============================================= || || 23rd 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... *** We would like to recruit 100 more readers and word of mouth [or email] is the best way to do it. Please give it a try. We really do need your help. A simple question - "Do you get the free LNU Bulletin?" - should do it. Or use the "Forward to a friend" link at the end of EVERY LNU Bulletin. [Whatever you do, don't forward your own Bulletin - it causes problems!] Thank you for all the contributions this week. Very much appreciated. If you have any August events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Here are some links from readers. If any don't work "copy and paste" URLs. Gannet bonanza on Yorkshire cliffs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40599541 Threatened native species finds safety in Lincolnshire http://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/news/threatened-native-species-finds-safety-in-lincolnshire-1-8061087 Is there such a thing as 'flying ant day'? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40632535 Blue whale takes centre-stage at Natural History Museum http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40582046 More topical links are below in "...and finally..." so don't forget to click. A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://www.lnu.org/ Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" *** The saga of the 3 chicks continues - they are doing well! http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** 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 *** 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/ *** Non-native Species Introductions *** Mary Porter writes: Just a note to say it was a great relief to read the non native insect advice in the Wildnews Bulletin. I've had "Larry the locust" or "Gordon the grasshopper" since the end of March! (Roger has briefly met him!). He was found in some lavender at Waitrose and by a very circuitous route, found it's way to me. I just happen to have an insect cage! "Gordon" has been very restless in the warm weather and trying to fly around his cage, which normally leads to knocks and bumps and I've been feeling so guilty keeping him (?) captive. The finder, who bought him round to us, looked him up and said he is an " Egyptian Grasshopper". I thought he looked too much like a locust! However, after digging up various grasses to try him on, he would eat nothing and finally settled on winter honeysuckle leaves. The web says they don't swarm, but nibble away at leaves on shrubs. That seems to be what he does! It also said the adult stage lasts about four months, so, even though he is pampered and captive, I doubt he'll last much longer. A shame. He doesn't provide anything in the way of intelligent conversation but I've got used to having him about. Editor adds: The GB Invasive Non-native Species Strategy was developed to meet the challenge posed by invasive non-native species in Great Britain. See: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm *** Humber Hounds Annual Humber Bridge Walk *** Kevin Bayes writes: The annual Humber Hounds Bridge Walk will take place again this year on Sunday 3rd September, starting from Waters Edge Visitor Centre, Barton upon Humber, DN18 5JR. The walk will take about 3 hours, with a staggered start from about 10.00am. The Annual Bridge Walk is a reminder that Bird Migration time is upon us again. The Humber Estuary is home to hundreds of thousands of birds which can be badly affected by disturbance. Our studies have shown that dogs off leads are the largest source of disturbance during the year. So please show your support and concern by joining us on the Walk and remember to keep your dog under close control when walking near the estuary and flocks of birds. But get out there and enjoy the spectacle! Please register your interest for the Annual Bridge Walk by going to the Humber Nature Partnership website www.humbernature.co.uk and following the links to our Eventbrite page; or like us and leave us a message on our Humber Hounds Facebook Page (with the same Eventbrite link), where you can find more information about the day. Spread the word – everyone welcome. Or go direct to the Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/humber-nature-partnership-1451608726 If event link not work, try: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/humber-nature-partnership-14516087267 Kevin Bayes Humber Nature Partnership *** 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.] [Timing: 12 noon - 4pm.] Next: 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 Whisby Workships - Introduction to Flies Phil Porter writes: Thanks are due to LNU and LWT for sponsoring the range of identification workshops at Whisby Education Centre. On Saturday 15th July, David Denman joined me in presenting the ‘Introduction to Flies’ aimed at family identification. Keying specimens with microscopes was new to most of the 6 participants and David and I were gratified at the progress made, which included some successful forays into species identification which we hadn’t altogether anticipated. The keys worked very well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves to the extent that repeats and further courses are now entirely on the cards. We hope that this event could fire a group interest in recording the flies of Lincolnshire. Our current county list is probably deficient in so many areas that a ‘golden age’ of new records would be very welcome. There are certainly plenty of new discoveries waiting to be made with 7,000 British species known. The event was very efficiently provisioned by the Whisby Education staff. We would be pleased to hear from anyone keen to embark on a new journey of wildlife interest! Reply to me: philporterento@outlook.com and Cc whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk for quickest response. Phil Porter *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: Come and meet the local members of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust at the Discovery Centre , Cleethorpes between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 5th August 2017. Gary Cooper, one of the Coastal Wardens will be there to chat between 10am and 12 noon. Wildlife photographer Paul Day will also be there in the morning with some of his pictures. A member of the ‘Watch’ leadership locally will be present from 1pm to talk about youth activities to children and parents. A Nature Walk is scheduled for 1pm in the area. Trust goods for purchase and free Trust literature will be available. There will also be a static wildlife display. Refreshments are available at the Centre. For further information ring Grimsby 502858 or 312051. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website: *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or consolidating repeated messages. Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". Note: 13/7 2 Spoonbills, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Osprey between Denton and Harlaxton, SW of Grantham Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes 14/7 6 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Common Crane, Freiston Shore 3 Spoonbills, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Pectoral Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes 15/7 Caspian Tern ad, Baston and Langtoft Pits, Market Deeping Quail males singing, on High Dyke, Welbourn Bittern, briefly, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Honey Buzzard flew south, Frampton Marsh 16/7 Caspian Tern ad, Baston and Langtoft Pits, Market Deeping 15 Spoonbills, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats 3 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Scaup drk, Bittern, Deeping Lakes 1+ Garganey, 2 Spoonbills, Spotted Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Lesser Yellowlegs over Saltfleetby All Saints towards Saltfleeby St Clements 17/7 3 Spoonbills, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper*, Pectoral Sandpiper*, Frampton Marsh 2 Wood Sandpipers at reservoir, Freiston Shore 3/5* Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 18/7 Broad-billed Sandpiper juv on the Wash, flew south, 4 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Osprey over town centre, Grantham 2 Wood Sandpipers at reservoir, Freiston Shore 2 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 19/7 Osprey, Denton reservoir 5 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 2 Spoonbills, Red-necked Phalarope, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Turtle Doves, Frampton Marsh 15 Spoonbills, 2 juvs, 12 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats 20/7 Black Tern flew past 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. TATTERSHALL "Basket" Swallows. David Robinson writes on 15/7: Just back from a short break and guess what: - the Swallows are busy in and out of our porch and have rebuilt the damaged nest so hopefully there will be a second brood of chicks. David adds on 19/7 Swallows update, hadn't seen the Swallows flying around much at all recently and they only came back to the porch at night, but yesterday I looked in on the nest which up until then had been unoccupied and there was an adult, probably the female, sitting on the nest. I guess she has laid eggs or is about to. SWIFTS in Lincoln Su Coleman writes: You were asking about swifts in the last Bulletin. 16 July 2017 15:00 Eight above the Crescent/deepdale Lane junction in Nettleham  17 July 2017 16:10 at least 25 over North Street , Horncastle near the Memorial Centre ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R. Parsons 13/7/2017 Old Lady moth in house. Fungus: Boletus sp - Growing in lawn - found AP. Young, broken specimen, 6cm tall, cap velvety and pale brown - 3cm diameter. Somewhat irregular. Pores yellow. 2 slug-nibbled-lesions on the cap had turned pink. Stipe distinctive - 5cm - yellow at base and covered with a network of brick-red veins - veins darkest/densest at upper part of stipe. Photos taken. Several more coming up in lawn - somewhat larger. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 13/7/2017 Toad 1 (very small - about an inch square) Woodmouse 1 15/7/2017 Dunnock 1 Ladybird 1 (7-spot) Magpie 1 (I think fledgling) Red admiral 1 16/7/2017 Blue tit 1 Ladybird larva 1 17/7/2017 Frog 1 18/7/2017 Great spotted woodpecker 1 19/7/2017 Chaffinch 2 (pair) Holly blue 1 LINCOLN Denis Jones Ruskin Avenue, Lincoln 14 July 2017 M+F Bullfinches continue to visit my Sunflower Hearts Feeders in my town garden on a daily basis. They have been visiting since 27 May. This is the 3rd year they have visited around this time. The last 8 weeks 2 Hedgehogs have been visiting my patio nightly for their mealworms and suet pellet supper. Too many cats around to put out cat food. They arrive between 10 to 11 pm. I think they are male and female the way one was trying to perform last night. Very good year for chicks in garden, all feeders have been very active inc House Sparrows, Dunnocks,Blackbirds, Robin,many Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Blue Tits, Gt Tits, Greenfinch NAVENBY Jennifer Playford 13 July 2017 In the grass field below our house in Navenby I watched the resident fox and Muntjac playfully romping and chasing each other in circles at dusk last night. When the fox saw me (15 m away) he went in the hedge and the Muntjac 'barked' for him to return - which he did. Is this behaviour unusual? There was no aggression - they really seemed to be playing. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 12.07.2017 Common Frog in garden border Chiffchaff or willow warbler taking black aphids (farmed by black ants) off my dahlias Small Skipper (first sighting in my garden) Red Admiral Berries on Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantana) in hedgerow starting to turn orange (TF302845) Long-tailed Tits (TF306847) Buzzard being mobbed by 3 Rooks (TF308850 approx.) – There is a new rookery on a large tree in that area; maybe that’s the reason why I have been seeing fewer buzzards this year. 14.07.2017 House Sparrow nestlings begging Goldfinch singing About the last time I heard Chiffchaff song 12-15 House Martins/Swallows (TF307847) Moths: Large Yellow Underwing 2, Silver Y 1 Butterflies: Gatekeeper 2, Green-veined White 1, Large White 1, Meadow Brown 1, Red Admiral 1, Ringlet 1, Small Skipper 2, Small White 1 15.07.2017 12-15 Swallows and House Martins feeding above house Ca. 100 Rooks and Jackdaws feeding on pasture (TF309849) Ca. 80-100 Starlings feeding on pasture, flying between trees and power lines in a mini murmuration (TF309849) Small Common Toad (about 1 year old) More tiny Toadlets 16.07.2017 2 Smooth Newts in pond 2 Large Yellow Underwing moths Butterflies species (1-2 in number): Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell 17.07.2017 10-12 Swallows on power lines including begging juveniles Grey Heron Moorhen Hornet 18.07.2017 Swallows and House Martins again feeding over house 5 Goldfinches on power line including at least 3 juveniles Southern Hawker (f) dragonfly over pond More Whirligig Beetles in pond, but not as numerous as in some previous years Sick Chaffinch fledgling in hedgerow (TF307847) with large swelling at back of head and food particles around its bill (possible trichomonosis; photos taken and will report to BTO) STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife noted whilst at work during the week was as follows: 10/7/2017 Kestrel 3 Carrion Crow Magpie Blackbird Blue Tit Woodpigeon Butterflies: Red Admiral 12/7/2017 Pied Wagtail Magpie Carrion Crow Kestrel Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral 13/7/2017 Carrion Crow Yellow Wagtail Kestrel 2 Magpie Goldfinch Woodpigeon Swallow Yellowhammer Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral 14/7/2017 Yellow Wagtail Blackbird Carrion Crow THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 14/07/17 Greenshank x 1 flew south over Thurnholmes 15/07/17 Nest box update; Box 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 cold egg, nest abandoned Box 5 Tree Sparrow, 6 eggs Box 14 Tree Sparrow, 5 eggs 15/07/17 Little Owl x 1 SK792976 Buff Ermine x 1 SK813999 MV moth trapping-15/07/17 22:00hrs - 16/07/17 02:30hrs Agapeta hamana x 8 Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix x 1 Blood Vein x 1 Brimstone Moth x 2 Brown-line Bright-eye x 1 Chrysoteuchia culmella x 1 Cnephasia spp. x 1 Common Carpet x 2 Common Footman x 4 Common Rustic x 7 Dark Arches x 16 Dingy Footman x 1 Dusky Sallow x 1 Early Thorn x 3 Garden Dart x 6 Ghost Moth x 1 female Gothic x 1 Heart and Dart x 1 Ingrailed Clay x 1 Large Yellow Underwing x 7 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing x 3 Lesser Yellow Underwing x 5 Lesser Cream Wave x 1 Light Arches x 1 Lime-speck Pug x 1 Mother of Pearl x 28 Nutmeg x 3 Purple Thorn x 1 Riband Wave x 1 Rosy Tabby x 2 Ruby Tiger x 1 Scoparia spp. x 1 Silver Y x 1 Small Fan-foot x 1 Small Magpie x 3 Smoky Wainscot x 14 Snout x 1 Swallow-tailed Moth x 5 True Lovers Knot x 1 Uncertain x 6 Yellow-tail x 1 male TUPHOLME ABBEY https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/sites/tupholme-abbey TL048380 R.Parsons 18/7/2017 @ 10.30hrs. 2 Stoats 1 adult [fem?] and 1 juv by old apple tree next to abbey ruins. Observed by them for some minutes! They were very curious. [Possible den under large stones in a hole in ground.] WRANGLE COMMON 16/07/2017 Roy and Kath Pearson We did a BTO BirdWatch count at our usual place today and had the lowest species count of only 13 species at the site. The only birds in high numbers were Mallard (25), Grey-lag Geese (15) and Woodpigeon (20). Unusually as many as four Common Crows were seen feeding together and while no Sedge Warblers were here today, we counted five Reed Warblers. A Buzzard was circling the site. Quite a large number of butterflies, in particular Meadow Brown were seen, with smaller groups of Gatekeeper, Large Whites and Small Whites and a single Red Admiral. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 12th - 19thJuly 2017 Contributors: - John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth, Gary Cooper, Neil Pike & Cliff Morrison General Notes and Weather Observations This week’s butterfly transect showed a decrease in ringlet and small skipper but an increase in hedge brown, from the previous transect, also seen 1 painted lady, 3 comma , 2 small copper and 1 common blue (not on transect) 19 red admirals, 2 comma, 1 painted lady counted on Butterfly Bush, buddleja davidii Coastguard Cottage on Sunday 1 hummingbird hawk moth, and 2 southern hawker dragonflies, in the Churchill Lane area Butterflies counted on a circular walk from Brick Yard Lane car park to Churchill Lane and back on 3 days this week have included Meadow Brown 42, Ringlet 81,Gatekeeper 71, Small Heath 2,Small Copper 2, Small Skipper 94, Large White 3, Green-veined White 8, Small White 6, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 1, Small Tortoiseshell 3, Comma 2 Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 13th Small groups of swifts moving south during the day over Sea View, marsh harrier 1 south over the Brick Yard Lane area 14th Blackcap, plus young chiffchaffs at Sea View and a single hummingbird hawk moth in flight, humming bird hawk moth in the Brick Yard Lane area, plants in flower near Churchill Lane included Marsh Pea, Betony and Ragged Robin with Strawberry Clover Trifolium fragiferum being found at Sea View, turtle dove heard calling in the Churchill Lane area, several species of dragonfly and damselfly on the wing in the late afternoon sun including common darter, southern hawker and emperor 15th Fewer swifts, single greenshank and male cuckoo over Sea View plus kestrel and sparrow hawk hunting nearby 16th Juvenile cuckoo at Sea View 17th On Paradise lagoon 2 common sandpipers, 2 lapwing, 24 redshank and 18 black-tailed godwits with 3 swifts over and 3 reed warblers and a single sedge warbler on the edge of the Eau near Black Bridge. Immature red kite north along dunes, Painted lady, red admiral, comma, hedge brown and large white on privet at Sea View, Brown Chafer beetle, serica brunnea found at Sea View 18th Linnet post breeding feeding parties unto 40 on beach, great spotted woodpecker 2, bullfinch up to 6, and immature cuckoo, all in the Brickyard Lane area 19th Tortoiseshell, large white, red admiral and hedge brown all on privet 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 Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 - App *** http://rogersmushroomsapp.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Recorder *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Phil Hyde - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire's Back Garden : Might your project qualify? *** The HLF want to encourage applications for funding from all champions of natural heritage, particularly small, local and community groups with projects that help raise awareness of the wildlife and nature to be found close to home. See: https://www.hlf.org.uk/about-us/news-features/lincolnshires-back-garden *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Contact: 01522 555780 [New Number} *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams Contact: Ruth Craig Ruth.Craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for all nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 2017 Field Meetings Sunday, 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 *** Field Studies Council courses 2017 *** The latest programme of the FSC lists an impressive range of interesting courses in some wonderful places. Note the partner organisations. Strongly recommended. http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/natural-history.aspx LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. Steve@wragby - soft bounce - message looks like SPAM terrymartin26 - soft bounce - over quota 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.....: Eight osprey chicks are in the Poole Harbour area ready for release. This is a five year programme to translocate ospreys from Scotland into an area perfect for naturalisation. https://www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/fish-eagle-has-landed-osprey-chicks-arrive-poole-harbour#overlay-context=fish-eagle-has-landed-osprey-chicks-arrive-poole-harbour Humber Bridge given Grade I listed status http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-40626412/humber-bridge-given-grade-i-listed-status Divers to recover World War Two Highball bombs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-40648104 Let's not forget RAF IX Squadron, then based at Bardney! https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/bombercommandtirpitznovember121944.cfm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUG-gGlZuJQ Scottish osprey chicks moved to Spain http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-40641909 Only hunting groups care about foxes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40632948 Drifting Antarctic iceberg A-68 opens up clear water http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-40635883 Will lynx return to the UK? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/40628037/will-wildcat-lynx-be-reintroduced-to-the-uk Hot hairstreaks drop to earth for a lime lolly https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/13/hot-hairstreaks-drop-to-earth-for-a-lime-lolly Sir David Attenborough warns of ‘critical summer’ for Lincolnshire butterflies http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/sir-david-attenborough-warns-of-critical-summer-for-lincolnshire-butterflies-1-8056106 Jewel-bright lizards look at home on one British isle https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/14/wall-lizards-ventnor-isle-wight-country-diary Waiting for the gorse to burst https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/15/waiting-gorse-burst-new-forest ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/