============================================= || || 23rd August 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.... *** Readers' contributions are vital to keep it the Bulletin interesting. If wildlife is worth watching, it is worth recording too, so please keep your reports coming. This week we can also offer you news of: The next LNU field meeting by the River Slea SE of Ruskington. "Dormouse Open Day 2015" on Sunday 23rd August, 10am-4pm. An early morning bird walk near Grimsby. A talk on "Medicinal Plants of Lincolnshire and Their Uses" "The Great British Beach Clean" - 18th-21st September 2015, in particular a beach clean at Anderby Creek on Saturday 19th September starting at 10am. "Spider Workshop" - September 19th. "Caring for God's Acre" conference: Monday 7th September. An RSPB talk: 'From Marrakech to Massa' There has been a lot of interest in the Red-footed Falcon at Willowtree Fen. See: https://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=032037 http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3603 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/willow-tree-fen A note for the diary: Total Lunar Eclipse on 28th September. Cloud permitting, you could sit out in your deckchair with a warming drink! Or maybe watch it from your hot tub! See: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html http://www.mreclipse.com/ If you know someone who might find the LNU Bulletin useful, please send them this link and suggest they sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Remind them: There is no need to go online. The Bulletin arrives in your inbox each week with the latest reports from readers, plus news of Lincolnshire events and activities to enjoy. Roger p.s . Don't forget: 12. ...and finally..... *** LNU Events - full list in section 11 below - guests 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. Note: the Metheringham Delph meeting has been changed as follows: Sunday, September 06, 2015 River Slea Southeast of Ruskington, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use the riverside North Kesteven 'Stepping Out' car park at TF105 496 which is just west of Haverholme Priory, off the minor road between Ruskington and Ewerby. Habitats: River, woodland, scrub and ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Dormouse Open Day 2015 *** Anne Goodall writes: Dormouse Open Day 2015, at Chambers Farm Wood on Sunday 23rd August, 10am-4pm. This coincides with our normal box checking day, so small parties will be taken to see the checking process, and hopefully also to see and photograph some dormice! Also refreshments, tombola stall, raffle, display, nut hunts...Fun for all the family. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/VenueDetails.aspx?venuecode=10455 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chambersfarmwood *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Sunday 30th August 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on an early morning bird walk with Ray Hume. ] Meet at 8am at the roundabout at junction of Moody Lane and Gilbey Road on the Pywipe Estate, Grimsby. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout boots and bring binoculars. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details ring Ray Hume 01472 320878. *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** The Natural History and Geology Section of Scunthorpe Museum Society. The new indoor season for this year starts on Monday, 14th September. Trudy Norris, FNIMH, BACP, Herbalist, Lymphoedema Therapist and Counsellor, will be giving a talk on "Medicinal Plants of Lincolnshire and Their Uses". Please remember that we meet in St Bernadette's Church Parish Hall, opposite The Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, DN16 2RS. Meetings start at 7.15pm There is no entry fee but a donation bowl is provided. There is ample free parking in the church grounds. For more information ring Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Great British Beach Clean *** Get ready for the Great British Beach Clean - 18th-21st September 2015 http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/greatbritishbeachclean Dave Miller writes: I am running a beach clean at Anderby Creek on Saturday 19th September starting at 10am. Just turn up.I will provide pickers, gloves, hoops and bags. *** Spider Workshop *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union 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. *** Apple Days 2015 *** Woolsthorpe Manor Apple Day - Sunday October 11th. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor/things-to-see-and-do/events/ Southwell Bramley Apple Festival http://www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/whats-on/bramley-apple-festival-2015-p474161 *** Identifying Hawkers *** Some identification tips are available here: http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/anisoptera-dragonflies *** Caring for God's Acre *** Sue Cooper writes: The Beautful Burial Ground Conference Monday 7th Sept, 10am to 4.30pm at St John the Baptist Church, High Toynton, Lincs Simple ways to create a haven for wildlife, for heritage and for people. Hear from specialists in the natural and historic environment, attend workshops of your choice, meet organisations who can help, claim a reduced price Burial Ground Action pack. Cost £15 to include lunch and refreshments To book contact Caring for God's Acre tel: 01588 673041, e-mail: info@cfga.org.uk http://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk *** Reminder - Ray Halstead - Recorder - Fungi *** Request: No records or queries for now, please. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Maureen Staples writes: RSPB Indoor Meeting 10/9/15 We invite you to join us at Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln on Thursday 10th September 2015 for a presentation entitled 'From Marrakech to Massa' by Chris Ward. Start 7.30pm RSPB members and students £3.00 Non members £4.00 Free parking. *** South Lincs RSPB *** Members and non-members welcome. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Programme of events and booking of Wash Trips. *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** 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/ [Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....."] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 14/8 Wood Sandpiper, Marston sewage works 2 Pied Flycatchers, Gibraltar Point Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen Barred Warbler NW side of realignment, Donna Nook 4 Spoonbills on South Scrape, Frampton Marsh 14 Spoonbills, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Pied Flycatcher trapped and ringed in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper, Fitties End Pools, Wood Sandpiper by lock gates, Tetney Marshes Black-necked Grebe, Deeping Lakes Barred Warbler NW corner of realignment, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Donna Nook Black Tern, as Arctic Tern, Apex Pit, North Hykeham Short-eared Owl, Gooseman's fields, Grimsby 15/8 Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen Black-necked Grebe, Deeping Lakes 12 Spoonbills, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Black Stork landed near Cowbank Drain, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper, Marston sewage works 2 Spoonbills, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 10 Black Terns past, 11 Arctic Terns, Little Tern, Sooty Shearwater, Donna Nook 5 Turtle Doves over Theddlethorpe Dunes, Saltfleetby 16/8 7 Spoonbills, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 5 Spoonbills, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 6 Spoonbills, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Alkborough Flats Garganey, Manby Flashes Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Cleethorpes Black-necked Grebe, Deeping Lakes Little Stint, Donna Nook Great White Egret, River Trent, Alkborough Flats Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen 17/8 Wood Sandpiper, Manby Flashes Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen Night Heron ad reported, flew west over Tetney 18/8 Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen 5 Spoonbills, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper, Manby Flashes 19/8 2 Black Terns, Osprey, Horseshoe Point 2 Black Terns juvs, Huttoft beach then flew south, 14 Black Terns flew North offshore, Huttoft Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen Wood Sandpiper, 3 Little Stints, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh Pomarine Skua flew south past, 8 Black Terns, 7 Spoonbills, Spitted Redshank, Gibraltar Point 20/8 4 Wood Sandpipers, Manby Flashes 2 Pomarine Skuas off beach, 13 Spoonbills, Little Stint, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen 8 Yellow-legged Gulls between Crowle and Eastoft by A161 2 Spoonbills, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 21/8 Red-footed Falcon 1s male, Willowtree Fen Spoonbill, 3 Wood Sandpipers, 5 Little stints, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 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. The kindness of 'birders' and camoflague working On Saturday 15/08/15 teatime, after a meeting in Ancaster, I couldn't resist going to Willow Tree Fen LWT reserve to see the red-footed falcon as they are such wonderful birds. As most people were viewing it from the distant bank, I knew that I wouldn't manage to carry my spotting scope and tripod that far due to my wonky hip, so set off with just my bins. I was walking down the access track when a birder set-up his scope and checked that he could still see the bird from where he was and then offered me a view - this was great as I didn't then need to complete the walk. I did continue on a bit further and another man again offered to let me see the bird through his scope. This kindness is often seen in the birding community and I would like to say thank you to both of them. On the way back, we also saw a good number of yellow wagtails near the path, mainly juveniles. Early evening on Sunday 16/08/15, John and I were leaving Kirkby Moor LWT reserve along the access track and there were two little owls on the trackside. They were so well-camoflagued against the heath that John had not pointed them out when he first saw one as he thought he was mistaking a large stone for an owl! We had wonderful views as one tried to stare us out as we passed. There were also a good number of green woodpeckers scattered throughout the woods. No gorse bushes were seen in flower. Jacquie Harrison 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. ROAD KILLS: Peter Morrell KIRTON IN LINDSEY SK 9624 9687 Peter Morrell 01.08.15 Badger road kill on the A15. HIBALDSTOW SE 9737 0383 Peter Morrell 01.08.15 Hedgehog road kill on B1207. STOW SK 8866 8130 Peter Morrell 03.08.15 Hedgehog road kill on B1241. STURTON BY STOW SK 8908 7985 Peter Morrell 03.08.15 Badger road kill on B1241. MESSINGHAM SE 8816 6428 Peter Morrell04.08.15 Badger road kill on North Moor Lane. HIBALDSTOW SE 9594 0228 Peter Morrell 08.08.15 Badger road kill on A15. SAXILBY SK 8952 7535 Peter Morrell 11.08.15 Hedgehog road kills on B1241. DODDINGTON SK 9230 6886 Peter Morrell 17.08.15 Hedgehog road kill on Lincoln Road. DODDINGTON SK 8880 7265 Peter Morrell 17.08.15 Hedgehog road kill on Carr Lane. LINCOLN SK 9306 6873 SK9326 6907 Peter Morrell 18.08.15 Hedgehog road kill x 2 on Pershore Way SCUNTHORPE SK 9402 0709 Peter Morrell 20.08.15 Hedgehog road kil.l on Kirton Road. KIRTON IN LINDSEY SK 9386 9874 Peter Morrell 20.08.15 Hedgehog road kill on South Cliff Road. *** 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. BRANSTON FEN Branston Fen report - Brian Hedley TF082704 8 August 2015 LNU field meeting led by Brian Hedley to White Home Farm courtesy of Peter Lundgren and attended by 20 people. Comprised an afternoon session followed by an evening moth/bat session. Sunny, hot and dry. About 120 plant species recorded including flixweed, large-flowered hemp-nettle, common cat-mint and dwarf mallow. Forty bird species were noted in the vicinity of the farm including good number of yellow wagtails, tree sparrows, reed buntings and linnets. Other species included grey partridge, little egret, marsh harrier, buzzard, oystercatcher, lapwing, common snipe, barn owl, tawny owl and lesser whitethroat. Seven mammals were noted including common and soprano pipistrelles, noctule bat, water vole and fox. Common frog juveniles were seen and two common lizard sightings were made. Seventeen butterfly species were recorded including small copper, Essex skipper, painted lady, brimstone, ringlet and comma. Dragonflies and damselflies were a real feature of the farm and 12 species were noted including abundant emerald damselflies, frequent brown hawkers, a few ruddy darters, a pair of black-tailed skimmers and singles of migrant hawker, broad-bodied chaser and banded demoiselle. About 47 moth species were recorded during the afternoon and evening sessions including several associated with marsh/fen habitats such as lesser cream wave, small scallop and ear moth. Others included silver Y, ruby tiger, drinker, dingy footman, yellow-barred brindle, latticed heath, spindle ermine and caterpillars of emperor and either eyed or poplar hawk moth. A good selection of beetles were recorded by Charlie Barnes including a first for Lincolnshire, the weevil Choragus sheppardi (Nationally Notable A), plus the staphylind beetle Deleaster dichrous (Nationally Notable B) which is the third Lincolnshire record. Many other invertebrates were noted including negro bug, tree bumble bee and Roesel's bush-cricket. BUTTERWICK TF3944 17/08/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson We did the second (and final) WCBS butterfly survey today. Results were:- Large White 68 Small White 107 Painted Lady 1 Small Tortoiseshell 3 Peacock 4 Comma 1 Overhead was a flock of approx. 1,000 Golden Plover and we saw up to a dozen Yellow Wagtails, primarily juveniles. CAISTOR Week beginning 14.8.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Bat, probably Common pipistrelle, 11.50pm 13.8.15. Trailcam Brown rat on stream bank 3am 19.8.15. Trailcam Stoat takes juv rabbit on lawn 2pm 17.8.15 Great spotted woodpecker juv calling 16.8.15 Stock dove 15.8.15. Seldom seen Swallows 6 flying above bushes and trees in drizzle 14.8.15 Swallows 6 flying above lawn whilst being cut 17.8.15 Toadlet in flowerbed 16.8.15 Brown hawker dragonfly flying over lawn whilst being cut 17.8.15. Many thanks to Nick Tribe for his help with ID Common wasp nest in loft. Discovered 14.8.15 Emperor dragonfly flying over stream 17.8.15 Peacocks 16 on Buddleia bush at same time 16.8.15 Silver Y moth on Buddleia 15.8.15. First 2015 sighting Small purple and gold moth 17.8.15 First ripe fruits this week Guelder rose, Hawthorn Fungi Apple brown rot Blushing wood mushroom in Norway spruce wood Shaggy parasol 4 in Norway spruce wood Ben Jacob Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 First ripe Blackberries 15.8.15 Robin's pincushion gall on Dogrose 15.8.15 Gwen Bain Normanby Road garden with stream TA 114 097 Water vole takes apple from ground every night HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) Date 16/8/15 Collared dove 1 Peacock butterfly 1 Red Legged shield bug 1 Speckled wood 1 Date 20/8/15 Blackbird 1 Robins 2 Wrens 2 HUTTOFT PITS HUTTOFT PITS 16th August Dave Miller Blackbird 1 Black-headed Gull 1 Blue Tit 3 juveniles Crow 1 Common Gull 1 Common Sandpiper 1 Coot 9 Grey Heron 3 Herring Gull 1 House Martin 2 Kestrel 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Mallard 122 Marsh Harrier 1 juvenile Moorhen 7 Red-crested Pochard 1 Reed Warbler 1 Sedge Warbler 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Stock dove 2 Swallow 62 Teal 5 Woodpigeon 12 Wren 2 Speckled Wood 2 KIRTON IN LINDSEY SK 9555 9670 Peter Morrell 08.08.15 2 roe deer crossing on B1205. LINCOLN SK 9222 6736 Peter Morrell 19.08.15 5 Roe deer in a field next to A46. LINCOLN SK 9760 7072 Peter Morrell 31.07.15 Eel, perch and roach in Sincil Dike. REEPHAM TF040737 Catherine Wilson 13/08/15 Speckled Bush cricket happily enjoying a sage bush in the garden. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 12.08.2015 Several Large Yellow Underwing moths disturbed in different spots in garden borders 15.08.2015 Buzzard (also 16.08.2015) Kestrel Lacewings - 1 in garden, 1 in bedroom (seems early) 17.08.2015 Yponomeuta padella moth Painted Lady 2, Peacock 2, Red Admiral 1, Meadow Brown 1 and several white butterflies 19.08.2015 Sparrowhawk Grey Partridge 2 Swallow 7 20.08.2015 Approx. 25 Swallows gathered on power lines and flying with local House Martins; gone by the afternoon. Buzzard seen daily within TF3085/TF3185 (very vocal, but I could not make out any offspring) THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner + Paul Snow 14/08/15 Mottled Beauty x 1 Black Slugs x 23 15/08/15 Bullfinch x 1 Sand Martin x 2 (over) Stock Dove x 1 egg in nest box Common Toad x 1 Comma x 1 Meadow Brown x 2 Peacock x 4 Small White x 2 16/08/15 Black Headed Gull x 62 Common Gull x 2 Golden Plover x 21 Herring Gull x 5 Lesser Black Backed Gull x 12 all the above following the plough in field next to Thurnholmes Field Vole x 1 (dead) Moths; Garden Carpet x 2 Large Yellow Underwing x 1 Mother of Pearl x 2 Orange Swift x 1 Silver Y x 1 Straw Dot x 1 18/08/15 Large White x 1 Small White x 4 Large Yellow Underwing x 1 20/08/15 Mallard x 24 SK813993 WADDINGHAM DN21 4TH Jenny Hudd 9th August 2015 In garden 8pm Hummingbird Hawk-moth on red valerian (centranthus rubra) The first I've seen this year. Also in garden 11th August Painted lady butterfly x 2 on buddleia bush WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons Bird flocking noted this week in the fen. Mainly starlings and swallows. 20/8/2015 Fox caught on trail camera in garden. A regular. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Pending. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gibraltar Point News. Reports always welcome. It would be great if a Gib "regular" could let us have a contribution from time to time. See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 and DONNA NOOK ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 14th – 20th August 2015 Contributors: Peter Roworth, Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison & Nige Lound A near ground frost of 0.25°C was recorded on 16th and 17th and on 18th a minimum of 18hrs of continual drizzle and light rain gave 15.3mm of precipitation. Birds The high tide cycle didn’t develop and so didn’t yield many waders, with maximum numbers on 17th of 68 ringed plovers, 50 each of dunlin and sanderling, 200+ sandwich terns and 46 common terns. 14 sandwich terns flying over Sea View towards coast on 13th. Also, at Great Eau Outfall there were 28 dunlin, 47 redshank and 5 common sandpipers, plus 24 more redshank at Paradise pond and juv. marsh harrier flying south. Up to 5 turtle dove at any one time, with at least 3 juveniles and 1 pair probably still feeding young. Many finches, mainly on adjoining farmland, but using the reserve: linnet 60+, greenfinch 20+, goldfinch 60+. Also seen on the NNR this week - group of 26 whimbrel flying in, sparrow- hawk 2, peregrine, little owl, barn owl, black headed gull c.6000 roosting, common scoter 38, gannet 21, lesser white throat 3, whitethroat 8, black- cap 4, bullfinch 4 & common buzzard. Between Mablethorpe North End and Brickyard Lane gannet 2, whimbrel 2, sandwich tern 160, long-tailed tit 13, willow warbler 3, whitethroat 8, whinchat 2, sparrowhawk 1, ringed plover 50, common tern 3, great spotted woodpecker 1, chiffchaff 1, lesser whitethroat 8, bullfinch 3 and linnet 50 were all recorded on 15th August. Insects Butterflies seen on the NNR this week include: gatekeeper, peacock, large, small & green-veined white, small skipper, wall brown and speckled wood. A painted lady flew south along Crook Bank beach. Very fresh common blues on the wing at Rimac especially and a couple of speckled woods. Additionally, between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane, painted lady 4, brown argus 2, wall brown 4, small copper 3, common blue 5, large white c.20, peacock c.35, red admiral 4, small tortoiseshell 3, comma 2, also meadow brown, ringlet, small skipper, hedge brown, small white, green veined white, small heath and speckled wood were all recorded. Several migrant hawkers and 1 southern hawker were recorded in the area. Flora Water mint, angelica, great water parsnip, autumn gentian, scabious and harebell all seen. Dewberry, blackberry and rowan are now in fruit with hawthorn and sea buck- thorn berries beginning to turn colour. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ *** National Rural Crime Network *** Call for case studies as new website to tackle rural crime is launched. http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/National-Rural-Crime-Network.html See: http://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/ 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/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Mark Schofield writes: Always consider the provenance and sustainable sourcing of seed. Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. Bee-friendly gardeners should refer to their A-Z suppliers list which can be found here: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing Advice: www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ *** 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) *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project 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 local webpages *** 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://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.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. Note: Metheringham Delph meeting has been changed as follows: Sunday, September 06, 2015 River Slea Southeast of Ruskington, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use the riverside North Kesteven 'Stepping Out' car park at TF105 496 which is just west of Haverholme Priory, off the minor road between Ruskington and Ewerby. Habitats: River, woodland, scrub and 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 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. k.skingle - permanent fatal errors - over quota redpoll dircon - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying bumptydiddle - soft bounce - e-mail could not be delivered because the recipient is not accepting e-mail that contains specific words or phrases. Sue cfga - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying Monday 7th Sept Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Owls use 'stealth technology' to capture prey http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02zxt54 Perseid meteor shower: Your pictures in 45 seconds http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33909903 Is it legal to attack a seagull? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33982563 Early Britons: Have we underestimated our ancestors? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33963372 Ancient underwater plant 'could be world's first flower' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33969640 Spitfires take to skies in Battle of Britain memorial flight http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33910587 Search to uncover Grimsby trawler WW1 shipwrecks http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-33993465 Fracking in the pipeline as exploration sites offered to firms http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33975798 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/