============================================= || || 30th 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.... *** Don't forget the clocks go back to GMT on Sunday, 30th October. https://www.gov.uk/when-do-the-clocks-change Could these be the most important environment stories of the year? "CO2 levels mark 'new era' in the world's changing climate" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37729033 World wildlife 'falls by 58% in 40 years' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37775622 Other suggestions welcome. Your thoughts, please. Donna Nook has had a lot of interesting bird reports this year. Soon there will be lots of seal activity there too. Avoid weekend visits if possible. We will do our best to keep you informed of developments, but it may be helpful to read and bookmark the following LWT links: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/donna-nook/viewing-seals-donna-nook http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook Easterly winds are bringing interesting birds across the Channel. Already there are reports of winter thrushes and waxwings. Your sightings, please. https://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=124001 Astounding video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mS4HS1v1wM Are Harlequin Ladybirds marching into your house? Why not record them? I spotted one this week. See Jenny Haynes' HORKSTOW report in section 3 If you look at their distribution map there are quite a few Linconshire gaps. http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ TWO UK winter weather 2016/17 forecast indicators. "A weak signal for a colder winter." http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ 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. Please tell others about it - new readers are always welcome. Please keep your reports coming. Don't forget those roadkills! Roger rogerp@enterprise.net *** 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/ *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project volunteer days *** Will Bartle writes: We've got another Chalk Streams volunteer day coming up. Please give me a ring if you are interested. 01522 555783 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 . *** 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 Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Our last indoor meeting for this year, on Monday, 14th November, will include an illustrated talk on "Earthquakes" by David Galloway of the British Geological Survey Seismology Unit at Edinburgh. David tells us that his talk will be about earthquakes in general: what, why. how, when, where they occur (both globally and here in the UK and around Scunthorpe), the damage they do (with some impressive images of the devastation they cause) and also some information on the work done at the Seismology Unit. Clearly we can learn a lot from David's talk. ALL ARE WELCOME to our meetings which are held in St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, starting at 7.15pm. (Opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road.) There is ample free parking at the Church. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are provided at the mid-talk break for a small charge. For further information contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Louth Area Group LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: Saturday 29th - 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 *** 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 *** November Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage for November will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Paul explains that two major meteor showers this month, the Northern Taurids [peak 12th] and the Leonids [peak 17th] are likely to be spoiled by moonlight. You might be lucky. Let us know if you are. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 19/10 Great White Egret, Whinchat, Willow Tree Fen Ring Ouzel near Stonebridge, Rose-coloured Starling juv, Donna Nook Great White Egret, Hide Pit, Kirkby on Bain Caspian Gull, Norton Disney Black-necked Grebe, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Jack Snipe, Black-necked Grebe at river mouth, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, 3 Ring Ouzels, Firecrest, Frampton Marsh 20/10 Hen Harrier ringtail, Alkborough Flats Lapland Bunting flew north over south end, 3 Mealy Redpolls, Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Probably Saker flew in off sea and landed on wet grassland, Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Lapland Bunting, Black-necked Grebe of reservoir, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck at Cut End, flew up River Witham Pomarine Skua south past, Great Northern Diver, Gibraltar Point Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 21/10 Great Grey Shrike on wires at Stonebridge then flew towards RAF station, Hen Harrier over realignment, Black Redstart, Donna Nook Waxwing in conifer just before caravan park, Walesby Moor Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Black-necked Grebe, Frampton Marsh Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Bean Goose, 8 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 2 Hen Harriers 1m, 2 Little Stints, 2 Ring Ouzels, Frampton Marsh 4 Lapland Buntings, Twite, Tetney Marshes Great White Egret, Alkborough Flats Slavonian Grebe, Deeping High Bank, River Welland 7 Shorelarks on saltmarsh opposite Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby 2 Tundra Bean Geese with Pink-footed Geese, Chapel Six Marshes 22/10 18-20 Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Red-flanked Bluetail, Chapel Six Marshes, Chapel St Leonard's Slavonian Grebe, Deeping High Bank, River Welland Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Black-necked Grebe, 2 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh Glossy Ibis in stubble field, Boston 5 Shorelarks, Ring Ouzel, Firecrest, Donna Nook 8 Tundra Bean Geese with Pink-footed Geese, 21 Eurasian White- fronted Geese, Chapel Six Marshes 23/10 Yellow-browed Warbler at north end of sea front, Skegness 26 Shorelarks, Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby Red-flanked Bluetail, Chapel Six Marshes, Chapel St Leonard's 36 Eurasian White-fronted Geese over allotments, Louth Great White Egret flew north over Weelsby Woods, Grimsby 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Whinchat, Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Black-necked Grebe on reservoir, Frampton Marsh Long-eared Owl in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Slavonian Grebe, Deeping High Bank, River Welland 5 Shorelarks, Siberian Chiffchaff at south end, Hen Harrier, Donna Nook Siberian Chiffchaff, Marston sewage works 24/10 5 Shorelarks, Ring Ouzel, Northern Bullfinch trapped and ringed, Donna Nook Glossy Ibis end of Fenside Road, Boston Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 3 Bean Geese flew south between Rinac and Churchill Lane, 28 Shorelarks on saltmarsh by Brickyard Lane car park, Saltfleetby Slavonian Grebe, Deeping High Bank, River Welland Long-eared Owl, on main lake on island opposite hide, Deeping Lakes Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Glossy Ibis flew north over reedbed, 3 Short-eared Owls, Black-necked Grebe on reservoir, ringtail Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 30 Eurasian White-fronted Geese over docks at Immingham 2 Tundra Bean Geese on Tennyson's Sands, Long-eared Owl trapped and ringed, Gibraltar Point 25/10 Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Slavonian Grebe, Deeping High Bank, River Welland 2 Lapland Buntings, 3 Short-eared Owls, Hen Harrier, Tetney Marshes Firecrest, Pallas's Warbler at Aylmer Avenue, Scaup drk at River Steeping, Yellow-browed Warbler at Syke's Farm orchard, Gibraltar Point 7 Shorelarks, Northern Bullfinch, Donna Nook Hen Harrier, Glossy Ibis on saltmarsh then flew to The Wash, Black-necked Grebe on reservoir, Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Frampton Marsh Great Grey Shrike near Wolla Bank car park, Anderby Creek 26 Shorelarks on saltmarsh by Brickyard Lane car park, Theddlethorpe Greenish Warbler, Skegness 26/10 Glossy Ibis, Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Black-necked Grebe, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Tundra Bean Goose on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 2 Shorelarks on beach, 2 Bean Geese, Donna Nook 4 Waxwings flew south over, Wellow-browed Warbler in plantation, Gibraltar Point 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. TEMPLE WOOD, NR BOURNE - updated report TF057295 9th October 2016 Ray Halstead and Brian Hedley Annual LNU Fungus Foray to this mixed woodland site courtesy of the Forestry Commission. Attended by 18 people and led by Ray Halstead on a relatively mild a fternoon with occasional sunshine. Leading up to the foray there had been little rain in Lincolnshire, certainly not the amount needed and at the right time, to produce prolific fungal fruiting and so today we were not expecting to amass great numbers of species or specimens. This proved to be the case and it was something of a hard-fought battle, not only with the dry conditions, but also the very difficult terrain. The under-story in Temple Wood consists mainly of young bramble, which made it tough going when wandering away from the main thoroughfare. However, we did manage to collect specimens of 44 species in total which, considering the conditions, was very rewarding for those participating. Noticeable records for the day were: Coprinopsis acuminate (humpback inkcap), Gymnopilus penetrans (common rustgill) on oak (usually on conifer), Phleogena faginea (fenugreek stalkball), Pholiota aurivella (golden scalycap) and Chlorociboria aeruginascens (green elfcup). Over 130 plant species were recorded including thin-spiked wood-sedge, bugle, betony, hard shield-fern and large clumps of small teasel. Thirty bird species were seen/heard including red kite, raven, tawny owl (calling), marsh tit, nuthatch, treecreeper, siskin and redwing. Seven mammal species included common shrew, both fallow and muntjac deer and a woodmouse was disturbed and then chose to hide beneath a fungi trug. Common frogs were frequent. Insects were fairly sparse but included migrant hawker, common darter, comma, speckled wood, hornet, dark bush-cricket, marmalade hoverfly, pale tussock moth caterpillars and the rather smart looking micro-moth Ypsolopha sequella. Awaiting any notable beetle records from Charlie Barnes. HARLEQUIN LADYBIRDS HORKSTOW 25 October 2016 Jenny Haynes A large number (several dozen at least) of harlequin ladybirds have suddenly appeared in my garden. Warm, sunny day but why so many? Anyone else experienced this? Are Harlequin Ladybirds marching into your house? Why not record them? If you look at their distribution map there are quite a few Linconshire gaps. http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ MUNTJAC ROUGHTON TF241644 25/10/2015 R. Parsons Adult Muntjac crossing road east to west, south of Roughton - 11.20hrs. A 158 at BAUMBER TF225738 25/10/2016 R. Parsons Muntkac crossing road east to west Adult Muntjac crossing road east to west, north of Baumber - 17.30hrs ROADKILLS BURGH LE MARSH TF511649 Robert Walker 23/10/16 Fox 1 roadkill on side of A158 NORTH GREETWELL TF006734 Robert Walker 22/10/16 Fox 1 roadkill on side of A158 Knaith SK 82934 84673 Peter Morrell 19.10.16 Badger roadkill on A156. Marton SK 84031 81592 Peter Morrell 19.10.16 Hedgehog roadkill on High Street. Stamford TF 01234 06449 Peter Morrell 19.10.16 Bager roadkill on A1. Middle Rasen TF 06316 89253 Peter Morrell 20.10.16 Hedgehog roadkill on A631 Bishops Bridge TF 03213 91060 Peter Morrell 20.10.16 Hedgehog roadkill on A631 Hemswell Cliffe SK 95260 89606 Peter Morrell 20.10.16 Hedgehog road kill on A631 Glentworth SK 95020 88149 Peter Morrell 21.10.16 Hedgehog roadkill on B1398. Hibaldstow SE 97566 01027 Peter Morrell 23.10.16 3 x Hedgehog roadkill on Redbourne Road. Snitterby SK 99631 95604 Peter Morrell 23.10.16 Bager roadkill on Moor Road. Greetwell TF 06316 89253 Peter Morrell 26.10.16 Hedgehog roadkill on Brigg Road Messingham SE 90055 04058 Peter Morrell 26.10.16 Hedgehog roadkill on Brigg Road WintertonSE 94291 17158 Peter Morrell 26.10.16 Hedgehog roadkill on B1207 *** 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. ALKBOROUGH FLATS (Grid reference SE8722) 21/10/2016 Jon Drakes Species noted during my first visit to this reserve: Avocet Bearded Tit Two large groups of birds observed feeding in the reed beds. Each group consisted of between 15 and 20 birds. Black Tailed Godwit Blackbird Canada Goose Cormorant Curlew Fieldfare Goldfinch Great White Egret - Single bird flew over car park as I arrived at the reserve. Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Grey Heron Grey Plover 3 Kestrel 1 Lapwing Little Egret 3 Little Grebe 1 Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier 2 Pheasant Pink-footed Goose Redshank Redwing Reed Bunting Robin Shelduck Shoveler Snipe Starling Teal Purple Gallinule - The bird has been at the reserve for several weeks and was seen showing well in front of one of the hides. Whooper Swan 2 Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK 909580 Jeremy Hutchinson 22/10/2016 Comma butterfly 10 Buzzards soaring on thermal, late morning Barn Owl dusk Tawny Owls very vocal after dark recently HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 20/10/2016 Blackbirds 4 (noticeable as little else around) Common carder bee 1 (on lavender and margoram in flower) Great tit 1 Magpie 1 Red admiral 1 21/10/2016 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Great tits 6 Wren 1 22/10/2016 Dunnock 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 24/10/2016 Harlequin ladybirds 4 (in same raised bed) 25/10/2016 Chaffinch 1 (female) Dunnock 1 Wren 1 26/10/2016 Great spotted woodpecker 1 HUTTOFT BANK PIT 16/10/2016 Dave Miller Feral Goose 1 Blackbird 4 Black-headed Gull 8 Carrion Crow 4 Chiffchaff 2 Common Gull 27 Coot 1 Cormorant 7 Curlew 1 Dunnock 1 Gadwall 14 Goldcrest 31 Great Black-backed Gull 8 Great tit 3 Grey Heron 1 Herring Gull 2 Lapwing 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 Little Grebe 1 Mallard 2 Meadow Pipit 1 Moorhen 3 Mute Swan 5 Pied Wagtail 1 Redshank 2 Reed Bunting 3 Robin 4 Shoveler 6 Skylark 2 Snipe 2 Starling 23 Swallow 6 Teal 13 Wigeon 18 Woodpigeon 2 Wren 3 DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 23 & 24/10/16 Time: 0945 - 1230 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Mainly cloudy and cool Birds: Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Tit Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Jackdaw Lapwing Little Egret Little Grebe Long-eared Owl Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Pheasant Pintail Reed Bunting Robin Rook Shovelor Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren Mammals: Grey Squirrel Deeping High Bank 21 - 24/10/16 Black-headed Gul Buzzard Golden Plover Great Crested Grebe Kestrel Lapwing Redwing Slavonian Grebe Sparrowhawk Stonechat KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 22/10/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in our back garden were: Collared Dove 6 House Sparrow 10 Dunnock 3 Tree Sparrow 5 Blackbird 2 Robin 1 Starling 6 Greenfinch 2 Goldfinch 3 Chaffinch 1 Jackdaw 1 RIPPINGALE - Station Street Ian Misselbrook TF102281 17th October at 1730 Hummingbird Hawkmoth in my garden SCREMBY TF442675 Robert Walker 23/10/16 Kestrel 1 hunting over grass verge on A158 late afternoon. STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife species noted whilst at work during the week were: 17/10/2016 Carrion Crow Magpie Pheasant Pied Wagtail Robin 18/10/2016 Fieldfare Magpie Pheasant 19/10/2016 Cormorant Magpie Pheasant Pied Wagtail Woodpigeon 20/10/2016 Fieldfare Grey Heron Pheasant Robin SUTTON ON SEA (Grid reference TF5282) 22/10/2016 Jon Drakes An afternoon walk along the beach and promenade in what can only be described as "bracing" conditions produced the following species: Blackbird 1 Black-Headed Gull Carrion Crow Great Blackback Gull 1 Grey Wagtail 1 Herring Gull House Sparrow Pied Wagtail 1 Sanderling Starling WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 19/10/2016 Flush of Wood Blewits in garden on chipping heap. 22/10/2016 Flock of Fieldfares, est 50+, in local hedges. A good year for berries. 25/10/2016 5 Little Egrets in field At Glebe Farm, Hurnbridge Road TF2154 Harlequin Ladybird on front door frame. WOLD NEWTON (THE VALLEY) TF 246961 Peter Crick 26.10.2016 Red Admiral X 1 at 13.00hrs. Temp 13C Flying through woodland WOODHALL SPA John Hodgson Home GR 201 629 15 October 2016 1 x Slow-worm on the patio at home GR. This one is dark green in colour whereas the Slow-worm previously reported appeared to be a light shade of gold. A gender difference perhaps. 12 or more Redwing in and around the garden hedges at home GR. 18 October 2016 1x Kingfisher flying low above the dyke/drain at Southrey GR 142 662 50 or more Lapwings. Southrey same GR. The group circled for short time before deciding to head off to the East. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/gibraltar-point See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 19th -26th October 2016 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker & Cliff Morrison Good weather this week has seen many people on the beach at half term and the Brick Yard Lane car park has been very busy when the Shore larks were reported on Sunday afternoon. However, not nearly as busy as previous occasions when they have turned up, even though there was so many this time. They were also reported on the same day in Norfolk, which would be the area of choice for non-Lincolnshire birders. 19th Barn Owls, on the border with the reserve, have young that are hissing all night long. Little Owl 1, Ring Ouzel 1, Pintail 1 20th Linnet about 40 on beach, Rock Pipits 2, Stonechat 1, Wigeon 30>N, Little Egret 63 all feeding together on the salt marsh, Pink-footed Goose 41 and 60 flying over, single Mealy Redpoll in scrub nr Sea View 21st High tide at 1000hrs Brickyard Lane Merlin 1, Shore Lark 2,Twite 20+, Linnet 20+, Meadow Pipit 11, Rock Pipit 5, Skylark 15,Brent Goose 5, Ringed Plover 15, Dunlin 28, Grey Plover 4,Sanderling 20 Siskin 1 over, Wigeon 75>N, Teal 5>N Pintail 2>N, Stonechat 1 nr Paradise, single Whooper Swan flying over salt marsh, Goldcrest 2 near Sea View 22nd Quiet day, but 17 Fieldfares in the afternoon Transects over the samphire beds yielded only 5 Rock Pipits and no finches. Pink-footed Geese 88 over Sea View, Shoveler 6 on Paradise lagoon, Fieldfare 23, Redwing c 60, Blackbird c 35, Goldcrest c 40. Single Comma butterfly on wing at Sea View 23rd Eider 4>N, Brent Goose 3>n, Gannet 1>N, Great Black-backed Gull 12 A walk over the samphire beds yielded Linnet 14, Rock Pipit 2, Skylark 8, but in the afternoon, there was a party of 24 Shore larks reported by David Cohen, which must have been lunch- time arrivals. Merlin 1, Siskin 5. 24th Peak count of 28 Shore larks, 5 Rock Pipits, 2 Water Pipits and 10 Meadow Pipit, plus Skylarks Shoveler 14 on Paradise lagoon and single Blackcap ? and Tree Sparrow at Sea View 25th Shore larks 17, Twit 1, Rock Pipit 5, Tree Sparrow 17>N, Blackcap 2 males Sunny mild 13.5 degrees by afternoon At least 6 Blackbirds around Sea View plus a single Tree Sparrow and Redwing During mid-day in pleasant sunshine the salt marsh heralded the sound of several Skylarks and later a Short-eared Owl and Peregrine Falcon were seen hunting over the area Near Sea View the warm sunshine encouraged a Small Tortoiseshell and Comma butterfly to be on the wing Red admiral 2, peacock 1, comma 1, several bumblebees of 2 species, wasps and 2 common darter dragonflies Dusk and 2 Pipistrelle Bats hawking around Churchill Lane car park trees and ponds. 26th Shore lark 17, Twite 13, Linnet 8, Peregrine 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Reports always welcome. 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 *** '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/ *** 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.] 2016/17 Indoor Meetings - in preparation. **** 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. johnth@ckery - soft bounce - SMTP error from remote mail server: Spam content found ben.blackburn - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying familysledgey - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying Wendy.Stanley - soft bounce - mailbox is full: retry timeout exceeded eloise.markwick - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying beverley.gormley - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying 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. Here's an interesting article for all the mollusc fans: "Help find Jeremy the 'lefty' snail a mate" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37722975 Also entertaining is: London Zoo gorilla helped himself to blackcurrant squash http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-37710435 Lincolnshire Council Council rejects devolution deal that would bring £450million into the county http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/lincolnshire-council-council-blocks-devolution-deal-that-would-bring-450million-into-the-county/story-29826360-detail/story.html Grantham area heritage sites put forward for awards http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/grantham-area-heritage-sites-put-forward-for-awards-1-7638318 Fox is spooked by..... http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04czvvn?intc_type=singletheme&intc_location=bbctwo&intc_campaign=autumnwatch&intc_linkname=vidclip_foxspooked_contentcard4 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04czvvn?intc_type=singletheme&intc_location=bbctwo&intc_campaign=autumnwatch&intc_linkname=vidclip_foxspooked_contentcard4 UN: Farming needs to harvest chance to cut emissions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37671825 Stone Age people 'roasted rodents for food' - archaeologists http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37690206 Cave paintings reveal clues to mystery Ice Age beast http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37649597 'Zika mosquito' eggs found near Folkestone in Kent http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-37709478 Dawn burnishes the landscape, while mice feed on windfall apples https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/19/dawn-autumn-landscape-old-fashioned-apples A bird of beauty laid to rest in the lingering fragrance of summer https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/18/bird-beauty-laid-rest-lingering-fragrance-summer-country-diary To uncover the secrets of exoplanets, try listening to them https://theconversation.com/to-uncover-the-secrets-of-exoplanets-try-listening-to-them-67392 For exotic looks, nothing beats the native spindle https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/25/exotic-looks-nothing-beats-native-spindle-country-diary A storybook world growing from a medieval quarry https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/24/storybook-world-medieval-quarry-cambridgeshire-country-diary The Moth Snowstorm: an environmental call to arms as powerful as Silent Spring https://theconversation.com/the-moth-snowstorm-an-environmental-call-to-arms-as-powerful-as-silent-spring-67576 No hiding place for a stranded squab https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/26/no-hiding-place-stranded-woodpigeon-chick-country-diary ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/