============================================= || || 12th June 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.... *** Thanks for your contributions. A quick scan down tells us a lot is happening. Annette Faulkner has been in touch on the subject of bats. She writes: BATS Further to my previous update, please can I ask people to look out for and report any bats they see, most of which will be pipistrelle species. A lot of anecdotal comments are coming in that people are not seeing many bats this year - even to the point of asking of they're out of hibernation yet. This month we are doing a number of counts of maternity roosts, with the babies being born towards the middle of the month (so we are counting the mothers), some being repeat surveys over many years, and there are always natural fluctuations, particularly when the pipistrelles in question are common pipistrelles, which change and move between roosts quite frequently (sopranos tend to stay put in one place), but it could be instructive. We shall see - studying bats is never simple! The Bourne Owl Tower webcam is worth checking this week. Fingers crossed. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/page/16/owl-tower-project Also see: Peregrine Falcons at St. James' Church, Louth http://www.teamparishoflouth.org.uk/windy-birthday-as-peregrine-chicks-hatch-at-st-james/ The Lincolnshire Show takes place on 22nd/23rd. The LNU stand will be in the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust tent. We hope readers will come by for a chat. Richard Chadd will be there on the Wednesday with some interesting freshwater beasties and Annette Faulkner will be bringing a bat-related demo on Thursday. Chris Manning also hopes to be there on Thursday, and I intend to be there both days, hopefully with some entertaining insects! http://www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk/ The Summer Solstice occurs on June 21st at 16:38 GMT (17:38 BST). Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for June can be found on the link below. It explains a bit more about where to look and what you might see. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html If you have never sent in a report, why not send in something next week? 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. 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 *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams - Graduate Volunteer wanted *** Will Bartle - Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project - writes: We're looking for a graduate volunteer to help us organise our next Chalk Streams Festival which will be happening in August (22nd-26th) It will be a fixed term 3 month placement and will involve helping us organise events, book venues etc. Deadline is the 19th June with interviews on 27th June. Full details can be found on environmentjobs.co.uk - http://www.environmentjob.co.uk/adverts/59554-lincolnshire-chalk-streams-graduate-v *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops - still places *** 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. 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 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** George Rutter writes: Thursday 16th June Meet at 6pm at Alford's East End car park or at 6.45pm at Gibraltar Point. Visit to Gibraltar Point NNR An opportunity to see the newly completed visitor centre as well as seeing some of the wildlife of the reserve *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Wednesday 15th June Adult Pond Dipping Meet at Far Ings new Visitor Centre for a 7pm start Contact Vernon Chapman for details; (01652 660957) All welcome, membership not required. Saturday 18th June A full day visit to Kiplingcotes Butterflies and flowers. Meet at Ness Farm for a 9am start Contact Vernon Chapman for details (01652 660957) All welcome, membership not required. Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 18th June 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning walk around Upper Bonby Meadow with Ecology Officer Andrew Taylor. Meet at 10 am Grid Ref TA006158. Parking restricted to 2-3 cars on Middlegate Lane verge corner of the field with Church Lane, Bonby. It may be advisable to wear wellies and waterproof trousers if it has rained recently. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. Booking essential so for further details and to book a place ring Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 1/6 Red-necked Phalarope on beach at Crook Bank, Red-backed Shrike on track behind Conoco oil terminal, Saltfleetby 2 Turtle Doves, Fulbeck 2/6 2 Spoonbills from Wash Viewpoint, Turtle Dove, Gibraltar Point 3/6 2 Garganey drk, Scaup fem on Middle Scrape, 2 Short-eared Owls, Turtle Dove, 2 Little Gulls, Frampton Marsh 2 Spoonbills, Turtle Dove, Gibraltar Point Quail singing at Welton le Marsh NW of Burgh le Marsh 4/6 Possible Red-footed Falcoln male over East Dunes, Gibraltar Point 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Little Gulls, Frampton Marsh Osprey in base field by Waterwell Lane, Ancaster 5/6 Great Reed Warbler, Water's Edge, Barton-upon-Humber Spoonbill, 2 Turtle Doves, Gibraltar Point 2 Garganey on wet grassland, 4 Little Gulls, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh 2 Spoonbills flew from realignment to pool on shore near Stonebridge, Donna Nook 6/6 Short-eared Owl on realignment, Donna Nook Great Reed Warbler, Water's Edge Country Park on pit west of sewage works, Barton-upon-Humber Marsh Warbler male, Huttoft Bank Pit 4 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 5 Spoonbills, Alhboprough Flats 7/6 3 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 5 Crossbills in conifers, Walesby Moor Turtle Dove on wires by River Torne, near Epworth 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 6 Little Gulls, 2 Short-eared Owls, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh Turtle Dove singing, Woodhall Spa 8/6 2 Wood Sandpipers, 3 Little Gulls, 2 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh 3 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 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. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler House Martins 2016: An unseasonably dull, cold and windy spell from 29 May to 3 June made life very difficult for our already much diminished colony. Three days from 31 May were particularly harsh with strong northerly winds around 22 mph and gusts over 40 mph blowing directly onto the nest site throughout the days and nights. Such relentless battering would be unusual in autumn, let alone late spring. The only two pairs attempting to nest here this year were last seen making a brief sortie trying to feed for about half an hour after the rain had stopped at 20:30 hrs on 31 May. They did return to their nests to roost that night, but there were no subsequent sightings near/on the nests. On 2 June, again, a male House Sparrow was seen exiting the complete nest (the other one is only 1/4 built). Also on 2 June, I saw a mixed group of about 25-30 Swallows and House Martins attempting to feed in the lee of a copse nearby; then once the wind had calmed by late afternoon on 3 June, I could see 8 House Martins feeding above our house, possibly on what appeared to be a sudden explosion or influx of micro-moths. On 6 June (calm and sunny) 4 House Martins were seen in the air above our house, but none returned to their nests to roost; similarly on 7 June. I fear this may be the end of our little colony, which has seen a steady decline from 10 nests raising 2 broods each in 2010. Predation by a Tawny Owl and inclement spring weather seems to be the cause. You can follow the nesting progress of house martins all over the UK live on the BTO House Martin Nest Study: http://app.bto.org/houma-nests/index.jsp ROADKILLS TATHWELL TF307823 28/5/16 Robert Walker Badger 1 roadkill KENWICK A157 TF340849 1/1/16 Robert Walker Hedgehog 1 roadkill LANGRICK TF260493 7/6/2016 R&A Parsons Dead juv badger on west verge of B1192 Near "Boston Seeds" TATTERSHALL THORPE At TF209602 R.Parsons 8/6/2016 Dead adult Muntjac deed on west side of B1192. SOUTH WITHAM SK 93925 18867 Peter Morrell 03.06.16 Badger roadkill on A1. KIRTON LINDSEY SK 94122 97177 Peter Morrell 05.06.16 Badger roadkill on B1398 KIRTON LINDSEY SK 94133 97075 Peter Morrell 05.06.16 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398 KIRTON LINDSEY SK 94102 97902 Peter Morrell 06.06.16 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398 WILLOUGHTON SK 93491 92388 Peter Morrell 05.06.16 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398 HEMSWELL SK 93404 90724 Peter Morrell 06.06.16 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398 *** 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 06/06/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Buzzard circling over A16 by South Forty Foot Drain. BOSTON (south by A16) 08/06/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Peregrine being mobbed over garden. EAST HALTON SKITTER TO GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 05/06/2016 Jon Drakes with Mike Wilson and Tracey Smith Recorded whilst carrying out the monthly WeBS count along this section of the River Humber were the following: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler 2 Chaffinch Chiffchaff 5 Coot Cormorant 6 Curlew 5 Great Blackback Gull Grey Heron 2 Grey Partridge 2 Herring Gull Lapwing 23 Linnet 5 Little Egret 4 Magpie Mallard 26 Marsh Harrier 1 Mute Swan 3 Pheasant 2 Redshank 7 Reed Bunting 23 Rook Sedge Warbler 9 Shelduck 7 Short Eared Owl 1 Shoveler 1 Skylark 5 Starling Swallow Swift Whitethroat 1 Roe Deer 2 Orangetip Butterfly Large White Butterfly Painted Lady Butterfly Peacock Butterfly GREAT LIMBER - MAUSOLEUM WOODS (Grid reference TA1309) 04/06/2016 Jon Drakes with members of the LWT Grimsby & Cleethorpes Group A walk around the Mausoleum Woods at Great Limber with members of the LWT Grimsby & Cleethorpes Group found the following species present: Blackbird Carrion Crow Chiffchaff Great Spotted Woodpecker Jay Magpie Pied Wagtail Swallow Woodpigeon Wren Small White Butterfly Large White Butterfly Orangetip Butterfly Soldier Beetle Solitary Bee Common Toad Speedwell Birdsfoot Trefoil Sheep Sorrel Sorrel Lady's Bedstraw GIBRALTAR POINT NNR 5/6/16 Robert Walker Painted Lady 2 One in East Dunes, however the second landed on the top observation deck at the new Visitor's Centre, obviously a discerning migrant ! HORNCASTLE My garden TF261691 4/6/16 Robert Walker Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 On peanut feeder in small front garden. This is only the second known sighting we have had, in what is a town garden,it spent some 2-3 minutes feeding - and then gone. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 2/6/2016 Great tit 1 Rabbit 1 Rat 1 Wren 1 3/6/2016 Blackbirds 4 (2 fledglings) Blackcap 1 Dunnock 1 Harlequin ladybird 1 Rabbit 1 Robins 4 (2 fledglings) 4/6/2016 Dunnock 1 Painted lady 1 (1 wing damaged) Pied wagtail 1 Robins 4 (2 fledglings) 5/6/2016 Chiffchaff 1 (hear him continually but don't see him) Damselfly 1 (couldn't see which type, just a flash of blue) Robins 4 (2 fledglings) Wren 1 6/6/2016 Dunnock 1 Robins 4 (2 fledglings) 7/6/2016 Holly blue 1 Robins 5 (3 fledglings) Small white 1 Speckled wood 1 8/6/2016 Chaffinch 1 (female) Dunnock 1 Great tit 1 Red cardinal beetle 1 Robins 6 (4 fledglings - surely this is the whole family!) Woodmouse 1 Wren 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 04/06/2016 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 4 Blackbird 3 Starling 1 House Sparrow 15 Greenfinch 3 Tree Sparrow 2 Robin 1 Goldfinch 3 Dunnock 2 Chaffinch 1 Coal Tit 1 Woodpigeon 4 Large White Butterfly NEW WALTHAM TA 285046 Peter Crick 05.06.2016 Painted Lady X 2 Enjoying Blackberry and Strawberry flowers 08.06.2016 Holly Blue Butterfly passing through PORTER'S LODGE MEADOW SK963197 JaneOstler 5/6/16 The first sunny warm day for ten days Plants in Flower This must be the best month in the year to visit any flower-rich meadow, with all the grasses in flower. It was partcularly good to see the scarce lime-loving quaking grass all along one part of the circular route. Yellow meadow buttercup and white wild carrot provided the main colours with patches of blue and pink of speedwells and clovers. Wood, greater and lesser stitchwort were all tucked away in different corner. The recent cold weather has meant that some of the abundant early purple orchids still had flowerat the same time as the common spotted orchid was in flower. An occasional cowslip flower whilst a first betony was opening. Water avens in flower in a damp shaded spot but no lady's smock could be seen from the path. In the past it has marked out the line of furrows in pale mauve. Fungi Motttled gill fungi along the path probably marked regular dog walking. A single very large specimen of the silky rosegill (Volvariella bombycina). growing amongst the exposed roots of trees. Insects No orange tip butterflies seen but the first common blue. A few small heaths and a single speckled wood along Tortoiseshell Wood edge. There were hundreds of chrysallids of six spot burnets attached to the taller grasses and clouds of small day flying moths including the common carpet and yellow shell. Compared to this time last year there was a noticeable lack of bumble bees. One very bedraggled red tailed bumble bee was clambering in the grass. There was no sign of the mining bees near the entrance. This was an area of bare, beaten earth but is now grassed over. Lots of blue lacewings flying and a small species of cranefly was hatching. Birds A more silent month for birds.Blackcap, chaffinch, dunnock and song thrush heard from the hedges and snatches of song from nuthatch and chiff chaff from the wood. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 01.06.2016 MAY Rainfall came to 37mm with 10mm falling on the last day of the month;a fairly dry month overall. 03.06.2016 Kestrel hovering over A16 Louth bypass (TF326853) Barn Owl hunting along A157 hedgerow at 17:00 hrs!  (TF337849) 04.06.2016 Blackbird nestling found dead on drive - picked up by a crow later Tree Sparrow fledglings - 2 Long-Tailed Tits (heard) Common Frog found dead (clearly for some time) in pond; severe lesions on back suggest it may be the female that was repeatedly pulled under by a male, resisting my rescue attempts. 06.06.2016 (a fine and calm day) Lots of Buff-tailed and Tree Bumblebee workers Orange Tip (the only butterfly I saw all day in the garden - on one of the few fine days we've had this year!) Eysarcoris fabricii Shield Bug 07.06.2016 (hazy sun and humid) Broad-bodied Chaser (m) over pond - first dragonfly of the year Swallow - 2 Holly Blue butterfly (probably, but it moved too fast for me to make a proper identification) No Bat sightings so far this year. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 3/6/2016 5 swallow chicks ringed - from nest in old washhouse. 4/6/2016 Cuckoo calling 11hrs. Butterflies: Brimstone 2, Orange tip 2. Mole - dead 5/6/2016 Cuckoo calling loudly from 08hrs. Marsh Harrier flew past gate - 8am. Grey Squirrel Butterfly: Peacock 3 6/6 Cuckoo calling 18.30hrs. Bank vole - dead 7/6 Cuckoo Calling 8/6 Cuckoo calling - noon. 9/6 Cuckoo calling 10am. Canada Farm. 3/6/2016 Marsh Harrier m hunting, Buzzard, 2 Brown Hares, Grey Partridge. WILLLOGHTON SK 8173 8794 Peter Morrell 08.06.16 Eyed hawk moth 03.06.16 First house martin hatched. WOODHALL SPA 29/5/16 Robert Walker During a walk around the village and immediate area the following were noted:- Brimstone 1m + 1f Orange Tip 3m + 1f Peacock 4 Small White 3 WRANGLE COMMON 09/06/2106 Roy and Kath Pearson First BirdTrack count for several weeks yielded 31 species. It was difficult surveying the wet grassland owing to high vegetation levels. Water levels have fallen sharply. No waders or geese were counted, but 28 Mallard were present and singles of Heron, Tufted Duck and Little Egret were seen. Raptors were Buzzard (2), Kestrel (1) and Sparrowhawk (1). Summer visitors were Reed Warbler (6), Sedge Warbler (2) and singles of Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Swallow. Butterflies recorded were Small and Large White, Speckled Wood and Painted Lady. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 2nd - 8 June 2016 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nige Lound. 3rd June Mallard x18 showing early stages of eclipse plumage on Paradise lagoon. Moving north over the sea was a summer plumaged Black-throated Diver, an Arctic Tern, a Sandwich Tern and 3 Red-breasted Merganser together with a few Gannet and auks. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Crook Bank and a Ruff was on Paradise pool. A Goldcrest and a Cetti's Warbler were in song at Rimac. 4th June Highlights from the WeBS section Theddlethorpe - Saltfleet was Whimbrel 2, Turnstone 3, Ringed Plover 43, Sanderling 101, Sandwich Tern 3 and Little Tern 1. Quail was heard calling from the saltmarsh. A fine male Hobby was seen hunting near Rimac. The increase daytime temperature encouraged a few butterflies to be on the wing including brimstone 2, small tortoiseshell, orange tip and interestingly at least 15 painted ladies all around Sea View. 5th June Few butterflies on the wing including red admiral 1, peacock 1, large white and painted lady 6. 6th June Natterjack toads calling near Rimac and Grasshopper Warbler heard. Cuckoo heard most days between Paradise and Rimac all week with at least three different birds calling. A female Redstart was in the dunes just south of Sear's Track and a Goldcrest was (again) in song at Rimac. Butterflies seen today included good numbers of Small Heath and Common Blue with 3 Painted Lady, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Large White, Orange-tip and Speckled Wood also recorded. 3 Hairy Dragonfly were seen at Rimac as well as 6 Burnet Companion. 7th June 4 Spoonbill on Elm House Farm Hobby over freshwater marsh hawking freshly hatched 4 spot chasers on as temperatures reached 18 degrees on first proper summer day and the highest temperature for 2 weeks. 8th June Today NE winds and sea fret with highs 12 degrees. Single Greenshank and Whimbrel on Rimac Lagoon, 2 Little Tern on Rimac outer ridge and a Grasshopper Warbler in song near "Easy Access Trail". Other butterfly sightings this week include: Speckled wood, red admiral, common blue, brown argus, green veined white, small white, painted lady, small copper, small heath, small skipper, wall brown, peacock. Flowers on show were much the same as last 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reserve 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 *** *** 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 *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** 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. *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** 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 Recorder *** 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 *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** 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 *** 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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. 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. No failed emails this week. ....and finally..... Historic England seeks public help on 'missing history' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36463024 Tirpitz raid veteran Colin Cole's funeral held http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36471113 Viewing point set up to see peregrine falcons at Lincoln http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36453049 Famous peppered moth's dark secret revealed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36424768 MPs sound alarm on neglected soils http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36428361 University switches from Lancaster to Aberdeen aurora kit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-36424588 Fish eat plastic like teens eat fast food, researchers say http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36435288 Shropshire firm fakes beaver attacks in seed experiment http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-36444594 Polecats are on the comeback trail http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-36427074 Arctic tern makes longest migration on record http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/07/arctic-tern-makes-longest-migration-on-record/ In pictures: Europe's last primeval forest http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-36469144 Tiny flower at home in a landscape forged by fire and ice http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/flower-birds-eye-primrose-widdybank-fell-teesdale-country-diary A bird in the house disturbs the order of things http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/08/country-diary-bird-house-disturbs-order-things#comments May blossom in June is a pink and white sensation http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/07/country-diary-hawthorn-may-blossom-june Night workers: how evolution drives the firefly dance - in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2016/jun/08/night-workers-how-evolution-drives-the-firefly-dance-in-pictures A stolen exoplanet that will kill us all? Here's what we do know about "Planet Nine" https://theconversation.com/a-stolen-exoplanet-that-will-kill-us-all-heres-what-we-do-know-about-planet-nine-60407 The bike chain lube made from plants, not petrochemicals. No PTFE. No petrochemicals. Award-winning plant-based formula. http://www.mygreenpod.com/heroes/green-oil-wet-chain-lube-100ml/ 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/