============================================= || || 19th 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.... *** It was very sad to hear of the death of Ken Rowland on 9th June. I had known him for many years and enjoyed many of his fungus forays. He will be missed by many LNU members who, like myself, learned about Lincolnshire's fungi with the help of Ken's enthusiasm and expertise. At this time of the year we can expect to see Hummingbird Hawkmoths. http://butterfly-conservation.org/51-1087/humming-bird-hawk-moth.html As part of 'National Moth Night', Butterfly Conservation asked for reports. They also welcome reports of Painted Ladies: http://butterfly-conservation.org/612/migrant-watch.html Also see: Hummingbird moths colonise UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36474577 Les Binns astounded me with a bit of technology this week. BirdUp. This is an Android App which allows you to ID birdsong by pointing your phone at the sound - when it then offers you not only the right identification but a photo and description of the bird. Amazing. Have you thought of creating a mini meadow? Julia Smith sent in the following "Magnificent Meadows" link this week - very interesting. http://www.magnificentmeadows.org.uk/visit-learn/family-activities It is important to "think local" and plant local species whenever you can. Recommended websites are: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ The Bourne Owl Tower story has come to a sad end. The conclusion was the the eggs were not viable and they have now be removed under licence. the female bird was ringed at the same time. For more, see: http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/page/16/owl-tower-project 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, perhaps with some news of the Mammal Atlas for Lincolnshire and I intend to be there both days, hopefully with some entertaining insects! http://www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk/ 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 The Summer Solstice occurs on June 21st at 16:38 GMT (17:38 BST). If you have never sent in a report, why not send in something next week? Roger *** Otter *** Chris Manning writes: As mammal recorder I have seen numerous otters, alas mostly photographs or road killed animals collected for the Cardiff University Otter Project. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/otter-project The project was sponsored by the Environment Agency who used to pay transport. Alas this funding has ceased and it is no longer practical to collect dead otters in Lincolnshire - unless anyone has suggestions for freezing and transporting frozen otters to Cardiff? One interesting aspect is research into gall parasites *Pseudamphistomum truncatum* & *Metorchis albidus*, these parasites also infect mink and the hypothesis is that these parasites account for reduced mink numbers when otters are present - which may account for the large numbers of water voles in Lincolnshire, where otters were never extinct. Monday night (6th June) was a red letter day for me, on the B1190 to the west of Bardney I caught the briefest of glimpses of a live otter, the first one other than photographs/video I have seen in Lincolnshire. *** National Whale and Dolphin Watch Weekend (NWDW) *** Dave Miller writes: This year National Whale and Dolphin Watch Weekend (NWDW) is on 30th & 31st July. I am looking for volunteers to help man the watches at Anderby Creek and Skegness Pier. If you think you can help please let me know. It will be split into two three-hour shifts per day at each site. Of course it is also important just to have eyes to the sea, so if you just want to join us or would like to do a watch elsewhere that would be good too. Contact: Dave Miller Coast and The Wash Warden Email: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk *** 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 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. 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 *** There's a monster issue lurking in our sewers *** The Marine Conservation Society says: "Wet wipes turn nasty when you flush them." http://www.wetwipesturnnasty.com/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: 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/ 9/6 4 Garganey [3 drks], Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 2 Little Gulls at bottom car park, Short-eared Owl still in sunken meadow, Frampton Marsh 2 Garganey, Willow Tree Fen 10/6 Spoonbill, 2 Short-eared Owls, 5 Little Gulls, 2 Turtle Doves, Frampton Marsh 4 Garganey - all drks, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Garganey drk, Paradise Pool, Saltfleetby Spoonbill, Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby St Clement Long-eared Owl trapped and ringed in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point 11/6 Spoonbill from East Hide, 4 Little Gulls, Frampton Marsh 3 Garganey, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Turtle Dove. Water's Edge, Barton-upon-Humber Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point 12/6 Short-eared Owl, 2 Turtle Doves, Gibraltar Point Fieldfare, Anderby Creek Short-eared Owl, 2 Little Gulls, 2 Turtle Doves, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Tetney Marshes 13/6 Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh Caspian Tern, Middlemarsh Farm, Skegness 2 Garganey, 1 drk, Willow Tree Fen Spoonbill, Short-eared Owl, Saltfleetby St Clement 14/6 3 Common Scoters, 1 drk, Toft Newton Reservoir 2 Caspian Terns on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 15/6 2 Caspian Terns on Tennyson's Sands, Turtle Dove, Gibraltar Point Caspian Tern at Middlemarsh Wetlands, Skegness 2 Turtle Doves north of Bourne from lane between Morton and Haconby Turtle Dove on road by Porter's Mill, Navenby Little Gull, 2 Turtle Doves, Frampton Marsh 4 Garganey [3 drks] on island, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits. Garganey drk, Spoonbill, Paradise Pool, Saltfleetby 16/6 Black Tern, Little Gull, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 2 Caspian Terns, both ads, on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper, Garganey, on Paradise Pool, Saltfleetby 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 Silvia Fowler House Martins Update: 09.-16.06.2016 (dull, calm and mostly wet throughout this week) 09.16.2016 Nest No. 2 pair seen building late pm, but not roosting overnight. 10.06.2016 (damp and dull after overnight rain) No. 2 pair sitting in nest 11.06.2016 (steady rain p.m.) 4 HM seen collecting mud from the road edge No. 2 pair building a little Sadly, no activity at either nest since then WADDINGTON Waddington High Street Peter Wilson 10th June 2016 An interesting happening in my garden today. I have lots of birds in the garden due to the amount of bird food I put down, and at the moment many of them are juveniles. I am also a cat and dog owner. The dog doesn't bother but obviously the cats do, or at least one of them. Only one of them goes out but not at bird feeding time. Anyway at lunch time today I came home after attending my Art Group meeting and opened the door thinking it would be OK to let the cat out and immediately there was a commotion from the blackbirds. The cat had tried to grab a youngster but the adults were having none of it as both attacked the cat which made a quick dash to get under my car and then a quick dash for the front door. LESSON LEARNED I HOPE. ROADKILLS CAENBY CORNER SK 96694 89283 Peter Morrell 10.06.16 Badger roadkill on A15. LINCOLN SK 97788 74030 Peter Morrell 10.06.16 Hedgehog road kill on A46 DODDINGTON SK 90061 70308 Peter Morrell 13.06.16 Hedgehog roadkill on Carr Lane STURTON ON STOW SK 88988 80728 Peter Morrell 13.06.16 Hedgehog roadkill on High Street KIRKBY ON BAIN Blacksmith Corner TF241624 R&A Parsons 16 June 2016 Dead adult Hedgehog *** 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 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 9/6/2016 Blackbird 1 (fledgling) Holly blue 1 Robin 6 (4 fledglings) Small white 1 10/6/2016 Bats 3-5 (type unknown, 10.10pm) Dunnock 2 (1 fledgling) Great diving beetle (Dytiscus marginalis) 3 (photo id by Freshwater Habitats Trust. I'm really on a high as I have pondlife!) Newt 1 (in pond) Orange tip 1 Pied wagtail 1 Song thrush 1 11/6/2016 Blackbird 4 (1 nest building) Toadlet 1 (It jumped out when I was weeding and I took it to the pond) Woodmouse 1 12/6/2016 Chaffinch 1 (fledgling seen on outside watertap from kitchen window) Great spotted woodpecker 1 Robins 4 (babies) Woodpigeons 6 13/6/2016 Blackbird fledglings 2 Bluetits 6 Collared dove 1 Great spotted woodpecker 2 (thought one could be a fledgling) Harlequin 1 14/6/2016 Dunnock 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 (pecking at nest boxes) 15/6/2016 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Speckled wood 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 11/06/2016 Jon Drakes Bird species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Starling 6 Collared Dove 2 Greenfinch 2 Robin 1 Chaffinch 2 House Sparrow 20 Swift Dunnock 4 Goldfinch 3 Tree Sparrow 2 Jackdaw 2 Woodpigeon 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 12/06/2016 Jon Drakes Noted in the back garden were the following on an overcast and humid Sunday morning were: Woodpigeon 3 Blackbird 3 Greenfinch 2 Collared Dove 3 Starling 15 Chaffinch 2 Robin 2 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow 20 Tree Sparrow 2 Jackdaw 1 Goldfinch 2 Large White Butterfly RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 09.06.2016 Mallard f on pond 3 Swifts overhead among a few Swallows and House Martins Small White butterfly European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) in considerable numbers on Pinus mugo (not seen before) 11.06.2016 Common Buzzard x 2 Pied Wagtail Common Newt in pond Painted Lady butterfly - very pale in colour (TF298852) 12.06.2016 Tiny Toadlet, ca. 1 cm body size (I have never seen toad spawn in our ponds) Baby Rabbits - 2 14.06.2016 2 Swifts among 8-10 House Martins feeding high above house. More frequent Rabbit sightings; various ages House Sparrow feeding fledgling under bird feeder Mallard f on pond SNIPE DALES R. Parsons 15/6/2016 3 Chiff chaffs calling Brimstone butterfly - 3 http://butterfly-conservation.org/679-1310/brimstone.html TATTERSHALL THORPE area Specific location not released 16.06.2016 8.30AM M&R Pocklington 15 southern marsh orchids in flower 8 bee orchids in flower THEDDLETHORPE Theddlethorpe Dunes John Cowell 08-06-2016 10.10am Turtle dove calling south of Brickyard Car Park WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 9/6/2016. Also 10th and 11th. Cuckoo calling still. 12/6/2016 Bee fly. 2 grey squirrels. 14/6 Speckled Wood Holly Blue Cuckoo calling Mole [dead] 15/6 Cuckoo calling Dunnock with left leg ring! 16/6 5 wash-house swallows fledged 9.20am. WILLLOGHTON SK 8173 8794 Peter Morrell 10.06.16 Eight adult great crested newts foraging within the garden at night following earlier rain. 11.06.16 Single common pipistrelle bat foraging around garden at 22:30 in light drizzle. WOOLSTHORPE RNR SK92/24 Jane Ostler 15/6/16 Insects In deeply cloudy conditions and after days of torrential rain suprised to find any flying insects at all. The following were mainly disturbed from vegetation:- Common Blue butterflies and Chimney Sweep Moths in double figures. Fewer small heath butterflies and singletons of small skipper butterflies and netted pug moth, the hover fly Syrphus ribesii. Bumble bees were feeding on the carpets of flowers of the pea family - vetches, medick trefoils and clovers. Red tailed and buff tailed workers were the most frequent, but there were also the ginger bee Bombus pascuorum and the tree bee B.hypnorum. Flowering Plants The grasses at their best with flowering spikes shining in the wet. Easy to pick out yellow oat grass amongst the bromes, including heath false brome. The distinctive shapes of crested dog's tail contrasted with the dense heads of timothy and cocksfoot. The annual meadow grass had grown untypically tall on the lush edges which the reflexed saltmarsh grass lines. A south facing dry ditch had an area dominated by quaking grass. Other plants in flower are late this year. The yellow rattle dominates in one area, salad burnet is frequent. Hoary ragwort is not yet in flower. Some bee orchids were in flower but no pyramidal orchid flowers were seen. Some dogwood seedlings were in flower, looking like herbs in the grass. Ox-eye daisies, early colonisers, are still the most noticeable plant in one area but where the turf has developed they are giving way to other plants and the glacous sedge is frequent. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 - correction to last week's report, 12 June 2016: John Walker writes: My mistake re small skipper - I did mean LARGE skipper. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 9th - 15th June 2016 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Cliff Morrison 9th June Three Spoonbills feeding on Paradise lagoon of which one bird was colour ringed above knee: black tag/yellow/red // metal/black/white. The birds were later re-located in wet pasture on Elm House farm. Single Short-eared Owl hunting near Paradise lagoon. Hobby across the haven and onto Rimac. Bittersweet and common storksbill in flower. 10th June On Paradise lagoon there were Mallard 21 (incl. one with 8 well grown juvs), Tufted Duck 8, Shoveler M, Coot with 2 juvs and a male Garganey all in stages of eclipse. A male Sparrowhawk was hunting nearby. 11th June Nine male Reed Buntings as individuals between SV and paradise. 2 Imm. Spoonbills and 2 Little Egrets flying south at Brickyard Lane at 0800hrs. Looking at BirdGuides, there is obviously significant movement of imm. birds up and down the east coast from Essex to Lincs. Large white, common blue and small heath butterflies on the wing. 12th June Noticeable sound of singing Skylarks and calling Redshank over the saltmarsh. 14th June At least 50 Woodpigeon in small flocks feeding on the saltmarsh. Golden Oriel calling from up Brickyard Lane. First Curlew heard back. Meadow rue, hogweed, dewberry and quaking grass in flower. 15th June 2 Curlew out on beach. Out on the lower foreshore from Brickyard Lane, in an area that's covered by winter tides, there are around 20 Southern Marsh Orchids. Pre the Dec. 2013 surge, there were many orchids and even those on the dune tops, which would have had only fleeting inundation, were wiped out. So these new ones are very interesting because they are in a new place and lower than any of the previous colonisers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. WETLAND RESERVE TF 331595 Garry Steele Monthly maximums and noteworthy ornithological sightings - May 2016:- Canada Goose - 2 Common Tern - 2 Cormorant - 1 Gadwall - 2 Greylag Goose - 14 House Martin - 25+ Mallard - 9 Moorhen - 2 Mute Swan - 2 Shoveler - 1 Swallow - 20+ Teal - 3 Tufted Duck - 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. alisontate - hard bopunce - mailbox unavailable ....and finally..... 'Biblical' moth influx threatens to devastate crops http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36516619 Tower of London poppies attract 100,000 to Lincoln Castle http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36538422 Hummingbird moths colonise UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36474577 Lincolnshire health bosses look to Europe to plug GP shortage http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36517260 Friskney Show: Funnel cloud lifts inflatable slide http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36511051 Red Arrows Farnborough aerobatic display scrapped http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-36546206 Is this the world's favourite second-hand tractor? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36479610 MPs criticise government over flood protection plans http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36480213 Spread of human disease from animals mapped http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36480021 Artificial lights brightening nights across world http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36492596 Experiment 'turns waste CO2 to stone' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36494501 El Niño likely to boost CO2 in 2016 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36521068 Party’s over: the end of helium balloons http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2016/jun/14/partys-over-the-end-of-helium-balloons? All at sea: sailing in the Hebrides http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jun/12/sailing-in-hebrides-scotland-holidays-first-timer-ketch? The bloody-nosed beetle: a tank on sticks http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/bloody-nosed-beetle-dartmoor-country-diary Bustards strut their stuff after return to the plain http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/10/great-bustard-salisbury-plain-wiltshire-country-diary Madagascar's 'swamp lemurs' have been documented for the first time https://theconversation.com/madagascars-swamp-lemurs-have-been-documented-for-the-first-time-60295 Birds and beasts of the heathland barrows https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jun/14/birds-beasts-heathland-barrows-west-sussex-country-diary Summer blooms soften Cornwall's rocky coast https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/15/summer-blooms-soften-cornwalls-rocky-coast-country-diary 2016 Great British Bee Count reaches halfway point - in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2016/jun/15/2016-great-british-bee-count-reaches-halfway-point-in-pictures What has the EU ever done for my beach? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/what-has-the-eu-ever-done-for-my-beach In their hunt for misspent EU cash, even rare birds are fair game for Brexit camp https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/06/eu-cash-rare-birds-fair-game-for-brexit-camp-eu-vote-leave 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/