============================================= || || 26th April 2015 || || 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. If you know someone who would like to receive the Bulletin please send them this webpage link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php 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.... *** Will the St Mark's Flies turn up in force this weekend? Reliable enough to be named after the Saint's Day, their emergence should be a reflection of current climatic trends. Your reports, please. [I saw 2 on 23rd, I think.] Sumer is icumen in, Loude sing cuckou! For the lyrics, see: http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/medlyric/cuckou.php I heard a cuckoo at 5.20am on 22nd April, about a week earlier than I would usually expect. No doubt other reports will be coming in. The story of cuckoo migration is illustrated on the following link: http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking We are fans of Starlings and have had a good take-up of nest boxes. Pairs of starlings can be seen hunting over the lawn together and small social groups come together for company from time to time. Starling song is coming from every corner of the garden. Wonderful! Did you know that: The Starling's conservation status is Red? http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/s/starling/ Starlings are protected? http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/s/starling/legal.aspx That starling numbers have fallen by 66 per cent in Britain since the mid-1970s? http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/s/starling/population_conservation.aspx On the 19th I was pleased to spot a "Parson" in the leek field west of the end of the RAF Coningsby runway. I hope you all know what creature that is. There are some entertaining links in "and finally....." Have a look. Thanks for this week's contributions - please keep your reports coming in. Roger *** St Mark's Fly *** St Mark's Fly got its name from the date on which adult flies emerge each year - typically 25th April. It would be interesting to see how their emergence goes this year across the county - so eyes out for them, please. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/species-of-the-day/scientific-advances/industry/bibio-marci/ http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/explore-wildlife/animals/minibeasts/st-mark-s-fly *** Reminder - 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 will begin to start emerging in the coming weeks. 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 Beetlers charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** LNU Events - full list in section 11 - guests are welcome *** To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php 2015 Field Meetings. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, April 26, 2015 Little Haw Wood - (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) Southwest of Castle Bytham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** Hedgehog Awareness Week *** Marion Ellis writes: Did you know it is Hedgehog Awareness Week 3 - 9 May? We were pleased to see a hedgehog on the prowl the other evening. http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk *** Identification skills? Like to know more? *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) 2015 Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union are listed below in section 11. All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. *** Reminder - Ray Halstead - Recorder - Fungi *** Request: No records or queries for now, please. *** Mermaid's Purses - request for records. *** Dave Miller writes: If anyone is visiting the coast could they please look out for mermaid's purses. Take a picture and send to me, with location, at: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk If you do this regularly, Dave can send you an identification sheet from the Shark Trust. *** Invitation to a Family Pond Dip at Rimac *** Lizzie Lemon - Outer Humber and Coastal Assistant Warden - writes: On Sunday 28th May there will be a free pond dipping session for families. Come along and discover what creatures can be found in our pond! Meet at the Rimac Eco-classroom 10am-12noon, no need to book, contact Lizzie on 07557 038522 for more information. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Sunday 26th April 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on an early morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Meet in the car park at 8am. 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 contact Ray - 01472 320878. *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** George Rutter writes: Sunday 3rd May 10am - 4pm Rigsby Wood Open Day (TF421 762) Winter working parties have concentrated on clearing scrub such as brambles in the hope of promoting the bluebells. As usual we hope the timing of the day will be about right. *** Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival launch Saturday 16th May *** To find out more about this 16 day Festival and download the brochure: http://www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** Members and non-members welcome. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Programme of events and booking of Wash Trips. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 17/4/2015 Ring Ouzel male, golf course, Huttoft Bank Garganey drk, hide pit, Kirkby on Bain pits Blue-headed Wagtail, Toft Newton reservoir Ring Ouzel male, Little Steeping 2 Ring Ouzels, Gibraltar Point Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats Probable Ashy-headed Wagtail, Roads Farm, Frampton Marsh 3 Ring Ouzels 2 males, paddock off Bank End, North Somercotes Hen Harrier, Donna Nook 2 Ring Ouzels 1 male, in quarry, Greetwell Hollow 18/4 Ring Ouzel male, in horse paddock by approach track, Messingham Sand Quarry 5 Ring Ouzels in horse paddock, Nettleton Spoonbill imm, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Garganey drk, hide pit, Kirkby on Bain pits Blue-headed Wagtail, Ring Ouzel, Toft Newton reservoir Blue-headed Wagtail by Wyndham Garden Hotel SW of Marston, Grantham 2 Ring Ouzels, Covenham Reservoir 2 Ring Ouzels NW of Langrick on west bank of Riover Witham Ring Ouzel, in horse paddock, Tetney Lock 19/4 Scaup, Freiston Shore 2 Ring Ouzels, Covenham Reservoir Spoonbill imm, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 2 Ring Ouzels, Nocton Fen 5 Ring Ouzels, 3 males, off Bank End, Ring Ouzel in paddock off Marsh Lane, North Somercotes Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Glaucous gull, Gibraltar Point 3 Ring Ouzels, Barnetby le Wold Garganey drk, hide pit, Kirkby on Bain pits Ring Ouzel male, in horse paddock by approach track, Messingham Sand Quarry 5 Ring Ouzels in horse paddock, Nettleton 20/4 13+ Ring Ouzels, Rigsby Warren Blue-winged Teal, Donna Nook 2 Blue-headed Wagtails by Wyndham Garden Hotel SW of Marston, Grantham Spoonbill imm, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier, Antons Gowt 2 Ring Ouzels, Covenham Reservoir 21/4 Little Bunting male, Glaucous Gull, Rough-legged Buzzard flew south, Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point Blue-winged Teal, Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl, Donna Nook Black-headed Grebe, Toft Newton reservoir Blue-headed Wagtail male with 20+ Yellow Wagtails, in field by Wyndham Garden Hotel SW of Marston, Grantham Rough-legged Buzzard drifted south over, then inland, Saltfleetby 6 Ring Ouzels, Risby Warren Rough-legged Buzzard, Mamby Flashes Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Louth. 22/4 9-18 Black Brant ad, with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, pale-bellied Brent Goose, ringtail Hen Harrier, Grainthorpe Marsh, Grainthorpe Haven 2 Ring Ouzels, Waterwell Lane, Ancaster Ring Ouzel, Blue-winged Teal, Donna Nook 2 Blue-headed Wagtails, 1m, in field by Wyndham Garden Hotel SW of Marston, Grantham 2 Garganey drks, Freiston Shore Richard's Pipit East Dunes, SpoonbillTennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Louth. 23/4 1-8 hybrid Blue-headed x Yellow Wagtail, in field by Wyndham Garden Hotel SW of Marston, Grantham Black-headed Grebe, Toft Newton reservoir Little Gull, Trentt Port, Marton Garganey, hide Pit, Kirkby on Bain GPs 2 Ring Ouzels, Waterwell Lane, Ancaster Blue-winged Teal, 20 Twite, Donna Nook Common Scoter, Toft Newton reservoir 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: 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 LOCATIONS: please give full information on each individual Gorse record: the location [with grid ref], your name, the date, and any habitat notes of interest. The stage of flowering is a key observation, from plants with no flowers through the range to plants in full flowering. Kirkby Moor TF22 4618 19.04.15 Jacquie Harrison All bushes seen from central path now in full bloom - only those south-facing had started to bloom on 08.02.15 Kirkby Road from Woodhall Spa TF221 630 19.04.15 Jacquie Harrison All bushes seen in flower - again on 08.02.15 only those catching the sun had started to flower. Kirkby Pits reserve car park c TF238 615 19.04.15 Jacquie Harrison Gorse here and at public footpath entrance in bloom. *** 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. CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 17.4.15 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Fox f 3am 16.4.15. Trailcam Hedgehog entering bramble patch 3am 17.4.15. First sighting this year. Trailcam Blackcap, first time heard this year 20.4.15 Collared dove fledgling on lawn 23.4.15 Great spotted woodpecker able to feed on squirrel-proof nut feeder 17.4.15 Moorhen on lawn 19.4.15 Red-legged partridges, pair, daily Willow warbler 18.4.15. First sighting since 2012 Wren's nest in base of fern Frog, 1 year old by stream 20.4.15 First 2015 sighting of insects 17.4.15 Tawny mining bees on lawn, Yellow dung fly, 18.4.15 Brimstone butterfly egg-laying on Alder buckthorn Carder bees 6 on Water avens 20.4.15 First flowers 18.4.15 Bird cherry, Wild arum A46 between Cabourne and Swallow TA 164 026 Badger roadkill 17.5.15 Hundon Manor Farm TA 116 024 P Robinson Canada geese 2 daily Mute swans, pair, defending nest Whimbrel calling 18.4.15 Tufted ducks, pair, 18.4.15 Yellowhammer 17.4.15 Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 B Jacob Evening 20.4.15 Grey partridges pair Jays 4 Mistlethrushes 2 Pied wagtail Ring ouzels 3, first sighting ever 21.4.15 Cuckoo calling North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 A Wish 21.4.15 Bullfinch on Apple tree Frogs 8 adults in 6x6ft pond Holly blue butterflies, several Shieling farm TA 106 027 Wendy Collins Robin's nest with four nestlings in Euonymus. Young fledge 20.4.15 Dark-edged bee-fly in greenhouse. Wendy says she's ever seen one before Other Brigg Road near Owmby TA 079 052 Ben Jacob Cowslips in field: magnificent display 21.4.15 CARLTON LE MOORLAND Fred Jacques 16/04/2015 Swallow(x1) CARLTON LE MOORLAND Fred Jacques 22/04/2015 Cuckoo heard. (approx. 14.00hrs) CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson Carlton le Moorland 490674, 358304 19/4/15 Speckled Wood (first this year) Blackcap singing. 20/4/15 First House Martins return. DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve Date: 18/04/2015 Time: 0900 to 1215 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, cool Birds: Blackbird Blackcap Blue Tit Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaf Common Tern Coot Cormorant Dunnock Gadwall Garden Warbler Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull House Sparrow Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Mediterranean Gull Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pheasant Reed Bunting Robin Rook Sand Martin Shoveler Song Thrush Sparrowhawk Tufted Duck Willow Warbler Wren Mammals: Grey Squirrel Butterflies: Peackock Small Tortoiseshell Small White DONNA NOOK Donna Nook Sightings April 2015 via Lizzie Lemon Avocets Barn Owl (inland) Black kite - flew off NW Blackcap Blue winged teal (last seen 22nd April) Brambling Brent Geese Bullfinch Common Snipe Chiffchaff Common Buzzard Common Redstart Common Sandpiper Common Whitethroat Corn Bunting Cuckoo Dunlin Goldcrest Grasshopper Warbler Green Sandpiper Greenshank Grey Heron Grey Plover Hen Harrier Hobby House Martin Jack Snipe Kestrel Lapwing Redshank Red-throated Diver (flew north at sea) Redwing Lesser Whitethroat Linnet Little Ringed Plover Long-tailed Tit Marsh Harrier Merlin Peregrine Pied wagtail Ring Ouzel Rough- legged Buzzard (flying south) Ruff Sand Martin Sedge Warbler Short-eared Owl Sparrowhawk Spoonbill Stonechat Swallow Teal Tree Sparrow Water pipit Water Rail Wheatear Whimbrel White Wagtail Willow Warbler Yellow Wagtail GIBRALTAR POINT - SEACROFT MARSH TF566602 Robert Walker 12/4/15 Grass Snakes 3 This was a group out on the short, rabbit nibbled grass area in front of the dunes, comprising 1 smaller snake plus the 2 large ones ( approx. 2' 6" length), who were obviously involved in courtship. GRIMSBY Longitude Wood R. Parsons 21/4/2015 Cetti's Warbler - 2 Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell butterfly. Butterbur by River Freshney HATTON TF168762 Robert Walker 19/4/15 Badger 1 roadkill, side of A158 HEALING R Julier TA212102 Footpath 8th Apr 2015 Bombylius major - feeding on Forget-me-not. HEMINGBY area Silvia Fowler 20.04.2015 Buzzard x 3 (TF2475 approx.) St. Mark’s Flies (TF255758) Swallow (TF239753) Brown Hare x 2 (TF2474 or TF2475) Brown Hare, road kill near Hemingby, but can't recall exact location HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 7/4/15 Peacock butterfly 1 Brimstone " 1 14/4/15 Tadpoles - thousands of newly hatched tadpoles in pond. 22/4/15 Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorium) 1 in conservatory, managed to get outside. Hedgehogs - still no sighting in the garden this spring, however most mornings there are fresh droppings on the paths. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) 10/4/2015 Chaffinch 1, Owl 1 (heard early morning), Peacock butterfly 2, Small tortoiseshell butterfly 1 Starlings 4 12/4/2015 Chaffinch 1 13/4/2015 Chaffinch 1 14/4/2015 Blue tits 2 (one collecting moss for nest box) Great tits 2 (in and out of nest box) Green veined white butterfly 1 Magpies 2 Starlings 2 Wren 1 18/4/2015 Blue tits 2 Chaffinch 2 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Great tits 2 Robins 2 (one feeding the other) 19/4/2015 Robins 2 (one feeding the other) Song thrush 1 20/4/2015 Brimstone butterfly 1 (my first ever, seen at the side of my lane which is at the side of a field) Green veined white butterfly 1 (on dandelion) Song thrush 1 Wren 1 (eating worm on terrace) 21/4/2015 Green veined white butterfly 1 (on honesty) Holly Blue butterfly 1 LINCOLN Greetwell Quarry N R, Lincoln Colin J Green 16 Apr, 2015 Small Tortoiseshell 11 Peacock 17 Comma 7 Speckled Wood 1 Brimstone 2 Whites 3 (unable to identify - at some distance) Common Carder Bee 5 all nectaring on what I think were violets Red-tailed Bumblebee 2 Buff-tailed 1 No Green Hairstreaks seen which was the main purpose of my visit. A little early for Greetwell but none have been seen for a couple of years as far as I am aware. LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 25/04/2015 Jayne Knight 17/04/15 Trip out to Bransby Horses resulted in viewing many Swallows winging across the paddocks or perched on the telephone wires which run down Cow Lane in the village. Also observed a spectacularly ginger species of Mining Bee in the apple orchard picnic area. 20/04/15 While sitting out for coffee in the garden, right next to a Rosemary bush, can see and Early Bumblebee and a Garden Bumblebee working the flowers. Also a Hedgehog left some droppings on the path outside back door overnight. First evidence this year. 23/04/15 Trip to the Cathedral to spot Peregrines, heard one calling and another going into the louvres of a tower. Surmised it was the male taking food to the sitting female. Also, on the East Green, the flower mosaic is now viewable which portrays Operation Manna during the 2nd World War. The blooms are stunning, the perfume intense and the muscari especially, covered in bees. MUCKTON WOOD Muckton Wood nature reserve 21 04 15 John walker and Peter Childs Insects, very active honey bee colony in same tree as 2014. Several bee flies and bumblebees also active in warm sunshine. Several of: peacock, small tortoiseshell and green veined white and 1 male orange tip. Oak trees in leaf ash trees not. (oak before ash were in for a splash, and so far this year it's more like a drip ) Birds included green woodpecker 1 pair, tawny owl 1 pair, bullfinch 1 pair, treecreeper 1, nuthatch 1, goldcrest 1 song, chiffchaff 5 song, blackcap 3 song, willow warbler 1 song. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 18.04.2015 Kestrel hovering over pasture Skylark Tawny Mining Bee Not 6, but 12 eggs in pheasant nest in flower border (reported 05.04.15; not checked since), but no sign of the pheasant. 23.04.2015 Brimstone, Peacock, Small White butterflies (1 ea.) Large Bee-fly (Bombylius major) RED HILL R Julier TF265808 20th Apr 2015 Muntjac - sunbathing at the edge of the field next to the reserve. SKEGNESS Coastal Eco Centre TF556620 R. Parsons 24/4/2015 Bee fly working cowslips Andrena spp Speckled wood, Peacock, Small tortoiseshell Cramp Balls SLEAFORD - River Slea near The Hub. R. Parsons 22/4/2015 Many ducklings and young moorhens. Yellow Wagtail Buzzard over active Rookery THEDDLETHORPE 23rd April 2015 John Cowell 2 male whitethroat on the dunes 9.30am today between Brickyard & Crook Bank. A pair of Shelduck are regulars on the beach opposite Brickyard entrance. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 17/04/15 Blackbird nest with 4 eggs Dunnock nest with 4 eggs Peacock x 1 SK809993 Cowslips in flower SK799989 18/04/15 Barn Owl x 1 calling 1.15am Blackbird x 2 Coot x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 4 (1 nest, 4 eggs) House Martin x 2 SK813999 Linnet x 2 Oystercatcher x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin 1 Stock Dove x 2 adults, 1 nestling (rung), 1 unhatched egg Tree Sparrow x 5 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 20/04/15 Blackcap x 1 SE804003 Chaffinch x 1 Great Tit x 2 Willow Warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 Brown Hare x 2 SK810997 Peacock x 6 21/04/15 Brimstone x 5 & 1 Speckled Wood SE8000 22/04/15 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 SE813000 23/04/15 Barn Owl x 1 daytime hunting early morning, x 2 calling 11.00pm Chaffinch x 1 Sedge warbler x 1 SK808993 Willow Warbler x 1, x 1 SK808993 Common Toad x 1 in vegetable plot under black plastic sheeting WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 18/4/3015 Tawny owl called twice in garden at approx 9am. Bombus hypnorum q; B. lapidarius q; B. leucorum q. Small all-black bumblebee sp. 21/4 Holly Blue over our Quince tree. 22/4 Cuckoo heard 05.20 hrs. Approx. location TF 2154 [RP] 22/4 Yellowhammers - pair Stockdove - pair Bank Vole ad. on top of compost heap under plastic sheet. 23/4 Probable St Mark's fly, 2, over verges on Hurnbridge Road 4pm. 24/4 Astounding dawn chorus at 5.15am including Tawny owls. Loricera pilicornis - larger specimen than the last one. Evicted. Orange tip butterfly. Cuckoo calling. Canada Farm apiary TF224538 R. Parsons 18/4/2014 One, possibly 2, f Wheatears [Often seen in this area this time of year] Queen wasp sp - large specimen - inspecting hive WOOLSTHORPE ROADSIDE VERGE SK92/94 Jane Ostler 22nd April,2015 The verges are begining to look attractive with the blackthorn in flower, the hawthorn in leaf and the drifts of violets and cowslips in the grass. Though it was cloudy with a cool wind some insect interest was found. Insects - Speckled Wood Butterfly flying low in bushes Buff tailed and white tailed bumble bees. Carder bumble bees. A redtailed bee searching for a nest site. 'Volcanoes' of Andrena fulva mining bees. Hairy leg flower bees, male and female Bee fly Yellow dung fly Mammals - Evidence of rabbit, weasel and deer. A muntjak has been seen on the adjacent disused railway line recently. Birds - A whitethroat singing in bushes Swallows flying over - they nest in nearby stables. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs and S Lincs Highlights including RSPB Wash Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Lincolnshire bird sightings January 2014 RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley [Assisted by Colin Jennings] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gibraltar Point News. Reports always welcome. See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. NNR Week ending 16th - 23rd April 2015 Contributors: Nigel Lound, Peter Roworth, Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison Birds The winds from north and north east have kept temperatures down and limited spring migration but by the end of the week it appears that most spring migrants are now in. Lots of whimbrel movement along the reserve and always nice to hear the cuckoos back. A cuckoo was heard at Crook Bank in the afternoon of 16th. Swallows now seen daily, along with yellow wagtail x1, siskin x1, kingfisher x2 flying over saltmarsh. The number of willow warblers on the reserve has increased with 3 singing between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane. A fourth willow warbler singing on 18th, also the first lesser white- throat in and singing on territory, siskin x1, blackcap and chiffchaff also present. Six whimbrel on salt marsh and common sandpiper at Eau outfall. Sunday 19th was very quiet with strong northerly winds, cold and cloudy. Pair of Great-spotted woodpecker between Brickyard and Churchill, brambling x1 at Sea View, plus black cap. Weather much improved by Monday 20th, with clear skies, but heavy frost. Cuckoo x 2 new in and sitting along dune edge in the sun away from the breeze. Yellow wagtail x1, another 2 lesser whitethroat in and over 70 linnet between Brickyard and Churchill along with a steady movement of small groups of goldfinches going north. Sedge warbler at Rimac, plus sightings of marsh harrier in the area. Common whitethroat and whimbrel x3 at Sea View with another 6 whimbrel on salt marsh. A chilly start to Tuesday 21st with a moderate ground frost of -3.0°C (air -0.5°C). The number of linnets now over 200 and estimate that there are several hundred along reserve as a whole. This is a spring feature in April as birds feed in short turf and fields before dispersing to breed/head on northwards. Goldfinch movement north continues. Also, yellow wagtail x1 flying north, lesser whitethroat x1. Rough legged buzzard seen from Crook Bank going south, likely to be the same bird seen at Gibraltar Point later in the day. Over next few days wheatear x1, whimbrel x8 and shelduck x24 on salt marsh, 2 cuckoos flying south over Paradise, plus 1 Common Sandpiper over Eau outfall. Goldcrest in full song at Brickyard Lane and cuckoo singing and flying south from Rimac. On 23rd lesser whitethroat x7, whitethroat x12, willow warbler x11, blackcap x5, chiffchaff x3, grasshopper warbler x3, sedge warbler x3, cuckoo x2 all in and singing. Also 3 pair¡¯s bullfinch and 2 snipe at Rimac, c.20 Swallows feeding high over Sea View Road area in a tight flock, until then seen only in ones and twos. Other birds this week include kingfisher x2 and common sandpiper x3 at Saltfleet and a pair of grey partridge at Rimac. Butterflies In the afternoons, when temperature have risen, there have been small numbers of peacock, small tortoiseshell and the odd green-veined white. A single speckled wood was spotted on the wing near Paradise woods on 18th. On 22nd, where temperatures reached 14.5¢ªC, the first holly blue and green hairstreak x2 at Brickyard Lane & large white and a couple of peacocks on the wing at Sea View. Orange tip at Churchill on 23rd. Flowers With little rain over the past month, the dunes are very dry and short on flowering. On 21st spring beauty was coming into flowers. The blackthorn is flowering well however and is now looking excellent and providing a good nectar source. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Limewoods are notable for the few reports we receive for the Bulletin, so you can help by sending in sightings if you visit. Two good links about the Limewoods are: 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 in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 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) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in 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 re-editing: 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.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. FIGHTING 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 Website: http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** 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 *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website. A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives *** 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: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 Ashley Butterfield, LNU Reptile and Amphibian Recorder, adds: The recordpool is a joint ARGUK and ARC Trust project that aims to collect herpetofauna data from the uk that might not otherwise be recorded and make it available for conservation purposes. As such you will have access to your own records at full resolution and other records at a lower resolution. You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK with any specific questions. angela.digges@clara.co.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 *** 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 *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** 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. *** 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 badger reports. USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.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 Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** 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/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** 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 *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project has produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Ruth Craig http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer RSPB Websites: 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/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html Lincsbirders - Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk 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! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 some 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 Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , 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 sometimes withhold precise details 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. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. 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. 2015 Field Meetings. Sunday, April 26, 2015 Little Haw Wood -(Courtesy of Forestry Commission) Southwest of Castle Bytham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 31, 2015 Fulsby Wood SSSI - (Private) (Courtesy of Tumby Estate) South of Horncastle 10am to 4pm. Park in Tumby saw mill car park at TF254602 (PE22 7TD) which is on north side of A155 between Coningsby and Mareham le Fen. Leader will be at car park for 10am and then again for 1pm for afternoon only attendees. Habitats: Ancient woodland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, June 05, 2015 Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) (multi-organizational Bioblitz event with evening moth sessions) South of Wragby Evening session on Friday from 9pm, then all day recording on Saturday and Sunday. Evening session on Saturday starting at 9pm. Times TBC. Use both car parks near to Wood Centre at TF147739 (LN8 5JR) Toilets available on site. Habitats: Various woodland types, pasture, scrub and ponds. Contacts: Anne Goodall 01526 398182 anne.goodall@esl-lincoln.co.uk and Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, June 06, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Sunday, June 07, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Saturday, June 27, 2015 Poplar Farm, Low Hameringham (Courtesy of Tony Smith) South of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 21.15. Use farmyard for parking at TF305662 Habitats: Various grassland types, marsh, chalk stream Leader: Mark Schofield 07825 970930 mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Saturday, July 11, 2015 Thorne (Beehives) Ltd Rand West of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF106787 (LN8 5NJ) which is off minor lane northwards off A158 (about 500m on right past Rand Farm Park entrance). Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, wildflower meadows, gardens, ponds and lakes. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, August 15, 2015 White House Farm, Branston Fen (Courtesy of Peter Lundgren) SE of Lincoln, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.30. Park in farmyard at TF085705 (LN3 5UP) which is at end of North Causeway found off the B1190 at Branston Booths. Habitats: Grassland, ditches, arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 06, 2015 Metheringham Delph East of Metheringham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Road verge parking alongside Carr Dyke near western end of the Delph at approx.TF114 620. Take minor road off B1189 between Metheringham Habitats: Grassland, river, ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 11, 2015 Fungus Foray - TBC TBC - see Wildnews Bulletin, website or contact a member of the Executive Committee for further details. Also see: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union June 6th: Entomological Techniques Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about entomological techniques such as sweep netting, following identification keys and dealing with specimens? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. July 4th: Grasses Workshop Interested in Plants but would like to know more in particular about Grasses? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. August 1st: Bug Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Bugs? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. September 19th: Spider Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? Come along and find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** A text copy of past Bulletins will be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails - see notes above. biblio nev - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying User unknown in virtual mailbox table lisa blezzard - hard bounce - The recipient's mailbox is full and can't accept messages now. Jellis - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying mwalker - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Gibraltar Point nature reserve centre to be demolished http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32352248 Lincoln Castle may be outsourced to private sector http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32348876 Gainsborough recycling centre fire 'seen from miles away' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32348867 RAF Waddington 'unexploded bomb' was WW2 practice shell http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32430124 Dutch bulb mosaic marks Operation Manna campaign http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32388511 Lincolnshire Austin 7 Club in rally to prove county is not flat http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32366880 Bees 'get a buzz' from pesticides http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32399907 Lorry full of honey bees overturns in Washington State http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32356471 BBC - UK In Spring http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150421-your-pictures-spring-awakened *** Quiz - British Birds *** Buntings, Sparrows and Starlings http://www.educationquizzes.com/specialist/nature/british-birds---buntings-sparrows-and-starlings/ ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/