============================================= || || 14th February 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 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.... *** Thanks to all contributors - many interesting pieces this week. The BTO's National Nest Box Week takes place from 14-21 February 2016 http://www.bto.org/about-birds/nnbw On Saturday, February 13, the Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition takes place at Whisby Education Centre. Informal discussions and viewing of exhibits start at noon, with presentations starting at 2pm. This is the meeting where we hear about records and wildlife trends of 2015 . All are welcome - bring along a friend. Details in Section 2 below. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for February can be found on the following link: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Please keep the reports and news coming and tell others about the Bulletin. [A "forward to a friend" link is at the end of the Bulletin.] Roger p.s. Don't forget - the LNU welcomes the support of new members. See: http://www.lnu.org/join.php *** 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. 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. Non-members are very welcome to come along too. *** Einstein's gravitational waves detected at last *** Gravitational waves from black holes detected http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35524440 Gravitational waves: A triumph for big science http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35523676 *** Lincoln Water Quality Volunteers needed please *** Marie Taylor writes: Watercourses running through the urbanised area of Lincoln city are susceptible to sporadic pollution incidents and diffuse urban pollution. We want to increase the number of people who are able to assist the Environment Agency and the Witham Partnership to identify and resolve any problems, especially people who know the rivers and watercourses well and would recognise changes to them. The Lincolnshire Rivers Trust have secured funding from Natural England to purchase water quality testing equipment. The Environment Agency will provide some training on identifying pollution and making better reports to their incident hotline. This is an opportunity to become those “eyes and ears” on the ground helping to protect and improve the water landscape of Lincoln as part of a worldwide project called Freshwater Watch, where you have an opportunity to submit your results into an online database. https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.org/ What we need: · 15 volunteer groups based in Lincoln that have a connection to/or an interest in water quality to become better pollution incident reporters. · This support to be a part of the volunteer groups use or activities on or near the water. (e.g Canoe clubs, CRT boat operatives, walking clubs, boating groups, etc). If you interested or are aware of any groups that would be interested in this exciting addition to their use of the waterways in Lincoln please ask them to contact me. We would like to have this in place before the end of March. For more information or to volunteer, contact: Marie Taylor Project Officer Lincolnshire Rivers Trust Email: marie.taylor@lincsrivers.org.uk Phone: 07895423983 [Please Note I only work on a part time basis (Mon-Weds). ] Website: http://lincsrivers.co.uk/ *** Bat reminder *** Annette Faulkner writes: Could I ask readers to keep their eyes open and let me know of any bats they see flying, either during the day or at dusk, between now and mid March (when they emerge from hibernation)? Of course, if you find a grounded one please phone 01775 766286 as soon as you have securely boxed up the bat (wear gloves or use a cloth to scoop it up), and we will take it into care. *** New Bee Threats Looming? *** Not long ago I heard National Bee Inspector, Andy Wattam, speak about the Asian Hornet and Small Hive Beetle. Both of these are species of concern to beekeepers and may be here already, waiting to be discovered! The message to beekeepers is, as 'Mad Eye' Moody put it, "Constant Vigilance"! After a mild winter such as this we may well see these pest species discovered in the UK. Both species are worth researching, especially the Asian Hornet. The following link offers the National Bee Units video of their experience encountering the Asian Hornet in Andernos-les-Bains, South West France. It is not a species you would welcome in your garden or on a nature reserve, but that could happen. [As well as that video there is a series of other useful links under "Bee Health"'.] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCz2mmKhYUpQJEviiAzOEqA For advice on identification and distinguishing similar-looking species see: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm?pageid=208 Non-beekeepers are less likely to encounter the Small Hive Beetle. These are impressive and destructive little creatures. http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm?pageid=125 Small Hive Beetle is notifiable. There are reports of it affecting Bombus species, and concern about possible impact on UK bee biodiversity has been expressed. *** Countdown to Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2016 *** The closing date for entries is 31st March 2016. If you know of any 'projects' which deserve recognition, please encourage them to submit an entry. It is an easy application process. For more information, see: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society *** The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Monday, 14th March, is the date of the next meeting, starting at 7.15pm as usual. Allan and Susan Parker of ASPphoto Images of Nature will be giving us their illustrated talk "Shetlands Revisited". As well as birds and their habitats, the talk will include other wildlife and also scenery of the Shetlands. The talk will take place in the St. Bernadette's Parish Hall on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN12 2RS. (Opposite the Priory Hotel.) ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. There is a large free car park in the Church grounds. For more information ring Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098 or visit the website www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: Monday 15th February 7:30pm Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford Talk: On the edge of extinction with Dr David Sheppard David is an insect specialist and will describe some of the work that has been done to encourage threatened species to recover. This varies from management of specialist habitats, managing the insects themselves to managing the specialists involved in the project. *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Wednesday 17th February "Twenty Years on the Humber" The recollections of LIONEL GROOBY, retired Humber Warden. A very interesting talk by a very entertaining speaker. All welcome, Trust membership not essential. Voluntary contributions welcome. Saturday 20th February An all-day field trip to Lower Derwent Valley, Bubwith Ings Expect three species of wintering Swans and other wildfowl Meet at NESS FARM, Far Ings for a 9am start, returning about 4pm. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear recommended. Bring a packed lunch. Car share can be arranged. Contact: Adrian White (01724 732152) for further details. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 8th February 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting when excellent photographer Mike Pickwell will give an illustrated presentation - "A Journey through the Highlands & Islands of Scotland" showing the wildlife and the landscape. This takes place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2 all are welcome. There will be a Trust goods stall and raffle. Tea & coffee available. For further information ring Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. On Sunday 14th February 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting from Humberston Fitties. Meet leader Ray Hume at 9am in the far end car park near the Yacht Club. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars. For further details ring Ray Hume 320878 *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson [Thanks, Richard] Lincoln Area Group Talk February 18th: Ospreys at Rutland Water by Tim Mackrill The Senior Reserve Officer at Rutland Water Nature Reserve looks at the successful return of one of our most iconic birds and the project which has made it happen. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** 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 *** 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/ 4/2 Slavonian Grebe, Hotel Pit, Far Ings Short-eared Owl, Hobby, south of Lill's hut, Gibraltar Point Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpes Country Park Scaup 1x fem, Teal Lake, Whisby NP Bittern, from hide, Kirkby-on-Bain GPs 5/2 Slavonian Grebe, Redhead Smew, fem Scaup, Toft Newton reservoir Scaup 1w drk, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Scaup 1x fem, Teal Lake, Whisby NP Black Brant adult with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point 6/2 Scaup 1w drk, 2 Hen Harriers 1m, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Bittern flew to reedbeds, Frampton Marsh 2 Slavonian Grebes, Cleethorpes Country Park 7/2 Slavonian Grebe, Hotel Pit, Far Ings Scaup 1w drk, Frampton Marsh Scaup drk on small pit, Norton Disney 8/2 Scaup drk on small pit, Norton Disney Scaup drk on Norton Disney quarry is a hybrid Hen Harrier male, flew past wind farm towards Conisholme reservoir Smew ad drk on pit opposite gravel works entrance, Kirkby on Bain 9/2 4-11 4 Eurasian White-fronted Geese by prison, Frieston Shore and Bittern flew towards Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl south of Kirkstead Bridge, Woodhall Spa 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, adults, Short-eared Owl, Great Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe on sea, Black-throated Diver, Gibraltar Point 2 Slavonian Grebes, Bittern, Ceethorpes Country Park Slavonian Grebe, Redhead Smew, fem Scaup, Toft Newton reservoir Water Pipit, 20 Twite, Donna Nook 10/2 5-7 Smew ad drk on pit opposite gravel works entrance, Kirkby on Bain 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, adults, Slavonian Grebe offshore, ringtail Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Black Redstart, in garden at North St/Low St junction, Middle Rasen Hen Harrier male, flew over fields between wind farm and Conisholme reservoir Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Pale-Bellied Brent Geese, Lapland Bunting, Water Pipit, 2 Hen Harriers 1 male, Tetney Marshes Spotted Redshanks, Freiston Shore Scaup 1w drk, Spotted Redshank, 2 Hen Harriers, Frampton Marsh 11/7 Slavonian Grebe, Toft Newton reservoir Scaup 1w drk, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 4 Eurasian White-fronted Geese on wet grassland, Frieston Shore Slavonian Grebe, NE of Fosdyke at River Welland mouth 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. 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. Photo highlights of the day: snow, seagulls and the Sambadrome http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2016/feb/09/photo-highlights-of-the-day-snow-seagulls-and-the-sambadome Roadkills: BOSTON - Horncastle Road B1183 R&A Parsons 11/2/2016 Adult badger roadside - east by Maud Foster drain Approx location TF329458 SWINESHEAD - Langrick Road B1192 R&A Parsons 11/2/2016 Adult badger roadside - west Approx location TF269469 BARNOLDBY LE BECK. Near to The Ship Inn TA 237032 04.02.2016 Peter Crick Fox IRBY to STALLINGBOROUGH ROAD. TA 186094 10.02.2016 Peter Crick Badger *** 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 08/02/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson First Blackcap (male) of the year feeding on fat balls in garden today. EAST HALTON SKITTER to GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) Grid reference TA1423 to TA1325 7/2/2016 Jon Drakes A walk along the banks of the River Humber on a bright if not somewhat windy and cool Sunday morning produced the following: Barn Owl 1 - hunting along foreshore Black Tailed Godwit 2 Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit 1 Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler 1 - singing loudly in a Hawthorn hedge Common Gull 1 Coot 2 Curlew 314 Golden Plover 30 Goldfinch 1 Great Blackback Gull 6 Grey Heron 1 Herring Gull Lapwing 1800 - most Lapwing I have counted along this stretch of the estuary Little Egret 2 Magpie Mallard 202 - all present in a huge flock on the tideline Marsh Harrier 2 - hunting over the foreshore and marsh Meadow Pipit 4 Moorhen 1 Mute Swan 2 Pheasant 5 Pink-footed Goose 700 - a large, single group grazing on rough pasture land. Pochard 2 Redshank 6 Reed Bunting 2 Shelduck 6 Short Eared Owl 1 - hunting over rough grazing pasture nd the marsh Skylark 4 Snipe 1 Turnstone 5 Pigeon 150 - present as a large flock swimming on the estuary Woodpigeon 300+ Yellowhammer 2 Also noted sheltering from the cold wind in the lee of a hedge was a Roe Deer. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden unless advised otherwise) 4/2/2016 Great tits 2 (in and out of bird box) Magpies 2 Woodmouse 1 5/2/2016 Rabbit 1 Sparrowhawk 1  6/2/2016 Dunnock 1 Pheasant 1 Sparrowhawk 1 9/2/2016 Wren 1 10/2/2016 Collared dove 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 (TF515768 - first time I've seen one not in my garden) Starlings 2 Woodpigeons 3 11/2/2016 Woodmouse 1 Wren 1 KEELBY Grid reference TA1610 6/2/2016 Jon Drakes An hour spent on a cold, wet Saturday morning carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in our back garden found 13 species of bird visiting: Blackbird 3 Collared Dove 4 Dunnock 4 Blue Tit 1 House Sparrow 35 Robin 2 Chaffinch 1 Starling 25 Tree Sparrow 4 Goldfinch 3 Coal Tit 1 Wood Pigeon 1 Greenfinch 1 It is interesting to note that over the past year or so, Goldfinches visiting the garden have shown a preference for sunflower hearts over Nyger seed. I have not noted any birds on the Nyger feeders now for several months and I am considering removing them and replacing them with an additional sunflower heart feeder. NETTLEHAM Vicar's Wood TF00753 Bill Ball 5.2.2016 Three young pedunculate oaks (planted 2007, about 3m tall) about 2m apart. One has several oak apples, all three several ram's horn galls. The latter new to me, apparently the causative gall wasp Andricus aries was first recorded in UK 1997 and is spreading north, only reached Lincs in 2009 (Messingham) and first spotted at Whisby 2014. NETTLEHAM TF 01366 75495 Nettleham Su Colman & Mark Townsend 11 Feb 2016 12.30 Peacock butterfly sunning on the south facing fence RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 09.02.2016 Wren x2 Starling x1 Stock dove x1 feeding with Woodpigeons Harlequin Ladybird active on internal conservatory window pane 7-Spot Ladybird still hibernating in wheelbarrow in shed 11.02.2016 Skylark x4 in song within TF3184/TF3284 Harlequin Ladybird active on bedroom window pane SWALLOW. TA 180029 09.02.2016 Peter Crick Caterpillar - brown and hairy 2-3cm. crossing Swallow to Beelsby Rd approx 12.45 and going well in the sunshine. Temp approx. 5C TATTERSHALL Geof Annibal Observed a bat out hunting on February 4th 2016, at about 5-15 pm in Tattershall (TF 216580). This is the first time I have seen a bat out in February. Unfortunately I do not have a bat detector so not sure as to the species. WAINFLEET CONSERVATION POND 07/02/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Very strong winds today and few birds present except for Blue Tits and Chaffinches in the hedges and Reed Buntings and Wrens in the reed-beds together with a single Snipe. WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 11/02/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Checking the state of repair of some owl boxes today gave us the opportunity to survey the River Steeping and the fields adjacent to the site. On the river were five Tufted Duck, two Herons and two Little Egrets, though seven flew over later on their way to roost. The adjacent fields held a few Curlew and later a flock of forty Lapwing flew in, whilst thirty Golden Plover flew east. The numbers of all three of these species were well below what they were at the year's end. A Buzzard flew into the hedge on the eastern side of the Ponds and in late afternoon a Barn Owl flew across, harried by a Kestrel. A Water Rail was calling in the reeds. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 7/2/2015 Buzzard over, Kestrel by, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Fieldfares. 8/2 174+ blackbirds at least 6 female, 1 Fieldfare, on windfall apples, a variety always left to last. 10/2 12 Fieldfares feeding on apples. Little egret in view at TF216535 WRANGLE COMMON 07/02/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today produced 27 species. Over eighty geese were on the wet grassland (roughly equal numbers of Canada and Greylag), but ducks were absent with the exception of two Mallard. Curlew numbered sixteen and two Snipe were flushed, whilst passerines were six Meadow Pipits and a single Skylark. Elsewhere, a flock of tits included Blue, Great and Long- tailed, which were joined by two Goldcrests. A Treecreeper was also nearby. Raptors were singles of Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, Thursday 4th to Wednesday 10th February 2016 Contributors: Nigel Lound, Janet & Peter Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison Wow! This is Thursday 11th, but after the inclement weather of the past many weeks, it is worth extending a note into this coming week to comment on this morning's weather; calm, clear with a heavy frost, a rare kind of winter's day for a nice change. The current spring tide cycle is giving 7metre tides, as it heads towards the spring equinox, so in conjunction with the fine weather, there was a calm high tide right up to the dunes. Well worth being out early for the tide with Pink-footed Geese flying north and 11 Snow Buntings on the beach in bright sunlight. The storm Henry of the previous week generated very high light ice clouds, so at dawn and dusk, there were spectacular 'mother-of-pearl' multicoloured diffraction displays covering wide sections of the skies. In contrast, this week's storm Imogen, yielded very dark, almost blue-black pillow clouds, starkly contrasting with the pale dunes and marram grass. It's certainly been an interesting period for weather events. Early February usually marks the departure of Pink-footed Geese from from their wintering areas in Norfolk, when they can be seen, from about half an hour after dawn, flying in a north westerly direction as they move towards the west coast for a few weeks. The 5th was a peak day, when over 1,500 were noted, with 180 on 6th and 250 on 11th. The local wintering Pink-footed Goose flock has not been seen for a while, so has probably also departed, but up to 30 Whooper Swans are still flighting out over Rimac to roost. On the 5th, 3 Great-crested Grebes, a flock of 180 Common Scoter and 3 Red-throated Divers were noted on the sea at Crook Bank. There were local re-positioning movements of Red-throated Divers on the falling tides, with impressive numbers of 67 north on 8th and 112 north on 10th, along with a Great Northern Diver. A drake Scaup also flew not on the 8th, as did the first 2 Gannets of the year and a single Fulmar, whilst 6 Pintail flew south on 10th. 35 Shoveler continued to be seen at Paradise Pools during the week, along with 7 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck and 2 Little Grebess, whilst 130 Wigeon were on the saltmarsh pools. 3 Shelduck were also displaying here on the 9th. 2 Ruff were at Brickyard Lane pools on the 5th. The last of the buckthorn berries at Churchill Lane were exhausted by the 6th, but there was a final group of over 40 Blackbirds and 30 Redwing finishing them off on the 5th. Also, there was a female Blackcap and 6 Bramblings, that have spent the winter here, although since down to 2 by 10th. Blackbirds were much in evidence at the beginning of the week, with over 80 present on 5th, being predominantly males. These will be birds moving back to the continent. That spring is not far away is now evidenced by singing Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Song Thushes and Dunnocks. 1-2 Sparrow Hawks were noted daily, whilst there was a ring-tail Hen Harrier at Brickyard Lane on 5th. Little Owl, Barn Owl and Tawny Owl have all been seen/heard. There are at least 8 Bullfinches across the reserve, a male and female Stonechat at Rimac and over 20 Yellow Hammers and Reed Buntings southwards from Churchill Lane. A Harbour Porpoise was off Crook Bank, swimming slowly south on the 5th. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NR Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Reports always welcome. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** 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 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 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** Videos and photos - suggestions 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 writes: 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 *** 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 *** 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/ *** 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 Indoor meetings 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 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 them know. geoff.copley - Soft Bounce - Hop count exceeded - possible mail loop And finally: Schools invited to explore Lincolnshire’s rare chalk streams http://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/local/schools-invited-to-explore-lincolnshire-s-rare-chalk-streams Lone pine versus the turbines of Conisholme Fen http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3284733 Boston Stump to reopen after flood work http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35516844 Just one week left to Save Cardigan Bay http://www.scubaverse.com/25888-2/ Badger vaccination programme suspended http://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/badger-vaccination-programme-suspended Toxic chemicals found in beached whales in Fife http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-35550927 Sea lion found asleep in San Diego restaurant http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35511277 'Wrong type of trees' in Europe increased global warming http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35496350 Woodland sites to be transformed for social enterprise use http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35531670 Cull grey squirrels to make way for reds - Listen. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03hlmr5 Police 'ponder eagles to tackle drones' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35519470 Spanish water rights fight raises fears for Ebro delta http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35502084 Rainforest regrowth boosts carbon capture, study shows http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35492273 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/