============================================= || || 22nd 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 LNU Bulletin to 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... *** Brian Hedley has emailed me an update on the Bloxholm Wood foray. "48 species plus the tripe fungus in the notables list. " Great! http://www.first-nature.com/fungi/auricularia-mesenterica.php This week has been a great one for woodland visits. I enjoyed a selection of fine ones; Hardy Gang, Scotgrove and Goslings Corner, culminating in a visit to Snipe Dales for a fungus hunt with Coningsby Wildlife Watch. Over past years Coningsby Wildlife Watch has undertaken conservation work at Snipe Dales, plus shelter building, stream dipping, orienteering, bug hunts, bird watching and a training session in "Field First Aid". As usual the members were very enthusiastic and they found a good range of fungal species, including "Chicken of the Woods" and Fly Agaric. https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/species-explorer/fungi/chicken-of-the-woods The variety of habitats at Snipe Dales never fails to impress, it is a gem, wonderful in every season, all weathers and every time of the day. It was good to see so many people enjoying it, yet giving no sense of overcrowding. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/snipe-dales The Wildlife Watch clubs are always pleased to recruit new members. They constantly need to be doing this as present members grow up! We would certainly welcome a few more families to the Coningsby group from Horncastle, Woodhall Spa, Coningsby and Tattershall etc. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/discover-learn/wildlife-watch 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 welcome. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whisby-nature-park As usual I have included a selection of topical links for you to click. Most were sent in by readers, the rest were chosen by me with particular people in mind. Your suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: First Grey Seal pup of the season born at Donna Nook: Very early, so please don't start a stampede, but it won't be long before the main season starts. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update Donna Nook Nature Reserve sees earliest seal pup birth http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41655809 Everything you need to know about "Autumnwatch" http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0079t1p Lincolnshire Police clear 150 canisters in mustard gas search http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41603888 'Lonely swan' reunited with flock at RSPB reserve [All together - Ahhhh!] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41593872 Red sun phenomenon 'caused by Hurricane Ophelia' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-41635906 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 - much appreciated. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Love Lincolnshire Plants - Update *** "Love Lincolnshire Plants: A plant archive for the next generation." Updates and links on this exciting initiative as it develops: Horncastle News: http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ NHM https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en LWT https://twitter.com/lincswildlife?lang=en SJBS http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ LNU https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnu.org%2F Lincoln University School of Life Sciences https://lifesciences.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ *** October Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Chance of Magnetic Storms this week - Spotless Sun Sparks Bright Auroras http://spaceweather.com/ http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ The Orionid meteors peak on 21st October - a moonless night, so there's hope we may see some. Heads up! Weather permitting, you should see something. Orionid Meteor Shower 2017 weather forecast: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/events/orionid-meteor-shower *** 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/ *** Christmas Shopping? *** If any "wildlife" organisation plans to open a Christmas shop or stall we will be pleased to give you some publicity - just let us know. *** South Ormsby Estate *** Joe Blisset writes: As part of recent developments at South Ormsby Estate, a variety of exciting new opportunities are planned that may be of interest to readers of the LNU Wildnews Bulletin. With help from the Lincolnshire Ramblers, we’ve recently been looking at how we can increase access to the Estate’s existing Public Rights of Way network, including different ways to reach new audiences through interpretation. As part of this work, we’re looking for help from individuals or groups who are able to provide regular volunteer surveys throughout the course of a year to help us to tell the story of our flora and fauna as it changes throughout the seasons. The information will be used on our online diary and help to inform new community- led projects, initiatives and resources such as walk leaflets, panels and education packs. The full Vision can be found at southormsbyestate.co.uk/vision/ http://southormsbyestate.co.uk/vision/  If you anyone is interested in getting involved, or would like to learn more, please contact joe.blissett@southormsbyestate.co.uk *** 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/ *** 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: Hedgehog Care Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford, LN13 9DG Monday 23rd October 7:30pm The hedgehog population has declined steeply over the last few decades and Stacey Hill will discuss the work of the centre at Authorpe which has been running for a number of years in caring for injured or orphaned hedgehogs. *** 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 Sunday 22nd October 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invites you to join them on a morning bird walk in Humberston with Ray Hume. Meet Ray at 8am in the car park at the far end of Humberston Fitties near the Yacht Club. Grid ref. TA332061 nearest post code DN36 4HE. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcome for the Trust. For further details ring Ray 07814 840682. *** Louth LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: The LWT Louth Area Group will meet at the Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, Louth at 1930 hrs Friday 27 October, when Tim Newberry a Meteorologist at RAF Coningsby will give us an illustrated talk about Understanding the Weather including climate change. Entrance is £2.50 which includes refreshments. There is no charge for children who are most welcome. *** 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: 12/10 Lapland Bunting near Greenshank Creek, Yellow-browed Warbler in East Dunes, Curlew Sandpiper on Jackson's Marsh, Little Stint, Gibraltar Point Yellow-browed Warbler between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, Water Pipit, Donna Nook Yellow-browed Warbler at farm a Greylees, near Sleaford 3 Cattle Egrets in field SW of A1031, Saltfleetby 15 Little Stints, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Scaup ad drk on east pit, Deeping lakes 13/10 Little Stint on Jackson's Marsh, Velvet Scoter flew past, Great Northern Diver, Gibraltar Point 14/10 Wood Sandpiper*, Snow Bunting, Tetney Marshes 2 Snow Buntings on Beach, Donna Nook 7 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 2 Hawfinches, Hawfinch over visitor centre car park, Yellow-browed Warbler in plantation, Water Pipit on Jackson's Marsh, Pied Flycatcher in sycamores in West Dunes, Bean Goose sp over West Dunes with 3 Pink-footed Geese, Gibraltar Point Long-Billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven 15/10 3 Cattle Egrets in field, Saltfleetby Long-Billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven 10 Little Stints, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 6 Spotted Redshanks, 12 Red-crested Pochards*, Yellow-browed Warbler in Cross Bank hedge, Frampton Marsh Water Pipit flew over Jackson's Marsh, Lapland Bunting flew south over, Firecrest in plantation, Gibraltar Point 3 Rock Pipits, Pectoral Sandpiper, Covenham reservoir 16/10 5 Little Stints, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Woodlark flew over Gibraltar Point Long-Billed Dowitcher juv at Paradise Pool, Saltfleet Haven Pectoral Sandpiper juv, Covenham reservoir 17/10 Leach's Petrel flew inland over scrapes, Frampton Marsh Pectoral Sandpiper, Covenham reservoir Probable Siberian Chiffchaff at Blue Lagoon by Normanby Road, Normanby 18/10 2 Little Stints, juv drk Scaup, Frampton Marsh Snow Bunting flew south over Gibraltar Point Little Stint, Freiston Shore 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. BARDNEY - NEW PARK WOOD Henry Lane - TF150704 approx. Dead adult Muntjac on north verge. R.Parsons 16/10/2017 *** 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 13/10/2017 2 Red Admirals nectaring. Araneus diadematus - Garden Spider in "sun-bubble" 2 Bats hunting - 18.45 hrs. 14/10 3 Pied wagtails 15/10/2017 3 bats hunting - 16.45. 16/10/2017 Dark-coloured plume moth on window pane. Thought to be: Amblyptilia acanthadactyla because of "pointed features" on hind-wing. BOSTON 17/10/2017 Kathleen Pearson It was quite warm today and I was in the garden as darkness fell, when I found a bat (believed to be a Pipistrelle) flying around. It was only the second seen here this year. EAST HALTON SKITTER TO GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 15/10/2017 Jon Drakes 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 15 Black Tailed Godwit 48 Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler 1 heard singing from deep within undergrowth next to a bankside ditch. Chaffinch Chiffchaff 2 Common Gull Coot Cormorant 2 Curlew 60 Dunlin 22 Fieldfare 2 first sighting of the Autumn. Golden Plover 30 Goldfinch Great Black Backed Gull 5 Grey Heron 1 Greylag Goose 11 Herring Gull Kestrel 2 Kingfisher 1 Lapwing 150 Linnet 5 Little Egret 5 Long-tailed Tit 15 Magpie Mallard 67 Marsh Harrier 1 Meadow Pipit 7 Pheasant Pink-footed Goose 452 Redshank 5 Reed Bunting 9 Robin Shelduck 1 Snipe 4 Starling Stonechat 1 Teal 2 Turnstone 1 Wigeon 10 Woodpigeon GOSLINGS CORNER Goslings Corner Wood TF 144752 R & A Parsons 14/10 2017 at 09.45hrs Brown hare 1 Grey Squirrel 3 Mole signs everywhere Muntjac slots 3 Red Admirals 3+ Speckled Woods Darter spp Fly Agaric Sulphur Tuft Russula ochroleuca, the Ochre Brittlegill - Well nibbled. HARROWBY SETTLEMENTS SK940354 Jane Ostler Week beginning 12/10/17 Mammals: Evidence both that Hedgehogs have gone into hibernation but that at least one is still actively feeding. With earlier darkness fox seen about around 7p.m. A Muntjak deer reported in area. Birds: First Redwing and Golden Plover seen. There are less hawthorn berries in the hedges this year. Jackdaws taking grit from lane. Finches in large numbers on giant sunflower heads where seed ripening. Some of the heads are 15" diameter (benefitting from soil manured by pigs last year?). This area seems to have few nesting finches, perhaps because of the numerous magpies which constantly predate anything in the hedges and shrubs. Amphibians: Lots of this year's froglets in mossy areas, but some undeveloped tadpoles in pond. The toads which also breed in this pond are less often seen as they disperse over a wide area. Insects: On October 12th Red Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks all on flowering ivy. Fungi: A good crop of Wood Mushrooms is now dying back. Sulphur Tufts on stumps in woodpile. Pleated Inkcaps numerous in grass and a few Egg Yellows (Bolbitius vitellinus). Dung Roundheads on manured ground. Galls: Now that the leaves have fallen from the trees the Cauliflower Gall, Aceria fraxinovara is revealed. A gall caused by a mite, developing on the flowerheads. On hawthorn the very common, but often overlooked gall Phyllocoptes goniothorax. The tightly rolled and slightly swollen edges of the leaves are caused by mites. At the edge of the pond Meadowsweet leaves had the rounded swellings caused by the fly gall Dasineura ulmaria. Horticultural note. Outdoor tomatoes are still ripening (18/10), a heavy crop of black grapes in cold greenhouse have ripened fully and both annual and perennial flowers are continuing in bloom to a later date than remembered before. HOLYWELL LAKE WeBS Holywell Lake 17/10/2017 11.20 -12.30 Ian Misselbrook 18 Little Grebes 4 Mute Swans 29 Greylag Geese 28 Canada Geese 119 Mallard 8 Gadwall 2 Coot 9 Moorhens 2 Little Egrets 1 Grey Heron 1 Kingfisher 4 Black-headed Gulls 1 Red Kite 1 Buzzard 3 Pies Wagtails 1 Treecreeper 4 Long-tailed Tits Blue Tits Great Tit 2 Wrens Dunnocks Robins Blackbirds Pheasant Wood Pigeons Carrion Crows Jackdaws Rooks Chaffinch Goldfinch. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 13/10/2017 Dunnocks 2 Woodmouse 1 dead at gate - had cats in the garden this week... 14/10/2017 Araneus diadematus Garden spider 1 - with nest on bucket spout Great tits 2 Wren 1 18/10/2017 Blackbirds 12 Great tits 2 Magpies 3 Wrens 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 14/10/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch f or the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Starling 10 Collared Dove 12 Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 25 Tree Sparrow 1 Robin 1 Greenfinch 2 Goldfinch 1 Sparrowhawk 1 STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst at work during the week included: 9/10/2017 Carrion Crow Dunnock Herring Gull House Sparrow Kestrel Magpie Pink-footed Goose approx. 50 flying in a Northwesterly direction Robin Woodpigeon 10/10/2017 Carrion Crow Common Gull Cormorant 2 Grey Heron 1 Herring Gull Magpie 11/10/2017 Carrion Crow Cormorant Great Black Backed Gull Herring Gull Magpie Woodpigeon 12/10/2017 Barn Owl Carrion Crow Woodpigeon 13/10/2017 Great Black Backed Gull Pied Wagtail ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rob Scott writes: Donna Nook – the annual seal pupping season is almost upon us. Wardens will post weekly pup counts in this Bulletin. If you are visiting the seals at Donna Nook, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust asks you to stay behind the barriers and off the beach. Please also remember that dogs aren’t allowed in the viewing area. Donna Nook NNR Report 10th October – 17th October 2017 Contributors: - Rob Scott, Matt Blissett. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 10th – 1 female hen harrier flew north over saltmarsh. 12th – 1st grey seal pup of the year. 9 days earlier than previous early records for the Donna Nook rookery. 15th – 10 whooper swan flying SW in off the sea. 200 pinkfeet flew north. 3 gannet and 4 male eider flying out at sea. c1500 golden plover on saltmarsh. 1 snow bunting at quad 2. 16th – 1 merlin over saltmarsh. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 11th October – 17th October 2017 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nige Lound Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 11th – A Slavonian Grebe was offshore. A juvenile pomarine Skua, a bonxie and a drake velvet scoter flew north. A woodcock was in CB dunes and a marsh harrier flew west. 21 Sandwich Tern, 2 common Tern, 45 pinkfeet and 2 swallow flew south. 3 cattle egret were again on Elm House Farm with the long-billed dowitcher again present at Paradise. A wheatear was at the Haven whilst 3 goldcrest, 2 chiffchaff and a bullfinch were around CLCP. 12th – Quiet between Sea View and Paradise with singles yellow-browed warbler and goldcrest, 2 greenfinch, blackbird 6+, song thrush 2, goldfinch 60+, reed bunting 12 and a ‘mischief’ of 11 magpies. At Paradise lagoon there were redshank 106, common snipe 2, dunlin 1, heron 1, teal 6, mallard 6, black-headed gull 25 and common gull 2. Around Sea View the pleasant warm afternoon sunshine brought out a few butterflies with 4 red admirals, 3 commas, 2 small tortoiseshells and a green-veined white. 13th – 565 pinkfeet flew north early on. On Paradise pool were 9 ruff, a black-tailed godwit and 4 snipe. The long staying long-billed dowitcher was nearby on the creek near the lock gates. 3 cattle egret were again on Elm House Farm. Flying south were 2 great-spotted woodpecker and 2 Sandwich Tern. A guillemot was on the sea from Rimac outer ridge and a kingfisher was on the Eau at Rimac Bridge. 28 snipe were on Rimac marsh. 14th – Several red admirals, also 2 small white, several common darters and 3 migrant hawkers. 2 pipistrelle bats out at dusk. 15th – At Paradise 20 ruff, 3 snipe, 12teal, 9 redshank and long-billed dowitcher on the main channel. 16th - In the CB area were 40 redwing, 15 song thrush, 10 blackbird and a mistle thrush. 80 starling came in/off and there were 6 goldcrest, a cetti’s warbler and 3 chiffchaff in the bushes. Flying south were 80 goldfinch, 4 redpoll and 2 brambling. 3 cattle egret were on Elm House Farm and the long-billed dowitcher was again on Paradise Pool together with 16 ruff, 6 snipe, a dunlin and 14 redshank Several red admirals 1 small white 2 small coppers , c 20 common darters 2 migrant hawkers 1 male & 1 female marsh harrier, 1 peregrine, 2 sparrowhawk, 1 barn owl, 1 tawny owl 1 little owl, also 1 water rail screaming. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/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. mark@nice - hard bounce - mailbox unavailable Amandat@ - soft bounce - delivery failed 3 Lincolnshire.gov addresses - soft bounce - delivery failed 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.....: Mountain hare facing 'local extinction' despite promises http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-41599126 Dover sole 'jumps' down angler's throat in Bournemouth http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-41598493 'Big, bad wolf' image flawed - scientists http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41639176 Professor Tim Birkhead on his 40 years of research on promiscuity in birds http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b098j5l3 How we are causing some earthquakes http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05jhkwv?ns_mchannel=email&ns_source=pan_solus&ns_campaign=PAN_SOT_41_CHRISPACKHAM_FAC&ns_linkname=bbcradio4_howwearecausingearthquakes_factualscienceandnature_howwearecausingearthquakes&ns_fee=0 Penguins die in 'catastrophic' Antarctic breeding season http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41608722 UK mobile coverage 'deplorable', says Lord Adonis http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41606963 Country diary: bush-crickets hide in plain sight https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/13/country-diary-bush-crickets-hide-in-plain-sight Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 – the winners https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2017/oct/17/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2017-the-winners Country diary: sycamores create painterly clumps of colour and shade https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/17/country-diary-sycamores-deep-colour-shade-derbyshire Whales and dolphins have rich cultures – and could hold clues to what makes humans so advanced https://theconversation.com/whales-and-dolphins-have-rich-cultures-and-could-hold-clues-to-what-makes-humans-so-advanced-85858 Giant lizards are thriving on Borneo’s oil palm plantations https://theconversation.com/giant-lizards-are-thriving-on-borneos-oil-palm-plantations-85305 Why (ex)Hurricane Ophelia took a wrong turn towards Ireland and Britain – and carried all that dust https://theconversation.com/why-ex-hurricane-ophelia-took-a-wrong-turn-towards-ireland-and-britain-and-carried-all-that-dust-85851 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/