============================================= || || 12th July 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.... *** Swallow under peanut feeder! I have never before noted a swallow feeding on the ground beneath a peanut feeder - but this year I have. I see swallows down after mud or bits of grass, but never have I seen one scavenging for crumbs. Has anyone else seen this? Our four local chicks fledged this week but are still sleeping in their base overnight - our old wash-house. http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/s/swallow/ I put out a "Flying Black Ant" reminder last week. Swallows are quick to notice when ants are on the wing, and you can often tell this is happening by the resulting swallow feeding frenzy. Reports, please. http://www.arkive.org/small-black-ant/lasius-niger/video-08a.html Several people have remarked on an absence of ladybirds this year. Certainly this is true where we live and I wonder if it is general around the county? Your observations will be welcome. http://www.ladybird-survey.org/species_list.aspx If there are events being arranged for National Whale and Dolphin Watch 25th July – 2nd August please let me know and I will give them a'plug'. See 'Coastal Events with the LWT' below. Also: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw Thank you for the contributions - very much appreciated. Please keep them coming. Every bit helps. If you know someone who might like to receive the Bulletin, please send them this link and suggest they sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Don't forget to have a look at: 12. ...and finally..... Roger *** 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. 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 See: http://www.thorne.co.uk/about-thorne *** Improve your Invertebrate Identification skills. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) 2015 Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union are listed below in section 11. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. Richard adds: the Bugs workshop on the 4th of August has only 3 places left. The Spiders workshop still has 9 places left. The Grasses workshop this coming Saturday has 22 people scheduled to attend with 5 more on the reserve list. Scroll down for more information below in section 11. Events Diary. *** 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 *** Coastal Events with the LWT *** Dave Miller writes Here is some info on some events coming up: On Sunday 19th July I will be leading a butterfly walk at Anderby Creek, meeting in the car park at 1pm. We will be walking down the dune path with the hope of seeing a few species. A gentle stroll back along the beach back to Anderby Creek afterwards. 1st & 2nd August I will be running sea watches at Skegness Pier and at the Round-and-Round hide at Anderby Creek. These will run from 10 - 4 both days with the hope of spotting harbour porpoise as part of this national survey in association with Sea Watch Foundation. You are more than welcome to drop in and see how we have done or help with more formal volunteering. Editor's Note: The National Whale and Dolphin Watch takes place from 25th July – 2nd August. You don’t need to have any experience to get involved. You can join organised watches or set up your own with some guidance from the team at Sea Watch Foundation. To find out more please visit: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw Sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises can easily be submitted online at: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/sightingsform/ *** Great Eggcase Hunt *** http://www.sharktrust.org/en/great_eggcase_hunt *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 18th July 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a visit to Chambers Farm Wood to learn more about the Dormice project with Anne Goodhall and to view the Butterfly Garden with Audrey and John Spring. Please wear outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This s a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For full details and to book a place please contact Julie Harrison - 01472 507705. *** Introduction to Landscape Archaeology workshop *** Eloise Markwick - Heritage Lincolnshire - writes: Introduction to Landscape Archaeology Day Layers of History is a new community archaeology project which gives everyone the opportunity to learn, discover and explore Lincolnshire´s historic landscapes. We are piloting project activities and we are pleased to announce a `taster´ workshop. Wednesday 22nd July 9.30 - 16.30 Donington on Bain Village Hall Introduction to Landscape Archaeology Day Join us for an introduction to Landscape Archaeology. In the morning we will be looking at maps and aerial photography to research historic sites. In the afternoon we will carry out a survey of the medieval earthworks at Biscathopre using basic measured survey techniques. No previous experience required. The workshop is free but places are limited. Contact Eloise to reserve your place by phone: 01529 461499 or by email: eloise.markwick@heritagelincolnshire.org Bring your own lunch and suitable outdoor clothes. The afternoon activity requires moderate fitness and mobility, involving climbing over stiles and walking on uneven ground. *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** Note their new website: http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Lesley Robinson, Branch Secretary, writes: Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation Moth Night Saturday 25th July Chambers Farm Wood Education Centre (TF147740) 9:30pm to late See and identify the amazing variety of moths in the Limewoods Please wear warm clothing and bring a torch Open Day and AGM Sunday 26th July Chambers Farm Wood Education Centre (TF147740) 11am to 1pm walk in the Limewoods. Your opportunity to see White Admirals and other butterflies at close quarters. Light refreshments available in the education centre. 3pm AGM of the Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation *** 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. *** 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 ....."] *** NHM 'Orchid Observers' Project on Zooniverse *** Photograph orchids to support climate change research. Orchid Observers is a new project bringing together photography, biological recording and the online analysis of museum specimens to better understand the effects that climate change is having on flowering times of UK orchid populations. http://www.orchidobservers.org *** Volunteers needed to help with Riverfly Survey *** Clare Sterling writes: Fiona McKenna, Project Officer for the Lincolnshire Rivers Trust has asked me to pass on the details of some riverfly training days they are running. Their project will follow the standardised methods set out by the national Riverfly Partnership. http://www.riverflies.org/ They are currently looking for volunteers who can dedicate one hour a month to collect invertebrate samples in a local watercourse within the Barlings Eau catchment. If you live nearby and are interested please get in touch! Full training will be provided by a very experienced Riverfly trainer and full kit will be provided free of charge. Training days will take place on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July 2015 at Sudbrooke (near Nettleham) Village Hall. Please contact Project Officer Fiona McKenna: lincsrivers@gmail.com or phone 07895423983" Website: http://lincsrivers.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 3/7 7 Spotted Redshanks, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh 4/7 Great White Egret, flew west over East Dunes, Montagu's Harrier, 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 2 Spoonbills, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 2 Spoonbills, Freiston Shore 5/7 White-winged Black Tern, Frampton Marsh 6/7 White-winged Black Tern, 11 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh Possible Black Kite, Marston sewage works Montagu' Harrier 1s m flew south over Donna Nook 7/7 2 Spoonbills near East Hide, Gibraltar Point White-winged Black Tern, 5 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 8/7 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sandpiper, Garganey, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Osprey off Horseshoe Point 9/7 4 Spoonbills, 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 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. Water Rail Trail Jacquie Harrison writes: A gentle lunchtime walk along the Water Rail trail from Five Mile Lane end proved to be time spent sorting out LBJs - little brown jobs as known by birders but in this case they were mainly brown butterflies. I am sure there were very tatty painted lady, masses of meadow browns, some ringlets and (I think) the odd large heath. I think the white's were small ones. Due to the full foliage/time of day - the only little birds seen in good numbers were whitethroats who seemed to challenge every cyclist from nearly every bush. I also heard a blackcap and willow warbler but could not see them. Also of note was a lesser black backed gull on the Witham and two common terns on the drain. 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: INGELBY SK 8918 7814 SK 8918 7785 SK 8919 7773 SK 8914 7732 Peter Morrell 05.07.15 Hedgehog road kills on Sturton Road. NORTH HYKEHAM SK 9370 6705 Peter Morrell 07.07.15 Hedgehog road kill on Station Road. SCOTTER SE 8853 0164 Peter Morrell 04.07.15 Hedgehog road kill on the B1206. SCUNTHORPE SE 8719 1050 SE 8728 0964 SE 8743 0742 SE 8755 0690 SE 8778 0606 Peter Morrell 04.07.15 Hedgehog road kills on the B1206. WILLOUGHTON SK 9358 9270 Peter Morrell 07.07.15 Hedgehog road kill on B1398. *** 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. BIRCHWOOD, LINCOLN SK 9251 6948 Peter Morrell 09.07.15 1 Adult slow worm moving across footpath at edge of woodland at 07:30 am. BLOXHOLM WOODS David, Allison and Katie Smith 05/07/2015 pm Meadow Brown butterfly x8 Tortoiseshell x1 Speckled wood x1 Buzzard x3 BLYBOROUGH SK 9269 9496 Peter Morrell 05.07.15 1 Adult and 2 young little owls on barn roof. CAISTOR Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 3.7.15 Wendy Handford (WH) Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH A general comment - we have thousands of aphids of different species this year. They are being attacked by ants but we have no ladybirds. Bat 11.30pm 2.7.15 Trailcam Foxes, dog, vixen and 2 cubs most evenings and mornings. Trailcam Muntjac 2.30am 5.7.15 Trailcam Rabbit juv dead with head-wounds in hedgebank 9.7.15 Songthrush chicks, 4, fledge 3.7.15 Ringlet. First 2015 sighting 3.7.15 First flowers this week Black horehound, Bramble, Cat-mint, Common knapweed, Common ragwort, Creeping cinquefoil, Creeping thistle, Evening primrose, Great willowherb, Harebell, Marjoram, Musk mallow, Pale willowherb, Rosebay willowherb, Selfheal, Spear thistle A1103 near Osgodby TA 060 913 Brown hare, roadkill 6.7.15 Molly Nafsgar Grimsby Road garden TA 122 015 Housemartin nest with 2 chicks 3.7.15 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 03.07.2015 Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral butterflies Libellula depressa m (Broad-bodied Chaser) around pond all day Kestrel Buzzard x 2 (TF308849) Ca. 250 mixed Rooks and Jackdaws over meadow and on power lines (TF309848) 04.07.2015 House Martin x 5 Swift x 5 04.07.2015 Broad-bodied Chaser m + f in mating flight, followed by f depositing about 50 eggs. 06.07.2015 Inadvertently disturbed nest of 6 x Common Shrew youngsters in compost bin; checked next day and found them gone, so mother must have come back and moved them to a safer place. 07.07.2015 Tiny (about 1.5 cm) Common Toad in border. 08.07.2015 Egg shells on the ground below the only remaining active House Martin nest. 09.07.2015 Broad-bodied Chaser (m) Common Frog x 2 (different sizes) Common Toad x 2 (different sizes) RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 29/06/2015 Spectacle 3 Miller 1 Heart and Dart 23 Shuttle-shaped Dart 4 Dark Arches 2 Flame 2 Treble Lines 3 Elephant Hawk-moth 3 Common Footman 1 Brimstone 3 Snout 2 Riband Wave 1 Bright-line Brown-eye 2 Poplar Hawk-moth 2 Beautiful Hook-tip 3 Clouded Border 2 Shoulder-striped Wainscot 4 Clay 2 Common Wainscot 4 Gothic 1 Large Yellow Underwing 1 Tawny Marbled Minor 1 Marbled Minor agg. 3 Common Quaker 3 Swallow-tailed Moth 1 Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix 1 Willow Beauty 1 Green Silver-lines 1 Straw Dot 1 Brown Rustic 1 Buff Ermine 5 Green Oak Tortrix 1 Cinnabar 1 Udea olivalis 1 Triple-spotted Clay 5 Double Square-spot 1 Fan-foot 2 RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 07/07/2015 Green woodpecker 2 (Adult feeding juvenile) Gatekeeper 1 Ringlet 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 Large White Butterfly 1 Red Admiral 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of 797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 03/07/15 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 1 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 Moorhen x1 + 4 young Stock Dove x 1 sat on nest Small Tortoiseshell x 3 04/07/15 Blackbird x 1 Little Owl x 1 Starling x 22 Swift x 15 Whitethroat x 1 Common Pipistrelle x 1 Ringlet x 10 SE8000 Small Tortoiseshell x 8 Moths on security light; Angle Shades x 1 Buff Ermine x 1 Common Emerald x 1 Garden Carpet x 1 Large Tabby x 2 Small Magpie x 1 Snout x 4 Spinach x 1 Willow Beauty x 1 05/07/15 Blackbird x 1 Chaffinch x 4 fledged young Common Buzzard x 1 Grey Partridge x 1 adult & 3 young Starling x 35 (including lots of young 'brown' birds) Stock Dove x 1 on nest Swallow x 4 Whitethroat x 1 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 Comma x 1 Meadow Brown x 7 Ringlet x 15 Small Tortoiseshell x 3 Small White x 2 Large Tabby x 2 06/07/15 Little Owl x 1 Swift x 42 Large Yellow Underwing x 1 07/07/15 Barn Owl x 1 (Clare Holmes & Sam Hiner) Kestrel x 4 young looking out of nest box Marsh Harrier x 1 male SE795035 Oystercatcher x 2 Light Emerald x 1 Snout x 1 08/07/15 Kestrel x 4 young looking out of nest box Little Owl x 1 Yellowhammer x 2 Brown Hare x 1 Ringlet x 5 SE8001 Snout x 1 White Plume Moth x 1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 3/7/2015 Hummingbird Hawkmoth Many Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. 5/7/2015 Many [dozens] Small tortoiseshell butterflies. 6/7/2015 2 Green woodpeckers on lawn at o6.45hrs. Possibly 1 a juv. One was using the dew on the grass for feather cleaning. 7/7/2015 Hummingbird Hawkmoth - being seen daily 4 swallow chicks out of nest beam-hopping. 8/7/2015 4 swallow chicks spent their first day on the wing - back to base for bedtime. 9/7/2015 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoths. Castle Dyke Bank TF 2387534 3/7/2015 Adult f grass snake crossing road from e to w. WOOLSTHORPE ROADSIDE NATURE RESERVE SK91/24 26th June,2015 Jane Ostler I feel very lucky to be able to walk a short distance from my home and record over 70 species of plants inflower, many of them scarce and associated with the limestone. This visit was to count the bee orchids which on the south facing side are gradually increasing. In a new area pyramidal orchid was growing with them. This is the first time they have been recorded here in detailed records going back to 1981. No doubt other surprises await the observant. The most showy flowers at this time of the year are the knapweeds, the tufted vetch, the bedstraws and the buttercups. Other favourites are wild mignonette, birds' foot trefoil, yellow rattle, hoary plantain, fairy flax, salad burnet and sorrel. Now is also the time to check on the grasses, particularly the golden oat grass and the quaking grass. By the end of July the composites will have taken over and there will be more field scabious. Butterflies and Moths: Chimney Sweeper , Latticed Heath, Yellow Shell and Burnet Companion and Cinnabar.Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small Skipper. Bees: Bombus lapidarius, B. vestalis, B. pascuorum. Grasshoppers: Young Meadow Grasshopper Birds: included Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 3rd - 9th July 2015 Contributors: Peter Roworth, Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Lizzie Lemon, Rob Scott The heavy showers and periods of rain over the past week has totalled 28mm for this month (26.4mm this week) refreshing the dune flora. Torrential downpour on 7th with hail and thunder in the afternoon produced 6.4mm of rainfall in less than 15 minutes. An interesting study of the old dunes at Rimac was carried out over winter 2014/15 by Loughborough University. Deep core samples were taken from the base of the oldest dunes and using latest science methods it revealed the oldest dunes, believed to have begun forming in the 13th century, are in fact 700 years older and began in the 6th century. Flowers A count by one of the volunteers recorded 230 pyramidal orchids were counted between Brickyard Lane and Churchill Lane. 10 years ago, there were only the odd orchids here, but they have gradually built up and whilst they hadn't been previously counted, there appear to be more than before. The same applies to dense areas of common centaury in areas of the enclosure, which is much drier than most areas. Plants now in flower include common centaury, restharrow, marsh elleborine, sea lavender, yarrow, field bindweed, self-heal, lesser centaury, wild onion, rosebay willowherb, perennial sow-thistle, ragwort and creeping thistle. Butterflies A butterfly transect done on Sunday between Brickyard and Churchill Lane recorded the following: ringlet 57, meadow brown 60, gatekeeper 1, small heath 23, small tortoiseshell 7, small skipper 35, large skipper 3, green-veined white 2, small white 2, large white 1. Fresh hatched gatekeeper was seen on 3rd, the hot sunshine presumably stimulating emergence. Rimac's butterfly transect done on Wednesday recorded small skipper, large skipper, small tortoiseshell, gatekeeper, meadow brown, small heath and ringlet. Moths Humming bird hawkmoths have been seen this week on the valerium at Brickyard Lane and Saltfleet and on viper's bugloss near Sea View. A red-necked footman and silver-Y were also recorded at Brickyard Lane. Birds The first signs of autumn bird migration with greenshank, whimbrel, a count of 53 curlew, 44 sandwich terns and 2 little gulls this week. Plenty of young whitethroats and warblers in the dunes. Blackcaps, whitethroats, lesser whitethroats, willow warblers and chiffchaffs all singing, indicating that second/third broods are well underway. Peregrine on the beach on 3rd. Male sparrow hawk and kestrels hunting in dunes most days and hobby joined them on 5th along with 25 curlew over saltmarsh. Siskins and coal tit both seen at Brickyard Lane. There was a turtle dove singing at Crook Bank. 11 little egrets on the saltmarsh on 6th. On 7th a single black-tailed godwit at Paradise ponds and a male marsh harrier hunting over the saltmarsh and two chiffchaffs in song near Sea View on 8th. Spring tides earlier this week were fairly productive with a summer flock of common scoter 100, odd gannets, curlew up to 30, dunlin 1, ringed plover 1, cormorant 5, sandwich tern up to 40 & heron 1. Gulls have been returning with up to 200 black-headed gulls, lesser black-baked gulls 10 and common gulls 10. Natterjack toads were heard calling on the reserve in the evenings of 6th and 7th. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 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 8, 2015 [Changed from 15th August.] 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. Parking arrangements still to be finalised. 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 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. redpoll dircon - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Cats 'control mice' with chemicals in their urine http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33380669 The science behind the summer pollen count http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33400106 Can you prescribe nature? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33368691 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/