============================================= || || 3rd September 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... *** Indian Summer or Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness? Who can tell? There certainly seems to be a substantial crop of nuts and berries in the hedgerows. Meteorological Autumn starts on Friday 1st September. For the TWO forecast see: https://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Please click on any links you find of interest. I am in the process of "weeding out" any that don't get used much, and your response will be helpful. Thanks. Suggestions and contributions are always welcome and we are happy to give a plug to any county organisation involved in conservation, ecology, geology, natural history or similar: talks, events, activities, work parties, courses etc. It is good to hear that the LWT Alford group is gearing up for a Beachclean as part of Marine Conservation Society’s Big Beachwatch Weekend. Great! http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/greatbritishbeachclean The next LNU Field Meeting will be at Gunby Hall 3rd September. We will be exploring the parkland area. Details further down in this section. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gunby-estate-hall-and-gardens There are some great talks coming up: Peter Short [RSPB], Dr Kevin Leahy, and Geoff Trinder. Heritage Open Days 2017 take place 7th - 10th September. See: https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/heritage-open-days Here are some links from readers. If any don't work, "copy and paste" URLs. Replica of James Cook's Endeavour sold for £110,000 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-40991597 Iron Age collection of coins declared treasure http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41023804 What's really the point of wasps? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41042948 More topical links are below in "...and finally..." so don't forget to click. A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://lnu.org/ Thank you to all contributors this week. Your reports are much appreciated. If you have any September events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** September Night Sky will update first week of the month.*** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** 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, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** 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/ *** Help with "weeding" *** Please click on links you find of interest. I am in the process of "weeding out" links that don't get used much, and your response will be helpful. Thanks. *** Badgers and TB - can you help? *** Heather McKay writes: Researchers at the University of Nottingham are conducting a survey into TB in badgers in Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. This follows on from a large-scale collaborative study in the ‘Edge’ counties. Through the examination of road-kill badgers, the survey aims to address the current knowledge gap surrounding TB in our badgers. Is the disease present in Lincolnshire? If so, where is it, how common is it, and is it of the same strain as that found in cattle? In addition: Locations of found-dead badgers will be shared with Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership and Project Splatter in order to help with population surveys of these areas. Any evidence of illegal killing will be shared with the relevant authorities. The study relies on interested parties picking up suitable road-kill badgers in our target areas, which will then be collected by a researcher within 48 hours. Please contact sv-badger@nottingham.ac.uk to request a ‘badger kit’. Please note that only badgers picked up using the designated kits can be accepted into the survey, and only stop if you feel it is safe. For more info, see: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/survey-for-tb-in-road-killed-badgers.aspx . *** Scunthorpe Museum Society - "2017/2018 indoor season" *** Keith Scarrott writes: The first meeting of the Natural History and Geology Section of Scunthorpe Museum Society for the "2017/2018 indoor season", is on Monday, 11th September, 7.15pm start, and includes a visit by Peter Short, Humber RSPB Senior Sites Manager, to give an illustrated Talk on "Birds of the Humber". Peter will be describing the work of the RSPB on the Humber. He is currently very busy with a project on the Whitton Sands. 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. For more details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. Website: http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ *** Spurn Migration Festival 2017 *** 8-10 September. Tickets can be booked on: http://shop.spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/shop/category/spurn-migration-festival *** CPRE Archaeology Talk *** Jenny Haynes writes: Dr Kevin Leahy will be talking about the Flixborough Anglo-Saxon settlement excavation on Saturday, 2nd September at Worlaby Village Hall (DN20 0NA) starting at 2pm. £10 for non-CPRE members. To book please contact Jenny Haynes on 01652 618744 or jenny.hanyes@btinternet.com *** Grimsby RSPB *** Martin Francis writes: The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 18th September, at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Well-known and well-respected Lincolnshire naturalist and photographer, Geoff Trinder, will give us an illustrated entitled "Photography My Way". This talk will appeal to photographers and well as people with an interest in all aspects of wildlife as Geoff will explain which lens he chose and why using his own photographs from all around the world in all seasons. His photographs feature everything from insects to reptiles, birds to mammals, and even some landscapes and people! There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to Spurn (Kilnsea), on Sunday 24th September, 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 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: Beach Clean Crook Bank, Theddlethorpe, LN12 1NP. TF489 883 Sunday 17th September - 2-4pm As part of Marine Conservation Society’s Big Beachwatch Weekend help us survey and clean the beach at Crook Bank. Please bring a pair of gardening gloves or similar, other equipment (litter pickers, bags and clipboards) will be provided. Can we collect more than the 1683 items recorded last year? With the Alford and Mablethorpe Area Group *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 23/8 Great White Egret, Whisby Nature Park Osprey between Pye's Hall and Horse Shoe Point, Donna Nook Pectoral Sandpiper juv, Frampton Marsh 24/8 18 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Spoonbill no?, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper juv, Turtle Dove, Short-eared Owl, Garganey, Frampton Marsh Osprey at Pye's Hall, 5 Black Terns, 28 Arctic Terns, Donna Nook 3 Cattle Egrets at Baston Fen, then flew towards and landed in tree at Langtoft 25/8 Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 26/8 Osprey at Pye's Hall, Donna Nook 2 Little Gulls on beach, Theddlethorpe 2 Pied Flycatchers, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Garganey, Turtle Dove, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 3 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 18 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Little Stint juv on Jackson's Marsh, 2 Black Terns flew north, Gibraltar Point 27/8 19 Spoonbills, Little Stint on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Honey Buzzard south of New Pits, Far Ings Osprey at Pye's Hall, Donna Nook Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Frampton Marsh 28/8 16 Spoonbills, Little Stint juv on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point 4 Spoonbills, Great White Egret, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Pectoral Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Osprey at Pye's Hall, Little Stint on Realignment, Donna Nook 29/8 12 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point 7 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Garganey, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 30/8 14 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Little Stint, Little Gull, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 4 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, Little Stint, Great White Egret, Frampton Marsh White-rumped Sandpiper ad, juv Curlew Sandpiper, Yacht Club pools, Tetney Marshes Bittern, Marston 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. “Those who use their eyes obtain the most enjoyment and knowledge. Those who look but do not see go away, no wiser than when they came” (Frederick Horniman, 1901) Thanks to John Redshaw for this quote. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. KEELBY (Grid reference TA1510) 27/8/2017 Jon Drakes A Hedgehog was seen dead in the road very near to the Junction of the B1211 and A18. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 26/8/2017 at 20.30-21.00hrs - 3 bats hunting over garden. Possible noctule sounds at a distance over the churchyard. 27/8/2017 at 05.30 - 05.45hrs - 2 bats hunting. Echolocation 50-55khz. Pipistrelle-type sound pattern. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 24/8/2017 Hummingbird hawk moth 1 (8pm) Mice 3 (dead in a bucket of water used to catch overflow from water butt) 25/8/2017 Lacewing 1 (rare here this year) 26/8/2017 Collared dove 1 27/8/2017 Red admiral 1 Small tortoiseshell 2 Speckled wood 1 28/8/2017 Common darter 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 26/8/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: House Martin Swallow Swift - two were seen and heard briefly feeding over the garden before departing in a SW direction. Blackbird 3 Starling 50 Collared Dove 2 Dunnock 3 Woodpigeon 1 House Sparrow 15 Robin 2 Goldfinch 1 Chaffinch 2 Tree Sparrow 1 Jackdaw 1 Butterflies: Speckled Wood Small Tortoise Shell Large White RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 25.08.2017 3 Robins in song 26.08.2017 Poplar Hawkmoth caterpillar (distinctive triangular head, photos) Butterflies: Singles of Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Peacock, and 5 Small Tortoiseshell Buzzard Tawny Owl calling Ca. 10 House Martins, incl. some juveniles, flying up to the deserted nest sites on our house (no nests built this year), briefly clinging to the wall 27.08.2017 Ca. 10 House Martins, as seen yesterday Small Tortoiseshell 8 Common Frog 3 28.08.2017 5 juv. Pheasants feeding together Speckled Wood butterfly (fresh, first this autumn) Buff Ermine Moth caterpillar Muslin Moth caterpillar (probably, or a very light/tawny Buff Ermine; photos) 29.08.2017 Numerous juv. House Sparrows feeding on ants 1 juv. Robin with pale red breast Grey Squirrel 30.08.2017 Songthrush foraging in garden THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow Nest totals for Thurnholmes 2017 Box 3, Tree Sparrow, 1 nest, 1 egg, no young. Box 4, Tree Sparrow, 3 nests, 16 eggs, 10 young, 10 rung. Box 5, Tree Sparrow, 3 nests, 15 eggs, 13 young, 13 rung. Box 8, Tree Sparrow, 2 nests, 11 eggs, 9 young, 6 rung. Box 10, Tree Sparrow, 2 nests, 11 eggs, 2 young, 2 rung. Box 12, Stock Dove,1 nest, 1 egg, 0 young. Box 15, Kestrel, 1 nest, 5 eggs, 5 young (predated?) Box 17, Tree Sparrow, 1 nest, 6 eggs, 0 young. Box 19, Stock Dove, 1 nest, 2 eggs, 0 young. Also Robin in barn, 2 nests,10 eggs, 10 fledged young. 18/08/17 Swallow x 18 sat on lines and over 50 flying high over. 19/08/17 Goldfinch x 2 Swift x 52 Brown Hare x 1 dead (road kill) Mouse spp. Red Admiral x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 26/08/17 Goldfinch x 9 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:35hrs Tawny Owl x 1 calling 02:15hrs Large White x 1 Red Admiral x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 5 Speckled Wood x 2 Moths; Green Carpet x 2 Red Underwing x 1 Riband Wave x 2 MV moth trapping 21:00hrs, 27/08/17 - 02:00hrs, 28/08/17 Angle Shades x 2 Brimstone Moth x 1 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing x 3 Burnished Brass x 3 Blood Vein x 1 Common Carpet x 3 Common Marbled Carpet x 1 Common Wainscot x 1 Dusky Thorn x 1 Ear Moth x 1 Flame Shoulder x 6 Garden Dart x 2 Gold Spot x 2 Green Carpet x 3 Knot Grass x 1 Large Yellow Underwing x 17 Least Yellow Underwing x 1 Lesser Yellow Underwing x 11 Light Brown Apple Moth x 2 Mother of Pearl x 3 Orange Swift x 1 Riband Wave x 2 Setaceous Hebrew Character x 38 Shaded Broad-bar x 1 Single Dotted Wave x 1 Smoky Wainscot x 1 Snout x 6 Square-spot Rustic x 2 Willow Beauty x 2 28/08/17 Grass Snake x 1 road kill (Clare Holmes & Sam Hiner) SK782985 Large White x 1 Red Admiral x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 6 Speckled Wood x 2 Migrant Hawker x 1 29/08/17 Blue Tit x 2 WALTHAM (Grid reference TA2603) 27/8/2017 Jon Drakes Species noted in the area around Waltham windmill were: Goldfinch Woodpigeon Swallow - many birds seen gathering on overhead telephone wires. Wren Feral Pigeon WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92 Jane Ostler August 2017 Mammals: A good year for hedgehogs so far, seen in gardens, both adults and young. A couple of road casualties. Bats flying regularly on Nature Trail and reported in gardens. A muntjac deer now seen regularly as far west as the parish boundary. On one occasion with a fawn. Evidence of otter alongside the River Witham. Stoat seen with family in a line behind crossing from Nature Trail to grass fields. Moving house because of fox in the vicinity? Amphibians and Reptiles: Most reports of frogs and toads from gardeners who found them behind pots they were watering or near drains alongside houses. A very dark coloured grass snake, about 18 months old on Nature Trail and cast skins also seen on roadside verge.No lizards seen. Birds: A pair of adult bullfinches nesting in one garden. Seen one day feeding two young, a juvenile (from previous brood?) protesting loudly from nearby bush. Greater Spotted Woodpeckers have also broughtyoung into gardens. The last swifts seen on August 8th, the same day as last year. House martins in good numbers, but numbers of swallows down from last year. Blackbirds reported with third broods of season. Most gardens affected by wood pigeons which have been producing young since early in the year. Female sparrowhawk taking collared doves, Male sparrowhawk taking house sparrows and young blackbirds. Invertebrates: In gardens Comma, Brimstones, Small tortoiseshell, peacock , mainly singletons. There have been more Red Admirals, and far too many Cabbage Whites, with Small Whites in lesser numbers. Common and Holly Blues also seen. Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper Ringlet and Small Skipper were frequent on verges. Large Skippers, a few only. Speckled Woods abundant on the Nature Trail. A cinnabar moth had laid eggs , unusually on a pot plant Cineraria (but this is a Senecio sp. as is its more usual food plant ragwort) and the resultant caterpillars were thriving. Humming bird hawk moths have fed on red valerian as well as soapwort and honeysuckle. Flowering plants: the limestone verges are remarkable for field Scabious,Great and Black Knapweed, Wild Parsniip and late flowering members of the pea family. Elsewhere areas dominated by composites were attracted to a wide range of insects including abundant, marmalade hover flies. Fungi: Two dramatic species which obviously withstand dry conditions. A Dryad's Saddle on a tree stump and Giant Puff Balls in the corner of a field. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 23rd - 30th August 2017 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nige Lound & Gary Cooper Editor writes: Gary signs off with this final report. Many thanks on behalf of all Bulletin readers. General Notes and Weather Observations A good hatch of Migrant Hawkers over the past week with c 20 seen over the bank holiday Butterfly numbers have fallen to low numbers with no hedge brown or wall brown seen but fair numbers of small tortoiseshell with 12 seen on transect on 29th 2 pipistrelle bats remain very active in Churchill Lane area. A noticeable movement of birds on 26th with 1 tree pipit, 2 pied flycatcher, 2 whinchat, 3 wheatears, also green sandpiper, greenshank, and another week of high gull numbers with c 3000 each of black headed and common, roosting on the foreshore, and a count of 247 ringed plover last week on the falling high tide. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 23rd Swallows 100+ and a single Swift feeding over sycamores at Sea View on a very warm, calm evening 24th South of Crook Bank there was 2 Whinchat, a Gold crest and a Wheatear. A juvenile Black Tern was on the beach out from Crook Bank with its more common cousins and 2 Grey Wagtail flew north together. Lesser Whitethroat at Sea View 25th Near Sea View singles of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, female Redstart, 2 Common Whitethroats and a male Sparrow hawk, 2 Whimbrel with 22 Little Egrets on the salt marsh and at paradise lagoon 9 Dunlin and singles of Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper Up to 4 small tortoiseshell and 20+ speckled wood butterflies on the wing near Sea View Buzzard and Kestrel hunting over fields at Sea View, Tortoiseshell, speckled wood, common and ruddy darter all on the wing around Sea View, blue-tailed damselfly on grass at Rimac 26th Common and ruddy darter, red admiral, large white, speckled wood and emperor dragonfly all on the wing around Sea View 27th Single Wheatear on the edge of Paradise lagoon and still good sightings of speckled woods with fewer red admirals and small tortoiseshells around Sea View 28th A Hobby flew north at Sea View early on and a Yellow Wagtail went south. On Paradise were 22 Dunlin, 142 Redshank, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 2 Teal and a Common Sandpiper. Nearby 2 Kingfishers were on the Eau. Around were 3 Whimbrel and 10 Long-tailed Tit on a very hot (and quiet) day! With plenty of sunshine all day and the temperature reaching 27.75°C there were quite a number of butterflies on the wing including small tortoiseshell, red admiral, peacock, green- veined white, large white, common blue, speckled wood, one female brimstone and one small copper. A single Chiffchaff plus House Sparrows building up to at least 20 birds around Sea View. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs, private reserves etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reserve reports always 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 Help with "weeding" *** Please click on links you find of interest. I am in the process of "weeding out" links that don't get used much, and your response will be helpful. Thanks. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Related Website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Weather Underground *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: https://www.wunderground.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** E-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** Identifying Fungi - App *** http://rogersmushroomsapp.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 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 Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** 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, September 03, 2017 Field Meeting to Gunby Hall (National Trust) Specifically to explore the parkland area with access courtesy of the National Trust. West of Burgh le Marsh. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park near to Gunby Hall entrance at TF466669 found at end of access track off the roundabout where the A158 and A1028 meet. NB. Toilets and cafe available on site. Habitats: Parkland with various waterbodies. Leader: Dr. David Sheppard 07880 986923 d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. None this week. If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of current and past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally.....: Rescued seal pups Donald and Dennis released back into wild http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41083340 Jackdaws flap their wings to save energy https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170811093655.htm Battle of Britain Memorial Flight grounding issue found http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41095753 The bees are already sealing their hives for the winter ahead https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/26/country-diary-bees-sealing-hives-propolis#comment-104248809 Swallows swirl in the joyous rhythms of late August https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/29/country-diary-swallows-swirl-marks-joyous-rhythms-of-late-august Otter Tupperware party we threw reveals how animals copy each other to learn https://theconversation.com/otter-tupperware-party-we-threw-reveals-how-animals-copy-each-other-to-learn-83156 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/