============================================ || || 10th 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 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 *** I am very interested to know if readers are making use of the Bulletin link to the Gibraltar Point Blog. As you will have noticed, we are no longer posting Gibraltar Point reports. Instead we just host their link. Is this a good move or not? Similarly, I am considering ending the slot for the Lincolnshire Limewoods NNR. Although a very important reserve, no one sends in many reports and it is proving a bit pointless in the Bulletin. Can I have some feedback on this, or even some reports, please? I will decide its fate soon. I will be happy to keep the Limewood URLs or link to a blog for the area if anyone knows one. If anyone wants to offer to replace this space with a regular weekly reserve report, that would be helpful. Whisby? Willow Tree Fen? I would like to thank the many people who helped with photos or information for my AGM address about Pollination and Pollinators. For anyone who is interested, here are some related web links: 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/ Thanks. Roger *** Next LNU Event - reminder *** For LNU meetings see section 11 for full programme. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co. and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** 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 *** Sightings on the Beach? *** Lincs Wildlife Trust Coastal Ranger Dave Miller requests information on unusual sightings on the beach. He writes: We often get things washed up that we would like to find more information on. There are often massed wash-ups of starfish and sunstars; porpoises and even sunfish last year. I would really like to record occurrences like these, so if you see anything while visiting the coast could you please send details to me at: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk Editor adds: Or you can post them in the Bulletin to encourage others. *** 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 Philippines." 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 Philippines." This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall at 7.30 p.m.. 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/ *** The Ornithology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Keith Scarrott writes: Meeting on Monday, 18th March, 2013, starting at 7.15pm. Dr. Robert Armstrong will be giving an illustrated talk entitled "Japan in Winter - A Birding Extravaganza". Dr Armstrong has been a keen birder right from his early days in Scunthorpe. A former John Leggott Sixth Form College pupil, he is now a Research Fellow in Inorganic Chemistry at St Andrews University still keeping up his lifelong birding hobby. Meeting in North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BD. Car park at rear. ALL VERY WELCOME. No admission fee but donation bowl provided. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 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 2/3 3 Waxwings, Lincoln, Birchwood Avenue, by Green Barrel pub 20+ Waxwings, Cleethorpes, Lidgard Road Possible Grey-bellied and Pale-bellied Goose, with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Gibraltar Point Long-eared owl, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide 3/3 Long-eared owl, Deeping Lakes in willows on island from hide 4/3 42 Waxwings, Cleethorpes, Lidgard Road 4 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Boultham Mere Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Gibraltar Point 5/3 13 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Way 6/3 41 Waxwings, Cleethorpes, Lidgard Road Caspian Gull, North Hykeham, Millennium Green 7/3 Glaucous Gull, Kumlien's Gull, Gainsborough landfill site 25 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Way 2 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 8/3 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. HARTSHOME COUNTRY PARK AND SWANHOLME LAKES LOCAL NATURE RESERVE Lisa Blezzard 7/3/2013 Lesser spotted woodpecker Greater spotted woodpecker Little egret Grey heron Treecreeper Bullfinch Goldfinch Great crested grebe Goldcrest Long tailed tit Blue tit Great tit Jackdaw Jay Mute swan Robin Sparrowhawk Gooseander *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 1.3.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Badger rooting in rough meadow 10pm 5.3.13 Buzzard feeding intermittently on dead pheasant 7am to 5pm 4.3.13 Then Fox takes pheasant carcase 4.30am 5.3.13 Goldfinches (51) on Larch cones Greenfinch 1st seen this year Sparrowhawk adult male watching for bank voles in rockery Black garden ants on crocuses Varied carpet beetle as woolly-bear larva in house 1st Ivy-leaved speedwell 1st Primrose North Street garden TA 118 015 Great spotted woodpecker 1st time seen in garden Stock doves (2) 1st time seen in garden Caistor Grammar School TA 115 012 Goldcrests in Yew Long-tailed tits (6) visiting twice daily North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 Common frogs (4) in garden pond Dead frogs (6) removed from garden pond Westbrook Grove spring-fed pond TA 117 012 Mallards – resident pair returns after two month break COLSTERWORTH SK93/24 Jane Ostler 2nd March 2013 Fox dead on roadside A151 Birds at garden feeders included:- Gt Spotted Woodpeckers Redpolls (3) on nyger seed with goldfinches Reed buntings Siskin Yellowhammer Tree Sparrows exploring a nest box Peacock butterfly Small White butterfly Chrysalis had overwintered on fence. Cherry Plum in flower (Prunus cerasifera) Lumpy Bracket Fungus (Trametes gibbosa) On stump of horse chestnut. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler Week beginning 1st March Vole tunnels in rough grass of verge - numerous Skylark singing 5th March Buff-tailed bee (Bombus terrestris) In garden 5th March feeding on hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) on sunny afternoon -looking very bedraggled but with full pollen load. Usually the first bumble seen is the White-tailed (Bombus lucorum) Queen Wasp out Lichens on Apple Tree include Ramalina farinaceae, Evernia prunastri, Parmelia sulcata, Physconia distorta and Physcia tenella. DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 04/03/2013 Time: 1415 – 1600 Weather: Sunny but cool. Birds: Black-headed Gull Chaffinch Coot Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye (14 – 8 drakes) Golden Plover (2) Goosander (2 – 1 drake, 1 duck) Great Crested Grebe Great Tit (2) Greylag Goose Kestrel Kingfisher (2 – perching on branch lhs hide) Long-tailed Tit Mallard Magpie Mute Swan Oystercatcher (2) Pheasant Pochard Robin Rook Tufted Duck Wigeon Others: Grey Squirrel (3) DUNHOLME TF026792 Phil Busby Week ending 08 March 2013 Rear Gardens Collared Dove (2) Wood Pigeon (2) Flyovers Grey Heron Goose (2) (Canada ?) There is a total absence of small birds in the gardens that has been apparent since last autumn. Last year there were many tits, sparrows and a resident blackbird couple and the seed feeder was in constant use. Now the seed feeder is untouched. I cannot think of a reason for this absence. Any ideas anyone? EDLINGTON TF232727 Charlie Barnes 07/03/2013 Badger - dead on roadside HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date:3/3 Small white butterfly 1 (confirmed by Allan Binding; it appears to have overwintered in our cold spare bedroom) Date: 4/3 Pheasants 2 - male, wandering around the garden Date: 5/3 Rat 1 - this critter has been around since December on and off but today he managed to jump onto the only one of my 4 bird tables that I hadn't previously seen him on. Time for action. No more food on # existing tables. We made a new one by fixing a seed tray to the top of a 3ft plastic pole put into a bit of pipe to keep it upright in the soil. To be continued... Date: 6/3 Chaffinches 2 (pair) Date: 7/3 Rat 1 - the rat got a bit frantic because it could smell the food (bread crumbs) but it wasn't in any place he knew. Then he stood on hind legs, made his way to the pole and tried to climb it but failed. He got into a young dog rose 2ft away from the new table and tried to climb the little branches, presumably with the intention of jumping from it. The rose bush couldn't take the rat's weight. After a lot more sniffing, he ran down to the bottom of the garden and we haven't seen him since. Fingers crossed. Date: 8/3 Mistlethrush 1 (on new bird table) Robins 2 (they are now used to the new table) Blackbirds 4 (they go on the original tables but not the new one and now I see them pulling up a lot of worms) RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 22-24.02.13 75-80 Lapwings feeding in local meadows. Ca.150 woodpigeons feeding in rape field undeterred by gas gun. 24.02.13 Wren, road kill (TF319 837) 28.02.13 Dunnock in song Skylark in song over adjoining meadow (briefly, unusual) 02.03.13 Song thrush, robin, dunnock, blackbird, chaffinch, great tits in song Common and black-headed gulls feeding in meadow alongside usual corvids and pheasants Blue tit “hammering” in tit box 03.03.13 Young rabbit in front garden. Clear view of Sparrowhawk (f) flying into base of conifer near the spot where I’d seen the young rabbit – unsuccessful hunt, flew off down the lane. 07.03.13 Most birds still singing, in spite of the bad weather, but the blackbirds have gone quiet again. Sparrows still very vocal. SALTFLEETBY/THEDDLETHORPE Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Churchill Road car park towards the beach John Margetts 5 March 2013 All growing on willow beside the path. Evernia prunastri Hypotrachyna revoluta (95% certain of identity) Melanelixia fuliginosa glabratula Physcia abscendens Physcia tenella Ramalina canariensis Ramalina farinacea Xanthoria parietina Xanthoria polycarpa SIMON'S WOOD, WINTERTON SE 935 187 Julie Ellison 03/03/2013 Blackbird (numerous) Blue Tit (numerous) Carrion Crow (pair, in and out of a nest)) Chaffinch (2-3) Dunnock (2) Goldfinch (6+) Great Tit (several) Greenfinch (heard, not seen) House Sparrow (numerous around gardens at southern end of wood) Long-Tailed Tit (3+) Robin (numerous) Siskin (1) Starling (2) Wood Pigeon (2) Wren (1) Yellowhammer (4+) WATERS' EDGE, BARTON TA 033 231 Date 02 & 03/03/13 Julie Ellison Birds: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Geese (24 on 02/03/13) Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coot Gadwall Goldeneye Goldfinch (10-11 on 03/03/13 - no Redpoll) Great Tit Greylag (22+ on 02/03/13) House Sparrow Long-Tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan 2 Pochard (3 males) Redshank Redwing (2 on 02/03/13) Reed Bunting (1 female on 02/03/13) Robin Song Thrush Starling (Glorious murmuration both evenings. They were roosting in the reed bed next to the eastern side of the sewage works at TA 035 234.) Tufted Duck Wood Pigeon Plants in Flower: Alder Hazel WINTERTON, MY GARDEN (highlights) SE 932 186 Julie Ellison 24/02/13 Sparrowhawk male sat perfectly camouflaged on woodpile between 08:20 - 08:42. Eventually took off chasing a bird (out of binocular view, so I didn't see what it was) that was behind him. He chased it round the garden and out of sight over the boundary hedge. Reed Bunting 1 male (regular visitor) seen for the first time in a hanging basket of seed. I've only ever seen him feed on the ground before. 26/02/13 Sparrowhawk female, 09:00 pursued a Blackbird from large Cotoneaster. Quickly gave up chase. 2 Greenfinches have recently become regular visitors. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A. Parsons 1/3/13 Little Egret at Great Beets Farm WRANGLE COMMON 05/03/2013 ROY AND KATH PEARSON Despite the absence of several species normally counted, today's BirdTrack results were very good with 39 species present. Warm sunshine seemed to have encouraged several species to pair-up, with a pair of Canada Geese evicting the others from their particular area of water and Lapwings displaying, whilst Yellowhammers and Skylarks were among several birds in full song. The Mute Swan pair seems to have deserted the usual nesting site for another patch of water. Perhaps the high water levels have caused this and, though there are many other wet areas in consequence, these might well dry-out in the nesting season leaving them at the mercy of a high population of foxes. Raptors were represented by singles of Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk - a male. There was no sign of the Egyptian Geese that have been around recently, but the other geese present (Canadas and Grey-lags) were more widely scattered than normal, so they may well have been overlooked. A drake Pintail was a first for the site, being recorded among Mallard (18) and Teal (27). The Curlew flock numbered some twenty birds, but surprisingly no Snipe were seen, though a walk around the area at dusk to see if there were any Pied Wagtail or Reed Bunting roosts, revealed a large number of them in several areas, plus a Pied Wagtail roost of which we were unaware. Among the more interesting species recorded were Goldcrests (2), Little Egrets (2), Herons (4 - which is unusually high) and singles of Kingfisher, Cormorant and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Only two Blackbirds were seen and no Dunnocks. The latter has become very uncommon in our recording areas of late. A single Roe Deer was seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=22 Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory team is now doing a blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 8th March 2013. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Moron, Peter & Janet Roworth The hint of spring weather at the beginning of the week was very short lived when day time temperatures rose to 10.75°C on the 2nd with some pleasant sunshine. This encouraged a few bluebottles, honeybees, a single peacock butterfly to be on the wing on the 2nd and sightings of the first common newts and frogs in ponds near Churchill and Sea View on the 7th. The rest of the week reverted back to raw, damp days with fog and strengthening winds from the east. Interesting bird records have included Dunlin 285+ with Ringed Plover 21, bar-tailed Godwit 19, Curlew 136 and 3000+ Herring/Common Gulls all near the foreshore at Theddlethorpe on the 6th. Twite numbers there are around 60. Two Woodcock were roding over the dunes near Churchill on the 7th, a Song Thrush was in song in sea buckthorn on the 2nd, and late afternoon on the 3rd 65 Whooper Swans were seen flying NW over the Great Eau near Sea View. 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 Wild swans continued to be present on and off with up to 48 Whooper (19th) and nine Bewick's (9th). A Black Brant was seen on one date (15th), but four European White-fronted Geese were regular. Wigeon and Teal numbers remained high with up to 1,579 and 1,071 respectively (2nd). 160 Shoveler (16th) and 80 Pintail (27th) were also noteworthy. The long staying Red-crested Pochard remained (until 23rd). 10,000 Golden Plover (16th) attracted the regular attention of a pair of Peregrines. Other birds of prey featuring included up to four Marsh Harriers, two Hen Harriers, two Merlin and two Barn Owls. A Jack Snipe was seen on one date (4th) with up to two Spotted Redshanks on several. Up to 57 Twite were on the Saltmarsh (27th) with up to seven Bramblings brightening up the bird feeders during the month. RSPB Freiston Shore Wigeon numbers reached an impressed 2,800 (15th), on which date there were also 3,200 Dark-bellied Brent geese, 114 Pintails, 97 Shovelers and a Red-throated Diver on the sea. Also offshore were single Guillemots (11th & 24th) with a Razorbill also on the former date. Seven Scaup were seen on two dates (23rd & 24th) with Water Rail and 13 Twites on just one (16th). Gibraltar Point NNR A Black Brant was seen on one date (9th). On the sea an unseasonal Sooty Shearwater (7th) was the highlight, but there was a good supporting cast of Great Northern Diver (11th), up to 150 Red-throated Divers (16th), Shag (1st) and 70 Common Scoters (9th). Purple Sandpiper (3rd) and Green Sandpiper (16th) were seen on one date, with Jack Snipe on two (7th & 16th) and Woodcock on three dates, with a peak of eight (16th). Two Short-eared Owls (3rd & 16th) provided the bird of prey highlights. A Shore Lark (4th), Water Pipits (7th and two on 16th), Coal Tit (7th) and up to two Bearded Tits helped provide variety. Waxwing numbers declined from the high Dec/Jan maxima, with a peak of three (20th). Up to 45 Corn Buntings (3rd) and 24 Snow Buntings (17th) contrasted with just one Lapland Bunting (20th). Other sites Presumably the same Black Brant as at Gibralter Point was seen at Croft Marsh, Skegness (11th & 22nd). A drake Smew was reported at Kirkby on Bain (8th). Bitterns were seen at a number of sites including Anwick Fen, Lessingham Mill, Deeping High Bank, North Hykeham Pits, Willow Tree Fen and Whisby NP suggesting an upturn in the fortunes of this species. A Whimbrel at Holbeach Marsh (27th) was a good winter record. Two Long- eared Owls were seen at Deeping Lakes with up to five Short-eared Owls at Beckingham (16th). Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were seen at Willow Tree Fen (17th) and Hartsholme CP (from 23rd). A wintering Cetti's Warbler remained at Marston STW. Waxwing numbers were lower than before, but nevertheless impressive, with peak counts of 140 in Lincoln (11th), 56 in Witham St Hughs (3rd), 38 in Stamford (25th), 37 in Navenby (22nd), 28 in Bourne (15th) and 22 in Skegness (20th & 26th). John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=67 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 08.03.13 BIRDS Max nos. bearded tit bittern blackbird 20+ black-headed gull 20 blue tit 6 canada goose 4 carrion crow 4 chaffinch 5 common gull 26 coot 70 cormorant 2 curlew 5 dunnock 4 gadwall 6 goldeneye 3 goldfinch 5 GC grebe 3 great tit 4 greenfinch 3 grey heron greylag goose 24 herring gull 2 house sparrow 8 kestrel kingfisher lapwing 130 little grebe magpie 3 mallard 21 marsh harrier F moorhen 6 mute swan 6 pheasant 2 pochard 21 red crested pochard redshank 11 reed bunting 2 robin 7 14 shelduck shoveler 4 snipe song thrush sparrowhawk starling C.3,000 tawny owl teal 31 tufted duck 17 water rail 2 wigeon 20 willow tit wood pigeon 4 wren 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) No reports this week. This slot is under review and may be discontinued shortly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ 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 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 ... Will there be snow? http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/?regionName=uk ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/