============================================ || || 17th February 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 NNRs 5. News from Far Ings NNR 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Bulletin is being read by 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. 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 *** We had a very good Recorders Meeting on Saturday, where I counted some 30 people. A series of short but interesting presentations provided a fascinating summary of last year's records. Many thanks to all who presented or sent in reports. Of particular interest to me were several examples where Bulletin information-gathering had greatly extended our knowledge of Botany, Beetles and Mammals. It would be good if Recorders would give us a "heads up" from time to time and get us looking out for something specific and usual. We hope very much that you are finding the Bulletin a useful source of information, wildlife news and activities. Please do feel welcome to attend events publicised in each issue. Don't forget to give it a check each week so you don't miss anything special. If you have never sent in reports or other contributions, please think about doing this. You can ask questions, send addresses of interesting websites, but most of all, you can help us gather reports on Lincolnshire's natural history. Thanks go to Brian Hedley for putting together a superb 2013 programme of field visits. This has been posted on the LNU Website and a text copy is available below in section 11. LNU events are opportunities to visit very interesting sites, many of which are not usually open to naturalists. As a result we often come across unusual or exciting species. Non-members are welcome to join us at LNU Field Meetings and of course we hope longer-term you will consider joining us as members! In winter time the Bulletins are bulging with birding reports. As Spring approaches and things start to grow and move we begin to see more varied records, plants, insects, molluscs etc. If you are an orderly sort of person with a taste for identification you could try to become familiar with some of the less-well-known taxonomic groups. To contact recorders, visit the LNU website: http://www.lnu.org/ Roger *** Next LNU Event - reminder *** For LNU meetings see section 11 for full programme. 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. ALL VERY WELCOME. Saturday, March 09, 2013 AGM & Presidential Address by Roger Parsons Subject: The Ecology of Pollination and Pollinators Editor adds: readers will know of my fascination with honeybees, but my address will be about the wider subject of pollination and the organisms that depend on nectar and pollen. A big thank you goes to everyone who sent me photographs to use. I shall do my best to fit these in or use them as a slide show at the end. *** Call for help with research *** Henrietta Pringle writes: Imperial College London and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust are running a project investigating the impacts of biomass crops on farmland birds, and are looking for volunteers to help with nest finding. The main aim of the project is to determine the breeding success of lapwings in biomass and arable crops, so the research team will be looking for a number of nests across a range of (already selected) sites in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. This project is now in its third year, so the aim is to build on previous years' data by monitoring nests until hatching and where possible, observing chick movements. Some invertebrate sampling in the fields would also be carried out. Ideally I would be looking for people who could make a regular commitment over the peak field season of late March to June, but help on a more ad-hoc basis would also be appreciated, with a minimum of 2-3 hours per session. Not only would volunteers be working in close proximity to these species and their normally unobserved nests, but they would also be actively contributing to a vital area of research during this time of rapid biomass expansion. Training would be given, and any help would be acknowledged in the final thesis and any papers that result from the project. For more information, please contact me at henrietta.pringle09@imperial.ac.uk *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Meeting *** Keith Scarrott writes: Our speaker at the meeting [below] is Roger Wardle who has a farm at Mavis Enderby and runs a consultancy on wildlife. He is also the project manager for the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marsh Project. He is coming to give us a talk entitled "Wetlands for Wildlife and People". Roger has devoted much of his life caring for and promoting care for wildlife and we would like to give as many people as possible the opportunity to meet and listen to him. Our meetings are open to all who are interested and there is no entry charge, although we have a donation bowl for people to give as they please. The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Meeting on Monday, 11th March, 2013. Roger Wardle - Farmer, Wildlife Consultant and Project Manager for the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marsh Project - will be giving an illustrated talk entitled: "Wetlands for Wildlife and People". The meeting will start at 7.15pm and will take place in the upper lecture room of the North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BD. (Car park behind the museum on Vicarage Gardens road). ALL VERY WELCOME. No admission fee but a donation bowl is provided. Contact - Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Bird Club Talk and AGM *** Andrew Chick writes: Lincolnshire Bird Club Annual General Meeting Tuesday 19 March 2013 at The Admiral Rodney Hotel, Horncastle at 7.30pm Dr Mark Avery (former RSPB's Conservation Director) 25 Years in Nature Conservation The talk is FREE to everyone and will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (members only) Mark Avery is a scientist by training and a naturalist by inclination. He writes about and comments on environmental issues. Mark worked for the RSPB for 25 years until standing down in April 2011 to go freelance. He was the RSPB's Conservation Director for nearly 13 years. Editor adds: The Lincolnshire Bird Club has a close working relationship with the LNU. We are always pleased to help them with publicity. This talk is expected to be excellent. Don't miss it if you are interested in birds. They have one of the best birding websites in Britain, so make sure you visit it from time to time. http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/ *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: Gainsborough Area LWT Wed 20 February 2013, with mystery parcel sales stall: An evening with Feathered Friends - Annette Mackenzie Local member Annette will talk to us about owls and bring along a couple for us to see. Indoor meetings are held at Morton Village Hall (just north of Gainsborough), and begin at 7.30 p.m. A (minimum) donation of £1.00 includes refreshments, and there is usually a raffle, bird food available if pre-ordered (tel: 01427 613128) and other items for fundraising. People of all ages, Wildlife Trust members or not, are welcome. For more information, please ring Joy on 01427 628457 or E-mail Linda - woodentops@darter.plus.com *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT On Monday 11th February 2013 we invite you to join us at our next meeting where Mark Schofield will giving an illustrated talk on gardening with wildlife in mind. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 p.m.. Admission £2. All are welcome. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** 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 *** S Lincs RSPB Boston *** Thursday 21st February at 7-30pm South Lincs RSPB Talk at Sam Newsam Centre, Boston The RSPB in Eastern England by Paul Forecast Members £2, non-members £3-50. All welcome. * Can I have the next details please, Jeremy? March and April. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 9/2 15 Waxwings, Skegness, Drummond Road 65 Waxwings, Lincoln, Croft Street Black Brant Goose with Dark-bellied Bent Geese, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese and hybrid Black Brant x 2 pale-bellied Brent Goose, Gibraltar Point Black-throated Diver, Long-tailed Duck, Donna Nook Great Northern Diver, Scunthorpe, Ashbyville Lake 10/2 25 Waxwings, Stamford, Empringham Road 48 Waxwings, Grimsby, Highfield Avenue/Weelsby Road 40 Waxwings, Cleethorpes, off Clee Road on Kelham Road 25 Waxwings, Scunthorpe, Scotter Road 20 Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Coast 11/2 c20 Waxwings, Lincoln off Croft Street c100 Waxwings, Lincoln, Rosemary Lane, in old cemetery 66 Waxwings, Cleethorpes, off Clee Road on Kelham Road Black Brant ad with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Snow Buntings, Great Northern Diver, Gibraltar Point, on Croft Marsh Possible American Wigeon drk, 2 Bewick's Swans, Lincoln, Branston Island 12/2 Waxwing, Spalding, Pinchbeck Road 21 Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Coast Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 5 pale-bellied Brent Geese, Hen Harriers, Tetney Marsh on Fitties Pool 13/2 28 Waxwings, Stamford, Empringham Road 20+ Waxwings, Bourne, Exeter St/St Gilbert's Road Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, Hen Harriers, Tetney Marsh on Fitties Pool 14/2 3 Waxwings, Freiston at caravan site on A607 before Freiston lakes. 25+ Waxwings, Bourne, Exeter St 15/2 10 Waxwings, Stamford, Empringham Road 28 Waxwings, Bourne, Maple Gardens 2 Waxwings, Market Rasen, Gordonfield 20 Waxwings, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Pale-bellied Brent Goose with c300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, m Hen Harrier, Freiston Shore 16/2 2 Waxwings s of Caythorpe at Frieston Lakes Bittern, Whisby 2 Water Pipits, Snow Buntings, 2 m Hen Harriers, 2 Short-eared Owls, Gibraltar Point 4 Short-eared Owls, m Hen Harrier, Worlaby Carrs 5 Short-eared Owls, Beckingham Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Tetney Marshes, Humberston Fitties Pale-bellied-bellied Brent Goose with c3000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, m Hen Harrier, Freiston Shore 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. LINCOLN John Farmer 13/2/13 On the garden feeders in quick succession before the snow: Siskin 2 Goldfinch 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Long-tailed Tit 8 Coal Tit 1 Also 2 Jays , 1 drinking from pond and 2 Magpies nest building. *** 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. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 8.2.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Bank vole feeding at 7am 10am and 5pm Muntjac deer 10.20pm Buzzards (2) circling, mobbed by crows (5) Great spotted woodpeckers (3) m, f and juvenile Jackdaw under feeder Jays (2) Long-tailed tits (4) Hawthorn, 1st buds bursting Hazel catkins shedding pollen 8.2.13 Alder goblet fungus Hundon Manor Farm TA 113 022 Mute swan Tufted ducks (4) Skein of 70 unidentified geese flying north Caistor Wildlife Area TA 111 015 Tawny owls (2) calling nightly Alder catkins shedding pollen 8.2.13 Grimsby Road garden TA 122 015 Goldcrest feeding on fatball Grimsby Road garden TA118 012 Carrion crow repeatedly attacking Sparrowhawk Coat tits in nestbox Mallard Drive garden TA 111 014 Harris hawk (new on Caistor list) catches woodpigeon Westbrook Grove spring-fed pond TA 117 012 Marsh marigolds in flower for 3 weeks DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 15/02/2013 Time: 1400 – 1600 Weather: Sunny and mild Birds: Very quiet, despite the sunny weather, Wildfowl numbers continue to decline. Greater Black-backed Gull Black-headed Gull Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Crow Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Kestrel Little Egret Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pochard Robin Rook Teal Tufted duck Water Rail Wood Pigeon Wigeon Wren DODDINGTON Doddington Park Lincoln. M.Scott Thursday 7 Feb 2013 1 Blackbird M 1 Blackbird F 3 Bluetits 1 Blackcap Again this winter 1 Brambling 1 Chaffinche 2 Collard Doves 2 Dunnocks 2 Goldfinches 3 Longtailed Tits 1 Robin 4 Starlings Eating all the meal worms. 2 Woodpigeons Friday 08 Feb 2013 1 Blackbird M 1 Blackbird F 1 Robin 4 Starlings 3 Woodpigeons Saturday 09 Feb 2013 1 Blackbird 2 Bluetits 2 Goldfinches 4 Starlings 4 Woodpigeons Two weeks ago saw some frogs again in the pond but they have gone to the bottom of pond again. HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 10/02/2012 Four siskins on my niger and sunflower feeders today. I think this is a first for my garden. HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 13/2/13 SPARROWHAWK 1 female 2nd sighting in my town garden, (1st. was in January). Bird flew down close to conservatory to attack a group of house sparrows on privet hedge. Attack failed then flew off to nearby tree. Also 14/2/13 SISKIN 1 male 1st. sighting in my garden. Feeding on peanut feeder early morning, about 8.00am. Then reappeared to same feeder at 12.10pm. HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 16/2 Hare 1 (bounding through the garden 7am!) Owl 2 (not seen but husband heard one shrieking and one hooting) Song thrush 1 (not seen but singing) LINCOLN Uphill 11/2/2012 Denis Jones As I have been getting good numbers of birds in my garden throughout the Winter decided to do my RSPB Garden Birdwatch over a few hours. I have an old apple tree to which I hang 10 various types of feeders/ feed. The tree is only a few yards from my Conservatory windows which gives excellent views. The total maximum numbers at any one time where:- Blackbirds 4 Blue Tit 2 Chaffinch 3 Coal Tit 2 Collared Dove 4 Dunnock 5 Goldcrest 1 Goldfinch 8 Great Tit 1 Greenfinch 7 House Sparrow 12 Long Tail Tit 2 Robin 1 Starling c25 Woodpigeon 2 Others birds seen in recent weeks but not on this morning m+f Blackcap m Reed Bunting Siskin Wren usual Corvids Living in area with good sized gardens with mature trees, hedges, shrubs etc. bird numbers are usually good, particularly Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Sparrows and there are certainly far more in the area than is recorded at any one time. LINCOLN HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Date 13/2/2013 Lisa Blezzard Black headed gull 46 Canada goose 3 Coot 10 Cormarant 5 Great crested grebe 2 Gooseander 6 Grey heron 4 Greylag goose 11 Jay 3 Little egret 1 Mallard 35 Moorhen 8 Mute swan 1 Red creasted poachard 1 Tufted duck 3 SWANHOLME LAKES LOCAL NATURE RESERVE SSSI Date 14/2/2013 Lisa Blezzard Black headed gull 48 Canada goose 2 Coot 12 Common gull 20 Gadwall 16 Great crested grebe 3 Goldcrest 5 Gooseander 31 Grey heron 1 Greylag goose 8 Mallard 2 Moorhen 2 Mute swan 4 Pochard 8 Shoveler 4 Tufted duck 19 Widgeon 38 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 10.02.13 Size and colour of feathers on the ground suggest that a sparrowhawk caught a male blackbird. 11.02.13 2 Buzzards and a Grey Heron over meadow adjoining our garden. 12.02.13 4 Stockdoves (greatest number so far this winter) feeding in garden. 12-14.02.13 75-80 Lapwings feeding in local meadows. 15.02.13 08.30 Large Fox crossing meadow and disappearing into a copse – a rare sighting. 2 Canada Geese flying N to S over our house. One or two Rabbits re-emerged in garden over the winter eating lower leaves of holly and laurel and digging holes. STICKFORD TF 357 602 14 February 2013 Garry Steele A quick lamping of my garden wildlife pond this evening revealed the presence of the following amphibians: Great Crested Newt 8 (5 males, 2 females & 1 overwintering junior 'eft') Common Newt 4 (2 males, 2 females) Common Frog 2 This year I actually recorded the first returning great crested newt (a male - which always arrive ahead of the females) back on 07 January 2013 during the earlier brief mild spell we experienced in the first part of that month before the onset of the freezing conditions which then prevailed for the next four weeks or so. I subsequently saw this same newt under the ice where it seemingly survived unscathed. STICKFORD TF 357 602 09 February 2013 Garry Steele Wren: Well into dusk on this very cold and frosty evening I observed 5 wrens coming to roost overnight in one of the still intact house martin's nests under the eaves of my bungalow. This is now the second winter in a row I have witnessed and reported on this behaviour; with once again part of the stimulus for doing so almost certainly being to enjoy a modicum of extra warmth generated from heat from my coal fire and passing through the house wall and into the nest. Last year the maximum number of wrens I counted coming to roost was 12. When I first saw them this time in the half light I briefly thought they were actually bats; more so as they were all clinging to the brickwork towards the top of the gable wall before flitting rapidly in turn into one of the three house martin nests available. WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 13/02/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson Hen Harrier - female. RIVER WELLAND. SPALDING TO BOROUGH FEN R & K Heath 9/2/13 The following were the more notable sightings: Barn Owl 1 Fieldfare 275 Goosander 19 Goldeneye 3 Kingfisher 1 Little Owl 1 Wigeon 88 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 14/2/2012 Pair of mallards in saturated garden 9am. Tawny owl back in regular roost in garden. Coat tit. Large flock of fieldfares on saturated field at TF215535 9.30am. Still about on 16/2/2012. 14/2 Mole m - dead. WINTERTON SIMON'S WOOD, SE 935 187 Julie Ellison 13/02/13 Blackbird 1 Blue Tit numerous near gardens and along west hedge Carrion Crow 1 Chaffinch 10-20 mostly in west hedge with Yellowhammers at least 1 male singing Collared Dove 2-4 Dunnock 2 Great Tit several near gardens Greenfinch 4 in west hedge male singing House Sparrow noisy flock in brambles near gardens Jay 1 near gardens Long-Tailed Tit heard, not seen Redwing 4 Reed Bunting 1 male in west hedge, with Yellowhammers Robin 2 Wood Pigeon 4 Yellowhammer 40-50 in west hedge and feeding in field to the west of the wood In the trees and hedges from the junction of CEMETERY RD, PARK ST, AND HOLMES LANE, and along HOLMES LANE, WINTERTON SE 936 184 - SE 938 184 Julie Ellison 11/02/13 In flower near the round-a-bout: Daisies (lots) Dandelions Red Dead Nettle Speedwell sp Birds: Blackbird Blue Tit (numerous all round this area) Goldfinch and Chaffinch mixed flock of about 40 (mostly Goldfinch) swapping between the hedge and the field behind to the south Great Tit Long-Tailed Tit 4+ Redwing 6 Robin 2+ Rooks & Jackdaws 60+ (in trees at SE 936 183) WRANGLE COMMON 13/02/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson We did a count today for the BTO's BirdTrack, but numbers - especially of passerines - were very low. The family of Mute Swans has clearly dispersed and only the adult birds remain on site. The only member of the thrush family recorded was Blackbird, with a mere two birds present. No Robins were seen and only singles of Dunnock and Great Tit, whilst Blue Tits and Wrens were represented by two birds each and Long-tailed Tits and Chaffinches numbered three each. Only two Curlews were seen, though others could be heard calling unseen in the distance. A single Woodcock was flushed from a plantation, but no Snipe were present on the wet grassland. The best bird of the day was a Little Egret perched low on a tree behind a thick hedge in the lee of a strong, cold wind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=22 Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory team is now doing a blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 8th February 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Highlights for the week include a Common Buzzard over Sea View on the 1st, Redshank 30+ on the edge of Rimac lagoon and 8 Shoveler there on the 3rd. The Sea View Washland attracted on the 6th Wigeon 80+, Mallard 6, Redshank 24 and Curlew 35 (with a further 120+ in adjacent fields). On several occasions the feeding station at Sea View has been visited by Long-tailed Tits as well as the usual 'residents' and a Siskin was there on the 7th with a further 6 at Churchill on the 8th. 15th February 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth This was a cold raw week, with night time temperatures falling to -7.50°C on the 9th. There was a brief spell of wet snow and rain during the night of the 13th accumulating 12.2mm of ppt in 24hrs. However towards the end of the week high pressure was becoming established and day time temperatures had reached 10.0°C on the 14th. WeBS on 9th along the NNR section included Pink-footed Geese 670, Whooper Swan 5, not 216, Twite 120+, Shelduck 9, Dunlin 92, Curlew 282, Grey Plover 14, Oyster- catcher 29, Eider 71 low over sea N, Common Scoter 55, Red-throated Diver 9, Redshank 106, Ringed Plover 20, Rock Pipit 18, Common Gull 128, Great Black-backed Gull 64, Herring Gull 296, Peregrine Falcon 1 and Skylark 6 in song over the saltmarsh. Also near Sea View 14 Siskins in alders on the 9th, 3 Yellowhammers at a feeding station on the 13th and 85 Pink-feet going NW on the 13th. Hen Harriers have been seen again in the area and a single Barn Owl was hunting over the dunes near Rimac on the 14th. Good numbers of Curlew continue to feed on the nearby old pasture fields and several skeins of Pink-footed Geese have been seen flying NW. Bird song remains spasmodic with Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Hedge Sparrow all being vocal and a pair of Bullfinch have been seen holding territory. A harbour porpoise was reported washed up on the beach near Theddlethorpe on the 9th. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for January 2012. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=67 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News w/e 08.02.13 BIRDS Max. nos. bittern blackbird 30+ black-headed gull 20 blue tit 5 bullfinch 4 carrion crow 3 chaffinch 6 common gull 10 coot 91 cormorant 3 curlew 7 dunnock 3 gadwall 29 goldeneye 20 golden plover 80 goldfinch 6 GC grebe 3 great tit 3 greylag goose 43 herring gull 6 house sparrow 11 kestrel lapwing 8 little grebe long tailed tit 4 magpie 3 mallard 15 marsh harrier M moorhen 5 mute swan 4 pheasant 2 pochard 42 red crested pochard F redshank 3 reed bunting 2 robin 6 shelduck 11 smew M snipe 10 song thrush sparrowhawk starling C.2,000 teal 30 tufted duck 47 water rail wigeon 15 willow tit wood pigeon 6 wren 4 Far Ings News W/E 15.02.13 BIRDS Max. nos. bittern blackbird 30+ black-headed gull 15 blue tit 6 bullfinch carrion crow 3 chaffinch 6 common gull 8 coot 91 cormorant 2 curlew 12 dunnock 3 gadwall 9 goldeneye 8 golden plover 50 goldfinch 4 GC grebe 2 great tit 3 greenfinch 2 greylag goose 40 herring gull house sparrow 8 kestrel lapwing 50 long tailed tit 5 magpie 3 mallard 14 marsh harrier 2 moorhen 5 mute swan 4 pheasant 2 pochard 22 red crested pochard F redshank 10 reed bunting 2 robin 7 shelduck 8 short eared owl snipe 3 song thrush sparrowhawk starling C.2,000 teal 16 tufted duck 10 water rail wigeon 10 willow tit woodcock wood pigeon 20 wren 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006846.aspx and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk] When sending in reports please follow Bulletin layout to save editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny 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 *** The British Myriapod & Isopod Group *** Imogen Wilde writes: The British Myriapod & Isopod Group (BMIG) will be having their Annual Field Meeting and AGM in Lincolnshire this year. The dates are Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th April 2013, and the group will be based at Scamblesby, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire is relatively under-recorded for myriapods and isopods and this will be a good location for exploring under- worked areas, such as the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Limewoods, heaths near Market Rasen and Woodhall Spa and also coastal dunes. The AGM will be held on the evening of Friday 12 April. If you would like further information and a booking form for accommodation then please contact Imogen Wilde: imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk. All LNU members are very welcome, whether staying with the group in Scamblesby or making their own accommodation arrangements. *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** Whisby's Bee and Wasp List *** Dr Michael Archer and Alan Phillips have put together an impressive list. Have a look and see how many species you recognise by name! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php?id=73 Also see: http://norwegica.wordpress.com/author/norwegica/ *** 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 *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: 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. Wildlife Trust Website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ 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 Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrsp.org.uk./ Bardney Limewoods http://www.lnu.org/ www.limewoods.co.uk limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.lnu.org/ 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/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm 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. "Hard bounce" thomas.brannigan "soft bounces" dawalker ibirch nrowbottom *** And Finally ... French Bug-hunter, Jean-Michel Lemaire "You have to open your eyes." Could be the LNU motto. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21458463 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/ Note: the links below allow you to unsubscribe, send a copy of the Bulletin to a friend or modify your profile/change your e-mail address. N.B. Each reader sees only their own address.