Lincolnshire wildlife news, events, activities, information, contacts. ============================================= || || 29th January 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.... *** Do you remember the saga of the little otter cub, Noelle, found just before Christmas at Peterborough in Cambridgeshire? She has since arrived safely at the IOSF Hospital on Skye. See: http://www.otter.org/Public/News_Blog.aspx Also see: Seal pups 'doing well' after East Coast tidal surge http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38710571 We are still getting reports of Waxwings. News of sightings might enable readers to spot one if they have not yet done so. See: https://www.birdguides.com/sites/area.asp?a=21 There's a White-billed Diver near Stixwold/Southery. A rare sight. Rare Arctic bird spotted on river in rural Lincolnshire http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38744492 A few interesting links are posted here - more at the end of the Bulletin. Finalists National Geographic Nature Photographer Of The Year 2016 https://youtu.be/5ga8ooB7C3s Are UK SSSIs at Risk? http://www.mygreenpod.com/articles/uks-sssis-risk/ Moth with 'golden flake hairstyle' named after Donald Trump http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38661250 Monstrous Spiders http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20170118-monstrous-spiders-and-centipedes-that-prey-on-large-animals 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 Forecast - for your postcode *** http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** January Night Sky - will update to February *** 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 *** 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. Ian Macalpine-Leny writes: Annaul Joint LNU / LBC meeting 21 January Graham Catley gave an excellent presentation on Laughton Forest to an audience of 42. Following a history of the Forest since inception he described the changes in the habitat over the last 30 years and how this had affected populations of breeding birds with a detailed study of Woodlarks, Tree pipits, Hobbys and Nightjars, all illustrated with fantastic photographs. *** 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. *** RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch - 28-30 January 2017 *** Why not support the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch this month? https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - pass the word on...*** The closing date for entries is Thursday 31 March 2017 You have 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 *** Louth Navigation Trust Multi-user Path - have your say *** If interested, please would you take five minutes and complete the survey form if you have not already done so. I shall remove from next Bulletin. https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=148067618384 Paula Hunt writes: East Lindsey District Council has commissioned Sustrans to carry out the feasibility and business case development to support the delivery of a Multi-User Path (MUP) which extends from the East Lindsey coastline along the Louth Navigation Corridor and then connects with the Water Rail Way MUP (potentially via the disused GNR Louth to Bardney train line), providing access for pedestrian, cycle, equestrian and disabled users and would bring multiple economic, social and environmental benefits to local residents and visitors to the area. *** 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. *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Louth Area Group LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: The Louth Group begins the year at 7.30 pm on Friday 27 January 2017 when Dave Miller the LWT Warden for the Coast and the Wash will tell us about "The Living Seas of Lincolnshire". Please be aware of the new meeting venue. The indoor meetings are now held in the Methodist Church Hall at Nichol Hill, Louth. There are no stairs to climb, wheelchair access is good, so is the audio- visual system. All the chairs are comfortable and the hire cost is within the LAG budget. The meetings commerce at 7.30 pm with a break for refreshments, the cost for entry is £2.50 for adults. This covers the room hire cost and the speaker's fee. 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 *** 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/ 19/1 3 Waxwings by Post Office, Stamford 4 Waxwings in "ringing hollow", 2 Slavonian Grebes offshore, Gibraltar Point Glaucous Gull, Grimsby Fish Docks 3 Scaup, 1w drk, 2 fem, Short-eared Owl by River Welland, Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank 8 Russian White-fronted Geese in wetland, Freiston Shore Bittern, Cleethorpes Country Park Glaucous Gull juv, Kirkby on Bain 20/1 3 Waxwings in Homebase car park, Stamford Glaucous Gull juv on beach north of Horse Shoe Point Great Grey Shrike near East Glen Bridge, WSE of Hawthorpe 3+ Short-eared Owls, Hawthorpe Iceland Gull juv, Manby Flashes Great White Egret flew over Fiskerton Fen 2 White-fronted Geese on realignment+ Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Donna Nook Hen Harrier male along Field Lane south of Wroot Ring-necked Duck on Riverslea pit, Kirkby on Bain 11 Russian White-fronted Geese, Freiston Shore White-billed Diver juv on River Witham WSW of Woodhall Spa near iron "sheep sculpture" NW of Kirkstead Bridge 21/1 8 Waxwings at Dragonby, Scunthorpe Scaup near Deeping St Nicholas, Great While Egret, Deeping High Bank White-billed Diver juv on River Witham WSW of Woodhall Spa near iron "sheep sculpture" NW of Kirkstead Bridge Glaucous gull juv, Saltfleetby Haven 8 Tundra Bean Geese in fields between New Holland and Goxhill Tilery 105 Russian White-fronted Geese with c2,500 Pink-footed Geese between Goxhill and East Halton Skitter 2 Long-eared Owls on island at Deeping Lakes Ring-necked Duck drk on Riverslea pit, Glaucous gull juv, Kirkby on Bain 2 Slavonian Grebes off Mill Hill, Gibraltar Point 4 Iceland Gulls, ad 2w, 2 juvs, 2 Glaucous Gulls ad + juv, Saltfleetby St Peter White-billed Diver 2.5 miles NW of Woodhall Spa SWS of Stixwold on River Witham near Station Road 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Hen Harriers 1m, Pale Bellied Brent Goose, Frampton Marsh 22/1 2 Scaup both fems, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret flew over Kirkstead Bridge Hen Harrier ringtail by River Witham between Kirkstead Bridge and Southery 1ml SE of Southery Great White Egret, 3 Long-eared Owls on island, Deeping Lakes Great White Egret, 4 Scaup, Deeping High Bank Ring-necked Duck drk on Riverslea pit, Glaucous gull juv, Kirkby on Bain Scaup fem, Cleethorpes Country Park 23/1 10 waxwings, Wroot Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank White-billed Diver on River Witham 440m N of Kirkstead Bridge, later near Stixwold car park Glaucous Gull juv on beach, North End. Mablethorpe Ring-necked Duck drk on Riverslea pit, Kirkby on Bain Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpes Country Park Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point 2 Scaup 1w drks at Cove Farm, just north of Westwoodside 24/1 White-billed Diver on River Witham 440m N of Kirkstead Bridge. Later reported SE of Southery, and between Southery and Bardney Great White Egret on River Witham south of Kirkstead Bridge 2 Scaup on Reedbed, Frampton Marsh Ring-necked Duck drk on pit north of landfill entrance, Glaucous Gull juv, Scaup 1w f, Kirkby on Bain Great White Egret, redhead Smew downstream, 2 Bewick's Swans in field with 64 Whooper Swans, Deeping High Bank Glaucous Gull on Beach, Mablethorpe Rough-legged Buzzard reported between Southery and Horsington Holmes from River Witham footpath 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 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 CHERRY WILLINGHAM TF033725 Margaret Roe The waxwing which appeared on Dec 27th have made several but not regular visits to the Mountain Ash in my front garden. 5/1/17 2 came twice during the day 6/1/17 2 came once 8/1/17 3 visits, twice by a single waxwing, once by 3. 14/1/17 1 stayed about 30 minutes. 20/1/17 7 waxwing. There will probably have been other visits which I have missed. Most visits have just been for a few minutes. They do not appear very hungry, just taking a few berries. *** 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 19/1 Bullfinch m, feeding on seedheads in churchyard, am. 20/1 Buzzard hunting over Water Rail Way north of Bardney. 11am 21/1 Woodpigeon calling down chimney am. Species list = 25/1/2017 Blue Tit Great Tit Woodpigeon Collared Dove Jackdaw Magpie Blackbird Robin Chaffinch Goldfinch Bullfinch Black-headed Gull DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 20/01/17 Time: 1300 - 1600 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, still, very cold Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Buzzard CarrionCrow Chaffinch Cormorant Coot Dunnock Gadwall Goldcrest Goldeneye Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Herring Gull Jackdaw Lapwing Little Egret Long-eared Owl Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Pintail Red-crested Pochard Robin Shoveler Snipe Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wren Mammals: Grey Squirrel Deeping High Bank Dates 18 & 20th January (combined Report) Birds: Barn Owl Bewick Swan Buzzard Great Crested Grebe Kestrel Little Grebe Great White Egret Mute Swan Scaup Whooper Swan EAST HALTON to GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 22/1/2017 Jon Drakes A morning walk along the bank of the River Humber between East Halton Skitter and Goxhill Haven found the following species present: Barnacle Goose 31 Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit 2 Carrion Crow Coot 1 Cormorant 2 Curlew 155 Dunlin 711 Dunnock Feral Pigeon Fieldfare Goldfinch Great Blackback Gull 2 Grey Heron 1 Herring Gull Kestrel 1 Lapwing 800 Little Egret 3 Little Grebe 1 Magpie Mallard 12 Marsh Harrier 2 Moorhen 1 Mute Swan 9 Pheasant 8 Pied Wagtail 16 Pink-footed Goose 400 Redshank 26 Reed Bunting 5 Robin Shelduck 8 Starling Turnstone 2 White-fronted Goose 38 Wigeon 85 Woodpigeon Wren 2 Yellowhammer 4 Roe Deer 6 Brown Hare 2 HAWTHORPE Hawthorpe Ian Misselbrook 22/01/2017 4 Red Kites 2 Buzzards 1 Kestrel also Two red Kites feeding on a dead pheasant in the field just behind my garden in Rippingale this morning. HOLYWELL LAKE WeBS is a week late due to our holiday in Costa Rica and Panama. Holywell Lake Ian Misselbrook 22/01/2017 12.00 -1320 Little Grebes 14 Little Egrets 2 Mute Swans 3 Greylag Geese 81 Canada Geese 36 Mallard 204 Gadwall 15 Teal 15 Wigeon 31 Tufted Duck 16 Coot 6 Moorhen 22 Kingfisher 1 Black-headed Gulls 70 Red Kite 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Redwings 2 Fieldfares 8 Song Thrush 1 Blacbirds 5 Robins 2 Dunnocks Pied Wagtail 1 Goldcrest 1 Great Tits Blue Tits Wood Pigeons Carrion crows Rooks Jackdaws Brambling 5 Chaffinches Goldfinches Grey Squirrels 2 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 19/1/2017 Robins 3 (lots of scraps going on!) Starlings 4 20/1/2016 Robins 3 (as above) Song thrush 1 Wren 1 (unfortunately dead on the grass - no idea why) 22/1/2017 Wren 1 (alive and well) 25/1/2017 Collared dove 1 Song thrush 1 (heard in the garden but couldn't see it) HUTTOFT MARSH 20th January 2017 Dave Miller Magpie 9 Fieldfare 10 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Crow 4 Wren 3 Mistle Thrush 1 Herring Gull 13 Pheasant 4 Great Tit 2 Starling 40 Black-headed Gull 1 Common Gull 38 Curlew 9 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 21/1/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out thje weekly Garden Birdwatch for the BTO in our back garden were: Woodpigeon 2 Dunnock 5 Robin 1 Chaffinch 2 House Sparrow 20 Collared Dove 5 Black-headed Gull 1 Blackbird 2 Starling 2 Goldfinch 2 Tree Sparrow 1 LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 28/01/2017 Jayne Knight 22/01/17 Goldcrest foraging in Honeysuckle 25/01/17 Wren working through the same Honeysuckle Song Thrush been sporadically singing for around a fortnight. LOUTH 21/1/17 C. Brady Wyevale Garden Centre, Louth Red Kite few over heading east. Low and very clear. MORKERY WOOD SK 95/17 Jane Ostler 22 January2017 A short walk round area where trees felled this week. The trees felled are mainly willow. In the past felling provided opportunities to study fungi and lichens on the main branches.The new machinery not only cuts down the trees but strips the logs and main branches, often taking bark with it. Logs are not left behind. By contrast a main trunk left to lie in the picnic area is covered in fungi and the attendant invertebrates for much of the year. Mature oak and ash which have been left will benefit from clearance round them. The development of the ground flora will depend on whether the large amount of brash is left. The lost willow catkins will not be providing nectar and pollen this year. Hazel catkins were open. The area was devoid of birds. NETTLEHAM TF 01471 75609 Su Colman & Mark Townsend 21 January 2017 midday Fox sighted across the field behind our house, going north away from residential properties. It was investigating the headland and hedge bottom fairly nonchalantly. It stopped briefly to squat - does that indicate female? TWYFORD WOOD (east SK95/22) Jane Ostler 20th January 2017 10a.m. 2C ground still frozen MAMMALS (evidence of) Moles (fresh hills), squirrels, fox, and both muntjac and fallow deer. Don't see many of the last named these days, but muntjac are frequent as single specimens and have now crossed over the Al, seen right up to the eastern parish boundary. BIRDS As usual the wood seems empty, apart from the area around the car park where the following seen:- greater spotted woodpecker feeding on tree, blue tits, robin, blackbird. A crow heard, but no jays. INVERTEBRATES Some time considering a marble gall (Andricus kollari) on a young oak and its inter- relationships with other species. Large hole showed it had provided a meal of either the larva or the pupa of the cypnid wasp, for a bird. The small neat hole that an inquiline had left after being provided with shelter and food. The knowledge that its bisexual generation is always on turkey oak which would be elsewhere in the wood. This produces a gall on buds too but they are small and resemble the pupae of ants. The marble gall surface was covered in the brown blotches of a fungus. This is likely to be Phoma gallorum. In addition the attached leaf of the oak had been grazed by an invertebrate which had left window panes of the lower epidermis with supporting veins and tiny psocids were scurrying over the areas of frass left behind. NO PLANTS SEEN IN FLOWER FUNGI Only a single scurfy twiglet found. STALLINGBOROUGH - HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) 20/1/2017 Jon Drakes A Buzzard and Kestrel were noted whilst at work. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 19/01/17 Common Buzzard x 1 Little egret x 1 SK788988, x 2 SE806012 Pink-footed Goose x 127 north over Thurnholmes 20/01/17 Gadwall x 4 SK812993 21/01/17 Fieldfare x 131 Kestrel x 1 Starling x 139 25/01/17 Blue Tit x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Fieldfare x 58 Kestrel x 1 Moorhen x 3 Mute Swan x 4 adults, 2 young Starling x 137 Tree Sparrow x 7 Brown Rat x 1 (dead) House Mouse x 3 WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 22 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 5 Blue Tit 3 Bullfinch 2 (one male, one female) Chaffinch 5 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldfinch 5 Great Tit 2 Greenfinch 5 House Sparrow 11 Jackdaw 3 Long Tailed Tit 11 – one group Pheasant 6 Robin 3 Tree Sparrow 1 Wood Pigeon 2 Wren (one was ringed) Grey Squirrel 3 Bank Vole 2a Wood Mouse 2 Rat 1 3 bird boxes have roosting blue tits Song thrush heard singing quietly on 21 Jan 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://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve Wildlife News Week ending 25th January 2017 Gary Cooper, Nige Lound, Cliff Morrison, John Walker, Rob Lidstone-Scott and Peter & Janet Roworth 18th 18 lapwing on Paradise lagoon field. Woodcock disturbed from trees round reserve yard at Seaview 19th 21 twite were on the beach south of Crook Bank as were a pair of stonechat. 3 red-throated diver and 5 great-crested grebe were on the sea. Mixed tit flock of at least 16 birds moving through scrub near SV - mostly long-tailed with fewer great and blue tit. 20th Two lapwing flocks (60 and 75) flying north west high over SV 21st 31 velvet scoter were on the sea off CB. 2 little owl and a barn owl were on Churchill Lane. In the Rimac area were 8 twite, a goldcrest, a peregrine, a short-eared owl, a juvenile glaucous gull and a pair of stonechat. A flock of 81 white-fronted geese flew south over the sea at Brickyard lane. 22nd Single white wagtail at SV, single reed buntings and a flock of 80+ linnets on saltmarsh. Paradise lagoon was topped up with seawater during the recent high spring tide and there were 46 shoveler, 2 gadwall, 12 teal, 1 little grebe, 7 mallard and 2 wigeon, with 16 curlew and 6 lapwing in neighbouring field. At Elm House fields were 145 lapwing, 73 golden plover, 50+ curlew and a fieldfare. 3 water rails plus a tawny owl calling at CL 23rd A little owl calling near BrickyardLane. 2 stonechat and 2 bullfinch at Rimac, plus a short-eared owl over Freshwater Marsh. There were also 220 wigeon and 23 lapwing on adjacent Trust field. Flying over were 3 whooper swans and two flocks of lapwing (130 & 80). Late afternoon there was a single yellowhammer near Paradise, a merlin flew in off the saltmarsh in hot pursuit of an unidentified passerine. ] A woodcock was also seen coming in off the saltmarsh at SV to roost in the dunes and 2 common snipe flew over high going west. At Elm House fields were 2 stonechat and 3 short-eared owls. 24th 59 shoveler on Paradise lagoon, 22 whooper swans flew over dunes near SV and there was a single male hen harrier hunting over saltmarsh and outer dunes in the late afternoon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. [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. None this week. 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: Specials brought in to tackle hare coursing in 'Wild West' county http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38704282 'Filthy air' prompts 'very high' pollution alert for London http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38716498 Flood prevention being ignored - MPs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38721486 Project aims to grow a 'city of trees' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38692022 How Finland is reducing reindeer road accidents... it's rather unique! http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04nbm43? Ants use Sun and memories to navigate http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38665058 Cats may be as intelligent as dogs, say scientists http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38665057 What could be next epidemic? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-38668804 Primates facing 'extinction crisis' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38652196 Data shows 2016 likely to be warmest year yet http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38652746 New life radiates from a fallen oak https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/21/new-life-radiates-from-fallen-giant-hampshire-country-diary Goldcrest combs the gorse for slim pickings https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/19/goldcrest-combs-the-gorse-for-slim-pickings 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/