============================================ || || 5th May 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 *** PLEASE NOTE I will be on holiday the last fortnight of May. There will be no Bulletins between 16th May and 2nd June and I will use the week of the 2nd June for catching up. There is no reason why you should not keep sending reports, but you will get no acknowledgement or thank you until I get back and read your emails - so a big thank you now! There are two interesting LNU meetings taking place whilst I am off, at Harrowby and Welton-le-Wold. I shall be very sorry to miss them. Volunteer needed for LNU Book sales The LNU needs a volunteer Publications person to take charge of the sale of our Books. Ian Macalpine-Leny has been doing this alongside his work as Treasurer, but he would like to pass it on. You would need space to store stock and there is scope to develop and promote this side of the LNU's scientific work. To see how this is organised at present visit the following LNU page: http://www.lnu.org/publications.php If you think you might be interested, e-mail the LNU Hon. Secretary: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk While I am away, how about finding an Oil Beetle on Mermaid's purse? Roger *** Next LNU Event - today - all welcome *** For LNU meetings see section 11 for full programme. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, 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. *** Mermaid's Purses *** Dave Miller writes: Mermaid’s purses are often found along the shoreline. The Shark Trust is compiling a national database to help record our skates and rays. If you find any along the shoreline can you try to identify them and notify the Shark Trust. They have excellent keys on their website http://www.sharktrust.org/shared/downloads/great_eggcase_hunt/eggcase_id_key.pdf and it will help to fill in gaps they may have along our coast. Could you also notify Dave Miller at dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk on your findings. *** Beetle to Watch For *** Charlie Barnes writes: Elater ferrugineus, the Rusty Click Beetle, is classified as endangered in the UK, with records restricted to a few areas in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and London. Surveying involves using a pheromone baited trap to attract the beetle, mark it using ink and releasing. Following the poor summer in 2012, it is hoped to repeat the survey in 2013. We didn’t get any positive reports of Elater ferrugineus in Lincolnshire during the previous round of surveys – will 2013 be the year? Volunteers will be required to monitor traps set to attract the beetle. If you're interested in taking part, contact Charlie Barnes for more information. charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk *** Oil Beetles - The Hunt Continues - Reminder *** 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. See: http://www.buglife.org.uk/getinvolved/surveys/Oil+Beetle+Hunt/Oil+Beetle+Hunt+-+The+Fab+Four.htm 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 *** Report Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** WHISBY BIOBLITZ Friday, July 12 + Saturday 13 July *** Charlie Barnes writes: Watch the NEW Bioblitz website for updates. http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/national-bioblitz/midlands/lincolnshire-bioblitz.html *** Discover Northern Lincolnshire with CPRE *** Jenny Haynes writes: CPRE Northern Lincolnshire is holding a day event, called Discover Northern Lincolnshire, on Saturday 25 May, t Ropery Hall, Maltkiln Lane, Barton on Humber, 10am to 3.30pm. Speakers include: Dr Kevin Leahy speaking on finding King Arthur in Lincolnshire; Stuart Sizer on the making of the northern Lincolnshire landscape; Geoff Trinder talking about the wildlife of north Lincolnshire, and Mark Tyszka on the importance on local hedgerows. Booking is essential. Lunch and refreshments included. Contact Cath Farrell on 01652 633924 or email cathfarrell@btinternet.com *** RSPB Lincoln *** See: http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** S Lincs RSPB *** See: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** BOSTON BELLE Wash Cruises 2013 *** The South Lincs RSPB have announced details of their Wash Birdwatching Cruises aboard The Boston Belle for 2013. Each cruise starts at Boston's Sluice Bridge Marina and lasts 4 to 5 hours. During 2012 over 100 different bird species, averaging about 60 per individual cruise, were seen. Sightings included plovers, turnstone, dunlin, knot, redshank, godwits, egret, eider, harriers, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and kingfisher. Seals are also seen on most cruises. There is a programme of 12 cruises for 2013 starting 20th April and finishing 12th October. RSPB members and non-members are welcome. Full details including revised booking arrangements for 2013, can be found at: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 26/4 2 Ring Ouzels, Redstart, 2 Tree Pipits, Donna Nook Redstart f, Far Ings, Reeds Hotel grounds Serin male, just N of Anderby, flew north over Marsh Yard Whinchat, Brandon in sheep field Serin over Gibraltar Pint, + Blue headed Wagtail 27/4 2 Black-necked Grebes, 2 White Wagtails, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Arctic Tern, Deeping Lakes Serin, Gibraltar Point [ringed] 28/4 2 Arctic Terns, Deeping Lake Wood Warbler, North Hykeham, Butterley's Pit 2 Garganey, Manby Flashes Curlew Sandpiper, Garganey, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel m, Witham bank, Frampton Marsh Redstart m, Tetney, Commissioners' Bank Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Turtle Dove, Crossbill, Gibraltar Point 29/4 Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Garganey, Manby Flashes Wood Warbler, North Hykeham, Butterley's Pit Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 30/4 White Stork, over Boothby Pagnell 2 Dotterel, Tetney Lock Woodlark, 10 Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Turtle Doves, 100+ Jays through, Gibraltar Point 1/5 Common Crane over Gibraltar Point 4 Whooper Swans, Frampton Marsh Garganey, Manby Flashes Richardson's Canada Goose [form hutchinsii] Gibraltar Point Great White Egret, Barton-upon-Humber, Water's Edge 2/5 Turtle Dove, Far Ings Turtle Dobe, Donna Nook Arctic Tern, Turnstone, Deeping Lakes Iceland Gull, Gibraltar Point 3/5 Firecrest, Gibraltar Point, trapped and ringed in east dunes 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. Correction to last week's bulletin: RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 13.04.13 5-spot Ladybird now thought to be a 7-spot with 5 spots! Charlie Barns writes: Regarding Silvia Fowler's sighting of a 5-spot ladybird, whilst this would be an excellent discovery for Lincolnshire, it is likely to be a seven-spot ladybird, but with only 5 spots. The two species are very similar, and confusion can arise due to the variability in spots and size. To accurately determine a 5-spot away from its usual habitat of river shingle a specimen would be needed as the differences are slight. However, I have learnt to expect the unexpected and would be happy to view photos or, ideally, specimens of any suspected 5-spot ladybirds found in Lincolnshire! charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk In reply to the Mining Bees Question from Julie Ellison: Alan Phillips writes: There is a possibility that the smaller bees found along with Andrena fulva are in fact the males of the same species. These can have an orange-brown thorax but lack orange hairs on the abdomen, and like most male bees are much less hairy and more lightly built. They also have a whitish ‘moustache’. Then again they could be one of quite a few spring-emerging species that can be found now. One that comes to mind, and it’s often found on dandelions, is the small (half the size of A. fulva] mining bee Andrena bicolor. The females have black head, brownish thorax and dark abdomen. It also has orange-brown hind legs. Along with nesting aggregations of Andrena mining bees, also keep a look out for species of Nomada, which are cuckoo bees of Andrena. They are often mistaken for small wasps due to there similar black and yellow colouring. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. ALFORD GARDEN TF 454654 David Sheppard Correction to previous bulletin, Nomada succincta has reverted to its older and more familiar name of Nomada goodeniena. Thanks to Alan Phillips for pointing this out. 27 April Bombus lapidarius (Red-tailed bumblebee) with large pollen load, at plum blossom. Bombus terrestris (Buff-tailed bumblebee) at plum blossom. Eristalis pertinax (hover-fly) Syrphus vitripennis (hover-fly) 29 April Green-veined white butterfly Bombylius major (Bee-fly) Anthophora plumipes female (solitary bee) Andrena cinerea (solitary bee) 30 April Pine ladybird (Exochomus renipustulatus) in house. Andrena haemorhoa (solitary bee) ALFORD WINDMILL David Sheppard 30 April Brimstone butterfly BOSTON (South) 30/04/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson Despite living within 100 metres of the A16, we had a Muntjac in the garden at 21:00 hours, which approached to within 3 metres of the kitchen window. It obviously enjoyed feeding in Kath's flower beds so much, it returned 12 hours later in broad daylight. Also one hedgehog recorded. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 26.4.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Roe deer, young female, on lawn at 8.30am. 3rdtime seen in 10 years. Song thrush, newly fledged, in dense honeysuckle Hawthorn shieldbug Large white butterfly Orange tip butterflies, male and female Small white butterfly Ash flowers Hundon Manor Farm ponds TA 112 026 Swallows, 4, flying over pond Brigg Road verge TA 113 020 Cow parsley Garlic mustard Hogweed White dead-nettle A46, Caistor bypass TA 114 005 Barnowl roadkill Danish scurvy grass along salty roadside margin Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Buzzards, 2, circling over wood in evening Cuckoo heard daily Bluebells in flower Silver birch buds bursting Wild cherry in flower Wild raspberry buds bursting Mill Lane TA 119 012 Long-tailed tit Spotted flycatcher, 19thApril Brimstone Comma Common gromwell, 1000thspecies on Caistor List! Common whitlow grass Herb robert Shining cranesbill Sticky mouse-ear North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 Housemartins arrive 26thApril Bees, 15 of at least 3 types, honey, carder, white-tailed on Skimmia Other sightings Roe deer, roadkill, TA 175 063, Riby Road Red kite, SK 966895, Caenby Corner Red kite, 115 968, High Street near Normanby le Wold Butterbur, female, TF 175915, High street near Bully Hill DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve – TF187083 Date: 27/04/2013 Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 0900 – 1115 Weather: Cold, strong NE winds hail and rain Birds: Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull(25+) Blue Tit Bullfinch(2 – 1M, 1F) Buzzard(2) Canada Goose Cetti’s Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaf Collared Dove Common Tern(7) Coot Cormorant Crow Cuckoo(1 – singing in distance) Great Black-backed Gull(2) Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Grey Heron(2) Greylag Goose Herring Gull(3) House Martin(25+) Lesser Black-backed Gull(8) Long-tailed Tit(3) Magpie(3) Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher(2) Pheasant Reed Bunting Reed Warbler Robin Rook Sand Martin (50+) Sedge Warbler Swallow(1) Treecreeper Tufted Duck Wigeon(only 1 remaining) Wood Pigeon Wren Additional sightings 02/05/2013 – 1330 – 1615. Warm and sunny. Birds: Arctic Tern(2) Garden Warbler Great Spotted Woodpecker Green Woodpecker Jackdaw Jay Lapwing(2) Little Egret Meadow Pippit(3) Shelduck Swift(3) Willow Warbler Yellow Wagtail(10+) Cetti’s Warbler – reported by another visitor Turnstone – reported by another visitor Butterflies: Brimstone Orange Tip Peacock Small Tortoiseshell Small White Others: Male dog Fox DEEPING LAKES NR David Griffith 28/04/2013 Lesser whitethroat Common whitethroat x2 Little ringed plover Oystercatcher x4 Swift x8 Sand martin x30+ House martin x30+ Swallow x30+ Lesser black backed gull x10 Common tern x14 Little egret x2 Water rail Hobby Reed warbler x7 Sedge warbler x2 Cetti's warbler Willow warbler Song thrush Great spotted woodpecker Chiffchaff x2 Greylag goose x29 (plus 10 juveniles) Blackcap x6 Lapwing x3 Green woodpecker Reed bunting x6 Grey heron All sightings by D Griffith Visitor report of Osprey during morning FENTON SK846 767/SK844 772 Richard Fox 1st May 2013 Brimstone Holly Blue Orange Tip Peacock 3 Blackcap House martin 6+ Swallow 10+ HORKSTOW 1 May 2013 Jenny Haynes First sightings of 'my' bats round my house this year. DN18 6BL Weather obviously warming up! HORNCASTLE Charlie Barnes TF257695 02/05/2013 Holly Blue x1 Brimstone x1 male Peacock x1 Small tortoiseshell x1 03/05/2013 Orange-tip x1 male Peacock x2 Brimstone x1 male Pied shieldbug HORNCASTLE TF261691 1/5/13 Robert Walker Blackcap 1 male 1st. sighting in my garden. Seen in Elder and Privet bushes. HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 28/4 Long tailed tits 8 Chaffinch 2 (pair) Goldfinch 2 (pair) Date: 30/4 Collared doves 3 (one fledgling) Long tailed tits 6 Peacock butterfly 1 Date: 1/5 Goldfinch 1 (collecting nesting material) Collared doves 3 (one fledgling) Orange tip butterfly 1 Small white butterfly 1 Peacock butterfly 2 Date: 2/5 Collared doves 3 (one fledgling) Greenfinch 2 (pair) Chaffinch (pair) Woodpigeons 10 Red tailed bumble bee 1 White tailed bumble bee 1 Goldfinch 2 (pair) Date: 3/5 Mistlethrush 2 Greater spotted woodpecker 1 Chaffinch 2 (pair) Ladybird 7 spot 1 We also have robins and blackbirds nesting. A pair of magpies nests in the field next to our house and come into our trees but the collared doves and mistlethrushes fly at them. We have more birds in our garden this year (particularly greenfinches, chaffinches and goldfinches) and think it's because we seem to be the only people who haven't been cutting down trees. It's not because I buy special food as I only put out breadcrumbs. Also the farmer has been clearing ditches and scrub and this may have affected their usual habitats. NOCTON RISE Charlie Barnes 28 April 2013 TF044646 Stoat (dead on road) TF043650 Hedgehog (dead on road) RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 23.04.13 2 bats, each on a different side of the house 26.04.13 First tadpoles free swimming in pond 27.04.13 Blackthorn in flower, at last! Lesser Celandine, Forget-me-not, Cowslip, Primrose, Ground Ivy, White Dead-nettle in flower (local lanes and verges) Skylark in song, local field 30.04.13 The fourth dead bumblebee queen I’ve found this week, presumably due to the changeable, unseasonably cold weather. Only 13mm (1/2 inch) of rain in April, a quarter of the monthly average (and only 10% of what we had in April 2012). 01.05.13 Large White butterfly in garden Surprised to find a common Frog resting under a plant tray, the kind of spot where one might expect a toad, but it had a smooth skin and jumped rather than crawled away when I attempted to touch it. Perhaps they still rest up as much as possible as there aren’t many insects about? Red-legged Partridge x2 in local field (TF317 842) 02.05.13 Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell butterflies RIGSBY WOOD David Sheppard 28 April Cherry in blossom. Beech leaves showing bright green Bluebells just beginning to flower Peacock butterfly Bombylius major (Bee-fly) Bombus pascuorum (Common carder bee) at common dog violet. Eristalis pertinax (hover-fly) Platycheirus albimanus (hover-fly) Gerris lacustris (pond skater) Saldula saltatoria (shore-bug) RIPPINGALE TF09422767 Pauline Warman 23/04/2013 Early Thorn 1 Clouded Drab 3 Hebrew Character 3 Common quaker 4 Twin-spotted Quaker 1 Early Grey 1 RIPPINGALE TF09422767 Pauline Warman 01/05/2013 Early Thorn 6 Clouded Drab 1 Common quaker 3 Early Grey 1 Double-striped Pug 1 SALTFLEETBY-THEDDLETHORPE DUNES (RIMAC) David Sheppard 30 April Drinker moth larva Peacock butterfly Bombus lapidarius (Red-tailed bumblebee) Bombus terrestris (Buff-tailed bumblebee) Andrena haemorhoa (solitary bee) Bibio johannis (a yellow-legged St Mark's fly) males in large numbers. Marsh Harrier SKEGNESS TF572626 28/4/13 Robert Walker Brown Tail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea ) An infestation of emerging caterpillars from their silken nests on Sea Buckthorn scrub on sand dunes near South Car Park and Boating Lake. There were several score of nests sites on the bushes. These are harmful by skin irritation. Photographs taken. STURTON BY STOW Sturton by Stow SK 874 799 23.04.2013 Alison Brownlow Buff-tailed bumblebee Tree bumblebee Carder bee Bee fly All visiting Pulmonaria THEDDLETHORPE - Brickyard Lane North of car park in the dunes. John Cowell 3rd May 2013 - 3pm Cuckoo heard VERNATTS NATURE RESERVE 29.04.13 Mick Todd A lunchtime walk around the reserve revealed Blackcap (male singing in tree) Garden warbler Reed bunting (male) Reed warbler (singing in reeds) Comma butterfly Grass snakes (2 males sunbathing) Grey squirrel Cowslips in flower VERNATTS NATURE RESERVE 30.04.13 Mick Todd Following yesterdays walk around the reserve, I went again today. I saw a male grass snake by the pond and a female in the meadow (sighting of a second female in the meadow was possibly the same snake). This is disapointing, as a couple of years ago I counted 14 on one day. More worrying is the apparent disapearance of all the toads over the last few years and frogs have been absent for about 5 years. Reed warblers were again present round the pond as were a couple of peacock butterflies, there were also 3 brimstones at various places. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 28/04 Barn owl hunting in area at 6.30am. 1/5 Buzzard on electricity pole near Lawson's grass field up the road this afternoon. Both Anne and I saw it independently. Driving down Canada Farm lane this morning I saw 2 syklarks, a yellow hammer, a f wheatear and two lapwings holding territories. The swallows are not sitting yet, but I suspect laying is underway. Numbers certainly seem down this year. 2/5 Active nest burrows, Andrena fulva 3/5 Pair of bee flies mating, tail-to-tail in flight! 2 m Orange-tip butterflies. Pair of Common Buzzards displaying in area. BOTANICAL RECORD! Veronica sublobata [Lilac Ivy-Leaved Speedwell] - garden weed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006059.aspx Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. Note - author is on holiday for a few weeks, so may not be updated much for that period. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 3rd May 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth April will be remembered as a cold, dry month dominated by very strong easterly winds to the 12th followed by equally cold, strong winds from a southerly sector to the end of the month. Eleven ground frosts and four air frosts were recorded falling to -6.0°C (ground) and -2.0°C (air) both on the 7th. Day time temperatures reached an unseasonal 21.25°C on the 14th. The only rainfall of note was 5.8mm which fell on the 25th. As mentioned earlier winds were strong throughout the month with 15 days having force 5+. During the period of strong easterlies in late March Peter Roworth found a dead ringed Razorbill on the tideline. Information from the National Ringing Scheme stated that the bird was ringed by Isle of May Bird Observatory, Fife, as age nestling, sex unknown, on 19th July 1996. Also Cliff Morrison found nine unusual ray egg cases and sent them to the Shark Trust for verification and they were confirmed as coming from Thornback Rays and Spotted Rays. Cliff had commented that at one time egg cases were regularly found along the strandline, but not anymore. The Shark Trust found this of interest … ”we’re particularly interested in the NE coastline as we get so few reports from that way so it’s interesting to hear that you’ve noted a change over the years”. Common whitethroats seem to be getting established with singing males heard most days but still only the occasional Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap. A Cuckoo was heard calling at Rimac on the 30th and at Churchill on the 1st; 2 House Martins were over the Great Eau on 30th. Whimbrel continue to be seen and heard on the saltmarsh with up to 18 birds on the 1st, and a female Hen Harrier flew over the dunes at Churchill on the 2nd. Butterflies on the wing have been green- veined white, peacock (the most frequent), small tortoiseshell, speckled wood (one at Paradise Woods and another near Brickyard) and orange tip. Several common lizards were seen basking on wooden fencing rails at Rimac. Additional plants in flower include white dead-nettle, ribwort plantain, garlic mustard, cuckoo pint and cow parsley. The fertile stems of common horsetail are now abundant. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx Reports for March 2012. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh The highlight of the month was an all too brief fly over by a White-tailed Eagle (19th). More regular were four European White-fronted Geese all month, along with up to 50 Whooper Swans (19th). Spoonbills were seen on several dates, with up to three present (21st). Returning avocets like most summer visitors were late, but rapidly increased up to 48 (29th). Spotted Redshanks were seen on two dates, with Jack Snipe on one. The few migrants that did arrive were Black Redstart (9th), Wheatear (15th), Sand Martin (19th) and Chiffchaff (22nd). A Bearded Tit (31st) was also probably passing through. Other sightings included four Snow Buntings (4th), Red Kite and Bullfinch (17th), Water Pipit (24th) and up to 30 Twite (29th). RSPB Freiston Shore A first-winter drake Lesser Scaup (19th onwards) on the lagoon was only about the fourth Lincolnshire record and unsurprisingly a first for the reserve. A redhead Smew (form 10th) added variety. Other sightings included seven Scaup and Kittiwake (13th), Slavonian Grebe (16th), Red Kite (17th) and up to 15 Avocets (24th) Gibraltar Point NNR A first-winter Caspian Gull (25th & 26th) was a good site record. A Black Brant was in with the Dark-bellied Brent Geese (4th), as was a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (17th) but both were only seen on one date. Bearded Tits were seen on two dates (3rd & 14th). A peak of 4000 Golden Plovers (3rd) contrasted with just one Jack Snipe (11th), although up to nine Woodcock were also reported. Up to two Stonechats (14th & 15th) could well have been migrants as there have been none wintering in recent years, but these were the only potential spring migrants in an unusually quiet March. Other sites Three Bean Geese at Whisby Quarry (11th onwards) were also seen at Whisby Nature Park, while a redhead Smew at Langtoft Fen (16th) was more fleeting visitor. The White-tailed Eagle at Frampton Marsh was also seen over Kirton Marsh (19th and 20th). Three Cranes were reported flying over Hartsholme Park (21st). A pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers here were more regular. At least two Caspian Gulls were at North Hykeham Pits (from 6th) with a Long-eared Owl lingering at Deeping Lakes. Despite the cold weather up to four Cetti’s Warblers persisted at Marston STW, where up to six Twite were very good inland record. The first Chiffchaffs were at Swanpool (19th) and Marston STW (23rd). Waxwing sightings decreased, but there were still up to 27 in Lincoln (2nd), 39 at Beckingham (22nd) and 20 in Skegness. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1083404.aspx http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 03.05.13 BIRDS Max nos. Avocet 4 bittern blackbird 20+ blackcap 8 black-headed gull 30+ blue tit 7 bullfinch Canada goose 6 carrion crow 2 Cetti's warbler 2 chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 11 collared dove 2 common gull 6 common sandpiper common tern 3 coot 20+ cormorant cuckoo curlew dunnock 4 gadwall 2 goldcrest 5 goldeneye F goldfinch 5 GBB gull 3 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 4 greylag goose 15 herring gull 4 house martin 12 house sparrow 18 kestrel LBB gull 2 lesser whitethroat 2 little grebe 2 long tailed tit 6 magpie 6 mallard 15 marsh harrier 2 moorhen 6 mute swan 6 osprey 02.05.13 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 8 redpoll redshank 2 reed bunting 6 reed warbler 10 robin 6 sand martin 500+ sedge warbler 6 shelduck 8 shoveler 2 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 2 swallow 40 swift 11 teal 6 tufted duck 14 turtle dove water rail 2 whitethroat 8 willow warbler 7 wood pigeon 8 wren 11 yellow wagtail 6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** iSpot *** The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website: http://www.ispot.org.uk/node/275032 A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives This is a project run by The Open University as part of Open Air Laboratories (OPAL), where you can "Learn more about wildlife, share your interest with a friendly community and get help identifying what you have seen." The project is essentially in the business of helping people learn how to identify the wildlife they encounter, and encouraging them to get involved in biological recording. *** Contacts List *** *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: I have recently agreed to take on the roles of Regional Co- ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). I will be organising a few field meetings to hunt for spiders and other arachnids in due course, but if any LNU members wish to get in touch in the meantime then please contact me on my e-mail address: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** 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 *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: http://www.lnu.org/ www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Natural England http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs Environmental Records Centre Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) To learn more about the project or to find out how to get involved, please visit http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ Hartsholme Country park. To learn more about the park or to get in involved at the park please visit http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/visitor-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/hartsholme-country-park/ contact Park Rangers at hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation http://www.lnu.org/ www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk *** Interesting Weather radar website *** Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.co.uk/ RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: http://www.lnu.org/ www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.lnu.org/ www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Bardney Limewoods Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's Moths recorded 2013: http:www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p015pqyz Les Binns: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoheathen/sets/ Leslie Hebden http://www.flickr.com/photos/13718295@N07/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ Youtube videos by Colin Green. Little Scrubbs Meadon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqCJLrTQmg&feature=relmfu Greetwell Hollow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmzLFrbjFU&feature=plcp Rimac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=plcp *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk Hartsholme Country Park: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 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. Ruth.Simons - soft bounce lake22uk - hard bounce hartsholmecp - soft bounce *** Pine Nuts and Pine mouth - horrible! *** This week the spring weather tempted us to a couple of salads, garnished with Pine nuts. Subsequently we both experienced an odd and unpleasant bitter aftertaste, lasting for several days. Nothing seemed to affect it. Google led me to the following webpages which explain this phenomenon, known as Pine Mouth! Hope you never experience this. Please let us know if you have. http://www.drbriffa.com/2010/07/07/mysterious-bitter-taste-in-my-mouth-turns-out-to-have-simple-solution/ http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/enforcement/enfe11023.pdf YouTube suggested "fix" for Pine Mouth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBnuxxivJzw ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/