============================================= || || 27th April 2014 || || 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 1100 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. A Sign-up Form to join the mailing list can now be found on: http://eepurl.com/zmFMT Past LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** I am back from an interesting week birding and botanising in Greece. The flight out to Athens was made a bit startling because a large crack developed in one of the flight deck windows and we had to make an emergency diversion to Brussles. Happily it all ended well and we were found an alternative flight, no small feat on an Easter weekend. I came home to 250 emails of which 64 were "real". Took some weeding. A big thank you to all who sent in reports - much appreciated. If I managed to miss any please give me a "tweak". I hope this rather late Bulletin reminds others to send something in this week. Special thanks for the flow of Gorse and "Lords and Ladies" records. Please keep them coming. See Paul Kirby's notes in section 3. Please would you maske a special effort to recruit a few more readers to take us beyond the 1100 mark? We seem to be in equilibrium! Use the convenient "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin or send them the following URL for a sign-up form: http://eepurl.com/zmFMT Reminder: If you are changing your email address please remember to use the handy link at the end of every Bulletin which says: "update subscription preferences" Thanks. Roger *** LNU Events - guests are welcome *** 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. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the details for each event and this may vary. The 2014 LNU Field Meeting programme is listed below in section 11. To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Sunday, May 18, 2014 Shire Wood, Revesby (Courtesy of Revesby Estate) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TL297614 in yard of Manor Farm, Revesby (in front of grain store/weighbridge). Access off West Lane which is off the A155 at western end of Revesby village. Once gathered we will move onto woodland in cars. Habitats: A private ancient woodland with connections to Sir Joseph Banks. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Guests are welcome at our meetings. *** Lincolnshire Herbarium Project Update *** See Herbaria@Home webpage with a few Lincolnshire entries to click: http://herbariaunited.org/atHome/ For a fuller description of the proposed Herbarium project see: http://rogerparsons.info//LNUHerbarium.html *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - Reminder *** It is not too late to send something in - Rachel Shaw has reminded me the deadline is 30th April. It is a great scheme and worth supporting. See: http://lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely On Thursday 1st May 2014 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on an evening Nightingale walk at Whisby nature reserve, Lincoln with warden Phil Porter. Meet near the visitors centre at 8pm. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust also there is a car parking charge. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. To book a place ring Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** Volunteer Shorebird Wardens Needed *** Volunteer Shorebird Wardens - Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Dave Miller, Coast and The Wash Warden, writes: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is a partner in a major new five-year partnership including the RSPB, Natural England and the National Trust which has been established to help little terns adapt to climate change and secure their future in the UK. This partnership, supported by the EU LIFE + programme will lay the foundations for the long-term recovery of the little tern in the UK by protecting and creating nest sites and increasing public awareness and support. A key part of the recovery plan is ensuring that the few sites little terns continue to breed are protected from disturbance. The Shorebird Sanctuary at Gibraltar Point is a fenced area that protects ground nesting birds including little terns, ringed plover and oystercatcher. These birds are very vulnerable to predation and to disturbance by people. It is the only place on the Lincolnshire coast where little terns nest. Volunteer Shorebird Wardens are needed to staff the sanctuary area and provide information about little terns and other nesting birds to visitors on the beach. For more information please contact Dave Miller, Coast and The Wash Warden dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk tel: 01754 898079 *** Be Alert for Asian Hornets *** DEFRA Information: https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/index.cfm?pageid=208 *** Otters *** Chris Manning writes: A recent Road Traffic Accident found by Julie Ellison near South Ferriby, while tragic for the individual otter, is another indication of a strong otter population within the county. Another Road Traffic Accident last September on the Grazing Marsh, has been followed by better news with a female and 2x young seen in a video at the same location taken by the Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Project. Nationally the Otter recovery is well documented, yet within Lincolnshire they were never extinct. Surveys found before releases in the early 1990s found field signs of otter, which supports the anecdotal reports of their presence. Any further anecdotal reports would be appreciated, as would records from stuffed otters if they have a location and date. Research into Otters continues, the longest running is Cardiff University's Otter Project: http://www.otterproject.cf.ac.uk/ Alas its long term funding has been withdrawn and it faces an uncertain future. Currently Lincolnshire is poorly represented in this research, we have collected numerous otters but they are in freezers awaiting transport to Cardiff. Any volunteers who could and transport these animals would be welcome. This might provide another insight into Lincolnshire's 'native otter' population, which may be of a unique genotype or have other unique features? Nationally the Environment Agency have been collecting otter for this research and dead otters can be reported to them 0800 80 70 60. In Lincolnshire I am helping with the collection and storage, but the critical issue at the moment is transport, if anyone can help please let me know. Chris J Manning, Lincolnshire Naturalist's Union, Mammal Recorder Chris.lincsdeer@gmail.com *** Oil Beetles Hunt - Records Please *** Charlie Barnes writes: If you would be interested in looking for oil beetles in your area you can either get in touch for more information or just take a camera with you when out walking and snap anything that's big and black! To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** The hunt for Bruchidius villosus, the Broom Seed Beetle *** Charlie Barnes, County recorder for beetles, writes: Despite broom being widespread over Lincolnshire, there are only 5 records of Bruchidius villosus, the broom seed beetle in the database. Can you add a dot to the map? See: http://www.kerbtier.de/Pages/Themenseiten/enGinsterkaefer.html Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Lincoln Area Group and LNU workshops *** Richard Davidson writes: Interested in insects but would like to know more? Come along and find out more from LNU experts at joint Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Lincoln Area Group and LNU workshops. Two workshops are being held in 2014; one on beetles on the 14th June, is being run by Charlie Barnes county recorder for beetles. The second, covering hymenoptera on the 2nd August, is being run by David Sheppard county recorder for sawflies. Both will be at Whisby Nature Park, in the Lafarge Education Building from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. The workshops are free of charge and refreshments are included. As places are limited, please book via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. *** Wash Cruises 2014 *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB ( www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire ) has announced the dates for their 2014 series of Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash estuary and River Welland. During 2013 over 105 species were seen, averaging 64 per cruise, and each cruise is manned by experienced Spotters. Apart from birds, basking seals are also regularly seen. Each cruise departs from Boston's Grand Sluice lock and lasts between four and five hours. Everybody is welcome. RSPB members £17-50 (under 16 £9-50). Non members £20 (£10-50) Booking via The South Holland (Spalding) ticket agency is essential 01775-764777 or online www.southhollandcentre.co.uk where full details can be found. 14 cruises have been arranged for 2014 starting 25th April, with various sailing times every month, and concluding on 16th October. *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Lincoln RSPB Indoor Meeting 8.5.14 On Thursday 8th May 2014 at 7.30pm we invite you to join us at our next meeting where Chris du Feu will be giving an illustrated talk on "What Else Can You Do With Nestboxes ". Followed by the Group’s AGM. 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. *** South Lincs RSPB *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: Forthcoming dates for the 2013/2014 programme of Events. Members and non-members welcome. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Sir Joseph Banks Annual Lecture *** Paul Scott writes in the SJBS newsletter: Don’t forget the Annual Lecture coming up on Wednesday May 14th. Professor Mark Seaward will give a talk on Lincolnshire Botanists. See http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ http://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/?/exhibitions-and-events ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ Reports will resume next Bulletin. 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. Gorse and Lords and Ladies Reports. Paul Kirby has asked us to look out for and report locations of the easy-to-recognise species, Gorse and Lords and Ladies. The issue is not that they are under-recorded. Instead Paul is interested to find the flowering period of Ulex europaeus in Lincs and whether the distribution of plants of Arum maculatum with spotted leaves differs from that of plants with unspotted leaves. So: Gorse - Is it in flower? If it is, are there abundant flowers or just a few? http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/gorse http://www.plantlife.org.uk/wild_plants/plant_species/gorse/ Lords and Ladies - Are the leaves spotted or not? http://www.plantlife.org.uk/wild_plants/plant_species/lords-and-ladies http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/lords-and-ladies Reports may be sent in via the Bulletin. Please separate them from your main report so I can include them here. Many thanks. MUCKTON Muckton TF387809 Chris J Manning 20 April 2014 Gorse in flower THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Clare Holmes, Steve Hiner & Paul Snow Lords and Ladies x 40+ plants Owston Ferry church yard SE804003 5 with spotted leaves *** 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. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. DEEPINGS D Griffith Deeping Lakes NR 18/04/14 Shelduck x2 Garden warbler Common tern x2 Blackcap x5 Swallow x5 Cetti's warbler x2 House Martin Whitethroat Sedge warbler Marsh harrier x3 (N Littler) Redstart (N Littler) 20/04/14 Common tern x2 Cetti's warbler x2 Garden warbler x2 House Martin x30 Swallow x40 Sand Martin x30 Willow warbler Sedge warbler Marsh harrier x2 21/04/14 Osprey Buzzard x2 (1 on nest) Red kite Marsh harrier x2 Lesser black backed gull x18 Herring gull x2 Reed warbler x2 Garden warbler x2 Sedge warbler x2 Whitethroat Common tern c10 Arctic tern FENTON Ramper Lane SK844 772 Richard Fox 23.04.2014 Brimstone Comma 2 Green veined white 4 Orange Tip m x 2 Peacock 3 Small Tortoiseshell 4 Speckled Wood Chiffchaff Cuckoo Oystercatcher Whitethroat 3 staking territories Off Ramper Lane is an abandoned fishing pond and on the pond were: Pair of Canada Geese Cormorant x 3 Pair of Mallard x 2 Pair of Moorhen x 2 one pair with four chicks GRIMSTHORPE Chris Howes 22/04 Quarry Cottage TF 045204 Few moths in the trap, but a nice Chocolate Tip, the first ever first generation I've caught! 27/04 Quarry Cottage TF 045204 A nice early Burnet Companion 27/04 Jacksons Pit TF 046202 3 Dingy Skipper 28/04/14 Quarry Cottage TF045204 Poor Moth trap, but an early White Ermine and 2 very battered Swallow Prominent 28/04/14 Grimsthorpe Park First Duke of Burgundy spotted - the second earliest ever recorded in the Park. HORKSTOW Monday 28 April Jenny Haynes I've just seen the bats flying around my house for the first time this year. I've also seen the first orange tip butterfly and brimstone this weekend. PORTER'S LODGE MEADOWS NR SK963195 JANE OSTLER 21/4/14 Plants in Flower - At the gateway the early buttercup Goldilocks (Ranunculus auricomus) was in flower in just the same place as I remember first seeing it in the early 1970s but now it has spread down the hedge side almost to Tortoiseshell Wood. Lots of flowers but rather ragged looking as the petals of this species vary in number and some individuals have no petals at all. The next astonishing sight was of Early Purple Orchids in grassland, spreading out from the hedge between the two fields. We counted over forty large flowering heads. Apart from Dandelion, Daisy and Lesser Celandine which are abundant everywhere this year there was Ribwort Plantain, Jack-by-the-Hedge, Field Woodrush, Carnation Sedge, Bluebell (under the hedge), Greater Stitchwort, Cuckoo Flower, and Sweet Vernal Grass. The flowers of both Midland and Common Hawthorn were just out and some Blackthorn not yet over. The Wild Cherry was at its best and there was Water Crowfoot on the pond. Insects - Speckled Wood, Green-Veined White, Peacock, Brimstone and Orange Tip. The Orange tips included some on their foodplant, Cuckoo Flower. Red-tailed Bumble Bee. Tawny mining Bee Bee Fly - One of two seen together of this hoverfly was much smaller than the other B.major. A different species? Gall on young pedunculate oak trees round pond. The asexual marble gall (Andricus kollari) The adult females had chewed their way out in September when they needed to find Turkey oaks on which to lay eggs of the sexual generation. Birds - included blackcaps in the hedge. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 19.04.14 House Martin x 1 (first, brief sighting this year) 24.04.14 Swallow x 1 (first this year) 4-5 House Martins inspecting old nest sites Young Toad (about 1-2 years old) under stone Several small (last year’s) Froglets in garden borders Tadpoles in pond now free-swimming Water Boatman Whirligig Beetles (large numbers) 27.04.14 Wren seen and heard a lot more than in previous years Blackbirds' behaviour suggests they are feeding fledglings, though none seen One or two Rabbits seen daily in garden and vicinity 28.04.14 Cow Parsley and Red Campion coming into flower, Hawthorn in bud, local verges and hedgerows SWALLOWBECK Colin J Green 24 April, 2014 p.m. My garden in Swallowbeck, Newark Road, Lincoln. Very warm, sunny and humid. Large White x 2 Sm White x 1 GV White x 1 Peacock x1 Sm Tortoiseshell x 1 Speckled Wood x 1 (first one in garden this year and one of those where the markings on the fore-wing form a complete circle like a roundel. Another seen in Robin Hood's Bay 2 yrs ago and photographed). Holly Blue (M) x 1 (have always seen Holly Blues appear in garden between 21 and 25 April for years - last year there was nothing. Looks like all is well again). THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Clare Holmes, Steve Hiner & Paul Snow Lords and Ladies x 40+ plants Owston Ferry church yard SE804003 5 with spotted leaves 12/04/14 Blue Tit x 1 Chaffinch x 4 Kestrel x 1female Oystercatcher x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Redpoll x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 7 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Weasel x 1 15/04/14 Low Melwood Claypits Blackbird x1 Black Headed Gull x 200+ Blue Tit x 1 Canada Goose x 12 (1 nest) Chaffinch x 2 Coot x 22 Gadwall x 2 Greylag Goose x 9 Lapwing x 3 Linnet x 2 Little Grebe x 1 Mallard x 8 (all male) Mute Swan x 2 Oystercatcher x 5 Tufted Duck x 25 16/04/14 Linnet nest 5 eggs Bat Sp. (small) 20/04/14 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 (nest 5 eggs) Goldfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 (nest 6 eggs) Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 23 Brown Hare x 2 Brown Rat x 2 Rabbit x 4 Roe Deer x 1 male Wood / Yellow Necked Mouse x 1 Brimstone x 1 male 21/04/14 Brimstone x 3 Orange Tip x 5 23/04/14 Blackbird x 2 Oystercatcher x 2 Red Kite x 1 flew low over Thurnholmes heading east Swallow x 2 24/04/14 Blackbird x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 House Martin x 2 Little Ringed Plover x 1 Oystercatcher x 2 Tree Sparrow x 4 TWYFORD WOOD SK955235 JANE OSTLER 18/4/14 A one hours walk on a cloudy morning with as cold wind nevertheless found 26 plants in flower including greater stitchwort, wood anemone, wild cherry, yellow archangel, dog violet, sweet woodruff, primrose, dog's mercury (still male flowers showing pollen), water avens, bluebell, blackthorn, barren and wild strawberry, pendulous sedge, bush vetch, mustard garlic, wild arum (purple spathes). It is good to see so many ancient woodland indicators have survived in spite of the chequered history of this site. A noble fir (Abies procera) recently felled had both male and female flowers the former not yet showing red anthers. Last year's cones still attached to the tree had been bitten off to a spike by squirrels. The cut trunk showed 27 rings. The first fertile stems of both field and marsh horsetails were showing and a new bracket fungus , Dryad's saddle was on fallen silver birch. Birds included a pair of marsh/willow tits on a willow tree in the car park area. Though these are very difficult to distinguish they certainly had the very shiny black heads ond tiny bib of the marsh tits. An anvil of a song thrush also in this area. Few insects but the first Speckled Wood butterfly seen flying in a brief appearance of the sun. WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 23/04/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson Reed Warbler singing - first this year. Several Sedge Warblers on territory. WASHINGBOROUGH Allan Binding 6 Willow Court Washingborough Lincoln TF023707 Holly Blue (Female) WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 28/4/2014 Wren and swallow both nesting in outbuilding. WOOLSTHORPE LINE SK917242 JANE OSTLER 26/4/14 Flowers - 37 plants recorded in flower. Amongst those which have come into flower in the last 10 days are Greater Celandine, Field Forget-me-not, Sycamore, Bluebell both native and Spanish, Hedge Mustared, Apple, three species of Mouse-ear Chickweed, and three species of Cranesbill, Field Woodrush, Greater Stitchwort, Bulbous Buttercup and, in greatly increased quantity, Wild Strawberry. In addition Milk Thistle with its striking green and white leaves is growing in profusion in the stable area where it was accidentally introduced and is now encouraged because of its medicinal value to horses. The first three magenta flowers are already attracting insects. Fungi - The recent rain has brought forth an abundance of fruits of some species. Verpa conica (Spring Morel) Only found in some years and then in May. Calocybe gambosa (St George's Mushroom) Greatly increased in numbers in last week and fed on by black slugs. Coprinus plicatilis (Pleated Inkcap or Japanese Parasol) One or two dainty specimens in grass Bolbitus titubans (Yellow Fieldcap or Egg Yellow) abundant in grass Panaeolus semiovatus (Egghead Mottlegill) still producing fruits after four weeks on the stables dungheap. Stropharia semiglobata (Dung Roundhead) A few in grass Shield Pinkgill (Entoloma clypeatum) Pink spores. Abundant alongside path through areas where there are shrubs of hawthorn etc. N.B. I include both scientific and common names since the latter are a relatively new invention and the approved list is often not the one used by mycologists in the past. In addition both genus and species scientific names have been changed since I began their study. Still they are all so fascinating it seems worth persevering. Not just "a rose by any other name"! In addition the slime mould Mucilago spongiosa (=crustacea) which resembles porridge was spread over grass and leaves in one area. It is typical of calcareous grassland. Insects - Green Veined White (A) Speckled Wood (C) 4 species Bumble Bee Mammals - A Common Shrew disturbed in vegetation. WRANGLE COMMON 23/04/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today yielded 36 species. The numbers of geese and ducks continues to decline, with Mallard (8) being the only duck recorded. Lapwings have increased to five, but the Curlew flock has all but dispersed with only three being seen. The only summer visitors were Swallow (5), Chiffchaff (1) and Blackcap (2). No raptors were seen. Butterflies recorded were Brimstone (2), Small White (3), Speckled Wood (2), Peacock (4) and Small Tortoiseshell (4). A single Roe Deer was seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs and S Lincs Highlights including RSPB Wash Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006059.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Press release from LWT 21/2/2014: Paths and hides are open at Gibraltar Point (except to Fenland Lagoon and a section of the West Dunes). Refreshments and temporary toilets are now available in the main car park. Please show your support for our volunteers and staff by visiting. Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 18th April 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Although there have been plenty of sunshine hours the days have been relatively cool influenced by fresh south-westerlies. Two sharp ground frosts were recorded, on the 15th -3.75°C and 16th -4.5°C. Sightings of spring migrants still fairly poor with occasional Swallows moving north, single Wheatears, two Whimbrels over the saltmarsh on 18th and one Swift off the sea on the 17th. Song heard from Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat but in no abundance except for up to 14 Willow Warblers in the Churchill area on the 14th. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard reeling near Rimac on the 13th. Marsh Harriers have been seen over the reserve most days and a Common Buzzard flew south on the 13th. A pair of Grey Partridges was seen near Brickyard on the 14th and another pair flew off the dunes near Paradise on the 17th. n evening high tide watch on the 12th produced of note 37 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin and 2 Little-Ringed Plovers. Orange tip butterflies have been reported near Rimac early in the week. New flowers showing include lady's smock and marsh marigold. Week ending 25th April 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth During the week there has been a good arrival of most of the summer migrants. Cliff comments "The exception being Turtle Doves, and it's been interesting how they drop straight into their territories and begin singing." Lesser Whitethroat main arrival was a couple of weeks ago, but numbers have been bolstered throughout the week. Their arrival track is via eastern Africa and from the southeast, whilst Common Whitethroats come via west Africa and the southwest, arriving in force on 18th and throughout the week. The first Sedge Warbler was on 20th, Cuckoo on 23rd (the first was heard at Sea View on 20th), and Reed Warbler on 24th. Swallows have been passing through each day and Yellow Wagtails flying NW most days as well. During a recent common bird census visit John had the following in song: 8 Lesser Whitethroats, 8 Blackcap, 1 Sedge warbler, 4 Grasshopper Warblers and 17 Willow Warblers. Twenty one Common Whitethroats were heard between Brickyard and Rimac. Singles of Wheatear have been passing through, with 3 between Sea View and Paradise on 23rd and Whimbrel seen and heard daily with 42 on the saltmarsh on the 24th. Other records have included occasional Brambling flying over, 3 Ring Ouzels on the 24th and 25th, up to 8 Shorelarks now looking splendid as they come into summer plumage, 3 Arctic Terns and a dead Fulmar on the shoreline. A minimum of 12 Skylarks have been in song over the saltmarsh and 2 over the dunes between Rimac and Sea View. Green Woodpeckers have been evident by their yaffling in the Brickyard area and Great-spotted Woodpeckers have been heard drumming south of Rimac. Green-veined whites, peacocks, small tortoiseshells, orange tips and occasional speckled woods have been on the wing most days, with single brimstones on the 23rd. Cowslips are now giving a good display on the dunes and skullcap beginning to show in the freshwater marsh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB RESERVES http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx South Lincolnshire bird sightings February 2014 RSPB Frampton Marsh Up to four Egyptian Geese (3rd – 8th) were around for a few days, but the four white-fronted geese remained all month. Also regular were up to 40 Whooper and three Bewick’s Swans. Wigeon were still numerous with up to 3000 (8th) and a male and female Scaup remained on the Reedbed. Red Kites were seen on three dates with Peregrine, Merlin, Hen and Marsh Harrier all seen regularly. Golden Plover peaked at an impressive 10,000 (26th) with Lapwing reaching a maximum 2660 (2nd). A Little Stint was seen on and off all month. Other waders included up to 30 Ruff, two Greenshank and one Spotted Redshank. Up to five Snow Buntings were present along with a single Water Pipit on several dates. RSPB Freiston Shore A juvenile Great Northern Diver was on the lagoon (1st-9th), with others on the sea where Black-throated and Red-throated Diver (2nd) were also seen. The sea also held Slavonian Grebe and 95 Common Scoter on the same date. The same Little Stint as seen at Frampton visited the reservoir on several dates and a Snow Bunting was recorded on one date (2nd). Wigeon peaked at 3700 (2nd), with the first returning Avocets recorded late in the month (26th). Gibraltar Point NNR A Tundra Bean Goose (8th-9th) was present for a short while on the grassland, but the sea held most of the interest with three Velvet Scoter (9th), up to two Great Northern Diver on three dates, Slavonian Grebe (5th-9th), two Great Skua (9th), up to 10 Little Gulls (4th-9th) and an adult Glaucous Gull (21st and 24th). Also reported was a single Waxwing (1st) and two Lapland Buntings (21st). Other sites 23 Whooper Swans were at Bourne South Fen (10th-14th). Red-crested Pochards were recorded at Swanholme Lakes, Baston-Langtoft Pits and Deeping Lakes. Up to two Smew, a male and a redhead, were at Kirkby Pits (2nd-9th) along with two Scaup (6th-13th) and a Long-tailed Duck (9th). Two redhead Smew were at Deeping Lakes (1st-2nd). Goosanders were reasonably well distributed, with a peak of 27 at Swanholme Lakes (1st). A Great Northern Diver was at Wrangle (11th), while a Bittern was at Whisby Nature Park (11th) and rarer still were a Great White Egret at Langtoft (17th) and Glossy Ibis at Chapel St Leonard (10th- 17th). Caspian Gulls were seen at Whisby Nature Park (24th) and Skegness (28th). The former site also hosting two Bearded Tits (8th). A Glaucous Gull was at North Hykeham Pits (3rd). A Great Grey Shrike was at Aisby, near Grantham (1st-9th) and Marston STW continued to hold at least one wintering Cetti’s Warbler. John Badley Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1083404.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Press release from LWT 21/2/2014: Far Ings is partially open. There are no circular routes as the Humber Bank remains closed whilst repairs are carried out. Facilities including toilets and a small shop are available at Ness End Farm (the old visitor centre and now the regional management base). Please show your support for our volunteers and staff by visiting. See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. Bardney Limewoods NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Sundays. Please e-mail in your contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save reediting: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** Contacts List *** WILDLIFE CRIME *** 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 http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ *** Report Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara STAYING SAFE *** 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/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. 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. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful - especially if you are encouraging young people to have a go - e.g. Wildlife Watch group members. "They suggest the species in your area that best match what you have found." http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys 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. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: 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 *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** 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 John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://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/hartsholmecp contact Park Rangers at hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation http://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/ Hedgehog Street survey http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ for 2014 survey, see: http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://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/ Lincsbirders - Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ 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 Readers websites and videos: 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 Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - excellent video by David Robinson http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ BBC Radio 4 Tweet of the day: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s6xyk Helen Mark did an excellent "Open Country" on 25th January with a good interview of LWT's Dave Bromwich. You can hear this on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03qflhk *** 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 http://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. 2014 Field Meetings Sunday, May 18, 2014 Shire Wood, Revesby (Courtesy of Revesby Estate) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TL297614 in yard of Manor Farm, Revesby (in front of grain store/weighbridge). Access off West Lane which is off the A155 at western end of Revesby village. Once gathered we will move onto woodland in cars. Habitats: A private ancient woodland with connections to Sir Joseph Banks. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, May 31, 2014 Sutterby Mediaeval Village Southwest of Alford 10.00am to 3pm “mini-bioblitz” as part of the Spirit of Sutterby project. Parking details to be confirmed - see website or contact for details. Habitats: Pasture, arable, woodland, churchyard. Contact: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Friday, June 20, 2014 Willow Tree Fen LWT Reserve East of Bourne 10am til late on Friday and 10am- 4pm on Saturday. Evening session on Friday starting at 21.30. Park in reserve car park at TF174223 next to interpretation centre which is at end of track off Tongue End to Pode Hole road. Toilets available on site. Habitats: Pasture, scrub, ditches and ponds. Contact: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, June 21, 2014 Willow Tree Fen LWT Reserve Day two - see above Sunday, July 06, 2014 Private farm at Sloothby (Courtesy of G and N Rutter) Southeast of Alford 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in grass field at TF50217107. The farm is at the eastern end of Sloothby village on the north side of the road (just inside village sign). A track leads to a two houses and the field entrance is immediately on the left. Habitats: Pasture, meadow and hedges with trees. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, August 02, 2014 Norton Big Wood, Norton Disney (Courtesy of Hill Holt Wood Ltd) Southwest of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.30. Park in woodland car park at approx. SK880605 which down track off Wood Lane (which is off minor road between Witham St.Hughs and Norton Disney. Toilets available on site. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, mixed woodland, glades, ponds and ditches Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 07, 2014 Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve. (Courtesy of RSPB) Southeast of Boston. 10am to 4pm (with break for lunch back at car park). Park in main car park at TF357390. Reserve well sign-posted off A16. Toilets and snacks available in visitor centre. Habitats: Wide variety of habitats including saltmarsh, reedbeds, ponds and wader scrapes. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 12, 2014 Fungus Foray High Wood, North Rauceby. (Courtesy of Woodland Trust) West of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in the wood car park at TF010463 The wood is located on the north side of Church Lane which runs between North Rauceby and High Dike/Ermine Street (B6403). Habitat: Broadleaved 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 text copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html If you are having difficulties with spam folders et. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. Latest Mailfails - see notes above. *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/