============================================= || || 23rd April 2017 || || 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 anyone who might like to receive the Bulletin please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin or send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009 are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html 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: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Editor writes... *** A walk with Charlie Barnes almost always leads to an encounter with unusual species of insect. Last Sunday's Wildlife Watch Walk near the Pilgrim Fathers Memorial introduced me to a new weevil: Otiorhynchus raucus. Charlie tells me this is the 5th record for Lincolnshire, and hasn't been recorded in North Lincolnshire VC54 since 1950. It feeds on various low growing plants and likes well drained soils. It is a local species nationally with highest occurrence in the east. A big thank you to Watch member Jake for finding it. Well done. https://www.ispotnature.org/species-dictionaries/uksi/Otiorhynchus Thanks also to Jerry Gunner for his report of the hoverfly: Criorhina floccosa. It's not amongst the most common of them - but is a rather classy creature. https://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/sets/72157629247728576/ Bee Flies are one of my favourite insects, not least because of their complex and unexpected private life. See: http://www.brc.ac.uk/soldierflies-and-allies/bee-flies Here are a few links suggested by a readers: Chiffchaffs warm to the theme of spring https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/13/chiffchaffs-warm-to-the-theme-of-spring-country-diary Tumps of tunnelling moles reveal the past https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/14/tumps-of-tunnelling-moles-reveal-the-past Hanging on rather than flourishing … a rare flower https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/15/narrow-leaved-lungwort-country-diary-rare-flower Something is amiss with the Yare valley rooks https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/18/something-amiss-yare-valley-rooks-country-diary Heads up for returning cuckoos..... https://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking More topical links below in "...and finally..." A full list of LNU Recorders is on this link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identication within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://www.lnu.org/ Thank you to everyone who has sent in reports and other contributions to my new address. We seemed to have made the switchover painlessly. If I should slip up and miss anyone's report please point out my mistake. I am especially grateful to David Sheppard and Alex Pickwell for their notes on Wasps and Invasive Snails. Many thanks. If you have events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** April Night Sky *** Heads up for the April Lyrid meteor shower 21st/23rd. Reports please. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" and SWT Osprey-webcam *** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ *** Notes on Social Wasps by David Sheppard *** David Sheppard has been kind enough to write this useful piece about Social Wasps. Your records please. Getting up close with Social Wasps Records of queen wasps are coming in. These queens have emerged from hibernation and are searching for nectar and for somewhere to build their nests. All 8 species of social wasps recorded as regularly breeding in the UK are known from Lincolnshire. A further 3 species have been found in the UK on several occasions and it is probably only a matter of time before they establish themselves as breeding species. The hornet is big and obvious. It is predominately yellow and brown. The other social wasps are yellow and black, sometimes with a patch or two of red. As a rule, the worker hornet is about the samesize or larger than a queen of the other social wasps. If you are not sure if you have seen one, you probably haven’t. It is found throughout Lincolnshire, mainly in woodland. Identification of the other social wasps is not easy. The colour patterns on the face and abdomen are guides but not definitive. The first character to look for is the presence of a gap between the base of the compound eye and the hinge of the mandible. If it is present, the face appears to be long. Four species have this character, all in the genus Dolichovespula. As usual, the definitive characters separating these species are microscopic. However, D. media is bigger than the other social wasps (although still smaller than a hornet); it has wide black bands on the abdomen and the hollow in the compound eye (ocular sinus) is entirely yellow (black or only partly yellow in all other species). This species usually nests a few metres above the ground in bushes. D.norwegica usually has red/orange markings at the sides of the first and second abdominal segments and usually nests quite high up in trees or on the outside of buildings. D.sylvestris has a black and yellow abdomen and no, or almost no, black markings on the plate between the mandibles and the compound eyes (clypeus) and nests in the same places as D.norwegica. D. saxonica usually has a longitudinal black mark on the clypeus and nests lower down in small trees or shrubs. All of these are unlikely to investigate the inside [of] sheds, conservatories or loft spaces because they do not nest in cavities. The final 4 species have short faces, ie almost no gap between the mandibles and the compound eyes and belong to the genus Vespula. V.rufa usually has red patches at the base of the abdomen but rarely nests in urban situations. Its brood parasite, V.austriaca, has no red patches and is even rarer. Both can be separated from the common V.vulgaris and V.germanica in having long dark hairs on the first abdominal segment whereas the latter 2 species have pale hairs. Distinguishing V.vulgaris and V.germanica is usually easy in that the yellow band at the back of the head, behind the compound eyes, is yellow in V.germanica but usually broken by a dark patch or spot in V.vulgaris. If you feel that you haven’t got up close enough by now, try looking at the main blade behind the apical teeth of the mandible. This is straight in V.vulgaris but concave in V.germanica. If you have found a wasp in your house, it is very likely to be either V.vulgaris or V.germanica. Both nest in cavities in roof spaces, sheds, mammal burrows, hollows in trees or in bird boxes. If you submit images of social wasps for identification, please remember to phot- graph the head as well as the rest of the body. If you find dead specimens or are willing to kill them (overnight in a freezer is usually not survivable), then I would be pleased to examine the specimens. David Sheppard *** The invasive 'Girdled Snail' - Hygromia cinctella *** Alex Pickwell writes: The girdled snail, Hygromia cinctella, native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, was accidently introduced to Cornwall prior to 1950. Records for the species now extend throughout much of the UK. So far, the girdled snail has only been recorded twice in Lincolnshire; once in Market Rasen in 2004 and once from Spalding in 2016. This seems a very low number given the invasive capabilities of this snail and it may be much more widely distributed in the county. Adults of the girdled snail are 10-12mm wide and 7mm tall, the shell has a rather distinctive rounded pyramidal shape with a somewhat flattened underside. The shell is generally dark to pale brown with a white to pale-yellow band known as a keel on the last whorl of the shell. This paler band is diagnostic in identifying the species. Photographs of typical specimens of girdled snail can be viewed at http://idtools.org/id/mollusc/factsheet.php?name=Hygromia%20cinctella The species is usually found among grass, nettles, ivy, umbellifers (e.g. cow parsley and lovage) and similar plants in a wide range of habitats, rural, suburban and urban! Please be on the lookout for the girdled snail Hygromia cinctella in your garden, around town and when out in the countryside. Photographs and specimens will be gratefully welcomed! Alex Pickwell County Recorder for Non-Marine Molluscs alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events and "Whisby Workshops 2017 " are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://www.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. Next meeting: Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** 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/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Grimsby RSPB Group *** Martin Francis writes: The Group's next trip is to RSPB Titchwell Marsh, stopping off at Hunstanton Beach, on Sunday 23rd April leaving Millman's Coach Depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. Booking is essential All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB for either event. For more information, contact (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 *** Oil Beetles - reminder - Records Please - make Charlie's day. *** Charlie Barnes writes: If you would be interested in looking for oil beetles in your area you can either get in touch for more information or just take a camera with you when out walking. To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao If you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Wash Bird Watching Cruises 2017 - reports welcome if you go on one. *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: Cruises run from May until October and full details, including ticket arrangements are at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ George Rutter writes: Rigsby Wood Open Day Sunday 30th April - 10:00am - 4:00pm Annual open day in this beautiful bluebell woodland on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds Refreshments, plant hunt and games organised. Located near Alford Grid reference TF 421762 *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 22nd April 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them in Weelsby Woods for a very early morning  walk to listen to the dawn chorus with Ray Hume. Meet in the car parking area at 4.30am. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume - 07814840682. On Sunday 30th April 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a guided walk around Tetney  Blow Wells with the wardens. Please meet outside Tetney Parish Church in Church Lane, Tetney at 2pm. Anglian Water have very recently put down a raised board walk to avoid most of the muddy conditions however you are still advised to wear walking boots and suitable outdoor clothing. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Clifford Juke 01472 814887. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk April 20th: The Work of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Paul Learoyd will reflect on the past present and future of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, on an evening when we also celebrate the birthday of the Lincoln Area Group. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Louth LWT *** Louth Area Group LWT Ray Woodcock writes: The next meeting of the Louth Group will be on Friday 28 April 2017 at the Methodist Church Hall, Nichol Hill, Louth. It will be an evening of Members’ photographs and the Annual General Meeting with a raffle and refreshments. There is no charge on this occasion – so please buy a load of raffle tickets. Contact Ray on lag2104rww@aol.com to find out more about the activities of this 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/ Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". 13/4 Waxwing, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Scaup, Little Gull, fem Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 14/4 Hen Harrier fem, Black Brant ad on middle scrape, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Scaup drk, Freiston Shore Bittern, Cattle Egret with sheep on river bank, Deeping Lakes 2 Garganey 1 drk. Messingham Sand Quarry Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel, between Scunthorpe and Dragonby Russian White-fronted Goose in cattle field with Greylag Geese, Swanpool 15/4 Hen Harrier ringtail, Osprey flew north, Donna Nook Osprey at Deeping High Bank Iceland Gull juv flew east over Saltfleetby St Peter Little Stint, Osprey, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Scaup 1 drk, Black Brant ad on west grassland with Dark- bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh Cattle Egret on pool, also on river bank, Deeping Lakes Waxwing at Sainsbury's petrol station, Grimsby 2 Ring Ouzels, one by Mere Hide, Gibraltar Point 16/4 Cattle Egret on west pit, Long-tailed Duck on main pit, Deeping Lakes Cattle Egret at north end, later south end with cattle, Anderby Marsh Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming , Boutham Mere, w of Lincoln Hobby flew north over Donna Nook Ring Ouzel male at Mill Hill, Gibraltar Point Black Brant with dark-bellied Brent Geese, Great White Egret, Little Stint, Hen Harrier, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh 17/4 Cattle Egret, Long-eared Owl by river bank, Deeping Lakes Osprey in off sea, Gibraltar Point Black Brant as with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh 18/4 Cattle Egret over River Welland, Spotted Redshank on east Pit, Deeping Lakes 20/4 Cattle Egret, Long-tailed Duck, Short-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes 2 Ring Ouzels in horse paddock along Beach Lane, Grimsby 2 Garganey, 1 drk, on mere, Gibraltar Point 6 Little Gulls, 2 arctic Terns, Covenham reservoir Iceland Gull juv flew west over Saltfleet St Peter towards Manby Ring Ouzel, 2 Scaup, Short-eared Owl, Little Gull on south scrape, pale-bellied Brent Goose, Frampton Marsh Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. Please visit the RBA website for updates/fuller details. Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [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. SPRING STUFF Jerry Gunner writes on 14th April: There was a male bullfinch nibbling the raspberry canes earlier in the day. The nesting season is going well. There were fragments of a sky-blue egg on the back lawn yesterday, maybe a robin? We have loads of them. Chaffinches and blackbirds seem to be nesting in the back garden and a pair of collared doves have built what they laughingly call a nest behind the satellite dish. Blue tits have taken over one of the holes on the southern aspect of the house near a bedroom window. That is a regular nesting spot. The other regular hole, in the roof, has house sparrows - our rarest garden bird - that have ousted the regular blue tit occupants. We still have our bramblings. In the garage something has nested in an abandoned cricket helmet. I haven’t had a close look but I know robins and wrens over-winter in there. Later - It is a robin. The nest seems to be mostly beech leaves I haven’t reported our crows. We have a pair nesting in one of the big trees in the driveway but the best bit is the display flying. They both use the boundaries of the paddock as their stage and chase each other and also display individually. It’s great to see. We’ve also got a blackcap singing away in there – he’s been here about a week. Taking the dogs out this morning, 19.4.17 I saw (and heard) my first reed warblers (or squiddlezips as I prefer to call them). The first one was in the reeds at the side of the road between fields between Potterhanwoth Wood and Bardney. They are always there in summer. I was intrigued that on the walk up there was only one apparent but on the way back half an hour later or so there were at least six singing. Sharing the reeds were reed buntings which are also regulars here and have been in residence for a few weeks. A hare lolloped towards us along the road before seemingly coming to its senses and vanishing into the long grass. Fortunately neither dog saw it. Skylarks were singing but only two or three. Lots of pied wagtails in the fields either side of the road. ROADKILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Byard's Leap, A17 Jeeremy Hutchinson 12 April 2017 Barn Owl roadkill Kirton LindseySK 96119 99540 Peter Morrell 12.04.17 Badger road kill on A15. Scawby SE 95883 033927 Peter Morrell 15.04.17 Roe deer roadkill on A15. Kirton Lindsey SE 94075 00543 Peter Morrell 16.04.17 Badger road kill on North Cliff Road. Kirton Lindsey SK 94035 99975 Peter Morrell 16.04.17 Hedgehog road kill on North Cliff Road. Ingham SK 95588 82843 Peter Morrell 17.04.17 Badger roadkill on B1398 Sturton SK 88869 81101 Peter Morrell 18.04.17 Hedgehog roadkill on Stow Road. Stamford TF 00754 07210 Peter Morrell 19.04.17Badger road kill on A1. Colsterworth SK 93763 23223 Peter Morrell 19.04.17 Badger road kill on A1 Colsterworth SK 92875 25339 Peter Morrell 19.04.17Badger road kill on A1. Torksey SK 83724 78366 Peter Morrell 19.04.17 Badger road kill on A156. Blyton SK 84666 93776 Peter Morrell 14.04.17 Hedgehog road kill A156. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." 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. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 18/4/2017 Barn owl? caught on trail camera flying down west side of house at approx 1metre up, between wall and churchyard fence. "Cuckoo flower" seen on walk along the Water Rain Way towards Lincoln on 18th April near to Bardney mooring pontoon. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson Carlton le Moorland SK 909580 8 April 2017 - Weasel 9 April 2017 - first Swallows 10 April 2017 - Holly Blue (male)- first of 2017 Orange Tip, male and female seen mating, plus Speckled Wood, also first this year. Recent Hedgehog droppings in garden, also small number of Tawny Mining Bee 'volcanoes'. DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 12/04/17 Time: 0900-1215 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Cloudy, breezy, cool, odd spots of rain Birds: Barn Owl Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Cananda Goose Carrion Crow Cattle Egret Cettis Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coot Cormorant Dunnock Gadwall Garden Warbler Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Lesser Black-backed Gull Little egret Long-tailed Duck Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pintail Reed Bunting Robin Sand Martin Shelduck Shoveler Sparrow hawk Starling Swallow Tufted Duck Willow Warbler Woodpigeon Wren Butterflies: Large White Small White Mammals: Otter Rabbit EAST HALTON SKITTER TO GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 09/04/2017 Jon Drakes with Mike Wilson and Tracey Smith Seen whilst carrying out the monthly WeBS count for the BTO were: Avocet 2 Blackbird Blackcap 2 Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Brent Goose 2 Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler 1 Chaffinch Chiffchaff 5 Common Gull Coot 4 Cormorant 2 Curlew 55 Goldcrest 1 Goldfinch Great Blackback Gull 2 Grey Heron 2 Greylag Goose 5 Herring Gull Kestrel 1 Lapwing 15 Linnet 2 Little Egret 3 Little Grebe 2 Magpie Mallard 11 Marsh Harrier 2 Meadow Pipit 1 Moorhen 1 Mute Swan 3 Oystercatcher 8 Pheasant Pied Wagtail Redshank 19 Reed Bunting 13 Shelduck 22 Skylark 5 Snipe 1 Teal 3 Woodpigeon Yellowhammer Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell Peacock Small White Large White Speckled Wood GRANTHAM SK918356 M. Ellis 14. 04. 17 Flowers seen in last few days Lesser celandine Cowslip Wild Arum (found in garden) In "The Paddock" (between St. Catherine's & Avenue Roads) Lady's Smock Dandelion Cow parsley Birds: Blue Tit Great Tit Long Tailed Tit Robin Blackbird Wood Pigeon Crow Magpie Starling Chaffinch GRANTHAM CANAL (Harlaxton Bridges 66 to 67) Jane Ostler 15th April 2017 10.45 - 11.45 Cloudy 9C North wind To make comparisons with walk at similar time last year PLANTS IN FLOWER Noted 13 plants in flower (8 last year) White Dead nettle and Ground Ivy were both chosen by bees to feed on. Wild Arum, Hogweed, Red Campion, Cut-leaved Cranesbill were all ahead of last year. Wild cherry by Bridge 66 in full flower Further notes. Trees: Ash tree male flowers littered the paths. Sycamore, Horse Chestnut and Elder all had flower buds and their leaves expanded. There are a number of English Elms (Ulmus procera) grown from suckers, some dying from Dutch Elm disease and many with the heavy fruiting which forecasts this. There was no Blackthorn and none of the Hawthorn had developed flower buds. NON-FLOWERING PLANTS Great Horsetail (Equisetum telemateia) The tall cones were at the top of the bank, whilst lower down the first leafy shoots were coming through. What appeared to be a bright orange rust on the underside of some leaves on one Horse Chestnut Tree, but I cannot find anything more about this. INSECTS Last year on a warm sunny day there were plenty of Brimstones, and Small Tortoiseshells. This year only bees were out. The most frequent was the Common Carder (Bombus pascuorum) and there were several White-tailed Bumblebees (B.lucorum) BIRDS None on the water and only one warbler heard - Chiffchaff. Red Kite flying overhead. The rookery has 12 nests in two adjacent ash trees (There were 17 last year) The young were being fed. OTHER VERTS Looked in vain for any toads (some in water last year near Bridge 67. ) There seems to be only one place where they can crawl in and out of the water and which has weed to wrap the strings of spawn in. The water was blanketed with duckweed. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 13/4/17 Great tits 2 (busy in and out of bird box) Song thrush 1 14/4/17 Chiffchaff 1 (a regular visitor to one of the birches) 16/4/17 Blue tits 2 17/4/17 Anthophora plumipes Hairy-footed flower bee 1 (female, on lamium) Goldfinch 1 (stopped briefly on long-dead foxglove) Wren 1 18/1/17 Blue tits 2 Great tits 2 Robins 2 (seem to be feeding offspring but haven't seen them yet) 19/1/17 Chiffchaff 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 07/04/2017 Jon Drakes A Tawny Owl was heard calling during the evening from the direction of local woodland. KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 08/04/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded in our back garden whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO were: Blackbird 2 House Sparrow 10 Collared Dove 3 Chaffinch 3 Dunnock 2 Greenfinch 2 Robin 2 Goldfinch 2 Starling 2 Tree Sparrow 1 Herring Gull 2 Woodpigeon 2 Peacock Butterfly Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly Comma Butterfly Pippistrelle Bat LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 13 April ‘17 Song thrush - 1 NETTLEHAM TF01357549 Su Colman 15 April 2017 17:30 First fledged baby blackbird begging on the patio 18 April 13:00 Female orange tip butterfly NOCTON Grid ref: TF 052644 J. Gunner 16.4.2916 Hoverfly. Criorhina floccosa Determined by Phil Porter from photograph. Seen sunning itself on new raspberry leaves at TF 052644 in sunny Nocton on Easter Sunday, 16.4.2017 was a very beautiful hoverfly Criorhina floccose. This was identified from a photograph by Phil Porter who notes: “It's not exactly rare, but not amongst the most common of them, and you don't often see many at once. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 30.03.2017 Anthophora plumipes, m on pulmonaria (ID thanks to David Sheppard’s alert) 02.04.2017 2 x baby Rabbits in hedgerow Red Lily Beetle on Fritillaria imperialis Green Woodpecker (heard) House Sparrows carrying nesting material 03.04.2017 Moorhen Brimstone x 1, Peacock x 1 05.04.2017 Bombus pascuorum 06.04.2017 Brimstone x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 Pheasant-f in garden Chiffchaff calling regularly for the last two weeks or so Buzzard (TF3084) Wasp queen in greenhouse Bumblebee numbers seem low (mostly buff-tailed) – nights too cold? 09.04.2017 Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis) emerging from summerhouse 14.04.2017 2 Pheasant eggs in garden border; unfortunately not a good spot for such a flighty bird 18.04.2017 2 tiny baby Rabbits nibbling heathers and violas in front garden 19.04.2017 Peacock butterfly, possibly just emerged from outbuilding 2 House Martins overhead (probably, flight pattern seemed to fit and looked all white below – first of the season and quite early) SNITTERBY CARR Bridge Farm, Snitterby Carr TF019947 Patty Phillips 13 April 2017 mid afternoon 3 swallows flew over STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) 05/04/2017 Jon Drakes Noted during the late afternoon whilst leaving work was a Swallow. This is my first sighting of 2017. TWYFORD WOOD SK 94/23 Jane Ostler 19/4/17 The purpose was to look for butterflies on the Butterfly Reserve but we saw none. Though it was sunny the air temperature was only 9C and there had been a frost overnight. This may have been the reason. PLANTS IN FLOWER(Since our last visit on 4th April) Bugle and water avens now lining the paths and dykes. Some Wood Anemones still in flower. Wild Strawberry, Greater Stitchwort, Red Campion, Wood Forget-me-not. Herb Robert. Trees:- A pedunculate oak with leaves open and flowering buds hanging below stood next to another whose buds were barely open. None  of the ash trees had leaf buds open. ADDITIONAL PLANTS IN FLOWER IN WESTERN AREA OF WOOD Wild Cherry, Yellow Archangel, Sweet Woodruff, Bluebell, Bush Vetch, Wild Arum, Cow Parsley, Mustard Garlick, Early Purple Orchid, Twayblade. NON-FLOWERING PLANTS Except for old brackets, there were no macro-fungi. There was rust on Meadowsweet leaves and smut on anthers of wild strawberry. INVERTEBRATES Wolf Spiders in numbers amongst grass, Peacock butterfly, Bee Fly, White-tailed Bumble Bees and two kinds of Hoverfly to be identified. BIRDS Blackcap was the only warbler heard. No chiff chaff or willow warblers. Plenty of song frum dunnock, blackbird and chaffinch. Thrushes anvil with dark-lipped banded snail remains. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 12th - 19thApril 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nigel Lound & Rob Lidstone-Scott General Notes and Weather Observations Easter period sightings included Flowers, cowslip, ground ivy, field mouse-ear, red dead nettle, blackthorn Butterflies, speckled wood, green veined white, small tortoiseshell, peacock Birds in song, willow warbler 14 chiffchaff 6, blackcap 3, whitethroat 2, lesser whitethroat 3, sedge warbler 2, grasshopper warbler 2, cuckoo 1, also swallow 5, ringed plover 5, bar tailed godwit 9. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 13th Between Sea View and MOD sheds at Churchill was Willow Warbler at least 7 singing, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Wheatear [+ 1 on saltmarsh], 4 Swallow, Marsh Harrier, and 2 Whimbrel on the saltmarsh. On Paradise lagoon were 3 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 3 Coot, 1 Little Egret and 30 Redshank [+ 73 Eau at Black Bridge]. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew across the saltmarsh late afternoon. 14th Pair of Bullfinch at Sea View 15th During morning 13 Whimbrel on the saltmarsh rising to 24 later in the day; between Sea View and Paradise were 4 Swallows (+4 over Sea View in afternoon), 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Chiffchaffs 16th Single Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff near Rimac, 24 Whimbrel on saltmarsh and Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk hunting nearby 17th Whimbrel still using the saltmarsh with 17 there in the afternoon; 2 Short-eared Owls hunting near Paradise and 94 Redshanks on the water's edge Although a cold day with temperatures only rising to 11.25°C there was a single green-veined white and 2 peacock butterflies on the wing plus 5 green hairstreaks at Sea View. Wheatear 2, whimbrel 24 at Sea View Summer songsters today between Crook Bank and Churchill Lane Car Park were Cuckoo, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler. 3 male Wheatear were on the beach at Crook Bank. Brimstone, Comma, Green-veined White and Peacock butterflies were all on the wing. 18th Whimbrel were on the saltmarsh 20+ where they favour the short sward vegetation some 100yds off the foreshore path between Sea View and concrete pill box towards Paradise. Cuckoo heard calling near Paradise area and on the lagoon were 6 Teal, 2 Moorhen, 4 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 9 Redshank, 2 Coot and a Wheatear nearby. Cowslips are now in flowers amongst the dune vegetation. Whimbrel 34 seen again at Sea View later in the morning, dropping in onto the saltmarsh Summer songsters today in the Rimac area were Cuckoo, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Reed Warbler (at Churchill Lane Car Park pond). 2 male Wheatear were in Rimac field and 3 Swallow flew north. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR 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 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. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@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.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 LNU 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. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** 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 *** 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. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** 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. *** 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/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** 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 (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. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, 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 http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ Contact: Aidan Neary, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Phil Hyde - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** 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's Back Garden : Might your project qualify? *** The HLF want to encourage applications for funding from all champions of natural heritage, particularly small, local and community groups with projects that help raise awareness of the wildlife and nature to be found close to home. See: https://www.hlf.org.uk/about-us/news-features/lincolnshires-back-garden *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Contact: 01522 555780 [New Number} *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams Contact: Ruth Craig Ruth.Craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** 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 contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk 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 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. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for all nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [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. 2017 Field Meetings Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, May 27, 2017 Field meeting to Corringham Scroggs with evening bat/moth recording session A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates. Northeast of Gainsborough. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then at 20.30 again for evening session. Meet and park at SK842919 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside the track where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. NB. Parts of site quite wet. Insect repellent recommended. Additionally, as a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Gainsborough town centre. Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland (partly wet), ponds and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 25, 2017 Field Meeting to Chapel Six Marshes Part of Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. North of Chapel St.Leonards 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road north of Chapel St Leonards for about 1km and then track towards sea and parking at TF558741. NB. Nearest public toilets are at Chapel Point. Habitats: Dunes, shore, marsh, waterbodies, grassland, scrub and plantation. Partly a habitat creation area. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Thurlby Fen Slipe Thurlby Fen Slipe LWT Reserve Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Southeast of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Car parking on Baston Edge Drove (unmade track) at TF119164. Turn onto Long Drove eastwards from the A15 at Thurlby and look for the LNU sign for the car park. Possibility of evening bat walk here with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. Access restrictions may apply to the eastern half of the reserve due to the presence of sensitive wildlife. Nearest public toilets in Bourne town centre. Habitats: Borrow pits, hedgerows, wet woodland, grassland and the north bank of the River Glen. Leader: Nick Tribe 07733 073989 nick.tribe@ntlworld.com Saturday, August 05, 2017 Field Meeting to Mareham Pastures LNR with evening moth/bat recording session Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. South of Sleaford. All day Bioblitz event with evening moth/bat recording session. Joint meeting with Friends of Mareham Pastures. Meeting times: 10am, 1pm and 8.15pm at reserve car park at TF072 447 (NG34 8ST). Follow Mareham Lane south out of Sleaford and turn right towards recycling centre then turn right again into car park. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitats: Meadows and woodland over restored landfill site. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants as all overhead costs are split between the Lincoln Area Group and the LNU. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is not to turn people into experts in an afternoon, but to cascade knowledge and enthusiasm for particular subjects so that participants can go away better equipped to follow them up on their own and also to encourage interest in a broader range of subjects both entomological and botanical. On most of them there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time outside in the field following this up. The workshops lined up for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. We're very grateful to the various experts who've fronted the workshops for being willing to give up their time and share their knowledge. We couldn't do all this without them. Also to the LNU for being willing to enter into this partnership. In the future we could broaden things to include mammals, birds and many other natural history topics. The dates of the workshops for next year are now finalized. Bees (David Sheppard) on the 3rd of June, Flies/ Diptera on the 15th of July, Pond Dipping on the 22nd of July (Richard Chadd) Odonata (Nick Tribe and Richard Chadd) on the 29th of July. Contact Richard Davidson on: rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** Field Studies Council courses 2017 *** The latest programme of the FSC lists an impressive range of interesting courses in some wonderful places. Note the partner organisations. Strongly recommended. http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/natural-history.aspx LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Bryophyte Surveys *** Steven Heathcote writes: Bryophyte surveys around Lincolnshire. I have been carrying out some bryophyte surveys at a range of Lincolnshire sites as part of the British Bryological Society's Ecology Group project . See: http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/activities/brecog/brecog.html The survey involves a series of small quadrats in different bryophyte habitats. I'm visiting a wide range of sites across the county. If anyone would like to join me in 2017 then please drop me an email and I will let you know when I plan a visit. steven.heathcote@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. simon.wilson - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying Chris.Andrews - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Meantime text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally.....: Wildlife crime 'threatens nearly half the world's heritage sites' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39590117 Councils urge chewing gum firms to aid street clean-up http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39599329 Trains delayed by cows on the line in Kent http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39609977 Live, long and black giant shipworm found in Philippines http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39626131 Skeleton of Lincolnshire priest found after 700 years http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39621052 Ruddocks of Lincoln closes after 150 years in family http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39608003 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/