============================================= || || 16th October 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 over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who might like to receive the Bulletin please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin or, if you prefer, send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Compare Previous Years. 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 is always a pleasure to receive your contributions, without which the Bulletin would be a thinner, less interesting, news letter. Thanks for keeping the information flowing. I am getting reports of Hedgehogs about, one of them a youngster looking for food near a bird feeder. You may want to read up on hedgehog needs and what to do if you think things are going wrong for one of them. See the LWT's helpsheet: Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals Also see: http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/feed-hedgehogs.html This week we have had a torrent of interesting bird reports, including Long-billed Dowitcher, Grey Phalarope, Pallas' s Warblers, Richard's Pipit, Siberian Stonchat [probably Stejneger's Stonechat], Rose-coloured Starling, Red-flanked Bluetail, lots of Ring Ouzels and Yellow-browed Warblers. http://btomigrationblog.blogspot.co.uk/ The amazing cycle of migration is playing out again, the coastal reserves providing some of the most interesting information: Donna Nook, Gibraltar Point and Frampton Marsh. One consequence of an unusual report is that many people then start to scan that location in detail, and additional reports are often made. Wherever you are, keep your eyes open! http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/funfactsandarticles/migration/which-birds-migrate.aspx Did anyone spot any Draconid [8th] and Southern Taurid [10th] meteors? I managed to see a single Draconid at 20.20hrs on Sunday, 9th October. Unfortunately the Orionid shower [21st] is expected to be spoiled by moonlight this year. There are several events to enjoy this month: South Lincolnshire Walking Festival, a Chalk Streams Project volunteer day, a talk on The Life and Times of Sir Joseph Banks, and visits to Spurn Point and Chambers Farm Wood. There is an Astronomy Night and a drop-in "Autumn Fruits" morning for young people. A big thank you to those who sent in this information. Worth reading: Call for action to protect 'the lungs of the sea' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37606827 Also See: Seagrass http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife/habitats/seagrass More links in '''and finally...." The LNU Bulletin is FREE to anyone interested in identifying & recording wildlife in Lincolnshire in particular. Beginners or experts, Lincolnshire- based or farther afield, whatever your background, all are welcome to subscribe. All we ask in return is the occasional contribution from time to time to keep it interesting. Don't forget to check the links in 12. ...and finally..... e.g. Government upholds fracking appeal in landmark ruling http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-37567866 Type 2 diabetes: Data reveals hotspots for cases http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37584818 Please keep your reports coming. Roger rogerp@enterprise.net *** Warning: Occasional email failures *** One or two ISPs have had delivery problems for the Bulletin. When emails "bounce" [return] they are "cleaned" from the mailing list automatically. That means you will no longer receive your weekly Bulletins - unless/until you re-register, usually under a new address. Each week I list any recent [part address] in "Mailfails" in 12 ...and finally.... My hope is that someone will recognise a part address and let that reader know we have a problem. They can then get in touch with me to sort it out. We don't want to lose these readers. If you can keep an eye on this section you may be able to help avoid that. I will [and they] be very grateful. *** Reminder - Water Vole Training *** Water Vole training Date: 16/17 November 2016 – 2 days Venue: Whisby Nature Reserve, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln LN6 9BW Instructor: Derek J Gow Important check: I have passed on quite a few enquiries to the organisers. If you have not yet had a reply with the joining information, from me/them, please let me know. Course Details: Training to attain Natural England License – agenda for the 2 days addresses the 5 points needed to obtain the class license and operate with water voles. Includes mitigation, handling, displacement, trapping, surveying. If you are interested in the above course please contact them via Roger. rparsons@enterprise.net *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project volunteer days *** Will Bartle writes: We've got a couple of volunteer days coming up. 26th October - Moorhouse Farm, Ashby cum Fenby Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The day will involve maintaining the vegetation on the banks of the beautiful Waithe beck, to allow light to reach the stream. There may also be a little light raking of the stream bed to loosen and wash some of the unwanted silt away. 9th November - Welton le Wold Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group The group will be joining the community of the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds' village of Welton le Wold to help manage the in-stream vegetation of their beautiful little chalk stream. The day will also include a 'stream dip' to look at the important invertebrates that form such an important part of the delicate ecosystem. Full details can be found on the LCSP webpage and Facebook pages: http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering https://www.facebook.com/#!/LincolnshireChalkStreams Please contact Will Bartle (Monitoring officer) for more details: william.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone 01522 555783. **** Diptera (Flies) Workshop - postponed again. *** Richard Davidson writes: We are having to cancel the Diptera Workshop again due to circumstances beyond our control. Lack of microscopes at Whisby is the issue. We may try again next year once this microscope problem has been resolved. *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** 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. *** October Night Sky *** The Orionid shower [peaks 21st] could be spoiled by moonlight this year. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage for to October can be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** 'Lincolnshire Plants - Past and Future' - latest *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/news/2016/09/29/lincolnshire%E2%80%99s-botanical-heritage-sees-flowering-funds-national-lottery-grant http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ *** South Lincolnshire Walking Festival - to 30th October *** South Lincolnshire Walking Festival. Details from http://www.southlincswalking.com/ New Halloween event and South Lincolnshire Walking Festival walk. Join us in a spoooooky tower from 11am - 4pm on Sunday 30th October - just before Halloween! Explore and discover the Secrets of the Symbols and dive into some medieval- themed crafts for free while Temple Bruer Knights Templar tower holds you under its spell! Tour the tower with site manager Beverley at 2pm (and see if you come across any of the tower's 19 ghosts...) followed by a 2.5 mile walk around the Knights Templar estate as part of South Lincolnshire Walking Festival. The tower is an extremely rare example of a standing Knights Templar building and is filled with mysterious symbols. Its story is fascinating, packed with twists and turns and tales of religion, chivalry, wealth and wickedness. Join us on the 30th to find out more! Don't have 'knight'mares! More details at https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/news/spine-tingling-spookiness Beverley Gormley Cultural Events Officer, Heritage Open Days and South Lincolnshire Walking Festival Co-ordinator Tel: 01529 461499 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indood Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: Talk: The Life and Times of Sir Joseph Banks Monday 17th October - 7:30pm The Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford An illustrated talk by Paul Scott, secretary of the Sir Joseph Banks Society which is based in Horncastle near Sir Joseph's home at Revesby. Sir Joseph Banks was a leading figure in Georgian England and sailed with James Cook bringing back many plants from Australia and New Zealand. He was also responsible for the development of Kew Gardens. [With the Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group] *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Saturday 15th October An all day visit to SPURN POINT Leader; Simon Wellock Contact; Adrian White 01724 732152 for details Car share available Warm clothing, suitable footwear should be worn Take a packed lunch or buy food at the cafe. Wednesday 19th October ASTRONOMY NIGHT with members of North Lincs Astronomy Society Meet at Ness Farm for a 7:30pm start' Contact; Adrian White for details 01724 732152 *** Lincoln area Group LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk October 20th: "Understanding the Weather" Recently-retired meteorologist Tim Newbury gives us some tips Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Louth Area Group LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: Saturday Event for Younger Folks between 1000 am and noon on Saturday 29 October Children are requested to bring their parents, grandparents and friends AND examples of autumn fruits together with seed heads to the ConocoPhillips Room at Louth library between 1000 am and noon on Saturday 29 October. They will have the opportunity to discover how seeds are dispersed and to talk to local experts about wild flowers, bats, seals and otters. Everyone will have the chance to purchase Trust goods including Christmas cards whilst having a coffee and a chat. Children are not charged but adults have to pay £1.50. For more information about the wide varieties of your local wildlife group contact Ray at lag2014rww@aol.com *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Sunday 16th October 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a group visit to Chambers Farm Wood near Wragby TF 158743 where they are hoping to see Dormice Boxes opened. Meet at the Wood Centre at 9.30am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** Woodhall Spa Area Group LWT *** Les Binns writes: Fungus Spotting Walk (no collection of species unless for identification) 30th October, 10:00 - 12:00 Organised by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Woodhall Spa Area Group, Foray leader: Colin Faulkner Venue: Woodhall Country Park, Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6UJ Grid Ref TF18925 64272 *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 6/10 Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 6 Yellow-browed Warblers, Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher, 1w Grey Phalarope, Firecrest at Tabbs Head, Frampton Marsh Siberian Stonechat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2 Ring Ouzels, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, Donna Nook Yellow-browed Warbler between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane, Long-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel, Saltfleetby 7/10 Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Yellow-browed Warbler in garden, Moulton Seas End Yellow-browed Warbler, 10+ Ring Ouzels, Gibraltar Point Yellow-browed Warbler south side of West Lake, Whisby Nature Park Long-billed Dowitcher, 6 Spotted Redshanks on Marsh Farm pools, 2 Short-eared Owls on saltmarsh, Curlew Sandpiper, Ring Ouzel, Frampton Marsh 3 Ring Ouzels, Freiston Shore Siberian Stonchat, 2 Pallas' s Warblers, Rose-coloured Starling juv, Firecrest @ Pyr's Hall, Donna Nook Ring Ouzel at Pleasure Island, Pied Flycatcher at allotments, Ring Ouzel, Cleethorpes 8/10 Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Siberian Stonchat [probably Stejneger's Stonechat], Richard's Pipit, 3 Pallas' s Warblers, Lapland Bunting, 3 Ring Ouzels, Whinchat, 17 White-fronted Geese flew south over, Hen Harrier ringtail, Redstart, Donna Nook c28 Ring Ouzels, 4 Yellow-browed Warblers, Great White Egret in flight, Lapland Bunting flew north, male Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Red-necked Grebe, Covenham Reservoir Richard's Pipit, Rimac Pallas's Warbler, Bluethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler North Shore golf course, 2 Redstarts, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler in garden, 2 12 Little Gulls offshore, Short-eared Owls, Skegness Long-billed Dowitcher juv, 2 White-fronted Geese, Osprey, Bearded Tit, Yellow-browed Warbler at Tabb's Head, Little Stint, Ring Ouzel, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler, Hen Harrier, Willow Tree Fen 9/10 Red-necked Grebe, Covenham Reservoir Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Spotted Redshanks, male Hen Harrier, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler, Anderby Creek 10/10 Yellow-browed Warbler, Anderby Creek Red-flanked Bluetail, Siberian Stonchat [prob Stejneger's Stonechat], Rose-coloured Starling juv, Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Donna Nook Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Yellow-browed Warbler, 2+ Little Stints, 2+ Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 3 Ring Ouzels, 7 Yellow-browed Warblers, 7 Spotted Redshanks, Gibralter Point Red-necked Grebe, Richard's Pipit, Covenham Reservoir Pied Flycatcher, garden at Sea View, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe 11/10 Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Yellow-browed Warbler, Jack Snipe, Frampton Marsh Mealy Redpoll and Yellow-browed Warbler in dunes, Red-flanked Bluetail fem/1w m, 1+ Pallas's Warbler, 2 Shorelarks on beach, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 3 Ring Ouzels,Whinchat, Donna Nook Yellow-browed Warbler, Spotted Redshank, 3 Ring Ouzels, Great Grey Shrike, Gibraltar Pint Great White Egret, Hide Pit, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, Tetney Lock 12/10 Red-flanked Bluetail, Great Grey Shrike at Somercotes Haven, Rose-coloured Starling juv, Pallas's Warbler at Pye's Hall, 2 Shorelarks on beach, Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Red-flanked Bluetail, Great Grey Shrike, Yellow-browed Warbler, male Hen Harrier, 3 Ring Ouzels, Gibraltar Point Western Purple Swamphen, 4 Yellow-browed Warblers heard, Alkborough Flats Yellow-browed Warbler in garden, Ruskington Arctic Redpoll flew south, Rimac Ring Ouzel, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, 10 Spotted Redshanks, 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 the 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. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK922244 Pam & John Mapletoft 08/10/16 Hedgehogs For a long time we suspected we had hedgehogs and then on 21st September 2016 we were very excited to see two, a small one was actually in the bird ground feeder with mesh size 7cm x 6.5cm eating mixed wild bird seed, a larger one was on the patio also eating mixed wild bird seed, it looks as if it is mainly black sunflower seeds they are eating. We see them most nights now and have started to put dog food out, they eat some but are still drawn to the bird food. The smaller one still going in the ground feeder. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK 909580 Jeremy Hutchinson 10 October 2016 17.20Single Swallow circled over garden a few times before drifting away southwards. This was the latest I have seen a Swallow for many years. It was the first that I had seen for week. HORKSTOW 11 October 2016 Jenny Haynes Unusual sightings in my garden this week: nuthatch on the bird feeder, coal tit in my Christmas tree, painted lady butterfly (only the second sighting here this year) and most surprisingly, a hummingbird hawkmoth, the first I've seen here for several years. Is there something about the second week in October? ROADKILL PARTNEY TF427680 A158 9/10/16 Robert Walker Badger 1 roadkill *** 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. EAST HALTON SKITTER (Grid reference TA1423) 25/09/2016 Jon Drakes A brief morning visit to this location found the following species present: Black Tailed Godwit Black-Headed Gull Carrion Crow Cormorant Curlew Dunlin Goldfinch Great Blackback Gull Herring Gull Kestrel Lapwing Mallard Pheasant Pied Wagtail Redshank Starling Swallow Teal Turnstone HORNCASTLE My garden TF261691 Robert Walker 6/10/16 Comma 1 on ivy flowers Common wasps 12+ also on ivy flowers, still with an active nest under a Sedum plant on a front border. Froglets 5 in front garden ornamental 'stream' amongst the vegetation and stones. These are the first group I've seen from this years frogspawn. Toadlet 1 on nearby front lawn border. 10/10/16 Hedgehogs 2 adults and a well sized juvenile eating together in a close group on the dried mealworms and cat nibbles within 6 feet of the back door. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 1/10/2016 Great tits 4 2/1/2016 Large white 1 3/10/2016 Chaffinch 1 Common darter 1 Crows 5 (in oak) Large white 1 Magpie 1 4/10/2016 Common darter 1 6/10/2016 Blackbird 2 (not seen any for ages) Harlequin 1 Woodpigeons 4 8/10/2016 Ladybird 1 (couldn't see what as deep in a lettuce!) Great tits 2 Red admiral 1 Wren 1 10/10/2016 Blackbirds 4 Blue tit 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 (demolishing old apple tree) Wren 1 11/10/2016 Wren 12/10/2016 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Wren 1 HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid reference TA3305) 09/10/2016 Jon Drakes A visit to this location on a nice sunny Sunday afternoon found the following species present on the foreshore, marsh and pools: Black-Headed Gull Brent Goose several hundred present on the foreshore Common Gull Curlew Herring Gull Little Egret 3 Little Grebe 7 - this is the largest number I have seen on the pools Oystercatcher Redshank Sanderling Shelduck several hundred present on the foreshore Wigeon 11 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 24/09/2016 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in our back garden were: Collared Dove 6 Dunnock 4 Chaffinch 1 House Sparrow 25 Blackbird 3 Tree Sparrow 2 Robin 1 Blue Tit 2 Greenfinch 2 Goldfinch 5 House Martin Starling 9 Swallow Comma butterfly 5 Red Admiral butterfly 2 Large White butterfly 1 Painted Lady 3 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 25/09/2016 Jon Drakes Butterflies noted in the garden: Comma 5 Red Admiral 3 Large White 1 Painted Lady 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 07/10/2016 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our backgarden were: Collared Dove 2 Robin 1 House Sparrow 25 Dunnock 3 Goldfinch 4 Tree Sparrow 3 Blackbird 2 Greenfinch 1 Starling 1 Chaffinch 1 Blue Tit 1 Coal Tit 1 Red Admiral butterfly KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 09/10/2016 Jon Drakes An early morning walk around my local "patch" which takes in fields and woodland to the North East of the village found the following species present: Blackbird Blackcap 1 Blue Tit Bullfinch 4 (two male and two female) Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Dunnock Goldfinch Great Tit Grey Heron 2 Greylag Goose 8 (skein of eight birds took off from local field and flew North) Herring Gull House Sparrow Jackdaw Jay 1 Kestrel 1 Magpie Pheasant 4 Pied Wagtail 1 Pink-footed Goose 63 (skein of 36 birds and skein of 27 birds. Both skeins flying South East) Redwing 2 my first sighting of the autumn. Robin Rook Song Thrush 1 Starling Swallow several birds all flying in Southerly direction Woodpigeon Yellowhammer 3 Large White butterfly Red Admiral butterfly GRIMSBY RIVERHEAD (Grid reference TA2709) 24/09/2016 Jon Drakes Bird species noted whilst walking into Grimsby town centre Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid reference TA3305) 25/09/2016 Jon Drakes An visit on a very pleasant, sunny, Sunday afternoon saw the following species recorded: Black-Headed Gull Carrion Crow Cormorant Dunlin Herring Gull Kestrel Little Egret Little Grebe Oystercatcher Redshank Shelduck Starling STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) 04/10/2016 Jon Drakes The following bird species were noted whilst I was at work: Black-Headed Gull Carrion Crow Herring Gull Lapwing Magpie WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 11 Oct 2016 Several very active Red Admirals in garden and orchard. Flash of a probable Hummingbird Hawkmoth. WOODHALL SPA John Hodgson - Woodhall Spa, Home GR TF 201 629 unless otherwise stated. 3 October 2016 4 x Common Hawker Dragonfly The mild and calm weather this afternoon seems to have encouraged several of these Dragonflies into the garden. 3 October 2016 Small bats flitting around street lamp just after dusk outside our house. 5 October 2016 1 x Cormorant in flight above the River Witham near Stixwould Station GR 5 October 2016 1 x small hedgehog crossing residential street at 9 pm at Home GR. WRANGLE COMMON 06/10/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Exceptional numbers of Red Admirals feeding on ivy on our recording area today. Influx into the East Fen generally of Redwings, no doubt coming in on the strong easterlies. Also first signs of winter flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 5th -12th October 2016 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nige Lound, Cliff Morrison Birds seen over past 5 days include Firecrest 1, Siskin 5, Brambling 7, Yellow Browed Warbler 3, Woodcock 3, Marsh Harrier 2 , Merlin 1, Sparrowhawk 3, Little Owl 2, Long Eared Owl 1, Water Rail 2, , Swallow 4, Stonechat 2, several hundreds of Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Goldcrest, Robin, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow all arriving on the easterly winds prevailing over the week. 5th Yellow-browed Warbler, Ring Ousel 2. 6th 4 Eider north at sea and a Grey wagtail south. Between Brickyard Lane and Crook bank were Redstart 1, Ring Ousel 1, Gannet small southerly movement, Common Scoter c70, Wigeon c35, Great Black-backed Gull 70, Oystercatcher 44, sanderling 55, Linnet c80 on samphire beds. Mallard 60+ feeding in cut wheat fields. Woodpigeon 300+. 8th 2 Wheatear were around Crook Bank. At Rimac were a Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat, 2 Brambling, a Redstart and a Richard#$B!G#(Bs Pipit which was last seen settling on the short grass near the freshwater marsh. A Marsh Harrier flew south. Good numbers of Redwing, Song Thrush and Goldcrests. 9th Single Goldcrest, Siskin 2, Redwing 30+ and Blackbird 12+ all near Sea View. A skein of 70 Pink-footed Geese flew in a northerly direction. 10th Meadow Pipit c450 in several flocks over Churchill Lane. Blackcap, Goldcrest 3 and a single Great Spotted Woodpecker near Sea View with 2 Swallows over. 2 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Wheatear around Crook Bank. Flying south were 8 Rook, 9 Tree Sparrow, 11 Siskin, 9 Redpoll and a Swallow whilst 4 Brambling went north. Again good numbers of Redwing, Song Thrush and Goldcrests but still few Fieldfare. Tree Sparrow 4 N, Redpoll 3 N, Grey wagtail 1 N, Brambling 5 and Pink-footed Goose 300+ S. 11th Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Blackbird and Redwing with Lesser Whitethroat and Kestrel all near Sea View. Tree Sparrow 45 N, Hen Harrier 1 ringtail N, Sparrow Hawk, Siskin, Wheatear. Insects A few red admirals and 1 painted lady on wing over Fri to Mon and Comma on 10th, Migrant hawkers and common darters recorded. Single pipistrelle out on Sun and Mon evening at Churchill Lane. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports welcomed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** 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 copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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! You 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. ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk http://lnu.org/publications.php LNU Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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 Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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 *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. 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 Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help, please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** 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 *** http://www.bwars.com/ 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, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg *** 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 information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com 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. *** 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). 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 *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs and I am sure he would welcome some data from us. As ever, distribution of common species is as important as the exciting discovery of rare or new county species. Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital:, writes: Contact us on 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website where a reporting page can be used to send in badger reports. http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who 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 Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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.glnp.org.uk/ *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Contact: Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. 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. See: 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 *** School of Life Sciences - University of Lincoln *** http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lifesciences/ *** Natural History Museum *** http://www.nhm.ac.uk/ *** Lincoln - The Collection *** https://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/ *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service are now producing an e-bulletin. To subscribe go to http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Jonathan Gahan: jonathan.gahan@lincolnshire.gov.uk http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering *** 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 *** 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 a few cases may be difficult or 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, October 09, 2016 LNU Annual Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) (Access courtesy of the Forestry Commission) Temple Wood (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 *** October 2016 Apple Day Diary Dates *** Woolsthorpe's annual Apple Day will be on Sunday 9th October. See: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address', please let them know their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. They may wish to register another address. gogc larkey - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying - address cleaned hendrina - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying - address cleaned hornbeam fairy - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying - address cleaned tracy whitfield - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying - address cleaned wrangle childminding - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying - address cleaned If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally..... Note: If a link does not work, please look at the URL. See if an extra http:// has crept in. Long https addresses seem to cause occasional problems, so I have started posting these as "hotlinks" and also as text that you can copy and paste into your browser should you need to. I hope this helps. Government upholds fracking appeal in landmark ruling http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-37567866 Memorial service for Lincolnshire RAF bomber crash crew http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-3757439 Type 2 diabetes: Data reveals hotspots for cases http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37584818 250 years of volcanic eruptions in under under one minute http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37573690 Hawaii's Kilauea volcano close-up http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37571846 Summer leaves await a glorious autumnal death https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/30/summer-leaves-symonds-yat-rock-forest-dean-country-diary Robin's alarm flashes red for danger across the green space https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/28/robins-alarm-red-danger-green-space-shropshire-country-diary Shades of Tolkien in a Northumbrian mire https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/27/shades-tolkien-northumbrian-mire-country-diary How animals are adapting to cope with their noisiest neighbours – humans https://theconversation.com/how-animals-are-adapting-to-cope-with-their-noisiest-neighbours-humans-66166 Winner takes all on the hill of the stag https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/10/winner-takes-all-on-the-hill-of-the-stags-deer-rutting-country-diary Plum drunk: the red admirals all on board for a last boozy feast https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/06/plum-drunk-butterflies-red-admirals-fermented-fruit-feast-stupor-buddleia Why the elder is a gift of wonders https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/05/why-elder-gift-wonders-country-diary Blood and bandages: a healer in the hedgerow https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/12/blood-and-bandages-a-healer-in-the-hedgerow-country-diary The importance of urban forests: why money really does grow on trees https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/oct/12/importance-urban-forests-money-grow-trees ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/