============================================ || || 28th 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 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 *** Thunderstorms and downpours have disproved the traditional St Swithin rhyme. We look to be in for further heavy rain and warm weather and the change has brought on a lot of insect activity. There are ususual reports this week. It will be interesting to hear how the Whale and Dolphin watch goes. I hear there are quite lot of volunteers. I am watching for Hummingbird Hawkmoths and Painted Ladies, but no luck yet. Keep those reports coming, please, and keep telling your friends about the Bulletin. You can use the hotlink at the end of each Bulletin to "forward to a friend". 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. 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 *** Mapmate *** Geoff Brown comments. Regarding mapmate, it is used by the RSPB for all their bird recording and I have entered some eighty four thousand records on it for the Frampton and Freiston RSPB reserves over the last eighteen or so years. It costs approx £30 for the cd. It is very simple to use and certainly will record anything on it in the natural world. I also use it at home on my home computer for my few garden sightings. In spite of the name there's no need to use the mapping part of the programme if you don't want to. It can be configured to exactly meet your recording requirements. In other words, "highly recommended". Chris Manning adds: John Nickson's query. A good overview of the current software is available here http://www.nbn.org.uk/Tools-Resources/Recording-Resources/Mapping/Recording-software.aspx *** 41st Horncastle Astronomy Weekend 13-15th September *** I have just received my booking form for this year's Horncastle Astronomy Weekend. This annual "beanfeast" of Cosmic Awe and Wonder is driven by Paul Money and his fellow enthusiasts. I have attended for many years and it is always a treat - with exceptional speakers such as Dr Allan Chapman. For further HAW information: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/HAW.html *** Meteor Showers *** The "Southern Delta Aquarids" peak on 30th July and could be visible in the morning before dawn. But the big meteor shower of the summer is on 12th August, the Perseids. If skies are clear, keep a look out. *** Dropbox *** Steve Gray told me about "Dropbox" this week. Some readers will already be aware of the 2Gig free storage it provides. "Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!" I can now share material between my 2 pcs as if they were connected! http://www.dropbox.com/ *** Bird Club event *** A Joint BTO and Lincolnshire Bird Club Conference Birding Round Lincolnshire To be held at Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park LN6 9BW Sunday 3rd November 2013 From 9.30 – 16.00 Conference Fee: £14 (Includes coffee, tea and lunch) Everyone is Welcome! Organised by Lincolnshire BTO Representatives Supported by The British Trust for Ornithology and Lincolnshire Bird Club BTO is a registered charity (No 216652) Download Booking Form: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/Articles/LBC_business/Lincs_Conference_2013_prog_booking_form.pdf Birding Round Lincolnshire 3rd November 13 Tickets MUST be pre-booked; it will not be possible to accept bookings on the door. Tickets are £14 per person, which includes tea, coffee and a buffet lunch *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: 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 *** Grimsby Area LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT On Saturday 27th July 2013 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a visit to Crowle Moor nature reserve with Matthew Blissett the North- West Lincs. Trust Warden. Meet at 11am in car park (Grid ref.SE756137.) Follow the brown "duck" tourist signs from the main A18 road and through Crowle. At T junction turn left, parking is ahead. Bring packed lunch. We shall be following the southern marked route ( distance 1 1/4 mile) looking for bog rosemary, dune helliborine and hopefully butterflies and adders. Free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. On Sunday 11th August 2013 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk with Ray Hume. Please meet in the far end car park on the Humberston Fitties at 9am. Please wear suitable clothing and stout shoes or boots and bring binoculars. A free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume - 01472 320878. *** Lincolnshire Firewood Fair *** Sunday, September 8th at Revesby Estate. An annual event for those who want to buy fuel wood or woodland products with environment-friendly credentials. Category Winner in Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2012. http://www.lincolnshirefirewoodfair.co.uk/ *** Whale and Dolphin Watch - 27th/28th July *** Dave Miller writes: Finally don’t forget it is National Whale and dolphin Watch Weekend on 27th & 28th July. There will be volunteers at organised watches at Skegness Pier and the Cloud Bar, Anderby Creek from 10 – 4 on both these days. Please come along and either help scan the seas or provide moral support. Contact: dmiller@lincstrust.co.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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 20/7 Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Crossbill, 3 Arctic Skuas, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper, Alkborough Flats 21/7 Ruddy Shelduck, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats Red-backed Shrike, Donna Nook, Pye's Hall plus 3 Crossbills by Stonebridge car park Black Redstart, Donna Nook, Stonebridge car park Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Red-backed Shrike m, Gibraltar Point 22/7 Black Redstart, Donna Nook, Stonebridge car park Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Red-backed Shrike m, Donna Nook, Pye's Hall trapped and ringed, 7 Crossbills flew north Caspian Gull, 4 Yellow-legged, 9 Mediterranean Gulls, Bonby, in field near recycling plant Black Tern, Frampton Marsh 23/7 5 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, 7 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 8 Yellow-legged Gulls, North Hykeham landfill site 6 Crossbills north over brant Broughton 24/7 White-rumped Sandpiper, 20 Curlew Sandpipers, 4 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Baltic Gull, 2 Caspian Gulls, 14 Yellow-legged gulls, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, NE of Brigg SW of Middlegate Road in field east of A15 Montagu's Harrier, Frampton Marsh 4+ Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Spotted Redshank, 45 Whimbrel, Rimac Two-barred Crossbill, south of Sea View Farm, north of Rimac 2 Caspian Gulls, Brigg, SW of Middlegate Road 25/7 Curlew Sandpiper, Gibraltar Point Baird's Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, 4 Wood Sandpipers, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 4 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Whinchat juv, Donna Nook Caspian Gull, 9 Yellow-legged Gulls, North Hykeham, Lincoln Tip 26/7 Curlew Sandpiper, Gibraltar Point Baird's Sandpiper, 19 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Wood Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, 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. Longhorn Beetle Ray Harrison contacted Charlie Barnes aabout identifying a longhorn beetle. "Please find attached a couple of photos of what I believe is a Tawny Longhorn beetle (Paracorymbia fulva)" Charlie's reply: Many thanks for the photos. What you have there I think isn't Paracorymbia fulva, but it is just as interesting. Your beetle is Stictoleptura rubra, a naturalised immigrant that was until recently only known from Lincolnshire, Surrey and the Brecklands in Norfolk. However, even though it could be considered a Lincolnshire speciality, it is known from only 20 records here. The nearest record to Horkstow is from Risby Warren - your record has expanded it's range by some distance. The larvae feed within dead wood of coniferous trees and are mainly concentrated around the Scunthorpe area with a few records near Market Rasen and the Bardney Limewoods. It appears to be spreading (as many longhorns seem to be, anecdotally) and has recently turned up in Leceistershire and appears it may be bridging its range between Norfolk and North Lincolnshire. The females of Stictoleptura rubra are quite distinct being bright red all over. Yours is male (a photo of a female from Messingham Sand Quarry can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoheathen/1146908239) There are a number of longhorns that have the similar pale brown/yellow wing cases and black legs of the male. The differences between Stictoleptura rubra and Paracorymbia fulva are slight. P fulva tends to have all black legs, with S rubra has yellow & black. P fulva also has the wing cases tipped in black, although this can be difficult to see. The defining feature, used when keying them out, is that Stictoleptura rubra has relatively short hairs on on the thorax whereas Paracorymbia fulva has longer upstanding hairs. This obviously needs a specimen to check. Thankfully colouration is usually sufficient to make an accurate identification! *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. ALFORD GARDEN TF454754 25th July 2013 David Sheppard Comma butterfly Anthidium manicatum (also on 6th July) CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 19.7.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Buzzards, 2 adults and 1 juv circling 24th July Kestrel perched on greenhouse roof 22nd July Sparrowhawk catches Collared dove 19th July Spotted flycatcher feeding in orchard 24th July Large skipper, first sighting this year 20th July. 6-spot burnetts, 3 on our only Greater knapweed flower First flowers of: Betony 20th July Fool’s watercress 20th July Hemp agrimony 24th July Scentless mayweed 22nd July Sweet chamomile 22nd July Canada Lane TA 123 018 18th July Yellowhammer Chicory Large bindweed Health Centre verge TA 120 011 Heath bedstraw 18th July. New on Caistor list Hundon Manor Farm TA 116 024 Brown hares, 4, seen frequently Barn owl using nestbox Curlews calling 22nd July Grey herons, 2, flying from pond to perch in Willow 23rd July Flowering rush, introduced, 24th July. New on Caistor list Purple loosestrife 23rd July Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 17th July Brown chafer. New on Caistor list Clay-coloured weevil. New on Caistor list North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 Hedgehogs, 2, foraging in evening 19th July Bracket fungus on dead Sycamore stump 20th July Shieling farm TA 106 027 Brambling Swallows nesting again in barn Grass snake adult and young in compost heap Water Hills TA 123 017 18th July Skylark Swifts, 10 6-spot burnett Meadow brown, 8 Ringlet, 20 Small copper 3 Small white, 3 In flower: Common knapweed Common quaking grass Common spotted Orchid Couch grass Field bindweed Field scabious Glaucous sedge Greater knapweed Hoary plantain Lady’s bedstraw Meadow vetchling Pignut Wild teasel. New on Caistor list CANDLESBY QUARRY TF 461683 22nd July 2013 David Sheppard Meadow Grasshopper Field Grasshopper Bombus lapidarius Bombus terrestris queen Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral CARLTON LE MOORLAND and STAPLEFORD Carlton le Moorland Jeremy Hutchinson 16/7/2013 Juvenile Hedgehog Roadkill (On a more positive note at about 19.30 hours a young hedgehog was trundling around my allotment, not far from the scene of the roadkill of what was probably its sibling. It curled up when I was close, so it fetched a shallow tray of water to put in front of it, it being so dry and hot. The Hedgehog soon took a drink before wandering off: it had trouble negotiating some garden tools I had left on the ground. While it was doing that I fetched a couple of snails which had holed-up in my greenhouse, and put them close to the animal's nose: it wasted no time in devouring both with relish). Carlton le Moorland Jeremy Hutchinson 20/7/2013 Female Hobby, c 11.00 hrs. Buzzard Small numbers of Meadow Brown,Ringlet and Small Skippers. On a general note, I have been growing Corn Marigolds for many years. Not only are they beautiful and bloom for months, but they are highly attractive to many insects. Yesterday I saw a Ringlet nectaring on them, although I don't usually think of them as butterfly attractors. I would recommend them to anyone who wishes to encourage our beleaugered insect populations. One packet of seeds is all you'll ever need to buy because they seeds themselves freely, but can be controlled easily and also transplanted easily elsewhere if growing where they are not wanted. Carlton le Moorland Jeremy Hutchinson 24/7/13 Yet another Hedgehog roadkill 26/7/13 Pleasing to see more butterflies than previously this year. Numbers not high, but today have seen Peacock (1), Brimstone (1), Small Skipper (1), Meadow Brown (numerous), Ringlet (numerous), Comma (1), Small Tortoise- shell (1) and various Whites. Song Thrush, Chiffchaff and Blackcap still singing occasionally. Watched female Ghost Moth emerging from the disturbed ground while gardening. Stapleford Jeremy Hutchinson 16/7/2013 Yet another Little Owl road kill COLSTERWORTH Jane Ostler Week beginning 21st July,2013 SK93/94 Large White Butterflies have migrated into Colsterworth and surrounding parishes in the last week An estate of about 70 newly built houses have tiny gardens and most of the area is concreted over. It is good to report, therefore, any interest which has developed. Swallows, in May, attempted to nest in a house where windows were not yet in. House Martins moved onto eaves last year almost as houses were completed. They have retrned this year with nests on eaves of three separate houses and have successfully reared young. Spotted flycatcher has been seen in a garden adjacent to a field. Lizard has been seen sunning on old wall at edge of site. Hedgehogs are being lookedafter by residents in adjacent houses who are allowing passage from one garden to another. DEEPING ST NICHOLAS 19.07.13 Mick Todd A female marsh harrier has been disturbed from dyke side, on several occasions, as we drove along adjacent farm track. It seemed to be on the ground and not flying along dyke. There was also possible sighting of a hobby flying over rape field. DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve – TF187083 Date: 26/07/2013 Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 0920 – 1145 Weather: Hot and sunny. No breeze. Birds: Blackcap Blue Tit Canada Goose Chaffinch Chifchaf Collared Dove Common Tern Coot Cormorant Crow Dunnock Gadwall Great Black-backed Gull Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Pied Wagtail Pochard Reed Bunting Reed Warbler Rook Sand Martin Tufted Duck Wood Pigeon Wren Butterflies: Brimstone Large White Meadow Brown Peacock Ringlet Small Copper Small White Damsel’s etc: Emerald Common Blue Common Hawker Brown Hawker HORNCASTLE TF256695 Charlie Barnes 22/07/2013 Rutepla maculata (longhorn beetle) Bombus hypnorum Small tortoiseshell Comma HUTTOFT PIT 21st July 2013 Dave Miller – WeBS Feral Duck 1 Black-headed Gull 17 Crow 2 Collared Dove 1 Common Gull 3 Coot 31 including 3chicks and 7 juveniles Gadwall 2 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Greylag Goose 7 Herring Gull 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 Linnet 3 Little Grebe 1 Magpie 1 Mallard 42 Marsh Harrier 5 – pair and 3 juveniles Mute Swan 3 Reed Bunting 4 Reed Warbler 5 Sedge Warbler 1 Stock Dove 2 Swallow 1 Swift 1 Teal 9 Tufted Duck 1 Woodpigeon 21 Small White 1 LINCOLN Butterfly Count Colin J Green 20 Jul 13 1545 hrs on the Swallowbeck Cut between Newark Road and Hykeham Road, Lincoln sunny and warm with cooling breeze 7 x Small Tortoiseshell on dirt track (many cobweb clusters seen on nettles - let's hope it's their caterpillars) 5 x Large Skipper nectaring 7 x Small Skipper 3 x Large White many Whites seen but unable to ID Approx 20 Banded Demoiselle M and Fe (very beautiful flying against the sunlight) along the length of the beck 1 x Brimstone M 2 x Comma 5 x Ringlet 3 x Meadow Brown Still no Common Blues seen this year and only 1 Brown Argus. 22 Jul 13 1200 - 1215 hrs in my garden near Swallowbeck Church, Newark Road, Lincoln, sunny and hot. 5 x Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on lavender and buddleja 1 x Comma on buddleja 1 x Small White fluttering constantly around honesty 6 x Large Whites passing through with one on buddleja MILL HILL QUARRY TF44-71- 22nd July 2013 David Sheppard Meadow Grasshopper Field Grasshopper Bombus pascuorum Bombus pratorum Bombus hypnorum Bombus lapidarius queen Bombus terrestris queen White-letter Hairstreak Comma Small Tortoiseshell POTTERHANWORTH TF050661 Charlie Barnes 22/07/2013 Hedgehog x4 roadkill WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 21/07/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson A disappointing count today produced only 13 bird species and those in small numbers. Mallards numbered only six birds, a most unusually low count at this time of the year. The nearby River Steeping is now blocked in many places by stands of reeds and no birds at all were observed using it. The only bird of note to be seen was a single male Marsh Harrier that flew over the ponds quite high and took no interest in hunting there. Butterflies included Ringlet (3), Meadow Brown (1), Small White (1) and Large White (3). WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 22/7/2013 Rufous adult-sized Cuckoo seen perched on wires across garden 5.30am. Not calling. Flew off in "marked manner". [RP] Large grass snake seen basking in different compost heap location to earlier reports. [AP] Tawny owls calling in garden 10.30pm. 26/7 Adult Marsh Harrier f in area. Large grass snake skin at regular compost heap. Small skipper 2+ Peacock 2 Small Tortoiseshell 2 Small white 4 Meadow brown 3 Ringlet 2 Gatekeeper WILLOUGHBY BRANCH LINE TF47 22nd July 2013 David Sheppard Roesel's Bush-cricket Bombus pascuorum Bombus lapidarius Comma Brown Argus Small Tortoiseshell WOODHALL SPA TF21-61- 24th July 2013 Roesel's Bush cricket WOLLA BANK REEDBED 21st July 2013 Dave Miller Coot 7 including 1 juvenile and 2 chicks Magpie 1 Mallard 3 Moorhen 1 Reed Bunting 6 Reed Warbler 4 Sedge Warbler 1 Swallow 1 WOLLA BANK PIT 21st July 2013 Dave Miller Blue Tit 1 Common Gull 2 Cormorant 1 Great Tit 2 Linnet 3 Reed Bunting 6 Sandwich Tern 1 Swallow 11 Tufted Duck 10 including 4 chicks. Whitethroat 1 Woodpigeon 4 Wren 1 Essex Skipper 1 Gatekeeper 1 Green-veined White 1 Large White 3 Meadow Brown 13 Ringlet 11 Small/Essex Skipper 12 White sp. 1 Common Darter >20 Blue-tailed Damselfly >100 many mating Common Blue Damselfly >100 some mating Narrow-bordered 5-spot burnet 1 WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH Jane Ostler Week beginning 21st July 2013 Gardens SK922245 Apple of Peru (Nicandra phalloides) From bird seed. This tall blue flowered plant turned up in 2010 but not since. Its bell shaped flowers only open for a short time each day and it has poisonous fruits. Phaecelia tanacetifolia, mauve flowers is another alien which turned up in a wildflower seed mix - but at least is loved by bees. Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) has been found forming an old hedge, when the verge was cleared back and ivy removed. According to Gibbons Flora it is native north to Norfolk. Gatekeeper, Large Whites and Peacock butterflies, Cinnabar moths in numbers Elephant hawk moth caterpillars found in a basket of fuschias. WRANGLE COMMON 21/07/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson A count for the BTO's BirdTrack produced 28 species. Highlights were a Green Sandpiper, a Buzzard, three young Marsh Harriers, a flock of 25 Starlings and a single Tawny Owl that chose to call at midday. Butterfly numbers were much improved with Small Skipper (1), Small White (7), Meadow Brown (16), Gatekeeper (11), Ringlet (24), Speckled Wood (2) and Large White (2). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 26th July 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth The hot weather continued with temperatures soaring to a high of 26.25°C on the 24th. Water levels in the freshwater marsh are dropping quite dramatically and the dune vegetation is now becoming brown and crunchy under foot. The very hot, humid weather resulted in a thunderstorm on the night of the 23rd some tremendous sheet lightening and rainfall amounting to 12.8mm, but the dune vegetation still remains very dry. Plants of note include tubular water-dropwort, meadowsweet and greater water- parsnip coming into flower in the freshwater marsh, and a few flowering stems of marsh arrowgrass have been found. On the dunes ladies bedstraw and the pyramidal orchids remain colourful as the vegetation browns, and the first harebells have been seen. The taller herbs of ragwort and rosebay willowherb are in flower, along with musk, spear and creeping thistle, all offering a nectar source to a range of insects. More butterflies have been seen and on the butterfly transect Steve Hall had small/Essex skipper 329, small white 2, gatekeeper 43, meadow brown 82, small heath 28 and ringlet 268. There has been a particularly good hatch of small skippers seen throughout the dunes. Single tortoiseshells were seen on 24th and 26th and a comma on 24th and large whites are abundant. Dragonflies on the wing include emperor, four-spotted chaser, ruddy darter, and a tatty broad-bodied chaser. Damselflies seen include blue-tailed, azure, large red and emerald. Four Lapwing were at Paradise ponds on the 14th, 5 Whimbrel flew over Sea View on the 17th and on the same day 30 Swallows (young and adults) were all perched on overhead wires near the Great Eau. A Green Sandpiper was disturbed from a wet hollow in a dune slack on the 15th. A Little Tern flew over the outer beach off Rimac and 110+ Curlew flew off the saltmarsh near The Haven, both on the 18th. Good numbers of young willow/chiffs are about and there has been song from Chiff- chaff and occasionally Willow Warbler. Up to 3 Turtle Doves remain in the area and a Two-barred Crossbill made a fleeting appearance over the dunes on the 24th. The WeBS on the 20th included good numbers of Common Scoter 2,100 (5,000+ on 18th), Curlew 59, Oystercatcher 90, Whimbrel 27 and Gannet 27. Also, tucked in tight behind a sand bar near the tide line were 3 adult and 3 imm Little Terns. The morning high tide over the saltmarsh on the 25th attracted 300+ Black-headed Gulls, many hirundines feeding over the water, and the regular flight over of Marsh Harrier. Wader passage is well under way, mainly with adults still in breeding plumage, and it is particularly nice to see some rufous tinged Sanderling. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx Reports for June 2013 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh A Spoonbill was seen at the beginning of the month (1st & 2nd), with a Ruddy Shelduck putting in a briefer appearance later (24th). Rather unseasonal were three Whooper Swans (12th). In stark contract to the previous year only one Garganey was seen (8th). Raptors included Red Kite and Hobby, both reported on three dates, but it was waders that provided the real draw. 27 species were recorded with two Black-winged Stilts (3rd), Pectoral Sandpiper (3rd-7th) and Temminck’s Stint (7th) the highlights. The supporting cast included Little Stint (6th), Curlew Sandpiper (6th-9th & 14th-18th), Wood Sandpiper (20th) and up to four each of Ruff and Spotted Redshank. Two Little and two Mediterranean Gulls were regular and up to three Black Terns were also seen. A Redstart was seen on one date (14th). RSPB Freiston Shore - see "Other sites" Gibraltar Point NNR Two Common Cranes (2nd) and a Great White Egret (25th) paid brief visits, as did a Montagu’s Harrier (18th). Spring was still in full flow early in the month with both male and female Red-backed Shrikes (1st &7th), 13 Turtle Doves and Crossbill (1st), singling Icterine Warbler and Hooded Crow (2nd), Serin (3rd), two Common Rosefinches (3rd-9th), Garganey (6th) and Black Redstart (7th). Golden Orioles were recorded on a couple of dates later in the month (15th & 30th) and a Marsh Warbler was trapped and ringed (20th). Little, Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls were all seen on two or three dates. Other sites The highlight was a Gull-billed Tern at Kirkby Pits (18th). Odd June records were Whooper Swan was at Willow Tree Fen (7th) and Goldeneye at Kirkby Pits (20th). A Crane flew over Bracebridge Heath (5th), while a White Stork flew over Whisby Nature Park (19th). A Great White Egret was reported at Thurlby Fen (20th). Five Sanderlings were Baston-Langtoft Pits (5th), with Little Tern and Little Gull there too (10th). A Black Tern was at Freiston Shore (8th) shortly followed by a Wood Sandpiper there (10th). Interestingly more Red Kites were reported than Hobbies, while the late spring possibly accounted for three Osprey sightings, at Marston STW (4th), Anwick Fen (25th) and Stoke Rochford (27th). 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 No report yet. Meantime, see: 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, 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 "bounces" from the last mailing "Soft bounces" were as follows. @rspb - all users of this RSPB ISP drinkallby Ellen Evans [Hartsholme?] alandale clox "Hard bounce" - Voiceinthebox - cleaned from list *** And finally...... Forests still feeling the impacts of 1976 drought http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23419036 Dolphins 'call each other by name' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23410137 Puffin census on Farne Islands shows numbers rising http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23370817 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/