============================================ || || 7th July 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 *** This week saw final judging of the Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2013. It included, as ever, an array of imaginative projects, all striving to make the world a better place. Every shortlisted candidate was in a sense a winner, as all had outstanding characteristics. It is almost a pity to have to select an overall winner - but of course that is what competitions are all about. Well done to all who entered. For details of the results: http://lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Don't Miss the Bioblitz 12/13th July Please try to get along to the Bioblitz at Whisby Nature Park on the 12th/13th July - details below. http://www.glnp.org.uk/whats-on/events/event.php?event=2013-07-13-whisby-bioblitz Thanks to everyone who sent in interesting reports or news of events, etc. Please keep the contributions coming. It has been interesting to receive several reports of Tree Bumblebees [B. hypnorum] so keep these coming in. http://hymettus.org.uk/downloads/Info_sheets_2010/Bombus_hypnorum_infosheet.pdf Roger *** Next LNU Event - 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. Next Field Event: 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 *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Wed 25 September 2013: What else can you do with nestboxes? – Chris du Feu Not only do nestboxes provide the opportunity for observation of birds’ breeding activity, but other varieties of animal life might choose to call nestboxes ‘home’. Find out more in this illustrated talk by local naturalist Chris. For more information, please ring Joy on 01427 628457 or E-mail Linda – woodentops@darter.plus.com *** Reminder - Look out for Wool-carder bees *** Alan Phillips writes: An interesting bee to look out for in the next couple of months is the Wool-carder bee Anthidium manicatum. Look for it in the garden on or around Lambs-ear Stachys byzantine/lanata. The male bees, which are larger than the females, set up territories around these plants and will chase any bee-like insect away. The females visit the plants to ‘card’ the fine hairs with which they line their nests. I have seen my first one of the year in the garden, on 27th June. Identification guides and further info here (note: the distribution maps are somewhat out of date): http://www.bwars.com/index.php?q=bee/megachilidae/anthidium-manicatum *** Seen any Glow Worms? *** Stuart Britton writes: Last night, 27th, I went to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve at Linwood Warren and checked the dry heath for Glow worms (Lampyris noctiluca). I was pleased to find 7 glowing females but had to wait till it was really dark because the abundant white flowers of heath bedstraw made them difficult to see in half light. That's the most I have seen there but there is such a large area of suitable habitat that there must be many more. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Lampyris_noctiluca Please send records to the Bulletin for Charlie Barnes *** Get Ready for Black Ant Flying Days *** Black Ant Flying Days, when winged adults emerge to mate, are supposed to fall on or about 8th/9th July, but given the vagaries of the weather it could be earlier or later. Your reports will be welcome. Many species do this and so Alan Phillips will welcome observations and ant specimens for identification. Contact him on: norwegica@yahoo.co.uk See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18983219 County Aculeate Recorder [Ants, Bees and wasps] Alan writes: "The records I have from this year have mostly come from the Bulletin and people sending me photos to ID." *** Whale and Dolphin Watch - 27th/28th July *** Dave Miller writes: A harbour porpoise was seen of the coast on 4th June at Anderby Creek from the Cloud Bar. This is to be one of the venues for this year’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch Weekend on 27th & 28th July. I am also running a watch from Skegness Pier. I could do with some more volunteers to help man these watches if you are available. I usually split the day in two – 10–1 & 1–4. Any help is much appreciated. If you can, please contact me on: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk *** Learn to Identify Riverflies on Chalk Streams *** Ruth Snelson writes: The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project (LCSP) are currently looking for volunteers to help with monitoring riverflies on chalk streams. If you are near a chalk stream and would be able to commit to monitoring the riverfly populations on an annual basis then we need your help. Please note: it will require collection of data from within the channel. Two free training days have been organised with the help of The Riverfly Partnership and Aby Fly Fishers on Friday 30th August and Saturday 31st August 2013. A Riverfly Partnership tutor will deliver the training. Spaces are limited to 12 per day. It will be held at Aby village hall and will include a site visit to the Great Eau, food and drink will be provided. The LCSP will provide the pack of equipment to collect the relevant data and provide life jackets. To book a place or to find out more detail please contact the LCSP Project Officer Ruth Snelson on 01507 609740 or email ruth.snelson@lincolnshire.gov.uk For more information on the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative visit http://www.riverflies.org/rp-riverfly-monitoring-initiative *** Life on the Verge - Wildflower Identification *** Mark Schofield, Project Officer, writes: Life on the Verge 2013 – please help us to complete the map! This is year five and Life on the Verge is still going strong! We have a chance this summer to complete the exploration of Lincolnshire’s potentially wildflower-rich road verges. Last year’s wet summer discouraged surveys and we fell short of covering the full extent of road verges in North and South Kesteven and in the Wolds. The weather we have had so far in 2013 has delayed flowering by up to 2-3 weeks so this has delayed the launch of surveys this year. Despite these setbacks, it is still possible to cover the remaining gaps in the map so that vital corridors for wildlife can be discovered and restored. The Limestone Area is now 65% explored and we now have data for 67% of the Wolds between Spilsby and the Humber. Huge progress has been made towards the designation of new road verge Local Wildlife Sites with 54 new LWSs along 55km of roads proposed in the Wolds this spring and 29 more LWSs along a further 50km of road on the Limestone bringing the overall total to 194km of new roadside Local Wildlife Sites since Life on the Verge began. This is more than 3 times the length of road that was previously known to have wildflower-rich verges throughout the whole county. The latest results map of the Wolds can be seen here: www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/survey/results-wolds.php Wildflower ID Classes Free Wildflower Identification Field Classes are being run again in the Wolds through June and July but with very limited places this year. The 2013 field classes have been arranged primarily for particular interest groups and societies – but remaining places available to the general public can be found on the project website: http://lifeontheverge.org.uk/getinvolved-wolds.php. Previous surveyors especially are invited to top up their field ID skills. Wildflower seed collection events at Red Hill Sunday 25th August (10am-1pm) Saturday 14th September (10am-1pm) Help us to hand-collect wildflower seeds for Lincolnshire’s Coronation Meadow for community restoration projects. Seed head identification training on hand. Fill your pockets and keep a few seeds for your garden. Meet in layby opposite Badger farm entrance. Please drop me an email if you and friends would like to help on the day. Could you help us to propagate wildflowers? We are on the look-out for gardeners who could spare a little space to propagate some plug plants for public green space restoration work. Please get in touch if you would like some free seed in return for donating some plug plants to a worthy cause! Pots and compost can be provided to replace what you use. With best regards and my thanks for all your help so far, Mark Schofield mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk *** Report Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** 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 Update: Jeremy Eyons says cruises have sold out this year so far, with several Bulletin readers going on The Boston Belle. He says there are still spaces on 28th August and 12th September. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 30/6 2 Spoonbills, 2 Ruddy Shelducks, Alkborough Flats Golden Oriole, Gibraltar Point, in Plantation 1/7 2 Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh scrapes 4 Spoonbills, 6 Little Gulls, 2 Ruddy Shelducks, Alkborough Flats Bonxie - North Hykeham 2/7 Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Gobraltar Point near Wash Viewpoint 4/7 Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Radshank, Whimbrel, Frampton Marsh 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. NETTLEHAM/SCOTHERN Stephen and Julia Hart w/e 30/06/13 Hooray! Owl box now has a pair of barn owls - I hope nesting. Farmer did us a favour by knocking down the (empty) box (accidentally) with his hedge flail, so I replaced it much higher up (20 feet) in ash tree; owls moved in almost immediately. The last time one lived here I found it knocked down dead on the HeathRoad, which I know is a common problem. Here's hoping. This year we have also had cuckoo and yellow wagtails, and currently sparrow hawks are putting on their annual and very vocal training sessions. *** 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. BARDNEY LOCK, River Witham TF104701 Robert Walker 30/6/13 Grass Snake 1 Swimming in lock pound upstream of lock gates. Also Bardney Lock to 5-Mile Bridge, River Witham Banded Demoiselle Damselfly 7 (Calopteryx splendens) Over bankside vegetation along 'Water Rail Way'. BOSTON (South by A16) 04/07/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson Peregrine flying West over the garden, mobbed by gulls. BRACEBRIDGE HEATH Bracebridge Heath SK 97901 67203 John Robinson 03/07/2013 I wish to report a nest of tree bees, Bombus hypnorum, in ivy on the side of house, last year they nested in bird box a short distance away. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 28.6.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Hedgehog foraging during night 28th 29th 30th June Magpie, 1, and always solitary, foraging on lawn most of most days Treesparrows fledge from nestbox 28th June Leaf-cutter bee carrying large piece of leaf 1st July Small tortoiseshell feeding on Astrantias, 4th July. First sighting since 21st April White ermine moth on window 3rd July First flowers of: Broad-leaved bellflower 29th June Field scabious, 29th June Musk mallow 4th July Yellow loosestrife, 29th June Fungus: Japanese parasol, 6, on lawn 28th June Caistor bypass garden TA 115 006 Barn owl seen most evenings Moorhen seen most days Red-legged partridges, 2, seen most days Caistor Wildlife Area TA 111 015 Garden warbler 29th June House sparrows, about 15, in hawthorn hedge, 29th June Red admiral, 1, on Nettle, 29th June. First sighting this year. Speckled wood, 1, on Hedge woundwort, 29th June. First sighting this year. Grimsby Road garden TA 120 014 Blackbird nesting in Japonica, next to public footpath and 1.5 metres from main road Grimsby Road garden TA 123 015 Hedgehog walking across drive early morning 28th June Collared doves, 2 fledglings Great tits, 7 fledglings Greenfinches, about 8. Pleasing increase in numbers since decline in 2011 and 12 Jay, first sighting in garden, 23rd June Mill Lane TA 119 012 Perennial wall-rocket 3rd July. New on Caistor list Shieling farm TA 106 027 Great spotted woodpecker, juvenile, on peanut feeder 2nd July Long-tailed tits, flock of about 20, in Rowan 29th June Songthrush nesting in Japonica South Street garden TA 119 012 Moths trapped on 29th June 2013 Bordered white Celypha lacunana Cinnabar Common rustic Dark arches Grey dagger Heart and dart Hebrew character Light brown apple moth Marbled minor Middle barred minor Peppered moth Plain golden y Privet hawk moth Riband wave Snout Spectacle Tawny marbled minor South Dale garden TA 119 012 Hedgehog foraging on lawn in evening 28th June CLEETHORPES Bentley Street Lucy Neary 4th July 2013 Tree Bees in roof. FENTON SK844 772 Richard Fox 3rd July 2013 Large skipper Meadow Brown Peacock Red Admiral Ringlet 5 Small Tortoiseshell 6 Speckled wood 3 Yellow wagtail GREETWELL HOLLOW LWT Reserve, LINCOLN TF000 722 Brian Hedley 1 July 2013 Ringlet 1 Meadow Brown 5 Speckled wood 4 Small heath 6 Large skipper 4 Small tortoiseshell 2 Common blue 1 Lesser whitethroat in song. 3 July 2013 Ringlet 8 Meadow Brown 10 Speckled wood 12 Small heath 12 Large skipper 4 Small tortoiseshell 2 Common blue 1 Latticed heath moth 1 Lesser whitethroat in song. HALTON FENSIDE TF 421 633 David Dales A colony of Tree bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum, have taken up residence in one of our sparrow nest boxes. Not sure of numbers but lots of activity. Hastily grabbed video of a female Woodpecker feeding young on the peanuts in our garden. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddales/9168681814 HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 29/6/13 Angel Shades Moth 1 (Phlogopha meticulosa) Hidden down in spinach foliage during daytime. White-tailed Bumblebee 12+ (Bombus lucorum) On Pyracantha blossom. 4/7/13 Bumblebee 1 female (Bombus lapidarius) On yellow flowers of garden pot plant. Hover-fly 1 (Helophilus pendulus) On windowsill near garden pond. HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 23/6 Frog 1 Red admiral butterfly 1 Date: 24/6 Greenfinch 2 Robins 3 Date: 26/6 Greater spotted woodpecker 1 Red admiral butterfly 1 Wrens 4 Date: 27/6 Goldfinch 6 (4 young, 2 adults) Wrens 4 HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 29/6 Red admiral butterflies 2 Speckled wood butterfly 1 Date: 30/6 Small white butterfly 1 Date: 2/7 Wrens 4 Robins 3 Collared doves 3 (1 parent and 2 fledglings) Chaffinch 1 Date: 4/7 Speckled Wood butterfly 1 Red admiral butterfly 1 Soldier beetle 1 Date: 5/7 Meadow brown butterflies 2 KNAITH PARK SK833 852 Brian Hedley 30 June 2013 Grass Snake 1 adult, 2 immatures. Common cudweed Long-headed poppy Corn spurrey Sharp-flowered rush Meadow Brown 10 Large skipper 1 Common blue butterfly 1 Small tortoiseshell 2 Yellowshell moth 2 Six-spot burnet 1 Cinnabar caterpillars LINCOLN (Farmland East of Allenby Road Industrial Estate) TF003 714 Brian Hedley 27 June 2013 Prickly poppy. At least 25 plants to edge of footpath, some in flower. Venus looking-glass corn parsley sun spurge Upright hedge-parsley Meadow Brown 3 Speckled wood 1 Red admiral 1 MARTON SK842 820 Brian Heldey 29 June 2013 MV bulb over Skinner trap out in garden overnight. Almost 300 moths of at least 68 species including: Eyed hawk 1 Elephant hawk 2 Figure of Eighty 1 Silver Y 1 Plain Golden Y 1 Broad-barred white 2 Lime-speck Pug 1 Green Pug 1 Sallow kitten 1 Sandy carpet 2 Burnished brass 1 Buff-tip 1 Dwarf cream wave 1 Small rivulet 1 Phycitodes binaevella 2 Hypsopygia glaucinalis 1 Argyresthia pruniella (cherry fruit tortrix) 1 Most numerous species were Celypha lacunana, riband wave, snout, heart and dart, marbled minor type and Chrysoteuchia culmella. 3 July 2013 Tree bumblebee 15+ (probably the most numerous bumblebee in garden at present). RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 30.06.13 Hawthorn Shield Bug Large Common Frog in border Bombus terrestris nest in lawn near shed; workers and new queens. Only 26mm rainfall in June against 124mm in June 2012. 01.07.13, 01.40 am Tawny Owl on power line facing house martin nests. 05.07.13 Common Buzzard Mullein Moth (Cucullia verbasci) caterpillars feeding on flowers of mullein, not just leaves House martin nestlings now visible at the nest entrances The warmth has brought out plenty of bumblebees and other insects, but NO butterflies. Guess there won’t be much of a second generation either. RIPPINGALE TF09422767 Pauline Warman 29/06/2013 Moths (MV trap left overnight) Magpie Moth - 1 Spectacle - 5 Grey Dagger - 1 Agapeta hamana - 1 Heart and Dart - 18 Dark Arches - 1 Flame - 3 Peppered Moth - 1 Treble Lines - 3 Green Carpet - 5 Elephant Hawk-moth - 2 Small Elephant Hawk-moth - 1 Burnished Brass - 1 Common Footman - 1 Eudonia mercurella - 1 Freyer's Pug - 1 Small Magpie - 1 Buff Arches - 1 Snout - 1 Riband Wave - 1 Bright-line Brown-eye - 3 Poplar Hawk-moth - 1 Clouded Border - 1 Shoulder-striped Wainscot - 2 Common Wainscot - 4 Middle-barred Minor - 1 Marbled Minor - 8 Rufous Minor - 1 Common Quaker - 2 Willow Beauty - 2 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana - 1 Straw Dot - 1 Brown Rustic - 1 Privet Hawk-moth - 1 Buff Ermine - 5 Cinnabar - 7 Udea olivalis - 2 Setaceous Hebrew Character - 3 Double Square-spot - 1 SOUTH WITHAM VERGES Common Bird Census 2013: Terry Mitcham Mallard P (-) Blackcap 5 (4) Pheasant 1 (P) Garden Warbler 1 (-) Sparrowhawk P (-) Lesser Whitethroat 1 (2) Woodpigeon 35N (26N) Whitethroat 4 (2) Turtle Dove 1 (1) Wren 10 (7) Swift P (-) Blackbird 1 (4) Green Woodpecker P (-) Song Thrush 1 (4) Great Spotted Woodpecker P (-) Robin 12 (8) Magpie 3 (2) Dunnock 7 (4) Jay P (-) Chaffinch 17 (25) Jackdaw P (-) Greenfinch 1 (1) Carrion Crow 1 (1N) Goldfinch 1 (1) Goldcrest P (P) Linnet P (1) Blue Tit 6 (4) Bullfinch 7 (2) Great Tit 1 (P) Yellowhammer P (P) Swallow P (P) Long-tailed Tit P (2) 2012 Status in Brackets Chiffchaff 4 (5) Total Territories/Nests 124 (115) Willow Warbler 4 (9) No. of Species Holding Territory 22 (21) Key: 5 - No. of Territories, 1N - No. of Nests, P - Present, not holding Territory, - - Absent. STAINTON by LANGWORTH TF082779 Richard Fox 2nd July 2013 Red Kite over Rand Wood by main road (A158) WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 01/07/2013 Roy and Kathleen Pearson Counts today were probably under recorded as it is difficult to assess numbers now that the main song period is over. This was especially true of Reed (5) and especially Sedge Warblers (1). A few Swallows and Swifts were feeding over the site and 32 Mallards were present, an indication that this species is starting to build-up to its large autumn numbers here. Two Common Terns were the outstanding birds of the count. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 29/6 Cuckoo calling early am and evening. Young common frog in garden - very yellow. 30/6 Cuckoo heard and seen. [AP] Speckled wood butterfly. 1/7 Cuckoo still calling, 6am. Common Buzzard heard 7.30am. 2/7 Cuckoo calling 8am. 5/7 Cuckoo calling 5am andv evening. Buzzard being mobbed by 3 Carrion Crows - 1oam. Large adult short-tailed vole - dead - cat kill. Adult m grass snake basking on top on compost heap 11am. First seen here this year. Then a second adult grass snake, f this time, entering the compost heap at 5pm. Butterflies: Speckled wood. 6/7/2013 Cuckoo calling 5.30am WRANGLE COMMON 01/07/2013 Roy and Kathleen Pearson A count of 34 species was good for the time of year. Among the highlights were two Little Grebes - a species that has been uncommon in recent years - and a single Corn Bunting. A Buzzard was circling the area and a brief glimpse was obtained of a male Marsh Harrier flying over. Only two cygnets were seen with the Mute Swans (though a third might have been hidden), which is down from the original count of eight. This pair manages to lose most or all of their cygnets every year, with foxes believed responsible. Five Yellowhammers were still in song and a Blackcap was giving a good account of itself. If anyone is interested, we will be producing a display of forty years of our work at the Wrangle Show on Sunday 7th July. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 5th July 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth The only rainfall recorded was 5.8mm on the 2nd, the rest of the week being warm and sunny. There is a fine display of flowering plants on the dunes; lady’s bedstraw is particularly good with its pale yellow tiny flowers contrasting with the rich yellows of the hawbits, yellow rattle, common cat’s-ear and bird’s-foot-trefoil. White flowers include hogweed, white campion, white clover, dewberry and the tiny fairy flax. Pinks are represented by red clover, pyramidal orchids and common stork’s-bill. The intense blue of viper’s bugloss is unmistakeable, while tufted vetch also has blue flowers, and lesser meadow rue has blue-green foliage. The freshwater marsh now has that characteristic smell of water mint; there has been a fine display of yellow iris, and now marsh thistles and common valerian are flowering. Saltmarsh plants in flower include thrift and sea plantain, while sea lavender is beginning to break bud. On the open sand of the outer dunes sea rocket and sea sandwort can be seen. The warm weather is encouraging the butterflies with the first meadow browns and ringlets recorded this week. Other species on the wing this week have been red admiral, large and small skipper, small heath, common blue and small tortoiseshell. A single clouded yellow flew off from the outer dunes at Rimac on the 5th. Likewise the warm conditions have been favourable for dragon and damselflies with many azure damselflies and four-spot chasers on the wing. Other species recorded this week include blue-tailed damselflies, singles of large red and common blue damselflies, and the first ruddy darter. A peregrine was seen grounded on the saltmarsh and nearby was the fresh kill of a Black-headed Gull on the 5th and 33 Sandwich Terns flew north along the tide line. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx Note - I have a copy of John's report for April 2013 if anyone would like me to send them a copy. I was away when it arrived. Roger Reports for May 2013 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh Two Spoonbills were seen during the month, one of which was ringed in Holland. A Black Brant remained with the Dark-bellied Brent (until 20th). Just two Garganey were seen (8th & 28th). Montagu’s Harrier (19th) and Red Kite (31st) also didn’t hang around for long. A Black-winged Stilt (7th) was present for just one day. Temminck’s Stints were more obliging with up to six present (9th-25th). Although generally a poor month for waders there were up to three Curlew Sandpipers (30th), one Little Stint (25th-31st) and two Wood Sandpipers (6th & 16th-18th). Up to four Mediterranean Gulls were seen (30th) with three Little Gulls regularly and one Yellow-legged Gull (30th). Turtle Doves were regular with up to four. There were single sightings of Black Redstart (14th) and Whinchat (18th). RSPB Freiston Shore - see "Other sites" Gibraltar Point NNR On the sea both Black-throated (17th) and Great Northern Divers were seen (25th) with Pomarine Skua (17th) and two Puffins (10th & 17th). On land migration was in full swing with plenty of birds passing through. A Great White Egret was seen on a couple of dates (20th & 21st) as were Spoonbill (16th & 19th), Iceland Gull (2nd & 28th), Montagu’s Harrier (22nd & 31st), Osprey (6th & 26th), Red-rumped Swallow (9th & 11th), Red-breasted Flycatcher (20th & 27th), Hawfinch (6th & 26th), Black Redstart (6th & 31st) and Greenish Warbler ( 29th & 31st). While Crane (1st), Woodlark (1st), Caspian Gull (2nd), Pallas’s Warbler (7th), Red-spotted Bluethroat (17th), Ring Ouzel (18th),Temminck’s Stint (21st) and Golden Oriole (31st) were all seen on single dates. One or two Common Rosefinches were seen and heard singing on at least three dates towards the end of the month and a Red-backed Shrike was present in the same period. Firecrests were seen on three dates, while Jays were still unusually numerous with up to 50 present. Other sites A Honey Buzzard was reported over Sutton Bridge (11th) with Ospreys reported at Deeping Lakes (7th) and Market Deeping (16th). Three Black Terns were at North Hykeham Pits (7th). The only Garganey reported inland was at Crowland (23rd). The wader highlight was a trip of 11 Dotterel at Wainfleet Marsh (4th) with up to three Wood Sandpipers (6th) and a Curlew Sandpiper (26th) at RSPB Freiston Shore. Cetti’s Warblers were on territory on at least three sites in the south of the county. A Nightjar sitting on a wooden crate at Dunsby Fen (28th) was an unexpected find and even more so was Lincolnshire’s third White-throated Sparrow in a garden in Spalding on this date. Finally a White-winged Black Tern was seen briefly at Kirkby Pits (31st). Note - I have a copy of John's report for April 2013 if anyone would like me to send them a copy. I was away when it arrived. 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 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E .05.07.13 BIRDS Max nos. Avocet 3 barn owl bittern (5th) blackbird 10 blackcap 3 black-headed gull 20 blue tit 6 bullfinch canada goose 13 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler 2 chaffinch 12 chiffchaff 3 collared dove 2 common gull 6 common tern 6 coot 30 curlew dunnock 4 gadwall 12 grasshopper warbler GC grebe 4 great tit 5 grey heron greylag goose 100+ herring gull hobby (5th) house martin 6 house sparrow 10 jackdaw 2 kestrel LBB gull lesser whitethroat long tailed tit 2 magpie 4 mallard 12 marsh harrier M moorhen 6 mute swan 12 oystercatcher 5 pheasant 2 pied wagtail pochard 14 reed bunting 4 reed warbler 12 robin 2 sedge warbler 8 shelduck 4 song thrush sparrowhawk starling 10 swallow 20 swift 30 tufted duck 26 whitethroat 10 willow warbler 6 wood pigeon 8 wren 6 Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Sundays. Please e-mail in your contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [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 this layout to save reediting: 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. Species 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 *** 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 *** Hedgehog Survey *** Not yet sure if this will extend the next year. Have a look. http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are 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. 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 - CANCELLED Field Meeting Brampton Farmland (Courtesy of R and A Brownlow) 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 - see notes above. The following subscribes suffered "Hard bounces" from the last mailing and will be deleted from the mailing list. Please contact me with an alternative email address. furniconsult geoff@muscroft hendrina wbowell munky_magic "Soft bounces" were as follows. chrisjpotts Clox ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/