============================================= || || 30th March 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 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.... *** Don't forget to put your clocks forward to British Summer Time this Sunday.Now - a question: Since 2009 I have saved a text archive of Bulletin reports to which readers can refer if for some reason they don't receive a Bulletin. I started doing this because one reader said they prefered to read it on the Web rather than as an email. It is also a useful way to compare past years. http://www.rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html I do sometimes wonder how many people use it now that Mailchimp allows us to read Bulletins in a browser. I am just curious, so if you have ever made use of it please would you drop me a line to tell me? I feel it ought to be useful historical data. I have no plans to stop doing it. Thanks. I recommend the RSPB event on 4th April - at Boston Cemetery. We had never visited the old part of the cemetery. Fascinating. "FREE GUIDED WALK at Boston Cemetery (meet in Crematorium car park) April 5th at 10am Looking for Spring migrants and wild flowers" Remember - don't ever click on a link in a dodgy-looking email. I have noted several incoming emails this week with the name of the sender as the subject and no content but a clickable link. These I have deleted on my mailserver to avoid the danger of inviting trouble, and I strongly advise you to all do that same. "It is better to cause mild annoyance to a correspondent than to gat a dose of something nasty" - my apologies to Roald Dahl's "Uncle Oswald". Early warning - heads up for the Lyrid meteor shower - 16th to 25th April with peak on 22nd. See: http://meteorshowersonline.com/lyrids.html Special thanks for the Gorse and "Lords and Ladies" records. Please keep them coming. See Paul Kirby's notes in section 3. Please would you help us to recruit a few more readers to take us beyond the 1100 mark? Just try the convenient "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. It is very simple to use. Thanks. Roger *** LNU Events *** 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, April 27, 2014 - note updated Grid Ref. Sweeting Thorns, Holme, Scunthorpe (Courtesy of Philip Marshall) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at Raventhorpe Stop (Depot and Café) at SE928080 which is just off the westbound A18. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub and various grassland types. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Guests are always welcome at our meetings, but of course it is very good to have new members sign up and become involved in our work. You can do this via the LNU website: http://lnu.org/join.php *** Toad crossing - Sleaford. *** Martin Thompson reports: For the 1st time a toad crossing on White Cross Lane, Burton Pedwardine near Sleaford has been manned in the last 2 weeks with over 3000 assisted toads crossing. Editor adds: Well done to all the toad helpers. A great effort. *** Oil Beetles - Eyes Down - Records Please *** Charlie Barnes writes: Following the plea in the Wildnews Bulletin for sightings of oil beetles in 2012, it was a pleasure to confirm their existence in Lincolnshire. Adults are now emerging at their only known Lincolnshire site near Ropsley, with 18 seen on the 22nd March. 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 With the paucity of records in Lincolnshire we have no "hot-spots" to concentrate on - they could be just about anywhere! As a rule, oil beetles like firm bare ground so road verges, footpaths or tracks are ideal. If you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Alkborough Flats is open *** Anna Moody writes: Alkborough Flats reopened on the 21st March. Please take care when visiting the site while this work is being undertaken. Thank you to everyone for your patience whilst we restored the site. http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/your-council/about-your-council/news/latest-news/alkborough-flats-is-reopening-tomorrow/ *** 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. *** 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 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society, Natural History and Geology Section *** Keith Scarrott writes: Scunthorpe Museum Society, Natural History and Geology Section meeting on Monday, 14th April, starting at 7.15pm, the last indoor meeting before our spring and summer visits for members only. (Insurance reasons.) At this fourth meeting Helen Gamble, Project Officer for the Lincolnshire Country- side Service, working to protect the Lincolnshire AONB, will be giving us an illustrated talk entitled "God's Acre Project", a project concerned with the heritage, as well as wildlife, of graveyards. As usual, the upper room of the North Lincolnshire Museum will be the venue for the meeting. ALL ARE WELCOME. here is no admission charge but a donation bowl is provided. There is free parking behind the museum and on Oswald Road. For further details please contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn lovely writes: On Sunday 6th April 2014 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a walk with the wardens around Tetney Blow Wells nature reserve. Grid ref. TA 320007. Park and meet by the church in Church Lane Tetney at 2pm. No dpgs please. Please wear suitable clothing and boots or wellies. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. All are welcome. For further information and to book a place ring 01472 814887. *** Lowland wet grassland workshop on Tuesday 13th May *** Forwarded by Charlie Barnes: Flora locale is running a Lowland wet grassland re-creation and management workshop led by Roger Wardle on Tuesday 13 May. Details of how to book and fees can be found by clicking on the workshop link or by emailing info@floralocale.org http://www.floralocale.org/Lowland%20wet%20grassland%20recreation%20and%20management%20under%20Higher%20Level%20Stewardship *** 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/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: Forthcoming dates for the 2013/2014 programme of Events. Members and non-members welcome. FREE GUIDED WALK at Boston Cemetery (meet in Crematorium car park) April 5th at 10am Looking for Spring migrants and wild flowers ILLUSTRATED TALK at Boston's Sam Newsom Music Centre April 24th at 7-30pm "Montana USA" by Alan Knight, featuring the wildlife of The Rockies, prairies and Yellowstone Park RSPB members £2 non-members £3-50 *** S Lincs RSPB *** 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/ 23/03/2014 Scaup, 4 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe, f Long-tailed Duck on Sailing pit, Barton-upon-Humber pits 2 Garganey, 1 drk, on scrape, Frampton Marsh Osprey over Cranwell 18 Whooper Swans just north of Huttoft Bank Pit Glacous Gull, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 24/03 Bearded Tit, The Mere, Gibraltar Point 25/03 2 Long-tailed Ducks NW pit, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Hen Harrier ringtail, Marston sewage works 26/03 2 Long-tailed Ducks NW pit, 2 Scaup on Riverslea pit, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 27/03 Black Brant with c 2000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Hen Harrier ringtail, Frampton Marsh Kittiwake, Garganey drk, on Hide Pit, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 28/03 Twite in leek field, Marston sewage works Smew redhead, Main pit opposite hide, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Scaup drk, Fiskerton Fen Spoonbill,Aklborough Flats 29/03 2 Long-tailed Duck drks NW pit, 2 Scaup Riversela pit, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 4 Twite in leek field, Marston sewage works 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. CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Gorse locations: 21.3.14 Brigg Road TA 108 033 3 bushes, now with first flowers Swallow valley TA 183 043. Few bushes, one with many flowers, others with a few A46 Swallow TF 184 040 2 bushes still with abundant flowers A46 Riby junction TF 192 044 now with a few flowers FLINT HILL Flint Hill TF271761 Chris J Manning 25 March 2014 Gorse in Flower - single plant HEALING TA214106 R Julier 21st March 2014 Lords and ladies plain leaves. LONG SUTTON Jonathan Bye 23/03/2014 Extensive clumps of unspotted Lords & Ladies growing on a wide verge of St James's Road (B1390), a mile south east of its roundabout with the A17 at Long Sutton. NETTLEHAM Bill Ball 23/03/2014 Lords & Ladies On right bank of Beck, TF008753 All spotless OSTLERS'S PLANTATION, KIRKBY ON BAIN TF 215620 R & A Parsons 23.03.2014 Group of approx 25 - 30 gorse bushes. 5 in flower to about 5% of each plant. WEST PINCHBECK 16.03.2014 John Redshaw Several plants of Lords and Ladies under hawthorn hedgerow in tree plantation at Pinchbeck Slipe NR, NGR TF184229. Present since at least 2010. All unspotted (no flowers seen last year). *** 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. BASTON FEN NR 16.03.2014 John Redshaw WeBS Count Mallard - 18 Mute Swan - 5 Shoveler 2 (1pr) Snipe - 3 Teal - 46 Wigeon - 6 Also: Chiffchaff - 1 Marsh Harrier - 1 CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 21.3.14 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Badger running 3am 18.3.14 Grey squirrel on birdfeeder 24.3.14 Muntjac eating Spanish bluebells 8am 22.3.14 Muntjacs 3 at 3am 24.3.14 Bullfinches 2 23.3.14 Canada geese flying over 2 26.3.14 Great spotted woodpecker f 25.3.14 Mallards 2 25.3.14 Sparrowhawk m catches Goldfinch 23.3.14 Toad, adult f 21.3.14 Vine weevil larvae in pots of cowslips 20 First flowers: Fritillary 27.3.14 Honesty 21.3.14 Leucojum 23.3.14 Wild plum 21.3.14 Hay rattle seedlings in meadow Sycamore seeds germinating Fungi Alder goblet on old Alder catkins Cushion bracket on Cherry stump Caistor bypass TA 121 013 WH Kestrel hovering 25.3.14 Blackthorn Hundon Manor ponds TA 112 026 P Robinson 27.3.14 Canada geese 2 Coot 5 Moorhen 2 Mute swans 2 Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 B Jacob Oystercatchers 25.3.14 Himalayan balsam seeds germinating Normanby Road garden TA 095 113 G Baine Red-legged partridges 2 Siskins 4 Tree sparrows 10 CHAMBERS FARM WOOD Richard Davidson 27/03/2014 (PM) Flock of 40 Fieldfares over Hoop Lane near Chambers Farm Wood. Thought they'd have gone home to Scandinavia by now but obviously not. Also, large flock of Golden Plover (100+) over fields to west of Chambers Farm Wood (towards Minting) with Lapwings also nearby. DUNHOLME TF026792 Phil Busby Week ending 28th March 2014 Rear Gardens very little activity most of the time. A pair of Wood Pigeons have started eating the blossom buds on my Victoria plum tree which I'm not very happy about. I have seen a Pied Wagtail today for the first time in a very long time. Also My wife will have to do without our water feature this spring as a bird which I believe is my resident Robin has built a nest in the penthouse flat of the pile of pots that normally spew water. The Robin had been inside my garage looking for a site earlier in the week because I was in there at the time. I think in this modern age of clean new houses it must be very difficult for birds to find a suitable nesting place. Should we be making more haunts for birds rather than the usual bird box with round hole? On the Pond. The pair of Moorhens are still in residence on the pond but do not appear to be building a nest yet. Unlike a pair of Carrion Crow that stuck around all winter and are now building a nest in a tall tree nest next door to the pond area. The pair of Mallard ducks are still here but they are both male now and get on very well together. No sign of any frog spawn yet but it might be a bit early yet. HEALING TA214106 R Julier 21st March 2014 Buff tailed bumblebee (mite free) Tree bumblebee Lords and ladies plain leaves. HUTTOFT Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) Jane Pennington Date: 24/3/2014 Goldfinch 2 (pair) Tortoiseshell butterfly 1 Date: 26/3/2014 Goldfinch 1 Rabbits 2 Date: 28/3/2014 Dunnocks 2 (pair feeding together - usually see one at a time) Honesty plant in flower KIRKBY ON BAIN Clare Brady 4.50pm 28/3/14 1 Sand Martin RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 22.03.14 At least 6 Skylarks over fields at/around TF 318 842 Patch of Common Dog Violet (?) almost white with fine lavender-coloured veining, TF 312 844 (no scent - can it be anything else? Photos available) 25.03.14 2 x Badger, roadkill, A 631 quite close together, TF 230 893 (approx.) Blackthorn in flower TF 314 859 (still in bud elsewhere) 3 x Mute Swan, 2 x Canada Geese, 3 x Greylag Geese on small lake TF 311 854 25.03.14 Pair of Blackbirds have started nest-building in pyracantha House sparrows gathering feathers Wren gathering lichen 10 clumps of frog spawn to date, but not much activity seen in pond. SEA WALL BETWEEN SANDILANDS AND HUTTOFT Ian Whitaker 24 March 2014 7am Northern Wheatear - 1 TORTOISESHELL WOOD SK963199 Jane Ostler 28 March 2014 Flowering Plants Wood Anemone This was wonderful,great swathes of white flowers throughout the wood. Primroses, Early Dog Violet, Common Dog Violet, Dog's Mercury, Blackthorn (though most in tight bud), Wild Plum Trees, Ground Ivy, White Deadnettle, Celandine, Daisy and Dandelion. Hazel seems over but plenty of Willow catkins still. Fungi Only a single Scurfy Twiglet seen (Tubaria furfuracea) Invertebrates Bombus lapidarius ( ruby-tailed bumble bee) and Bombus terrestris (buff-tailed bee) Birds Chiff chaff - the first I have heard this year Others included a song thrush in full song. A green woodpecker yaffling, Great Tit belling. Blue tit with nesting material. Mammals Moles - fresh molehills. Young rabbit out feeding. There is evidence that rabbits have produced young throughout the winter this year. Hare in adjacent field. Squirrels - evidence of included a pile of neatly split hazel nuts. Fallow and Muntjak deer, hoof prints only the latter clearly distinguished not only by its smaller size but by the asymetrical nature of two sides of hoof. Horse - unfortunately the very wet rides chewed up by the hooves. THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 22/03/14 Stoat x 1 dead roadside Owston Ferry 23/03/14 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 12 Kestrel x 1 male Peregrine Falcon x 1 male Tree Sparrow x 23 Yellowhammer x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 3 Orange Underwing x 1 25/03/14 Golden Plover x 58 Common Toad x 2 lamping Owston Ferry Warping Drain 27/03/14 Low Melwood Claypits Black Headed Gull x 200+ breeding colony Canada Goose x 13 Coot x 17 Greylag Goose x 9 Little Grebe x 3 Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Mallard x 4 Tufted Duck x 28 WILLOWTREE FEN NR 16.03.2014 John Redshaw WeBS Count Gadwall - 6 Lapwing - 12 Little Egret - 2 Mallard - 14 Moorhen - 8 Mute Swan - 2 Redshank - 5 Shelduck - 10 Shoveler - 42 Snipe - 2 Coot - 25 Teal - 120 Wigeon - 390 Also: Peacock Butterfly - 3 Small Tortoiseshell -1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 24/3/2014 Common Buzzard - 2 calling 9am Lapwing displaying 9am Brown Hare - 3 adults Peacock butterfly Bees nectaring on grape hyacinth Tree bumblebee - Bombus hypnorum 2q Red-tailed bumblebee - Bombus lapidarius 1q Buff-tailed bumblebee - Bombus terrestris 1q White-tailed bumblebee - Bombus lucorum 1q WRANGLE COMMON 29/03/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today yielded 33 species. Unusually no raptors were recorded and waders numbers were reduced to nine Curlew and singles of Lapwing and Snipe. Canada Geese were showing signs of breeding and a Greylag was sitting. Several species of ducks were present - Tufted (7), Teal (4), Mallard (18), Gadwall (2) and Shelduck (4). Frogs were mating, but there were few butterflies other than Small Tortoiseshell (2) and Brimstone. Muntjac (1) was present. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 28th March 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Early in the week any weak sunshine encouraged the occasional comma, small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies to be on the wing plus buff-tailed bumblebees. Common toads and frogs were active and several ponds in sheltered spots had spawn. However from the 23rd temperatures became much cooler and by the 25th winds had veered from a SW air flow to that of cold easterlies which had an adverse effect on insect and amphibian activity. Minimum temperatures dipped to near freezing most nights but a sharp ground frost of minus 7.0°C (air -2.75°C) was recorded on the 24th and -3.25°C (air -1.25°C) on the 27th. Bird sightings include a scattering of singing Chiffchaffs and a few Blackcaps throughout the reserve. Cliff noted that the singing Song Thrushes we had during the past few weeks have dispersed to set up territories elsewhere. One or two Redwing were observed on the 22nd and 12 flew over in one flock on the 26th. A Marsh Harrier was reported on the 24th at Rimac. Green Woodpeckers were at Paradise and Rimac on 24th. A Goldcrest was seen at Sea View on the 23rd and 25th. A Brambling and 10 Shore Larks were seen near Crook Bank on the 24th and a good flock of 30+ Greenfinch at Brickyard on the 26th. Out to sea 2 Gannets, 70+ Cormorants and 12 Common Scoter were seen on the 22nd. RSPB RESERVES http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx SOUTH LINCS HIGHLIGHTS South Lincolnshire Monthly Bird Highlights Reports for..... John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites 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, April 27, 2014 Sweeting Thorns, Holme, Scunthorpe (Courtesy of Philip Marshall) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at Raventhorpe Stop (Depot and Café) at SE928080 which is just off the westbound A18. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub and various grassland types. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com 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. Ruth Simons - soft bounce - delivery failed *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Dylan Winter and the Starling Murmurations http://www.youtube.com/embed/88UVJpQGi88 Joseph Banks and Usher exhibitions: http://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/?/exhibitions-and-events Dissent among scientists over key climate impact report http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26655779 River pollution could be increased by wetter winters http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26682750 Warmer springs boost long-tailed tit survival http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/26687503 Monmouthshire's flower planting plan to halt bee decline http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-26658433 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/