============================================= || || 5th November 2017 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin is being read by over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every LNU Bulletin and invite new readers to give it a try. We will really appreciate your help with this. 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... *** Enthusiastic thanks to the readers who followed up my request to "Send the Bulletin to a friend using the link at the end of every issue". If you think of anyone who might enjoy it please help spread the word. Donna Nook Grey Seal updates: note A1031 road closure information! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update Now pupping has started please try to avoid weekend visits if possible. 2017-2018 Flusurvey: Why not register with "Flusurvey" and help to monitor the spread of Flu-like symptoms in the UK this winter. It's a good project. http://flusurvey.org.uk The LNU programme of indoor meetings starts on 25th November 2017: ‘Shining light on the ‘geological darkness’ of Lincolnshire’ by Dr Jonathan Larwood of Natural England. 2pm start. Indoor meetings are held normally held in Lincoln in the Education building of Whisby Nature Park. Non-members are very welcome. Paul Scott reminds us: Sir Joseph Banks Society President's Lecture: 18th November. "Banks' Florilegium" See: http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/presidents-lecture/ Sue Taylor brings us The Nature Show. First Tuesday of the month on BBC Radio Lincolnshire. 6-7pm. https://www.bbc.co.uk/radiolincolnshire Sue writes: "If anyone wants to get in touch with me to promote their work and talk about all things Nature then I’d be happy to hear from them." Contact: sue.taylor@bbc.co.uk As usual I have included a selection of topical links for you. Most were sent in by readers, a few were chosen by me with particular individuals in mind. Was it for you? Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Record surge in atmospheric CO2 seen in 2016 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41778089 Blue Planet II: The secrets behind the BBC One series http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41740841 Watch on iplayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p04thmv7/blue-planet-ii-series-1-1-one-ocean Norton Disney villagers in animal rendering factory protest http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41777059 Farmer grows Frankenstein pumpkins http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-lincolnshire-41790452/farmer-grows-frankenstein-pumpkins Viking trade in red squirrels may have spread leprosy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-41748336 Margaret Thatcher Spitting Image puppet back on show in Grantham http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41842626 More topical links are below in "...and finally..." - 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://lnu.org/ Thank you for all the contributions this week - very much appreciated. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Love Lincolnshire Plants - Updates *** Project Partners - if you add something to your website, blog or Twitter-feed please let me know and I'll update this section. There will be lots of activity being planned - so feel free to signal it here when you are ready. "Love Lincolnshire Plants: A plant archive for the next generation." http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/news/2017/10/05/love-lincolnshire-plants-plant-archive-next-generation Updates and partners' links on this exciting initiative as it develops: SJBS: http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ NHM Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en LWT Twitter feed https://twitter.com/lincswildlife?lang=en LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnu.org%2F Lincoln University School of Life Sciences blog https://lifesciences.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ *** November Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html AuroraWatch UK: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ 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. 25th November 2017: ‘Shining light on the ‘geological darkness’ of Lincolnshire’ by Dr Jonathan Larwood of Natural England. 2pm start. Our indoor meetings are held normally held in Lincoln in the Education building of Whisby Nature Park. *** 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/ *** Chalk Stream Volunteer Days *** Will Bartle writes: Volunteer day coming up: Tuesday 14th November 10-1.30 – Waithe beck, Brigsley We’ll be trimming vegetation back to let light into the stream. Volunteers to bring pack lunch, drink and suitable footwear (wellies or walking boots). Parking is at Brigsley down the track next to the Brigsley Ice Cream place just over the river – bottom of the track near the caravan. Grid Reference TF19468 94585 Please get in contact if you're interested, we like to know who's coming. Full details can be downloaded on our website http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/upcomingevents or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** The Natural History and Geology Section of Scunthorpe Museum Society. http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Following the main Society AGM on Monday, 13th November next we shall be given an illustrated talk on "Insects" by Dr David Sheppard, Invertebrate Ecologist, LNU Sawflies and Aculeates (Bees, Wasps and Ants) Recorder and Deputy Chairman of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. David has given us several fascinating talks in the past. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn more about this class of animals that is more numerous than any other and forms such an important part of food chains. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS which take place in the St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, starting at 7.15pm. There is a large free car park at the Church. There is no entry charge to the meeting but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments are provided for a small charge at the mid-talk break. Contact Keith Scarrott for more information on 01724 762098. *** Local RSPB links: *** Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby S Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Grimsby RSPB Group Martin Francis writes: "The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 20th November, at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Dr Mike Leach will give us an illustrated talk entitled "A Fish with Feathers!!". (Penguins to you and me) Dr Leach is a vastly experienced and knowledgeable wildlife photographer and author. He is also a wonderfully entertaining speaker who has visited us 5 times before. That speaks for itself! This talk is not to be missed! There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to Carsington Water in Derbyshire on Sunday 26th November, leaving Millman's Coach Depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am. This trip is suitable for walkers as well as birders as there is a lovely 7-mile walk r ound the lake with diversions into local villages. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. Booking is essential All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB for either event. For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 We look forward to seeing you at the meeting, or on the trip, or both! *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ George Rutter writes: Talk: Nature reserves - An aerial perspective Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford, LN13 9DG Monday 13th November 7:30pm An illustrated talk by Head of Reserves, Dave Bromwich Aerial photographs always show up points of interest providing a view that shows up things not visible from ground level. Dave has developed an interest in flying using a microlight to observe reserves. With the Alford and Mablethorpe Area Group *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Boston LWT *** Geof Lee writes: Boston Branch, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Thursday,9th November at 7.30 P.M. " Wildlife in the West Midlands" by Gill Walsh Gill will take us on a tour of some of the best nature reserves in the West Midlands illustrated by her own photographs of the wildlife found there. The meeting will be held in the Centenary Methodist church hall in Red Lion Street, Boston - all welcome. Refreshments and a leaving collection. More info from Brian Redman 01205 351406. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk *** Louth LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: LWT Louth Area Group "Information Coffee Morning" At the ConocoPhillips Room Louth Library between 1000hrs and noon on Saturday 11 November 2017 This year’s theme is ‘Moths, Butterflies and Insects’. Colin Smith the Lincolnshire County Moth Recorder, will set up a display of specimens. He will be prepared to answer your questions and you can take part in an insect based quiz. The Wildlife Watch members will provide an activity for children. All ages are welcome to have the chance meet LAG members whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and buying LWT Christmas cards, calendars, note pads and stocking fillers. There will be a raffle. Admission will be £1.50 whilst children are admitted without charge. We shall observe the two minutes silence at 1100hrs. *** 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/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or consolidating repeated messages. Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". 25/10 Little Stint on realignment, Spotted Redshank, Donna Nook Mealy Redpoll*, Ring Ouzel*, Gibraltar Point 4 Little Stints*, Alkborough flats 26/10 2 Scaup 1 drk, 7 Little Stints, Short-eared Owl, male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Hawfinch flew south over Gibraltar Point Hawfinch, Freiston Shore Long-billed Dowitcher* juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven 3 Cattle Egrets in field at Elm House Farm at Saltfleet St Clement 27/10 Ring Ouzel*, Gibraltar Point 3 Lapland Buntings by cafe at Meridian Showground, Black Redstart, Cleethorpes 2 Scaup 1 drk, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting at south end, Donna Nook Scaup ad drk, Deeping Lakes 28/10 Shorelark at south end, Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Scaup, 2+ Curlew Sandpipers, 2+ Hen Harriers, 5 Little Stints, 3 Spotted Redshamks, Frampton Marsh Long-billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven Great White Egret, Kirkby-on Bail gravel pits Ring Ouzel, Pomarine Skua flew south past, Gibraltar Point Little Stint, Alkborough Flats Scaup ad drk, Deeping Lakes Bittern, Fairfield pit, flew towards Barrow Haven, New Holland Hen Harrier male flew over Old Bolingbroke Castle 5 Hawfinches flew west, Chowderness 29/10 Lapland Bunting reported, Pomarine skua flew south, Little Auk flew north, 2 Puffins, Great Northern Diver flew north, Gibraltar Point 21 Pomarine Skuas past Freiston Shore 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Scaup, 3 Spotter Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Little Auk flew past, Sooty Shearwater, Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Sutton-on-Sea Lapland Bunting, c30 Twite, Tetney Marshes Glaucous Gull flew NE over Alkborough Flats Little Auk* flew north past, Pomarine Skua, Great Northern Diver, 2 Scaup, Donna Nook 4 Little Auks* flew north past Mablethorpe. 30/10 Long-billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven 4 Little Stints, Spotted Redshank, Scaup, Frampton Marsh 8 Pomarine Skuas flew past, Slavonian Grebe, Freiston Shore Pomarine Skua, ad Black Guillemot, 2 Velvet Scoters, drk Long-tailed Duck, Mablethorpe Ring Ouzel*, Saltfleet Haven Lapland Bunting*, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 31/10 White Egret on River Witham near Beckingham Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Scaup, Frampton Marsh Black Redstart in dunes at south end, Lapland Bunting, 2 Arctic Terns flew south past, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Slavonian Grebe on Ness Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber Spoonbill* flew SE over Saltfleetby St Peter 1/11 Hawfinch*, Fillingham castle 8 Twite, Donna Nook 3 Cattle Egrets in field at Elm House farm, Saltfleetby St Clements Long-billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Killingholme Haven pits 3 Bean Geese flew west over, Hawfinch over West Dunes, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret on river Witham just SW of Beckingham Slavonian Grebe on Ness Pit, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber 2/11 Great Northern Diver flew past Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven Lapland bunting flew over, Spotted Redshank, Water Pipit, Scaup, 2 Little Stints, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 12 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh long-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes 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. BAT UPDATE Annette Faulkner Bats are going into hibernation now, but there are still a few about, so do keep your eyes open – I’d be very interested of any late sightings. Calls to the Bat Group helpline are quietening down too, and the last few bats we’ve had have been underweight and in poor condition, including a Natterer’s bat from Metheringham (a new record for the village) which was only two thirds of its autumn weight and had been fairly well mauled by a cat, so it died within an hour or two of collection (otherwise it would have had to be euthanased). A colleague also had an underweight brown long-eared from Stixwould at the weekend. Overall the number of calls we’ve had this year have been about average – 200+ - and not just grounded bats, but general enquiries and the odd emergency, where bats have been found during building work. In these cases work has to stop temporarily while a volunteer bat worker assesses the situation and liaises with the Bat Conservation Trust, who act on behalf of Natural England and who will then issue advice verbally, to be later followed up by an official letter, the aim always being to reduce hold-ups to a minimum whilst advising on the best way to preserve the roost and its access(es). Lastly, my thanks to all the people who have sent in bat records this year. If you have any outstanding ones I’d very pleased to have them at your earliest convenience, as I will be processing them over the winter to send into county records. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. UTTERBY - NORTH OF ON A16. TA304940 Pete Crick 24.10.2017 Road Kill Badgers x 4 Adults x 3 Juvenile x 1 (All found with in 300metres) NORTH THORESBY - NORTH OF ON A16. TA284990 Peter Crick 24.10.2017 Roadkill Badger, adult, on roadside verge *** 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 26/10 Honeybees working. Lacewings. 27/10 Grey Squirrel on bird feeder 28/10 Red Admirals still active. BASSINGHAM SK 91627 59641 J. Hutchinson 27th October 2017, 18.20 Adult Hedgehog roaming BASSINGHAM FEN SK 92243 60028 J. Hutchinson 27th October 2017 Group 8 Golden Plover CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909580 J. Hutchinson Our local Hobbies departed on 7th September, two weeks earlier than usual, I suspect because of the cooler than usual weather at the time. Our local Kestrel, which has spent much of this year perched on electricity wires above the field across the road from us, has been driven away recently by persistent aggressive mobbing by Crows, and sometimes Jackdaws. I do not understand why this has happened, especially outside the nesting season. This has been a good year for fungi in the garden, with Ceps, Fly Agaric, a small Puffball species and Russula species (not sure which) in greater numbers than usual. Most afternoons recently parties of Starlings fly by in a westerly direction the last hour of light, presumably to a communal roost. Most of these are small in number, but during the last few days flocks of up to an estimated 2,000 + have been seen. Flocks of geese (Greylags I think) have become frequent, 100 or so being the usual number. DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Date: 22/10/2017 Time: 1000 - 1215 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, breezy and cool Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Egyptian Goose Gadwall Goldcrest Goldeneye Golden Plover Greylag Goose Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Herring Gull Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Little Egret Lesser Black-backed Gull Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Mute Swan Pheasant Pintail Red Kite Redwing Scaup Shovelor Teal Treecreeper Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Mammals: Grey Squirrel DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Date: 27/10/2017 Time: 0915 - 1235 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, warm. Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Common Gull Coot Cormorant Dunnock Egyptian Goose Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye Great Crested Duck Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Lesser Redpoll Little Egret Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Pied Wagtail Pochard Redwing Reed Bunting Robin Rook Scaup Skylark Snipe Starling Stock Dove Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren Mammals: Grey Squirrel Dragons & Damsels: Common Hawker Ruddy Darter DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Date: 02/11/2017 Time: 0940 - 1225 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny and hot Birds: BlackbirdBlack-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Coot Dunnock Fielfare Gadwall Goldcrest Goldfinch Goldeneye Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Lapwing Little Egret Long-eared Owl Long-tailed Tit Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Pied Wagtail Redwing Robin Rook Scaup Starling Teal Tufted Duck Whooper Swan Wigeon Mammals: Grey Squirrel EAST HALTON SKITTER TO GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 28/10/2017 Jon Drakes and Steve Routledge An early morning walk along the bank of the River Humber between East Halton Skitter and Goxhill Haven found the following species present: Bearded Tit 4 Black Tailed Godwit 20 Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard 2 Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler 1 (heard singing) Chaffinch Cormorant 3 Curlew 66 Dunlin 20 Fieldfare 5 Golden Plover 200 Goldfinch Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Grey Heron 1 Herring Gull Kestrel 2 Lapwing 109 Lesser Redpoll Little Egret 3 Little Grebe 1 Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard 11 Marsh Harrier 1 Pheasant Pink-footed Goose 515 (including a flock of 300 birds feeding in a winter wheat field) Redshank 5 Reed Bunting Rock Pipit 1 Ruff 20 Shelduck 3 Snipe 1 Starling Stonechat 3 (2 male and 1 female) Teal 11 Tree Sparrow Turnstone 10 Water Pipit Woodpigeon Roe Deer 7 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 27/10/2017 Chaffinch 2 Dunnocks 2 Great spotted woodpecker 1 Squirrel 1 - looked like it was burying something 29/10/2017 Kestrel 1 - on road verge at TF521765 31/10/2017 Wren 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 27/10/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 2 Starling 30 Collared Dove 30 Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 40 Tree Sparrow 1 Robin 1 Greenfinch 1 Goldfinch 1 Chaffinch 2 Coal Tit 1 Carrion Crow 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 29/10/2017 Jon Drakes An early morning walk around fields and woodland to the North of the village found the following species present: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch 2 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Dunnock Fieldfare 20 (first sighting of the autumn around the village) Goldfinch Great Tit Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1 Greenfinch Herring Gull House Sparrow Jackdaw Jay 4 Kestrel 1 Linnet Little Egret 1 Magpie Mistle Thrush 2 Pheasant Pied Wagtail Pink-footed Goose 370 Robin Rook Sparrowhawk 1 Starling Tree Sparrow Woodpigeon Wren Large flocks containing Goldfinch, Linnet, Great Tit and Pied Wagtail were observed feeding on newly ploughed fields. All Pink-footed Geese were seen flying in a North Westerly direction, with pproximately 200 birds appearing to land in an area towards Kirmington village. LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 04/11/2017 Jayne Knight 27/10 Painted Lady basking in sunshine high up in the branches of neighbour’s Cedar tree. Had to get the binoculars out to positively identify. Two Wrens noisily disputing territory rights to the Honeysuckle and nest box on shed. (Still on going today, 30/10) 30/10 Cormorant flew over, late morning, going West. Two Coal Tits stashing sunflower hearts in numerous nooks and crannies around the garden. SUTTON ST JAMES TF397184 Jane Ostler 27/10/17 A private arboretum The collection includes nine species of oak including natives (e.g.Pedunculate) and exotic (e.g. Cork, Willow, Pin, Daimyo, Chestnu-leaved)  Galls onlly found on Pedunculate Oak. Galls:In addition to the 5 common species recorded on Pedunculate Oak in August only one more found, again on Pedunculate. Marble Gall (Andricus kollari) on pedunculate oak, Cauliflower gall ( Aceria fraxinovara) on ash, Nail Gall on Maple (Acera macrochela) Nail gall on Sycamore(Acera cephalonia) Other Invertebrate notes: Red Admiral on ivy, 7 spot Ladybirds and Common Wasps on Oak and Green Shield Bugs on Tulip Tree THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 13/10/17 Axholme Railway - Haxey to Burnham. Blackbird x 7 Blue Tit x 6 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldcrest x 4 Goldfinch x 3 Long Tailed Tit x 6 Pink-footed Goose x 220 flying west over 14/10/17 Goldfinch x 39 Rook x 7 19/10/17 Blackbird x 7 Common Buzzard x 3 Dunnock x 2 Goldfinch x 38 Kestrel x 1 Starling x 250+ Wren x 2 Wood Mouse in low down hole nest box 22/10/17 Fox x 1 28/10/17 Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 sat calling from top of telegraph pole in my garden 29/10/17 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 3 Common Buzzard x 2 Dunnock x 2 Goldfinch x 4 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Wren x 1 31/10/17 Common Buzzard x 1 TWYFORD WOOD SK 92 Jane Ostler 22/10/17 An annual fungus foray, same route, same time over a 30 yr period. In recent years with Royal Society of Biology members and children from Watch group. In spite of very enthusiastic hunting we recorded only 28spp. on the walk with a few more identified later. Our highest count there has been over 90spp. Under a damp upper surface the soil was very dry to a depth. A trend over recent years has been the reduction in species which have beneficial relationships with trees. This year there was only one Russula, no Lactarius, no Amanita sp, no Boletes. Also only the Sulphur Tufts (Hypholoma fasiculare) were found in any number. The brackets were well represented. Of some interest were Lilac Bonnet (Mycena pura), Deer Shield (Pluteus cervinus) Spectacular Rust Gill (Gymnopilus junonis), Jelly Rot(Phlebiatremellosa) and Collared Earth Star (Geastrum triplex), the last named still producing spores. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler 24 October to 1st November 2017 Mammals: Some reports of Hedgehogs going into hibernation but more of them still being active. Many seem to have moved into gardens which back onto the Nature Trail. One found flattened on the road is believed to have previously occupied a special 'house' made for it. Not far away a camcorder has documented the regular feeding at night of a family. In one sequence the mother is seen pushing out the feeding bowl from the hut to make more room for them all. Birds: A party of Long-tailed Tits is moving in sudden flurries of activity from garden to garden. They have been lining a nest with the feathery seedheads of clematis.The first Redwings travelling along the Nature trail. A Grey Wagtail on a roof.Black-headed Gulls flying over, heading south west half an hour before sunset, to roost at Rutland Water. Heron regularly travelling over towards the Witham now that the Little Egrets have left. Invertebrates: The maximum temperature dropped to 11C on October 31st but in sunshine Red Admiral, a queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee and Honey Bees were all out feeding. Up to this point Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell were out regularly. The caterpillars of Large White butterflies have reached pupation size on the sprouting broccoli. On 24th October a Southern Hawker Dragonfly seen in my garden and later in the week both Brown Hawker Dragonflies and the Common Darter seen in area. Flowering Plants.: The first night frost, 30th October, has as yet had little effect on the phenomenon of late flowering (or early flowering winter ones, snowdrops out in the churchyard) The wild strawberries have had a second flowering. Chickweed (an annual) is on its third generation. But those plants governed by day length , like Wild Letttuce, have heeded their own biological clocks and have died back. Two street trees, a Walnut and a Sweet Chestnut have produced abundant mature fruit. Fungi: On Monday 30th October I took the Nature Trail volunteers on what was supposed to be an introduction to the fungi. Web found just three species - Candle Snuff, Turkey Tail and King Alfred's Cakes. A search in the previous two days to find some representative types for a demonstration, had proved equally fruitless. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Donna Nook seal updates: note road closure information! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update Once the pupping starts please try to avoid weekend visits if possible. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 25th October – 1st November 2017 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth & John Walker General Notes & Weather Observations October weather - Brief notes due to observer being away from 13th - 28th. From the 1st - 12th the weather was generally cloudy and cool influenced by a fresh south-westerly air flow reaching f6 at times. The exception being the 2nd, 3rd and 5th when clear, sunny weather prevailed. During that early period only 3.0mm of rainfall was recorded. During the third week there was an unseasonal warm spell when daytime temperatures rose to 22.25°C (per comms Matt Blissett). A near ground frost was noted on the 30th with a temperature of 1.0°C (air 3.25°C) and very strong NNW winds were observed on the 28th and 29th when a gust of 49.1mph was recorded near Sea View. Total ppt for the month was 15.50mm (0.61 inches) making it the driest October in recent years. Most hawthorns now leafless & many berries eaten or blown off. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 26th - 2 red admirals 1 large white and 1 small tortoiseshell 28th – 5 whooper swans on Rimac lagoon, a ringtail hen harrier was hunting over the saltmarsh and 122 oystercatchers were on the Outer Haven. 29th – the long-billed dowitcher [first observed on 16th September] was on the banks of the Great Eau with a single bar-tailed godwit plus a kingfisher. A few blackbirds and 2 coal tits around Sea View and 16 whooper swans flew south late in the afternoon. The NNW gale over 28/29 moved a lot of seabirds south and on 29th an exceptional movement of auks were observed moving north with hundreds of guillemots a few razorbills little auks and, very rare for Lincolnshire, 1 black guillemot. Also 10’s of kittiwakes, gannets, common scoter and 2 velvet scoter, several red throated divers a few great skuas and pomarine skuas, Manx shearwater, goldeneye, teal and wigeon. 30th – there were at least 20+ blackbirds between Sea View and Paradise wood, a single woodcock was flushed from the dunes at Sea View plus single coal tit and gold- crest nearby. Other sightings include a small arrival of thrushes the majority (c 200 blackbirds) a scattering of siskins, goldcrests, chaffinches and bramblings, 3 woodcock, a single water rail, 2 marsh harriers, 2 barn owls, 1 tawny owl, 3 stonechats, 1 Lapland bunting & 2 snow bunting. On adjacent pasture land at Elm House Farm 680+ pink-footed geese were feeding. 31st – A flock of 130+ wigeon were flying over the dunes late afternoon to roost near the Haven Outfall and 5 fieldfare with 3 redwing were near Sea View. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises 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, private reserves 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://lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org LNU Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals *** Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ 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 *** http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Weather Underground *** https://www.wunderground.com/ *** Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service *** 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. *** Botany *** Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland http://bsbi.org/ Botanical Group in South Lincs Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** Identifying Fungi *** App: http://rogersmushroomsapp.com/ BMS Checklist of names: http://www.fieldmycology.net/GBCHKLST/gbchklst.htm BMS Keys for Macrofungi http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/library/keys/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/ http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ 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 *** Lincolnshire Mammals *** 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 Mammal Society http://www.mammal.org.uk/ *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk BAS Spider identification: http://britishspiders.org.uk/wiki2015/index.php?title=Main_Page *** 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 *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@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 USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Phil Hyde - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/t/tetneymarshes/ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for all nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Indoor Meetings 2017/8 Indoor meeting ‘Shining light on the ‘geological darkness’ of Lincolnshire’ – 25th November 2017 Indoor meeting – 20th January 2018 Recorders’ Meeting – 10th February 2018 Annual General Meeting – 3rd March 2018 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. None this week. If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of current and past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally.....: Man arrested as police raid Lincolnshire modern slavery site http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41833198 RAF Waddington airfield discovers stowaways from France http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41836745 Call to conserve 'crucial' rare Wales spider species http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-41767247 Octopuses 'walking out of the sea' on the Welsh coast http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-41790751/octopuses-walking-out-of-the-sea-on-the-welsh-coast Reality Check: Are millions of trees being planted? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41551296 South Ribble council restricts number of dogs allowed per person in public http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-41803922 Country diary: Henry III’s charter helped this tree survive to a ripe old age https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/23/country-diary-epping-forest-charter-henry-iii-ancient-beech-pollard Country diary: the autumn run is a bruising experience for the fish https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/24/country-diary-autumn-run-salmon-trout-northmberland Country diary: fog and fireweed, the seeds of a ghost story https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/25/country-diary-fog-and-fireweed-the-seeds-of-a-ghost-story Some nice vids in article: Octopuses invade Welsh beach – here are the scientific theories why https://theconversation.com/octopuses-invade-welsh-beach-here-are-the-scientific-theories-why-86646 Blue Planet academic consultants on the message that humanity cannot afford to ignore https://theconversation.com/blue-planet-academic-consultants-on-the-message-that-humanity-cannot-afford-to-ignore-86157 Are red skies at night a shepherd’s delight? An astronomer’s view https://theconversation.com/are-red-skies-at-night-a-shepherds-delight-an-astronomers-view-85691 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/