============================================= || || 3rd April 2016 || || 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. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 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 since Feb 2009 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, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. 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 have enough information to put together a quick Bulletin for you before my walkabout. I will be 'off the air' for a week or so and will be aiming to get the next Bulletin to you for Sunday 17th April. You could use this quiet period to promote the Bulletin to a friend or two. The 'forward to a friend' link is at the end of the Bulletin. Please give it a try. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for April can be found on the link below: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Looking ahead, expect a couple of Meteor Showers in late April/early May, the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids. See: http://popastro.com/meteor/reference/meteorshowers/index.php There is a transit of Mercury coming up on May 9th, so check out safe ways to observe this. You should never attempt to look at the Sun without safe Solar- viewing equipment or by 'projection'. Solar viewers can be ordered on Amazon. https://britastro.org/transit2016 http://www.nakedeyeplanets.com/mercury-transit-2016.htm Note: If any link in the Bulletin does not work, please look at the URL. See if an extra http:// has crept in. Delete the error in the URL and try again. This problem seems to affect 'long URL addresses'. Thank you for all your contributions. Please keep them coming. Roger *** LNU EVENTS- list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** Section 11 now includes the LNU Field Meetings for 2016. 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. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Saturday, April 23, 2016 Potterhanworth Wood SSSI Joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group) (A private woodland site with access courtesy of F.G Battle & Sons Ltd) Southeast of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF07306621 which is a hard-standing area next to a barn. Follow minor road east from Potterhanworth through wood and then take track immediately on right where road bends. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. The South Lincs Flora Group intend to be recording in the general area on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland. Leader (LNU): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Leader (BSBI): Sarah Lambert sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com *** Pesticide Amnesty Scheme *** Anglian Water plans to extend pesticide amnesty scheme http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35906758 *** More on the threats to the Ash *** http://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/ash-trees-likely-be-wiped-out-europe? http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2745.12566/full http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2745.12566/full *** Novel way to clean up the streets? *** [I like this idea.] http://www.mygreenpod.com/articles/the-ballot-bin/ *** Bee Fly Prompt *** See: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/dark-edged-bee-fly http://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources-rx/files/bee-fly-identification-129900.pdf http://www.brc.ac.uk/soldierflies-and-allies/bee-flies *** OIL BEETLE SURVEY - volunteeers needed - contact Charlie Barnes *** Charlie Barnes writes: Last year a second population of oil beetles were found in Lincolnshire, on the sea banks of the Wash. Their presence on the banks suggests a relatively recent population and poses the question of how widely distributed they are in the area. To ascertain this I'm looking for volunteers to assist in an oil beetle hunt. Survey routes have been drawn up on public footpaths on the banks surrounding the Wash, ranging in length from 2 to 8 miles. Based on records from the only other Lincolnshire site, surveys will be best carried out in March and April. No previous experience is needed! Oil beetles are large, conspicuous and easy to recognize, and if there is any doubt a photo confirms the identification. There are some excellent photos and information on the Sherwood population in neighbouring Nottinghamshire at http://www.eakringbirds.com/eakringbirds4/meloeproscarabaeus.htm If you're interested in taking part - or regularly walk along the sea banks - get in touch for further details: charlie@cucaera.co.uk Charlie Barnes Lincolnshire recorder for beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** SCUNTHORPE MUSEUM SOCIETY *** Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Our last indoor meeting for this 2015/2016 "season" is on Monday,11th April, starting at 7.15pm as usual. At this meeting Dr Kate Slocombe, who is based at the University of York, will give a talk entitled "Evolution of Language: what do chimpanzees have to say?" Dr Slocombe has done extensive research on chimpanzee communication, working with both wild and captive populations. She will talk about the fascinating topic of animal communication, the evolution of human language and what it is like to study chimpanzees in the jungle. This promises to be an exceptional talk. ALL ARE WELCOME. We meet at St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS. (Many apologies for the incorrect post code given for the previous meeting.) There is ample free parking in the church car park, the gates being opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. There is no entry charge for the meeting but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. For further information please contact Keth Scarrott on 01724 762098. or visit the website www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Louth Area Group LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: On Friday 8 April at the ConocoPhillips Room, Louth Library, the Louth Area Group of the LWT will be having a Members' Evening which includes a short, entertaining AGM. The bulk of the meeting will be taken by eight members who will show digital photographs or give a short talk each of five minutes duration. The evening will conclude with cheese and wine and a raffle. Non members are welcome to join us. The evening is intended to enable everyone to have the opportunity to discover what LAG is about. On this occasion there is no entry fee. More details from Ray on lag2014rww@aol.com *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops 2016 *** in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 12:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. May 14th: Spiders Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? A second chance to find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. June 18th: Rushes and Sedges Workshop Interested in plants but would like to know more in particular about Rushes and Sedges? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. July 9th: Riverflies Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Riverflies? (May Flies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies) Come along and find out more with local expert Richard Chadd. July 16th Diptera (Flies) Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Flies? Come along and find out more from local experts Phil Porter and David Denman *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** RSPB *** Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ South Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** 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 ....." There should be something for everyone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 23/3 Great White Egret, Willow Tree Fen 24/3 Swallow over Cook's Lock, Boston Scaup fem, Thorpe Lake, Whisby Nature Park 25/3 Common Crane flew NW over North Cotes 11 Twite, Firecrest along track to Witham mouth, Little Stint, Little Gull, Frampton Marsh 26/3 36 Whooper Swans flew north over Rippingdale Scaup fem, Thorpe Lake, Whisby Nature Park 51 Whooper Swans, 2 White Wagtails, Toft Newton reservoir Firecrest between Stonebridge and Pyes Hall, Donna Nook 2 Firecrests, 1 in East Dunes, 1 at Sykes Farm, Gibraltar Point 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Hen Harrier, Tetney Velvet Scoter at Cut End,Twite on Cross Bank, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Frampton Marsh 27/3 Firecrest, Little Gull, Frampton Marsh Firecrest at Sykes Farm, Lapland Bunting south over, Gibraltar Point 2 Firecrests , one north of, 1 south of Stonebridge, Donna Nook 4 Firecrests, Gibraltar Point 28/3/2016 Water Pipit on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 29/3 Firecrest at Sykes Farm, 2 Common Cranes south over, Gibraltar Point Firecrest, south end, Donna Nook Short-eared Owl at Tabb's Head, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Hobby reported, Frampton Marsh 4 Firecrests, Hen Harrier, Black-throated Diver on sea, Gibraltar Point 30/3 Bittern in flight - from 'Duck" hide, Messingham Sand Quarry Note: I am adapting 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. Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. [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. Jerry Gunner writes: Sunday March 20, 2016 saw us at the Metheringham car-boot sale where a confused queen red-tail bee was trying to feed from the flowers printed on an article of clothing. I scooted her off but she went straight back. On Monday morning, early, looking out of the bedroom window I saw a willow warbler or chiffchaff on a cherry tree in the front garden. I wasn't sure which but on Tuesday morning I heard a chiffchaff in the garden so I guess that was that! First one I've heard this year. Also on Monday morning at least 32 redwings were perching high in the poplar trees at the end of the back garden. They flew off when I opened the back door to get a better look. Later in the day a common buzzard alighted in a tree on the edge of the front garden but flew off before I could get a snap of it. On Tuesday morning there was a flight of three battling in the sky low over the garden, chasing each other through and around the tree branches. Scared the living daylights out of my chickens. I hope this means they'll be again nesting in the trees along the driveway. A red kite was circling over the garden on Sunday but I have little hope that will lead to a nest - that would really be something. The greater spotted woodpeckers are making their presence felt every day now, both aurally and visually. We still have both bramblings and redpolls and at least four greenfinches. I saw a dunnock and robin squaring up earlier today (Tuesday) presumably they compete for similar territory. The wonderful weather on Saturday March 26 saw me working in the paddock all day. Most notable were several sightings of brimstone butterflies but no peacocks tortoiseshells or whites. It's cold this Saturday morning and the birdfeeders are busy and I can see at least one goldcrest on a big yew in the front garden. ROAD KILL Wednesday 330 March 2016 A1077 east of South Ferriby SE998210 Dead badger in middle of the road. Jenny Haynes *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context BOSTON (south by A16) 30/03/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Comma butterfly in garden today. BRADLEY WOODS (Grid reference TA2405) 25/03/2016 Jon Drakes & William Drakes A brief morning visit to the woods found the following species attracted to the bird feeding area: Pied Wagtail Coal Tit Robin Great Tit Blue Tit Nuthatch Dunnock Chaffinch Blackbird Woodpigeon BURWELL Nick Adams (while travelling [as passenger!] towards Ulceby Cross on A16) 27th March 2016 Sunday afternoon approx 3.30pm (BST). 3 red kite flying near Burwell. [Recorder - GR is available] DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 2/03/16 Time: 0900 - 1245 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, cool Birds: BlackbirdBlack-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coot Egyptian Goose Goldeneye Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring gull Jackdaw Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Peregrine Red Kite Reed Bunting Robin Rook Shelduck Siskin Sparrowhawk Skylark Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 25/03/2016 Jon Drakes Species noted whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in the back garden were: Dunnock 5 Blackbird 2 Collared Dove 6 Goldfinch 3 Chaffinch 2 Starling 3 Woodpigeon 2 Wren 2 Greenfinch 2 Robin 1 House Sparrow 10 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 25/03/2016 Jon Drakes An afternoon walk around my regular village bird walk found the following species present: Collared Dove House Sparrow Starling Dunnock Chaffinch Woodpigeon Jackdaw Kestrel 2 Blackbird Buzzard 2 Corn Bunting 1 Carrion Crow Song Thrush 1 Blue Tit Great Tit Pheasant Robin Goldfinch Magpie Rabbit Fox 1 Bumble Bee Mole - unfortunately found lying dead next to public foot path Six Spot Ladybird 1 LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 29 March 2016 Long tailed tit - 1 NETTLEHAM David Smith 25/03/2016  13.00-14.00 Farmland South of sports field Peacock butterfly x5 Blue tit x1 Blackbird (male) x1 Magpie x4 Kestrel x1 Yellowhammer x1 Dunnock x1 Carrion crow x1 Woodpigeon x8 NETTLEHAM Farmland South of sports field 28/03/2016  18.30-19.30 (BST) David Smith Barn Owl x2 Yellowhammer x3 Great Tit x3 Skylark x1 Carrion Crow x3 Woodpigeon x12 Dunnock x1 Robin x1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 25/03/2016 Brown Hare adult in garden - often seen in surrounding fields. Jackdaws definitely nesting - in woodpecker box AND Little Owl box. 26/3 Reed Bunting under Niger feeder. 27/3 Sparrowhawk in flower border close to house [after failed attack?] 28/3 Yellowhammer WRANGLE COMMON 30/03/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today produced twenty-seven species. Despite continuing high water levels, waders were in short supply with only three birds seen - Snipe, Curlew and Jack Snipe. Shelducks (6) were present on the wet grassland with up to four Teal and there was a high count of Mallard (30). Tufted Ducks (5) were on one of the ponds? Three Skylarks were singing, but only one Meadow Pipit was present. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was visiting a feeding station in a nearby garden. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over. Three Roe Deer were seen and the first toad spawn of the year was in a ditch on the wet grassland. CORRECTION. A pair of Chiffchaffs was mentioned in a previous report as having been seen on 27/03. This should read 17/03/2016! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/gibraltar-point See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/far-ings See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2014/07/07/visit-dormouse-project These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. 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 or from the website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php 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 *** *** 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 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 Related Website: http://lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/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 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Copy and paste URLs as necessary, please. Not all are "live". *** Videos and photos - additions welcome *** Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ David sent in another fine video of a starling murmuration in January [2016] at Kirkby on Bain gravel pits - LWT's Hide Pit. https://flic.kr/p/BT6HMp 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 *** Identifying 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 *** 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 Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). 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 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 Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard 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). If in doubt please contact for advice: d.a.sheppard@btinternet.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 *** 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: Jonathan Gahan http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer jonathan.gahan@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 *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/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/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** 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://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods 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 Field meetings Saturday, April 23, 2016 Potterhanworth Wood SSSI Joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group) (A private woodland site with access courtesy of F.G Battle & Sons Ltd) Southeast of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF07306621 which is a hard-standing area next to a barn. Follow minor road east from Potterhanworth through wood and then take track immediately on right where road bends. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. The South Lincs Flora Group intend to be recording in the general area on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland. Leader (LNU): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Leader (BSBI): Sarah Lambert sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Saturday, May 21, 2016 Wharton Wood (afternoon and evening moth/bat session) (A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates) Northeast of Gainsborough - 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at SK 8421 9192 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside it where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. Evening session from 20.30 until late. No mains available for moth traps. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest toilets are in Gainsborough town centre or in local village pubs (Blyton, Corringham or Morton). Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland, ponds, grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, June 04, 2016 BioBlitz Event - Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds All Day with evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council) Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds. 10.00 start with evening session starting at 21.00. Meeting point and parking at TA308066 in Country Park carpark which is free (nearest post code DN35 0PB). People can come and go as they wish. The Discovery Centre at Cleethorpes Boating Lake will be the data collection point, which is just over the road from the eastern end of the Country Park. NB. There is a parking charge in the Boating Lake grounds/Discovery Centre. Possibility of mains available for moth traps at Discovery Centre. Toilets and cafe available at the Discovery Centre. Habitats: Lake, dunes, shore, grassland and scrub. Leader: Rachel Graham Rachel.Graham@nelincs.gov.uk LNU Contact: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Sunday, July 17, 2016 Stanton’s Pit LWT Reserve Field meeting to Stanton's Pit LWT Reserve (joint meeting with British Dragonfly Society Southwest of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF034173 (nearest postcode PE10 0JN) which is about half-way off minor road between Little Bytham and Witham-on-the-Hill. Nearest facilities in village pubs. Habitats: Former sandpit with lake, marsh, acid grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, August 13, 2016 Tetney Blow Wells LWT Reserve With evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of LWT and Anglian Water) South of Cleethorpes 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.15. Park alongside Church Lane in Tetney village in vicinity of church or nearby. There is a footpath which leads to the reserve just to the east. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Facilities available in local village pubs in Tetney or Tetney Lock. Stiles present. Habitats: Blow wells, marsh, woodland, grassland, streams and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 04, 2016 Burkinshaw’s Covert (A private site with access courtesy of Total Lindsey Oil Refinery) North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park (by Gate No.7), Rosper Road, North Killingholme (grid ref TA16701754 and post code DN40 3DZ will get you nearby). Assemble at security gatehouse to meet Alan Jones from Humber Nature Partnership. Alan’s mobile no. is 07905 491647 if there are any problems finding the location. NB. Gate 7 is on Rosper Road, to the east of the refinery, not on Eastfield Road which is to the west. We will all need to drive to site (under escort by security staff to unlock gates) and will all need to leave at the same time (just after 16.00). May need to car share depending on numbers. Toilets available at security gatehouse. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, grassland and pond. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Site Contact: Alan Jones 07905 491647 alan.jones@humbernature.co.uk Sunday, October 09, 2016 LNU Annual Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) (Access courtesy of the Forestry Commission) North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF058299 at northern entrance track to wood (nearest post code NG34 0HE). Take minor road west from Aslackby, off the A15. Nearest public toilets are in Bourne. Habitat: Broadleaved woodland. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops *** in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 12:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. May 14th: Spiders Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? A second chance to find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. June 18th: Rushes and Sedges Workshop Interested in plants but would like to know more in particular about Rushes and Sedges? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. July 9th: Riverflies Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Riverflies? (May Flies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies) Come along and find out more with local expert Richard Chadd. July 16th Diptera (Flies) Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Flies? Come along and find out more from local experts Phil Porter and David Denman ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. If you recognise any of these part-addresses, please let the owners know. leigh.taylor - Mailbox not available. Address cleaned. l.cawkwell -soft bounce - addresses had permanent delivery errors And finally: Tata Steel plans to sell loss-making UK plants http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35922046 Clocks change as 100 years of British Summer Time is marked http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-35890605 Libraries lose a quarter of staff as hundreds close http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35707956 Bread is 'junk food' for ducks http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35907103 Boston woodland body find 'unexplained' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35906766 The return of the lynx http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35890789 10 of the best places to photograph wildlife in the UK http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/mar/29/10-best-places-photograph-wildlife-uk? Australia's Great Barrier Reef hit by 'worst' bleaching http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-35914009 University tells students Britain 'invaded' Australia http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-35922858 Arctic winter sees sluggish sea-ice growth http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35918082 Note: If a link does not work, please look at the URL See if an extra http:// has crept in. ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/