============================================ || || 3rd March 2013 || || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. News from the Lincolnshire Coast NNRs 5. News from Far Ings NNR 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Bulletin is being read by 1090 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. 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 *** Hunt for Oil Beetles. Support WWF's Earth Hour in the dark. Read up on Ash Dieback and get ready to report it. There are lots of talks on interesting topics to which all are welcome. How about an RSPB Birdwatching Cruise aboard The Boston Belle? As Spring creeps up on us the Waxwings that have given us such pleasure this winter will be drifting back to their summer home in Europe. http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=124001 Week by week we will see the make-up of reports change as the winter visitors move off and summer species start to arrive. Don't be fooled by a Collared Dove sounding like a cuckoo! First arrival dates are useful data, so keep an eye out for Sand Martins this month. Early bat information is welcome too. I wonder if anyone will report Morels [fungi] this Spring. Please keep helping us with your reports and news of activities and events likely to be of interest to readers. Thanks. Roger *** Next LNU Event - reminder *** For LNU meetings see section 11 for full programme. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. ALL VERY WELCOME. Saturday, March 09, 2013 AGM & Presidential Address by Roger Parsons Subject: The Ecology of Pollination and Pollinators [Editor adds: A big thank you goes to everyone who sent me photographs to use. I shall do my best to fit these in or show them as a slide show at the end.] *** Oil Beetles - The Hunt Continues *** Charlie Barnes writes: Until last year oil beetles hadn't been seen in Lincolnshire for decades, but with your help we found them! The Black oil beetle was rediscovered in Lincolnshire in April 2012 near Grantham - easily recognised by its large size (up to 3 cm) and shortened wing cases, they can be found from March to June in meadows and coastal grassland. For the third year running, Buglife are promoting a national survey for our species of oil beetle, although only two of them (the Black oil beetle and the Violet oil beetle) have ever been seen in Lincolnshire. They seek out bare ground to dig burrows in which the females lay their eggs and can often be found on footpaths where the soil has been compacted by walkers. Once the eggs hatch, the larva lay in wait on flowers where they hitch a ride on an unsuspecting bee. They get carried to the bee's nest where they disembark and proceed to eat the store of pollen and nectar and the bee's eggs. Records of oil beetles will help towards their conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan - if you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk *** An opportunity to sit in the dark for an hour! *** Why not support WWF's Earth Hour? If you're not taking part then make sure you sign up today. It's easy, simply sign up on their website, unless you are on their mailing list, in which case you should have had their e-mails. Then switch off your lights for one hour at 8.30pm on 23rd March. http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/ *** Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: "Wildlife Gardening" Wed 20 March 2013: (Sales stall: plants) Wildlife Gardening - Mary Porter As well as telling us which plants are good all-rounders for insects in the garden, Mary will explain why a little bit of untidiness can be a great benefit if we want to attract a good cross section of wildlife. For more information, please ring Joy on 01427 628457 or E-mail Linda ? woodentops@darter.plus.com *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: "Wildlife Conservation from Lincolnshire to the Phillipines." Monday 11th March 2013 We invite you to join us at our next meeting where Rachel Shaw will be giving a power-point presentation - "Wildlife Conservation from Lincolnshire to the Phillipines." This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall at 7.30 pm. Admission £2. All are welcome. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Meeting 11th March *** Keith Scarrott writes: Our meetings are open to all who are interested and there is no entry charge, although we have a donation bowl for people to give as they please. The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Meeting on Monday, 11th March, 2013. Roger Wardle - Farmer, Wildlife Consultant and Project Manager for the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marsh Project - will be giving an illustrated talk entitled: "Wetlands for Wildlife and People". The meeting will start at 7.15pm and will take place in the upper lecture room of the North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BD. (Car park behind the museum on Vicarage Gardens road). ALL VERY WELCOME. No admission fee but a donation bowl is provided. Contact - Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Bird Club Talk and AGM 19th March *** Andrew Chick writes: Lincolnshire Bird Club Annual General Meeting Tuesday 19 March 2013 at The Admiral Rodney Hotel, Horncastle at 7.30pm Dr Mark Avery (former RSPB's Conservation Director) 25 Years in Nature Conservation The talk is FREE to everyone and will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (members only) Mark Avery is a scientist by training and a naturalist by inclination. He writes about and comments on environmental issues. Mark worked for the RSPB for 25 years until standing down in April 2011 to go freelance. He was the RSPB's Conservation Director for nearly 13 years. LBC Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/ *** WHISBY BIOBLITZ Friday, July 12 + Saturday 13 July *** Charlie Barnes writes: Bioblitz = intensive survey and identification of species in an area. All welcome from beginners to experienced naturalists. Experts will be on hand to help with identification and recording. Event details below in section 11. Watch the NEW Bioblitz website for updates. http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/national-bioblitz/midlands/lincolnshire-bioblitz.html *** S Lincs RSPB Meetings *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: 21st March at 730pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "The RSPB in Eastern England" by Paul Forecast Members £2, non-members £3-50. all welcome 25th April at 730pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "Lands End to The Highlands, in search of butterflies", by Geoff Adams Members £2, non-members £3-50, all welcome 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 *** Lincoln RSPB *** Maureen Staples writes: On Thursday 14th March 2013 at 07.30pm we invite you to join us at our next meeting where Ian Newton will be giving an illustrated talk on Panama - Birding in the Rain. This will take place in The Robert Hardy Building, Bishop Grossteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln. RSPB members and students £3.00. Non members £4.00. Free Parking. See: http://www.lincolnrspb.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/ 22/2 18 Waxwings, Marton at A156/1500 junction 37 Waxwings, Navenby off A607, The Rise Long-tailed Duck drk, Messingham Sand Quarry Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Gibraltar Point, Croft Marsh 23/2 Hen Harrier m, Anwick Fen 24/2 17 Waxwings, North Somercotes, Keeling Street opp village hall 23 Waxwings, north of Gibraltar Point, at Seacroft 27 Waxwings, Gibraltar Point, on approach road by letter box opposite golf course 18 Waxwings, Skegness, Lincoln Road/Queens Road, The Highwayman Inn 27 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Way, 150 yards from the Welcome pub 17 Waxwings, Marton at A156/1500 junction 31 Waxwings, Navenby off A607, The Rise 12 Waxwings, North Hykeham, Newark Road midway between The Forum and Ocean Restaurant Osprey reported, n of Spilsby, n of Partney, Dalby Hill Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese + 5 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Tetney Marshes, Humberston Fitties American Wigeon drk, Fiskerton Fen Long-eared owl, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide 25/2 11 Waxwings, Navenby in trees opposite The Rise 30 Waxwings, Stamford, at Arran Road/Cedar Road junction 2 Long-eared owls, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide American Wigeon drk, Fiskerton Fen Iceland Gull, ad Caspian Gull, Gainsborough landfill site Great White Egret, Saltfleetby All Saints flew ESE by Long Eau 26/2 39 Waxwings, New Waltham, Station Road 22 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Way Long-eared owl, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide Grey Plover, Wroot in field west of Moor Lane 27/2 9 Waxwings, Navenby in trees opposite The Rise 4 Waxwings, New Waltham, Station Road 4 Waxwings, Barton-upon-Humber, Hungate opp Victory Club 3 Jack Snipe, Humberston Fitties American Wigeon drk, Fiskerton Fen 2 Long-eared owls, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide 28/2 4 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Way 2 Long-eared owls, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide 1/3 7 Waxwings, Cleethorpes, Lidgard Road 2 Long-eared owls, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide 4 Short-eared owls, Worlaby Carrs 2 Hen harriers, Gibraltar Point 4 Snow Buntings, 80+ Twite, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, Church Lane 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. Roger Goy died on 6th March 2009. He made a huge contribution to the Bulletin in its early stages and was one of the county's natural history characters. It does not seem 4 years since he passed away. I have kept on his slot in the Bulletin as a way of remembering what he did for us. It seemed the right thing to do. If anyone with a tale of Roger's exploits would like to send me a story to celebrate his memory, please do. Here is a short one. I was walking along the Lower Witham with Roger one day in the 1990s. I teased him for ignoring grass identification. He spent the rest of the walk countering my accusation by collecting and naming a good collection of grasses. I seem to recall the expedition then culminated in the sampling of my home brew - with much laughter. http://www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire/content/articles/2005/08/30/nature_sightings_feature.shtml *** 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. AISBY TF012392 Robert Walker 24/2/13 KESTREL 1 over field and road verge hunting CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 22.2.13 CAISTOR AREA 2013 'BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH' SUMMARY The RSPB-style Big Garden Birdwatch was completed at 44 sites in and around Caistor by local residents on 26-27th January. Saturday's lying snow was cleared by heavy overnight rain, leaving Sunday sunny and relatively warm. These changeable conditions may account for the wide variety of species observed. Total number of each species seen Highest first. (Last year's figures in brackets) House sparrow 161 (148) Blackbird 149 (155) Woodpigeon 133 (163) Goldfinch 117 (113) Chaffinch 84 (70) Starling 77 (80) Blue tit 71 (101) Jackdaw 52 (74) Tree sparrow 46 (60) Robin 44 (52) Collared dove 40 (86) Dunnock 37 (40) Great tit 37 (58) Coal tit 22 (27) Wren 20 (25) Greenfinch 18 (39) Siskin 18 (0) Moorhen 17 (12) Carrion crow 15 (27) Magpie 15 (11) Long-tailed tit 14 (43) Mistlethrush 11 (5) Feral pigeon 10 (5) Pheasant 8 (13) Bullfinch 8 (3) Song thrush 8 (8) Rook 6 (0) Jay 4 (0) Reed bunting 4 (0) Yellowhammer 4 (0) Sparrowhawk 3 (3) Great spotted woodpecker 3 (2) Pied wagtail 3 (0) Stockdove 3 (0) Kestrel 2 (0) Redwing 2 (0) Red-legged partridge 1 (9) Lesser redpoll 1 (1) Brambling 1 (0) Grey wagtail 1 (0) Tawny owl 1 (0) Not seen during the 2013 survey were Tree creeper (3) Mallard (2) Fieldfare (1) and Grey heron (1). Altogether 1273 (1440) sightings of 41 (33) species were recorded. It is good to see so many House sparrows but the low number of Greenfinches suggests they may be succumbing to the nationwide disease. Numbers of Blue tits and Long-tailed tits were also well down – this may reflect the exceptionally wet conditions in 2012. Song thrush numbers are surprisingly low for this area. Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Kestrel catches vole Redwing (50) in Hawthorn hedge Fungi - Bulbous bonnet on Wild plum Rosy crust on Aspen and Ash Hundon Manor Farm TA 113 025 1st lambs born Brigg Road garden TA 114 020 Fox in garden – 1st time seen Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Shelduck 23.2.13 Pochard Teal Swan mussel Holly leaf miner Fungus - Tinder bracket/Hoof fungus on Silver birch Mill Lane TA 119 012 1st Common dog violet 1st Cowslip CROWLAND Venue: Crowland North Bank Date: 01/03/2013 Time: 1115 – 1200 Weather: Cloudy, cool, breezy with slight rain Observer: Ian Gordon Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Chaffinch Chiffchaff Collared Dove Coot Crow Dunnock Goldfinch Great Tit Grey Heron House Sparrow Kestrel Lapwing (100+) Little Owl (2) Mallard Rook Starling Mute Swan Wood Pigeon CULVERTHORPE TF022402 Robert Walker 24/2/13 FIELDFARES 30+ on grass parkland DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 26/02/2013 Time: 0915 – 1115 Weather: Dull, cold with drizzle. Birds: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Goose Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Crow Gadwall Goldeneye Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Greylag Goose Lapwing (100+) Little Egret Little Grebe Long-Eared Owl Long – Tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Robin Rook Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon Wren HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Sunday 24 February 2013 Birds in my garden in the past week: Blue tit - 8 Great tit - 6 Coal tit - 1 Longtailed tit - 3 Chaffinch - 6 Greenfinch - 8 Goldfinch - 2 Siskin - 4 Robin - 2 Blackbird - 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker - 2 male and female Sparrowhawk - 1 Magpie - 2 Tree sparrow - 12 Wren - 1 Dunnock - 1 Song thrush - 1 Pheasant - 7 Redlegged partridge - 2 Wood pigeon - 4 The partridge were a surprise, especially as they walked across the decking outside my French windows! The numbers are an under- estimate as I have two separate feeding stations that can't be viewed at the same time. HUMBER BANK S Sunday 17/02/13 South Ferriby lunchtime - low tide Jacquie Harrison and John Margetts 200+ lapwings on Reeds Island Flock of curlew coming and going into field to west of concrete works (long grass) Large number of avocets feeding between east end of Reed's Island and South Ferriby shore - we were too far away to count accurately but over 30, as well as wigeon, mallards and other ducks there were large numbers of shelduck around. HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date:26/2 Hawthorn Shieldbug 1 Robin 2 Date 27/2 Chaffinch 2 Robin 2 Date 28/2 Chaffinch 2 Robin 2 Date 1/3 Robin 2 Toad 1 (disturbed briefly when replanting yew sapling) Greater Periwinkle Vinca major - first flower today. KELBY TF010418 Robert Walker 24/2/13 Brown Hare 1 on arable field KELBY TF022414 Robert Walker 24/2/13 CHAFFINCHES YELLOWHAMMERS mixed flock of 100 + on arable fields and hedgerow at 'Kelby Barns' near Culverthorpe. KETTLETHORPE Sk 846745 01.03. 2013 Roger Brownlow Stoat in winter ermine LINCOLN John Farmer 27/2/13 Hartsholme Park Lesser-spotted Woodpecker 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Treecreeper 2 Siskin 20 + Goldcrest 2 NORTON DISNEY Jeremy Hutchinson SK 886595 23rd February 2013, 17.40 Barn Owl sitting on roadside fence post. NB: for anyone wanting to see the remarkable displays of Starlings massing pre-roost, a trip just over the county border to Newark from 17.15 onwards is well worth the effort. Turn from the A46 onto Lincoln Road and keep looking westwards. This evening there were more than I have ever seen, many tens of thousands, creating spheres, Mexican waves and a host of other amazing shapes. These get better as the light fades, so keep watching! OASBY TF005389 Robert Walker 24/2/13 BUZZARDS 3 on the wing soaring over the village, one of which took off from a small tree only about 150 yards in front of us. OASBY TF 003394 Robert Walker 24/2/13 LAPWINGS 150+ on arable field near village SLEAFORD THE INNINGS [my garden] Diane Maltby Friday March 1st Upwards of 20 frogs active in our garden pond. They usually breed in the neighbours' which is more shallow, but at the moment it is drained and empty. Bad timing! I can hear a song thrush singing, but it's not coming into the garden. I suspect it's in the lane that runs alongside the cricket club as I've often seen song thrushes there and it would be audible from my garden. 4 long tailed tits feeding on fat balls and peanuts - the first seen for a few years. 2 blue tits regularly visiting. Each day we can have about 8 blackbirds at any one time, a few starlings and house sparrows, usually on the feeders or apples. Sighting of what I believe may have been a red kite, flying over our house at about 2.30 p.m. From a distance I thought it was a heron, due to the size. As it got nearer and I used my binoculars I could see the distinctive tail. It was flying approx. W>E. I have never seen a kite here before. A couple of weeks ago I saw 3 greenfinches at the top of a tree in a neighbour's garden. Again, I haven't seen any for years. We usually have visits from chaffinches in the winter, but haven't noticed any this year. STAMFORD. Max Winslow 22nd February 2013 Waxwings x 31 Murray Close, behind Aberdeen Close, Stamford. also Celandines in flower. Stamford Freeman's meadow at the bottom of Water Furlong. WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 25/02/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson A half-hour count today was very productive, with the neighbouring fields yielding a huge mixed flock of Lapwings (c1,000) and Golden Plover (c500). On the adjacent River Steeping were four Little Egrets. At least a dozen Greenfinches, several Reed Buntings and a single Yellowhammer were feeding in the hedges surrounding the pits and at least one hundred Mallard were flying between the pits and the river. Both Canada and Greylag Geese were present in small numbers, but the Pink-footed Geese that were using the adjoining fields have now left. In all 20 species were recorded. WATERS' EDGE, BARTON TA 033 231 19/02/13 & 24/02/13 Julie Ellison Birds: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch 1 female 2 male (24/02/13) Canada Geese (26 on 19/02/13, 27 on 24/02/13) Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Coot Dunnock (24/02/13) Gadwall (2-3 pairs on 19/02/13, 8 pairs on 24/02/13) Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Tit Greylag Geese (23 on 19/02/13, 48 on 24/02/13) House Sparrow (heard) Knot 4 (24/02/13) Long-Tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Mealy Redpoll (24/02/13) Moorhen Mute Swan 2 (both dates) Pochard (19/02/13) Redshank 16+ (24/02/13) Reed Bunting 1 female, 1 male (19/02/13) Robin Shoveler (19/02/13) Song Thrush (heard 19/02/13) Stock Dove 2 (24/02/13) Tufted Duck Wood Pigeon Wren 1 (19/02/13) Alder in flower (24/02/13) WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler Week beginning 24th Feb 2013 Muntjak Deer Probably from Twyford Wood, having crosses Al on new bridge Hares 5 in field on western parish boundary Song thrush In full song Coal Tit English Partridge on disused roadway to Skillington Seven Spot Ladybirds emerging from shrubs (17 February) Hoverfly Eristalsis pertinax Greenbottle Lucilia caesar WOOLSTHORPE VERGE NR SK91/24 Jane Ostler 27th February 2013 Fox Evidence of and scattered remains of Rabbits - which are abundant Bullfinch - 1 female Green Woodpecker - evidence of at ant hills Gulls - 500+ flying over from adjacent field to refuse tip- Black headed, Common, Lesser Black-backed and ?larger juveniles Red Kite flying overhead First Plants in Flower Coltsfoot Daisy Dandelion Snowdrops (Garden escapes) Polypodium vulgare A vigorous patch of this fern, unusual on calcareous soil. It is on edge of disused line. Fungi (I give newest scientific name plus the newly accepted common names, some of which I find baffling!) Tubaria furfuracea SCURFY TWIGLET on woody debris Stereum hirsutum HAIRY CURTAIN CRUST on tree stump Trametes versicolor TURKEY TAIL " Phlebia radiata WRINKLED CRUST " Geastrum triplex COLLARED EARTH STAR under hawthorn hedge. Dead remains. Lichens Xanthoria parietina, Xanthoria polycarpa and Physcia adscendens These 'dust' lichens now cover every hawthorn bush to the apparent exclusion of other species. Peltigera membranacea - Dog Lichen Much less in grassland of adjacent line. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A. Parsons 27/2 Brown hare in area - 8am. 28/2 tawny owls calling - 5.30am. WILLOWTREE FEN 24 .2.2012 John Redshaw Species of interest: Shelduck - 2 (1pr) Wigeon - 475 Gadwall - 24 Teal - 80 (+ 10 on river) Mallard - 12 Water Rail - 1 (heard) Coot - 27 Moorhen - 13 Little Egret - 2 (+ 1 on riverside) Great-Black-backed Gull - 2 Lapwing - 25 over Goldcrest - 3 in farmyard conifers Gadwall and Coot all under flooded trees. Mute Swan - 32 on nearby fields. WRANGLE COMMON 25/02/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson A one hour walk produced 34 species. Of particular note was the first record of Egyptian Goose, though the farmer reported four over the weekend. There was an exceptional count of 21 Snipe, all but one feeding on a field of wet clover - not kale as stated last week. Thirty-six Canada Geese were present, together with thirty-three Grey-lags, whilst ducks included Mallard (42) and Teal (32). Raptors were represented by two Kestrels and a single Buzzard. There were large flocks of Rooks (c300), Jackdaw (71) - which are more usually encountered in these numbers in the autumn - and of Woodpigeons, estimated to exceed one thousand birds. A Mistle Thrush was the first for some time on the BirdTrack area and Blackbirds (13) were more numerous than on the February Winter Thrush Survey count. We succeeded in finding the Curlew flock numbering some 80 birds. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=22 Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory team is now doing a blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 1st March 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Generally February was bitterly cold, cloudy and dull with only the occasional sunny day. There were 17 ground frosts falling to -7.5°C on the 19th, 14 air frosts falling to -4.25°C also on the 19th, but daytime temperatures reached an unseasonal 13.0°C on the 14th. Although the total ppt recorded for February was 35.9mm the month was very dry with the majority of this rainfall being recorded on the 6th with 12.6mm and the 13th with 12.2mm. From the 15th – 28th only 0.4mm was recorded which makes it the driest spell since September 1st – 11th 2012 when no rainfall fell. Winds were from the S-SW sector up to the 19th, then High Pressure became established over Western Europe and we were influenced by very strong, bitterly cold Easterlies. Bird records of note for the week include 100+ Brent Geese tucked in, on the fore- shore, near the saltmarsh on the 28th. Up to 5 Hen harriers have been seen in the area but there were good views of a male Hen Harrier flying over the saltmarsh, also on the 28th, disturbing a few Skylark, Meadow Pipits, 3 Snipe and 45+ Goldfinches. Two Barn Owls have been seen hunting over the dunes during the week. The mixed gull roost is estimated at 3500 birds (mainly Herring Gulls) and Twite numbers remain at around 80 near Churchill. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for January 2012. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=67 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 01.03.13 BIRDS Max nos. bittern blackbird 20+ black-headed gull 50 blue tit 6 Canada goose 2 carrion crow 3 chaffinch 5 common gull 22 coot 72 cormorant 2 curlew 5 dunlin 44 dunnock 4 gadwall 22 goldfinch 4 GC grebe 3 great tit 4 greenfinch 3 grey heron greylag goose 53 herring gull 7 house sparrow 11 kestrel kingfisher lapwing 30 little egret little grebe magpie 3 mallard 16 marsh harrier F moorhen 4 mute swan 4 oystercatcher pheasant 2 pochard 24 redshank 5 reed bunting 2 robin 7 shelduck 7 shoveler 7 snipe 7 song thrush sparrowhawk starling C.5,000 tawny owl teal 6 tufted duck 30 water rail 2 wigeon 18 willow tit wood pigeon 6 wren 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006846.aspx and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** iSpot *** The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website: http://www.ispot.org.uk/node/275032 A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives This is a project run by The Open University as part of Open Air Laboratories (OPAL), where you can "Learn more about wildlife, share your interest with a friendly community and get help identifying what you have seen." The project is essentially in the business of helping people learn how to identify the wildlife they encounter, and encouraging them to get involved in biological recording. *** Contacts List *** *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: I have recently agreed to take on the roles of Regional Co- ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). I will be organising a few field meetings to hunt for spiders and other arachnids in due course, but if any LNU members wish to get in touch in the meantime then please contact me on my e-mail address: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** The British Myriapod & Isopod Group *** Imogen Wilde writes: The British Myriapod & Isopod Group (BMIG) will be having their Annual Field Meeting and AGM in Lincolnshire this year. The dates are Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th April 2013, and the group will be based at Scamblesby, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire is relatively under-recorded for myriapods and isopods and this will be a good location for exploring under- worked areas, such as the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Limewoods, heaths near Market Rasen and Woodhall Spa and also coastal dunes. The AGM will be held on the evening of Friday 12 April. If you would like further information and a booking form for accommodation then please contact Imogen Wilde: imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk. All LNU members are very welcome, whether staying with the group in Scamblesby or making their own accommodation arrangements. *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** Whisby's Bee and Wasp List *** Dr Michael Archer and Alan Phillips have put together an impressive list. Have a look and see how many species you recognise by name! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php?id=73 Also see: http://norwegica.wordpress.com/author/norwegica/ *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** Hedgehog Survey *** Not yet sure if this will extend to the current autumn/winter. http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: http://www.lnu.org/ www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Natural England http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs. Wildlife Trust Website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ Websites of LWT Area Groups: http://lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/areagroups.php 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 http://www.lnu.org/ www.limewoods.co.uk limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.lnu.org/ www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's Moths recorded in my garden 2011: http://www.lnu.org/ www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ Youtube videos by Colin Green. Little Scrubbs Meadon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqCJLrTQmg&feature=relmfu Greetwell Hollow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmzLFrbjFU&feature=plcp Rimac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=plcp *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk Hartsholme Country Park: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 19, 2013 Field Meeting Hills and Hollows Quarry, Harrowby (Courtesy of Londonthorpe and Harrowby Parish Council) Just east of Grantham. 13.00 start on site. Two limited space parking spots on road verges at SK928351 and SK937353. The western parking spot along Coldharbour Lane has fairly steep path up to site (follow path north then east to site). From the eastern parking spot (on a bend of Turnor Road) follow path west direct to site. Meet up at SE corner of site for 1pm. NB. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub, broadleaved woodland. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk Saturday, May 25, 2013 Meeting with Lincs Geodiversity Group Welton-le-Wold Quarry SSSI West of Louth 10.30-15.30 (bring lunch) Park at TF281879 (LN11 0QT) Site to be sign-posted off the A631 west of Louth. Habitats: Woodland, grassland, scrub. Leader: Helen Gamble 07958 805213 helen.gamble@lincolnshire.gov.uk Guide available from info@lnu.org Saturday, June 08, 2013 Field Meeting - With evening moth/bat element Allington Meadows SSSI (Courtesy of Bill Cragg) Northwest of Grantham 12.00 for 13.00 start and then 9pm start for evening session. Car parking at SK871399 about half way along minor road between Allington and Gonerby Moor junction of A1. Habitats: Hay meadows, hedges, ponds and Foston Beck. Leader: Barry Johnson barryjohnson131@gmail.com Sunday, June 30, 2013 Field Meeting Brampton Farmland (Courtesy of R and A Brownlow) Northwest of Saxilby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take track to east side of A156 (between Torksey and Marton) immediately north of where the road crosses a large drain. Follow the track which runs parallel with the drain and then take first track on left to small car park at SK842808. Habitats: Arable, grassland, ponds, drains, broadleaved woodland and vegetated sandhills. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, July 12, 2013 Bioblitz Event + Saturday 13 July Whisby Nature Park Southwest of Lincoln Use main car park (£1 fee applicable, 10am-4pm period) located at SK910662. Bioblitz "nerve centre" will be the Education Centre (not main visitor centre) and will open from 10am each day. Come and go when you like and see what species you can add. A range of experts will be around the site both days. Evening moth trapping and bat recording starting from about 9pm on Friday night, depending on weather. Event includes evening moth element. Habitats: Wide variety including woodland, grassland, brownfield habitats, lakes, ditches and marsh. Contacts: Phil Porter 01522 500676 whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk and Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, August 04, 2013 Field Meeting Middlemarsh Farm (Courtesy of J and S Dodsworth) Southwest of Skegness 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road southwards situated about half way between the Burgh bypass and Skegness. Private track to the farm is on left about 1.25km from main road. Keep on track for about 1km and park in farm yard at TF528632. Habitats: Pasture, wetland recreation area, ditches and some arable. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, September 07, 2013 Field Visit - With evening moth/bat element Byrons Lodge and Farm, North Somercotes, (Courtesy of B and L Libell) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening moth/bat session starting at 7.30pm. Park along driveway to Byrons Lodge at TF415973 (postcode LN11 7LL) or on minor road verge nearby. Take Jubilee Road off the A1031 and then turn left onto Bank End road. Then take first right and Byrons Lodge is about 150m along on right. NB. Owner has stipulated no children for this one. Habitats: Pasture, pond, young woodland and various drains. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 13, 2013 Fungus Foray Snipe Dales Country Park - Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust East of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use the Country Park car park (£1 fee) TF330 682 which is well signposted from the A158 Skegness- -Lincoln road and from the B1195 Horncastle--Spilsby road. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Grassland, marsh and mixed woodland. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find a copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html If you are having difficulties with spam folders etc. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. Latest Mailfails. Please update your profile if necessary or you could be deleted from the mailing list. *** And Finally ... Badger culls are set to go ahead later this year. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21602753 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/ Note: the links below allow you to unsubscribe, send a copy of the Bulletin to a friend or modify your profile/change your e-mail address. N.B. Each reader sees only their own address.