ladybird 1 Sparrowhawk 1 overhead in field next to garden Date 25/4 Peacock butterfly 1 Robins 2 male and female, one feeding the other breadcrumbs, believed to be nesting in hedge Mole 1 - not actually seen but witnessed molehill being built in my ditch! Date 26/4 Collared dove 1 collecting nesting material Blackbird 1 female seen to be nest building in garden HUTTOFT MARSH 22nd April Dave Miller Pied Wagtail 1 Woodpigeon 64 Wren 4 Kestrel 2 Crow 19 Magpie 10 Pheasant 2 Canada Goose 1 Skylark 2 Reed Bunting 1 Meadow Pipit 2 Starling 26 Swallow 4 Mistle Thrush 1 Greenfinch 1 Gpldfinch 1 Willow Warbler 1 23rd April Peacock 4 Small White 1 Brimstone 1 LINCOLN Colin J Green, garden nr. Swallowbeck Church, Newark Road, Lincoln. 22 Apr 13 - 1 x Peacock, 2 x Whites (prob Large Whites but not certain as didn't stop to talk) 1 x Orange Tip (Fe) 23 Apr 13 - 1 x Peacock, 1 x Comma, 1 x Large White, 1 x Holly Blue (M) which is two days earlier than last year and the earliest in my garden ever! Last year within 3 days of my first sighting were 5 Holly Blues seen at once. None of these butterflies were nectaring. Also seen were two Bee flies nectaring on aubretia and muscari. Another released from the greenhouse together with a Peacock. White-tailed, Red-tailed and pascorum bees visiting regularly. 24 Apr 13 The Swallowbeck, Lincoln from the bridge on Hykeham Road to the Swallowbeck Church on Newark Road 3 x Peacock (2 seen at once), 1 x Comma, 1x Small Tortoiseshell (1st this year) LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 27/04/2013 Jayne Knight Bit late but two sightings of a Swallow out at Bransby Horses Home on 12th April 16/04 Housemartin 21/04 Brimstone butterfly 23/04 Peacock butterfly and Small Tortoiseshell butterfly LINCOLN DAVID SHEPPARD Peacock butterfly 100m south of High Street level crossing 24th. MANBY DAVID SHEPPARD Brimstone butterfly 23rd. Bombus lapidarius (Red-tailed bumblebee) 23rd. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 13.04.13 More Frog spawn, about 10 clumps in total by now this season Brimstone butterfly x2 (first this year) Chiffchaff (heard) – first this year 15.04.13 Frogs have ceased spawning; about 15 clumps in total; similar to previous years after all. Chiffchaff again, and regularly every day. 19.04.13 Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) briefly seen in greenhouse (what was it doing there?) First sighting this season, though usually very common in our garden. 20.04.13 (Sunny and calm) Brimstone x1, Peacock butterflies x3 (first this year) Whirligig beetle (at least 3) in new pond 2-spot Ladybird, 7-spot Ladybird (so far very few in numbers compared to previous years) 5-spot Ladybird (never seen before; didn’t know they exist! Unlikely in a garden according to my guide, but unmistakable; unfortunately no photo taken. Might it have come in in bark mulch spread last November?) No Harlequin Ladybirds so far this year 21.04.13 First Small Tortoiseshell butterfly of the season, along with 2-3 Peacocks. 22.04.13 2 House martins in local area – first this year. 23.04.13 Buzzard over meadow. Large Bee-fly (bombylius major) Red-tailed bumblebee queen (Bombus lapidarius) RIGSBY WOOD DAVID SHEPPARD Peacock Butterfly 23rd. Bombus terrestris (Buff-tailed bumblebee) 23rd. Bombus pascourum (Brown carder bee) 23rd. Platycheirus albimanus (hoverfly) 23rd. Wood Anemone and Primrose now in full bloom. SEACROFT MARSH SSSI 20th April Dave Miller Robin 4 Blackbird 4 Magpie 9 Woodpigeon 20 Chaffinch 7 Pheasant 4 Rabbit 1 Meadow Pipit 12 Mallard 2 Reed Bunting 4 Chiffchaff 6 Great Tit 1 Crow 7 Wren 6 Linnet 27 Dunnock 8 Skylark 7 Lesser Whitethroat 2 Redshank 4 Herring Gull 9 Swallow 2 Small Tortoiseshell 2 SPALDING 19.04.13 Mick Todd While driving round the Spalding area was surprised to see a pair of nesting mute swans, with the female sitting on the nest. SPILSBY Joan Gunson's Moths: http:www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades TATTERSHALL THORPE Tattershall Thorpe lakes R.Pocklington 17 April 2012 The sand martins have returned Tattershall Thorpe 20 April 2013 07.00 R.Pocklington Cuckoo calling WALCOTT TF127569 w/e 26/04/2013 Chris Lunn Birds (max. seen at any one time): Barn Owl 1 Jackdaw 3 Blackbird 1 Great Tit 2 Blue Tit 2 Greenfinch 3 Chaffinch 1 Dunnock 3 Stock Dove 3 Tree Sparrow 3 Robin 2 Starling 3 House Sparrow 3 Wren 1 Goldfinch 3 Long-tailed Tit Magpie 1 Swallows (c10) Common Buzzard 1 (flying over garden being mobbed by Carrion Crow) Butterflies: Peacock Brimstone THE WASH BOAT TRIP FROM FOSDYKE BRIDGE TO CLAY HOLE IN THE BOSTON DEEPS Saturday, 19th April, 2013. Geof Lee Common seals - 26 Barn owl - 1 - hunting at 11.40 A.M. Little egret - 14 Common sandpiper - 7 Dunlin - 14 Greylag - 2 Brent goose - 500+ Cormorant - 16 Redshank - 50+ Spotted redshank - 1 Curlew - 14 Shelduck - 50+ Mallard - 8 Oystercatcher - 100+ Swallow - 2 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 20/4 Small tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock butterfly 5 x Bee fly - Bombylius major working forget-me-nots and grape hyacynth. Large adult common shrew - quite dark. 21/4 Marsh Harrier over M Wheatear - Canada Farm lane 2.30pm. Brimstone butterfly. 22/4 Brown Hare 23/4 Swift. Brimstone Butterfly. 24/4 Young Common Frog in pond. 25/4 Jay inspecting bird feeders 2pm. Pied wagtail on lawn 6.30pm. 26/4 First cuckoo of the year heard approx 10am. also A.Parsons Red Kite, over Coningsby car park, 21/4 6pm. Buzzard near Hawthorn Hill 21/4. WINTERTON and area PARK STREET B1207 South of Winterton SE 942 172 Julie Ellison 17/04/13 Pied Wagtail 1 South-east verge on A1077, JUNCTION OF COCKTHORNE LANE, SLUICE RD, AND ERMINE ST (INTO WINTERINGHAM) SE 943 210 Julie Ellison 21/04/13 Oystercatcher 1 ERMINE ST B1207, just north of the railway line SE 952 128 24/04/13 Julie Ellison Swallows 4 I saw swallows here last year, taking mud from the muddy entrance on the east side of the road. No mud at the moment though. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 26th April 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Although there have been the occasional few minutes of rainfall it has not been sufficient to register in the rain gauge and ground conditions generally remain very dry, but during the night of the 25thwe had 5.8mm. From the high of 21.25°C the 14thdaytime temperatures fell to 10.5°C on the 19thbut rose again to a respectable 21.5°C on the 25th. A few more butterflies have been on the wing, notably peacocks, a few small tortoiseshells and brimstones. Green-veined whites began to appear from the 23rd and a holly blue was seen near Sea View on the 25th. Bumble bees and bee flies have also been active on the warmer days. Common whitethroats were first recorded on the 20thand during the week they have become established throughout the dune scrub. Willow Warblers, Chiff- chaffs and Blackcaps are still infrequent and a Lesser Whitethroat was heard on the 21stand two seen on the 25th. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling near Rimac from the 23rdand two more near Churchill on the 25thwhere there were also 2 Cuckoos and 1 Ring Ouzel. Whimbrel have occurred flighting over Sea View and Rimac and feeding on the saltmarsh all week with numbers generally in single figures but 17 observed on the 22nd, 11 on the 25thand 12+ on the 26th. Other records have included Peregrine Falcon hunting over the saltmarsh and a Redwing near Sea View on the 24th. A Jay was an unusual visitor to the feeding station at Sea View on 26th. The warm weather has increased the activity of the Natterjack toads with males heard calling after dark. Sea buckthorn, hawthorn and elder are now coming into leaf, ash is beginning to flower and the white flowers of spring beauty are appearing under the dune scrub. 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 26.04.13 BIRDS Max nos. Avocet 9 barn owl bittern 2 blackbird 30+ blackcap 3 black-headed gull 70+ blue tit 7 bullfinch canada goose 10 carrion crow 2 Cetti's warbler 4 chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 5 collared dove 2 common gull 12 common sandpiper coot 40+ cormorant 2 cuckoo 24th curlew 2 dunnock 4 gadwall 2 goldeneye F goldfinch 4 grasshopper warbler GC grebe 3 GS woodpecker great tit 8 greenfinch greylag goose 15 herring gull house martin 10 house sparrow 10 jackdaw 2 lesser whitethroat 2 little ringed plover long tailed tit 2 magpie 4 mallard 15 marsh harrier 2 moorhen 4 mute swan 5 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 11 redshank 2 redstart 26th reed bunting 6 reed warbler 10 robin 8 sand martin 1000+ sedge warbler 6 shelduck 14 shoveler 2 siskin song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 10 swallow 15 swift 9 (1st 24th) teal 9 tufted duck 12 water rail 2 whimbrel 26th whitethroat 8 willow warbler 5 wood pigeon 8 wren 7 yellow wagtail 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 2013: http: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. Ruth.Simons - soft bounce lake22uk - hard bounce hartsholmecp - soft bounce ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/