Storm Doris Alert. ============================================= || || 26th 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.... *** Storm Doris Amber Alert for 23rd http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/ 4th March Beach Clean reminder: Dave Miller has asked us to give a plug for a Beach Clean at Anderby Creek. Our support will be very welcome. He writes: Saturday 4th March 10am: come and join us for a beach clean at Anderby Creek, as part of the Great British Spring Clean. Litter pickers and bin bags provided. Did anyone spot the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse this month? See: https://britastro.org/node/9088 If you are planning to go to North America for August's Solar Eclipse you will want to buy a Solar Eclipse Viewer - available on Amazon and similar websites. The BAA does not seem to stock these now. I have asked if they intend to sell them again in time for August. Meantime, please read the BAA safety code for solar eclipses. https://britastro.org/pdf/Solar_Eclipse_Safety_Code.pdf What's that plant? It would be good to have more plant records coming in to the Bulletin, or to the LNU Botany Recorder. Here are a few identification links. http://www.botanicalkeys.co.uk/flora/ http://wildflowerfinder.org.uk/ http://www.nwc.org.uk/visitor_centre/plant_id_guide Also, as spring approaches, keep an eye out for: Ladybirds http://www.ladybird-survey.org/ladybirds.aspx Buglife on Harlequin Ladybirds https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habitats/harlequin-ladybird Harlequin Survey http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ What's That Butterfly? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ How to Identify Bees http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here and in Communiqué. http://www.lnu.org/ More topical links in "...and finally..." Thank you to all who have sent in reports and other useful contributions. 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/ *** TWO Weather Forecast - for your postcode *** http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ New El Niño possible later this year http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38993063 *** February Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** 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: Saturday, March 04, 2017 AGM & Presidential Address by Annette Faulkner “The Fens revisited. An update” Whisby Education Centre, 2pm *** Quick note about Bats *** Annette Faulkner writes: At around dusk, currently around 5.30-6.00, keep a look-out for the odd bat out early from hibernation. We've had a few sightings already and our first casualty of the year on 21st. The mild night-time temperatures are presumably what's been bringing them out, but low temperatures will send them back into hibernation again, and so long as they've found enough to eat they will be OK. If they haven't they could get under- weight and weak, causing them to ground and be prey to cats - we have a few over the next few weeks every year. If you find a grounded bat please scoop it up (wear gloves or use a cloth), put it in an escape-proof box, and phone 01775 566286, in that order. We will do the rest, but if you want further information have a look at the Lincs Bat Group website. Many thanks. *** 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 in case there are last minute changes due to weather. Steven.heathcote@gmail.com *** A Caddis to look out for - The Grannom - have you spotted one yet? *** Brachycentrus subnubilus - a caddis known as The Grannom. https://www.ispotnature.org/species-dictionaries/uksi/Brachycentrus subnubilus Richard Chadd says: It has a characteristic pattern of yellowish spots on a grey background & flight period is March to June. It's also day-flying so no need to mess about with moth traps. It's an ongoing issue, as the species used to be entirely absent in Lincolnshire, then appeared in the Witham near Grantham & the Welland upstream of Stamford 5-10 years ago. We have plenty of larval records, but some adult sightings may fill-in the gaps in Lincolnshire distribution. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - pass the word on...*** The closing date for entries is Thursday 31 March 2017 http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" is back. *** I saw an owl in the box on the afternoon of the 10th Feb at 15.40hrs approx. First time for a while - but it does happen. Keep visiting and hoping. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams - Second Volunteer Day *** Will Bartle writes 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. *** Bird Watching Cruises 2017 *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The RSPB South Lincs Group will once again be running birdwatching and seal spotting cruises aboard the famous Boston Belle running from Bostons Grand Sluice,up the river Witham,into The Wash and up the river Welland. During 2016 over 100 bird species were seen, averaging about 64 per cruise. Highlights included kingfisher, godwits, turnstone, dunlin, knot, marsh harrier, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and eider. Cruises run from May until October and full details, including ticket arrangements are at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** 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 Saturday 25th February 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting from Cleethorpes Discovery Centre. Meet walk leader Ray Hume at the Discovery Centre on Kings Road, Cleethorpes at 8am. Please 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 - 01472 320878. *** Louth LWT *** The 24 February meeting at 7.30pm will be at our new venue, the Methodist Church Hall at Nichol Hill, Louth. The illustrated talk will be: "An Introduction to Moths" given by Colin Smith, broadcaster and Lincolnshire County Recorder for Moths. The cost for entry is £2.50 for adults. Children are most welcome and are not charged. For more information about the wide activities of the group contact Ray on lag2014rww@aol.com *** 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 " * ". 16/2 Lesser Whitethroat, probably an eastern form, Marston sewage works Long-tailed Duck, Deeping High Bank Hen Harrier ringtail, Water Pipit, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 16 Russian White-fronted Geese on Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point 3 Long-eared Owls, Deeping Lakes Glaucous gull juv, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 17/2 Bluethroat along main track from car park, Willowtree Fen Lapland Bunting on alignment, Purple Sandpiper, Donna Nook 2 Waxwings, 2 Hen Harriers 1 male, Common sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 18/2 2 Waxwings in trees outside Coop at Carlton Centre, Lincoln Bluethroat 1w m along main track from car park, Willowtree Fen Long-tailed Duck 1w f on River, Scaup, 7 Bewick's Swans, Deeping High Bank Long-eared Owl, Cattle Egret in field by Sissons Farm, Glaucous Gull by car park, Great White Egret is channel off river, Deeping Lakes 2 Russian White-fronted Geese, Gibraltar Point 10 Shorelarks, 4 Lapland Buntings,c 80 Twite, Donna Nook Smew fem, Alkborough Flats Scaup drk on Teal Lake, Glaucous Gull briefly, Whisby Nature Park 19/2 40 Waxwings, Hereford Avenue, Grimsby Waxwing at Sykes Farm, Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Russian White-fronted Geese flew south*, Gibraltar Point Scaup drk on Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 2 Scaup fems, Toft Newton Reservoir 4 Shorelarks south of Quad 4, Lapland Bunting, Glaucous Gull on beach, 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, Donna Nook Great Grey Shrike on rough groups south of 5-bar gate west of Four mile bridge, Deeping High Bank Bluethroat 1w m along main track from car park, Willowtree Fen 3 Long-eared Owls, Deeping Lakes 16 Russian White-fronted Geese on Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point Shag ad on Sailing Pit, Barton-upon-Humber 20/2 80 Waxwings on Holme Hall Avenue, Bottesford, near Scunthorpe 40 Waxwings on Hereford Avenue, Grimsby Bluethroat 1w m along main track from car park, Willowtree Fen 21/2 c 30 Waxwings, Holme Lane/Manor road junction, Bottesford, Scunthorpe Bluethroat 1w m along main track from car park, Willowtree Fen Lesser Whitethroat, probably an eastern form, Marston sewage works in an area with no general access Great Grey Shrike by 5-bargate west of Four Mile Bridge, Long-tailed Duck 1w fem, Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank Water Pipit, 16 Russian White-fronted Geese, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier male over field by Frampton Roads, Frampton Marsh Mealy Redpoll, Park Road, Willingham by Stow 22/2 c 30 Waxwings, Holme Lane/Manor road junction, Bottesford, Scunthorpe Bluethroat 1w m along main track from car park, Willowtree Fen Scaup drk, Boultham Mere Glaucous Gull, on beach at Crook bank, 1w Caspian Gull, 45 Velvet Scoters, Saltfleetby 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. Early sightings.... 2 Feb 2017 Su Colman Nettleham Churchyard TF 00784 75303 Aconite ...and in my garden Su Colman TF 01367 75493 Snowdrops Crocus 21 Feb 2017 12.45 Nettleham TF 01367 75493 Peacock butterfly Jill Shaw writes: I have just seen my first butterfly of 2017. Winthorpe Dunes alongside North Shore Golf Course, Skegness. Definitely a Tortoiseshell. It flew down quite close to me. ROADKILLS - "Dead, but worth recording!" Every drive is a transect! Roadkill Records always welcome. LINCOLN 18 Feb 2017 Lincoln bypass on slope down from Burton road SK 96453 73777 Su Colman Road kill - badger HAGWORTHINGHAM TF328697 A158 Robert Walker 19/2/17 Badger 1 large adult roadkill PARTNEY TF410678 A158 Robert Walker 19/2/17 Badger 1 smaller, presumed last years juvenile, roadkill. KELSTERN Peter Crick 19.02.2017 Badger 1 x large NORTH ORMESBY TF 270924 Peter Crick 19.02.2017 Fox - large, on roadside verge CLEETHORPES. - TAYLORS AVENUE. TA 298070 Peter Crick 22.02.2017 Gt Black-Backed Gull - immature, 2cy, probable collision with vehicle while attempting to feed from food waste in roadside gutter. (Careless littering?) Lincoln SK 97489 75749 Peter Morrell 22.02.17 Barn owl roadkill on A15 close to show ground. Lea SK 94423 96557 Peter Morrell 22.02.17 Badger roadkill on Gainsborough Road.  Colsterworth SK 93781 23186 Peter Morrell 21.02.17 Badger road kill on A1. Lincoln SK 93627 71511 Peter Morrell 19.02.17 Badger roadkill on A46. Kirton Lindsey SK 94423 96557 Peter Morrell 18.02.17 Badger roadkill on B1208.  *** 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 18/2/2017 Queen bumble sp bee in flight seen from window. 19/2/2017 Robin 2 Starling max counted 32 Goldfinch 2 Chaffinch 1 Black-headed gull 5 Woodpigeon 4 Collared Dove 2 Bue tit 4 Great tit 2 Field Vole [a large darkish one] crossed Church Lane s to n on 20/2/2019 [AP] BOSTON (South by A16) 21/02/2017 Roy and Kath Pearson Over the last few weeks we have been having regular visits from a Goldcrest that has been attracted to feed on fat balls. This is the first time we have recorded this species feeding on this food in the garden, they normally feed higher up in the mature Silver Birch, though visits of this species to the garden is less frequent than has occurred this month. BUCKNELL TF166703 Robert Walker 18/2/17 On journey to Bardney on rough grass near derelict barn was Buzzard 1 also on return journey at same location Kestrel 1 flyover. BURGH-LE-MARSH Jill Shaw Burgh-le-Marsh Tues 14th Feb 2017 Saw my first honey bee of the year, on Winter Honeysuckle. Snowdrops I have had some for a while. Friday 17th February 2017 First sighting of Queen bumble bee, buff tail. On pansy. At least 4 honey bees too. CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK 909580 Jeremy Hutchinson 20/21 February 2017 Large female toad active in garden, female frog in garden pond, both much earlier than usual, abnormally warm weather responsible presumably. A few Honey Bees nectaring on Crocuses and Pulmonaria in garden. Hawthorn Shield bug entered house, not sure how! There's a local hedgerow of mixed species, part of which always attracts Yellowhammers, but I cannot work out why this particular stretch is favoured. This morning there were 4, possibly 5, males singing in this stretch, which comprises roughly 15-20% of the whole. I was recently watching a Barn Owl hunting a small uncultivated field at dusk. It eventually settled on the top of a tall, rough hedge, and made three long, moaning 'hoots', quite unlike any of the many sounds that I've heard these birds make over the years: is this normal? CLEETHORPES Peter Crick 21.02.2017 2 large Bumble bees, both airborne and energetic. Sunny mid morning. One near west end of boating lake/ Kings Rd., other flying across Buck Beck car park DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 020 and 22/02/17 Time: 1000 - 1300 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Light rain, cloudy, breezy Birds: Blackbird Blue Tit Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Cormorant Dunnock Gadwall Goldcrest Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Green Woodpecker Great Tit Greylag Goose Greenfinch Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan oystercatcher Pintail Redshank Reed Bunting Robin Shoveler Song Thrush Teal Tufted Duck Woodpigeon Wren Deeping High Bank Date: 20 & 22/02/17 Time: 0915 - 1315 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Light rain, sunny periods developing, breezy Barn Owl Buzzard Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Grey Shrike Kestrel Little Grebe Long-tailed Duck Meadow Pipit Mistle Thrush Reed Bunting Stonechat GREETWELL Greetwell SE 94296 04173 Peter Morrell 20.02.17 Barn owl hunting next to B1398. Greetwell SE 94386 06162 Peter Morrell 20.02.17 Barn owl hunting next to B1398. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 18/2/17 First frogs of the year are now croaking daily in the pond. also Robins - Our 'pet' bird, now in it's 3rd winter with us, continues to feed from the hand. Now joined daily by a 2nd bird, presumed it's mate, coming to be fed. With a 3rd and occasionally a 4th Robin in the close vicinity ! HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden unless advised) 16/2/2017 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Song thrush 1 19/2/2017 Barn owl 1 (flying low across field at TF517766) Chaffinch 2 20/1/2017 Bee 1 (couldn't identify it from the living room) Chaffinch 2 Wrens 2 21/2/2017 Sparrow hawk 1 (I was in the garden when it cut across the front of me chasing a blackbird at great speed! I then heard the blackbird screeching and next saw the hawk fly out with it in its talons) LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 25/02/2017 Jayne Knight Goldcrest sightings at least half a dozen times a day now, feeding on crushed suet balls, mealworm flavour. Unafraid of me if out in the garden. Next step to sit out with camera! MARTON SK 84248 82045 Brian Hedley 17th February 2017 Buff-tailed bumblebee queen nectaring at winter-flowering honeysuckle. NETTLEHAM David Smith 16/02/2017 at 16.30 Kingfisher x1 Centre of village on beck NETTLEHAM Su Colman 21 Feb 2017 9:30 - 11:30 Nettleham TF 01367 75493 in the garden... 6 goldfinches 1 song thrush fossicking in the lawn verges 7 blackbirds 1 robin (chasing a dunnock) pair of dunnocks, one displaying 5 chaffinches 2 starlings 2 female pheasant ...in (or above) the fields beyond towards Sudbrooke/Scothern 3 buzzards 1 kestrel 1 pair of grey partridges 1 song thrush singing on the electricity wires NEW WALTHAM TA 285046 Peter Crick 15.02.2017 Having given the box frequent visits over the last three weeks a Blue Tit is now taking in copious amounts of nesting material from 15th onwards. Frogs now active in pond 19.02.2017 Song Thrush in song from large tree SCUNTHORPE SE 86688 06678 Peter Morrell 16.02.17 Great White Egret crossing A180 STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Species noted whilst at work during the week were: 13/2/2017 Carrion Crow Mistle Thrush 15/2/2017 Barn Owl Blackbird Redwing 17/2/2017 Carrion Crow Kestrel Mistle Thrush Woodpigeon STURTON BY STOW Sturton by Stow SK 89151 79480 Peter Morrell 17.02.17 Barn owl hunting next to Saxilby Road. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 28/01/17 Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 53 Carrion Crow x 3 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 27 Goosander x 3 males 2 females, Owston Ferry Warping Drain Kestrel x 1 Little Egret x 1 SK788988 Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Starling x 27 Tree Sparrow x 28 01/02/17 Common Buzzard x 1 Mistle Thrush x 1 SK789988 14/02/17 Grey Squirrel x 1 SK811003 16/02/17 Blackbird x 3 Common Buzzard x 1 Fieldfare x 54 Goosander x 1 female, Owston Ferry Warping Drain Great Tit x 2 Moorhen x 3 17/02/17 Barn Owl x 1  Common Buzzard x 1 Mute Swan x 8 Wood Pigeon x 32 Wren x 1 Wood Mouse x 1 19/02/17 Blue Tit x 2 Common Buzzard x 3 soaring high, calling over Thurnholmes Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 23:55hrs Mute Swan x 2 flying over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 5 Wood Pigeon x 25 Rabbit x 1 TOFT NEWTON RESERVOIR Su Colman 18 Feb 2017 Toft Newton Reservoir TF 03563 87534 15:30 - 16:30 1 (Common) Magpie (Pica pica) 2 (Common) Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) 2 (Common) Skylark (Alauda arvensis) territorial singing 20 (Eurasian) Coot (Fulica atra) 60 (Northern) Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus 150 Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) 3 Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) 10 Gadwall (Anas strepera) 8 Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) 10 Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) 2 White / Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba) TWYFORD WOOD SK92/22 Jane Ostler 17/2/17 In Flower: Alder (Alnus glutinosa) This flowers about two weeks ahead of the grey alder. Male shedding pollen, female flowers open. Goat willow - a line of bushes had only one or two twigs with buds showing silver. Cherry Plum(Prunus cerasifera) white flowers. Hazel - The male catkins on some bushes are beginning to go over. Female flowers out. Dog's Mercury. This is later flowering than last year. Fungi: A silver birch smothered in many witches brooms. The Yellow Brain (Tremella mesenterica) hanging llike leaves from a branch. This is parasitic on the crust fungus Peniophora which was not visible from the ground. Also on birch - Birch Mazegill and Birch Polypore. Root Rot ( Heterobasidium annosus) at base of a conifer. he rust lichen covered almost the whole of an ash trunk in one area. Invertebrates: Desperate to see at least one invertebrate turned over some rotting branches and found several shiny woodlice (Oniscus asellus), very smart with paired yellow spots. There were the tiny rounded snails (Discus rotundus) and a ground beetle Silpha atrata (identification to be confirmed) WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 19 February 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 2 Blue Tit 3 Chaffinch 6 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldcrest 1 Goldfinch 4 Great Tit 1 Greenfinch 3 House Sparrow 3 Jackdaw 4 Long Tailed Tit 7 Pheasant 5 Robin 2 Wood Pigeon 2 Wren 1 Grey Squirrel 2 Bank Vole 2 Wood Mouse 2 Rat 1 Frog in pond 1 3 bird boxes have roosting blue tits Snowdrops have finally come into flower WEST RASEN TF 06461 89162 Peter Morrell 18.02.17 Barn owl hunting next to A631. 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. Moorhen, 2 Canada Geese - 21/2/2017 WOODHALL SPA - Cottage Museum 19/2/2017 R. Parsons Mistle Thrush in song Robin Great Tit Blue Tit WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/22 Jane Ostler Week beginning 15/2/17 Waysides In Flower: Lesser Celandine. The first ones are always where a spring runs down Water Lane on the south facing side of the verge. Grey alder, male catkins and the first female flowers showing red. Hazel - male flowers shedding pollen, just one bush with female flowers. Yew - male flowers still in bud Along board sides on jitty: lesser periwinkle, petty spurge, groundsel, Jack-by-the-hedge Along Old Post Lane: snowdrops, aconites and primroses, all planted but wild violets not yet out. Dog's mercury under hedge. Insects:- Bumble bee on aconites, honey bees on lesser Celandine. Birds:- Jackdaws building in chimney of unoccupied house. Song thrush singing in three separate locations. Mistle thrush singing from ash tree. Bullfinches and a greenfinch in hedges. Kestrel hunting above lane. Buzzards and kites overhead. ROAD KILL Colsterworth, at side of A1 Hare ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 15th February - 22nd February 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Nigel Lound, Gary Cooper & John Walker General Notes and Weather Observations Weather note - the daytime temperature reached 16.0°C on the 20th. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 17th Shoveler 64, Gadwall 2, Teal 26, Mallard 2, Redshank 35 on Paradise lagoon, Peregrine falcon 2 over the saltmarsh near Saltfleet Haven, Lapland bunting 13 feeding in one flock on the edge of the saltmarsh between Churchill and Rimac. Colour ringed little egret on the saltmarsh Red H // Yellow Z 43 Velvet Scoter, 13 Great-crested Grebe, a Slavonian Grebe and a Guillemot were on the sea. 28 Red-throated Diver flew north. A White-fronted Goose was on Joe House's field whilst an adult Whooper Swan and 2 Barnacle Geese were on the field south of Rimac car park. 2 Lapland Bunting were on Rimac outer ridge and a Marsh Harrier flew south. The first frog was seen today in the Churchill Lane area also 2 buff tailed bumblebees, with a solitary adult Grey Heron at Crook Bank 18th Marsh harrier a fine male hunting over the saltmarsh, Lapland bunting at least 11 birds feeding amongst the developing saltmarsh between Churchill and Rimac quite flighty often going to the outer ridge area before flying back in towards the vegetation. 19th Paradise lagoon Shoveler scattered around the edge amongst vegetation plus curlew 42, lapwing 1 and tufted duck 6 2 Woodcock roding, 1 brown 1 grey Hen Harriers (evening sightings) 20th At sea were 42 Velvet Scoter. 249 Red-throated Diver and 2 Black-throated Diver flew north. The only passerine of note was a southbound Siskin. 52 Shoveler were on Paradise Pool. 21st Shoveler 61, coot 2, Shelduck 6, Tufted duck 1Gadwall 3 and Curlew 16 on Paradise lagoon and 36 Rooks circling high over Sea View in a tight spiral rising on a thermal At Elm House farm grassland Marsh Harrier ? hunting over, Lapwing 6, Grey partridge 2, Redshank 2, Shelduck 3, Pink-footed geese 240 and a single European white-fronted goose. On a nearby rape field were Mute swan 26, Black swan 1 and Whooper swan 1 2 Common Buzzards and 1 Sparrowhawk As a footnote, we recently received confirmed identification of a large dung beetle found in the Sea View workshop back in January. The species has been confirmed by the LNU's Beetle specialist, Charlie Barnes as Geotrupe Spiniger, a large, fairly common (apparently), native dung beetle that feeds on horse/cow dung. Despite it being common and widespread, It is noteworthy as there have only been a total of 50 historical records for Geotrupe Spiniger in the whole of Lincolnshire. Quite what it was doing in the workshop is anyone's guess but no jokes relating to dung being present thank you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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'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: 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 AGM and Field Meetings Saturday, March 04, 2017 AGM & Presidential Address by Annette Faulkner “The Fens revisited. An update” Whisby Education Centre, 2pm 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 073984 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. Andrew.alder - hard bounce -delivery failed; will not continue trying 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..... About 1,000 day-old 'vulnerable' chicks dumped in field http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39015085 The mystery of the whoop whooping bee http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38967016 Plastic 'nurdles' found on 73% of UK beaches http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39001011 Plastic from tyres 'major source' of ocean pollution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39042655 How can the UK reduce air pollution? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38990192 Edinburgh's mystery cave network http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38991458 Naica's crystal caves hold long-dormant life http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39013829 Norway's seal hunters hang up their clubs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38894821 'Seagrasses' vital to coastal health http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38926593 Eclipse to be turned into mega-movies http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38913706 Galapagos giant tortoises make a comeback, thanks to innovative conservation strategies https://theconversation.com/galapagos-giant-tortoises-make-a-comeback-thanks-to-innovative-conservation-strategies-67591 Ruffled feathers: angry Britons battle with dive-bombing birds moves inland https://theconversation.com/ruffled-feathers-angry-britons-battle-with-dive-bombing-birds-moves-inland-72682 Sir David Attenborough to narrate BBC's Blue Planet II https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/feb/20/sir-david-attenborough-to-narrate-bbcs-blue-planet-ii Close encounter with a hare - a rare sight in the West Country https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/20/close-encounter-hare-rare-dartmoor-devon-country-diary Winged surprise lifts spirits on a cold morning https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/18/country-diary-red-admiral-butterfly-ferns-winged-surprise-lifts-spirits-on-a-cold-morning Animals know when they are being treated unfairly (and they don’t like it) https://theconversation.com/animals-know-when-they-are-being-treated-unfairly-and-they-dont-like-it-73152 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/