============================================= || || 13th August 2017 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://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. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin. 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... *** Thanks to all who have sent in such interesting contributions. Great! This week we have reminders for the Perseid Meteor Shower, [peak on August 12th] and the LNU Field Meeting at Gunby Hall 3rd Sept, which we hope will be an exceptionally interesting visit. A wonderful place. Reminder: Perseid Shower: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/36953226 And Solar Eclipse - just a bit. You might glimpse the partial Solar Eclipse at sunset on 21st August. Usual eye-safety precautions please! http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zcytpv4 https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse This year's Heritage Open Days take place 7th - 10th September, and you are sure to find a good selection of interesting places to visit. See: https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/heritage-open-days The Horncastle Astronomy Weekend also takes place that weekend. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/HAW/haw.html Your suggestions and contributions are always welcome and we are happy to give a plug to any county organisation involved in conservation, ecology, geology, natural history, or any such environmental topic. Here are some links from readers. If any don't work, "copy and paste" URLs. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire flooding caused by heavy rain http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-40875248 New grass snake discovered in the UK - see the report in section 3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40853286 Rare pine marten captured on camera in North Yorkshire http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-40851301/rare-pine-marten-captured-on-camera-in-north-yorkshire Bees are first insects shown to understand the concept of zero https://www.newscientist.com/article/2142884-bees-are-first-insects-shown-to-understand-the-concept-of-zero/ More topical links are below in "...and finally..." so don't forget to click. A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://www.lnu.org/ Thank you for all the contributions this week. Very much appreciated. If you have any August events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" *** Interesting owl-action to be seen. For the webcam and diary updates, see: http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** August Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Heads up for the Perseid Meteor Shower - peaks August 12th. A full moon may interfere with meteor watching, but you may be lucky. Let us know if you are. You might get a brief glimpse of a bit of the Solar Eclipse on 21st. Worth a try. Check Paul Money's "Astrospace" advice and information on these events. *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://lnu.org/ 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 Field Meeting: 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 *** 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/ *** Humber Hounds Annual Humber Bridge Walk *** Kevin Bayes writes: The annual Humber Hounds Bridge Walk will take place again this year on Sunday 3rd September, starting from Waters Edge Visitor Centre, Barton upon Humber, DN18 5JR. The walk will take about 3 hours, with a staggered start from about 10.00am. Please register your interest for the Annual Bridge Walk by going to the Humber Nature Partnership website www.humbernature.co.uk Or go direct to the Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/humber-nature-partnership-14516087267 Kevin Bayes Humber Nature Partnership *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** 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 Friday 18th August 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a Bat Walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with the North Lincs. Bat Group. We are hoping to hear and possibly see several species including Daubenton's flying low over water for insect prey. Please meet at 7.50pm in the car park Grid Ref. TA306067 nearest postcode DN35 0PB. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Lincs Wildlife Trust and the North Lincs. Bat Group. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. For more information ring Carolyn - 01472 312051 *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or consolidating repeated messages. 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 " * ". Note: 2/8 15 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper flew south, Little Stint, Gibraltar Point 2 Spoonbills, 2+ Little Stints, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 3 Wood Sandpipers on East Pool, Manby Flashes 3/8 14 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 3 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood sandpiper, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh White-winged Black Tern at Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber Wood Sandpiper, Middlemarsh Wetlands 4 Wood Sandpipers, Manby Flashes 4/8 White-winged Black Tern at Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 4 Black terns flew south, Donna Nook Little Stint, 5 Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Osprey over Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point 5/8 White-winged Black Tern at Pursuit Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 10 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Spoonbill, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point Black-necked Grebe, Scaup drk, Sanderling, Deeping Lakes Quail male singing by River Bain, Baumber Mill 5 Turtle Doves, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 6/8 15 Spoonbills, Jackson's Marsh, Little Stint, Gibraltar Point 12 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 2 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Black-necked Grebe, Deeping Lakes 7/8 9 Spoonbills, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Gibraltar Point 2 Spoonbills, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Curlew Sandpiper, Whinchat, 2 Little Stints, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 8/8 18 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point 3 Spoonbills, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 4 Wood Sandpipers, Middlemarsh Wetlands 9/8 12 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 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. BARRED GRASS SNAKE RECORD Barred Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica) Richard Fox writes: With the recent announcement of a new species of Grass Snake, I though readers would be interested in the following: Although a bit late in recording terms I thought you would be interested in a sighting of a Grass Snake in my son's garden three years ago which has now been classified as a separate species, Barred Grass Snake. I thought at the time that it looked 'different' without the usual yellow collar and with additional black markings. Scientists in Germany have now declared it a new species as recently published. For the County recorder's information: MIDDLE RASEN (Walesby Road) TF111 897 Richard Fox September 2014 Barred Grass Snake Natrix helvetica Readers may wish to check their Grass Snake sightings and photographs if any to see if their records are also of Natrix helvetica. WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING WEEKEND Roger Labbett 4/8/2017 I did a watch from Wolla Bank this morning between 6.20 am and 9.00 am. At 7.30 am a pod of three Harbour Porpoise passed going north. http://uk.whales.org/species-guide/harbour-porpoise See map on: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/Wolla-Bank-Reedbed Dave Miller writes on 6th: We had a great day yesterday [5th]. 10mins after setting up on Skegness Pier Matt Laing noticed a porpoise a bit further north, it was feeding amongst some feeding sandwich terns and came down towards the Pier. We were able to watch it for up to 20mins, and even show a family on the Pier the animal. Another two were seen from the Pier as well as two seen at Anderby Creek. CORRECTION RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler Correction re Trichomonosis (my note on 18.07.2017): The Chaffinch fledgling that I thought might have been suffering from trichomonosis showed signs of “subcutaneous emphysema (air underneath the skin)” based on the photographs I submitted. Apparently, "Birds have a very complex, highly efficient breathing system with not only lungs, but also so-called air sacs, located inside the neck, chest and belly. On rare occasions, one or more of these air sacs can rupture with air then leaking from the sac, accumulating under the bird's skin, which can look like an oversized inflated balloon. The cause of this condition is mostly unknown, but a traumatic incident is a possibility … and it can affect the breathing of the bird;" according to a wildlife vet from the Institute of Zoology in London who report on cases submitted to the GWH website: http://www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/ Trichomomonosis can only be diagnosed by a physical examination/autopsy. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. *** 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 Regular hedgehog is being filmed nightly. 1-2 regular bats - probably Pipistrelles - awaiting confirmation. GRANTHAM CANAL, HARLAXTON SK885338 Jane Ostler 3/7/17 A brief walk on the towpath after torrential rain had reduced to a drizzle. With the only flying insects about were carder Bumble Bees and a single Meadow Brown butterfly, I decided to look at the rich diversity always to be found living among the dripping leaves:- Gall wasps on Common Oak in Silk Button Galls and Common spangle Galls Gall aphids on English Elm causing Leaf Rolling Galls Gall mites on Goosegrass causing Leaf Roll and on Sycamore causing Blister Galls Leaf Mining Moths on Burdock, Hogweed, Blackberry and Oak Gall Rusts on dog Rose and Broad-leaved Dock Blister Gall Fungi on Oak and Horse Chestnut Non gall-forming but readily recognised Tar Spot on Sycamore You can take home the leaves, and with the right keys I am able to name 15 different species, only a couple of which will need confirming. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 4/8/2017 Green woodpecker 1 Peacock butterfly 1 6/8/2017 Common darter 2 Geese (type unknown) 40+ flying overhead at about 7.30am Red admiral 1 7/8/2017 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Woodmouse 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 4/8/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 4 House Sparrow 40 Starling 1 Blackbird 1 Dunnock 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Robin 1 Woodpigeon 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 6/8/17 Jon Drakes A large number of Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars were observed feeding on a Nettle patch at the end of our back garden. Also noted was a Mint Moth, seen resting on a mint plant in our herb bed. KIRKBY GRAVEL PITS LWT reserve TF 239 602 Pete Lilley 30/7/17 Bat 'walking' on its wings along the very edge of the northern pit, in the water. It then clambered out to cling a few inches up on a substantial grass stem - to dry out? Bedraggled brown fur on back, grey/black wings. Estimated 2 inches body length and maybe 5 to 6 inches wingspan. Possibly a Daubentons Bat, from habitat?? [Poor quality photo provided to Roger.] Any idea how/why it was there, at 4pm on sunny but windy afternoon (with some showers)? Annette Faulkner responds: Looking at the picture, and the account of what Pete saw, my guess would be a juvenile pipistrelle that has got itself in a scrape – I think I can see the tell-tale post calcarial lobe on the tail membrane, which would be a dead give-away and separate it from a Daubenton’s, which doesn’t have one. It’s also on the small side for a Daubenton’s – which as a species swim well. Whatever it was it was in serious trouble and I wouldn’t have given much for its chances of survival. At the moment there are many three-quarters grown and almost adult juvenile bats on the wing. I recently did a rough and ready calculation, based on the fact that they go from birth to young adulthood in 6 weeks, to suggest that each week is the equi- valent of 3 human years! So Pete’s bat, if it was a juvenile as I suspect, would be the equivalent of a 15-18 year old getting either over confident and landing in the water, or being actually underweight because it hasn’t learnt its foraging lessons well enough. And we’ve a had a few of those in in the last weeks, including one from Grantham that’s come in at the time of writing. It’s a very hazardous time for any young animal learning to be independent. I’ll add it to the records and thanks for sending it. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 03.08.2017 Pied Wagtail 2, House Martin 3 feeding in apple orchard (TF303853) 21:35 hrs: Bat x 2 flying past window 04.08.2017 Butterflies: A half-hour walk along the local lanes in fine weather (most verges uncut with plenty of knapweed, scabious and wild carrot) produced good numbers of Green-veined White and Small White, a few Large White, 2 Brimstone and 1 Ringlet, but not a single Peacock, Red Admiral or Small Tortoiseshell. A subsequent count in my garden, however, found the following numbers: Brimstone 1, Comma 1, Gatekeeper 1, Green-Veined White 5, Painted Lady 1, Peacock 3, Red Admiral 8, Ringlet 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Small White 3. Perhaps this illustrates the importance of gardens for pollinators even/especially(?) in the countryside. Wren 2 Newt in pond 05.08.2017 Largest number of Peacock butterflies to date this year: 6 (all at the same time on buddleia) Common Darter over pond Blue-tailed Damselfly (m) on waterlily Buzzard 2 (TF310850 approx.) 21:30 hrs: Bat 1 flying past window 06.08.2017 Bombus hypnorum queen on sedum and dahlia Hawthorn Shieldbug mid-stage nymph Buzzard 2, calling, soaring and mobbed by corvids (TF3185/TF3186) 21:00 hrs: Bat 1 (dipping, zig-zagging flight back and forth at 2-5m height along N. house wall for about 10 minutes; viewed outside, came really close) 07.08.2017 Buzzard 2, calling and soaring (TF3184) Common Frog, Smooth Newt in garden border. A pair of Woodpigeons seem to have displaced the collared doves this year (possibly because I’ve paused bird feeding to deter rats). Today a fledgling came to rest by the pond, followed by an adult, and I got a good close-up view of crop-feeding. It subsequently flew into a tree waiting for its next feed. One adult continued to keep watch. 21.15 hrs: Bat 1, brief sighting; nothing like the extended display of the previous night even though weather was favourable. They are not as predictable as I had hoped. Muntjac Deer barking in the distance. Tawny Owl calling from SE Ca. 25 Canada (probably) Geese flew past, W to E. SANDILANDS 05/08/17 Ian Whitaker WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY [male] in conservatory STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife noted whilst at work during the week was as follows: 31/7/2017 Yellowhammer Pied Wagtail Woodpigeon Kestrel Cormorant Butterflies: Peacock Red Admiral Large White 1/8/2017 Yellow Wagtail Carrion Crow Woodpigeon Goldfinch Mallard Pied Wagtail Butterflies: Painted Lady Red Admiral Peacock Large White 2/8/2017 Carrion Crow Magpie Pied Wagtail Goldfinch Black-headed Gull Yellowhammer 3/8/2017 Carrion Crow Yellowhammer Goldfinch Woodpigeon Starling Black-headed Gull Mistle Thrush 4/8/2017 Blackbird Robin Goldfinch Yellowhammer Pied Wagtail Magpie Woodpigeon Herring Gull Swallow Butterflies: Peacock STAPLEFORD WOOD SK 855 564 Pete Lilley 28/7/17 Banded Demoiselle damselfly (Calopteryx splendens) in a ride in the wood, on the edge of a barely-watered forestry drainage ditch. Associated with 'running water', it seemed surprising that the trickle in the ditch qualified! THORPE-ON-THE-HILL, TUNMAN WOOD LWT reserve SK 892 648 Pete Lilley 29/7/17 Buzzard perched six feet up a small tree, 20yds off the path. Watched for some time before it flew away Hare on edge of arable field next to the wood. Seen from 10yds, before it walked away unhurriedly. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 27/07/17 Common Shrew x 1 (dead) Wood Mouse x 1 29/07/17 Nest box update Box 5 Tree Sparrow x 4 young rung Box 14 Tree Sparrow x 5 eggs cold, nest deserted Blackbird x 3 fledged young in stables 'Comic' Tern x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Robin x 1 adult & 3 fledged young Swift x 15 over Thurnholmes Wood Pigeon x 7 Green-veined White x 2 Large white x 2 Painted Lady x 1 Peacock x 1 Red admiral x 4 Small skipper x 1 Speckled Wood x 2 Azure Damselfly x 3 31/07/17 Barn Owl x 1 calling 01:45hrs 01/08/17 Green Sandpiper x 1 over Thurnholmes Common Pipistrelle x 2 Peacock x 2 Red Admiral x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly x 1 03/08/17 Goldfinch x 1 adult & 4 fledged young 05/08/17 Short-tailed Field Vole x 1 Large Yellow Underwing x 4 Lesser Yellow Underwing x 7 WILLOW TREE FEN LWT restoration project near BOURNE TF 175 216 Pete Lilley 31/7/17 Brown Hawker dragonfly (female) flew low over counterdrain water by path to the hide, then settled a few inches on vertical black mud bank, under vegetation, a few inches above water level. Making a J-shape with abdomen, it was watched ovipositing into the mud. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 2nd – 9thAugust 2017 Contributors: - John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth & Gary Cooper General Notes and Weather Observations Flowers - scabious, harebell, fleabane and water mint in full flower, only 7 stunted autumn gentians found The fleabane and water mint attracting most of the butterflies seen on the transect on Monday with 44 peacocks recorded , the species having a good hatch as most were very fresh, also an increase in small coppers and wall browns with 4 and 9 respectively on transect. Birds seen over recent days- Theddlethorpe foreshore now has c 7000 mixed gulls roosting with Black headed and common gulls by far the majority, birds of prey seen include common buzzard 4, marsh harrier 2 adults with 2 young, hobby 1, sparrow hawk 1, kestrel 5, also seen 2 little owls 1 barn owl and 1 tawny owl. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 3rd Swifts moving south over Sea View most of days in ones or twos but small flocks of 30 birds noticed. At Paradise lagoon early evening were 9 Redshank, 16 Dunlin, 1 immature Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Snipe, 18 Mallard, 5 Little Egret and 2 Lapwing. Also an immature Peregrine Falcon suddenly appeared, descending from quite a height, and attacked one of the Lapwing and tried to carry it away. It failed, rose rapidly and descended again for the kill before the bird knew what was happening. The falcon was seen to land on the still grounded bird, held it firm and attacked it behind the head … killing it. Then tried to carry it away, again failed so continued to pluck and eat on the edge of the lagoon. All the waders had disappeared except for the Snipe which was seen crouching, almost fully stretched close to the ground only feet away. The 18 Mallard, standing in water only a few yards away just looked on … with interest! 4th UNCONFIRMED REPORT A visitor informed PCR that he was talking to three visitors yesterday (2nd) along the fore dune path towards Rimac that they had seen a butterfly as large as a peacock, dark with pale edges to its wings which could suggest Camberwell beauty. 5th On Paradise lagoon was 26 Dunlin, 1 Little Grebe and immature little ringed Plover and a single Swift flying over. There were 900+ Starlings in scrub and along the edge of the salt marsh near Sea View. Additional butterflies on the wing in the Sea View area were speckled wood and small copper, single Swift over Sea View late evening 6th A Cetti's warbler and 2 kingfishers seen on Sunday in the Churchill Lane area, swifts in ones and twos moving south during the day and a party of 30 over late evening, comma at Sea View 7th Song Thrush and Blackcap at Sea View, 20 Dunlin, 1 Common Snipe and 2 Pied Wagtails at Paradise lagoon and a Wheatear and Lesser Whitethroat nearby, later in the evening at dusk there was a gathering of at least 100 Swallows over Sea View feeding over the trees before moving on, flock of around 200+ starlings over the salt marsh out at Sea View 8th Singles of Common Whitethroat, Kestrel, Jay, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Sea View 9th After a spell of south-westerly breezes, the winds have veered around to the North, very fresh and blustery reaching a gust of 28.1mph near Sea View this morning together with rain, heavy at times and a total of 22.3mm of rainfall was recorded for the previous 24hrs taken at 0845hrs. Twenty three Little Egrets were feeding with Black-headed Gulls on the salt marsh Good sea watch with several skuas, 2 sooty shearwaters probable storm petrel and many scoters. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Meeting - July Report for 22/7/2017 Found in the Dormouse boxes: 18 dormice: 7 males, 2 females plus three litters each of three baby dormice Notable this month was that a number of the animals marked by fur clipping previously have been re-found in different locations giving us some insight into how they are using the wood. Also found making use of the Dormouse boxes: One bat Two woodmice Three wren nests with young (plus several with eggs) Plenty of wasps and hornets ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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, private reserves etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reserve reports 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 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://lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org 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://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 - App *** http://rogersmushroomsapp.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 Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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/ *** 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://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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, 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 *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Steve@wragby - soft bounce - message looks like SPAM terrymartin26 - soft bounce - delivery failed 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.....: Avro Lancaster of 61 Squadron to be recovered from Dutch lake http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-40852656 Cancer-nursing cat Genie named Cat of the Year http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-40812762 Ralph Steadman's critters on the edge of extinction – in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2017/aug/02/ralph-steadman-critters-extinction-critical-in-pictures Inscrutable all-seeing dragonfly overhead https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/03/inscrutable-all-seeing-dragonfly-overhead#comment-103104321 An otter pops into the marina for lunch https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/04/otter-marina-lunch-portsmouth-devon-country-diary#comment-103149897 New species of grass snake identified in England https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/07/new-species-of-grass-snake-discovered-in-england Purple streaks of thistles garnish the sodden fields https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/09/knapweed-thistle-dog-day-rain-country-diary ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/