============================================= || || 5th February 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 someone 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: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** The BTO's National Nest Box Week takes place each year from 14-21 February. This is a timely reminder to put up a box or two to make up for the loss of natural nesting sites. Visit: https://www.bto.org/about-birds/nnbw Over many years it has been interesting to see how many people start their interest in natural history with bird identification and then go on to transfer these skills to another group of organisms. Why not consider getting to know more plants or invertebrates? Come along to the LNU Recorders' Meeting on 11th if you would like to learn more of what was seen in the county in 2016, including birds! You are also welcome to attend a Bryophyte recording day at Woodhall Spa Airfield on 26th February - see note from Steven Heathcote below. In section 11 below you will find details of the the Whisby Workshops, an invitation help with Bryophyte Surveys and the LNU Bursary scheme for courses [Field Studies Council etc.] If river life interests you, the Lincolnshire Chalk Stream volunteer days would be a good starting point. Other useful contacts can be found in section 8 below. Road and cat kills are a very useful source of mammal, amphibian and sometimes reptile data. It is always worth reporting these. A few interesting links are posted here - more at the end of the Bulletin. Bird flu confirmed in 19,500 turkey flock at Boston farm http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38767592 Restoring native plants 'boosts pollination' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38800967 Your pictures: Winter views http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-38756548 Spurn gets go-ahead for wildlife visitor centre A new £900,000 visitor centre has been approved at a nature reserve at the mouth of the Humber estuary. The Spurn Point Visitor Centre is to be built on land to the south of village of Kilnsea, in East Yorkshire. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-38759171 If you have events or activities that need a 'plug', please let me know. Roger rparsons@enterprise.net *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** "There will be a lot of weather this week" *** Wet and Windy Weather Returns: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2017/windy-and-wet-weather-returns TWO Forecast - for your postcode February starts unsettled http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** February Night Sky *** Look out for Mars and Venus in February. Jupiter and Saturn will also be visible. There is a "penumbral" eclipse of the moon on 11th which coincides with some high spring tides on 11th, 12th and 13th. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Birdwatching Code - 2 helpful sites: *** RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ BTO's advice: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf *** 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. Saturday, February 11, 2017 Recorders’ Meeting & Annual Exhibition Whisby Education Centre, 12 noon Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders; the overview starts at 2pm as in previous years. *** Bryophyte recording at Woodhall Spa Airfield *** Steven Heathcote writes: Sunday 26th February. Bryophyte meeting at Woodhall Spa Airfield (with the Midlands Bryology Group). The aim is to cover as much of the reserve as we can recording bryophyte species. All abilities welcome. Likely to be slow- moving so wrap up warm! Meet in the reserve car park at 10am - see the Wildlife Trust website for location details. Please bring a packed lunch if you intend to stay all day. If you plan to attend it would useful if you can let Steven know via email (Steven.heathcote@gmail.com) in case there are last minute changes due to weather. *** The "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" is back. No action yet. Keep visiting. *** Bob Sheppard writes: Would you be kind enough to mention that the owl cam is back for the season? The hen bird is usually in the box in the daytime but not usually at night. This will change as we get nearer to nesting time. Already there are lots of pellets in the box. The camera is situated in a purpose built owl tower on the edge of Bourne. It was unsuccessful in 2016 as the hen bird had a taste for her own eggs! Bookmark this link: http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams - Volunteer Days Feb/Mar *** Will Bartle writes We've got a couple of volunteer days coming up in Feb/March. Sunday 12th February 2017 – Churn Head Springs (near Tealby) Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The day will involve removing the invasive species snowberry from the headwaters of the River Rase at Churn Head Springs. Starts at 10am. Sunday 12th March 2017 - Thorganby Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The group will be working on a previous river restoration site to help maintain part of the Waithe beck near Thorganby. Work will include in-stream and bank work to maintain flow and improve the habitat for wildlife. Both days will also include a 'stream dip' to look at the important invertebrates that form such an important part of the delicate ecosystem. Full details can be found on the LCSP webpage and Facebook pages: http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams Please contact Will Bartle (Monitoring officer) for more details: william.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone 01522 555783. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - pass the word on...*** The closing date for entries is Thursday 31 March 2017 You have less than 2 months to think about it. Why not have a go? The application process in not difficult. Visit: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire's Back Garden : Might your project qualify? *** Charlie Barnes writes: 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 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk Keith Scarrott writes: "Weird and Wonderful" Plants The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. On Monday, 13th February, we have an illustrated talk linking horticulture and natural history to be given by Radio Lincolnshire "Plantsman" James Carter. His talk is entitled "Weird and Wonderful" and includes some very unfamiliar and also deadly plants. James will be telling us about the unusual structures of these plants and giving us details on how to grow them. He will encourage people to ask questions and make comments throughout his talk. Don't miss this most unusual talk with its accompanying exhibits and surprises. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. The meeting takes place in the St Bernadette's Parish Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, almost opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, 7.15pm start. Light refreshments are served for a small charge at the mid-talk break. For further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: Talk: Woodland Conservation Monday 13th February - 7:30pm The Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford Roy Harris will talk about the woodland management work including the introduction of woodland flowers and Royal fern at Snipe Dales Country Park. Snipe Dales Country Park is losing its commercial plantation of pine trees and is being restored to native woodland. The area has lost any of the usual woodland ground flora and Roy has been experimenting how to reintroduce native plants onto the site which has involved collecting seed from other sites. He is now in a position to be able to expand the area that can be covered. He has also been involved in work on the Royal fern which was reduced to one site in Lincolnshire. [With the 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 *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 13th February 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting where Western Medical Herbalist Emma Warrener will give an illustrated presentation - "Inflammation the root of most modern health issues." This will take place at Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2. all are welcome. Trust goods stall, raffle and tea/coffee available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk February 16th: The Rare Breeds Survival Trust Lincolnshire farmers Neville & Maureen Turner will update us on the work of the RBST conserving rare breeds of domestic livestock, including cattle, sheep and pigs. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshment *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** February Meeting and Trip of RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** Martin Francis writes: The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 20th February at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Graham Catley will give us a talk about "Alkborough Flats". There will also be an opportunity to sign up for the Group's coach trip to the Attenborough Reserve in Nottinghamshire on Sunday 26th February as well as refreshments, a raffle, and a quiz. Entry is £3, payable at the door. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB. For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 We look forward to seeing you at the meeting, or on the trip, or both! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 25/1 White-billed Diver juv drifting north on River Witham, south of Southrey car park. Later, Bardney, south of Bardney Bridge. 20 Snow Buntings in dunes from Buck Beck car park, Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpes Country Park 5 Russian White-fronted Geese with Greylag Geese, Trent Port Wetlands, Marton 26/1 White-billed Diver juv on River Witham by Southery car park, later north of Kirkstead Bridge Ring-necked Duck drk, fem Scaup, Riverslea Pit, Caspian Gull, Kirkby on Bain Great White Egret in river opposite fishing pool, Deeping high Bank Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpes Country Park 27/1 11 Waxwings in Homebase car park, Stamford Ring-necked Duck drk, Scaup, Riverslea Pit, Glaucous Gull, Kirkby on Bain White-billed Diver juv on River Witham north of Kirkstead Bridge later Stixwould and Southery Great White Egret, in river opposite fishing pool, 2 Bewick's Swans, 2+ Scaup, Deeping High Bank 36 Russian White-fronted Geese just south of Wyberton Road, Frampton Hen Harrier ringtail, Frampton Marsh Black Brant and 5 Pale-bellied Brent Geese with 900 Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Jackson's Marsh, Slavonian grebe on sea at north end, Gibraltar Point Water Pipit at realignment, 2 Hen Harriers, Donna Nook Russian White-fronted Goose in field by borrow pit, Swanpool 28/1 Ring-necked Duck drk, Scaup fem 1w. Riverslea Pit, Glaucous Gull juv on tip, Kirkby on Bain White-billed Diver juv on River Witham north of Kirkstead Bridge Long-tailed Duck, downstream from Crowland bridge, Scaup, Great White Egret in field, Deeping High Bank Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpes Country Park Iceland Gull juv, then flew west, , 5 Russian White-fronted Geese, male Hen Harrier, Manby Flashes Russian White-fronted Goose in field by borrow pit, Swanpool 29/1 White-billed Diver juv on River Witham at Kirkstead Bridge, later Stixwould Station. Great White Egret in river opposite fishing pool, Long-tailed Duck, 3 Short-eared Owls, 2 Scaup fems, Deeping High Bank 3 Long-eared Owls on island, Deeping Lakes Ring-necked Duck drk, Scaup 1w fem, Great White Egret on pit near Recycling centre, Glaucous Gull juv, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 35 Russian White-fronted Geese on wet grassland, 2 Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owl, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese in cereal field near old coastguard cottages, Donna Nook, 18 Shorelarks and 6 Lapland Buntings on beach near southernmost RAF tower with 2+ Twite, 38 Twite, Donna Nook 6 Bewick's Swans [2 ads] with Mute Swans, Thorn Bank Road, Wroot Glaucous Gull juv, 6 Velvet Scoters flew south, Long-tailed Duck on boating lake, Mablethorpe Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpes Country Park 30/1 30+ Russian White-fronted Geese in field by Wyberton roads, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Great Grey Shrike on rough ground behind far bank, Long-tailed Duck, Great White Egret on River Welland, 4 Short-eared Owls, Deeping High Bank Ring-necked Duck on pit north of footpath opposite recycling centre, Kirkby on Bain White-billed Diver on River Witham near Kirkstead Bridge 31/1 White-billed Diver on River Witham near Kirkstead Bridge Great Grey Shrike on rough ground behind far bank, Long-tailed Duck, Great White Egret on River Welland, Deeping High Bank Black Brant with dark-bellied Brent Geese, Tundra Bean Goose and 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Russian White-fronted Geese, 12 Shorelarks on beach, 40 Twite, Donna Nook Ring-necked Duck on pit north of footpath opposite recycling centre, juv Glaucous Gull, Kirkby on Bain 1/2 Ring-necked Duck on pit north of footpath opposite recycling centre, Kirkby on Bain Long-tailed Duck, Great White Egret on River Welland, Great Grey Shrike on rough ground behind far bank, 3 Short-eared Owls, Deeping High Bank White-billed Diver on River Witham near Kirkstead Bridge, later south of Tattershall Bridge 45 Russian White-fronted Geese in entrance, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, 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. ROADKILLS - "Dead, but worth recording!" Every drive is a transect! Roadkill Records always welcome. WAXWINGS 1/2/2017 Colin Green 17 Waxwings North Hykeham SK939657 *** 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 TF120694 R & A Parsons 27/1 Robin 2 Blackbird 4 Starling 8+ Great Tit 2 Blue tit 2 Goldfinch 2 Chaffinch 2 Wren Jackdaw 4 Black-headed gull 3 Collared Dove 2 Woodpigeon 3 BOSTON 28/01/2017 Roy and Kath Pearson We did the one hour RSPB Garden Birdwatch today. Numbers were very small, except for a collection of 12 Blackbirds all eating together in the garden at once. The total of the species seen was only eleven. Long-tailed Tit 4, Starling 2, Blackbird 12, Collared Dove 2, Woodpigeon 3, Greenfinch 5, Goldfinch 2, Great Tit 2, Blue Tit 2, Robin 1 and Magpie 1. DEEPINGS Deeping High Bank 29/30/31-02/17 Weather: Generally cloudy and cool Observer: Ian Gordon Birds: Barn Owl Bewick's Swan Black-headed Gull Buzzard Cormorant Fieldfare Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Grey Shrike Great White Egret Grey Heron Kestrel Little Grebe Long-tailed Duck Mallard Mute Swan Scaup Short-eared Owl Snipe Stonechat Tufted Duck Whooper Swan HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 31 January 2017 A pair of house sparrows (m&f) have arrived in my garden. A rare sight, unlike the more common tree sparrows. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) unless otherwise stated. 27/1/2017 Dunnocks 2 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Great tits 2 Wren 1 29/1/2017 Song thrush 1 Whooper swans 3 (flying overhead at TF532784) 30/1/2017 Chaffinch 2 31/1/2017 Blue tits 2 Great tits 2 Blackbird 1 (I mention this one particular female as she seems to think she is a tit as she has managed to demolish some ham hock fat /skin that I hung from a branch using string. Her stretching ability improved over a couple of days and for the tits the cupboard was bare!) 1/2/2017 Dunnocks 2 Robins 3 Song thrush 1 Pheasants 3 KEELBY (Grid referemce TA1610) 28/1/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 7 Starling 2 Woodpigeon 1 House Sparrow 20 Dunnock 6 Wren 1 Goldfinch 3 Blackbird 3 Greenfinch 2 Tree Sparrow 1 Robin 1 Chaffinch 1 Blue Tit 1 Black-headed Gull 1 B1225 JUNCTION WITH ROTHWELL ROAD (Grid reference TA1200) 29/1/2017 Jon Drakes Noted at this location whilst en route from Keelby to Stixwould was a Red-legged Partridge. B1225 - A631 CROSS ROADS (Grid reference TF1888) 29/1/2017 Jon Drakes Noted at this location whilst en route from Stixwould to Keelby was a Buzzard. B1192 FIELD ADJACENT TO LWT WOODHALL AIRFIELD NR (Grid reference TF2160) 29/1/2017 Jon Drakes Noted at this location whilst en route from Stixwould to Keelby was a single Egyptian Goose. NETTLEHAM 27/01/2017 16.00 David Smith Long tailed tit x10 in garden STIXWOULD STATION (Grid reference TF1664) 29/1/2017 Jon Drakes A visit was made to this location to view the White-billed Diver that has made the River Witham it's home for the last week or so. Species noted were: Carrion Crow Cormorant 1 Fieldfare Great Tit House Sparrow Jackdaw Kestrel 1 Kingfisher 1 Lapwing Mallard Mute Swan 10 Robin Starling Water Rail 1 (heard calling but not seen) White Billed Diver 1 very mobile and swimming with some speed. Not helped by the large group of photographers pursuing the bird up and down the river! Whooper Swan 2 WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 29 January 17 Carol Massen (We have a rural garden of just under a quarter of an acre. There are 2 log piles - one with a camera, a pond, several bird boxes - 3 with cameras and a 'small mammal box' with camera.) Numbers indicate maximum sightings of a species at any one time Blackbird 4 Blue Tit 3 Bullfinch 4 (2 pairs) Chaffinch 10 Coal Tit 2 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldcrest 1 Goldfinch 8 Great Tit 1 Greenfinch 4 House Sparrow 1 Jackdaw 2 Long Tailed Tit 5 Pheasant 7 Robin 2 Song Thrush 1 Wood Pigeon 3 Wren 1 (ringed) Grey Squirrel 3 Bank Vole 2 Wood Mouse 1 Shrew 1 3 bird boxes have roosting blue tits WILDMORE FEN November 1984 - January 2017. R Parsons From now on reports will be for Castle Dyke Bank, Canada Lane and Canada Farm area, TF120694, unless otherwise stated. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/gibraltar-point See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://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 25th January -1st February 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Nigel Lound & John Walker General Notes and Weather Observations Birdsong has become obvious in recent days with song thrush, great and blue tits, robin, skylark, all singing in the milder weather and longer daylight since the week- end, 2 little owls and a single tawny owl calling, and 3 water rails screaming. Red foxes and badgers have also been active. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 26th 34 White-fronted Geese flew south at sea. Around were 19 Fieldfare a Redwing, a Stonechat and 2 Buzzard A party of 8 long-tailed tits moving through Sea View 27th A few snowdrops and aconites in flower in garden near Sea View and fresh gorse flowers showing nearby; a flock of 12 long-tailed tits landed on the peanut feeder at Sea View and busily fed there for several minutes. Single stonechat at Rimac and wigeon 200+ in adjacent pasture field 28th 2 Velvet Scoter, a male Goldeneye and 27 Red-throated Diver flew south. 3 Great- crested Grebe and a Slavonian Grebe were on the sea. A Harbour Porpoise was seen off Crook Bank and a Woodcock was flushed from the dunes. A White-fronted Goose was in a field at Rimac with 16 Pinkfeet. Pasture field near Rimac had 17 lapwings, some of which were showing signs of territory displays and tail bobbing plus 2 Fieldfare. On the saltmarsh a single Merlin flew across at speed in pursuit of a stray bird from a 150+ linnet flock 30th 150 Common Scoter and at least 12 Velvet Scoter were on the sea south of Crook Bank. 115 Red-throated Diver, a single Great Northern Diver and 8 Great-crested Grebe flew north. Another 8 Great-crested Grebe were on the sea. 2 Jack Snipe were in the Rimac area. Single stonechat at Rimac and flying overhead pink footed goose 100+ and greylag goose 19; distantly over the marshland area were several groups of lapwing in flight totalling some 200+ birds with 100+ woodpigeon and a single common buzzard ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/far-ings See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: 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.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! You can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the 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. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg 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. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** 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 John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** 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 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: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold 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. See the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's advice: 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 Indoor Meetings Saturday, February 11, 2017 Recorders’ Meeting & Annual Exhibition Whisby Education Centre, 12 noon Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders; the overview starts at 2pm as in previous years. Saturday, March 04, 2017 AGM & Presidential Address by Annette Faulkner “The Fens revisited. An update” Whisby Education Centre, 2pm *** 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. paul day - hard bounce - The email account that you tried to reach does not exist - address cleaned penates - hard bounce - User unknown If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally..... Mostly local/national: Seeds offer clue to domesticated plants' larger size http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38770646 The long-tailed tit – successful, adaptable, sociable, and oh so cute https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/22/long-tailed-tit-successful-adaptable-sociable-and-oh-so-cute-birdwatch And finally: The saltmarsh has its own rich tang of whisky, earth and algae https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/27/country-diary-old-hall-marshes-essex-rich-tang#comment-91999008 UK 'need not fear electricity blackouts' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38791572 Researchers seek evidence on gardens and well-being http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38772477 Scientists find 'oldest human ancestor' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38800987 'Startling' dinosaur protein discovery http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38810065 Hunt for Antarctica's 'missing meteorites' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38805430 The Secret Trade in Baby Chimps http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-5e8c4bac-c236-4cd9-bacc-db96d733f6cf New mercury threat to oceans from climate change http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38769697 Malaria drugs fail for first time on patients in UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-38796337 Doomsday Clock: Countdown to catastrophe? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/38761562 Note: If a link below does not work, please look at the URL. See if an extra http:// has crept in, and make the correction. ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/