============================================= || || 1st May 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.... *** We have just spotted earth stars coming up in the garden. Some fresh fruit bodies, other older. Best shot at identification is: G. pectinatum. Photo available if anyone would like to help. Weather's like autumn, so maybe this is a confused autumn species? https://www.ispotnature.org/species-dictionaries/uksi/Geastrum%20pectinatum St Mark's Fly. This distinctive insect appears on or about St Mark's Day, 25th April. They are important pollinators. Have you seen any yet? http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/st-marks-fly "...the male’s eyes are divided by a groove and have separate connections to the brain. This allows the males to use the upper eye part to look out for females and the lower part to monitor their position in relation to the ground, allowing them to hover in the same position*." * More at: https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habitats/st-marks-fly "Sumer is icumen in, Lhude sing cuccu!" There have been reports of Cuckoos from Rimac, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, and Gibraltar Point. I'm glad to see Stanley, Vigilamus and Peckham are back. http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking "** ...the voice of the turtle is heard in our land" We have had a few reports of Turtle Doves. Please tell us if you see or hear one. http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/t/turtledove/ [Reminder: If any link in the Bulletin does not work, please look at the URL. See if an extra http:// has crept in. If it has, delete the error in the URL and try it again. This problem seems to affect 'long URL addresses'.] Thank you for all your contributions. Please keep them coming. Roger *** LNU EVENTS- list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** Section 11 now includes the LNU Field Meetings for 2016. To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Saturday, May 21, 2016 Wharton Wood (afternoon and evening moth/bat session) (A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates) Northeast of Gainsborough - 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at SK 8421 9192 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside it where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. Evening session from 20.30 until late. No mains available for moth traps. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest toilets are in Gainsborough town centre or in local village pubs (Blyton, Corringham or Morton). Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland, ponds, grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Will you help ban microbeads? *** The Marine Conservation Society says: We've joined forces with Greenpeace to persuade David Cameron to follow US Pesident Barack Obama in banning the use of polluting plastic microbeads. They're used needlessly in personal care products. Please sign our petition today. https://www.mcsuk.org/ *** Space Stuff *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for May can be found on the link below: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Expect a couple of Meteor Showers in early May, the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids. See: http://popastro.com/meteor/reference/meteorshowers/index.php There is a transit of Mercury coming up on May 9th, so check out safe ways to observe this. You should never attempt to look at the Sun without safe Solar- viewing equipment or by 'projection'. Solar viewers can be ordered on Amazon. https://britastro.org/transit2016 http://www.nakedeyeplanets.com/mercury-transit-2016.htm *** SCUNTHORPE MUSEUM SOCIETY *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 7th May 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife invite you to join them on an early morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Meet in the car park at 7am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the trust. For further details ring Ray Hume 01472 320878. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops 2016 *** in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union See section 11 below for details. 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. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** RSPB *** Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ South Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....." There should be something for everyone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 21/4 Blue-headed Wagtail f, Marston Wood Sandpiper on grassland, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Donna Nook Osprey over Ruskington 22/4 Osprey at Witham Mouth, Little Stint, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Garganey, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel flew north over Grimsby Crematorium Memorial Garden 23/4 Common Crane over saltmarsh, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel flew north over Grimsby Crematorium Memorial Garden Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point 24/4 Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl over saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point 3 Blue-headed Wagtails with 40 Yellow Wagtails, 8 White Wagtails,and a hybrid Blue-headed x Yellow Wagrail, Marston Turtle Dove, 2 Short-eared Owls, White Wagtail, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 25/4 Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, 2 Pale-bellied Berent Geese, Frampton Marsh 26/4 Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper on reservoir, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Hoopoe in garden, Burgh-le-Marsh Redstart f on fence by new pits, Far Ings Ring Ouzel, in paddock by Wood End Farm, Dunston Fen Lane, Dunston 27/4 Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Hoopoe midway along Youngers Lane, Burgh-le-Marsh Ring Ouzel, Gooseman's Field, Grimsby Wood Sandpiper on reservoir, Spotted Redshank, Redstart, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Donna Nook 28/4 Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Osprey flew west over Hall Hill, Old Bolingbroke Hoopoe midway along Youngers Lane, Burgh-le-Marsh Wood Sandpiper on reservoir, Spotted Redshank, Whinchat, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 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. POTTERHANWORTH WOOD AND NOCTON WOOD TF072663 & TF088638 23 April 2016 Joint LNU/SLFG field meeting led by Sarah Lambert and Richard Jefferson Attended by 37 people, split into two groups. A fairly cold but mainly sunny afternoon. Potterhanworth Wood Over 140 plant species were recorded including Moschatel, ragged-robin, devil's-bit scabious, yellow archangel and hairy woodrush. Invertebrates included the once rare red and black bug Corizus hyoscyami and Orange-tip and Brimstone butterflies. Birds recorded included Tawny Owl, Hobby and Marsh Tit. Young frogs were frequent in the wetter parts of the wood. Nocton Wood The plant highlight was re-locating a thriving colony of Orpine Sedum telephium at the southern end of the wood. A Grass Snake was seen on a sunny ditch side and common lizard was also noted. Birds recorded included Raven, Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff and Bullfinch. Muntjac were also heard calling. Butterflies were notable by their absence, with just Peacock recorded. Notable beetles included the leaf beetle Apteropeda orbiculata not seen since 1911 and third records of the ground beetle Anisodactylus binotatus and rove beetle Ocypus nitens for South Lincolnshire. The gall causing wasp Diastrophus rubi was evident on Bramble (also present at Potterhanworth Wood). Early Nomad Bee - Nomada leucophthalma was also identified. Turkey tail fungus Coreolus versicolor was found on a tree stump. ROADKILLS HIBALDSTOWE SE 9769 0193 SE 9769 0222 Peter Morrell 22.04.16 2 Hedgehog road kills on the Redbourne Road. A15/M180 JUNCTION SE 9564 0611 23.04.16 Peter Morrell Muntjac road kill SAXILBY SK 8966 7609 SK 8981 7540 Peter Morrell 25.04.16 2 Hedgehog road kills on Mill Lane INGHAM SK 9472 8279 Peter Morrell 26.04.16 Hedgehog road kill A15 WADDINGHAM SK 9631 89590 Peter Morrell 27.04.16 Badger road kill *** 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 GIBRALTAR POINT NNR 17/4/16 Robert Walker Near Greenshanks Creek (TF570584) south for approx. 200yds on the lower strand line were Common Starfish 191+ Common Sunfish 1 Washed up onto the sand dead. GIBRALTAR POINT Richard Fox 19th April 2016 Avocet 35 (Tennyson Pond/Jackson's Marsh) Cuckoo near Mere Hide Little Egret 4 (as Avocet)# Shelduck 4 (as Avocet) Brimstone Orange Tip m Peacock 5 Small Tortoiseshell 6 GRANTHAM ST. CATHERINE'S ROAD SK918356 Marion Ellis 28. 04. 16 Seen in the last week Great tits Blue tits Robin 1 Chaffinches Blackbirds Thrush 1 Collared doves 2 Feral pigeon 2 Woodpigeons House sparrow 1 on R. Witham:- Moorhen Ducks - mallard type HAGWORTHINGHAM - SAUSTHORPE A158 corridor 10/4/16 Robert Walker Buzzard 2 Curlew 10 group flyover North to South Badger 1 roadkill on verge HALTON HOLGATE TF419652 19/4/16 Robert Walker Butterflies:- Brimstone 1 Common Blue 1 HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 20/4/16 Brimstone butterfly 1 Hedgehogs have been coming into the garden to feed on cat nibbles most nights since the 28/3/16, Some nights just one, but by the 19/4/16 two were noted. Then using the camera trap 3 appeared together on 21/4/16. KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 23/04/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Birdwatch in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Dunnock 4 Robin 2 Goldfinch 5 House Sparrow 20 Collared Dove 3 Wren 1 Greenfinch 4 Tree Sparrow 1 Jackdaw 1 Chaffinch 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 24/04/2016 Jon Drakes, William Drakes, Tracey Smith & Mike Wilson A walk around woods and the fields to the North of Keelby village found the following species present: Blackbird Blackcap Blue Tit Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Collared Dove Dunnock Goldfinch Great Tit Greenfinch Greylag Goose House Sparrow Magpie Pheasant Robin Rook Siskin Starling Swallow Woodpigeon Yellowhammer Buff-tailed Bumble Bee Brown Hare - two seen. These are the first Hares I have seen around the village. Rabbit Common Frog (Tadpoles) Woodpigeon 1 Buff-tail Bumble Bee LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 30/04/2016 Jayne Knight 12/04/16 Spending a few minutes, late afternoon, in back garden when local birds alarm called and flew off. Looked up to see a falcon flying from an easterly direction towards the low sun. The unmistakeable white neck and shoulders accompanied by a very distinct moustache gave me my first positive i.d. of a Peregrine over my patch. 21/04/16 Heard a Swallow twittering then shortly afterwards, while looking for the bird, saw my first House Martin. 24/04/16 Early afternoon while washing up in kitchen a Chiff Chaff was heard very close by. Must have been in the trees in neighbour’s garden but unable to find it. 25/04/16 Around 5.30am Chiff Chaff heard calling again, but this time outside front bedroom window. LOUTH - ALVINGHAM 20/4/16 Robert Walker Walk along Louth Canal from Riverhead to footbridge near Alvingham Church. Butterflies:- Small Tortoiseshell 4 Peacock 4 (2prs) Small White 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 22.04.2016 House Martin - 1 (first this year) 24.04.2016 Blackbird fledgling attended by female 7-Spot Ladybird 25.04.2016 2 Blackbird fledglings 28.04.2016 House Martin - 1 RIMAC NATURE RESERVE, LINCS Janet Dye 13th April 2016 Cuckoo heard. We also heard one when we visited Theddlethorpe Dunes last Wednesday morning [20th]. It was rather a distant call, though! RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 27/04/2016 Dunnock 2 Coal Tit 1 Goldcrest 1 Chaffinch 8 European Greenfinch 6 Jackdaw 4 Common Blackbird 2 Eurasian Collared Dove 2 Common Wood Pigeon 3 Common Starling 3 House Sparrow 5 European Goldfinch 8 Common Chiffchaff 1 Blue Tit 2 Great Tit 3 Long-tailed Tit 2 Pied Wagtail 1 Alan McPhersonSTAINBY/COLSTERWORTH Long eared owl perched on top of conifer on left by B676 between Stainby and Colsterworth, around 6pm on April 18th, 2016 TWYFORD WOOD SK94/23 Jane Ostler 28th April 2016 Birds ncluded jays, green woodpecker, willow warbler, lesser whitethroat, chiff chaff. Mammals Western end of wood, roadside - road casualty - a polecat. Confirmation awaited but it had no signs of hybridisation with feral ferret. Eastern end of wood, roadside - a road casualty - a badger. Fungi Included the Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) Plants in Flower Included Yellow Archangel, Bluebell, Wild Strawberry, Wood Anemone. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 25/4 Yellowhammer m under feeder. Pair of Song Thrushes hunting on the lawn. Pair of Swallows roosting at nest every night now. Tawny Owl sitting at nest box entrance 7.40pm. Wow! Good numbers of goldfinches, tree sparrows, house sparrows, dunnocks, wrens, chaffinches, great tits, blue tits, blackbirds and robins. 2 pairs of nesting Jackdaws in little-owl and woodpecker boxes. 26/4 Yellowhammer f under feeder. Great-spotted Woodpecker on peanut feeder, Green Wodpecker heard. 2 regular Magpies and several wood pigeons and pheasants as usual! 27/4 Earth Stars near stumps/site of old "leylandii" trees. Geastrum spp. We think G. pectinatum. Photo taken, if anyone would like to help. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 21st - 27th April 2016 Contributors: Nigel Lound, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Lizzie Lemon, Rob Scott The crazy weather seems to have stopped most migration this week, with no obvious or new summer migrants occupying taking up territories. 20th April White wagtail-6, Pied Wagtail-1, Yellow Wagtail-1, Wheatear-2, Cuckoo-1, all in Brickyard Lane area. Single Barn Owl, Redwing, Common Whitethroat and 6 Whimbrel over all near SV, Sedge Warbler heard near Eau. 3 Cuckoo between CB and MOD track. Most common warblers were in song in good numbers but only 2 Whitethroat recorded and one Grasshopper Warbler. A Cetti's Warbler sang briefly in reeds near Churchill Lane car park. 2 Short-eared Owls were hunting over the saltmarsh and a Yellow Wagtail went south along with a few Sand Martin and Swallow. 21st April Cuckoo-1, Pied Wagtail-2, Wheatear-2M&1F, Ring Ousel-1, Whimbrel-1>N in Brickyard Lane area. Single Swallow, Cuckoo near Sea View, singles and 6 Whimbrel over during day. 2 Goldcrest (one in song) were at Rimac and a Grasshopper Warbler was still reeling. A Water Rail was squealing on the freshwater marsh. 3 Cuckoo between Churchill Lane car park and Sea View with a Tree Sparrow also at Sea View. A Greenshank flew south. 22nd April Linnet 100+ feeding/roosting south of Crook Bank, with 130 in area to Brickyard Lane. Common and Lesser Whitethroat near Sea View 23rd April Dotterel-3F north at 1730hrs from Brickyard Lane. Whimbrel 7, on saltmarsh and a single Wheatear near Sea View 24th April Wheatear-2. Whimbrel 5, single Short-eared Owl flew from dune edge near Rimac, single Lesser Whitethroat and Cuckoo near Sea View 25th April Ringed Plover 22. Whimbrel 5 on saltmarsh, Common Whitethroat 3, Common Sandpiper near Black Bridge, Swallows 6 near Sea View. Mallard with at least 15 ducklings all together on the Great Eau near Black Bridge at SV . A Short-eared Owl was a round Paradise again and both Reed and Cetti's Warblers were to be heard in song from Churchill Lane, as was a Water Rail. 2 Cuckoos were heard and a Goldcrest was singing at Rimac. 2 drake Common Scoter were on the sea out from Crook Bank and a lone Black-tailed Godwit was at the southern end of the NNR. Single peacock butterfly on the wing near Sea View. 26th April Whimbrel 3 on saltmarsh and later in afternoon 30+ flew over SV from the marshlands area to the saltmarsh, Swallow 2 and House Martin 7 over Rimac. Lady's Smock in flower in the freshwater marsh and scurvy grass in flower on the saltmarsh. 27th April Whimbrel 9 flew off the saltmarsh this morning towards grassland area of Elm House Farm. A Goldcrest was in song at Crook Bank as was a Sedge Warbler. Just one Cuckoo recorded today and a 2S/3CY Yellow-legged Gull was on the beach out from Crook Bank. A Short-eared Owl was over the freshwater marsh at Rimac with a Grasshopper Warbler in song nearby. 600+ Herring Gull were on the beach just north of Rimac, 9 Whimbrel on saltmarsh there and Reed and Cetti's Warblers were again in song at Churchill Lane Car Park. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/far-ings See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2014/07/07/visit-dormouse-project These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually 'goes to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Website: http://lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Copy and paste URLs as necessary, please. Not all are "live". *** Videos and photos - additions welcome *** Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ David sent in another fine video of a starling murmuration in January [2016] at Kirkby on Bain gravel pits - LWT's Hide Pit. https://flic.kr/p/BT6HMp Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK with any specific questions. angela.digges@clara.co.uk *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). If in doubt please contact for advice: d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejohnredshaw@gmail.com *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in badger reports. Botanical Group in South Lincs Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Mark Schofield writes: Always consider the provenance and sustainable sourcing of seed. Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. Bee-friendly gardeners should refer to their A-Z suppliers list which can be found here: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing Advice: www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Jonathan Gahan http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer jonathan.gahan@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ *** Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in some cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold precise details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. [Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm.] 2016 Field meetings Saturday, May 21, 2016 Wharton Wood (afternoon and evening moth/bat session) (A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates) Northeast of Gainsborough - 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at SK 8421 9192 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside it where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. Evening session from 20.30 until late. No mains available for moth traps. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest toilets are in Gainsborough town centre or in local village pubs (Blyton, Corringham or Morton). Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland, ponds, grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, June 04, 2016 BioBlitz Event - Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds All Day with evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council) Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds. 10.00 start with evening session starting at 21.00. Meeting point and parking at TA308066 in Country Park carpark which is free (nearest post code DN35 0PB). People can come and go as they wish. The Discovery Centre at Cleethorpes Boating Lake will be the data collection point, which is just over the road from the eastern end of the Country Park. NB. There is a parking charge in the Boating Lake grounds/Discovery Centre. Possibility of mains available for moth traps at Discovery Centre. Toilets and cafe available at the Discovery Centre. Habitats: Lake, dunes, shore, grassland and scrub. Leader: Rachel Graham Rachel.Graham@nelincs.gov.uk LNU Contact: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Sunday, July 17, 2016 Stanton’s Pit LWT Reserve Field meeting to Stanton's Pit LWT Reserve (joint meeting with British Dragonfly Society Southwest of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF034173 (nearest postcode PE10 0JN) which is about half-way off minor road between Little Bytham and Witham-on-the-Hill. Nearest facilities in village pubs. Habitats: Former sandpit with lake, marsh, acid grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, August 13, 2016 Tetney Blow Wells LWT Reserve With evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of LWT and Anglian Water) South of Cleethorpes 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.15. Park alongside Church Lane in Tetney village in vicinity of church or nearby. There is a footpath which leads to the reserve just to the east. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Facilities available in local village pubs in Tetney or Tetney Lock. Stiles present. Habitats: Blow wells, marsh, woodland, grassland, streams and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 04, 2016 Burkinshaw’s Covert (A private site with access courtesy of Total Lindsey Oil Refinery) North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park (by Gate No.7), Rosper Road, North Killingholme (grid ref TA16701754 and post code DN40 3DZ will get you nearby). Assemble at security gatehouse to meet Alan Jones from Humber Nature Partnership. Alan’s mobile no. is 07905 491647 if there are any problems finding the location. NB. Gate 7 is on Rosper Road, to the east of the refinery, not on Eastfield Road which is to the west. We will all need to drive to site (under escort by security staff to unlock gates) and will all need to leave at the same time (just after 16.00). May need to car share depending on numbers. Toilets available at security gatehouse. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, grassland and pond. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Site Contact: Alan Jones 07905 491647 alan.jones@humbernature.co.uk Sunday, October 09, 2016 LNU Annual Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) (Access courtesy of the Forestry Commission) North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF058299 at northern entrance track to wood (nearest post code NG34 0HE). Take minor road west from Aslackby, off the A15. Nearest public toilets are in Bourne. Habitat: Broadleaved woodland. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops *** in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 12:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. May 14th: Spiders Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? A second chance to find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. June 18th: Rushes and Sedges Workshop Interested in plants but would like to know more in particular about Rushes and Sedges? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. July 9th: Riverflies Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Riverflies? (May Flies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies) Come along and find out more with local expert Richard Chadd. July 16th Diptera (Flies) Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Flies? Come along and find out more from local experts Phil Porter and David Denman ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. If you recognise any of these part-addresses, please let the owners know. booth spottiswood Hard bounce. Recipient overquota. Delivery failed; will not continue trying/ viv spottiswood Hard bounce. Recipient overquota. Delivery failed; will not continue trying. And finally: Flume ride safety testing on Steep Hill in Lincoln [A former student of mine tried to skateboard down Steep Hill and ended up rolling half the way. He said: "At least I now know what you meant by terminal velocity!"] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36130149 Waterways 'key to Lincolnshire tourism' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-36130141 Concern over Brexit's impact on science http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36083736 Brexit might lead to weaker environmental rules, says report https://www.newscientist.com/article/2084751-brexit-might-lead-to-weaker-environmental-rules-says-report/ Sentinels in constant watch on mighty polar glaciers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36051112 Pressure grows for price on carbon ahead of UN signing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36098318 Rise in CO2 has 'greened Planet Earth' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36130346 Wind farms' climate impact recorded for first time http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36131442 9 facts you (probably) didn’t know about palm oil http://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/9-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-palm-oil? Note: If a link does now work, please look at the URL See if an extra http:// has crept in. ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/