"On the fourteenth of May at the dawn of the day...." ============================================= || || 14th 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... *** I had unsuccessful attempts to spot an Eta Aquarid meteor last week, but it was a wonderful time of the morning to walk round the village. All was quiet, most lights were out. The policy of turning off street lamps leads a few kindly souls to leave porch lights on overnight, but there is not a lot of point in doing that when no one is about but me! Lots of good information again this week: active web cams; a call for "crayfish and dormouse volunteers"; several good walks and talks; plus swifts, cuckoos, turtle doves, black terns plus evidence of the impact of this cold dry spring in our reports. Dave Miller writes: On Sunday 14th May at 1pm I will be running a pond-dipping event at Chapel Nature Area in Chapel St Leonards open to everyone. This pond was created three years ago and it will be interesting to see what has colonised it. Here are a few links for this week Biomass crop acts as refuge for brown hare - scientists http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39857697 Meet the decoys protecting tiny seabirds http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-36167724/meet-the-decoys-protecting-tiny-seabirds Birdwatching from space http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-39800719/birdwatching-from-space Busy shipping lanes could cause 'seal hearing loss' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-39786059 Washed up whale 'most contaminated' on record http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-39788999/washed-up-whale-most-contaminated-on-record More topical links below in "...and finally..." so don't forget to click. A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://www.lnu.org/ 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 *** May Night Sky *** 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, 4th on 5th May. Keep watching! http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 also see: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ https://www.birdfood.co.uk/kingfisher-webcam *** Botany, botany, botany...*** Here are some botanical links to explore and [hopefully] enjoy: Botanical Keys - identify that plant! http://www.botanicalkeys.co.uk/flora/ Herbaria at Home - look up and compare a specimen. http://bsbi.org/herbaria-at-home Online Atlas of the British and Irish flora - location, location... https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/ Rare flowers destroyed in Australia after paperwork error http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-39777196 *** GROW From Soil to Sky - a free course from Futurelearn just starting online *** Su Coleman sent in the following: On this course you will discover interesting things about your own soil and become part of the new GROW Citizen Observatory European-wide community. You will collaborate with other growers and scientists to discover the impact global soil practices have on major issues like the environment and food growing." Go to https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/grow-from-soil-to-sky (About the Soil course) "Over the course of three years, this project will focus on data gathering about soil using citizen science techniques to develop a EU wide soil dataset. The dataset arising from this research will be only be shared with individuals and communities who have contributed, along with scientists. The GROW project team will conduct research using the dataset to help validate soil moisture monitoring of Sentinel 1, a space mission funded by the EU that maps land surface: forest, water and soil" *** 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/ *** 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 Adrian White writes: Wednesday 17th May "What's that Singing?" An evening visit to Far Ings NNR to listen to and identify the singing birds. Meet in car park at Ness End Farm (old centre) for a 7pm start. All welcome, trust membership not necessary. Contact Vernon Chapman for details on 01652 660957 Sunday 21st May An all day visit to Spurn YWT reserve Meet in Ness End Farm car park for a 9am start. Wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch. Cafe and facilities available on the reserve. All welcome, Trust membership not necessary. Contact Vernon Chapman for details on 01652 660957 *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: 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. *** 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 " * ". 4/5 5 Black Terns on main pit, Wood Sandpiper, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Ring Ouzel fem at Tabb's Head, 3 Arctic Terns, Curlew Sandpiper from lower car park, Black-necked Grebe on Mere, Frampton Marsh Turtle Dove, Burgh-le-Marsh NW of village Garganey drk, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Garganey drk, Grey Plover flew over, Whisby Nature Park Garganey drk, Iceland Gull juv, Manby Flashes Garganey 2, 1 drk, Anderby Marsh Garganey drk, Covenham reservoir* Pied Flycatcher in east Dunes, Black Redstart near Mill Hill, Redstart, Gibraltar Point Caspian Gull 2w in pea field at south end, Donna Nook 5/5 Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Curlew Sandpiper on scrape near top car park, Frampton Marsh Great Northern Diver, Covenham reservoir 2 Pied Flycatchers, Redstart, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Caspian Gull 2w in pea field at south end, Donna Nook Bar-tailed Godwit, Boultham Mere Ring Ouzel, Anderby Creek 6/5 Black Tern, Thurlby Pit 5 Black Terns on main pit, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Garganey 2, 1 drk, Anderby Marsh Black Tern, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Black-necked Grebes, Turtle Dove, Wood Sandpiper, Long-tailed Duck on the Wash, Frampton Marsh Cattle Egret on River Welland Bank, Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Toft Newton reservoir Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Short-eared Owl, 2 male Redstarts, Gibraltar Point Caspian Gull 2w in pea field at south end, male Hen Harrier, Redwing, Donna Nook 7/5 3 Black Terns, Turtle Dove on tip by main gate, Arctic Tern, Kikby-on-Bain gravel pits Wood Warbler at observatory, 2 Redstarts, Hooded Crow in East Dunes, Yellow-browed warbler in East Dunes, 3 Ring Ouzels, Spoonbill on Jackson's Marsh, Common Redpoll, Gibraltar Point Iceland Gull juv, Manby Flashes Wood Sandpiper on Old Airfield Pit, Woodhall Spa Reported Caspian Gull 2w in pea field at south end, Donna Nook IS A COMMON GULL Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, 2 Turtle Doves, Little Gull, Spotted Redshank, Jack Snipe, Frampton Marsh Garganey drk on Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park Turnstone, Covenham Reservoir 2 Turnstones, Baston & Langtoft gravel pits Cattle Egret, 2 Garganey 1 drk, Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes Pied Flycatcher male*, Curlew Sandpiper drk*, Garganey*, Gibraltar Point* 8/5 Black Tern, Kirkby-on Bain gravel pits Dotterel in last pea field before sea bank, Horse Shoe Point Woodlark in East Dunes by main track south of Mill Hill, Ring Ouzel, Hen Harrier ringtail, Gibraltar Point Grey Plover, Deeping Lakes Iceland Gull juv, Manby Flashes 9/5 Wood warbler male singing north of Crook Bank car park, Wood Warbler male, south of Sea View car park east of track, Saltfleetby Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes Woodlark by bird observatory, Gibraltar Point Little Stint, Spotted Redshank. 1w Little Gull, Frampton Marsh Garganey drk, Whisby Nature Park 9 Turtle Doves, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe* 3 Wood Sandpipers, Willow Tree Fen* Wood Sandpiper, Manby Flashes* 10/5 Black Tern flew through Marsh Farm reservoir, Wood Sandpiper on reservoir, Little Gull, Little Stint, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Black Tern, Garganey drk on Hide Pit, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Great White Egret, Alkborough Flats Osprey in off sea, Nightingale male singing by north car park, Turtle Dove male singing by Mill Hill, 2 Ring Ouzels, Short-eared Owl, Pied Flycatcher, Gibraltar Point 3 Dotterel in last field on left before car park, Horse Shoe Point 11/5 Nightingale male singing just south of beach car park, 5.15am, Gibraltar Point 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. NOCTON Jerry Gunner Friday May 5, 2017. Two swifts heading north over the field outside the house this morning. That’ll do me. It was only 6C when I took the dogs out at 06.30 this morning but felt warmer with the much less fierce wind than the last few days. It’s been so bad it has damaged trees in the garden and down in the village. Birds seen this morning included lots of singing reed warblers and several reed buntings as well as skylarks. Wheatear numbers were down to two on the big field between Potter woods and Bardney although there may have been more beyond the range of my little bins. A pair of geese, I know not which type, has been present for the last week. Several swallows buzzed us but I don’t believe I’ve seen any martins in the area. The farmer has started preparing the field outside our utility room window for potatoes. Apparently this has to start at 0600. It actually started with one long furrow on Wednesday evening which attracted a single buzzard looking for worms almost immediately. This was then joined by a "murder of crows". By ten the next morning there were no crows but lots of jackdaws and a few rooks. That has been the situation since, though there are occasional black- headed gulls with them too. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. CANADA FARM, DOGDYKE R Parsons TF223538 5th May 2017 Queen Common Wasp [Vespula vulgaris] inside side of beehive roof. CANDLESBY QUARRY TF 460682 C Byatt 5 May '17 Orange Tip butterfly (1), Red Campion, Chiff Chaff (1), Cuckoo Flower, Wild Strawberry. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson 6 May 2017 Carlton le Moorland SK 909580 1st Swift The Drinker Moth larva CHAPEL NATURE AREA 2nd May 2017 Dave Miller A juvenile common lizard was found near some hawthorn, followed by an adult basking on a tree stump. FISKERTON - Bardney Road R & A Parsons 8/5/2017 Swift seen HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 10 May 2017 Bats out to play tonight round my house. First time I've seen them for several weeks, reflecting the rising temperature. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 5/5/2017 Robins 3 (1 fledgling) Small white 1 6/5/2017 Blue tits 2 (busy feeding chicks) Collared dove 1 Great tits 3 Wren 1 8/5/2017 Badger 1 (9pm walked past lounge doors) Roe deer (1 male walked past lounge doors - 7.30pm) Robins 4 (2 fledglings) 9/5/2017 Sparrowhawk 1 10/5/2017 Smooth newt 1 (in pond) KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 6/5/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Chaffinch 2 House Sparrow 10 Blackbird 5 Collared Dove 4 Robin 1 Dunnock 3 Starling 3 Tree Sparrow 2 Woodpigeon 1 Blue Tit 1 Goldfinch 2 Great Tit 2 Coal Tit 1 During the evening two Hedgehogs were seen feeding in the garden. KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 7/5/2017 Jon Drakes An early morning walk around the woodland and fields to the North of the village found the following species present: Blue Tit Blackbird House Sparrow Starling Dunnock Woodpigeon Yellowhammer Mallard Herring Gull Carrion Crow Linnet Magpie Buzzard Great Tit Pied Wagtail Chiffchaff - 10 were heard singing around the route of my walk Great Tit Pheasant Blackcap Robin Long-tail Tit Goldcrest Song Thrush Rook Jackdaw Reed Bunting Chaffinch Kestrel Goldfinch Lesser Whitethroat Skylark Collared Dove Swift 3 – this is my first sighting of 2017 Grey Squirrel Muntjac Deer LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 4 May '17 Goldfinch (2). MILL HILL TF 452716 C Byatt 5 May '17 Milkwort NAVENBY HEATH. TF00872 58706 5th May 2017. 12-30pm Peter Wilson. Two buzzards interacting together in the air, one then broke away and landed in the adjacent field, the other stayed in the air. Approximately 8 - 10 minutes later a bit further on at SK98475 5960 another buzzard flying around . RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 20.04.2017 Tawny Mining Bee – have come across quite a lot of small craters and their occupants whilst planting out in the garden in the last week or so. 25.04.2017 2 Swallows (first of the season) and 2 House Martins feeding over pasture 26.04.2017 Pied Wagtail 28.04.2017 Brown Rat 2 x Song Thrush singing, but only 1 x Blackbird 29.04.2017 Mallard, m, on pond Brown Rat Tree Bumblebee queen 01.05.2017 Pair of Bluetits mating Goldfinches much in evidence Common Frog in garden border Brown Rat Mallard, f, on pond 04.05.2017 2 x House Martin flying overhead in strong winds 05.05.2017 Brown Rat – 2 06.05.2017 Moorhen Brown Hare (GR supplied) 09.05.2017 The prolonged dull, cold and windy spell has made Butterflies conspicuous by their absence while Bumblebee numbers seem low, too. Red-legged Partridge (TF301845) SOUTHERY - Water Rail Way to and back from Stixwould pumping station. R & A Parsons 7 May 2017 Cuckoo calling on west side of river approx TF140661 Brown hare to east of embankment Badger signs in 2 locations. Deer slots - size could indicate Roe. Many open swan mussels TATTERSHALL THORPE 08/05/2017 R.Pocklington 0730 Cuckoo calling THURLBY MOOR Jeremy Hutchinson 6 May 2017 Thurlby Moor SK887611 Large number of Swifts (could not quantify) feeding over former gravel pit. All three species of Hirundines feeding low over the water, the Swifts at higher level. WOLLA BANK PIT 5th May 2017 DAVE MILLER Blackbird 1 Black-headed Gull 1 Canada Goose 1 Cetti’s Warbler 1 Herring Gull 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Linnet 2 Little Grebe 1 Magpie 1 Mallard 2 Moorhen 2 Pheasant 3 Reed Bunting 6 Reed Warbler 5 Sedge Warbler 2 Swallow 2 Swift 2 Whitethroat 1 Woodpigeon 9 Yellowhammer 1 St Mark’s Fly Otter spraint found. WRANGLE COMMON 07/04/2017 Roy and Kath Pearson A BTO BirdTrack count today produced 36 species. Summer visitors were Chiffchaff 1, Reed Warbler 5, CommonTern 1, Cuckoo 1, Swallow 4, Blackcap 1 and Sedge Warbler 1. The presence of five Common Snipe on wetland was high here at this time of year and the appearance of a single Dabchick was the first for some time. Singles of Buzzard, Kestrel and Barn Owl were seen and are probably breeding here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 3rd—10th May 2017 Contributors: - John Walker, Nigel Lound, Cliff Morrison, Rob Lidstone-Scott & Gary Cooper General Notes and Weather Observations So far this month has been extremely dry, with only 3mm of rainfall since 1st May. It is noticeable how dry our ponds and the usually “wet” areas have been, with ephemeral pools and dune slacks drying out much quicker than usual. With the strong North to Easterly winds of the past few days, there have been good influxes of warblers along the coast, with Grasshopper, Reed and Sedge warbler all being seen in decent numbers. Hawthorn is now showing well, with splashes of white blossom up and down the dune ridges. The brief warm spell over the weekend bought along with it the first sign of Natterjack Toad activity, with sounds of chirring heard within the dunes Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 3rd Marsh harrier female over the Brickyard Lane area with Nightjar heard churring in the scrub 5th Wood warbler and Male Redstart singing in the Churchill lane area, along with 4 Cuckoos, 3 Turtle Doves, 3 Grasshopper warbler, 3 Reed warbler and 8 Sedge warbler. Marsh Harrier seen flying over Sea View with Red Tailed Bumblebee, Red Admiral, Peacock and Cinnabar Moth all on the wing, Grey Heron and Little Egret on the Great Eau 6th In the Crook Bank area were a Tree creeper, a Garden Warbler, a Snipe, a drake Pintail, a male Wheatear, a Greenshank and 2 Turtle Dove. 20+ Swift flew south as did a Little Ringed Plover. 8th On Paradise Pool were 3 Common Sandpiper and an Avocet and 4 Arctic Tern flew north over Churchill Lane. 9th Between Mablethorpe North End and Churchill Lane Car Park were 13 Blackcap, 39 Whitethroat, 6 Sedge Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler,9 Lesser Whitethroat, a Wood Warbler, a Whinchat, a Ring Ouzel and 6 Turtle Dove. 4 Teal and a drake Pintail were on Joe House’s field and 3 Whimbrel, a Redpoll, a Yellow Wagtail and 2 Tree Pipit flew south. Another Tree Pipit showed well in the dunes south of Brick Yard Lane. Also on the move were 43 Swallow, 2 House Martin and 6 Swift. Red Twin-spot Carpet and Cinnabar Moths were seen today along with grasshopper warbler, 2 cuckoos, 4 bullfinches, 4 long-tailed tits 135 sanderling, 40 Dunlin, 40 ringed plovers, 4 whimbrel and 2 oyster catchers. 10th Ruddy Darter, Large Red Damselfly and Four Spot Chaser Wall Brown and Green Hairstreak Butterflies Hobby All seen in general area Rimac to MOD Churchill Lane ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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.....: Sweetness of woodruff lingers down the ages https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/10/sweetness-woodruff-lingers-down-ages-shropshire-country-diary Secretive spore shooter prized by gourmets https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/04/secretive-spore-shooter-prized-by-gourmets Air Pollution: Diesel scrappage scheme being considered http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39818083 Amazing haul of ancient human finds unveiled http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39842975 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/