============================================= || || 8th 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... *** This week we have exciting news about the LNU Herbarium and the Lincolnshire Plants – Past Present and Future project – now called “Love Lincolnshire Plants”. The LNU Herbarium was transferred to the Natural History Museum this week. See more below in section 1. Plant collections are a "treasure chest" of biological information and can tell us much about the history of the environment and climate change. There are secrets yet to discover which could impact on natural resources, economics, plant breeding, production of new crops and medicines and the protection and conservation of the worlds' plants, which sustain life on our planet. Links relating to this project: 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 https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB6krVFGDQo https://lnu.org/publications/books/the-flora-of-lincolnshire/ Last Friday I visited Roughton Moor Wood to prepare a risk assessment for a Wildlife Watch fungus foray. You can imagine my surprise when I read the following news story! I think we shall be foraying elsewhere! Police and bomb disposal squad descend on Lincolnshire village http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/police-bomb-disposal-squad-descend-561141 Man arrested over mustard gas find in Roughton Moor Woods http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41495493 Third arrest over mustard gas find in Roughton Moor Woods http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41512847 As usual I have included a selection of topical links worth clicking. Most were sent in by readers, the rest were chosen by me with particular people in mind. Police use drones in Lincolnshire hare coursing operation http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41476289 'Lonely' swan to be reunited with migrant family http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41444040 Celebrate another Apple Day at Gunby Hall http://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/celebrate-another-apple-day-at-gunby-hall-1-8177518 Pesticides linked to bee deaths found in most honey samples http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41512791 Five plants and animals we don't want any more of http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41484193 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/ 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 Thank you to all contributors this week. Your reports are much appreciated. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Exciting news: "Lincolnshire Plants - Past, Present and Future" *** The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union has expressed thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the offer of a significant and very important grant towards the "Love Lincolnshire Plants" project. The project has been made possible through the support of the National Lottery players and the project partners: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust; the Sir Joseph Banks Society; the Natural History Museum; Lincoln University and many members, friends and associates. In particular the LNU owes a great debt to LNU botanists Rev A Woodruff-Peacock (1858–1922) and Joan Gibbons, (1902-1988) who put together a 9300-specimen herbarium reflecting 150+ years of continuity and change in the Lincolnshire countryside. This collection has now been transferred to the Natural History Museum (NHM) which houses "an estimated six million specimens of bryophytes, ferns, seed plants and slime moulds from all over the world." Lincolnshire is under-represented in the British and Irish Herbarium [of some 630,000 specimens] and the addition of the LNU collection will add significantly to the under-standing of Lincolnshire's [and Britain's] botanical past. Thanks also go to LNU members who supported the decision to transfer this collection to the NHM and to the many Lincolnshire naturalists who have contributed to the botanical recording of the county since 1893. We now enter the "Present and Future" phase of the project, where the partners set out to build a 21st century plant collection, training and inspiring the botanists of today and tomorrow. We hope many of you will wish to play an active part. 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 LWT http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ SJBS http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ LNU http://lnu.org/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lifesciences/ NHM http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/collections/botany-collections.html http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/collections/botany-collections/british-irish-herbarium.html *** October Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html The Orionid meteors peak on 21st October - a moonless night, so there's hope we may see some. Heads up! Orionid Meteor Shower 2017 weather forecast: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/events/orionid-meteor-shower *** Telescope for sale £350 ono - hardly used *** Sky-Watcher 200P/1000EQ5 Reflector telescope Diameter of Primary Mirror: 200mm (8 inch) Focal length: 1000mm (f/5) Eyepiece supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm x 2 Deluxe Barlow Lens 1.25" (with camera adaptor) Finderscope: 90x50mm, straight-through Mount: EQ5 equatorial Stainless steel pipe tripod with accessory tray Plus Seben Laser Collimator Contact Editor to be put in touch with the seller if interested. old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** 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. Full details can be downloaded on our website http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/upcomingevents or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams/ *** 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 Dr Jassy Drakulic Plant Pathologist jassydrakulic@rhs.org.uk *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** 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: 27/9 Lapland Bunting flew south over Wash Viewpoint, Gibraltar Point Scaup ad drk, Deeping Lakes 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, Donna Nook 28/9 Scaup onTennyson's Sands*, Yellow-browed Warbler at Aylmer Avenue, Gibraltar Point 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 2 Little Stints, Donna Nook Long-billed Dowitcher at Paradise Pool, flew to Saltfleet Haven 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 1 by Gibraltar Road, 1 in plantation, Curlew Sandpiper on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 8 Little Stints, 2 Great White Egrets, Sotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Grebe, Wood Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret circled over A17 at St James Road junction, Long Sutton 3 Cattle Egrets in field north of Saltfleetby St Clement 29/9 2 Yellow-browed Warblers in dunes, 2 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Scaup ad drk, Deeping Lakes 2 Great White Egrets, c 10 Little Stints, c 5 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton March 3 Cattle Egrets in field north of Saltfleetby St Clement 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, Saltfleetby NNR Long-billed Dowitcher at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven 30/9 3 Cattle Egrets*, Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby St Clement 3 Great White Egrets*, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler near Mill Hill*, Black Tern flew south, Woodlark, Gibraltar Point 1/10 Little Stint, Toft Newton reservoir Rough-legged Buzzard flew SW over Hemingby east of Baumber 47 Little Stints, 7 Curlew Sandpipers, 8 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Great White Egrets, Wood Sandpiper at Marsh Farm reservoir, Frampton Marsh Long-billed Dowitcher at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven Yellow-browed Warbler by Gibraltar Road, 4 Spotted Redshanks on Jackson's Marsh, ringtail Hen Harrier from Wash Viewpoint, Curlew Sandpiper on Croft Marsh pool, 2 Spoonbills at Sykes Farm, Gibraltar Point 2 Yellow-browed Warblers at MOD building, Donna Nook Yellow-browed Warbler at Sandbank bungalow, Sea View Lane, Saltfleetby 2 Cattle Egrets in cattle field, Saltfleetby St Clement 2/10 3 Cattle Egrets, at Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby St Clement Long-billed Dowitcher at Paradise Pool, + juv Curlew Sandpiper, Saltfleet Haven 2 Short-eared Owls from raptor viewpoint, 3 Great White Egrets, 30+ Little Stints, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Yellow-browed Warbler in dunes at south end, Donna Nook 3/10 Wood sandpiper on Jackson's Marsh, Yellow-browed Warbler in West Dnes, Gibraltar Point 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, Donna Nook Great White Egret, 8 Curlew sandpipers, 18 Little Stints, Wood sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 2 Spoonbills, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Osprey, Gibraltar Point Scaup ad drk, Ruddy Shelduck, Deeping Lakes 4/10 Yellow-browed Warbler trapped and ringed in East Dunes, 9 spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 8 Little Stints, Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting at south end, Little Stint, nearby Yellow-browed Warbler in garden, Marsh Warbler singing between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, Donna Nook 3 Cattle Egrets at Elm House farm, Saltfleetby St Clement Firecrest in hawthorns north of Crook Bank car park, Saltfleetby NNR Hen Harrier, Laughton Forest. Long-billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven Ruddy Shelduck, Deeping Lakes 5/10 Curlew Sandpiper, 10 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Alkborough Flats Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation, Gibraltar Point 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. Theddlethorpe John Cowell writes on 4/10/2017 Is it me, or are the large numbers of Geese flying high over the East Coast very early this year, I normally expect them late October or November? Editor adds - see Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR report in section 4. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. ROAD KILL Silvia Fowler 29.09.2017 TF333849 (approx.) Badger on A16 Louth bypass *** 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 1/10/2017 Pied Wagtail and Hawker dragonfly have an in-flight confrontation! 2/10/2017 Flock of approx 30 starlings using garden birdbaths and feeders. Also many goldfinches. 3/10/2017 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 imm. hunting on lawn. DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Date: 30/9 & 03/10/2017 (composite report) Time: 0900 - 1230 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny and breezy Birds: Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Common Gull Common Sandpiper Coot Cormorant Egyptian Goose Gadwall Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Jackdaw Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Pintail Pochard Ruddy Shelduck Ruff Scaup Snipe Starling Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren Butterflies: Red Admiral Speckled Wood Mammals: Rabbit Grey Squirrel Weasel Dragonflies: Ruddy Darter HORNCASTLE Peter Childs Grid Ref approx TF 2591 6960 Additional birds seen in area. Up to and including 30/9/2017 Cormorant 1-2 regularly over canal Little Egret 1-2 particularly on Old Bain Grey Heron 1 seen most days on 2 over canal Grey lag Goose 2 skeins heading south total c.65 (per Danny Wilkinson ) 30/09 Mute Swan 1-2 irregularly: Oystercatcher - Records tailing off but up to 4 calling up to mid-month Buzzard - single record only Red legged partridge 2 Wood Pigeon up to 30 daily Song thrush amazingly 1 single record Long tailed tit single party of c,12 birds Yellow bunting-scarce 2 only Reed bunting-even more scarce - 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler Since 17.09.2017 I have again seen daily a single Common Gull feeding on worms in the pasture behind our house. This is the fourth year in succession of this occurrence, though 2-3 weeks earlier than before. It has had more company so far this year but tends to keep away from other birds. I’m still wondering if it’s the same individual. Any comments from the experts? 27.09.2017 2 Robins in song 28.09.2017 (sunny and calm p.m.) 10-15 Harlequin Ladybirds around ground floor windows – more than I’ve ever seen before A few Green Lacewings coming into house to hibernate 4 Red Admiral and 2 Comma butterflies on Ivy flowers in hedgerow, also numerous bee and hoverfly spp. (TF300853) Last sighting of 7 Swallows on power line, including 4-5 juveniles being fed by adults 29.09.2017 Chiffchaff in song – heard briefly 30.09.2017 Buzzard 01.10.2017 Ca. 20 Black-headed Gulls feeding in mud on pasture alongside a/the(?) single Common Gull Pied Wagtail Yellowhammer (TF301845) 02.10.2017 Mistle Thrush x 7 on power line 04.10.2017 Buzzard mobbed by corvids 05.10.2017 100+ Black-headed Gulls feeding on pasture Red Admiral 1 STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst at work during the week included: 25/9/2017 Herring Gull Magpie Pied Wagtail Robin Starling Woodpigeon 26/9/2017 Carrion Crow Collared Dove Common Gull Herring Gull House Sparrow Pink-footed Goose 30 (approx.) seen flying in a North Westerly direction Robin Starling 27/9/2017 Great Black Backed Gull Herring Gull Pied Wagtail Pink-footed Goose 40 (approx.) seen flying in a South Easterly direction 28/9/2017 Black-Headed Gull Carrion Crow Cormorant Herring Gull Robin Teal 40 (approx.) seen flying in land from River Humber 29/9/2017 Carrion Crow Common Gull Herring Gull Teal 15 (approx.) seen flying in land from the River Humber Woodpigeon KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 30/9/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 1 Starling 10 Collared Dove 6 Dunnock 3 House Sparrow 20 Robin 1 Goldfinch 1 Blue Tit 1 House Martin 2 seen feeding over the garden Butterflies: Peacock Red Admiral Large White WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler Sept 25th - October 3rd,2017 On Nature Trail and verges unless otherwise indicated. Mammals: Muntjak Deer. Evidence of fox, including remains of wood pigeon. Hedgehog still active in gardens in last week in September Birds: House Martins seen in last week in September but no swallows. At stables adjacent to Nature Trail a third brood was reared very late after two previous ones had failed. Buzzards and kites are seen flying over this area on a daily basis. Invertebrates. Speckled Woods and (in gardens) Comma, Cabbage and Small Whites (still laying eggs on greens), Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock. No Brimstones seen out for last seven days. A Convolvulus Hawk Moth seen resting on a house wall. Brown Hawker Dragonflies still about. Green Shield Bugs. Wasps have been scarce. One or two hornets out from their nest alongside Nature Trail. The Common Carder and the Red-tailed bumblebees are the most commonly seen at present. Flowering Plants: Ploughman's Spikenard still in flower. Some extensive patches of Eyebright. A new site for Devil's Bit Scabious found. Fungi: (Where there is an accepted Common Name I have used this, though some of them seem very strange to me and some less appropriate than the ones I learnt from our recorders Jack Houghton and Ken Rowlands) Dryad's Saddle which appeared some weeks ago has now reached spectacular proportions. A new bracket of Southern Bracket is at the base of an ash tree. Egghead Mottlegill has appeared intermittently throughout the year and has now been joined by the scarcer Coprinus macrocephalus. The Pleated Inkcap is frequent on grasslands but the preferred habitat of the Brittlestem (P.gracilis)seems to be accumulated leaf mould. A single Tawny grisette found in a cleared area is typical of woodland areas. The poisonous, to some, of Yellow Stainer is also found in waysides and can be mistaken for the edible Wood Mushroom. The Deer Shjeld was found typically on sawdust left from the clearing of an area." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 General Notes & Weather Observations September weather was changeable with frequent showers, occasional sunny days contrasting with warm, overcast humid days. Throughout the month there were continual, complicated movements of south-westerly fronts. High pressure did edge in from the 16th giving a fresh northerly air flow for three days before more depressions gave changeable weather again. These depressions met a dominant high pressure over central Europe and from the 24th an easterly air flow was the feature for a few days. Daytime temperatures throughout the month were around the late teens rising to 21.25°C on the 4th. The minimum temperatures at times fluctuated quite dramatically. Some nights were warm and humid (of note the ground minimum for the 5th was 15.5°C [air 15.0°C]), others quite chilly. There was a near ground frost on the 15th and 22nd when the temperature fell to 0.75°C. A strong south-westerly breeze f6 was noted on the 13th when a gust of 41.2mph was recorded and a NW f5 on the 16th and SWf5 on the 21st observed. Although there were never any spells of prolonged rainfall many days were of light rain, drizzle or low cloud and it gave the feeling of a wet month. In fact out of the 30 days in September there were 24 when rainfall was recorded from the rain gauge. Total rainfall for the month was 57.7 mm (2.27 inches). Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 27th – Single chiffchaff, willow warbler and goldcrest 28th – Paradise lagoon: 5 common snipe, 5 dunlin, 2 greenshank, a single curlew sandpiper, 2 shoveler and 14 mallard. Two kingfishers flew along the Eau at Black Bridge. A marsh harrier and 2 whimbrel flew over the saltmarsh. Two yellow-browed warblers and 2 coal tits at Sea View. At BYL: a buzzard, 3 chiffchaff and 2 yellow-browed warblers. At CB: wader flock on sand moving south included 120 ringed plovers, 90 dunlin, 3 curlew sandpipers, 1 little stint and 2 Sandwich terns. 29th – Long-billed dowitcher at Paradise lagoon plus 8 ruff, 5 dunlin, juvenile curlew sandpiper, greenshank, 6 ruff and 10 redshank. Another 3 Ruff flew south and a Hobby flew north. A kingfisher flew along the Eau and 25 swallows flew over. At Sea View were 2 yellow-browed warblers, at least 3 goldcrests and a single chiffchaff. Yellow-browed warblers were at BYL. A wheatear and marsh harrier were at Elm House Farm. 30th – Skeins of pink-footed geese flying over were 33, 35 and 70. At Paradise lagoon were singles of curlew sandpiper and little stint but later the long-billed dowitcher, 4 little stints, 2 curlew sandpipers, 2 ruff and 2 greenshank were reported. At Sea View singles of yellow-browed warbler, goldcrest, black- cap, spotted flycatcher and song thrush plus a 1st winter barred warbler; later in the day there were more sightings of yellow- browed warblers by other bird watchers. 1st – There were at least 4 yellow-browed warblers, 10 gold- crests, 3 chiffchaffs, 10+ reed buntings and singles blackcap and coal tit in the morning around Sea View. Along the edge of the Eau at Black Bridge the long-billed dowitcher was seen and a kingfisher flew by. 2nd – On Paradise lagoon: long-billed dowitcher, 13 dunlin, curlew sandpiper and 2 snipe plus at least 5 chiffchaffs and 2 goldcrests in nearby woodland with 3 house martins, 3 swallows and a common buzzard flying over. 3 cattle egret were on Elm House Farm. A kittiwake flew north and a marsh harrier south, over the sea. 3rd – At Sea View 1 black cap, 1 chiffchaff, 2 blackbirds and 2 song thrushes plus 2 swallows flying over, nearby towards Paradise were 3 stonechats, 7+ reed buntings and a flock of 60+ goldfinches. On the edge of Paradise wood were at least 6 chiffchaffs, long-billed dowitcher on the bank of the Eau and on Paradise lagoon were 1 curlew sandpiper, 15 dunlin, 4 common snipe, 1 mute swan and a single shoveler. Three swallows flew over plus two skeins of pink-footed geese 70 and 28 and 6 whoopers swans. Late afternoon at least 50 swallows, mainly young birds, all actively feeding over sycamores and buckthorn scrub; also a single chiffchaff and great-spotted woodpecker in the area. An early walk along the foredunes at BYL yielded a merlin and a sparrowhawk harassing the flock of around 300 linnets on the beach, whilst some 40 jackdaws and 10 carrion crows were harrying 3 buzzards circling low over the dunes. 3 gannets and 3 red-throated divers were noted flying south over the sea, where not unexpectedly, given the strong NW winds blowing from Iceland to the UK over the past couple of days, 2 skeins of pink-footed geese were seen flying south towards their wintering areas in Norfolk. 130 pink-footed geese were also seen coming off the beach roost and flying inland. On the high tide in the late afternoon, a further 1,000 pink- footed geese were noted flying south in 7 skeins. Geese had been heard flying south throughout the day, so probably several 1000 birds probably passed through during the day. Waders included 190 curlew, 50 dunlin, 20 each of sanderling and ringed plovers and 3 bar-tailed godwits. Roosting gulls included over 4,000 black-headed gulls and 2,000 common gulls. A different merlin to the one seen earlier in the day was hunting the linnet flock. Along a hedge just off the reserve near BYL on flowering Ivy were 28 red admirals and a single comma. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Meeting - September Report for 16/9/2017 Found in the Dormouse boxes: 10 dormice: 8 males, 2 females Two dormice, identified from our fur-clipping work, were recorded for the 4th time this year! Also found making use of the Dormouse boxes: Two brown long-eared bats Three woodmice Lots of slugs and a few large yellow underwing moths 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/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 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.....: Should you be worried about this year’s ‘spider invasion’? https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2017/oct/02/spider-invasion-should-you-be-worried-fright-bite-dangerous? Dog 'left for dead' by illegal hare coursers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41447980 RAF jets intercept flight after security 'hoax' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41495677 Bird deaths: Pheasants 'most likely species' to die on UK roads http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41487536 Human remains found at WWII bomber site in Netherlands http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-41488057 Stamford, Lincolnshire A little ashy triangle in the grass, the red admiral looked oddly serene amid the gathering tempest https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/27/country-diary-a-butterfly-in-the-wind Country diary: the park is busy with people but the heron seems to be in a different reality https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/28/country-diary-the-park-is-busy-with-people-but-the-heron-seems-to-be-in-a-different-reality Country diary: the house party's over for our wood mice https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/29/country-diary-wood-mice-release-into-wild From a homeless hostel to vice-chancellor of Lincoln University https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/oct/03/homeless-vice-chancellor-lincoln-university-mary-stuart Country diary: the charged stillness of the kestrel https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/02/country-diary-kinder-scout-kestrel-charged-stillness-sudden-action Country diary: huge jellyfish shipwrecked on the sands https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/04/country-diary-huge-jellyfish-shipwrecked-on-the-sands ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/