============================================= || || 10th May 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.... *** I recorded a community of "Cuckoo Flower", Cardamine pratensis, this week. Also known as Lady's Smock, its appearance frequently coincides with the cuckoo staring to call, hence the name. See: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/cuckooflower Every week the Bulletin pops up in your Inbox with news of current sightings and wildlife activities. It is free, all we ask in is you give us a bit of help and encouragement with your contributions from time to time. This week's edition is typical: Details of an LNU Field Meeting; the NHM's Orchid project on Zooniverse; How to help with a Riverfly Survey; courses in insect identification; The Shark Egg survey; and a family Pond Dip; Wildlife sightings for you and the recorders; questions from readers and many helpful links. Don't forget to click. To keep it fresh and interesting we need to have your contributions. Please keep your reports coming in. Thank you. Roger p.s. If you know someone who would like to receive the Bulletin please send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php *** LNU Events - full list in section 11 - guests are welcome *** To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php 2015 Field Meetings. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, May 31, 2015 Fulsby Wood SSSI - (Private) (Courtesy of Tumby Estate) South of Horncastle 10am to 4pm. Park in Tumby saw mill car park at TF254602 (PE22 7TD) which is on north side of A155 between Coningsby and Mareham le Fen. Leader will be at car park for 10am and then again for 1pm for afternoon only attendees. Habitats: Ancient woodland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** 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/ *** Questions for the "Experts" *** Nictitating Membranes Julia Smith writes: I was just reviewing some photos taken at Bempton and interested in what looks like the gannet's nictitating membrane. Nictitating membranes are the so-called third eyelid that crosses the eye beneath the usual eyelids. All birds that hunt or forage with their heads underwater (marine birds, at least) have transparent nictitating membranes - e.g. gannets, shags, gulls, oystercatchers, auks. Land birds have opaque ones. So, are the transparent nictitating membranes used as goggles to protect the eyes from damage from seawater or microorganisms and parasites in seawater? And might they also act as an additional lens? Dippers have opaque nictitating membranes, which could mean that freshwater does not present the same dangers as seawater? [Ed - Anyone like to do us an answer?] Bee Flies and Honeybees Editor writes: We noted a Bee Fly at the entrance of one of our beehives this week. This prompted me to wonder whether the curious life cycle of the Bee Fly ever extends to parasitism of honeybee larvae. Does anyone know? http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150327-lifecycle-of-the-bee-flies http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/species-of-the-day/biodiversity/loss-of-habitat/bombylius-major/ *** NHM 'Orchid Observers' Project on Zooniverse *** Mark Spencer suggested I tell you about this. Photograph wild orchids this summer and annotate museum specimens to contribute to climate change research at the Natural History Museum. Gathering new photographs of UK orchids and extracting data on flowering times from over 10,000 Museum specimens is a huge task, so we need your help. Kath Castillo, Orchid Observers Project Officer, adds: 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 the flowering times of UK orchid populations. By bringing these data together, we hope to develop a deeper understanding of the effects that climate change is having on this charismatic and much- loved group, some of which are declining – even in protected sites, which in turn may help inform how we can plan and protect key populations and areas. You can photograph orchids anywhere in the UK between now and September and upload your images to the website: http://www.orchidobservers.org where you can also analyse flowering dates of museum specimens. *** 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. "Lincolnshire Rivers Trust have secured funding from the National Lottery Awards for All fund to start up a Riverfly Monitoring project in the Witham catchment. Our project will follow the standardised methods set out by the national Riverfly Partnership (http://www.riverflies.org/). This involves taking kick samples from a watercourse and recording the number of the most sensitive riverfly species, on a regular basis. Riverflies are made up of the aquatic larval form of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies. By regularly monitoring these pollution sensitive species we can detect any issues in the watercourse as early as possible and alert the appropriate authorities ensuring swift action. Riverflies are often referred to as the 'canaries of the river' due to their use as biological indicators to monitor water quality! Just by regularly being out on a watercourse Riverfly Monitors also act as a deterrent to any would be polluters and show that the local watercourse is valued. We 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 (pictured below). 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 : lincsrivers@gmail.com or phone 07895423983" Website: http://lincsrivers.co.uk/ *** 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. *** Reminder - Ray Halstead - Recorder - Fungi *** Request: No records or queries for now, please. *** Mermaid's Purses - request for records. *** Dave Miller writes: If anyone is visiting the coast could they please look out for mermaid's purses. Take a picture and send to me, with location, at: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk If you do this regularly, Dave can send you an identification sheet from the Shark Trust. *** Invitation to a Family Pond Dip at Rimac 26th May *** Lizzie Lemon - Outer Humber and Coastal Assistant Warden - writes: *Please note amended date* A free family pond dipping activity will be run from the Rimac eco- classroom on Tuesday 26th May from 10am -12pm. Please contact Lizzie on 07557038522 for more information. Booking is not required. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Adrian White writes: Sunday 17th May A visit to North Cave Wetlands A half-day trip to this expanding reserve For details contact; Martin Broadbridge (tel; 01652 632673) Meet at Ness Farm Centre for 9am start. Car share available. All welcome- Trust membership not required. Saturday 27th June Field trip to Bempton RSPB reserve. A day trip to this premier site for seabird colonies. For details contact; Adrian White (01724 732152) Meet at Ness Farm Centre for 9am start. All welcome - Trust membership not required. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely On Saturday 16th May 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park. Please note this walk will be wheelchair friendly. Meet walk leader Ray Hume in the car park at 9am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear and bring binoculars. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the trust. For further details contact Ray Hume - 01472 320878. *** Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival launch Saturday 16th May *** To find out more about this 16 day Festival and download the brochure: http://www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** Members and non-members welcome. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Programme of events and booking of Wash Trips. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 1/5 Hen Harrier imm male, Donna Nook Spotted Redshank, Grainthorpe Haven Blue-headed Wagtail, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Huttoft Pit Blue-headed Wagtail, Toft Newton Reservoir 2 Turtle Doves, Burgh-le-Marsh 92 Whimbrel, Saltfleetby 2/5 Curlew Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Whinchat, Garganey on wet grassland north of old car park, Frampton Marsh 15 Arctic Terns flew north over Humber, Humberstone Fitties Turtle Dove singing, Langholme Carr Lake, south of Westwoodside 2 Arctic Terns, Deeping Lakes Hen Harrier imm male, Nightingale singing in hawthorn near old coastguard cottages, Donna Nook Wood Sandpiper, Manby Flashes Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese by sea wall, Spoonbill ad, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Huttoft Pit Ring Ouzel, Alkborough 87 Whimbrel, Saltfleetby 4 Garganey, Manby Flashes 3/5 Wood Sandpiper, Manby Flashes Turtle Dove, Redstart, 2 Garganey 1 drk, Donna Nook Garganey drk, Flskerton Fen 4/5 2 Garganey 1m, Wood Sandpiper on south pit, Manby Flashes Wood Sandpiper on scrape, Fiskerton Fen Avocet oppposite recycling tip on island Kirkby on Bain GPs 4 Dotterel flew north over Huttoft Bank Great White Egret ad, Huttoft Pit Spoonbill, Turtle Dove, Gibraltar Point 2 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 5/5 2 Tundra Bean Geese in field at Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby St Clement Hen Harrier flew East over Saltfleetby All Saints Little Stint, Manby Flashes Tree Pipit trapped and ringed, 2 Spoonbils on Tennyson Sands, Gibraltar Point Garganey drk, 15 Arctic Terns flew north past, Humberston Fitties 2 Dotterel at Horse Shoe Point, NW of Donna Nook Green-winged Teal, Alkborough Flats Arctic Tern 0n lagoon, Freiston Shore Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted RTedshank, Frampton Marsh 6/5 osprey flew over Blackmoor Bridge, Aubourn Velvet Scoter flew south past Gibraltar Point 2 Wood sandpipers, 2 Garganey, Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby St Clements 2 Garganey, Manby Flashes 7/5 Turtle Dove, Serin flew south over, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Twite, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Red-rumped Swallow, Covenham Reservoir 2 Whinchats, Trent Port wetland, Marton 8/5 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper ad, 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. 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 COLLINGHAM Peter Morrell Collingham SK 8673 9108 and SK 8710 9101 Hedgehog road kill x 2 on A631 STURTON BY STOW Peter Morrell Sturton by Stow SK 8912 7974 Hedgehog road kill on B1241 STAMFORD Peter Morrell Stamford TF 0148 0561 05.05.15 Badger road kill on the hard shoulder of A1. *** 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. BARROW ON HUMBER Noel Loxley Report dated 4th May 2015 Southern end of Barrow on Humber B1206. Last week we had frequent song from a thrush, blackbirds, greenfinches and a chiff chaff. also resident wrens, the lesser spotted woodpecker and four varieties of tit Also saw a Holly blue, an orange tip, a cabbage white, a small tortoiseshell, one peacock, a comma and a speckled wood. We also had a hedgehog "seduction" in the garden in the evening. We have at least three resident "pigs" and have dedicated boxes for them and two nests they have made in sheltered spots. Also heard Martins last week and today [Sun.] but could not see them. BRACEBRIDGE HEATH Bracebridge Heath SK 9789 6723 1/5/15 John Robinson Song Thrushes fledged from nest in garden BRACEBY Marion Ellis writes on 67/5/2015: I had a first sighting in Braceby for me on 5th May. It was a jay pottering on our lawn. In all the 40 years I have lived here I have never seen a jay in Braceby. So to see one in our garden was amazing. We have a big rookery behind us and masses of rooks and jackdaws so generally we never see either magpies or jays in the village. Also pleased to watch house martins flying in to mend nests above the bedroom window. CAISTOR Week beginning 1.5.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Fox adult nightly, Trailcam Fox cub most nights, Trailcam Blackcap singing daily Great spotted woodpecker, m and f on nut feeder daily Pheasants m and 2f daily under feeder Pied wagtail on lawn 6.5.15 Treesparrows 2 collecting feathers 5.5.15 Small tortoiseshell chasing off Large white 4.5.15 Orange tips m and f, several 4.5.15 First sightings of insects 4.5.15 Green shield bug, Speckled wood, St Mark's flies 10s First flowers 2.5.15 Greater stitchwort, Ribwort plantain, Spring vernal grass, Wild garlic 6.5.15 Creeping buttercup, Field woodrush Mill Lane TA 119 012 Creeping toadflax in flower 4.5.15 Ben Jacob Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Coal tit sitting on 6 eggs Shelduck 8, 5.5.15 St Mark's flies, 10s under Hawthorns 2.5.15 CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson 4th May 2015 Carlton le Moorland 490603,358289 12.30 Common Blue - first I can recall around here 19.30 Cuckoo calling (first this year for me) WILLOUGHTON Peter Morrell Willoughton SK931931 03.05.15 4 female great crested newts and 5 male present in garden pond together with 11 smooth newts. 16 housemartin nests currently occupied around the house. 04.05.15 First swifts arrived back in the village, 5 in total. Single pipistrelle bat foraging around the garden at 21:15 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) Date 1/5/2015 Collared Dove 1 Date 2/5/2015 Greenfinch 2 Date 3/5/2015 Greenfinch 2 Starlings 2 Date 4/5/2015 Great tit 1 Greenfinch 5 - a huge surprise, all in the same area, 2 collecting moss, hopefully nestbuilding in an ivy covered holly tree Holly blue 1 Mining bee (Andrena (Melandrina) nitida) 1 - identified for me via iSpot. This is my first ever seen. One centimetre length. I was lifting about a foot of grass to extend a border and this bee appeared with legs covered in pollen. It climbed onto my gloved finger (husband took some pics). It flew off but came back later to the same area. On researching, I discovered I must have disturbed her nest. I hate the fact that whatever we do in the garden, we disturb something. Rabbit 1 Song thrush 1 - singing Starlings 2 - and chicks heard from the nest in the apple tree Date 6/5/2015 Greenfinch 1 Pheasant 2 - male and female Song thrush 1 KIRKBY ON BAIN C Brady 06/05/2015 4 swifts over the gravel pits. LOUTH C Brady 06/05/2015 7am Along the railway walk from Stewton Lane tThis morning the dogs scared a male Roe deer, it panicked and crashed through the undergrowth trying to find its way to the field. It ended up going all the way along towards the road. I think it ended up in a garden at the side. LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 6 May 2015 Bullfinch, male - 1 NETTLEHAM TF 03161 75493 Su Colman & Mark Townsend 2 May 2015 St Mark's Flies - mating at our allotment 4 May 2015 Red deer - female - sighted across the wheat field NORTON DISNEU Norton Disney 487589,359453 Jeremy Hutchinson 4th May 2015 18.30 Cuckoo (male) in flight RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 01.05.2015 Resident Collared Dove pair seen feeding 2 fledglings in shrub. Stock Dove 02.05.2015 Kestrel hovering over pasture (TF309848) 03.05.2015 Brimstone Song thrush singing Chiffchaff calling Wren 2 Blue tit nest boxes are occupied 05.05.2015 A few House Martins in the air Skylark 07.05.2015 Kestrel hunting over pasture (TF309848) 2 Swallows on wire Green Shieldbug Wasp queen STAPLEFORD Jeremy Hutchinson 7th May 2015 Stapleford Orange Tip, only the second this year (the first was in Notts). For the first year that I can recall have not seen one in our garden or elsewhere in Carlton le Moorland: are numbers down this year? Also, no Swifts as yet. SUTTON BRIDGE Jonathan Bye A Mother Shipton moth nectaring on dandelion at midday yesterday (4/5/2015) was a first for my garden in Sutton St James (TF407197). THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 02/05/15 Blackbird x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Common Buzzard x 2 Coot x 2 Goldfinch x 2 Magpie x 1 Mute Swan x 3 Robin x 3 just fledged young + 2 adults Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 3 Tufted Duck x 2 males, 4 females Whitethroat x 1 Willow warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Black Headed Gull x 1 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Coot x 3 Kestrel x 1 Lapwing x 2 Magpie x 2 Moorhen x 1 Mute Swan x 3 Pied wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Tufted Duck x 3pr Tree Sparrow x 3 Whitethroat x 1 Willow Warbler x 2 Wood Pigeon x 2 Green Veined White x 2 Peacock x 8 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 Ruby Tiger x 1 07/05/15 Barn Owl x 1 Swift x 1 SK893993 Rabbit x 6 SK799991 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 1/5 Cuckoo still calling daily up to 2nd May. Canada Farm 1/5/2015 - pair of stockdoves noted at 228538 Marsh Harrier and Buzzard, Yellowhammer and Reed bunting noted at TF2253 3/4 and 4/5 - Marsh Harrier m seen at TF2253. 4/4 "Cuckoo Flower" or "Lady's Smock", Cardamine pratensis, seen along drain to north of Canada Farm Lane TF 230538 approx. Common. Bee Fly at entrance of a beehive. WILSFORD Level Crossing Red Kites D & C Robinson report sent 6/5/2015 Layby near Wilsford level crossing On two separate occasions we have seen a Red Kite. On both occasions it spent some time circling above the village and in the valley before flying off towards Ancaster. Also the other day we saw a Red Kite near East Kirkby. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley [Assisted by Colin Jennings] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gibraltar Point News. Reports always welcome. See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. NNR Week ending Week ending 7 May 2015 Peter and Janet Roworth, Rob Lidstone-Scott & Lizzie Lemon April weather summary - April was another dry month with only 15.6mm (0.61") of rainfall recorded. Days were predominately sunny but temperatures were held back by prolonged cold winds from an easterly sector due to a dominant high pressure centred over the UK during the middle of the month. Eventually the high pressure moved east causing low pressure systems to pull in cold southwesterlies influenced by Arctic air flows. Only occasionally did daytime maximum temperatures reach high teens rising to 20.5°C on the 24th. Nine ground frosts were recorded falling to -4.25°C on the 27th. Of the four air frosts the lowest was -1.25°C also on the 27th. The 3rd - 6th were particularly raw with days of low cloud and drizzle where daytime highs averaged 10.25°C. Strong southwesterlies force 5 were observed on the 1st and 28th. After the very dry April it is worth noting that the weather during the first few days of May became unsettled with strong south westerly winds reaching gusts of 45mph bringing heavy downpours of rain. The rainfall on 3rd May exceeded that for the whole of April and between 3rd and 5th 35.2mm of rainfall was recorded from near Sea View, which is more than that for March and April together. Bird records of interest have included a single Turtle Dove singing near Crook Bank, 1 Wheatear and 3 House Martins all on the 1st. Later in the week on 5th 2 Sand Martins flew over the saltmarsh and on 6th a Swift was seen over Sea View, with 7 swifts seen on the 7th. Small numbers of Whimbrel continue to be seen feeding on the saltmarsh and occasionally heard flying over to the adjacent pasture fields. Few butterflies have been seen but of note a small copper was on the wing near Churchill on the 1st. Natterjack toads have been occasionally heard. 4 spot chaser and large red damselfly seen this week. Cowslips are now making a good show on the dunes along with field mouse-ear, ground ivy and common stork’s-bill. White dead-nettle, garlic mustard and cow parsley are flowering at Paradise. Donna Nook NNR & Pyes Hall Realignment Site Wildlife News April 24th – May 7th Recent bird sightings: house martin, swallow, swift, whimbrel, common sandpiper, greenshank, jack snipe, curlew, spotted redshank, marsh harrier, peregrine, kestrel, merlin, common buzzard, yellow wagtail, pied wagtail, cuckoo, ring ouzel, turtle dove, redwing, corn bunting, reed bunting, wheatear, common redstart, nightingale, grasshopper warbler, sedge warbler, whitethroat, long-tailed tit, kittiwake, sandwich tern, dark-bellied Brent goose, blue-winged teal, garganey Other sightings: St.Mark’s fly now out in force – so named because they appear around St. Mark’s Day, April 25th. Also known as the hawthorn fly, these flies are instantly recognisable by their long trailing hindlegs. They hatch in their millions and the hatch is generally over by mid-May. They are non- biting and do not sting. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Limewoods are notable for the few reports we receive for the Bulletin, so you can help by sending in sightings if you visit. Two good links about the Limewoods are: Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually 'goes to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** Contacts List *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Website: http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website. A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). I will be organising a few field meetings to hunt for spiders and other arachnids in due course, but if any LNU members wish to get in touch in the meantime then please contact me on my e-mail address: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 Ashley Butterfield, LNU Reptile and Amphibian Recorder, adds: The recordpool is a joint ARGUK and ARC Trust project that aims to collect herpetofauna data from the uk that might not otherwise be recorded and make it available for conservation purposes. As such you will have access to your own records at full resolution and other records at a lower resolution. You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK with any specific questions. angela.digges@clara.co.uk *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in badger reports. USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project has produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Ruth Craig http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer RSPB Websites: http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html Lincsbirders - Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk Botanical Group in South Lincs Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in some cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold precise details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 2015 Field Meetings. Sunday, May 31, 2015 Fulsby Wood SSSI - (Private) (Courtesy of Tumby Estate) South of Horncastle 10am to 4pm. Park in Tumby saw mill car park at TF254602 (PE22 7TD) which is on north side of A155 between Coningsby and Mareham le Fen. Leader will be at car park for 10am and then again for 1pm for afternoon only attendees. Habitats: Ancient woodland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, June 05, 2015 Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) (multi-organizational Bioblitz event with evening moth sessions) South of Wragby Evening session on Friday from 9pm, then all day recording on Saturday and Sunday. Evening session on Saturday starting at 9pm. Times TBC. Use both car parks near to Wood Centre at TF147739 (LN8 5JR) Toilets available on site. Habitats: Various woodland types, pasture, scrub and ponds. Contacts: Anne Goodall 01526 398182 anne.goodall@esl-lincoln.co.uk and Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, June 06, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Sunday, June 07, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Saturday, June 27, 2015 Poplar Farm, Low Hameringham (Courtesy of Tony Smith) South of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 21.15. Use farmyard for parking at TF305662 Habitats: Various grassland types, marsh, chalk stream Leader: Mark Schofield 07825 970930 mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Saturday, July 11, 2015 Thorne (Beehives) Ltd Rand West of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF106787 (LN8 5NJ) which is off minor lane northwards off A158 (about 500m on right past Rand Farm Park entrance). Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, wildflower meadows, gardens, ponds and lakes. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, August 15, 2015 White House Farm, Branston Fen (Courtesy of Peter Lundgren) SE of Lincoln, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.30. Park in farmyard at TF085705 (LN3 5UP) which is at end of North Causeway found off the B1190 at Branston Booths. Habitats: Grassland, ditches, arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 06, 2015 Metheringham Delph East of Metheringham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Road verge parking alongside Carr Dyke near western end of the Delph at approx.TF114 620. Take minor road off B1189 between Metheringham Habitats: Grassland, river, ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 11, 2015 Fungus Foray - TBC TBC - see Wildnews Bulletin, website or contact a member of the Executive Committee for further details. Also see: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union June 6th: Entomological Techniques Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about entomological techniques such as sweep netting, following identification keys and dealing with specimens? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. July 4th: Grasses Workshop Interested in Plants but would like to know more in particular about Grasses? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. August 1st: Bug Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Bugs? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. September 19th: Spider Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? Come along and find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** A text copy of past Bulletins will be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails - see notes above. mwalker - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying jellis - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying Amanda jenkses - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying redpoll dircon - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. "Airspace reserves' could protect wildlife http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32536907 Lincoln Castle triples visitor numbers after Magna Carta refurb http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32545999 Woodhall Spa's Dambusters memorial in partial collapse http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32608704 Tayside beaver colonies 'adapting well to Scotland' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-32519344 Heatwaves 'more likely' in England http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32534488 Climate change risk to 'one in six species' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32532518 White Storks Silvia Fowler writes: It has just occurred to me that a German webcam, which is tracking the progress of a pair of white storks, may be of interest to other readers. The location (Hammelburg) is about 75 miles east of Frankfurt. I have been watching the nest for a couple of years. Interestingly, the female (not ringed) overwintered on the nest last year (a first). The male is ringed, so they can be told apart. Three chicks have just hatched, but there could be more to come. Of course, all the commentary is in German, but the pictures speak for themselves. The site is financed through a bit of advertising, but it's not intrusive. Here's the link: http://www.unser-hammelburg.de/storchennest/ Note: There are two cameras, the one on the right has a greater zoom and also works at night (though the image is quite poor). 'Gaestebuch' publishes pictures and comments from other signed-up users 'Aktuelles Tagebuch' is the organizer's commentary 'Stundenbilder' are stills taken at hourly intervals that can be quite revealing. 'Archivauswahl' contains records back to 2009 when it was first set up (there have been a few dramas along the way) Holes in the road? Editor writes: I have just reported a highway defect, the second time I have done so this year. The response to my earlier complaint about potholes brought a speedy response, which was very encouraging. This time is was a signpost needing reorientation. The website for making these reports is simple and user friendly and all of us should be using it to help LCC cope with the complex problems of maintaining our rural roads. Hazards that would be considered urgent require a phone call to: 01522 782070 [Or the Police on 999 if an emergency.] Less urgent 'defects needing reports' is interesting and these can be reported by an on-line form. Have a look at the website: http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/report-highway-defects-and-enquiries/41433.article ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/