============================================= || || 31st August 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.... *** This week will be the last Bulletin until the weekend of September 21st. During this gap, please will you try to drum up a few new readers who might find the LNU Bulletin a useful source of information? Please give them the following link, which they can use to sign up. http://eepurl.com/zmFMT [Best not forward the Bulletin as there a couple of individual links in it that will take them to your personal MailChimp account!] Another suggestion: if you are not already signed up to it, why not join Farm and Country Business Watch and help to fight rural crime? The Rural Crime teams need our support, especially as we enter the hare coursing season. These criminals use social media, Google Earth and other modern technology to coordinate their crimes. Operation Galileo is countering hare coursing and related crimes. The message on BBC Farming Today this week was: do not approach hare coursers. Get their car registration numbers if you can do so from a safe distance. Dial 999 to report the incident. More information: http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Lincs-Alert-and-Watch-Schemes/ http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/Hare-Coursing-Offences-Operation-Galileo.html http://www.humberside.police.uk/farm-and-country-business-watch/farm-watch I recommend the LNU Field Meeting at Frampton Marsh, 7th September. The Lincolnshire Wood Fair is an interesting rural event, not only if you need to buy firewood, it is much more than just an auction. Scunthorpe Museum has a new venue for its "Indoor Season" meetings with a bit more room. The first meeting this September is a talk by Steve Lovell. 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, 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 Guests are welcome at our meetings. *** All the Fun of the Wood Fair! *** Helen Gamble writes: The Lincolnshire Wood Auction is the place to bid for your firewood needs and don't miss a range of family activities from bushcraft skills and guided tours around the historic parkland to traditional craft demonstrations and the Lincolnshire Lumberjack Olympics! Sunday 7th September 2014 at Revesby Estate - visit www.lincolnshirefirewoodfair.co.uk for event details Helen Gamble, Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service. *** Scunthorpe Museum Society 'indoor season' of meetings *** Note the new venue. Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section, Scunthorpe Museum Society. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE FOR MEETINGS TO ST. BERNADETTE'S PARISH CENTRE, ASHBY ROAD, DN162RS. At our first meeting for the new 'indoor season' in this new venue, on Monday, 8th September, 2014, Steve Lovell, Community Project Officer for the RSPB and widely travelled birder, is to give an illustrated talk entitled "The Miracle of Migration". "What drives birds to undertake such amazing journeys? Here, in Britain, we are both home and staging post." ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. There is ample free parking in the grounds of St. Bernadette's Church. The entry gates are opposite The Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. Please contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098 for further details. *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Adrian White writes: Saturday 20th September Killingholme Haven A half-day visit to this local LWT reserve Meet at Ness Farm to leave at 9am Contact Alice Nunn for further details; 01724 732262 Everybody welcome Wednesday 17th September "Blacktoft Sands" A talk on this important reserve by; Peter Short Reserve Warden Meet at Ness Farm centre 7:30pm start Everybody welcome MOTH and BAT NIGHT With North Lincs Council and Lincs Bat Group Saturday 13th September Bat Walk: meet at Water's Edge 7:15pm start Bat detectors provided Contact: Julie Ellison 07586293868 Booking essential Moth Lights: meet at Ness Farm after the walk Lights lit from dusk Contact: Adrian White 07940561907 Booking not required Enjoy a night with our nocturnal wildlife Everybody welcome *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 13th September 2014 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting at Humberston Fitties with Ray Hume. Meet in the Fitties car park near yacht club at 9am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information please contact Ray Hume 01472 320878. *** Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Photography Exhibition *** Rachel Milner writes on 11/8/2014: Following the success of this years photography competition I am delighted to invite you to pop along to our photography exhibition which showcases 150 entries over the 4 categories of: Working Life The Grazing Marshes in all Weathers Hidden Heritage Wildlife We had a fantastic response and our judges were impressed to see a variety of high quality images from across the area. To celebrate, we're working in association with Louth Museum to offer TWO photography exhibitions in Louth that celebrate local heritage. Entrance to both exhibition is free but we request that a small donation is made to support Louth Museum's exhibition. Rachel Milner - Project Support Officer Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project Tel: 01507 613134 Email: rachel.milner@e-lindsey.gov.uk Website: www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/LincsMarshes *** Making Your Sightings Count *** Julie Ellison writes: Free 1-day courses for everyone with an interest in wildlife, demonstrating how to turn everyday wildlife sightings into valuable wildlife records. The course will cover: Why Wildlife Recording is important Practical data-gathering Practical record-submission Willow Tree Fen on Sunday 07/09/14 To book your place contact LWT on 01507 526667 or info@lincstrust.co.uk For more information about the course contact Julie Ellison on 01724 735349 / 07586 293860 or julie@julieellison.co.uk (County Recorders are most welcome, especially to prove how friendly and helpful you are! Please let Julie know if you would like to come.) *** Wash Cruises 2014 *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB have started their 2014 series of Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash estuary and River Welland. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire 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 is via The South Holland (Spalding) ticket agency and is essential. Call 01775-764777 or go online www.southhollandcentre.co.uk where full details including sailing times of those cruises which haven't sold out can be found. 14 cruises have been arranged for 2014 which started on 25th April, with various sailing times every month, and concluding on 16th October. These cruises are once again proving very popular. *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Maureen Staples writes: On Thursday 11th September at 7.30pm we invite you to join us for the 'RSPB Regional Review and Update' talk. 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 *** Members and non-members welcome. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 23/8 3 Curlew Sandpiper, Donna Nook 2 Whinchats on sea wall, Pectoral Sandpiper, Freiston Shore 2 Spoonbills, 3 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh 24/8 Knot, Baston Langtoft gravel pits Redstart, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, Freiston Shore Whinchat, Frampton Marsh 25/8 3 Whinchats, Spotted Redshank, Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, Freiston Shore 4 Redstarts, Sooty Shearwater past, Gibraltar Point Little Stint, 3 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh 2 Curlew Sandpiper juvs, Donna Nook realignment Redstart in hedge by cattle field, Swanpool 26/8 Little Stint, 8 Spotted Redshank, Freiston Shore Possible Baltic Gull juv, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls, between Spalford and Wigsley Pectoral Sandpiper, Little Stint on reedbed lagoon, 3 Spoonbills, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 51 Arctic Skuas, 18 Bonxies, 40 Arctic Terns, 3 Little Gulls, past Gibraltar Point Barred Warbler, Saltfleet 20 Arctic Skuas, 6 Bonxies, south over Sutton Bridge Pectoral Sandpiper, Alkborough Flats 27/8 Glossy Ibis, Frampton Marsh Wryneck, 5 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Redstarts, 3 Whinchats, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gull, Sooty Shearwater past plus 6 Manx Shearwaters, 60 Arctic Terns, 65 Arctic Skuas and 50 Bonxies, 3 Honey Buzzards over, 5 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Wryneck, south of Sea View, Saltfleet 3 Whinchats, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Turtle Doves, Saltfleet Haven Long-tailed Skua juv north past Mablethorpe Marsh Harrier, south through Fillingham Lake Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore Osprey on barrel, Redstart, Donna Nook Spotted Redshank, Horseshoe Point, Pied Flycatcher, Donna Nook Little Stint, Toft Newton Reservoir 2 Redstarts in hedge by cattle field, Swanpool 28/8 Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Freiston Shore Wryneck, 5 Pied Flycatchers, Redstart, Curlew Sandpiper, Garganey on Tennyson Sands, Icterine or Melodious Warbler in plantation, Wood warbler, Gibraltar Point 3 Little Stints, Alkborough Flats Redstart, Donna Nook 2 Little Gulls, Covenham Reservoir 29/8 Wryneck, Spoonbill on Jackson's Marsh, Wood Warbler, Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher in plantation, 2 Curlew Sandpipers on Fenland Lagoon, Gibraltar Point Glossy Ibis, 3 Spoonbills, 3 Little Stints, Spotted Redshank, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, 3 Little Stints, Freiaton Shore Pied flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Donna Nook Garganey. Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 3 Whinchats by Great Eau outfall, Saltfleetby 30/8 Glossy Ibis, 3 Spoonbills, 2 Little Stints, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher trapped and ringed in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point 2 Spotted Redshanks, Donna Nook Great White Egret over Target Lake, Far Ings 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 We are still looking for evidence of unusual dates for Gorse flowering. "When gorse is out of blossom, kissing's out of fashion" Paul Kirby writes: Please continue to send in Gorse reports. Reports may be sent in via the Bulletin. Editor adds: It will help if you will keep these separate from any general reports you may be sending in, please, so they can be listed here. *** 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. BURGH LE MARSH TF506655 Robert Walker 13/8/14 Barn Owl 1 dead A158 bypass roadkill in centre of road. CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 22.8.14 Brigg Road farmland TA 106 036 Kestrel hovering 27.8.14 Brigg Road garden TA 113 020 A Pearce Hedgehogs 2 juvs being reared after roadkill of mother Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Fox cub removing fallen apples every evening Long-tailed fieldmouse in shed 22.8.14 Rabbits 2 feeding on fallen apples daily Chiffchaff calling 23.8.14 onwards Goldcrests feeding young 23.8.14 Great spotted woodpecker drumming on old pear tree 22.8.14 Gipsywort by stream 22.8.46. New Fungi Blushing wood mushrooms 20 on Spruce needles Brown rollrims 20 under Birches Conifer bluing bracket on Spruce stump False saffron milkcap near Sruce wood. New Giant puffball, 25cms, in grass Caistor Town Hall carpark TA 118 015 Hedgehog at risk, moved, 23.8.14 Hundon Manor Farm TA 116 024 P Robinson Brown hares 3 seen frequently Hedgehogs 3 seen frequently Long-tailed tits Reed warblers Swifts 5 Swallows 10s Tawny owl Artichoke gall on Oak Common grasshoppers Field grasshoppers Sown sward mix in flower: Alsike clover Bird's-foot trefoil Chicory Lucerne Sainfoin Yarrow Other flowers: Canadian fleabane Field bindweed Field poppy Field scabious Flowering rush Hop trefoil Lesser trefoil Red bartsia. New Selfheal Slender trefoil Tufted vetch Wild radish Mill Lane TA 119 012 C Brant Giant house spider. 2 males caught and put covered bowl overnight. 1 killed the other. 23.8.14. New DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve Date: 29/08/2014 0950- 1205 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Warm, sunny periods, breezy Birds: Blackcap Black-headed Gull Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Common Tern Coot Cormorant Great-crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Kestrel Lapwing Lessser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe (with second brood) Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Red-crested Pochard (male in eclipse plumage) Sand Martin Sparrowhawk Tufted Duck Woodpigeon Butterflies: Brimstone Green-veined White Small White Speckled Wood Dragonflies: Brown Hawker Common Darter Common Hawker Ruddy Darter HEIGHINGTON John Nickson 25th 26th 27th August 2014 Moths to garden trap Angle Shades 1 Bordered Pug 1 Centre Barred Sallow 1 Common Rustic 1 Flame Shoulder 1 Flounced Rustic 7 Garden Carpet 1 Large Yellow Underwing 26 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 7 Lesser Yellow Underwing 5 Mother of pearl 1 Orange Swift 1 Poplar Hawkmoth 2 Setaceous Hebrew Character 37 Shuttle shaped Dart 2 Silver “Y” 1 Small Wainscot 1 Spectacle 1 Square-spot Rustic 2 Turnip Moth 1 Uncertain 1 HORNCASTLE TF255691 Robert Walker 14/8/14 Himalayan Balsam Good numbers of young and semi-mature plants north of lock on old canal,most on east side of water course. With some small plants growing on edge of town near swimming pool area. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 13/8/14 Common Toad 1 also 24/8/14 Sparrowhawk 1 male Approx. 5.30pm flew down onto gravel area with captured sparrow and then flew off. 25/8/14 Hedgehog 2 One in front garden area and another larger one in rear garden eating the cat's nibbles ! LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 30/08/2014 Jayne Knight 28/08 20+ juvenile Goldfinches on the feeders. Adult birds also still feeding fledglings. Bit late and cannot remember the date, but a Ringlet butterfly was observed in the garden. Thanks to Su Coleman. Spent last week in Machynlleth, Wales and cannot recommend the Dyfi Osprey Project at the Cors Dyfi reserve managed by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust highly enough. Very friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers, plenty of information available on boards or signs placed around the reserve, 4 large screens covering the nest from different angles and a very accessible boardwalk which leads to a magnificent, new 360 observatory. No power supply yet available in the building so no lift access for wheelchairs, etc., but have been assured it will be rectified in time for the Ospreys' return next Spring. If anyone gets the chance, go visit, you will not be disappointed! MONKS WOOD, ASHING LANE, DUNHOLME TF 04192 79167 Su Colman & Mark Townsend 19 August 2014 Hornets nest in the apex of the threshold structure, lots of activity. NETTLEHAM TF 03161 75493 Su Colman 27/07/14 A very handsome frog! Rarely seen in our quite dry garden RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 16.08.14 (omitted last week) 15-20 Swallows on wires; heading south 22.08.14 Smooth Newt in compost bin Wren; other birds returning to the garden Pseudoscorpions x 3 on lower boards of my compost bin 26.08.14 Long-tailed Tits (heard) Hedgehog (large) in neighbour's garden (droppings in ours) Tiny Toadlet (about 1 cm body size) Woodmouse in compost bin 29.08.14 Last pair (and, possibly, offspring) of House Martins still feeding second brood. SLEAFORD Catherine Bartrtam Reported 25/8/2014 Albino Cormorant: There are 2 lakes round by the back of the Bass Maltings just outside of Sleaford, Lincs. On the large lake there are several cormorants. I spotted this cormorant Tuesday eve and it's been there every day since. TATTERSHALL THORPE TF212601 R. Parsons 27/8/2014 at 9pm. Muntjac deer adult browsing on road verge - west side of road. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated Steve Hiner 16/08/14 Hedgehog (dead) SK812995 18/08/14 Barn Owl x 1 (Clare Holmes) Bat sp. (very small) x 2 Speckled Wood x 2 SK810993 19/08/14 Dunnock x 1 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 41 Bank/Field Vole (dead) SK813993 Roe Deer x 1 female SE798005 Common Toad x 1 under recording sheet Great Crested Newt x 1 female under recording sheet Red Admiral x 4 SK813999 Speckled Wood x 1 SK813999 Southern Hawker x 1 Leopard Slug x 4 20/08/14 Barn Owl x 1 21/08/14 Rabbit x 12 SK805991 22/08/14 Tree Sparrow x 59 Common Toad x 1 under recording sheet Smooth Newt x 1 female Brimstone x 1 male Southern Hawker x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m radius of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 23/08/14 Common Buzzard x 2 Large White x 5 Peacock x 1 Small White x 1 Speckled Wood x 5 Poplar Hawkmoth x 1 Southern Hawker x 1 24/08/14 Cuckoo x 1 juvenile in garden, Owston Ferry Stock Dove x 2 young in nest box, eyes just opening Wren x 1 Stoat x 1 dead on road SK806998 Speckled Wood x 4 Ruddy Darter x 1 male, 1 female 25/08/14 Several small Bat sp. SE811000 27/08/14 Linnet x 4 28/08/14 Common Buzzard x 1 Kestrel x 1 also report from water bailiff on Owston Ferry Warping Drain of 18-23 Mink trapped (no dates or more details as yet) WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 24/08/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson Two Kingfishers were caught and ringed. Still a few Reed Warblers in the reeds, but only one Sedge Warbler. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 24/8/2014 3 Woodmouse nests at TF 225546 - 1 adult seen. Nests were under squares of old carpet used to keep down vegetation in front of hive entrances. Dry, warm and safe. 25/8 Our resident Woodpigeons enjoyed today's downpour, doing their entertaining display of washing their "armpits" in ecstasy on the lawn. 27/8 Marsh Harrier over Glebe Farm TF21852 3.30pm [RP] 2 Buzzards over Hurn Bridge Farm TF218543 4pm [AP] Fungi 26/8/2014 Lepiota rhacodes [var hortensis] in garden and pie. 30/8/2014 Small [pencil sized] grass snake in compost heap. WRANGLE COMMON 27/08/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson A new bird today was a Great White Heron, which gave very clear views both in flight and feeding from pools on wet grassland. Two Kingfishers were also seen. Two Buzzards circling over the area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs and S Lincs Highlights including RSPB Wash Reserves South Lincolnshire bird sightings July 2014 RSPB Frampton Marsh The second Bittern for Frampton Marsh was seen intermittently (7th-10th & 31st), while the Glossy Ibis was still in residence throughout. Spoonbills were seen from mid-month, with a peak of five (31st) and up to 81 Little Egrets were present (30th). Passage waders began to build up with peak counts of three Little Stints (30th), six Curlew Sandpipers (29th), 1800 Black-tailed Godwits (14th), 11 Spotted Redshanks (29th), 26 Green Sandpipers (9th) and seven Wood Sandpipers (30th), but the highlights were the reserve’s second Lesser Yellowlegs (11th-21st) and a Temminck’s Stint (24th). Other sightings included up to three Garganey (3rd), Black Tern (1st-2nd), Arctic Tern (14th) and Little Gull (1st-3rd & 11th). Gibraltar Point NNR The highlights were the UK wandering Black-winged Pratincole, a first for Lincolnshire (14th), Broad-billed Sandpiper (29th) and White-rumped Sandpiper (28th-30th). Other sightings included up to four Spoonbills throughout, two Sooty Shearwaters and nine Manx Shearwaters (18th), Montagu’s Harrier (23rd & 31st), Stone-curlew (13th), Curlew Sandpiper (27th), Little Stint (30th), two Spotted Redshank (4th), Wood Sandpiper (23rd), two Arctic Skuas (13th), Arctic Terns on two dates (13th & 23rd), Whinchat (3rd) and Redstart (13th). Other sites A Garganey was at Whisby NP (14th), the Glossy Ibis at Willow Tree Fen was seen at the beginning of the month (1st) and an Osprey was seen at Denton Reservoir (2nd). Wood Sandpipers were at Willow Tree Fen (18th & 25th) and at West Ashby (27th). Mediterranean Gull (3rd), Caspian Gull (8th) and Little Gull (21st) were all seen at Whisby NP. A Redstart was seen at Swanpool, Lincoln (28th). John Badley Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 SALTFLEETBY-THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR Week ending 29th August 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth A touch of hoar frost was seen in one or two sheltered dune hollows on the 24th when ground temperatures dropped to 1.0°C. A fine sunny day on the 27th brought out a good number of butterfly species including commonblue, small copper, brown argus, small skipper, peacock, red admiral, meadow brown, gatekeeper, speckled wood, small tortoiseshell, small white, brimstone and painted lady. On the same day small numbers of migrant hawkers, several common and ruddy darters, and 4 emerald green damsels were seen. Bird sightings for the week have included Whinchat 2 along the edge of the saltmarsh near Sea View on the 22nd, Goldcrest and Coal Tit with a mixed flock of tits and Chaffinches near Sea View on the 23rd. A Common Buzzard over on the reserve on the 24th. Single Kingfishers were seen along the Eau near paradise on the 24th and along a ditch near Churchill on the 27th. Hirundines have been actively feeding and moving south all week of note at least 30 House Martins were hawking over the sycamores at Sea View on the 24th and 100+ Swallows in one flock, known collectively as a flight or gulp, feeding low over the saltmarsh late evening on the 26th. A single Spotted Flycatcher gave a brief showing at Sea View on the 28th. John Walker commented that it was favourable weather conditions for seabird migration on the 26th and he had the following species in one and a half hours sea watch Arctic and Great Skuas, Sooty Shearwater, Arctic, Common, Sandwich and marsh terns, Fulmar, Common Scoter, Gannet (all ages), Teal and Shelduck. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB RESERVES http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1083404.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News 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 *** Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals 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. *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** 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. *** New Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! If anybody would like to join us, please get in touch with me at sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com *** 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 Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 www.lincswolds.org.uk http://www.lincswolds.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/ Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Project Officer: Ruth Craig ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk 01507 609740 For help with chalk stream management, volunteering opportunities and educational activities on the chalk stream please visit the website http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership is working to promote enhancement and re-creation of an iconic fenland landscape and its wildlife within our highly productive and important Lincolnshire farmlands. To learn more about the partnership please visit our website at http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ or contact the project officer at slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer 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 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, 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. Winchester woman finds 3ft wasp nest on bed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-28949601 Badger cull legal challenge in Somerset and Gloucestershire fails http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28982297 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/