Heads up for the Eta Aquarids 5/6th May ============================================= || || 4th May 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.... *** Correction: the JBS Mark Seaward annual lecture is on Thurs 15th May at Horncastle College at 7.00pm - NOT Weds 14th as originally posted. Thanks again for the reports of Gorse and "Lords and Ladies" records. Please keep them coming. See Paul Kirby's notes in section 3. Please would you make a special effort to recruit a few more readers to take us beyond the 1100 mark? We seem to be in equilibrium! You can use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin or send them the following URL that goes to a simple sign-up form: http://eepurl.com/zmFMT Reminder: If you need to change your e-mail address remember there is no need to resign first and re-register. Just 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. *** Cuckoos Calling *** A cuckoo was heard crossing our fen on 30th April, a little earlier than usual for this location. The story of cuckoo migration is a fascinating one and you may find the following links of interest: Tracking Cuckoos to Africa... and back http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking/what-have-we-learnt Chris Packham tells the story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-27171529 *** Heads up for the Eta Aquarids 5/6th May *** Paul money suggests that 5th May may be the best time to catch sight of an Eta Aquarid meteor. In "Night Scenes 2014" he also tips us off about a new meteor shower due on the 24th - the 209P-id meteors. http://meteorshowersonline.com/eta_aquarids.html http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/meteor-storm-brewing-for2014/ http://www.imo.net/calendar/2014 *** Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals *** What's That Butterfly? *** Your butterfly and Caterpillar records will be very welcome. 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 *** Non-native/Invasive Species *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/threats/nonnativespecies.aspx http://www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm http://www.introduced-species.co.uk/ http://www.plantlife.org.uk/campaigns/invasive_plants/invasive_plants_causing_problems_in_the_uk-1/ *** Volunteer Shorebird Wardens Still Needed - Any Offers? *** 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 *** Coastal Events in May *** Dave Miller sent in the following event information: Sat 10th May: 10am Shoresearch at Chapel Six Marshes. Beachcombing with a purpose, surveying what can be found along the strandline. If the weather's good we may even have a go at seadipping with some nets. Sunday 11th May: 9am Anderby Creek: a walk along the dune path listening and looking for migrants that will have dropped in. Meet at the car park at Anderby Creek. *** 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 *** A Great Endeavour - The Exhibition *** "Joseph Banks, A Great Endeavour - a Lincolnshire Gentleman and his Legacy" ends on 11th May, so you still have time to see it. http://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/?/exhibitions-and-events *** Sir Joseph Banks Annual Lecture *** The JBS annual lecture is on Thurs 15th May at Horncastle College at 7.00pm - note the date is 15th and not Weds 14th as posted earlier. Professor Mark Seaward will give a talk on Lincolnshire Botanists. See http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 30/4 Ring Ouzel, Redstart, Gibralter Point Garganey, 2 drks, 38 Whimbrel, Frampton Marsh Whinchat, Donna Nook 1/5 Turtle Dove, Tree Pipit, 2 Ring Ouzels, Spoonbill ad, Wood Warbler in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Spoonbill ad, Jack Snipe, Spotted Redshank, 3 Garganey, Frampton Marsh Little Gull, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Probable Richard's Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Donna Nook 2/5 6 Arctic Terns, Deeping Lakes Spoonbill ad, Little Stint, 4 Garganry, 3 drks, Little Gull, Frampton Marsh Quail, 130 Little Terns, 110 Barnacle Geese flew north, Gibraltar Point Arctic Tern, Baston Langtoft pits 3/5 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. Gorse SIXHILLS Between TF 161856 and TF161865 Su Colman and Mark Townsend 11.30 - 12.00 21/4/2014 Lots of gorse in full flower, near the first grid reference a footpath goes through pasture (looks like its used for horses) and there is a great abundance of it - just north east of Croppersgorse Plantation - most appropriate name! Seems to run between the 55 and 65 metre contours to Bootleg Plantation. Lords & Ladies RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 01.05.14 Lords & Ladies in my garden 95% plain green leaves. Inflorescences mostly with creamy-green spathe and purple spadix; about 10% of spadices are paler, more pinky-beige. One spathe found with purple edging and a purple spadix. *** 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 TF504657 Robert Walker 27/4/14 Buzzards 2 Flying over area of A158 bypass. BURTON BRIDGE (Catchwater Drain) SK948740 Su Colman and Mark Townsend 11.30 18/04/2014 8 Greylag goslings, lots of other pairs looking like they are nesting. CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 18.4.14 Brigg Road TA 113 020 Hedgehog, juv, roadkill 26.4.14 Hedgehog, adult, roadkill 28.4.14 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Badger 11pm 18.4.14 Bat 10pm 18.4.14 Foxes 2 5am 18.4.14 Mole, dead on lawn 19.4.14 Muntjac f 8am 18+29.4.14 Blackcap 22.4.14Jay 20.4.14 Whimbrel flying over 20+22+28.4.14. New Sparrowhawk, f, 25.4.14 Carder bee 23.4.14 Garden carpet moth 25.4.14 Large white 28.4.14 Snake millipede 28.4.14 1stflowers Barren brome 21.4.14 Field maple 19.4.14 Holly 22.4.14 Pendulous sedge 28.4.14 Sweet vernal grass 23.4.14 Caistor bypass verge TA 121 013 Common mallow 26.4.14 Caistor Wildlife Area TA 111 015 3.4.14 Chiffchaff Willow warbler Orange tip butterfly Borage Common field speedwell Crab apple Lady's smock Meadow foxtail Health Centre verge TA 120 011 WH Sparrowhawk kills Blackbird 19.4.14 Hundon Manor Farm TA 112 026 Buzzard circling 18.4.14 Canada geese, 5, flying NE 18.4.14 Green woodpecker 18.4.14 Mill Lane TA 119 012 WH Common storksbill 19.4.14 Meadow buttercup 19.4.14 Ivy-leaved toadflax 19.4.14 Red valerian 30.4.14 Navigation Lane TA 105 011 20.4.14 Creeping buttercup Hawthorn Star of Bethlehem North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 A Wish Field mouse-ear 18.4.14 North Street TA 118 015 30.4.14 Bulbous buttercup Dove's-foot cranesbill Field madder. New Fox-and-cubs Hedge mustard Shining cranesbill Yellow corydalis Shieling farm TA 106 027W Collins Robin nest in barn Songthrush nest in hedge CANDLESBY TF449674 Robert Walker 27/4/14 Badger 1 Dead on side of A158 road. COLSTERWORTH SK93/22 Jane Ostler 29/4/14 Cuckoo heard in Twyford Wood Kingfisher and Grey Wagtails nesting House Martins back at nesting sites Swallows back at nesting sites (21st) First swallow seen in village on 3rd April Bullfinches, Coal Tits, Long tailed tits and greenfinches all reported nesting in gardens Osprey seen flying above High Street(last week in April) Wild Garlic and Bluebells in flower on banks of River Witham Peacock Small Tortoisehell and an occasional Comma reported from gardens but no Red Admirals Brimstone butterflies seen throughout the month Orange Tips (first seen on 14th April) Speckled Wood Bombus hypnorum ( Tree Bumblebee) has returned to nestboxes Mason/Carpenter Bee has taken over a 'bee home' filling the bamboo canes with pollen Dead badger and dead hedgehog (road kills) Hedgehog reported in three gardens. CROPPERSGORSE PLANTATION TF158852 to TF160855 - track alongside the woodland Su Colman and Mark Townsend 11.45 21/04/2014 Orange tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) x 1 Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) x 3 Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni ) x 2 Small white butterfly (Pieris rapae) x 1 DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve TF187083 Date: 02/05//2014 Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 1335 - 1600 Weather: Mainly cloudy, breezy, cool Birds: Arctic Tern Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard (on nest) Canada Goose Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaf Common Tern Coot Cormorant Crow Gadwall Garden Warbler Great Crested Grebe Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull House Sparrow Jackdaw Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Red-crested Pochard Reed Bunting Reed Warbler Robin Rook Sand Martin Starling Swallow Swift Tufted Duck Whitethroat Willow Warbler Woodpigeon Mammals: Grey Squirrel (3) Brown Hare (2) Rabbit (1) DONNA NOOK Donna Nook A Buckle - S Smith Green Hairstreak on Gorse 27th April 2014 FRAMPTON R.S.P.B. Geof Lee P.M. 30/04/14 - highlights Spoonbill 2 Mediterranean gulls Little gull Spotted redshank in full breeding plumage Swallow Yellowhammers Very large flock of brent geese Many avocets FURZE LANE LEGBOURNE. Nr Louth Clare Brady 27/04/14 Lots of Cowslips flowering on the banks side and now with Early spotted orchids as well. Looks beautiful in the sunshine. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 20/4/14 Hedgehogs 2 'Courtship' on the garden border. Also 23/4/14 Hornet 1 (Vespa crabo) On garden path. HUTTOFT Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) Jane Pennington Date: 10/4/2014 Greenfinch 1 Date: 16/24/014 Speckled wood butterfly 1 Date: 17/4/2014 Wood mouse 1 Date: 18/4/2014 Blackbird 1 fledgling just out Speckled wood butterfly 1 Date: 19/4/2014 Blackbird 1 fledgling dead Date: 21/4/2014 Blackbirds 2 fledglings Date: 22/4/2014 Sparrowhawk 1 kills fledgling blackbird Speckled wood butterfly 1 Date: 23/4/2014 Speckled wood butterfly 1 Date: 28/4/2014 Song thrush 1 Date: 10/4/2014 Wood mouse 1 As you can see, we have just one surviving blackbird out of three but the robins have been feeding frantically this week. Hope to see them fledge soon. We also have nesting great tits. KIRTON MARSH 01/05/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson Yellow Wagtail x3 LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 03/05/2014 Jayne Knight 17/04/14 Walking through village of Bransby, early afternoon, a Cuckoo heard faintly in the distance. 18/04/14 5 Bee-flies feeding on Alkanet and Wallflowers outside front door. 29/04/14 Long-tailed-tits collecting cobweb from fence and honeysuckle. 30/04/14 Same pair? of Long-tailed-tits collecting more cobweb from back garden. During the afternoon noticed 3 male House Sparrows insecting in the front privet hedge. Never seen so many House Sparrows in the garden for years. When first moved here in '98 could muster 30+ of M & F, but now get one of each sex visiting the feeders occasionally. LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 03/05/2014 Jayne Knight 01/05/14 Heard Blue Tits scolding something so looked out kitchen window. They were shouting at a male Bullfinch enjoying sunflower hearts from one of the feeders. Second time I've seen one in the garden, brilliant! RIGSBY WOOD RESERVE TF424763 Robert Walker 21/4/14 Early Purple Orchids Starting to flower. BETWEEN SANDILANDS AND HUTTOFT Ian Whitaker 28 April 2014 7am TURNSTONES - 43 in a group at water's edge BETWEEN SANDILANDS AND HUTTOFT Ian Whitaker 29 April 2014 7.15am FULMAR washed up on tide - not long dead: not oiled SAUSTHORPE TF373695 Robert Walker 27/4/14 Buzzards 2 Flying over A158 road, near River Lymn. STIXWOULD - KIRKSTEAD on 'Water Rail Way' TF173626 Robert Walker 24/4/14 Jays 2 In Silver Birch tree. THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 26/04/14 Blackbird x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 1 Kestrel x 1 Oystercatcher x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Rook x 2 Skylark x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 4 Wren x 1 Smooth Newt x 1 27/04/14 Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa 30/04/14 Haxey Turbary Blackbird x 2 Blackcap x 1 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 1 Willow Warbler x 1 Wren x 1 THE WASH Geof Lee Boat trip from Fosdyke Bridge to Tabs Head in the Wash. Tuesday evening, 29/04/14 - highlights. Common seals - 13 Oystercatcher - 26 Little egret - 2 Redshank - 4 Curlew - 3 Whimbrel - 8 Shelduck - 11 Black tailed godwit - 10 Common sandpiper2 Turnstone - 2 Common tern - 5 Great black backed gull - 4 Herring gull - 2 Cormorant - 6 Brent geese - very large flock Dunlin - 5 flocks flying North WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons Cuckoo heard [AP] midday on 30/4/2014 Breeding bird list for this location: Woodpigeon Collared Dove Swallow Pied Wagtail Wren Dunnock Robin Blackbird Song Thrush ChiffChaff Long-tailed tit Coal Tit Blue Tit Great Tit Treecreeper - probable Jackdaw Starling House Sparrow Tree Sparrow Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 2nd May 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth April weather - although there were a few days when the weather was warm with sunny periods April was generally a cold month influenced by winds off the North Sea causing low cloud and sea mist to roll in. A high of 18.5°C was recorded on the 6th and there were 5 ground frosts falling to -4.5°C (air -0.75°C) on the 16th. Showers were occasional although two significant days of rainfall were recorded giving 6.9mm on the 7th and 6.8mm on the 25th. Total monthly ppt was 19.2mm. Raw north-easterlies f5 were noted from 18th - 20th. Fog observed on 2nd, 4th, 25th and 29th. Interesting records for the week have included 3 Wheatear, 4 Shorelark, 2 Brambling on the 25th, 4 Wheatears on the 26th, 1 Turtle Dove heard 'purring' near Churchill on the 27th, House Martin over on the 26th, 2 Yellow Wagtails over and 6 Shorelarks on the 28th, 3 Greenshank and 2 Avocets on Rimac lagoon on the 29th, 2 Ring Ouzels on the 30th. Whimbrel have been seen and heard during the week as they feed and fly over the saltmarsh with a max of 60 seen on the 26th. Flowering common scurvy-grass is giving a good show on the saltmarsh. A single green hairstreak butterfly plus the first hatch of St Mark's flies were seen over the dunes on the 30th. There are good displays of cowslips and field mouse-ear. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB RESERVES http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx South Lincolnshire bird sightings March 2014 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 *** LNU 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 *** 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. Chris Packham on Malta's bird shooting policies http://www.chrispackham.co.uk/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27177582 Norwich Cathedral peregrine falcons hatch fourth chick http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-27212997 Pine marten 'photo-bombs' red squirrel survey http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27204667 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/