============================================= || || 7th May 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. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin or send this link to contacts who might like to 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Editor writes... *** Please will you help to recruit some more Bulletin readers? It would be good to grow and we have room for almost 1000 more people on our free allowance. Shame not to use it. If you have used the Bulletin for publicity, please keep mentioning us to your "constituency". If you click on the "Forward to a Friend" link at the end of your Bulletin you can send on a copy with a helpful sign-up form. Easy. Have a look. The May Bank Holiday seems to have got the naturalists out and about. It is always exciting when the Black Terns pass through and a number of Turtle Dove sightings have also been reported. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/browse-bird-families/terns.aspx 21 people attended the LNU Field Meeting at Gatecliff Wood for 3 hours of exploration. A good selection of woodland species were recorded. Lincolnshire's Limewoods are especially wonderful at this time of the year. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods Your suggestions for topical links are very welcome. Here are a few links for this week: Fiskerton Fen http://www.lincolnshirelife.co.uk/posts/view/fiskerton-fen Builders 'behind UK flooding risk' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39722792 Government bid to delay air pollution plan fails http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39737981 More topical links below in "...and finally..." 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/ Thank you to everyone who has sent in reports and other contributions. If you have events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 - spaces still available - please ask *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is that participants will go away better equipped to develop their interest. On most courses there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time in the field. The workshops for 2017 are Bees, Flies/Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. 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. *** May Night Sky - Eta Aquarids an hour before sunrise on 5th May *** Watch for Eta Aquarids meteor shower an hour before sunrise on 5th May http://www.popastro.com/meteor/activity/activity.php?id_pag=224 Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" 2nd egg laid 30th April. 3rd on 2nd May. *** Keep watching! http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 Also, recommended by Bob Sheppard: Kingfisher Webcam https://www.birdfood.co.uk/kingfisher-webcam SWT Osprey-webcam https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events and "Whisby Workshops 2017 " are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://www.lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Next meeting: Saturday, 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 *** 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/ *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams - deadline 14th May *** Will Bartle writes: 3 Month Graduate placement The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project are currently advertising a voluntary 3 month graduate placement starting in June thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The role will involve assisting the staff to organise a week-long festival of family events in August and is an ideal opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of conservation. Deadline for applications is Sunday 14th May. Full details can be found on the environmentjobs website: http://www.environmentjob.co.uk/adverts/63386-lincolnshire-chalk-streams-graduate-volunteer *** Volunteer Opportunity - working with crayfish in Nottinghamshire *** Chris Jackson, Biodiversity Officer, Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, writes We are currently running a project in Bulwell to support our native white-clawed crayfish (a LBAP species). The project, at Bulwell Hall, is seeking to control and eventually eradicate signal crayfish from two fishing ponds at this site.  Bulwell sits within the River Leen catchment and this is currently one of the best catchments for white-clawed crayfish in the East Midlands. Signal crayfish (as well as other American crayfish species) carry crayfish plague which causes mortality in the native white-clawed crayfish when it comes into contact with infected individuals. As a result this is an incredibly important project to try to stop the signal crayfish from spreading into the wider River Leen catchment. In order for the project to work we require the assistance of a large numbers of volunteers. The volunteers will help with emptying the traps, recording the catch and then sterilising and returning the larger male crayfish. We will provide gloves, life vests, waders (as close to your size as possible) and other equipment. If you are interested in getting involved and are free on any of the dates below then please feel free to contact me at biodiversity@nottscc.gov.uk Saturday 6th May, Tuesday 9th May, Friday 12th May, Monday 15th May, Thursday 18th May, Sunday 21st May, Wednesday 24th May, Saturday 27th May, Tuesday 30th May, Friday 2nd June, Monday 5th June, Thursday 8th June, Sunday 11st June, Wednesday 14th June, Saturday 17th June, Tuesday 20th June, Friday 23rd June, Monday 26th June, Thursday 29th June More details about crayfish in Nottinghamshire can be found on the http://www.nottsbag.org.uk/projects.htm (there is a leaflet at the bottom of the projects and publications page - I’m afraid it may be slightly out of date due to recent survey work). *** Grimsby RSPB Group *** Martin Francis writes: The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 15th May at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Bill Meek, who is a regular columnist for the Cleethorpes Chronicle and who has been a research ecologist and field survey ecologist for over 20 years, will give an illustrated talk about "North East Lincolnshire Wildlife" There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £3, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to RSPB The Lodge, and the moving on to nearby Paxton Pits (Huntingdonshire Wildlife Trust) on Sunday 20th May leaving Millman's Coach Depot in Wilton Rd, Humberston at 7.30am. Booking is essential. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB for either event. For more information, contact (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 ***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: On Saturday 6th May 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on an early morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car parking area at 6.30 am. (Grid ref TA306067) Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume 07814840682. On Saturday 13th May 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a visit to Coronation Meadow at Red Hill which is north of Goulceby, off the Bluestone Heath Road, LN11 9UE. Grid reference TF264806. Meet leader Julie Harrison in the car parking area at 2pm. We are hoping to see spring flowers including Cowslips. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Julie Harrison 07923010037. *** Louth LWT *** Louth Area Group LWT Ray Woodcock writes: *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". 30/4 18 Black Terns flew east over, 231 Arctic Terns, 2 Little Gulls, Chowder Ness 6 Black Terns, Knot, Little Gull, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits 4 Black Terns, Black-necked Grebe, Little Tern, Thurlby Pit 4 Black Terns, 70+ Arctic Terns, Black-necked Grebe, Covenham Reservoir Bar-tailed Godwit, Shearman's Wath, West Ashby Turnstone, Toft Newton Reservoir Great White Egret, Little Gull, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Spoonbill, Blue-headed Wagtail, Scaup, 2 Turtle Doves, Frampton Marsh Little Tern on Teal Lake, Garganey drk on Teal lake, Whisby Nature Park 2 Grey Plovers, Baston + Langroft gravel pits Caspian Gull 2w in pea field at south end, Donna Nook 2 Garganey, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Cattle Egret, Scaup*, Deeping Lakes Turtle Dove, Theddlethorpe Iceland Gull juv flew east over, juv Glaucous Gull, Saltfleetby St Peter Sanderling, Iceland Gull juv, Manby Flashes Ring Ouzel in field at Cleatham House Farm, Kirton in Lindsey 1/5 Black Tern, Covenham Reservoir 7 Black Terns, Messingham Sand Quarry 5 Black Terns on north pit, then flew towards Hide pit, Garganey drk on Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park Wood Sandpiper, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Bar-tailed Godwit flew north through Baston + Langtoft gravel Pits 2 Garganey 1 drk, Anderby Marsh 2 Ring Ouzels, Weelsby Woods Spoonbill on Tennysons Sands, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point Black Redstart on fence by 1st sheep pen, Cattle Egret, 2 Garganey 1 drk, Scaup drk, 2 Turtle Doves, Deeping Lakes 6 Common Cranes, Legbourne - 1030 then flew off. Caspian Gull 2w in pea field at south end, Donna Nook Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh 2/5 9 Black Terns, 2 Arctic Terns, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Black Tern, 12 Arctic Terns, Covenham reservoir Black Tern, Cattle Egret and Spoonbill south of level crossing, Scaup on East Pit, Deeping Lakes Black Tern, Wood Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Common Crane flew north over Jackson's Marsh/Tennyson's Sands, Garganey on Tennyson's Sands, Little Gull, Gibraltar Point Common Crane flew south over The Wash, Wainfleet Long-tailed Duck fem, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Turnstone, Messingham Sand Quarry Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Garganey drk, Whisby Nature Park 3/5 2 Black Terns at reservoir, Turtle Dove by Cross Bank, 2 Curlew Sandpipers on wet grassland near car park, Frampton Marsh Black Redstart by Jackson's Marsh, Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point 3 Arctic Terns, Deeping Lakes Firecrest at Cut End towards Tabs Head, Long-tailed Duck by river mouth, Boston Curlew Sandpiper, Caspian gull in pea field, Donna Nook Osprey flew west over, 2 Arctic Terns, Boultham Mere Lesser spotted Woodpecker drumming, Boultham Mere/ Swanpool 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. MOLES in the dry spring. NOCTON Jerry Gunner writes On April 26 I found an animal there is always evidence of in the garden but very rarely seen - a mole I found on a paved footpath. I think it’s only the second time I’ve seen a live one above ground and the other had no choice because it would have drowned if it had stayed underground. This one was moved to a safer place. I thought that was an exciting unusual find. And then a couple of days later I found another in my veg patch. Very strange. However, Tuesday May 2 took the biscuit with two being collected, one on the back lawn and the other again in the veg patch. All seemed very well and didn’t appear to be emaciated. All but one were moved away from the lawns to minimise the damage they cause. The fourth, we’ll call him Harry, managed to climb out of the bucket I’d put him in while I got my boots on to move him to the end of the paddock. He’ll come again I’m sure. http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/European_Mole ROADKILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. A18 between KEELBY and GREAT LIMBER (Grid reference TA152094) 30/4/2017 Jon Drakes Large Badger lying at the side of the A18. Looked like it had been in collision with a motor vehicle. BURGH LE MARSH TF514647  A158 Near the garden centre and caravan park. Robert Walker 30/4/17 Badger 1 roadkill *** 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. DEEPING LAKES Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Composite reort 24/04/17 to 1/5/17 Observer: Ian Gordon Birds: Black Redstart Blackcap Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cattle Egret Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaff Common Gull Common Tern Coot Cormorant Cuckoo Dunlin Egyptian Goose Gadwall Gargeney Garden Warbler Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Grey Plover Greylag Goose Herring Gull Hobby House Martin Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pheasant Pied Wagtail Pintail Red Kite Reed Bunting Reed Warbler Ringed Plover Robin Sand Martin Scaup Sedge Warbler Shelduck Shoveler Starling Swallow Teal Tufted Duck  Wigeon Willow Warbler Woodpigeon Wren Yellow-legged Gull Mammals: Grey Squirrel Butterflies: Orange Tip Small Copper Small Tortoiseshell Small White BOSTON GARDEN (South of Boston by A16) April 2017 Kathleen Pearson During April, I was able to count the birds in the garden for BTO Garden BirdWatch on 27 days. A total of 24 species occurred, the highest species count on a single day being 18 on 1st April, whilst the lowest was 7, seen on 13th and 23rd April. Only 3 species, Goldfinch, Collared Dove and Blackbird, occurred on all 27 days. The full list of birds recorded follows, with the first number being the number of days present and the second number in brackets being the highest total of each bird seen together at once. Robin 25(2), Goldfinch 27(15), Blackbird 27(4), Chaffinch 20(2), Starling 25(13), Great Tit 11(2), Woodpigeon 26(4), Magpie 17(3), Collared Dove 27(4), Dunnock 21(3), Greenfinch 25(5), House Sparrow 19(3), Blue Tit 14(1), Jackdaw 1(1), HerringGull 2(2), Lesser Black-backed Gull 3(3), Chiffchaff 3(1), Wren 1(1), Goldcrest 2(2), Great Spotted Woodpecker 1(1), Carrion Crow 2(1), Black-headed Gull 1(3), Common Gull 1(1) and Song Thrush 1(1). Other records included Small Tortoiseshell, Holly Blue, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Peacock, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Grey Squirrel, Hedgehog, Common Carder Bee, Buff-tailed Bumblebee, White-tailed Bumblebee and Bee Fly. CASTLE CARLTON/AUTHORPE TF 397834 C Byatt 2 May '17 Early Purple Orchids (4) Speedwell, Gt. Stitchwort, Ground Ivy, Bugle. GIBRALTAR POINT NNR Robert Walker 30/4/17 Cinnabar moth 1 Near Fenland lagoon west hide. HORNCASTLE TF261691 My garden Robert Walker 3/5/17 Hedgehog continues to visit and feed nightly. Caught on the camera trap, 2-3 times mostnights. Difficult to know if it is one or possibly more different hedgehogs. Size is similar, and very difficult to recognise individuals with the IR vision at night. also Robin - continues to feed 'on hand', constantly appearing for more suet pellets and taking away, presumably he is feeding his mate and is sometimes seen offering her food out in the garden. We can recognise him due to a damaged claw he sustained last year. We are into our 3rd year with him now and he tends to take liberties with us ! Like the day he flew through the open front door through to the utility room to follow us for food. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 1/5/2017 Smooth newt 1 (I was trying to scoop blossom off the pond surface and went a bit deep) Sparrowhawk 1 (male, sat on birch branch for some time before flying off) 2/5/2017 Fox 1 (walked through garden at 7pm) Magpie 1 (interesting because it was trying to get at the starling chicks in the hole in the apple tree) Smooth newts 2 (I went to the pond around 10pm and saw them by using a torch) 3/5/17 Robins 3 (includes 1 just fledged) SAPPERTON 28.04.17 LWT Roadside Nature Reserve No. 41 TF 025346-040349 Wardens: Marion & Dave Ellis We did the annual count of the Early Purple Orchids on this limestone verge. The total no. of spikes was 169, an increase of 73 on last year. But due to personal circumstances the count was done 2 weeks later last year, making spikes harder to find. The total is less than 50% of the count in 2004, which was our best since we began in 1994. One smaller area is noticeably worse, andmay be due to the farmer's verge cutting regime. The rest is cut by LWT later in the season. Bluebells and cowslips were prolific. Damage by large farm machinery is also noticeable in certain spots. Part of the verge runs alongside Sapperton North Wood (SSI) where bluebells were in full bloom. We also found a clump of garden daffodils in flower in the verge. When & how did they arrive? We saw only one butterfly in the 2 hours we were there, a brimstone. SNITTERBY CARR Bridge Farm TF018946 Patty Phillips 23 April 2017 9pm 2 bats in farmyard River Ancholme TF020944 25 April 2017 Little Egret SPALDING SK246220. Phil Clay 28:04:2017, 7pm Otter, swimming in river Welland opposite old Fenway pub. STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Species noted whilst I was at work during the week were: 25/4/2017 Blackbird Chiffchaff Goldfinch Kestrel 2 a pair have nested on site and are incubating four eggs Mistle Thrush 2 Pied Wagtail Ring Ouzel a real surprise – landed on grass outside my office during a spell of heavy rain! Woodpigeon 26/4/2017 Carrion Crow Chiffchaff Common Sandpiper noted on the muddy bank of drain that borders the site Goldfinch Magpie Mistle Thrush 2 Pied Wagtail Red Legged Partridge Ring Ouzel presumed to be the same bird as on the previous day Woodpigeon 27/4/2017 Blackbird Magpie Swallow Woodpigeon 28/4/2017 Mistle Thrush 2 Sedge Warbler singing from reeds in drain that borders site Swallow KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 29/4/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 4 Blackbird 2 Woodpigeon 2 House Sparrow 10 Dunnock 2 Robin 1 Tree Sparrow 2 Goldfinch 1 Jackdaw 1 Starling 1 Chaffinch 3 Great Tit 1 TOFT NEWTON RESERVOIR TF0387 Su Colman & Mark Townsend 30 April 2017 We have just completed our early count for the BTO Breeding Bird Survey, in breezy fine weather Blackbird 3 Blue Tit 1 Carrion Crow 13 Chaffinch 5 Coot 2 Dunlin 8 Gadwall 3 Great Crested Grebe 1 Grey Partridge 4 House Martin 2 Jackdaw 3 Kestrel 1 Lapwing 1 Magpie 1 Mallard 10 Mute swan 7 Pheasant 5 Reed Bunting 6 Robin 2 Rook 14 Shelduck 4 Skylark 13 Swallow 4 Tree Sparrow 1 Tufted Duck 8 Wheatear 2 Willow Warbler 3 Woodpigeon 55 Yellowhammer 7 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 29/04/17 Nest Box update; Box 8 Tree Sparrow - 5 eggs Box 10 Tree Sparrow - 5 eggs Box 12 Stock Dove - 1 egg Box 14 Tree Sparrow - 6 eggs Box 17 Tree Sparrow - 6 eggs Roe Deer x 1 (Clare Holmes) 03/05/17 Blackbird x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Greylag goose x 1 over thurnholmes Kestrel x 1 calling from around nest box Magpie x 1 Mallard x 2 over Thurnholmes Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 2 Yellowhammer x 1 Short-tailed Field Vole x 1 WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924 Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday30 April17 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 2 Blackcap 1 (female) Blue Tit 2 Bullfinch 1 (male) Chaffinch 4 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 2 Goldcrest 2 Goldfinch 4 Great Tit 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Greenfinch 4 House Martin 2 Flying overhead House Sparrow 2 Jackdaw 3 Long Tailed Tit 2 Pheasant 4 Robin 2 Song thrush 2 Stock Dove 1 Tree Sparrow 1 Wood Pigeon 4 Wren 1 Grey Squirrel 2 Bank Vole 1 Wood Mouse 2 Common Shrew 1 Hedgehog 2 After the sad start to the week losing the female blue tit and 8 eggs there was a happy upturn with blue tits starting to build in 2 of the other nest boxes on Wednesday. Interestingly one of the boxes was the one with the wasps nest but the blue tit ignored it to start with and then eventually pecked at it and destroyed it. I’m amazed it wasn’t stung. WALTHAM (Grid reference TA2063) 29/4/2017 Jon Drakes Noted soaring high over this location were two Buzzards. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK922224 Jane Ostler April 29th 2017 Garden Pond On checking how the tadpoles are doing ( all amongst the algae and weed) I noted in the open water large numbers of newly hatched pond skaters. Into a shallow tub of pondwater I turned a single scoop of a net and found specimens of all the following (which are mostly not identified to species because of lack of time and/or ability): Caddis flies in mud cases. Mayfly nymphs (Cloeon sp.). A single dragonfly nymph (Sympetron sp.) Biting midges (Culicoides). Many vigorously paddling pond skaters. Ostracods and water fleas. Flatworms (Dugosia sp.) Returning the sample to the pond I noted Greater Ramshorn snails, Great Pond Snail and Wandering Snail all grazing the sides. And the first Holly Blue flew out from the hedge. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 26thApril –3rd May 2017 Contributors:-Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nigel Lound, Cliff Morrison, Rob Lidstone-Scott & Gary Cooper General Notes and Weather Observations April was a month of contrasting weather patterns; from dry and exceptionally hot to very cold. The light shower during the afternoon of the 14th was the first recorded precipitation since 30th March (14 days without rain). For the remainder of the month rainfall fell only as an occasional shower. The influence of cold winds between 17th - 27th initially from the north but later south-west did give squally showers with some hail and thunder on the 25th. Contrasting with this, the settled high pressure over the UK during early April gave unseasonal hot weather where temperatures rose to the late teens reaching a high of 24.5°C on the 9th. Twelve ground frosts were recorded, falling to a sharp -5.25°C on the 27th. There were two air frosts, -0.75°C on the 19th and -1.75°C on the 27th. Winds were light to moderate except for the fresh breezes from the northerly sector on the 15th and 18th and a strong south-easterly breeze on the 30th when a gust of 36mph was recorded. Fog observed on the 3rd was slow to clear. Total rainfall for the month was 12.9mm (0.51 inches). Butterfly species seen during week include singles/less than 5 of Green-veined White, orange tip, green hairstreak, peacock and small tortoiseshell and first speckled wood. Over the period of the high tides, there has been a good passage of ringed plovers, with over 90 on some days, 30 dunlin and 110 sanderling along with up to 3 little- ringed plovers. 1-2 wheatears on most days, also 1-2 white wagtails, garden warbler, 2 grasshopper warblers, 2 cuckoos and 2 turtle doves on territory. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 26th Whimbrel continue to use the salt marsh as a feeding area amongst the short vegetation between Rimac and beyond Sea View with 53 birds plus a single bar-tailed godwit and two Little egrets. Two house martins flew over near Sea View. At sea a Sooty Shearwater flew north and a Glaucous Gull south. 6 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and a Black-tailed Godwit were around the Haven 27th Chiffchaff and Common Whitethroat were vocal between Sea View and Paradise; Single Bar-tailed Godwit and 97 Whimbrel on the salt marsh. At Paradise lagoon one Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper flew from the bank side of the Eau. Sedge Warblers vocal along the reed edged ditches and Eau near Sea View plus Cuckoo, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. 28th Common Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler appear more widespread around Sea View and a single Greenshank flew off the salt marsh. Between Rimac and the Haven were 6 Wheatear, a White Wagtail, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Greenshank, 70+ Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper. A Sand Martin flew north. The sea was predictably quiet with a single Gannet south and 3 auk sp north. 29th Sunshine encourage peacock, orange tip, green-veined white and green hairstreak butterflies to be on the wing around Sea View. 30th Turtle Dove seen over Churchill Lane area 1st Whimbrel continue to use the salt marsh with at least 50+ birds plus 9 Bar-tailed Godwits one of which had a ring above the right knee which looked like a white plastic although metal rings can ‘dull’ with time. Pair of Redshank was displaying around paradise lagoon and a Wheatear was on the edge. The first speckled wood was seen at Sea View plus single comma and brimstone 2 yellow wagtails seen over Churchill Lane area 2 Wheatear were on the beach and a Yellowhammer was in song south of Crook Bank with the usual songsters 2nd Small Copper seen on the wing at Churchill Lane 2 flyovers of yellow wagtail, with c 40 whitethroats 17 lesser whitethroat, 30 willow warblers, 18 blackcaps 10 sedge warblers 5 grasshopper warblers, 20 chiffchaffs 2 reed warblers, 3 cuckoos and 2 turtle doves, Red Admiral on the wing at Sea View  Between Churchill Lane Car Park and Sea View were 27 Whitethroat, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiff- chaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 5 Grasshopper Warbler and a Reed Warbler which all made for a great dawn chorus. Also noted were 2 Cuckoo, 3 Wheatear, 22 Whimbrel, 28 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Turnstone and a Greenshank. 3rd Little egret 4and grey heron on Great Eau with Cuckoo at Sea View, Bar Tailed Godwits 22 at Sea View, wheatear and common sandpiper at Paradise, good show of Cowslip, common storks bill, sand sedge and doves foot cranes bill. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group - April monitoring at Chambers Farm Woods Sent in by Steven Heathcote Report for 21/04/2017 2 torpid male dormice Also found in the dormouse boxes were: 2 woodmice 2 bumblebee nests 1 hornet 2 wasp nests 124 bird nests (mainly great tit, blue tit and wren) with 351+ eggs The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com. Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports 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://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. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** E-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Recorder *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com 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 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://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 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 073989 nick.tribe@ntlworld.com Saturday, August 05, 2017 Field Meeting to Mareham Pastures LNR with evening moth/bat recording session Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. South of Sleaford. All day Bioblitz event with evening moth/bat recording session. Joint meeting with Friends of Mareham Pastures. Meeting times: 10am, 1pm and 8.15pm at reserve car park at TF072 447 (NG34 8ST). Follow Mareham Lane south out of Sleaford and turn right towards recycling centre then turn right again into car park. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitats: Meadows and woodland over restored landfill site. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants as all overhead costs are split between the Lincoln Area Group and the LNU. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is not to turn people into experts in an afternoon, but to cascade knowledge and enthusiasm for particular subjects so that participants can go away better equipped to follow them up on their own and also to encourage interest in a broader range of subjects both entomological and botanical. On most of them there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time outside in the field following this up. The workshops lined up for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. We're very grateful to the various experts who've fronted the workshops for being willing to give up their time and share their knowledge. We couldn't do all this without them. Also to the LNU for being willing to enter into this partnership. In the future we could broaden things to include mammals, birds and many other natural history topics. The dates of the workshops 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Russ birdman - soft bounce - Message rejected - looks like spam steve Wragby - soft bounce - Message rejected - looks like spam sperkins - soft bounce - bad mailbox 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.....: Bumblebees: Pesticide 'reduces queen egg development' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39783990 Corvids build castles in the sky https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/02/corvids-build-castles-sky-country-diary RSPCA warns over keeping raccoon dogs as pets http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39744463 DNA of extinct humans found in caves http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39747326 First Americans claim sparks controversy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39710311 Cassini radio signal from Saturn picked up after dive http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39701671 Baby humpback whales 'whisper' to mums to avoid predators http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39720454 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/