============================================= || || 1st October 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 Bulletin. 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... *** The next LNU Field Meeting will be at Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve on 8th October. It will be the annual LNU Fungus Foray. Details are further down the Bulletin. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/bloxholm-wood The Autumn Equinox fell on 22nd September and British Summer Time ends on Sunday 29th October. Clear skies with good "seeing" is what astronomers hope for as the nights become longer. Beautiful as starry skies are, there are often additional things to enjoy, such as the Aurora Borealis and "noctilucent clouds". These can be seen with the naked eye and can make spectacular photographs. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/clouds/noctilucent At the time of writing the USA is expecting a G2 class Geomagnetic storm. See: http://spaceweather.com/ https://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ The Orionid meteors will peak on 21st October - a moonless night, so there's hope we may see some. Orionid Meteor Shower 2017 weather forecast: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/events/orionid-meteor-shower As usual I have included a selection of topical links worth clicking. I hope you find these of interest. Most were sent in by readers, the rest were chosen by me with particular readers' interests in mind. Selection of links from readers: Rare Sir Isaac Newton coin released in Lincolnshire http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41401177 The YNU has a spring conference and the 2017 talks are available on-line. http://www.ynu.org.uk/Conference2017 National Trust memberships hit new high of five million [mentions Belton House] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41361095 The island where people eat puffins http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-41359122 Botanic gardens 'best hope' for saving endangered plants http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41388144 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 to all contributors this week. Your reports are much appreciated. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** October Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** 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/ *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://lnu.org/ 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 Field Meeting: 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 *** Field meeting for the Royal Foresty Society, Notts and Lincs Division *** Bats in Trees and Woodland - Nocton Wood on 10 October 2017 Nigel Sardeson writes: 10 October, Royal Forestry Society evening meeting, Bats in trees and woodland, looking at signs and management of bats for woodland managers with bat expert Ian Nixon, as guests of Beeswax Dyson Farming Ltd. Open to non-members, no charge, stout footwear, meet for 6pm, access from Wasps Nest, Nocton, Lincolnshire, LN42AY. Non-members please telephone Nigel Sardeson 07376841580 before attending. *** Chalk Stream Volunteer Days *** Will Bartle writes: A couple of volunteer days coming up: Wednesday 11th October 10-2 – Waithe beck near Brookenby We’ll be doing a bit of bank maintenance Volunteers to bring pack lunch, drink and suitable footwear (wellies or walking boots). Parking is at Suttons Estates Orford – bottom of the track near the barns Grid Reference TF19468 94585 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 J Full details can be downloaded on our website http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/upcomingevents or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams/ Many thanks, Will Bartle Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Monitoring Officer – Community and Education *** RHS Honey Fungus Survey - help needed please *** Dr Jassy Drakulic writes: I am a pathologist at the RHS researching Armillaria, and want to get a better picture of how ubiquitous it is and in which contexts mushrooms appear. Submission involves uploading photographs showing the necessary features for the mushroom ID to be verified (above cap, under cap and stipe-side views) plus asks for information on the growth pattern including any plant host and its health. The survey and all relevant background information can be found on the website: www.rhs.org.uk/honey-fungus-hunt There are new resources available on the website for how to identify honey fungus including how make a spore print, plus more detailed advice on the management of honey fungus infected beds. While the RHS is researching honey fungus to address it as a garden disease, any cases of honey fungus are welcomed for submission in this survey. I would be immensely grateful if you would be willing to share this among your fellow enthusiasts and even broader spheres of influence. If you have any questions about the project please do get in touch. Dr Jassy Drakulic Plant Pathologist jassydrakulic@rhs.org.uk *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section - 2017/8 *** Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of Scunthorpe Museum Society. Our next meeting is on Monday, 9th October starting at 7.15pm as usual. Paul Hildreth, local Geologist, former Teacher and Secretary of the Yorkshire Geology Group will be giving an illustrated talk entitled "Fracking, a Geologist's Impartial View". Paul is also a member of the Panel of the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Group. His talk covers the Geology and Procedures used in Fracking. The meeting will be held in the St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no charge for entry to our meetings but a donation bowl is provided. There is a large free car park at the Church. Light refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS which take place in St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS. (Opposite the Priory Hotel.) Parking is free in the large Church car park. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. For a small charge light refreshments are provided at the mid-talk break. Contacts via Website: http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ *** Grimsby RSPB Group *** Martin Francis writes: "The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 16th October, at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Chris Galvin will give us an illustrated talk entitled "Around the World in 80 Birds". Chris given us talks before and he has proved himself to be and interesting and well- informed speaker, and an excellent photographer. There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to RSPB Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore on Sunday 22nd October, leaving Millman's Coach Depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. Booking is essential All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB for either event. For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 We look forward to seeing you at the meeting, or on the trip, or both! *** 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/ *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 9th October 2017 the invite you to join them at their indoor meeting where Imogen Wilde, regional coordinator for the British Arachnological Society will give an illustrated presentation "Spiders - no fear!" This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £3, all are welcome. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle and tea & coffee available. For further information contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** 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 " * ". Note: 21/9 Long-billed Dowitcher juv south of Saltfleet Haven on side of Paradise Pool 7 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Covenham reservoir 2 Little Stints, Donna Nook Caspian Gull 2w (yellow ringed) in field north of Bagmoor 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 2 near Aylmer Avenue, 1 in plantation, 3 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret on south scrape, Red-necked Grebe juv at Marsh Farm reservoir, Frampton Marsh 22/9 Red-backed Shrike at north end, Gibraltar Point* 3 Spoonbills, Firecrest at feeding station in plantation, Gibraltar Point Red-necked Phalarope, 6 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Covenham reservoir Wood Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 4 Little Stints, Great White Egret, Red-necked Grebe at Marsh farm reservoir, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret in ditch near Cristal Millennium Inorganic Chemicals, Stallingborough Yellow-browed Warbler in dunes at south end, Donna Nook Long-billed Dowitcher juv south of Saltfleet Haven on side of Paradise Pool 23/9 Scaup ad drk, juv Black Tern, Deeping Lakes* Little Stint, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits* Little Gull, Red-necked Phalarope juv, 11 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Covenham reservoir Yellow-browed Warbler along roadside north of Aylmer Avenue, Black Tern, Pomarine Skua flew south past, Spoonbill, 2 juv Curlew Sandpipers, in Greenshank creek, Red-backed Shrike reported from north car park, Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher juv south of Saltfleet Haven on side of Paradise Pool 3 Cattle Egrets on saltmarsh near Sea View Farm, Saltfleetby 3 Cattle Egrets, Saltfleetby St Clement Red-necked Grebe at Marsh Farm reservoir, 10 Little Stints, 9 Curlew Sandpipers, Great White Egret, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Red-necked Phalarope on wet grassland by River Trent, Alkborough Flats 24/9 Hen Harrier ringtail*, Red-necked Grebe juv at Marsh Farm reservoir, Wood Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Little Stint, Baston and Langtoft gravel pits 25/9 Red-necked Grebe juv at Marsh Farm reservoir, 2 Great White Egrets, Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 6 Little Stints on middle Scrape, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Common Rosefinch near Shoveler's Pool, Yellow-browed warbler trapped and ringed in East Dunes, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Curlew Sandpiper juv on Tennyson's Sands, 4 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Ring Ouzel on freshwater marsh, Ring Ouzel near sleeper track in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Black Tern juv on Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park Long-billed Dowitcher juv south of Saltfleet Haven on side of Paradise Pool 2 Little Stints, Covenham reservoir 3 Cattle Egrets, Saltfleetby St Clement Long-tailed Skua flew south over beach, Ring Ouzel between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall*, Donna Nook 26/9 3 Yellow-browed Warblers 1 at Pye's Hall, 2 at MOD, probable Barred Warbler at Pye's Hall, Donna Nook 3 Cattle Egrets in cattle field west of Mardyke, Saltfleetby St Clement Long-billed Dowitcher juv + Curlew Sandpiper, south of Saltfleet Haven on side of Paradise Pool Red-necked Grebe juv at Marsh Farm reservoir, 2 Great White Egrets, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 21 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh Little Stint on Tennyson's Sands, 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 1 in visitor centre car park, Ring Ouzel, Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point Yellow-browed Warbler in canopy at Sea View, Wood Warbler, Theddlethorpe 27/9 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, [2 in East Dunes], Little bunting at Wash Viewpoint, Gibraltar Point Red-necked Grebe juv at Marsh Farm reservoir, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Short-eared Owl, 2 Great White Egrets, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler at Pye's Hall, Little Bunting trapped and ringed at south end Donna Nook 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. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. A1077 SOUTH FERRIBY/BARTON ON HUMBER Grid ref: TA004210 Road kill Badger 20 September 2017 Jenny Haynes *** 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 18th September 2017 Bat circling garden, hunting 23rd September 2017 Flush of light brown "ink cap" fruiting bodies in lawn, "trooping", believed related to underground root runs of a dead tree stump. Probable species: Coprinus deliquescens. Butterflies still active - notable Red Admirals and Small Tortoiseshells. Also a Brown Hawker dragonfly. https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/brown-hawker 2 bats circling garden 20.45hrs @ 55KHz. 25th September 2017 Boletus sp - 2nd flush. On lawn. Probably Xerocomus porosporus. 3 bats hunting 20.00hrs @ 55KHz. CANDLESBY QUARRY TF 460682 C Byatt 22 Sept. 2017 Harebells - 6 GAINSBOROUGH Hedged Town garden, tidied in the spring. G. Ref SK823894 DN21 1XB Chris Coleman August 27 2017 No wind, buzzard mewing overhead, Speckled Wood in garden shed. HORNCASTLE area Peter Childs Friday 22/09/ 2017 Viking Trail 0645-0745 Clear overnight 4C at 0645 rising to 7C at 0 745 Wind W variable F1 Ground mist throughout but Sun coming through at c 0720 Note: The area I generally walk at first light is along the Viking Way from Thornton Lodge to the bridge across the canal where the swimming pool is. Yesterday, after being asked many times previously by some of the surprisingly numerous dogwalkers abroad at that time what I had seen, I decided to do a cross between a common bird census and a butterfly transect, recording birds in an imaginary 25m box allowing an hour with stops one way. The species recorded are set out below (not in systematic order) and is in the style of of the very greats - viz Stephen Lorand and his fellow members of the Cleethopes Ringing Group who inspired a generation of young naturalists and to whom my family and I owe a particular debt. After that I have listed other sightings for the remainder of the week and including counts of some of the species already given where there were significant variations in numbers together with other natural history notes. Robin 7 of which 5 in subsong Blackbird 5 Wren 1 in song Magpie 2 Dunnock 1 Chaffinch 9 Magpie 2 Great Tit 7 Jackdaw 2 Carrion Crow 2 Rook 2 Wood Pigeon 3 Redstart 1 Spotted Flycatcher 1 Mute Swan 1 Mallard 7 Moorhen 3 Collared Dove 2 Summer species counts would be much higher as the area is of exceptional vegetational diversity with 5 species of Warbler regularly noted for example and a sixth not much further south along the trail at the juntion with Sandy Lane. Additional bird species seen on Viking trail during w/e 22/09 Bullfinch max of 4 comprising 1 ad F plus 3 1st year bids Grey heron 1.2 seen most days Black headed Gull less than 10 Song thrush-2 only Golden Plover Flock of c.120 arrived at first light 17/09 on recently tilled field at Thonton Lodge and were still present an hour later but had moved on by midday. Goldfinch 1-5 on several days Greenfinch single bird only Blur Tit-max 6 Kingfisher Not recorded but one present early Sept (per Sally Depner) HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 22/9/2017 Common darter 1 Peacock butterfly 1 23/9/2017 Frog 1 - large, in undergrowth Ladybird 7-spot 2 Ladybird harlequin 1 Magpies 2 Wren 1 - came out of a dying clematis with a moth 25/9/2017 Red admiral 1 Wren 1 26/7/2017 Red admiral 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 16/9/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 2 Starling 4 Collared Dove 6 Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 20 Tree Sparrow 1 Robin 1 Goldfinch 2 Chaffinch 2 Greenfinch 1 Jackdaw 3 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 17/9/2017 Jon Drakes Noted whilst taking a walk around fields and woodlands to the North of the village were: Blackbird Blue Tit Bullfinch 1 female Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chiffchaff Collared Dove Dunnock Goldfinch Great Tit Greenfinch Herring Gull House Martin A small number seen feeding over stubble fields. House Sparrow Jackdaw Jay 2 Kestrel 1 Linnet Long-tailed Tit Magpie Robin Rook Spotted Flycatcher Starling Swallow A small number noted feeding with House Martins and gathered on power cables. Willow Warbler 1 Woodpigeon Butterflies: Red Admiral Large White Small Skipper Speckled Wood KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 16/9/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 2 Starling 15 Collared Dove 7 Dunnock 6 House Sparrow 25 Tree Sparrow 1 Robin 1 Chaffinch 1 Jackdaw 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Magpie 1 Woodpigeon 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler Wasp numbers seem low this year, also Hoverflies (apart from a brief surge in early July) 16.09.2017 10-12 Swallows and House Martins feeding over local hedgerow 19.09.2017 Green-veined White 1, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 1, Small Tortoiseshell 5 Still some Swallows heading south, including at least one juvenile begging for food Common Toad 23.09.2017 Hedgehog – actually saw one in garden tonight, the first in 8 years! 24.09.2017 (sunny and fairly calm) 10-15 House Martins and Swallows feeding over garden Adult Woodpigeon and 1 squab in nest in ash tree (where I’d seen fresh egg shell on 5 Sep) Butterflies: Brimstone 1, Comma 3, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 2, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Small White 1 Green Shieldbug Tawny Owl 2 (heard) 25.09.2017 7 Swallows on power line including 5 obvious juveniles Common Frog 26/27.09.2017 Still some Swallows feeding over pasture 27.09.2017 Wren Goldfinch Small Common Toad STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst at work during the week included: 11/9/2017 Black-Headed Gull Carrion Crow Great Black Backed Gull Little Egret Pied Wagtail Starling Woodpigeon 12/9/2017 Herring Gull Woodpigeon 14/9/2017 Magpie Pied Wagtail Starling 15/9/2017 Carrion Crow Herring Gull Magpie Pied Wagtail Robin Woodpigeon STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst at work during the week included: 18/9/2017 Blackbird Carrion Crow Herring Gull Pied Wagtail Robin Starling Woodpigeon 20/9/2017 Carrion Crow Herring Gull Magpie Pied Wagtail 21/9/2017 Common Gull Grey Heron Herring Gull Magpie Pied Wagtail Starling THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 15/09/17 Blackbird x 5 Dunnock x 2 Goldcrest x 3 Greenshank x 1 over Thurnholmes Robin x 1 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 23:45hrs Setaceous Hebrew Character x 3 around back garden security light 17/09/17 Common Buzzard x 1 SK803996 Goldfinch x 59 SK801995 Mute Swan x 4 Owston Ferry Warping Drain 19/09/17 Barn Owl x 1 01:30hrs Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 Owston Ferry Church yard Kestrel x 1 Swallow x 23 on lines Setaceous Hebrew Character x 11 around back garden security light 24/09/17 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 32 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 7 26/09/17 Barn Owl x 2 SK787995 Bullfinch x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 East Lound Goldfinch x 13 Owston Ferry Warping Drain ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 20th September – 27th September 2017 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker and Nige Lound. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 20th – Cattle egret with 21 little egrets on saltmarsh, on Paradise lagoon long-billed dowitcher, 2 greenshank, 2 black-tailed godwits, 1 common sandpiper, 1 little grebe and a female gadwall; 80 pink-footed geese flew over going SE. 21st – On the receding high tide on the saltmarsh a minimum of 400 black-headed gulls feeding plus 43 little egrets and a cattle egret. The long-billed dowitcher was again on Paradise lagoon with 3 greenshank and a black-tailed godwit, single chiffchaff in nearby wood and goldcrest, 2 blackcaps and chiffchaff at Sea View. Nearby at Rimac on the falling tide were 3 little stint and 2 curlew sandpiper. A single Arctic skua flew north. The dunes between SV and CLCP were exceptionally quiet. 22nd – At Paradise lagoon 3 greenshank, 2 ruff and 4 dunlin plus a marsh harrier drifted south very high plus 2 common buzzards. 23rd – Single blackcap at Sea View plus several red admirals, speckled woods and one comma butterfly. On the edge of Paradise wood was a passing mixed flock of blue tit 5+, great tit 5+, goldfinch 2, long-tailed tit 5+, chiffchaff 2 and blackcap1 with a wheatear nearby. A short-eared owl was disturbed on the outer dunes at Rimac and a single cattle egret was with 34 little egrets on the saltmarsh. 24th - Pink-footed geesea skein of 34 birds over the dunes flying SW. 25th – A small number of robins, goldcrests, chaffinches arrived, also 4 whinchats 2 redstarts. Single chiffchaff and goldcrest at Sea View and several blackbirds nearby, long-billed dowitcher still at Paradise lagoon plus 2 common snipe, marsh harrier hunting over the saltmarsh and chiffchaff calling near Paradise wood. Late afternoon there were 3 cattle egrets feeding with 5 little egrets on the saltmarsh and at Sea View a spotted flycatcher and blackcap, with 3 mistle thrushes flying over. A male snow bunting was on the beach out from CLCP with the linnet flock. A bonxie, 17 common scoter and 23 gannet flew north whilst 7 pinkfeet and 7 brent geese flew south. In the dunes were a redstart, a goldcrest and 4 chiffchaff (3 in song). 2 cattle egret were on Elm House Farm and the long-billed dowitcher was again around the Haven. Butterfly species seen included red admiral, small tortoiseshell, small and green veined white meadow brown, speckled wood, comma and small heath. 26th – 3 Cattle Egret were on Elm House Farm. A flock of 100+ linnets were feeding amongst the developing saltmarsh vegetation off Rimac and up to 20 reed buntings and 25+ skylarks in the area. There were at least 170 oystercatchers on the edge of the Haven, a single female eider on the Haven, 12 gannets and 9 dark-bellied brent geese both flying N, and. A single ruff flew off from the edge of Rimac lagoon, a wheatear was seen perched amongst sea aster and a female marsh harrier was hunting on the edge of the saltmarsh. At Sea View 1 spotted flycatcher, 2 blackcaps and 1 yellow-browed warbler all at around 1400hrs but two hours later another yellow-browed warbler sighting which may have been the same bird as before but both were very skittish and seen for a very brief time. Birds of note in the CB area were 12 goldcrest, 3 whinchat, 2 redstart, a fieldfare, 2 sparrowhawk and 24 long-tailed tit. A marsh harrier flew south. Other birds of note today, 1 ring ouzel, 1 stonechat, 3 common buzzard and 1 merlin. 27th – At Sea View 3 chiffchaff, 1 yellow-browed warbler and 1 brambling. 2 pipestrelle bats are still appearing at dusk at Coastguard Cottage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ KIRKBY ON BAIN Coningsby Wildlife Watch with Steve Nugent, Roger Parsons and Alex Pickwell TF240629 Bainside Coarse Fishery, Bainside House, Roughton Road, Kirkby on Bain LN10 6YL Sunday, 24th September 2017 Mammals Molehills Rabbit droppings Fish Bream Roach Bream x roach hybrids Plants Oak - with several types of gall Elder Horse Chestnut Willow spp Sycamore Himalayan Balsam - invasive weed Ragwort - toxic weed Gorse Bramble Wild Rose with hips Nettle Dock Ground Elder Dandelion Thistles Eggs and Bacon [Bird'sfoot Trefoil] Several grass spp Willowherb Water plants: Reed, sweet-grass and great reedmace Water lily - probably white water lily Fungi Shaggy cap Bay Boletus Russula [Dark red cap] Insects Earwig Migrant Hawker dragonfly m Darter spp [red] Wasp spp Bee spp Cricket heard "red and black ants" Orange Tip butterfly Small tortoiseshell Cabbage White Aquatic invertebrate Freshwater shrimp (Crangonyx pseudogracilis) Great AND Lesser Water Boatman Water Skater Water Stick Insect Water Scorpion Lesser Saucer Bug http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/saucer-bug Damselfly larvae Alderfly larvae Caddis fly larvae Chironomid larvae Leech spp Flatworm spp Lesser Pond Snail Bird species Cormorant and gulls along River Bain Robins Regular Kingfisher not seen Grass snakes reported yesterday - but not seen today!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/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. 2017 Field Meetings 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 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. mark@nice - hard bounce - mailbox unavailable Nicola.Wilson - hard bounce - bad mailbox 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.....: Biologists find genetic master switch for the butterfly’s wing color http://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/butterfly-wing-color-genes-432432/?utm_source How killer flies have the fastest vision of any animal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-41287217/how-killer-flies-have-the-fastest-vision-of-any-animal Hurricanes: A perfect storm of chance and climate change? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41347527 Snow comes early to California http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-41370699/snow-comes-early-to-california Big Antarctic iceberg edges out to sea http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41366504 Paris climate aim 'still achievable' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41319885 Puffins in Peril http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2JmJ6KWXbggDmBJCmm0czsg/these-astounding-puffin-pictures-are-telling-scientists-something-very-important-about-the-effect-of-climate-change Tribes react to Morris dancing http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05fz4bs? Country diary: slowworm's escape from jaws of disaster https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/21/slowworms-narrow-escape-from-jaws-of-disaster-country-diary In defence of great crested newts: why these elusive amphibians are worth the worry https://theconversation.com/in-defence-of-great-crested-newts-why-these-elusive-amphibians-are-worth-the-worry-77288 Country diary: sci-fi fungus flourishes in the forest https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/23/country-diary-sci-fi-fungus-new-forest Country diary: late summer flowers draw a frenzy of insects https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/25/country-diary-late-summer-flowers-insects-feeding-frenzy ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/