============================================= || || 12th March 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: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** An excellent AGM last Saturday started with 35 minutes of LNU business, followed by a fascinating update on Fenland natural history by President, Annette Faulkner. 36 members attended. [The meeting was reminded of the need to help secure the LNU's future by telling others about our work and inviting them to join. If this is something you feel able to do that will be a great help.] Readers make the best recruiters for newsletters like the Bulletin. We really need help to boost and maintain reader numbers too. At meetings and other suitable events, please give us a plug. If you have friends or colleagues who may be interested, please encourage them to sign up via: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php [Better still, use the "Forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin. That way they get a sample Bulletin to try.] Please explain that the Bulletin is free. It arrives each week, ready to scan through, without the need for logins, passwords, etc. The contributions we make become part of a valuable source of county biological data. Please "tweak" someone today and suggest they try it. It might even motivate them to join as a member and start recording. Thank you. Here are a few of this week's interesting news stories: Pictures show humpback whale breaching in Firth of Forth http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-39193516 About 200 Lincolnshire homes still without water http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39197105 Archaeopteryx fossil heads for Japan http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39198831 Controversial gas from Peruvian Amazon arrives in UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39164509 Carbon dioxide forecast for 2017 - smaller than the rise seen in 2016 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2017/2017-carbondioxide-forecast More topical links in "...and finally..." It would be good to have more plant records coming in to the Bulletin. Also, as spring arrives, keep an eye out for Herpetofauna - Amphibians and reptiles. A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here and in Communiqué. http://www.lnu.org/ Tip from Firefox: The easiest way to open a banana is to pinch the end without the stem. Just like monkeys do it. Thank you to all who have sent in reports and other useful contributions. If you have events or activities that need a 'plug', please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events and "Whisby Workshops 2017 " are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://www.lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Next meeting: Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** LBC AGM - FREE to everyone *** The Lincolnshire Bird Club Cordially invites you to The Admiral Rodney, Horncastle at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 21st 2017 for a talk by Andy Clements Director of the British Trust for Ornithology He will be talking on; "The latest bird tracking technology" The talk is FREE to everyone and will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (members only) Andy Clements is responsible for leading the work of the British Trust for Ornithology *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** TWO Weather Forecast - for your postcode *** http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** March Night Sky - Spring Equinox on 20th. *** Full Moon on 12th. Spring equinox falls on 20th March. British Summer Time starts on 26th. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** A Caddis to look out for - The Grannom - spotted one yet? *** Brachycentrus subnubilus - a caddis known as The Grannom. https://www.ispotnature.org/species-dictionaries/uksi/Brachycentrus subnubilus Richard Chadd says: It has a characteristic pattern of yellowish spots on a grey background & flight period is March to June. It's also day-flying so no need to mess about with moth traps. We have plenty of larval records, but some adult sightings may fill-in the gaps in Lincolnshire distribution. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - deadline on 31st. *** The closing date for entries is Thursday 31 March 2017 http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" is back - but no owls? *** Keep visiting and hoping. Check their diary when you do. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Bird Watching Cruises 2017 - a real treat. *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The RSPB South Lincs Group will once again be running birdwatching and seal spotting cruises aboard the famous Boston Belle running from Bostons Grand Sluice, up the river Witham, into The Wash and up the river Welland. During 2016 over 100 bird species were seen, averaging about 64 per cruise. Highlights included kingfisher, godwits, turnstone, dunlin, knot, marsh harrier, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and eider. Cruises run from May until October and full details, including ticket arrangements are at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings - All Welcome *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk Keith Scarrott writes: Monday, 13th March: Meeting of the Natural History and Geology Section, Scunthorpe Museum Society. ANCIENT WOODS AND SHADOW WOODS - Professor Ian Rotherham of Sheffield Hallam University, an expert on several environmental issues, will give an illustrated talk about our ancient woodlands. Professor Rotherham, formerly Director of the Ecological Advisory Service for Sheffield City Council, has research links around the world and a core aspect of his work is to widen participation in environmental research and to involve all sections of society and the community in caring for the planet. He is the author of many papers, articles, books, studies, reports and newspaper features and has broadcast on radio and television in Britain, USA and Europe. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS which take place in St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, and start at 7.15pm. There is free parking in the Church grounds and no entry charge to the meeting but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are provided at the mid-talk break for a small charge. For further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: Talk: Wildlife on your doorstep Monday 13th March - 7:30pm The Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford A talk by Matt Cox, North-West Lincolnshire Warden, who was brought up in Goole and in his early years did much of his "nature bothering" within walking distance of the town, and continues to be inspired by those wild corners which are often overlooked just a stone's throw from home. Matt has recently joined the Trust having worked for the RSPB on the Humber and various conservation projects in Cumbria. 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 Adrian White writes: CHANGE TO PROGRAMME [Apologies for the inconvenience] Wednesday 15th March "Birds of the Dead Sea Area" A talk by Simon Wellock Warden for Humber reserves All Welcome, refreshments available Membership not required Saturday 18th March A trip to Alkborough A half-day visit to the reserve. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. For details contact; Vernon Chapman (01652 660957) *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Sunday 19th March 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting from the Antony's Bank carpark on the Humbeston Fitties, TA 331061. Meet leader Ray Hume at 8am. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed. For further details contact Ray Hume - 01472 320878. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Grimsby RSPB Group *** Martin Francis writes: The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 20th March at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Allan and Susan Parker will give us a talk entitled "Shetlands Re-visited". There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £3, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to Clumber Park and Messingham NR on Sunday 19th March, (i.e. the day before the meeting) leaving Millman's Coach Depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. Booking is essential All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB for either event. For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". 2/3/2017 Bluethroat 1w male along main track, WillowTree Fen * Waxwing, EA Depot, Short Ferry, Fiskerton Fen 2 Glaucous Gulls, both juvs, on saltmarsh between car park and Pye's Hall, Donna Nook Hen Harrier male, near East Marsh Lane, Goxhill Haven 3/3 2 Scaup, both 1w drks, Cove Farm gravel pits, Westwoodside Scaup 1w drk, Covenham reservoir 2 Scaup, both fem, Toft Newton reservoir Water Pipit, Black-throated Diver past, Gibraltar Point Glaucous gull juv at realignment, 13 Shorelarks at south end, 3 Lapland Buntings, 64 Twite, 2 great Northern Divers off south end, Long-tailed Duck, Donna Nook Cattle Egret in field between Sea View and Paradise, flew north over dunes, Saltfleetby Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming at Boultham Mere/Swanpool, Mealy Redpoll at garden feeder, Wissley Road, Lincoln Great White Egret over Thurlby towards Thurlby Gravel Pits 4/3 Cattle Egret, north of Sea View car park and west of Paradise Pool, Saltfleetby Dotterel with Golden Plovers, Hen harrier, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Sand Martins, 2 Common Cranes flew over, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Rimac 22 Shorelarks south end at Quad 3, Lapland Bunting, 100+ Twite, Glaucous Gull juv, Donna Nook Long-eared Owl on island, Great White Egret, Deeping Lakes Bluethroat 1w male along main track, WillowTree Fen Woodlark flew south over north car park, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret, 1w fem Long-tailed Duck, on River Welland 5/3 Rough-legged Buzzard ad male, Common Road, Throckenholt, 5 miles ENE of Thorney Bluethroat 1w male along main track, WillowTree Fen 15 Shorelarks at south end north of quad 3 building, Glaucous Gull juv. near Stonebridge, Donna Nook Cattle Egret, between Sea View car park and Paradise Pool, Saltfleetby Siberian Chiffchaff along River Freshney, between Wybers estate and Laceby Acres estate, Grimsby 6/3 Cattle Egret on saltmarsh just north of Sea View car park, 58 Twite, 2 Russian White-fronted Geese, 40 Velvet Scoters, Saltfleetby 4 Scaup, Pale-bellied BrantGoose, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 2 Long-eared Owls on island, Deeping Lakes Scaup, west of Crowland Bridge, Deeping High Bank* 7/3 Cattle Egret on saltmarsh just south of Sea View car park Bluethroat 1w male along main track, WillowTree Fen Long-eared Owl on island, Short-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes White Wagtail, Lea Marsh 8/3 Mealy Redpoll in garden, Park Road, Willingham by Stow 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 Every drive is a transect! MINK Roadkill: 1st March 2017 Jonathan Bye Adult mink at TF406196 off Sutton Road, near South Holland Drain A1 SK929251 Colsterworth slip road to Al Jane Ostler 19 Feb 2017 Hare B6403 SK933255 Between Colsterworth and Easton Jane Ostler 24/2/17 Fallow Deer LITTLE LONDON (Grid reference TA183117) 5/3/2017 Jon Drakes Adult Badger at side of Keelby Road, Little London. Probably hit by motor vehicle. NORTH THORESBY. TF 290975 Peter Crick 25.02.2017 Badger, on roadside verge HORKSTOW 4 March 2017 Jenny Haynes The pair of Morehens that had taken up residence in my garden have both succumbed to RTA. I found one dead on the road, then the other on the verge nearby. I am so sad as it's the first time I've ever seen any here and I was looking forward to seeing their offspring later in the year. Badger Roadkill discussion. I received two interesting notes on the subject of Badger roadkill reports from Peter Crick and Alice Nunn. I am including Alice's question this week. "I sometimes notice in the Bulletin a high number of reports of roadkill badgers. Coupled with what is admittedly 'anecdotal' information that badgers are being taken for illegal baiting activities and then, when dead, are being thrown onto the road to look like roadkill, should we be concerned? If so what should we do about this? How seriously do the Police take this sort of thing, do they actually have the resources to tackle this sort of wildlife crime, if that is what it is?" Nick Willey replies to both questions: "Regarding the first question, I don't think they will spend time researching road kills as you say, a number of those on roads can be attributed to possible badger diggers throwing them from vehicles, there are a number of trains of thought on this one, all I can say is that a number of what we suspected as being road kills have turned out to be subject of persecution. In general Badger diggers tend to leave the dead ones where they have dug them out and where the dogs have had hold of them, we cannot investigate every dead badger on the roadside, sometimes I will stop if it is safe to do so. But it is not routinely investigated." Editor adds: We would advise against stopping to check road kills unless you feel the situation to be safe to allow this. You should not put any passers by or yourself in danger. However, if you do ever note evidence to suggest a particular dead animal shows possible evidence of baiting by all means pass on the record. I will include it in the Bulletin as it will allow Nick and his colleagues to keep track of any emerging patterns to such crimes. FROGSPAWN Ray Woodcock, Louth Our tiny pond has had frog spawn since 28th February. Pete Lilley: 6 clumps in my small garden pond from Saturday 25th February. However, not very interesting for your readership as it is on the Surrey/ Sussex border, so probably earlier than in Lincolnshire! Clare Brady: My friend has frog spawn in her pond in Alford, she told me with great delight on Monday. 28/2/2017 Alford - Report from a friend. Frog spawn in garden pond and counted 20 frogs. Angela Buckle. First frogspawn, Willingham Woods pond, 7th of March. *** 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 w/e 3/3/2017 Blackbird pair, Robin 2, Dunnock pair, Starlings 36 - pair nesting in roof, Chaffinch f, Goldfinch 2, Wren, Great Tit 2, Black-headed Gull 12, Jackdaw 7, Woodpigeon 8, Collared Dove 2, Grey Heron over, 3/3 Buzzard over 4/3 [often heard]. 7/3 Song Thrush singing in churchyard. Pied wagtail over. Honeybee in house. BOSTON (South by A16) February 2017 Kathleen Pearson During February I was able to do the BTO Garden BirdWatch on all 28 days. The total of species was 18. It was good to see that our single Goldcrest was recorded on 9 days feeding on fat balls. However there appear to be fewer gulls around at the moment. The species recorded are below. The first number after the name is the total of days on which they were recorded and the second number in brackets the highest single day count of birds seen together. Blackbird 28(10), Goldfinch 27(12), Woodpigeon 28(9), Great Tit 23(2), Collared Dove 28(6), Wren 10(2), Greenfinch 27(10), Long-tailed Tit 25(3), Robin 27(2), Dunnock 17(2), House Sparrow 9(3), Starling 20(6), Chaffinch 25(3), Black-headed Gull 2(3), Blue Tit 27(2), Herring Gull 3(1), Goldcrest 9(1) and Sparrowhawk 1(1). COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler First trees noted in flower 2017 Cherry Plum 8/1/2017 Hazel 8/1/17 (Male flowers only) Grey Alder 11/2/17 (male flowers only) Alder 25/2/17 (male and a few female flowers) Yew (male flowers) 4/3/17 Goat Willow 4/3/17 On the male trees the anthers just emerged from the grey hairs. Ash 6/3/17 Noted anthers emerged on one tree, on the side overhanging the River Witham only Blackthorn 6/3/l7 In late February a tree/tall bush out probable a hybrid with plum In addition the first elder with leaves emerging from buds was also alongside the Witham on 25/2/17 In Grantham on 25/2/17 additional species in flower were male flowers on and ash maple, elm trees alongside the River Witham. I record these dates in most years and find that these are later than last year but not remarkably so. Within the same area frogs first seen in pairs lst March. They are back at most ponds now but no reports of spawn as yet. Newts are back in ponds Rooks were already sitting on nests when storm Doris brought several nests down on 23/2/17. Skylarks heard singing on 6 March Early flowers include dog's mercury, spurge laurel, primroses, coltsfoot (2nd March), spring whitlow grass, early forget-me-not. GRIMSTHORPE Chris Howes - Park Ranger 01/03/17 Grimsthorpe Lake TF 040218 Single Oystercatcher seen for the last three days along with 20+ Lapwing 01/03/17 Pots and Pans TF 038206 Single Brambling recorded KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 4/3/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Woodpigeon 1 Blackbird 4 Collared Dove 3 Blac-headed Gull 1 Starling 15 Dunnock 4 Rook 1 Robin 2 House Sparrow 15 Blue Tit 2 Tree Sparrow 1 Goldfinch 2 Wren 1 Chaffinch 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 5/3/2017 Jon Drakes An early morning walk around the fields and woodland to the North of the village found the following species present: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Single bird heard calling Collared Dove Dunnock Fieldfare 4 Goldfinch Great Tit Greater Spotted Woodpecker single bird "drumming" in woods Grey Partridge 2 House Sparrow Jackdaw Linnet 3 Long-tailed Tit Magpie Moorhen 2 Nuthatch 2 Pheasant Pied Wagtail Reed Bunting 1 Robin Rook Starling Woodpigeon Yellowhammer 4 LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 11/03/2017 Jayne Knight 26/02 Buff-tailed Bumblebee flying around in the garden. Not certain as too far away to get a close look, but rear appeared more buff than white in colour. 28/02 Young Pholcus Phalangioides spider still maintaining a web in kitchen window. Had a large prey item securely wrapped up for last couple of days and visits it regularly for a top-up feed. Goldcrest still resident and feeding on crushed suet balls. LOUTH Grid ref: TF332884 Peter White 6/3/2017 Above my house today (6 March) just off the Brackenborough Road there were 6 Buzzards circling, coming in from south west and drifting East. Quite a sight (and racket) for about 5 minutes. NEW WALTHAM -TOLL BAR TA 270043 Peter Crick 26.02.2017 Weasel NEW WALTHAM TA 285046 Peter Crick 02.03.2017 Frog spawn in ornamental pond RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 02.03.2017 Green Woodpecker (heard several times during last few days) A solitary Common Gull still comes to feed on worms in the adjoining pasture; for the third winter in succession if, indeed, it is the same bird. Blue tits active at nest box 04.03.2017 Frog croaking in pond Common Newt in pond 06.03.2017 Harlequin Ladybird on bedroom window (first this season) 07.03.2017 Robin, Dunnock, Great Tit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush in song, but no Blackbird song as yet Buff-tailed Bumblebee on crocus 08.03.2017 Wasp queen emerging from bedroom hideaway (first this season) RIPPINGALE TF093277 Pauline Warman 04/03/2017 Brown Hare 1 Barn Owl 1 RIPPINGALE TF093277 07/03/2015 Redwing 20+ Fieldfare 1 Song Thrush 2 WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 05 March 17 Carol Massen Rural garden of just under a quarter of an acre. 2 log piles - one with a camera, a pond, several bird boxes - 4 with cameras and a 'small mammal box' with camera. Numbers indicate maximum sightings of a species at any one time Blackbird 3 Blue Tit 3 Bullfinch 3 (One male, two females) Chaffinch 3 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldcrest 3 Goldfinch 5 Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Great Tit 2 Greenfinch 4 House Sparrow 3 Jackdaw 4 Long Tailed Tit 7 Pheasant 3 Robin 2 Wood Pigeon 3 Wren 1 Grey Squirrel 1 Bank Vole 1 Wood Mouse 2 Frogs in pond 6 The frogs are just one day later than last year! First frogspawn on 05 March Newt 1 3 bird boxes have roosting blue tits THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 23/02/17 Barn Owl x 1 SE883043 25/02/17 Blackbird x 2 Linnet x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Skylark x 3 all singing high over Thurnholmes Sparrowhawk x 1 female Tree Sparrow x 7 Wood Pigeon x 35 28/02/17 Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 2 Blue Tit x 1 Chaffinch x 5 Common Buzzard x 2 circling high over Thurnholmes Dunnock x 2 Great Tit x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 17 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 Roe Deer x 3 SE805023 04/03/17 Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 7 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 2 Golden Plover x 41 over Thurnholmes Herring Gull x 1 Kestrel x 1 with small rodent kill Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 3 singing high over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 7 Wood Pigeon x 15 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 08/03/17 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Mallard x 6 on flooded paddocks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 1st March - 8th March 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Nigel Lound, Gary Cooper, & John Walker General Notes and Weather Observations General - common Whitlow grass coming into flower in sheltered areas of the dunes. No Frog spawn found as yet and only 3 newly emerged frogs and 5 common newts seen by 07 03. Details of colour ringed Little Egret seen on 5th March: Ringing Scheme: London Ring Number: GV07717 Species of bird: Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) This bird was ringed by North Notts Ringing Group as age nestling, sex unknown on 30-May-2015 11:00:00 at Besthorpe Gravel Pits, Newark, Nottinghamshire, UK Colour Marks left above knee ON(L) Colour Marks right above knee GW(Z) It was found on 05-Mar-2017 time unknown at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, Lincolnshire, UK, 645 days after it was ringed, 71 km from the ringing site, direction ENE. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 1st March 187 Red-throated Diver flew north and at least 36 Velvet Scoter offshore south of Crook Bank. Singles of Goldcrest and Redwing at Brick Yard Lane 54 Shoveler on Paradise 2nd Little Egret 39 on the saltmarsh and at Paradise lagoon Shoveler 30+ all tightly packed into the vegetation, plus Tufted Duck 11 and Gadwall 2 with 400+Wood Pigeon feeding on the adjacent pasture field. 3rd Single Green Woodpecker nr Sea View, Cattle Egret feeding in pasture field with 9 Curlew between Sea View and Paradise; bird very flighty and easily disturbed, it was later reported in a pasture field near Paradise. 4th Cattle Egret in pasture field near Sea View Road and observed/reported during the day in the area, later in the afternoon it was with Little Egrets on the saltmarsh near Sea View. Shelduck numbers gradually building up on the saltmarsh with 29 birds In the Rimac area were a Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, a Jack Snipe, a Water Rail and a pair of Stonechat. At sea 176 Red-throated Diver, 6 Guillemot, 2 Gannet and 11 Common Scoter flew north. A Cattle Egret was just north of Sea View Farm. 5th Cattle Egret roosting in ash tree near Paradise and later seen feeding in adjacent pasture field; on Paradise lagoon were Shoveler 42, Curlew 22, Tufted Duck 3, Gadwall 2? and Coot 3. A colour ringed Little Egret was seen on the saltmarsh Orange L // Green Z. 2 hen harriers and 2 barn owls hunting saltmarsh around Churchill Lane area. Gall Wasp at Sea View, one of the Cynipidae, possibly Andricus, awaiting confirmation 6th Cattle Egret still around between Sea View and Paradise either on its own or with Little Egrets on the saltmarsh during the day. Shelduck 43 on the saltmarsh On the sea were 40 Velvet and 100 Common Scoter, a male Goldeneye, 8 Great-crested Grebe and 11 Red-throated Diver. Another 94 Red-throated Diver flew north. On Joe House's field were 2 White-fronted Geese, 2 Pinkfeet, 242 Curlew and a Ringed Plover. 4 Bullfinch were around Crook Bank and 58 Twite were on the beach. 29 whooper swans seen leaving foreshore roost and 2 water rails screaming in freshwater marsh. Muntjac deer and 9 Little Egrets seen on Sea View 1 late afternoon 7th Cattle Egret remained in the Sea View area. Single Short-eared Owl hunting over saltmarsh late afternoon. 2 Buff-Tailed Bumblebees seen flying around Sea View area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. Wetland Reserve TF 331595 Garry Steele Noteworthy ornithological sightings and Monthly maximums - February 2017 Cormorant - 6 Fieldfare - c45 Gadwall - 4 Grey Heron - 1 Greylag Goose - 96 Lapwing - 241 Little Egret - 1 Mallard - 27 Redshank - 7 Rook - c120 Shelduck - 1 Shoveler - 1 Teal - 23 Tufted Duck - 3 Wigeon - 42 Woodpigeon - c250 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! You can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the LNU website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny. ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk http://lnu.org/publications.php LNU Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Website: http://lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** E-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Recorder *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ Contact: Aidan Neary, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire's Back Garden : Might your project qualify? *** The HLF want to encourage applications for funding from all champions of natural heritage, particularly small, local and community groups with projects that help raise awareness of the wildlife and nature to be found close to home. See: https://www.hlf.org.uk/about-us/news-features/lincolnshires-back-garden *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Contact: 01522 555780 [New Number} *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams Contact: Ruth Craig Ruth.Craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. 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://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 Field Meetings Sunday, April 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Gatecliff Wood A private woodland site with access courtesy of Steph Simpson. Southwest of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from A158 just east of Langworth and sign-posted for Woodside Wildlife Park (Falconry Centre). Go past the park and take track on right (on bend next to Hardy Gang Wood). Park at TF087748 next to corner of Gatecliff Wood. Don't take the private track to Barlings or continue down track to Gatecliff Farm. Possibility of evening bat walk here from 7.30pm with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest public toilets in centre of Wragby. Habitat: Ancient Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, May 27, 2017 Field meeting to Corringham Scroggs with evening bat/moth recording session A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates. Northeast of Gainsborough. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then at 20.30 again for evening session. Meet and park at SK842919 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside the track where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. NB. Parts of site quite wet. Insect repellent recommended. Additionally, as a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Gainsborough town centre. Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland (partly wet), ponds and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 25, 2017 Field Meeting to Chapel Six Marshes Part of Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. North of Chapel St.Leonards 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road north of Chapel St Leonards for about 1km and then track towards sea and parking at TF558741. NB. Nearest public toilets are at Chapel Point. Habitats: Dunes, shore, marsh, waterbodies, grassland, scrub and plantation. Partly a habitat creation area. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 30, 2017 Field Meeting to Thurlby Fen Slipe Thurlby Fen Slipe LWT Reserve Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Southeast of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Car parking on Baston Edge Drove (unmade track) at TF119164. Turn onto Long Drove eastwards from the A15 at Thurlby and look for the LNU sign for the car park. Possibility of evening bat walk here with members of the Lincolnshire Bat Group. Best to confirm nearer the time. NB. Access restrictions may apply to the eastern half of the reserve due to the presence of sensitive wildlife. Nearest public toilets in Bourne town centre. Habitats: Borrow pits, hedgerows, wet woodland, grassland and the north bank of the River Glen. Leader: Nick Tribe 07733 073984 nick.tribe@ntlworld.com Saturday, August 05, 2017 Field Meeting to Mareham Pastures LNR with evening moth/bat recording session Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. South of Sleaford. All day Bioblitz event with evening moth/bat recording session. Joint meeting with Friends of Mareham Pastures. Meeting times: 10am, 1pm and 8.15pm at reserve car park at TF072 447 (NG34 8ST). Follow Mareham Lane south out of Sleaford and turn right towards recycling centre then turn right again into car park. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitats: Meadows and woodland over restored landfill site. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants as all overhead costs are split between the Lincoln Area Group and the LNU. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is not to turn people into experts in an afternoon, but to cascade knowledge and enthusiasm for particular subjects so that participants can go away better equipped to follow them up on their own and also to encourage interest in a broader range of subjects both entomological and botanical. On most of them there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time outside in the field following this up. The workshops lined up for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. We're very grateful to the various experts who've fronted the workshops for being willing to give up their time and share their knowledge. We couldn't do all this without them. Also to the LNU for being willing to enter into this partnership. In the future we could broaden things to include mammals, birds and many other natural history topics. The dates of the workshops for next year are now finalized. Bees (David Sheppard) on the 3rd of June, Flies/ Diptera on the 15th of July, Pond Dipping on the 22nd of July (Richard Chadd) Odonata (Nick Tribe and Richard Chadd) on the 29th of July. Contact Richard Davidson on: rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** Field Studies Council courses 2017 *** The latest programme of the FSC lists an impressive range of interesting courses in some wonderful places. Note the partner organisations. Strongly recommended. http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/natural-history.aspx LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Bryophyte Surveys *** Steven Heathcote writes: Bryophyte surveys around Lincolnshire. I have been carrying out some bryophyte surveys at a range of Lincolnshire sites as part of the British Bryological Society's Ecology Group project . See: http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/activities/brecog/brecog.html The survey involves a series of small quadrats in different bryophyte habitats. I'm visiting a wide range of sites across the county. If anyone would like to join me in 2017 then please drop me an email and I will let you know when I plan a visit. steven.heathcote@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. 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..... WWII Lancaster mascot Mr Fox 'absent without leave' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39166052 RAF jets escort plane to Birmingham airport http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39190527 Coal collapse drives down UK carbon emissions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39181753 Is there a way to tackle air pollution? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39132679 Nature report should be released now - MPs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39129601 Scotland's non-biting midges http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-39114196 Crocodile Shark discovered in UK waters for first time http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-39145812 Tagged animals at risk from hunters and nature-lovers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39108583 Earliest evidence of life on Earth 'found' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39117523 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/