============================================= || || 8th November 2015 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || ============================================ 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 link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past 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.... *** 'Cloud and fog permitting', watch for 2 meteor showers, the Northern Taurids [peak 12th] and the Leonids [peak 17/18th]. Autumn temperatures have been quite high so far, and this has been reflected in insect activity, though recent dull and wet days have lowed that down somewhat. Queen bumblebees have been be seen foraging and hoverflies and butterflies such as Speckled Wood in the orchard. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust posts regular seal updates on: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook Got weekly updates see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update Visitor Guidelines: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/donna-nook/viewing-seals-donna-nook If possible, try to avoid weekend visits to avoid the crowds. As a RSB member, may I encourage you to join in our survey of Starlings and their murmurations, as reported on Autumnwatch? It is easy to do and is already giving some interesting data. http://www.rsb.org.uk/get-involved/biologyweek/starling-survey You may like to enjoy again the Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ Please tell people about the Bulletin and suggest they give it a try. It's free! Here is the URL of the sign-up page: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Thanks for the many interesting contributions this week. It is always good to hear from readers. Please keep the reports coming. Roger p.s. Don't forget: 12. ...and finally... Your suggestions for interesting links are always very welcome. *** LNU Events - 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 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. *** Question: Earthworms Eating Cabbages? *** Roy Harvey asks: I cut a couple of cabbages from my garden yesterday and in the lower part of them were several creatures that looked like small earthworms. The worms had clearly been eating the cabbages as there were fresh droppings present - and no sign of butterfly caterpillars. When disturbed, the worms move quickly and are not as sluggish as normal earthworms that you find when digging the garden. I should be interested to know more about them, and where they might have come from. *** Bats: records and crises *** Annette Faulkner reminds us: If you find a grounded bat PLEASE don't leave it where it's found, thinking "nature will take its course". It will - but it'll take several days to do it, and meanwhile the bat can fall prey to predation, injuries become infected, they can become fly-struck, or other horrors overtake them. For all their tiny size they're tough little beasts and take a long time to die. Scoop them up in a cloth or wear gloves, put them in an escape-proof box and phone 01775 766286, the Lincs Bat Group's Helpline number. *** Joint BTO and Lincolnshire Bird Club Conference *** 'Monitoring Birds' Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park LN6 9BW Saturday 28th November 2015 From 9.30 - 15.15 Conference Fee: £14 Includes coffee, tea and lunch Everyone is Welcome! More details at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23067 Download booking form at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/information/Booking_Form_Conf_2015.doc *** Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Entomological Society *** Richard Davidson sent in the following: DaNES INSECT SHOW. Brackenhurst Campus - Nottingham Trent University. On A612 just south of Southwell NG25 0QF. November 21st, 11am-4.30pm DaNES' main annual event, with a large number of exhibits by both organisations and individuals - informative displays, demonstrations, hands-on activities, live insects and sales stalls. There will also be a series of interesting talks throughout the day. Plenty to see, do and buy, and a café for refreshments. Access and WC is suitable for wheelchairs. There is free parking for those with cars and, for those without, the Nottm-Southwell bus stops outside. ENTRANCE IS FREE Depending on weather, there may be a moth watch afterwards. Contact Dave Budworth on 01283 215188 *** Can you contribute towards a book on ancient woodland? *** Derek Niemann wrote to Chris Manning: You may well know that during the decades after WW2, Britain managed to destroy more than a third of its ancient woodlands. But do you have any direct memories from this period? Did you know a wood that was grubbed up for farming, or cut down and replanted with conifers? Were you a farmer or forester? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at derek@niemann.plus.com or ring me on 01767 692603. [Derek is a writer and editor, doing a fortnightly nature diary column for the Guardian and features for BBC Wildlife.] *** Natural History & Geology Section of Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Keith Scarrott writes: At the next meeting of the Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society, on Monday, 9th November, Alison Foyster of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, Lincoln, will be giving a talk about Badgers. Alison's talk will include the natural history and care of badgers in the wild and in the hospital. Starting at 7.15pm, the meeting will be held in St. Bernadette's Parish Centre, opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS. There is free parking in the Church grounds. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments will be available at the mid-talk break for a small charge. For further details please contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** George Rutter writes: Monday 9th November 7:30pm Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford Talk: Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Chalk streams are a rare habitat and the project is trying to enhance them. Project Officer, Ruth Craig, will give and illustrated talk on these very important habitats and features of the landscape. *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Next events: Saturday 21st November "A walk between New Holland and Barrow" A half-day walk to view the winter waders and wildfowl. Contact; Alex Cawley (07722 555302) for details Ness Farm at 9am. Everybody welcome to come along. Wednesday 18th November "Members Pictures" Up to 20 pictures on Stick, CD or slides on any subject. A selection of pictures taken by members throughout he year. Start s at 7:30pm At Ness Farm Old Centre. *** Grantham LWT *** Marion Ellis writes: LWT Grantham Area Group Friday 13 November 7.30pm Barkston & Syston Village Hall THE TEES VALLEY by Geoff Lee Estuary to moorland, mudflats to gorse, summer to winter. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT On Monday 9th November 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting when the Trust's chairman Geoff Trinder will be giving an illustrated talk about winter wildlife in Japan. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission £2, all are welcome. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle and tea & coffee available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** Lincoln LWT *** Lincoln Area Group Talk November 19th: Ancient Woodland - History, Industry and Crafts by Professor Ian Rotherham (Sheffield Hallam University) Looking at the history of our ancient woodlands and how their management in the past has shaped what they are today. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ [Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....."] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird 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/ 29/10 Pallid Harrier juv flew south past Wash Viewpoint, 2 Hen Harriers, Black-throated Diver flew south past, Gibraltar Point Pallid Harrier juv, then flew north, Butterwick 2 Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owl, Rimac 10 Twite, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Saltfleet St Peter Hen Harrier m, flew over road, Deeping St James Lapland Bunting, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Black Brant, Donna Nook Short-eared Owl, Twite, Frampton Marsh 30/10 Black Redstart male, 2 Hen Harriers, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Black Brant adult with 1240 Dark-bellied Brent Geese between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, 25 Twite, Donna Nook 31/10 Short-eared Owl, 6 Spotted Redshanks, 2 male Hen Harriers, Frampton Marsh 2 Hen Harriers, 2 Spotted Redshanks of Tennyson's Sands, 3 Black Redstarts, Hawfinch flew south, Rough-legged Buzzard, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck f/1w west of Crowland water tower, Short- eared Owl on post to west, Deeping High Bank 5 Ring Ouzels 2 males, Redstart, 3 Hen Harriers, 2 Short- eared Owls, Saltfleetby Black redstart, Donna Nook 3 Hen Harriers, 2 Short-eared Owls, Ring Ouzel, Rimac 1/11 2 Tundra Bean Geese, Alder Fen, Wroot Great Grey Shrike, Hen Harrier male, Short-eared Owl, Snow Bunting, Gibraltar Point Pomarine Skua ad flew along Humber Bridge towards Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 4 Short-eared Owls from Pye's Hall, Long-eared Owl, Donna Nook Long-tailed Duck f/1w west of Crowland water tower, Deeping High Bank Ring Ouzel by Aveland Trees + sewage works, Dunsby 2 Ring Ouzels, Saltfleetby Bewick's Swan, SE corner of Covenham Reservour Rough-legged Buzzard, in small copse east of River Bain, Hemingby 2/11 Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland Black Redstart male, Europarc by Innovation centre, Grimsby Hen Harrier male, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point Snow Bunting in flight over lagoon, 2 Bewick's Swans on lagoon, Freiston Shore Yellow-browed Warbler, Short-eqred Owl, Donna Nook probable Northern Bullfinch fem, Barton-upon-Humber 3/11 Jack Snipe, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Hen Harrier male, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland probable Northern Bullfinch fem Bittern north side of Grebe Lake, Whisby Nature Park 4/11 2 Snow Buntings males, ringtail Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier ad male at Sunken Meadow, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, male Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point 4 Bewick's Swans, all adults, Hide Pit, Kirkby-on Bain GPs Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland 5/11 Pallid Harrier juv over Old Saltmarsh and East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland Water Pipit on Fendland Lagoon, ringtail Hen Harrier, Jack Snipe, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier, Donna Nook 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. ROADKILLS - don't forget your name and date! CAISTOR Wendy Handford Caistor, Mill Lane TA 119 012 Hedgehog juv 31.10.15 DALDERBY near Horncastle TF250660 Roger Parsons 3/11/2015 Dead adult Badger East side of A153, south end of village. LINCOLN SK998754 Su Colman 2/11/15 07.45 A46 at Riseholme turn Badger roadkill *** 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. BEELSBY east of TA 211020 Peter Crick 01.11.2015 Red Admiral - on road side verge vegetation. 12.30hrs sunshine. CAISTOR Week beginning 29.10.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Feral cat prowling along hedgebank 2.11.15 Grey squirrel disturbed in logpile 2.11.15 Hedgehog adult in orchard 11pm 1.11.15. Trailcam Blackbirds 3 eating Berberis berries 29.10.15 Great spotted woodpecker calling 29.10.15 Jay under Oak 31.10.15 Tawny owl calling every evening Common wasp queen active in wooden shed 29.10.15 Fungi this week Common bonnets 20 on stump of Norway spruce Glistening inkcaps 30+ on fallen Ash Hairy curtain crust on Ash Pestle puffball in wildflower meadow under Alder Wendy Handford Caistor Town Hall car park TA 118 015 Silverleaf fungus on Sycamore stump 31.10.15 Wendy Handford Caistor Market Place TA 118 013 Buff-tailed bee flying around at fruit and vegetable stall 31.10.15 Jenny Foster Brigg Road garden TA 113 020 House sparrows 15-20 feeding on breadcrumbs 29.10.15 Jay daily Ben Jacob Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 29.10.15 Fungi this week Brown puffball, plus others being identified CAISTOR TOP TA 125014 Peter Crick 01.11.2015 Ladybird - 10 spot on information display board 12 noon/sunshine (differed from ID chart in that it had fully black head) GAYTON LE WOLD TA 237860 Peter Crick 26.10.2015 Red Legged Partridge (this bird was of total white colouration apart from faint markings on head) Feeding outside grain store on spilt feed and not deterred by people. KEELBY - north west of TA 154115 Peter Crick 04.11.2015 Spindle - single specimen in flower in hedgerow alongside public footpath. Refreshing sight during day of heavy rain. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker Hedgehogs - At this stage of autumn, with the weather still mild, the hedgehogs are still active in the garden. Arriving for their nightly 'cat nibbles' on the patio area within a few feet of the back door, numbers have been: 12/10/15 2 adults 16/10/15 1 juvenile (this was carrying an inverted ' V ' across it's back, obviously it had been marked for some purpose ? ) 17/10/15 1 juvenile unmarked So the number for this particular week of different hedgehogs was 4. The week 25 - 31/10/15 saw 3 different hedgehogs visit. On the evening of 4/11/15 a large adult and a juvenile eating side by side at the pile of food. I hope the weather stays mild? also 5/11/15 House Sparrow 41 This is the largest number we have counted so far this year. Sunflower hearts and peanuts seem to be favourite. 27/10/15 Starlings 18 In for breakfast on suet pellets. In a small town garden these are large numbers to cater for, time to order more food ! HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF512763 (my garden) Date 31/10/2915 Harlequin ladybird 1 Tawny owl 1 (heard 5am) Wren 1 Date 1/11/2015 Chaffinch 2 Whooper swans 2 (flying directly over my house to the east and seemed to be quite low - beautiful) Date 2/11/2015 Magpie 1 Pheasant 1 Date 3/11/2015 Blue tits 2 Chaffinch 1 Hawthorn Shieldbug 1 (found on my arm but put a hawthorn branch) Date 4/11/2015 Tawny owl 1 (heard 5.30am) Date 5/11/2015 Tawny owl 1 (heard 5.30am - hope the owl is catching the mice - none in the porch this week!) LOUTH Ray Woodcock 2 November 2015, From my house at GR 327879 and between 1059 and 1102 hrs I saw skeins of what I deduce were Pink-footed geese flying to the east of Louth in a south westerly direction. [A telephone from a friend at 1144 hrs confirmed that Cockerington Marsh GR 3890 that the area is: '.. full of Pinkfoots'.] NETTLEHAM Su Colman TF013754 Week beginning 1/1/15 Brookfield Avenue Young male sparrowhawk visiting daily NEW WALTHAM TA 287046 Peter Crick 02.11.2015 Red tail Bumblebee 10.30am/sunshine Wasps seen every day for past week, including flying in the rain. PARTNEY TF424681 A158 25/10/15 Robert Walker Kestrel 1 Perched on cables by roadside. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler October was another dry month with only 37.5mm, that's about half of last year's figure. 30.10.2015 Wren 31.10.2015 Pied Wagtail and Grey Wagtail feeding together 01.11.2015 (sunny and calm) Small Tortoiseshell x 1, Small White x 1 (cf. 31.10.2014, when I recorded it. Still LOTS of butterflies on the wing.) Common Drone Fly x 10-12 on chrysanthemums Wren Common Frog near pond edge Harlequin Ladybird on bedroom window 04.11.2015 Pheasant x 6 (TF308849) Noticeably fewer Pheasants around than in previous years. Did the cold spring/summer affect their breeding success? (No local rearing to my knowledge.) THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 31/10/15 Blackbird x 5 Fieldfare x 45 Kestrel x 1 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 23:15hrs 01/11/15 Black Headed Gull x 131 Golden Plover x 52 Lapwing x 18 Mute Swan x 1 Brown Hare x 1 road kill SK803996 02/11/15 Lapwing, several calling 23:00hrs, fields north of Thurnholmes Little Owl x 1 04/11/15 Common Buzzard x 1 Lapwing x 27 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 23:00hrs 05/11/15 Blackbird x 2 Black Headed Gull x 220 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 79 Golden Plover x 280 Kestrel x Lapwing x 135 Mute Swan x 4 adults, 2 young Robin x 1 Brown Rat x 1 WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 01/11/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson Very little of interest on the open water today with only four Mallard recorded, though two Cormorants were circling together with a single Little Egret. A single Kingfisher paid a brief visit and. Water Rail flew away from the site, though there was considerable Water Rail noise from the reed-beds throughout the afternoon. Two Lapwings flew over, though many more had been heard earlier circling in thick fog. A Little Owl was calling at dusk and there were small Reed Bunting and Starling roosts. The hedgerows were full of Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinches, Green- finches and Tree Sparrows. A few Goldcrests passed through. There was an UNCONFIRMED sighting of a Rough-legged Buzzard? WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 30/10/2015 Hoverfly - very active - probably Eristalis tenax. 31/10/2015 2 Tree bumblebees, Bombus hypnorum, 1queen, 1 worker. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/tree-bumblebee Hoverfly - Eristalis tenax http://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/common-drone-fly Tawny Owl calling in garden 1pm. Little Egret seen in drain at TF 218544 - first for some months. 2/11/2015 Hurnbridge Road I went for a long walk in the fog and had the splendid experience of being inside a starling murmuration. About 1000 were feeding on the fields and they decided to have a little zoom about on the way to a new feeding place. They were kind enough to do it all round me as I stood there watching them, so for a brief moment I was part of the flock. Rather wonderful. I noted a fair sized flock of Fieldfares - 50-60+ in the hedges. Footnote Late pm on 3/11 The flock was seen flying in the direction of Kirkby on Bain.[AP] 3/11 10am. Jay in garden am - jays are occasional/seasonal visitors here. 5/11 2pm. TF216545 approx. Little Egret seen flying with long-ish fish in its beak. 6-8"? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 and DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/donna-nook/viewing-seals-donna-nook ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. WILDLIFE NEWS Week ending Thursday 29th October to Wednesday 4th November: Contributors: Nigel Lound, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison October weather notes: The low pressure of the first few days which gave dull cloudy conditions gave way to a high which dominated the weather from the 7th - 21st. Although there was some cloud cover along the coast the weather from this high was generally settled with pleasing day-time temperatures. As the high then gradually drifted east a series of low pressures with accompanying fronts came in from the west. Conditions became unsettled with a mix of rainfall, heavy at times, low cloud but the occasional sunny day from mild south westerlies. A maximum of 17.25°C was recorded on the 21st and an air minimum of 2.5°C on the 23rd and 25th. Ground frosts observed on the 20th, 23rd, 25th (-2.25°C) and 26th. Fog noted on the 7th, 27th and 31st. Total rainfall was 39.70mm (1.56 inches) of which 16.3mm fell on the 5th. As per above weather notes, there was fog at the end of October, which continued during the period, only being washed away by heavy periods of rain on some days. However, it remained very mild through-out, but Sunday 1st November proved to be exceptional, because whilst much of the country remained under a blanket of fog, the coastal weather here was bright and sunny all day, with a temperature of 18'C being recorded. The warmth of Sunday brought out many insects, with Comma, Red Admiral and Tortoiseshell butterflies being recorded across the reserve. Migrant Hawker dragonflies were also recorded along with a single Red Darter dragonfly. Wasp nests continue to be active in the mild conditions and a few Bumblebees were also noted on ivy flowers. Thrushes, including Blackbirds and Redwings, along with Fieldfares and a few Song Thrushes were arriving daily until the 2nd November, when the fog affecting the UK became widespread over the northern Continent and Scandinavia. A Corncrake in the Churchill Lane area on the 2nd was an uncommon migrant to be recorded and Water Rails were also in evidence on1st and 2nd, with 3 also in the Rimac area. Pink-footed Goose movements have also been a feature of the period, with Sunday 1st being the peak day when over 1,000++ birds were seen flying south in skeins of up to 260 birds. After this, geese became fog bound and several small parties were to be heard on the beach each day, sometimes flying low very close to people. 2 Barnacle Geese were also seen with a party of 45 Pink-feets on fields close to Rimac and 5 Grey-lag Geese were also recorded flying south over the sea on 29th October. Singles of Short-eared Owls have been recorded on several days across the marsh/Rimac areas, with 2 at Churchill Lane beach area as well, so several individuals are involved. Likewise a female and a ringtail Hen Harrier have been recorded in the same areas. Twite have been increasing on the beach, with at least 45 on some days being counted, but the poor visibility has hindered accurate counting. The Linnets on the beach continue to number over 100 and were joined by 2 Snow Buntings on 1st. Other birds of note have included 2 water Pipits and a Kingfisher at Rimac, 15 Siskins and a Coal Tit at SeaView, with singles of Buzzard, SparrowHawk and Kestrel across the reserve. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. FAR INGS NNR See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Identifying the Fungi: http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** 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 *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** 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 *** 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. *** 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 *** 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 ejohnredshaw@gmail.com *** 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. 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 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 *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, 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/ *** 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/ *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 2016 Indoor meetings saturday 15th January 2016 To be announced. Keep an eye on the LNU Website. Saturday, February 13, 2016 Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders and view exhibits including a demonstration of online recording software ‘Living Record’ and a discussion on online recording starting at 12.30; the overview starts at 2pm as in previous years. Saturday, March 05, 2016 AGM & Presidential Address AGM, Followed by the Presidential Address by Mark Schofield “Better Connected - Can our road networks serve as super- highways for wildlife?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If your Bulletin did not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. gandd zen - soft bounce - Quota exceeded. John.Badley - soft bounce - Email rejected due to security policies Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Silvia Fowler writes: The adult storks in Hammelburg (Germany) seem to be staying for the winter. Last year, for the first time, the female stayed. They are only on the nest at dawn and dusk, see tabs STUNDENBILDER and GAESTEBUCH. Apparently, they are not the only white storks overwintering in Germany (but last year was a fairly mild winter; not sure how they'd cope with -20C, which is quite possible in that area). The 3 chicks left in late August; some pics of their development under BILDERGALERIE. http://www.unser-hammelburg.de/storchennest/ Garden bird survey aims to solve goldfinch mystery http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34703580 Can trees really change sex? https://theconversation.com/can-trees-really-change-sex-50226 Beinn Eighe's dark bees could aid fight against virus http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34710340 Fears over Devon wild beaver disappearance http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34687331 Dolphins suspected in whale attack off Skye http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34671705 How cockroaches could save lives http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34517443 Epic orca and whale battle caught on camera http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20151029-epic-orca-hunt-caught-on-camera Bat species discovered at Natural History Museum after 30 years http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34680768 Vulcan bomber's last flight prompts wave of nostalgia http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-34676403 Vulcan bomber prohibited air roll investigated http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-34712346 Boston Stump floodlights to be switched on after two years http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-34688119 Forces consider G4S to handle 999 calls in East Midlands http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34707762 Ice Age engravings found at Jersey archaeological site http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34679202 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/