============================================= || || 25th September 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 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.... *** This is going out on the Autumn Equinox, 22nd September 2016. http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/37423436 I shall be away next week, so this is the final Bulletin of September. The next should go out the weekend of the 1st October. That will be good timing for news of your October events - so please let me know of any activities, talks, etc. needing a bit of publicity. The Bowthorpe Oak in Bourne has been shortlisted for tree of the year. Read more at: http://www.bournelocal.co.uk/news/bowthorpe-oak-in-bourne-shortlisted-for-tree-of-the-year-1-7584573 Vote for Tree of the Year 2016 by 9th October. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37405684 TWO have issued their UK winter weather 2016/17 forecast indicators. These are much more mixed than they were at this time last year when a mild winter was strongly favoured. See: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ 2016 is the 5th year of Biology Week, organised by the Royal Society of Biology, 8-16th October. An event to pick up on in 2017, perhaps? https://www.rsb.org.uk/get-involved/biologyweek It's here: The Invasive Asian Hornet spotted in Britain for first time, experts confirm: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-37421846 Don't forget the Harlequin Ladybird story: lots of gaps in Lincolnshire. http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage for September will transmogrify itself to October on the 1st and be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016 includes the photo "Serene Saturn" by Lincolnshire's Damian Peach. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-37337537 Roger p.s. Don't forget to check the links in "12 ..and finally...." *** October 2016 Apple Day Dates reminder *** Stamford Community Orchard Group's Apple Day is on Saturday 1st October this year. See: http://scog.org.uk/ Wragby's Apple Day is on Sunday 2nd October. See:: http://www.applesandorchards.org.uk/images/Apple_Days_2016.pdf Woolsthorpe's annual Apple Day will be on Sunday 9th October. See: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor Original Bramley apple tree in Southwell is dying http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-36826038 *** 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. 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 *** HATFIELD MOORS OPEN DAY *** Janet Canning writes: Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve HATFIELD MOORS OPEN DAY Sun 25th September 2016 11am – 3pm Guided walks setting off from car park - 11.15am & 1.15pm. Find out more about this special Reserve from NNR Volunteers The LIFE+ Project Team will be present - find out more about Restoring the Humberhead Peatlands LIFE+ Project Children’s activities 12.30pm Bug Hunt and then identify what you find under the microscope. Other fun things to do throughout the day such as photo mapping/treasure trails. Make species badges, peregrine falcon kites, butterfly mobiles and lots more. Watch wood carving and chainsaw demonstrations. Other stands to be confirmed including local crafts and hobbies, Tombola to raise money for local charity, All events from Boston Park car park off A614 between villages of Hatfield, Woodhouse and Blaxton. Free entry – refreshments available with fantastic homemade cakes. Held in the Portakabin if inclement weather - see on site directions from car park. *** South Lincolnshire Walking Festival *** Beverley Gormley writes: South Lincolnshire Walking Festival. 24th September to 30th October (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) 80 walks covering North and South Kesteven, Boston and South Holland. Launch and Family Fun Day at Willow Tree Fen nature reserve on 24th September from 12 noon. Details from www.southlincswalking.com *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** There have been very few reports of Non-Marine Molluscs in the LNU Bulletin, even the common species. 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 *** Reminder - Water Vole Training *** Rosemarie Oliver writes: 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 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. East Lincs Rural Training and Lincoln Rural Training are 2 groups locally who are part of Rural Training Links in Lincolnshire. We are non profit making and used to be the old Agricultural Training Board and are run by a committee of farmers and one organiser per group. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust are members of my group along with Natural England, National Trust, Lindsey Marsh Drainage Group etc so we do have members outside of Agriculture. If you are interested in the above course please contact me via Roger. rparsons@enterprise.net **** Rescheduled Diptera (Flies) Workshop *** Richard Davidson 12th November Diptera (Flies) Workshop - Whisby Nature Park, in the Lafarge Education Building.12:30pm until 4:30pm. Free of charge, refreshments included. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Interested in Invertebrates and would like to know more in particular about Flies? Come along and find out more from local experts Phil Porter and David Denman. *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indood Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Barton LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** 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/ 14/9 Sooty Shearwater flew north past Chapel Point + 4 Black Terns 15/9 Western Purple Swamphen, 19 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Pied Flycatcher, 4 Redstarts, Anderby Yellow-browed Warbler, Chapel Point Redstart, Wolla Bank Garganey juv on realignment, 3 Spoonbills, Redstart, Donna Nook Spoonbill on reservoir, Freiston Shore Little Stint, 6+ Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, 7 Spotted Redshanks, Lapland Bunting, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler at Sykes Farm, 7 Spoonbills, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 16/9 Western Purple Swamphen, 16 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Honey Buzzard over East Dunes, Pomarine Skua flew south, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret east of Guy's Head, Sutton Bridge 4 Little Stints, 20 Curlew Sandpipers, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Spoonbills at realignment, Donna Nook Ruddy Shelduck, flew west past Far Ings 17/6 Slavonian Grebe drifted south past Mill Hill, Pomarine skua flew south, 62 Sooty Shearwaters, 5 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Yellow-browed Warbler in gardens, Saltfleetby St Peter 3 Pomarine Skuas flew south past, Black-throated Diver, Sabine's Gull juv flew north past, Balearic Shearwater, 46 Sooty Shearwaters, Huttoft Bank Little Stint, Toft Newton reservoir Long-tailed Skua flew past, 4 Pomarine Skuas, c 45 Arctic Skuas, Freiston Shore 2 Soooty Shearwaters flew south past Mablethorpe car park Little Stint, Black-necked Grebe on main lagoon, Bardney Pits 3 Little Stints, 12 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Skua juv on realignment, 3 Spooonbills, Donna Nook 18/6 Long-tailed Skua juv on sea, 2 Velvet Scoters flew north, 2 Little Stints on beach, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Yellow-browed Warbler, Donna Nook Yellow-browed Warbler at Howden;s Pullover, Donna Nook Little Stint juv on main lagoon, Pectoral Sandpiper, Bardney Pits 4 Velvet Scoters flew past Trusthorpe Point, Mablethorpe Little Stint, 10 Curlew Sandpipers, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 3 Spoonbills, Pied Flycatcher south end of plantation, Redstart, Sabine's Gull flew north past, Lapland Bunting flew over Mill Hill, Gibraltar Point Western Purple Swamphen, 14 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Yellow-browed Warbler along Sea Lane, Saltfleet Honey Buzzard flew south over Crook Bank, Saltfleetby 19/9 2 Velvet Scoters, north past Trusthorpe Point, Mablethorpe 5 Spotted Redshanks, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler reported in garden at Sea View, Leach's Petrel flew north just south of Crook Bank, 3 Whinchats in dunes between Crook Bank and Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby 5 Velvet Scoters drks flew north past Huttoft Car Terrace 4 Redstarts, 2 Whinchats, Donna Nook 3 Whinchats on Goosemans Field, Grimsby 3 Yellow-browed warblers: Yellow-browed Warbler north of Shovelers Pool, Yellow-browed Warbler trapped and ringed in east Dunes, Yellow-browed Warbler in large sallow on north edge of beach, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Whinchats, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper on main pit, Bardney pits Little Stint, Toft Newton reservoir Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 20/9 4 Spoonbills, Spotted Redshank, Gibralter Point Lapland Bunting flew south over Sea Bank car park, 3 Short-eared Owls, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warblerat sea View, Saltfleetby Pectoral Sandpiper, Little Stint, Bardney pits Pied Flycatcher, Donna Nook 21/9 Yellow-browed Warbler between Brickyard Lane and MOD, 4 Whinchats, Saltfleetby Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Short-eared Owls, Spotted Redshank, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler, Lapland Bunting, 4 Spoonbills, Lapland bunting flew south, 5 Whinchats, Hawfinch flew south, 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. *** Heritage Open Days Sun 11 Sept 2016 *** Marion Ellis writes: We went to the newly opened LWT Nature Reserve on Woodhall Spa Airfield and were rewarded by the sight of an Osprey circling above the lakes. BOSTON (South by A16) Re. 25/03/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson On the above date, we ringed a Goldcrest in the garden. It was a first year female and weighed just 6.9 gms. Eight days later, having travelled 931 km, it was caught by a ringer at Griefswalder Oie, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, eastern Germany, close to the Polish border. In over forty-nine years of ringing on the east coast, we are not unused to foreign recoveries, but the small size of this bird makes it special. *** 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 to GOXHILL HAVEN (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 18/09/2016 Jon Drakes Species noted whilst carrying out the monthly WeBS count included: Black Tailed Godwit 186 Blackcap 1 Black-Headed Gull Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chiffchaff 2 Coot 1 Curlew 120 Dunlin 30 Goldfinch Great Blackback Gull 1 Greenshank 1 Herring Gull House Martin Jackdaw Kestrel 30 Linnet 3 Little Egret 2 Magpie Mallard 30 Marsh Harrier 1 Meadow Pipit 11 Pheasant 2 Pied Wagtail 1 Pink-footed Goose 70 Skein flying high in off the North Sea, heading South West. My first sighting of the Autumn. Redshank 15 Reed Bunting 15 Rook Shelduck 20 Snipe 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Starling Swallow Teal 27 Wigeon 4 Woodpigeon Yellowhammer 10 Roe Deer 1 Comma Butterfly Large White Butterfly Speckled Wood Butterfly Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 14/9/2016 Tawny owls 2 (constant calling between 8 and 9 pm) 16/9/2016 Dunnocks 2 Great spotted woodpecker 1 19/9/2016 Pheasants 2 (male) 20/9/2016 Great spotted woodpecker 1 21/9/2016 Small tortoiseshell 1 Tawny owl 1 (calling 5 am) KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 17/09/2016 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch in our back garden for the BTO were: ] Collared Dove 8 Blackbird 3 Robin 1 House Sparrow 30 Dunnock 3 Goldfinch 4 Coal Tit 1 Chaffinch 1 Greenfinch 3 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 13.09.2016 10-15 House Martins feeding overhead 14.09.2016 Speckled Wood 1 and 40-50 Small Tortoiseshells Southern Hawker dragonfly, m. House Sparrow nestling (ca. 10-12 days old) dead on ground 15.09.2016 Fresh Mole hills on pasture 18.09.2016 A fine day after 3 days of fog and rain produced only 20-25 Small Tortoiseshells, 1 Red Admiral and a handful of Whites Pink-barred Sallow moth (Xanthia togata) - Unusual because there are no willows on our free-draining soil, but I keep a few in pots for stem display. I omitted the annual hard pruning this spring, which would probably have killed any overwintering eggs. Found it among hosta leaves by the pond. 20.09.2016 17 Swallows briefly preening on power line, then heading south. 21.09.2016 A few House Martins feeding overhead. Southern Hawker f ovipositing on wood along pondside STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) 15/09/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst at work were: Goldfinch a flock of approx 20 birds Magpie Robin THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 01/09/16 MV moth trapping 21:30hrs - 01:00hrs (rain stopped play) Centre-barred Sallow Common Wainscot Flame Shoulder Garden Dart x 6 Gold Spot Green Carpet x 3 Large Yellow Underwing x 17 Lesser Yellow Underwing x 12 Light-brown Apple Moth Lunar Underwing Rosy Rustic Setaceous Hebrew Character x 8 Small Square-spot Smoky Wainscot x 2 Snout x 4 Square-spot Rustic x 4 Willow Beauty 02/09/16 Nest totals for Thurnholmes 2016; Kestrel-4 eggs-3 young-none fledged Pied wagtail-2 nests-10 eggs-10 young-5 rung-all fledged Stock Dove-2 nests-3 eggs-3 young-none fledged Robin-2 nests-10 eggs-5 young fledged Tree Sparrow-7 nests-36 eggs-28 young-22 rung and fledged 10/09/16 Barn Owl x 1 06:00hrs Chiffchaff x 1 singing House Mouse x 1 (dead, drowned) Pygmy Shrew x 1 (dead, probably cat kill) 13/09/16 Little Owl x 2 05:30hrs Robin x 3 Soprano Pipistrelle x 1 06:30hrs 14/09/16 Small Tortoiseshell x 5 Small White x 3 Hedge Rustic x 1 15/09/16 Kestrel x 1 Mute Swan x 2 over Thurnholmes Robin x 2 Snipe x 1 Starling x 37 Migrant Hawker x 5 WILDMORE FEN correction: TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 13/9/2016 Horntail [Urocerus gigas] was a wrong identification. Based on our photograph, Dave Sheppard writes: The image is of a parasitic wasp. It is definitely an Ichneumon and may be Amblyteles armatorius - but there are others that look very similar and the name may have changed since my brave days of identifying these things. It is one that I frequently use to rear from moth pupae. The narrowed 'waist' between the thorax and abdomen is clearly visible in the image. Sawflies do not have this character; the abdomen being very broadly attached to the thorax. Another easy character in sawflies is that there are only about 9 segments in the antenna but in woodwasps there are a lot more, so that one is not of much help. You are not the first to make this mistake. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 15/9/2016 Dead adult Woodmouse and adult Housemouse in apple shed. 16/9 Large adult rabbit videoed overnight eating fallen Victoria Plums. Dead adult Woodmouse in apple shed. 18/9/2016 Unexplained death of 2 young rabbits. 2 juvenile rabbits of similar size were found dead in different locations in the garden. Both were in the process of dying with lethargic signs suggestive of Myxomatosis. There were no signs of injury consistent with attack by a predator, though cats, stoats, badgers and buzzards are all active predators here. There is a small local rabbit population, but no signs of illness have been observed amongst the adults in recent years. Chris Manning adds: Without a pm, it's difficult. Perhaps the dam was killed, if they were still dependant on her? 19/9/2016 Bank vole adults dead in apple shed. 20/9/2016 Dead housemouse in workshop. Comma butterfly nectaring on "ice plant" - a rare sight here this year. 21/9/2016 3 Commas on Valerian and Rudbeckia. Large Hummingbird Hawkmoth nectaring on Valerian . 2 dead adult Woodmice in apple shed. WOODHALL SPA John Hodgson - Woodhall Spa, Home GR TF 201 629 unless otherwise stated. 11 Sep 2016 Home GR 1 x Kingfisher taking a Minnow from the beck. I couldn't believe my luck because this happened almost directly under my nose as I was looking into the beck at the time. 2 x Tortoiseshells but a considerable variation in size between the two. 1 x Common Lizard scuttled across path on eastern edge of Ostler's Plantation GR 222 622 13 Sep 2016 Home GR A warm and humid afternoon: 29c. Many small Common darter dragonflies around the garden. 3 x Tortoiseshell on Verbena. 1 x Painted Lady resting on south facing wall 1 x Brimstone flitting about the garden but never settling for long. Tawny Owl calling from oak tree at around 9pm. 14 Sep 2016 Home GR 1 x Sparrow Hawk perched on top of beech hedge 1x Red Admiral on Verbena. 2 x Tortoiseshell on Verbena. Small whites still around. 1 x Moorhen with the now almost fully grown chick scrounging under the bird feeders. WRANGLE COMMON 18/09/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Very little around today except two infrequently recorded birds on our fenland tetrad - Coal Tit and Treecreeper. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 14th - 21st September 2016 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Nige Lound Red backed Shrike, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Wheatear and Bee Eaters flying high over Brickyard Lane going south to Africa. The samphire beds have proved attractive to Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling again this week, with over 200 of each species and will remain so after the highest spring tides of the year. There have also been up to 2 Little Stints and 5 Turnstones and many migrating Wigeon and Teal stopping off for short periods. A Sparrow Hawk, that's been around all week, has been making sorties out to the beach to catch waders. Up to 100 Linnets also feeding on the samphire seeds. As well as the resident Barn Owls in the Brickyard Lane area, a Tawny Owl is now frequenting the dunes and is being mobbed by birds during the day. Of note from the WeBS section Theddlethorpe to Saltfleet were marsh harrier 1, Gannet 6, Teal 343, Wigeon 191, Shelduck 58, Turnstone 10, Grey Plover 2, Golden Plover 9, Great Crested Grebe 1, Common Scoter 83, dark-bellied Brent Goose 2, Peregrine Falcon 1 and Swallow 27 (in ones and twos) plus a single Wheatear on the outer dunes. 15th Single Chiffchaff near Sea View. Party of 12 Siskins over Brickyard Lane. 16th Single Redpoll. On the evening spring tide, 210 Greater Black-backed Gulls, 120 Sandwich Terns, 30 Common Terns and a few Arctic Terns were of note. A Wheatear was on the beach at Crook Bank and 4 Black Tern flew north at sea. A Kingfisher was around Churchill Lane. 17th Swallows 8 over Sea View. In poor visibility, a party of 6 dark-bellied and 1 light-bellied Brent Geese made a brief stop-over before continuing north and a further light-bellied bird flew north on the 19th. Over 200 Teal and 30 Wigeon north, with 45 Common Scoter on the sea. 3 Arctic Skuas were mobbing Sandwich Terns roosing on the beach. Pink Foot Geese south 28 on 17th, 38 and 56 on 18th. Hawfinch over Churchill Lane. 18th Singles of Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Stonechat, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker near Sea View. Mid-day sunshine gave sightings of brimstone, red admiral, small tortoiseshell, comma and speckled wood butterflies. A sea watch south of Crook Bank produced the following: good numbers of Teal and Wigeon with Pintail 9N, Manx Shearwater 1N, Gannet 189, Guillemot 5N, Brent Goose 11N, Common Scoter 330 (270N and 60 on sea), Red-throated Diver 14N, Leach's Petrel 1N, Arctic Skua 6N and Sandwich Tern 112N. The dunes between Crook Bank and Brickyard Lane were rather quiet but 3 Whinchat were around all day on the track at the rear of Conoco Gas terminal. Around 12:30 there was a noticeable southerly movement of raptors seen from Crook Bank car park and in an hour the following flew south Marsh Harrier 1, Honey Buzzard 1 (dark juvenile), Common Buzzard 16, Hobby 1, and Kestrel 4. A total of only 11 butterflies on transect (small white, meadow brown, brown argus, speckled wood, and small tortoiseshell). 19th Single lapwing over Sea View plus 18 Swallows in small groups. Noticeable increase in Blackbirds with at least 10 near Sea View with one Song Thrush. 20th Single Yellow Browed Warbler 1 Goldcrest c.15 Whinchat 4 , Yellow-browed Warbler and Goldcrest near Sea View. Insects Good numbers of Migrant Hawker Dragonflies along with fewer Darters are present in the dunes. There has been a fresh Comma, several Tortoiseshells along with Speckled Woods on the wing. Garden Tiger and Vapourer moths have been trapped in the Brickyard Lane area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from, LNRs always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually 'goes to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** 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 Chris Manning has put the new Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire on the link below. 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 *** 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: 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 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 *** Stamford Community Orchard Group's Apple Day is on Saturday 1st October this year. See: http://scog.org.uk/ Wragby's Apple Day is on Sunday 2nd October. See:: http://www.applesandorchards.org.uk/images/Apple_Days_2016.pdf 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. deanbird - hard bounce - address cleaned johnthackery - soft bounce - permanent error - Spam content found [sic] cloxflo - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying hendrina - 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. Green spaces worth £2.2bn to public health in England http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37403915 How do you stop fly-tipping and littering? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37350153 Controversial Skegness hotel gets planning approval http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-37377360 Tree of the Year 2016 http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/tree-of-the-year/ How trees use the Wood Wide Web. [Video] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37353570 The UK's storms will be named again this coming autumn and winter. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2016/nameourstorms2016 Second lowest minimum for Arctic ice http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37376896 Hundreds of Japanese horseshoe crabs wash up dead on beaches http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-37376844 Melting ice sheets video - Bill Nye https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6CPsGanO_U&feature=youtu.be ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/