============================================= || || 19th 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.... *** The weather on St. Swithin's Day is 15 July is traditionally said to predict similar weather ahead for 40 days. The rhyme goes: 'St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain For forty days it will remain St. Swithin's day if thou be fair For forty days 'twill rain nae mair.' http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/saints/swithin.shtml Let's see what happens. I am astounded to see the Bulletin was read in Turkey, Indonesia Japan and Greece last week, along with our more regular locations. 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 *** Bird Song Request *** Noel Loxley writes: This is the eighth week of residence of a loud-singing visitor. It frequently serenades us in the garden throughout the day and into the evening, a warbler I suspect, but whose song I am unable to identify. It is quite loud, for what I suspect is a small and very nondescript bird, which my wife has caught glimpses of, but may not necessarily be the culprit. Thin beak, brown top half and pale underparts. Normally keeps well hidden. She has seen two together in the garden. I have recorded its song. Is there anyone I can phone who might recognise this birdsong, if I play it to them over the phone? Please reply to: rparsons@enterprise.net p.s. from editor: Noel has sent me 3 sound files I can send you if you are good at recognising bird song. *** I know where the Ladybirds are! *** Stuart Britton writes: On Tuesday 7th July we visited our daughter who lives at Dunston. There is a weeping birch (Betula pendulum Youngii) beside her drive which had previously been infested by aphids. We had a close look and there were hundreds of Ladybird larvae in various stages of development on the foliage as well as several adults, the majority of which were 7 spotted. It would be impossible to give an accurate count as a high percentage of the leaves held at least one larva and some as many as four. My three year old grandson was most impressed with his "Ladybird Tree!" Julie Heathcote adds: I just read about the lack of ladybirds but want to report that there are a lot (at least 100+) harlequin ladybird larvae on the hedge in my garden (Woodhall Spa). I have asked a few people and they said there was not a lot I could do. I have reported this on the ladybird website. I have never seen so many before! Jane Ostler writes: LADYBIRDS July 2015 No ladybirdsin the garden at all at Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth. We have never been so plagued with aphids. A single 7 spot ladybird on Colsterworth Verges Survey. Several reports of Harlequin ladybirds in Colsterworth. Steve Gray reports: BAIN VALLEY near HORNCASTLE Spa Trail, Martin's Bridge near Horncastle Steve Gray 15 July 2015 Ladybird spp. See: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B6mC9ty5bWY2MXFzNGNTMzl6dU0 Charlie Barnes adds: Steve's ladybirds are seven-spots (Coccinella septempunctata). *** 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, 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 *** 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 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/ *** Report those Jellyfish *** From a recent newsletter of the The Marine Conservation Society We need your help with jellyfish research! If you spot a jellyfish in the UK, we want to know about it. Your reports will help us understand how jellyfish species react to environmental changes including climate change. Report your jellyfish sightings: http://www.mcsuk.org/sightings/jellyfish.php *** Great Eggcase Hunt *** Sharktrust Eggcase Hunt - submit your reports here. http://www.sharktrust.org/en/great_eggcase_hunt *** Barton Area Group *** Adrian White Sunday 19th July CROWLE MOOR A full day visit to this important LWT site. Led by Matt Blissett, reserves manager. Bring a packed lunch and wear waterproof footwear. Everybody welcome. Meet at Ness Farm car park for a 9am start Contact Adrian White 01724732152 for details. *** 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/ 10/7 Spoonbill on Jackson's Marsh, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh c25 Crossbills flew west over Weelsby Woods, Grimsby 11/7 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 12/2 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 13/7 2 Turtle Doves, 2+ Spotted Redshanks, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Spoonbill on Jackson's Marsh, 2 Spotted Redshanks, male Quail singing on saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point 14/7 984 Avocets 14 juvs, Alkborough Flats Montagu's Harrier, male Quail singing north of reserve. Gibraltar Point 15/7 Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 2 Spoonbills at Middlemarsh Landfill [restricted access] west of Skegness Honey Buzzard noerh over West Dunes, 2 Arctic Terns, 4 Turtle Doves, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, 2 Quail males singing north of Gibraltar Point Osprey, Horseshoe Point 16/7 2 Spoonbills on estuary, 3 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Temminck's Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Turtle Dove, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Osprey, Frampton Marsh Osprey on wooden post in estuary, Horseshoe Point Common Scoter fem, Covenham 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. ROAD KILLS: DODDINGTON SK 9004 7074 Peter Morrell 14.07.15 Hedgehog road kill. KIRTON IN LINDSEY SK 9326 9923 Peter Morrell 12.07.15 Hedgehog road kill on the B1400. NORTHORPE SK 8964 9730 Peter Morrell 13.07.15 Hedgehog road kill. NORTH GREETWELL TF 0172 7402 13.07.15 Peter Morrell Hedgehog road kill on A158. SCUNTHORPE SE 8778 0603 Peter Morrell 11.07.15 Polecat road kills on North Moor 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. BOSTON (South by A16) 10/07/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson Green Woodpecker (juvenile) and Chiffchaff in garden. BUTTERWICK (TF3944) 16/07/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson We had a very successful WCBS Survey today, with the following results:- Skipper sp. 1 Large White 75 Small White 54 Green-veined White 2 Red Admiral 1 Small Tortoiseshell 37 Peacock 1 Comma 2 Gatekeeper 4 Meadow Brown 15 Ringlet 36 Also seen were at least two pairs of Yellow Wagtail and three young birds. CAISTOR Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 10.7.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Fox cub, looking very healthy, walking along hedgebank, 9pm 9.7.15 Grey squirrels 2 in coniferous wood 11.7.15 Moles 2 caught 11.7.15 Rabbit reaching right up to pull down drooping Hogweed stalks to eat them 14.7.15 Woodmice 2 in coniferous wood trigger Trailcam 25 times overnight 11.7.15 Buzzard disturbed while roosting 8pm 9.7.15 Buzzards 2 circling 10.7.15 Chiffchaff adult still calling daily. Juvenile seen and heard 15.7.15 Green woodpecker pecking nest of Black garden ants 10.7.15 Housemartins 4 juvs on TV aerial 11.7.15 Kestrel eating its prey in cherry tree 9pm 13.7.15 Oystercatcher flying ove 11.7.15 Spotted flycatchers adult 2 juvs working from cherry tree 13.7.15 Yellowhammer in hedgerow daily Common frogs 2 very dark by stream 16.7.15 Common blue damselflies - a pair flying while mating 10.7.15 Common hawker f flying over wildflower meadow 11.7.15. First 2015 sighting Soldier beetles, Cantharis rustica especially on Hogweeds 10.7.15 Pollen beetles, 1000s, especially on Hogweeds and white/yellow flowers 10.7.15 Butterflies Large white 10.7.15. First summer sighting Meadow brown 10s in meadow Peacock 11.7.15. First summer sighting Ringlets 10s in meadow Small tortoiseshells 3 together 10.7.15. First summer sighting Small white 10.7.15. First summer sighting First flowers this week Betony, Lucerne, Meadowsweet, Purple loosestrife, Water dropwort, Yarrow Common bonnet on Norway spruce stump 11.7.15 Hollyhock rust on Common mallow leaves 13.7.15 A46 Caistor bypass TA 113 009 Hedgehog juv roadkill 15.7.15 Liz Watson The Meadow TA 111 007 Flying ants 8.7.15 David and Veronica Parker Westbrook Grove garden TA 117 013 Hedgehog adult and juv most evenings Swifts 6 using nesting site nearby Red admirals 7 on Sweet Williams 11.7.15. First summer 2015 sighting GREAT LIMBER Mausoleum Wood R and L Harvey 9/7/2015 Dark Green Fritillary We had a very pleasant surprise when walking at Mausoleum Wood, Great Limber, on the afternoon of July 9th, when a Dark Green Fritillary was seen nectaring on knapweed. This is the first fritillary species we have seen in this part of the county. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden unless stated otherwise) 3/7/15 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Meadow brown 1 Woodpigeon 1 (nest building in beech hedge, using the car roof to jump into the hedge!) Deer 1 (seemed a bit big for a muntjac - going into a field TF519766) Fox 1 (Running down Sea Lane early morning TF526781) Rabbit 1 (this was a black rabbit - see just before Huttoft Bank TF539786) 4/7/15 Leafcutter bee 1 (my first - cutting new beech leaves from the beech hedge - came back 3 times) 5/7/15 Dunnock 2 Meadow brown 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 Song thrush 1 7/7/15 Wren 1 (nest building in coconut shell bird box fixed to fence - this was a gift and it only got fixed to the fence out of politeness - I never imagined it would get used!) 9/7/15 Large white 1 Mouse 1 (dead on grass path, assumed by a cat) Speckled Wood 1 10/7/15 Moles 2 (dead on side of road about 20m apart TF517766) 14/7/15 Collared doves 2 Large skipper 1 (on thistle at edge of field outside my gate) Large white 1 Meadow brown 3 (on thistles as above) Red tailed bee 2 (on thistles as above) Song thrush 1 Woodpigeon 1 (sitting on nest in beech hedge) 15/7/15 Dunnocks 2 Large white 1 Meadow brown 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 16/7/15 Frog 1 Large whites 2 Robins 2 (I'm sure they're feeding a second brood) Small tortoiseshell 1 Speckled wood 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 10.07.2015 After seeing only a single Small Tortoiseshell so far this year, we suddenly had 6 in the garden today. I, too, have seen very few ladybirds this year (including Harlequins) and noticed an absence of aphids during the long, cold spring, but we are now experiencing a veritable explosion of pollen beetles. 11.07.2015 Small Tortoiseshell x 12, Small White x 1, Meadow Brown x 1 Pied Wagtail Swallow 12-15 House Martins in the air, some flying up to the deserted nest sites on my house. 12.07.2015 Kestrel Brown Hare 13.07.2015 Tawny Owl seen near the only remaining active House Martin nest, for the second night in a row. 14.07.2015 2 young Magpies, seen off by our resident pair of Collared Doves. Mistle Thrush 15.07.2015 Stock Dove 16.07.2015 Young in house martin nest now audible. RAND TF106786 11 July 2015 Brian Hedley LNU field meeting, courtesy of Thorne (Beehives) Ltd, to their site at Rand where they have a bee-keepers supermarket and have created meadows, ponds, lakes and copses. Attended by 17 people and led by Charlie Barnes. An interesting mix of planted and naturalised plant species were recorded including pyramidal, bee and southern marsh orchids, cyperus sedge, lesser swine-cress and least duckweed. Thirty-one bird species were recorded including siskin, buzzard, nesting oystercatchers, sparrowhawk, green woodpecker and bullfinch. Mammal signs were sparse but did include a live mole. Common froglets were frequent and a grass snake was seen in one of the lakes. Butterflies were frequent, especially meadow browns, ringlets and small skippers. Moths included light arches, yellowshell, cinnabar, silver Y, large emerald, Chilo phragmitella and Pammene regiana. Dragonflies/ damselflies were also frequent and comprised nine species including banded demoiselle, brown hawker, emperor and many black-tailed skimmers. Bees were frequent as you would expect and David Sheppard recorded Bombus bohemicus, Bombus lapidarius, Bombus lucorum, Bombus pascuorum, Bombus terrestris and Bombus vestalis. Tree bumblebee Bombus hypnorum was also noted. Other invertebrates included green, blue, forest and juniper shieldbugs (the last species found by Allan Binding and is particularly uncommon in Lincolnshire). Additionally, the very impressive larva of the sawfly Cimbex lutea was found and Charlie Barnes caught the weevil Anthonomus pomorum which is an apple tree pest species and only the 5th record for Lincolnshire (2nd post 1960 record). RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 15/07/2015 Moths: Riband Wave 2 Buff-tip 1 Brown-line Bright Eye 6 Common Footman 17 Clay 11 Swallow-tailed Moth 1 Large Yellow Underwing 9 Bright-line Brown-eye 6 Heart and Dart 9 Marbled Minor agg. 3 Light Arches 6 Triple-spotted Clay 6 Elephant Hawk-moth 2 Scarce Footman 2 Snout 3 Common Wainscot 10 Smoky Wainscot 13 Buff Arches 1 Dark Arches 8 Emmelina monodactyla 1 Ruby Tiger 1 Flame 1 Buff Ermine 4 Flame Shoulder 1 Common Rustic 1 Coronet 1 Uncertain/Rustic agg. 23 Shoulder-striped Wainscot 9 Butterflies: Small Skipper 5 Gatekeeper 2 Ringlet 6 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 09/07/15 Little Owl x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 Elephant Hawk Moth x 1 Silver Y x 1 Small Magpie Moth x 3 Snout x 2 10/07/15 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 1 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Swift x 3 Tree Sparrow x 7 Yellowhammer x 1 Green-veined White x 1 (Sam Hiner) Ringlet x 4 Fan-foot x 1 Snout x 1 11/07/15 Nest box update Swallow nest in stables empty (presumed predated) Box 10 Tree Sparrow , 5 eggs Box 12 Stock Dove, 2 eggs Box 15 4 kestrel juvs looking out of box 12/07/15 Blackbird x 1 Tree Sparrow x 7 Wren x 1 Large White x 2 Meadow Brown x 7 Red Admiral x 1 Ringlet x 12 Small Tortoiseshell x 17 Brimstone Moth x 1 (daytime flying) 13/07/15 Cormorant x 1 SK8099 14/07/15Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 1 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 5 Rabbit x 3 SK809993 Common Footman x 1 Smoky Wainscot x 1 Black slug x 9 SK8099 15/07/15 Coot x 2 Kestrel x 4 juvs flying for first time, early morning + female flying with them Yellowhammer x 1 Stoat x 2 young playing on track (Clare Holmes + Sam Hiner) Small Tortoiseshell 2 Cream Wave x 1 16/07/15 Barn Owl x 1 Fresh molehills SK810994 Common Footman x 2 Silver Y x 1 Snout x 2 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 10/7/2015 Fox caught on trail camera 04.30hts entering gate to car park 08.30 - barn owl hunting in area 09.30 - large f adult grass snake basking on compost heap Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell in dozens, Small White 4, Large white 3, Meadow Brown 6, Red Admiral 2, Painted Lady 1 very worn specimen. Moths: Silver-Y 3, Hummingbird Hawkmoths 3 [see one most days]. WRANGLE COMMON 11/07/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today was disappointing with only 23 species recorded in one hour. Bird song was largely absent except for two Skylarks, two Yellow- hammers, two Blackcaps, four Reed Warblers and a single Chaffinch. Most of the water-courses are now dry and no waders were seen. However we did record two Little Egrets and two Herons. Geese were seventeen Canada and eighteen Grey-lag. Three Tufted Ducks were seen together with thirteen Mallard. The only raptor was a Buzzard. However, butterflies were very numerous - Speckled Wood (6), Large White (11), Ringlet (28), Gatekeeper (3), Small White (7), Small Tortoiseshell (3), Peacock (1) and Comma (1). The most numerous though was Meadow Brown (35) . Also seen were singles of Emperor and Common Darter dragonflies and five Common Blue damselflies. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Week ending 16 July 2015 Cliff Morrison, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker & Rob Lidstone-Scott Birds Siskins moving south in small parties. Shelduck heading south, so maybe heading to Dutch moulting grounds. Whimbrel to be heard heading south in small numbers now. 14th was best wader movement day, with 14 whimbrel, 5 black-tailed godwits, snipe, 3 sanderling, 2 dunlin, knot, and 4 turnstones, all in summer plumage. Common scoter flock still around 100. Sandwich terns in groups (up to 40) on the outer beach Having been quiet for a week or so, turtle doves head singing near Brickyard and at Crook Bank. Barn owl young heard and adults seen hunting at Sea View & Crook Bank. 11th 1 Cuckoo 12th – Little Grebe near Black Bridge on River Eau, 2 black-tailed godwits and a single common sandpiper on Paradise Pool and a further 3 Common Sandpipers on Eau Outfall. Marsh harrier seen regularly. Insects There has been a big hatch of butterflies this week – the weekly butterfly count between Rimac and MOD track recorded 890 small skipper, 340 ringlet, 140 meadow brown, 102 hedge brown and small numbers of common blue, green- veined white and small heath. Essex skipper & comma were recorded elsewhere on the reserve. Privet hawk moth & hummingbird hawk moth recorded near Brickyard Lane car park. White-tailed & red-tailed bumblebees common across the reserve. Badgers have dug up quite a few bee nests. Flora Plants now in flower include wall lettuce, spear & carline thistle, black knapweed, common ragwort, meadowsweet, water dropwort, field scabious, marsh helleborine, restharrow, common & pyramidal orchids, yarrow, goats- beard, centaury and it is a superb year for lady’s bedstraw. Sea lavender and sea purslane are flowering on the saltmarsh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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, 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 bumptydiddle - recipient is not accepting e-mail that contains specific words or phrases. Contact Editor for more information about this. *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Lincolnshire chalk stream project gets funding for conservation http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-33498051 Battle of Britain 75th anniversary flypast takes place http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33476099 Giant hogweed warning after children hurt in Bolton http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-33474810 Close up with the Battle of Britain planes at RAF Coningsby http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33472970 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/