============================================= || || 21st 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... *** We have lots of good information again this week: active nest webcams; "Beetles in the Bog" and other opportunities for experience and training; a blackbird eating newts; a beach clean and reports of swifts and dotterels. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/d/dotterel/ Dave Miller says: On Saturday 20th May Coastal Access For All are running a beach clean at Skegness. Meet near the Excite arena on North Parade for 10am. Here are a few interesting links: Deer smashes through windscreen and lands in girl's lap http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-39883546 Man captures video of being chased by an otter http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-39934650 Biomass crop acts as refuge for brown hare - scientists - reposted. I failed to "hotlink" it last week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39857697 Killer whales swim past Orkney fishing boat http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-39922352/killer-whales-pass-orkney-fishing-boat For the geologists: Rare ammonite 'death drag' fossil discovered http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39798147 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 worth a look: Osprey chicks hatching: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ Peregrine nest with chicks: http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/falcons Bob Sheppard adds: I have now finished monitoring my tawny owl nest boxes in the Forestry Commission woodlands in South Lincolnshire for this spring. It has been an excellent year with 44 nest boxes occupied by tawnies. The brood size averaged 2.2 chicks per box. This reflects the glut of prey available and should bode well for the barn owl chicks hatching now in Lincolnshire. Of particular interest to me was the record number of tawny owls breeding in Bourne Wood. 13 nest boxes were occupied successfully, a new record for the project. Prey items found in the boxes included a full grown brown rat, great spotted woodpecker, chaffinch, mole and the usual assortment of shrews, mice and voles. *** 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/ *** Where have the Bumblebees Gone? *** David Sheppard - 17th May 2017 You may have noticed a definite absence of bumblebees of late. The weather has not been particularly warm over the last few weeks but even during the warm spells the bumblebees have been conspicuous in their absence. However, there is no cause for concern. Those big queen bumblebees which you recorded in March and April have made their nests, gathered pollen and nectar stores, built a few brood cells and are now incubating and rearing their first batches of workers. These are beginning to emerge and are busy foraging for pollen and nectar. Their numbers will increase over the next month or so and they will take over the running of the nests. I have seen workers of Bombus hypnorum, B.pratorum and B.hortorum/ruderatus – the latter was a surprise because these are usually later than the other species. Be careful when recording worker Bumblebees. Having learned what the queens look like, some species have different coloured workers. Those of B. hortorum and B.ruderatus are almost impossible to distinguish and those of B.lucorum and B.terrestris entirely impossible to tell apart. You will have to wait until the males appear in about a month to record them again. The queens in the nests are unlikely ever to see daylight again. If you do find a queen it is most likely either infected with a nematode worm parasite, which makes it forever search for a nest site but never actually construct one, or it is the queen of a Cuckoo Bumblebee. The most abundant of these cuckoos are Bombus barbutellus, B.bohemicus and B.vestalis, which all have white-ish tails and B.rupestris which has a red tail (like queen B.lapidarius) but with brown wings. These females will invade the nest of their host Bumblebee species, kill the queen and lay her own eggs in the brood chambers. The host workers will rear her brood which all emerge as male or female cuckoos. The cuckoos do not have a worker caste. *** 3 Month Volunteer placement - extended deadline *** Will Bartle writes: We've extended the deadline for our upcoming volunteer placement. The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project are currently advertising a 3 month volunteer 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 Tuesday 30th May. Full details can be found on their website http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteer2017 *** Beetles in the Bog training day - Hatfield Moors - June 3rd *** Richard Smith writes: "I believe the training should have broad appeal to any Lincs Nats in the north of the county willing to visit the area, particularly Crowle Moors. " Beetles in the Bog Saturday, June 3, 2017 A training day at Hatfield Moors, Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve, with Brian Eversham - 10am to 4pm. Training aimed at keen naturalists who wish to help record the Humberhead Peatlands’ unique beetles, especially at Crowle Moors. There will be the chance to learn about other iconic, bog invertebrates too. A free event, but booking essential. Please contact Richard Smith at Natural England for further information: richard.smith@naturalengland.org.uk, or 07767 0077 80 office hours. *** 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 *** Grimsby RSPB Group *** Martin Francis writes: ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Poetry Competition *** Will Bartle writes: The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project are running a poetry competition for all ages thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. If you're feeling inspired by the wonderfully rare chalk streams found in Lincolnshire why not enter, you could win £250!! Deadline is Friday 14th July. Full terms and conditions, and instructions on how to enter are on their website. http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/poetrycompetition2017 *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 " * ". 10/5 Short-eared Owl, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Dotterel heard, flew over*, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper, Manby Flashes* 3 Dotterel, Horse Shoe Point 11/5 Nightingale male singing just south of beach car park, 5.15am, 2 Pied Flycatchers, Gibraltar Point Common Crane flew over Huttoft Marsh - may have landed 2 Black-wingd Stilts 1 male on north scrape, 1w Little Gull, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Frampton Marsh Wood Warbler male singing at south end, Donna Nook 3 Little Gull 1w, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits 12/5 2 Black-wingd Stilts 1 male on north scrape, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl at realignment, Turtle Dove, Donna Nook 13/5 Blue-headed Wagtail (or hybrid) in cattle field, Willingham by Stow Turtle Dove, 2 Little Stints, Great White Egret, Little Gull, Long-tailed Duck at Witham mouth, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Bee Eater flew south over East Dunes then over The Wash, Turtle Dove, Red-rumped Swallow flew south over Mill Hill/Jackson's Marsh, 2 Garganey 1 drk on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 2 Dotterel in field north of Middlegate, Worlaby Top Osprey flew west over Covenham Reservoir 14/5 2 Spoonbills flew north over Mill Hill, Gibraltar Point Dotterel fem the flew west, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Little Stint, 2 Turtle Doves, Shag at river mouth, Frampton Marsh 2 Dotterel in field north of Middlegate, Worlaby Top Purple Heron, Boultham Mere Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats Scaup drk,Cattle Egret, Deeping Lakes Great White Egret, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 15/5 Scaup drk, Osprey flew over Main Lake, 2 Garganry 1drk, Deeping Lakes 2 Garganey 1 drk, Temminck's Stint, on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 2 Temminck's Stints on wet field north of bottom car park, Little Stint, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck at Woodhall Spa airfield Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Turtler Dove, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck at Woodhall Spa airfield Temminck's Stint, 2 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh Iceland Gull juv flew west over Saltfleetby St Peter 16/5 Scaup drk, Cattle Egret, Deeping Lakes Spoonbill on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Wood sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh 17/5 Spoonbill on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Temminck's Stint, Little Stint, Little Gull, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Wood Sandpiper on realignment, Short-eared Owl, Donna Nook 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. Roy Harvey writes: I have received the following information from a friend who lives in the same village. I have not previously heard of such behaviour by a Blackbird. "A female blackbird has taken to catching newts from our pond. It stands on the paving at the edge, looking for one, and then leaps in to the water, amongst the lilies and weeds, grabs the newt, and flaps its way out before it gets too wet. I've never seen anything like that before, have you? It has quite a battle to kill the newt after catching it, they are full sized ones. " Editor adds: See this timely link, sent in by another reader this week. Newt sandwich for a baby bird https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/11/newt-sandwich-for-a-baby-bird#comment-98365965 ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. SCUNTHORPE Keith Scarrott SE 490 083 (Junction of Churchfield Road and St Paul's Road) 09/05.2017 2 Hedgehog roadkills. (1 adult and 1 small) *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 14.5.2017 Numerous swifts feeding high overhead, with occasional spectacular passes at rooftop level, with screaming calls. EAST HALTON SKITTER to GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 14/5/2017 Jon Drakes The monthly WeBS count for the BTO didn’t produce many sightings of wading birds this month, however, summer was well and truly here on this section of the River Humber with the various reed beds being “alive” with singing Warblers. Species r ecorded were: Shelduck 10 Blackbird Woodpigeon Magpie Mute Swan 4 Greylag Goose 15 (6 adults and 9 Goslings) Lapwing 15 Black-headed Gull Barn Owl 1 Grey Heron 4 Mallard 28 Carrion Crow Pheasant Swallow Coot 2 Little Egret 5 Reed Bunting 18 Linnet 3 Sedge Warbler 14 Skylark 5 Reed Warbler 14 Meadow Pipit 5 Lesser Whitethroat 2 Cuckoo (heard calling but not seen – first for 2017) Moorhen 1 Oystercatcher 1 Swift Wren 1 Short Eared Owl 1 Chiffchaff 5 Cetti’s Warbler 1 Willow Warbler 1 Chaffinch Whimbrel 7 Black-tailed Godwit 1 Curlew 14 Little Grebe 1 Marsh Harrier 2 Turnstone 6 Herring Gull Kestrel 1 Starling Dunlin 1 Tree Pipit 2 Brown Hare 5 Butterflies: Orange Tip Small White KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 13/5/2017 Jon Drakes Whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Birdwatch for the BTO in our back garden the following species were recorded: Jackdaw 2 Collared Dove 3 House Sparrow 20 Starling 3 Goldfinch 1 Dunnock 3 Greenfinch 1 Blackbird 4 Great Tit 1 Chaffinch 1 Tree Sparrow 1 Swallow Swift 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. GRANTHAM Grantham SK908362 Alan McPherson Water Vole On River Witham near town centre May 9th 2017 1650pm by National Trust fields opposite Grantham House, between pedestrian bridge to flats and weir. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 10/5/2017 Blue tits 2 (in and out of nest box on beech) Chaffinch 2 large whites 3 Woodmouse 1 11/5/2017 Woodmouse 1 12/5/2017 Ladybird 7-spot 1 Starlings 6-8 (guessing about 6 fledged out of old apple tree nest) 14/5/2017 Red admiral 1 Song thrush 1 (singing incessantly) 15/5/17 Newt 1 Wren 1 16/5/2017 Muntjac 1 Small white 1 Song thrush 1 (still singing) POTTERHANWORTH NEVILLE WOODS AREA TF067657 John Nickson 12th May 2017 Cuckoo. Heard only RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 10.05.2017 (a balmy day at last, and calm!) In spite of ongoing attempts, including string and netting, to keep her/the pair off our pond, today I found a Mallard duck brooding 11 eggs in a quiet corner of the garden. Mallards 1-0 Gardener. The drake shows up occasionally. I hope we’ll be around to see the chicks, preferably on the nearby church pond. Brimstone 1 White butterfly (not sure which) 1 St. Mark’s Flies 12.05.2017 Swallow 1 Cow Parsley just coming into flower; alas they chose to cut the verges today, so no billowing froth of white for this village. 13.05.2017 Bombus pascuorum Anthophora plumipes –f Large White Butterfly 15-20 mixed Swallows and House Martins feeding above trees 14.05.2017 Anthophora plumipes –m White-tailed Bumblebee Brimstone butterfly Orange Tip butterfly (first this season, rarely seen locally) Common Frog in border 15.05.2017 5 Swallows and 2 House Martins on power line Brown Rat – 2 SPENDLUFFE MEADOWS 10th May 2017 DAVE MILLER Blackbird 2 Yellow Wagtail 2 Jackdaw 2 Woodpigeon 9 Swallow 1 Robin 5 Chaffinch 6 Magpie 1 Pheasant 1 Greenfinch 2 Great tit 1 Whitethroat 2 Wren 1 Kestrel 1 Yellowhammer 2 House sparrow 4 Goldfinch 2 Starling 1 Peacock 2 Green-veined White 1 Orange tip 1 Small White 1 STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Wildlife noted whilst at work during the week was as follows: 8/5/2017 Kestrel 2 Carrion Crow Mistle Thrush 2 Herring Gull 10/5/2017 Mistle Thrush 2 Kestrel 2 Peacock Butterfly Red Admiral Butterfly Large White Butterfly 11/5/2017 Mistle Thrush 2 Kestrel 2 Pied Wagtail STICKNEY 8/5/2017 Gail Cartwright, Stickney TF322568 My garden 5 chicks lying dead, 1 in front garden, 1 in back garden, others scattered in open back barn. Only the one in the back garden had been *pecked*. They all appeared to be the same type. The camera Tit box was occupied by sparrows again this year, they started to build a nest then deserted it, not the first year that has happened, but there is a pigeon nest behind it so that may be why this year. 1 nest in the Sparrow terrace is busy and we have had a Blue Tit busy in the front garden. The Kestrels are around too but not seen any chicks yet. A Barn owl has been seen several times flying from our owl tower nest but strangely Jackdaws have also been seen flying from all 3 nest holes, not seen that before, I can't think that they share! Jackdaws or Pigeons usually end up in it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 10th – 17th May 2017 Contributors: - John Walker & Nigel Lound General Notes and Weather Observations First yellow iris in flower and lots of hawthorn flower, water levels now very low for time of year, with only 124 mm of rain since Christmas on site A good hatch of green hairstreaks during the week and also four spot chasers and azure damselflies Rabbit numbers have increased significantly over the past 3 weeks in a surveyed area by c 500 %. Natterjack toads have been active with spawning noted. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 10th A butterfly transect on the NNR showed Small white 2, Green Veined white 4, Orange Tip 6, Small Copper 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 4, Comma 3, Wall Brown 3 & Green Hairstreak 4 11th A survey at Churchill Lane produced 42 moth of 14 species. Epiblema scutulana 4, Grapholita jungiella 4, V-Pug 1,Muslin 21,S hears 1, Flame Shoulder 2, Poplar Hawk 1, RSK 1,White Ermine 1,Cinnabar 2, Green Carpet 1, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet 1, Mottled Pug 1, Clouded-bordered Brindle 1 12th A male Marsh Harrier flew SW whilst a Greenshank and a Grey Heron flew south. On the beach out from Churchill Lane were 150 Ringed Plover and 100 each of Sanderling and Dunlin. On Paradise Pool were 2 Common Sandpiper and a Grey Plover with a Short-eared Owl nearby. 13th A wader count revealed 185 ringed plovers migrating through to their northern breeding grounds. A count of singing warblers on the NNR included 98 whitethroats, 17 sedge warblers, 19 blackcaps, 28 willow warblers, 15 lesser whitethroats, 12 chiffchaffs, 3 garden warblers. 3 reed warblers, also 4 cuckoos,4 grasshopper warblers, and 5 turtle doves. 14th On Paradise, were Greenshank and a Snipe whilst a Great-crested Grebe was on the Haven lagoon. A Goldcrest was in song at Crook Bank, a Little Ringed Plover and 2 Red-legged Partridge were on Joe House’s field. A Garden warbler was in song from Churchill Lane Car Park. Flying south were 3 Grey Heron, 2 Common Buzzard and a Yellow Wagtail. 16th Between Churchill Lane Car Park and Rimac were 4 Cuckoo, a Turtle Dove and a Garden Warbler. A Corn Bunting flew west and 2 Avocet were on Rimac lagoon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Anne Goodall writes - May 2017: Sigificant numbers of brown long-eared bats are now using the boxes in three of the woods (interestingly, these are the boxes where small numbers of BLEs have been present all winter) and barbastelles have been found in a box for the first time this year – and in a different wood, not previously used by them. No bats have returned yet to the other woods with maternity roosts though; none of these boxes held any bats through last winter, other than an occasional pipistrelle, and an odd noctule. The first roding woodcock survey of the year in Ivy Wood on 10 May produced only two roding passes in the 75 minute survey period, the lowest record ever for this wood. This continues a worrying decline since the survey started here in 2003; numbers peaked at 31 roding passes in the survey period in the noughties. This wood has always been one of the best in the county for this species, but over the country the survey is showing this decline. Still time to improve though, two more counts are due at ca 10-15 day intervals, and early June often has the highest count. Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. Wetland Reserve TF 331595 Reported by Garry Steele Noteworthy ornithological sightings and Monthly maximums - April 2017 Black-headed Gull - 43 Common Gull - 17 Coot - 3 Cormorant - 3 Gadwall - 4 Greylag Goose - 8 Little Egret - 1 Mallard - 5 Moorhen - 2 Mute Swan - 2 Teal - 6 Tufted Duck - 3 Wigeon - 3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.....: Dambusters log book theft: £5,000 reward offered http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-39898631 Rare Mexican porpoise faces 'imminent extinction' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39923383 Down with the bilberry bees https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/16/down-with-bilberry-bees-derbyshire-country-diary#comment-98639497 Tank-like oil beetle hauls out to the highway https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/17/tank-like-oil-beetle-hauls-out-to-the-highway Newt sandwich for a baby bird https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/11/newt-sandwich-for-a-baby-bird#comment-98365965 Why beaches lose their sand – and then suddenly reappear https://theconversation.com/why-beaches-lose-their-sand-and-then-suddenly-reappear-77503 Coralroot, a rare beauty among the old graves https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/15/coralroot-rare-beauty-graves-hampshire-country-diary ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/