============================================= || || 9th July 2017 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin is being read by over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009 are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Editor writes... *** Chris Manning said this week that we may have overlooked the 21st birthday of the Wildnews Bulletin. [It's probably about 24 years old.] See: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ It is thanks to readers' input that the Bulletin continues to provide information on weekly sightings, topical wildlife news and events. Quite a few "beginners" have become regular contributors and now play an important part in county biological recording. Wonderful! Please keep your contributions coming and tell others that they are more than welcome to give the bulletin a try. Here are a few links from readers. If any don't work "copy and paste" URLs. The Swallow Chick flikr link did not work last week. I'm trying it again. David Robinson wrote: "An update on the Swallow chicks, all three left the nest/basket this morning but we saw them go back to the nest/basket once or twice during the day. Early this evening they had all returned and were being fed by the adults. As far as we can tell they are all tucked up in the basket for the night. They aren't fools are they? https://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/sets/72157682702020424/ p.s. The family are still coming back to the basket at nights but today we saw the adults swooping up to the old damaged nest, maybe they are thinking of repairing and having another brood. 'Badger baiters travelling to Lincolnshire' - Police http://lincolnshiretoday.net/mag/lincolnshire-attracting-badger-baiters-carry-illegal-bloodsports/ How to eavesdrop on urban bats http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40417936 Large-scale study 'shows neonic pesticides harm bees' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40382086 'Very strong' climate change signal in record June heat http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40449234 UK to withdraw from international fishing arrangement http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40471466 More topical links below in "...and finally..." so don't forget to click. A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://www.lnu.org/ Thanks for the excellent contributions this week. Very much appreciated. If you have any events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Rose flea beetle - present in Lincolnshire? Anyone seen one yet? *** Charlie Barnes writes: Luperomorpha xanthodera is a small (4mm) bi-coloured flea beetle that originates from China but has been imported into this county on ornamental plants. It was first found in 2003 in Lancashire but has since turned up in other garden centres around the country. It has yet to be recorded from Lincolnshire, but may well be present - as an adult they can be found on the flowers of various plants, particularly roses. Anyone who has recently brought some new plants for their garden are urged to have a look ! It is not thought the species can survive our cold winters, but may be able to persist in heated accommodation, or populations sustained by repeated imports. For a photo of the beetle see https://www.kaefer-der-welt.de/luperomorpha_xanthodera.htm Potential sightings or suspects gratefully received, Charlie Barnes - LNU recorder for beetles charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Kingfisher News *** Bob Sheppard writes: For the next week or so the Netherlands kingfishers will be quite entertaining. https://www.birdfood.co.uk/kingfisher-webcam *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" *** The saga of the 3 chicks continues. They are growing fast. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 Bob Sheppard adds: The fabulous osprey webcam on the Loch of Lowes will soon be finished for this season. The two chicks will be taking their first flights. Well worth a look this next week or two. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ However, Loch Arkaig osprey webcam will be running for a lot longer as their chick only hatched in mid June. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/support-an-appeal/arkaig-pinewoods/wildlife/osprey-cam/?utm_source=%252ospreycam&utm_medium=furl *** July Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Heads up for the Delta Aquarids and Alpha Capricornids July and August http://www.popastro.com/meteor/activity/activity.php?id_pag=225 **Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** Find us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ George Rutter writes: Visit to Red Hill Nature Reserve with the Alford and Mablethorpe Area Group TF264806 Tuesday 11th July - 7:00pm Red Hill has an area of old, species-rich chalk grassland which also has rigg and furrow. There is a much larger area that was reverted from arable about 20 years ago and, thanks to the warden Harry Turner and his helpers, plants have been raised and introduced to this area so that it is now developing a species richness of its own. The exposed chalk escarpment is of geological interest. In 2013 it became one of the country’s Coronation Meadows. We will be shown round either by Harry or Kevin James, mid-Lincolnshire warden. Meet at Red Hill at 7pm or at East Street car park in Alford at 6.15pm. *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events and "Whisby Workshops 2017 " are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://lnu.org/ Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Next Field Meeting: Sunday, July 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Thurlby Fen Slipe Thurlby Fen Slipe LWT Reserve Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Southeast of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Car parking on Baston Edge Drove (unmade track) at TF119164. Turn onto Long Drove eastwards from the A15 at Thurlby and look for the LNU sign for the car park. Possibility of evening bat walk here with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. Access restrictions may apply to the eastern half of the reserve due to the presence of sensitive wildlife. Nearest public toilets in Bourne town centre. Habitats: Borrow pits, hedgerows, wet woodland, grassland and the north bank of the River Glen. Leader: Nick Tribe 07733 073989 nick.tribe@ntlworld.com *** 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/ *** NWDW Weekend - 5th-6th August *** Dave Miller writes: It is that time of year again when I am asking for volunteers to help us watch the sea for this year’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch Weekend. This year’s event is on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August and I am planning on holding watches from the Round-and-Round hide, Anderby Creek and Skegness Pier. This is part of a national survey of cetaceans around Britain’s shores. We have had great results in previous years including eight animals seen last year. I usually split the shifts into three hour slots and so I am looking for volunteers to help. Skegness Pier and Round-and-Round hide, Anderby Creek Shifts: Saturday 5th 10am – 1pm Saturday 5th 1pm – 4pm Sunday 6th 10am – 1pm Sunday 6th 1pm – 4pm Very little experience is required just a willingness to watch the sea and chat to members of the public about our marine habitats and fauna. There will be literature and goodies to hand out. You never know you might even see a harbour porpoise (though this cannot be guaranteed)!! Contact: Dave Miller dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants. [Refreshments are also provided.] There are spaces on the next 3 courses: [Timing: 12 noon - 4pm.] 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: 01522 525725 or email him on: rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** Chalk Stream volunteer days coming up *** William Bartle writes: We’ve got a Chalk Stream work party coming up soon. Tuesday 18th July – Ashby cum Fenby – Volunteer work party day at the brilliant Classroom in the Woods near Ashby cum Fenby, helping the flow on Waithe beck. Work will mostly include controlling some of the instream vegetation that quickly blocks up the chalk stream at this time of year. Starts at 10am. Details on our website: http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering/lcsp-volunteer-group  Facebook - @LincolnshireChalkStreams (check the events section) *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Poetry Competition *** Will Bartle writes: The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project are running a poetry competition for all ages thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. If you're feeling inspired by the wonderfully rare chalk streams found in Lincolnshire why not enter, you could win £250!! Deadline is Friday 14th July. Full terms and conditions, and instructions on how to enter are on their website. http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/poetrycompetition2017 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". Note: 30/6 5 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 3 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh 21 Common Scoters, Apex Pit, North Hykeham 1/7 3 Spoonbills, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 5 Red-crested Pochards, Frampton Marsh Spoonbill flew west over Ness Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 2 Spoonbills in Tennyson's Sands, Crossbill flew over East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Honey Buzzard over Mere reported on 2/7, Gibraltar Point!* 2/7 2 Spoonbills, 6 Red-crested Pochards, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes 2 Wood Sandpipers on Corner Pit, Baston & Langtoft gravel pits Wood Sandpiper on Teal lake, Whisby Nature Park 2 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 3/7 2 Spoonbills, Red-crested Pochard, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Common Scoter fem, Apex Pits, North Hykeham 2 [4*] Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Turtle Dove south of Kirkstead Bridge, Woodhall Spa 2 Wood Sandpipers, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 4/7 3 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, [4 yesterday*] Gibraltar Point 2 Spoonbills, Turtle Dove, Spotted Redshank, 6 Red-crested Pochards, Frampton Marsh 3 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 3 Arctic Terns flew north past Trent Port Wetlands 5/7 2 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point 2 Garganey on middle Scrape, Frampton Marsh Turtle Dove male singing, Dunsby Fen 6/7 Spoonbill on Spotted Redshank, Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Please visit the RBA website for updates/fuller details. Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. SOUTHERY B1190 TF137684 R. Parsons 5/7/2017 at 0800 hrs Stoat juv dead near Southery turn off from Horncastle Road. WRANGLE (A52 TF443521) 02/07/2017 Kathleen and Roy Pearson Badger dead by side of road. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons Much bee activity in garden including B. lapidarius [working clover] and B hypnorum. BOSTON (South by A16) June 2017 Kathleen Pearson During June 2017, the number of species seen in the garden on a total of twenty days in the month for the BTO Garden BirdWatch, was 25. A bird of particular interest was a Green Woodpecker that was seen on the 25th. This was an extremely rare bird for the garden. Four other species were seen on only one day in the month - Jackdaw, Blackcap, Mistle Thrush and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Long-tailed Tit and Sparrowhawk were only recorded twice. The twenty-five species follow. The first number is the total of days seen (records being made on only 20 days this month) and the second number in brackets is the highest total of the species counted together at one time. The highest total of species on any day was 17 and the lowest 11. Magpie 15(2), Song Thrush 9(1), Goldfinch 20(10), Starling 20(27), House Sparrow 20(5), Collared Dove 20(4), Great Tit 19(3), Blackbird 20(4), Robin 19(2), Greenfinch 20(5), Jay 9(1), Woodpigeon 19(5), Jackdaw 1(1), PiedWagtail 3(2), Dunnock 15(2), Great Spotted Woodpecker 11(1), Blue Tit 6(2), Chaffinch 11(2), Blackcap 1(1), Mistle Thrush 1(1), Wren 3(1), Long-tailed Tit 2(2), Sparrowhawk 2(1), Green Woodpecker 1(1) and Lesser Black-backed Gull 1(1). Butterflies: Large White, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White and Small White. CLAYTHORPE WATERMILL (Grid reference TF4179) 2/7/2017 Jon Drakes A visit to the watermill found the following (non captive) species present: Mute Swan Mallard Woodpigeon Moorhen Swallow Jackdaw Shelduck Tufted Duck Buzzard Meadow Brown butterfly KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 1/7/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Birdwatch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 8 House Sparrow 25 Starling 4 Blackbird 4 Greenfinch 3 Goldfinch 1 Great Tit 1 Robin 2 Chaffinch 1 Rook 1 Woodpigeon 2 Swift Red Admiral Butterfly Common Frog In the evening whilst setting a moth trap, two Hedgehogs were seen feeding. During the evening, the following moth species were identified: Small Magpie Large Yellow Underwing Hummingbird Hawkmoth Swallow Tailed Brimstone Buff Ermine Dark Arches Elephant Hawkmoth KEELBY (Grid reference TA1609) 28/6/2017 Jon Drakes Noted whilst visiting a friend’s house in the South of the village was a single Willow Tit using their garden bird feeders. This is my first record of this species in Keelby. GRIMSBY – PEAKES LANE (Grid reference TA2707) Members of LWT Grimsby Area “Turnstone” Watch Group and Jon Drakes Butterfly and Bumble Bee species recorded during the monthly LWT Grimsby Area “Turnstone” Watch Group meeting, held on Peakes Lane, Grimsby included: Bumble Bees: Common Carder White Tailed Tree Red Tailed Early Butterflies and moths: Large White Red Admiral Small Tortoiseshell Comma Ringlet Small Magpie moth Also noted were several Harlequin Ladybird larvae. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 2/7/2017 Green veined whites 2 Red admiral 1 Speckled wood 1 Squirrel 1 (rare for me) Woodmouse 1 3/7/2017 Bats 3 (type not known) Green veined whites 2 Green woodpecker 1 (very excited as this is a first in our garden) Red admirals 2 Small tortoiseshell 1 4/7/2017 Chaffinch 1 (f) Green veined white 1 Large white 1 Wren 1 5/7/2017 Blue tailed damselfly Ishnura elegans 1 (landed on the door handle!) Meadow brown 1 Meadow browns 15-20 (along the verge on Jolly Common Lane TF519765 as the council have only cut a bit of it due to 'austerity' - good!) Newt 1 (baby, I think, as it was very small) RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 21.06.2017 Red-legged Partridge 2 (TF300844) Brown Hare (1 in TF2882, another 1 in TF2883) 22.06.2017 Large Yellow Underwing moth 24.06.2017 Pyramidal Orchid - 1 single plant on verge (TF303845) (never seen locally before) Ringlet 5, Meadow Brown 2 (TF308847) Small Tortoiseshell 3 Hoverflies quite numerous, including Marmalade Hoverfly Solomon’s Seal Sawfly in great numbers 26.06.2017 Grey Heron Pied Wagtail Brown Rat 30.06.2017 June Rainfall = 92 mm of which 56 mm fell during 27th and 28th 03.07.2017 Hummingbird Hawkmoth STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife noted whilst at work during the week was as follows: 26/6/2017 Kestrel 1 All previously reported chicks fledged and left the nest box over the weekend of 24th & 25th June. Woodpigeon Magpie Pied Wagtail Blackbird Carrion Crow Swallow Butterflies: Large White 27/6/2017 Mistle Thrush 2 Kestrel 1 Magpie Woodpigeon Chaffinch Blue Tit Swallow Herring Gull Little Egret Blackbird THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 29/06/17 Stock dove x 2 Swift x 25 over Thurnholmes Moths around security light; Buff Ermine x 1 female Ghost Moth x 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character x 1 01/07/17 Barn Owl x 1 flying past house with rat in claws 22:00hrs Robin x 1 with young in nest in barn Green-veined White x 1 Red Admiral x 2 Ringlet x 7 Small Tortoiseshell x 31 Moths; Small Magpie x 2 Uncertain x 1 Black-tailed Skimmer x 1 male Road kill; Mole x 1 SK797987 Grass snake x 1 SK799988 02/07/17 Grey Squirrel x 1 SK813998 Hummingbird Hawkmoth x 1 SE801003 03/07/17 Mute Swan x 1pr with 5 downy young SK813994 05/07/17 Brown Hawker x 2 WOOLSTHORPE RNR SK9908242 Jane Ostler 5/7/17 Roadside Verge Nature Reserve At the height of the season for plants in flower on this limestone grassland site and with a limited time to survey, I took a spot check. I listed all the plants I could see in flower from a seat in a diverse area and all the insects noted during a 15 minute period. Field Scabious, Greater and Black Knapweeds were the most favoured by butterflies, moths and hoverflies. Ox-eye Daisy, Lady's Bedstraw, Agrimony, Bulbous and Meadow Buttercups, Lesser Hop Trefoil, Meadow Vetchling, Black Medick, Bird's Foot Trefoil, Ribwort and Hoary Plantain, Yarrow, Salad Burnet, Fairy Flax, Eyebright, MouseEar Chickweed, Yellow Rattle, Wild Mignonette, Agrimony, Hedge Bedstraw, Cat's Ear, Common Sorrel and Red Clover Butterflies in abundance were Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Small Heath and Ringlets, which like the 6 Spot Burnets were feeding on Scabious and Knapweeds. Also in large numbers was the Red-tailed bumble Bee (Bombus lapidarius and a few workers of White/Buff-tailed Bumble bees. The Marmalade Hover Fly was everywhere and there were hundreds of newly hatched grasshoppers. These I took to be Chorhippus brunneus the Common Field Grasshopper which I recorded here last year when more mature and easier to identify. A Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis was identified simply by its distinctive yellow markings. The easily rcognised and colourful red Robin's Pincuhion gall almost obscured the rose seedling it was growingon. A quick walk along western section of south facing bank found both the Bee orchids and the Pyramidal Orchids have spread this year. Flying ants were reported on the RNR on Monday 3rd July. WOOLSTHORPE SK 922224 Jane Ostler 5/7/17 Astonished to see a male Banded Agrion damselfly flying past as we sat on garden seat. I have never seen one in Woolsthorpe before being used to them in quite a different environment where anal boat is moored on River Soar. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 28thJune—5th July 2017 Contributors: - John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth, Gary Cooper, Neil Pike, Cliff Morrison & Rob Lidstone-Scott General Notes and Weather Observations The weather for June can be summarised as changeable with wide ranging conditions experienced throughout the month. During the first week the warm sunny days soon became fresh then cool and damp as the high pressure drifted east to be replaced by fronts from the west. There were several days of showers but a spell of continual rain during the night of the 6th which gave 19.6mm is noteworthy. By the 12th another high pressure was developing which became firmly established over the UK. This gave a period of eleven days of warm, dry sunny weather, and at times very hot reaching a maximum of 29.5°C on the 17th and 19th. Minimum temperatures remained high and humid. Of note a ground minimum of 17.0°C was recorded on the 22nd (air 16.5°C). As the humidity and temperature rose, storms were expected but only a few drops of rain were observed on the afternoon of the 21st (but not enough to be measured in the rain gauge) but light drizzle on the 22nd gave 1.7mm of ppt. Then as the high eventually moved it gave much fresher, cooler weather. By the 27th a very complex system of weather fronts had developed which gave heavy, continual rain. From the evening of the 27th 25.2mm of ppt was recorded in 12hrs and from a further following 24hrs of persistent rainfall another 23.7mm measured. A strong south-westerly breeze (f6) was observed on the 12th and several fresh breezes (f5) noted from the 19th - 28th. A particularly cold ground minimum of 1.5°C was recorded on the 26th (air 6.5°C). Total rainfall for the month was 90.0 mm (3.55 inches). Following the awful weather last week, many birds started into song again, including Lesser White throat, chiffchaff, and Willow Warbler. The high tides from last week meant that over 80% of the salt marshes were flooded, which meant loss of many skylarks and meadow pipits lost their nests and these too are in full song again. Cuckoo heard singing up to Friday, but will be departing back to Africa soon. Return wader migration now underway, with over 40 curlew now on the marsh. Small numbers of whimbrel to be heard flying south most days. Pair of avocets along the flooded areas of marsh and displaying, so presumably have lost their nest elsewhere. Buzzard, marsh harrier and kestrel all in area with good numbers of red admirals seen during the week and many migrant silver Ys across the marsh Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 1st Three red admirals and two commas and a humming bird hawk moth on the wing at Sea View, 25 + Red Admiral seen on privet hedge at Sea View, 500 Starlings over the fresh water marsh at Rimac, Shag seen flying south at Paradise, Marsh Harrier over Sea View, Ringlet, skipper, meadow brown and red admiral all seen on the wing at Rimac, also Southern Hawker, Broad Bodied Chaser, Ruddy Darter, Common Darter and Emperor all on wing over the fresh water marsh at Rimac, Clearwing Hornet Moth, sesia apiformis, on the wing over the salt marsh at Paradise, first Hedge Brown seen in the Brickyard Lane area 2nd Early morning sunshine encouraged at least 29 red admirals to be on the wing and feeding on nectar from the bramble flowers amongst buckthorn scrub alongside the fore dune path nr Sea View, plus comma 2 and green-veined white butterflies active 3rd Starlings now beginning to show over the salt marsh and dunes with numbers of birds reaching at least 200+ in some flocks, Spotted Fly Catcher at Sea View, Little-ringed plovers seen daily, with a peak of 8 today. 4th A long term monitoring survey in the Paradise, Sea View and Rimac area today revealed several species including Lesser Meadow Rue, Skullcap, Figwort, Marsh Pennywort, Cuckoo Flower and Adders Tongue, saltmarsh species included Glasswort, Greater Centaury, Sea Lavender, Sea Spurrey, Cord Grass, Sea Plantain, Sea Arrow Grass, Sea Rush, Salt marsh Grass, Thrift and Annual sea Blite 5th Marsh Harrier over salt marsh at Sea View ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reserve reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org LNU Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** E-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Recorder *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ Contact: Aidan Neary, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Phil Hyde - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire's Back Garden : Might your project qualify? *** The HLF want to encourage applications for funding from all champions of natural heritage, particularly small, local and community groups with projects that help raise awareness of the wildlife and nature to be found close to home. See: https://www.hlf.org.uk/about-us/news-features/lincolnshires-back-garden *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Contact: 01522 555780 [New Number} *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams Contact: Ruth Craig Ruth.Craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for all nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 2017 Field Meetings Sunday, July 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Thurlby Fen Slipe Thurlby Fen Slipe LWT Reserve Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Southeast of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Car parking on Baston Edge Drove (unmade track) at TF119164. Turn onto Long Drove eastwards from the A15 at Thurlby and look for the LNU sign for the car park. Possibility of evening bat walk here with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. Access restrictions may apply to the eastern half of the reserve due to the presence of sensitive wildlife. Nearest public toilets in Bourne town centre. Habitats: Borrow pits, hedgerows, wet woodland, grassland and the north bank of the River Glen. Leader: Nick Tribe 07733 073989 nick.tribe@ntlworld.com Saturday, August 05, 2017 Field Meeting to Mareham Pastures LNR with evening moth/bat recording session Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. South of Sleaford. All day Bioblitz event with evening moth/bat recording session. Joint meeting with Friends of Mareham Pastures. Meeting times: 10am, 1pm and 8.15pm at reserve car park at TF072 447 (NG34 8ST). Follow Mareham Lane south out of Sleaford and turn right towards recycling centre then turn right again into car park. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitats: Meadows and woodland over restored landfill site. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants as all overhead costs are split between the Lincoln Area Group and the LNU. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is not to turn people into experts in an afternoon, but to cascade knowledge and enthusiasm for particular subjects so that participants can go away better equipped to follow them up on their own and also to encourage interest in a broader range of subjects both entomological and botanical. On most of them there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time outside in the field following this up. The workshops lined up for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. We're very grateful to the various experts who've fronted the workshops for being willing to give up their time and share their knowledge. We couldn't do all this without them. Also to the LNU for being willing to enter into this partnership. In the future we could broaden things to include mammals, birds and many other natural history topics. The dates of the workshops this year are. Flies/ Diptera on the 15th of July Spaces still available on: 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. Steve@wragby If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Meantime text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally.....: Dambusters logbook represents 'Who's Who' of raid http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-40437947 UK's only flying Lancaster back in the air after 'major' overhaul http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-40491289 Bringing nature into your backyard http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40508109 A precious single cygnet nurtured in the marsh https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/01/a-precious-single-cygnet-nurtured-in-the-marsh-country-diary Spiky stars of summer's golden gang https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/30/spiky-stars-of-summers-golden-gang My owl nest box has finally attracted a tenant https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/27/owls-garden-country-diary-northumberland Misunderstood molluscs: five reasons to love slugs https://www.theguardian.com/environment/shortcuts/2017/jul/04/misunderstood-molluscs-five-reasons-love-slug-chris-packham Male river fish show feminised traits due to chemicals flushed away http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-40477381/male-river-fish-show-feminised-traits-due-to-chemicals-flushed-away Wild ducks caught on camera snacking on small birds http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40445379 Unleashing the power of moss to clean cities http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/magazine-40433931/unleashing-the-power-of-moss-to-clean-cities Spain wildfires threaten Doñana nature reserve http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-40402812/spain-wildfires-threaten-doana-nature-reserve The secret world of plankton http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-40448070/photographer-ryo-minemizu-finds-the-secret-world-of-plankton ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/