============================================= || || 10th 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... *** As usual I have included a selection of topical links worth clicking. I hope you find these of interest. Most were sent in by readers, the rest were chosen by with particular readers in mind. LWT Alford group is gearing up for a Beachclean, part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Big Beachwatch Weekend. More information below. http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/greatbritishbeachclean The next LNU Field Meeting will be at Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve. It will be the annual LNU Fungus Foray. Details further down the Bulletin. The end of Harvest brings the hare coursers and the annual Operation Galileo campaign to counteract and contain their antics. Help if you can but please don't put yourself in danger. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-41171890 Do you receive NERC's excellent magazine, Planet Earth? It is free and full of interesting articles. NERC produces an "e-version too" if you would prefer that. Strongly recommended as a good and informative read. See: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/latest/publications/planetearth/ The Spalding Gentlemen's Society has a new website. It is worth a visit: http://sgsoc.org/ Learn to use QGIS with the Field Studies Council. If you don't know what QGIS is, see: http://www.qgis.org/en/site/ Course details: http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/courses/2017/ma/a-holisitc-and-practical-introduction-to-qgis-66601.aspx Here is a selection of mostly Botany-related links from readers: Clues to why leaves come in many sizes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41099030 Earlier budburst linked to warmer springs http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2017/phenology-report Fallen leaves could be turned into devices that store energy https://www.newscientist.com/article/2146097-fallen-leaves-could-be-turned-into-devices-that-store-energy/ Are 'bee-friendly' plants poisoning our bees? https://www.foe.co.uk/bees/are-beefriendly-plants-poisoning-our-bees More topical links are below in "...and finally..." - don't forget to click. A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://lnu.org/ Thank you to all contributors this week. Your reports are much appreciated. If you have any Autumn events or activities that need publicity, please let me know. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** September Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: http://lnu.org/ Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Next Field Meeting: Sunday, October 08, 2017 Field Meeting to Bloxholm Wood LWT Reserve (Fungi Foray) Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. North of Sleaford. 12.00 for 13.00 start. The reserve entrance and parking spot is situated at the south end of the B1191 (southwest of Ashby de la Launde) close to the junction with the A15 at TF037533. NB. There is a 1km walk to the main woodland area. Some verge parking probably needed. Nearest public toilets in Sleaford town centre. Habitat: Broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** 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/ *** 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 e vent. For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 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: 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 Carolyn Davis writes On Sunday 10th September 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting from the car park at the far end of Humberstone Fitties, Grid ref. TA332061. Meet walk leader Ray Hume at 9am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information contact Ray Hume 07814 840682. *** 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: 2/9 3 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats White-rumped Sandpiper on Yacht Club Pools, Tetney Marshes 2 Spoonbills, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Short-eared Owl, Little Gull, Garganey, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Red-necked Phalarope juv, Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpipers all juvs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Frampton Marsh 3/9 5 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Spotted Redshank juv, Deeping Lakes White-rumped Sandpiper on Yacht Club Pools, Curlew Sandpiper juv, Tetney Marshes Spoonbill, Red-necked Phalarope juv, 2 Little Stints, Spotted Redshank, Short-eared Owl, Pectoral Sandpiper juv, Wood Sandpiper, Garganey, Great White Egret, Frampton Marsh 4/9 5 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Pomarine Skua flew past, 2000 Sandwich Terns, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Red-necked Phalarope juv, Spoonbill, Great White Egret, 15 Spotted Redshanks, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, Garganey, Frampton Marsh White-rumped Sandpiper ad, Tetney Marshes Purple Sandpiper, Covenham Reservoir 5/9 White-rumped Sandpiper ad, Yacht Club Pools, Tetney Marshes Great White Ergret in reedbed, Red-necked Phalarope juv, 4 Little Stints, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, Turtle Dove, 2 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Freiston Shore Purple Sandpiper, Covenham Reservoir 10 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, Little Stint, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Scaup, Sands, Gibraltar Point Scaup drk, Wood Sandpiper, Deeping Lakes 2 Spotted Redshanks, Donna Nook 6/9 10 Spoonbills, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Jackson's Marsh, Osprey flew south, Gibraltar Point Red-necked Phalarope juv, Great White Egret, Spoonbill, 13 Spotted Redshanks, Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Spoonbills, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Bittern, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Purple Sandpiper on beach, Trusthorpe Black Tern juv flew south at Crook Bank, Saltfleet Purple Sandpiper, Covenham Reservoir White-rumped Sandpiper ad, Yacht Club Pools, Tetney Marshes 7/9 10 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, 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. ROAD KILLS Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. ROAD KILL Silvia Fowler 05.09.2017 TF307847 Hedgehog, medium sized, on Goulceby Road, Raithby, in exactly the same spot where I found another hedgehog roadkill 2 months ago ROAD KILL Mary Porter TF 117 700 5/9/2017 On a "small mammal note" we have been chasing a very plump grey squirrel off our bird feeders lately. On the morning of Tuesday 5th September, there was a squirrel dead in the road, run over, outside our house. We have a lot of heavy farm traffic on our lane. By the afternoon, it was a flat, bloody mess, with only the bushy tail to remind you what it had been. By the evening, when we were walking our dogs, it was VERY flat. By the Wednesday morning, there was a dark stain on the road and if you looked closely, you could see the backbone and a bit of skull embedded in the tarmac, but if you had been driving, you wouldn't have noticed it. If you want to count road kill you have to be quick! *** 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. ASHBY CUM FENBY (Grid reference TA2401) 3/9/2017 Jon Drakes with Louise and William Drakes Species recorded whilst walking in the Ashby cum Fenby area were: Jay 1 Barn Owl 1 Tawny Owl 1 Woodpigeon Swallow Buzzard 3 Black-headed Gull Magpie Butterflies: Speckled Wood Large White BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons Regular visitors: 3/9/2017 Charm of 8-10 goldfinches Flock of 18+ house sparrows Flock of 12+ starlings 3+ collared doves 4+ young jackdaws Good numbers of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies in garden. Say 8-10. 6/9/2017 3 bats hunting - pipistrelle spp. BARDNEY Bardney 6th September 2017 GR TF 11753 70025 Mary and Phil Porter At around 8.10pm I decided to turn the lights out in our room that overlooks the back garden and look to see if there were any bats. I was pleased to see one actively hunting, round and round, mostly over our pond and mini meadow. I'm assuming it was a pipistrelle sp because of the time and how it was hunting. Very disappointed to only see one at any one time on a warm, still night at this time of the year. I hadn't gone outside because of the number of "mozzie" type insects about, so there is plenty for it to feed on! While I was standing by the window, a barn owl flew in, very quickly and landed on the cherry tree right outside the window. I froze! The speed it came in I wonder if it's a regular part of it's nightly "rounds". It stayed for about three minutes, then flew across the garden and out. I couldn't see if it was quartering with a view to passing over again. We have often had them flying over, but never seen them land, albeit for a short time, so close to the house. The neighbourhood cat has been doing "small mammal hunting" in the same vicinity lately and this week has left us three rats, (one quite big, two " adolescent") and one common shrew. COLSTERWORTH AND WOOLSTHORPE SK92/94 Jane Ostler Week beginning 31st August 2017 GARDENS. DRAGONFLIES: These continue to be found in gardens. Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea). An excellent photo of a male resting on a window. This garden has a large pond. What was possibly the same individual seen hawking up and down the edge of the trees. However the male of this species is known to 'time share, each visit of 10-40 minutes' before another takes over. Brown Hawker(Aeshna grandis) This found dead in conservatory of house with a tiny garden and no pond. Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) This one laying eggs in well-vegetated garden pond - but instead of amongst the taller plants, in moss on the inside edge of pond. BEETLE: A dor beetle photographed in early August and then released as no time to identify. Disappointed to find later that I was then not able to distinguish between Geotropes spiniger and Geotropes sterocorus since the identification guide I have (Dung beetle UK mapping project) uses the shape of the jaw edges (not visible) and hairs on abdominal segments (not clear) to separate them. BUTTERFLIES: First Commas in gardens this week. One garden appeared to have an emergence of Tortoiseshells as some dozen appeared on one of the few sunny days. CRAYFISH: A dead one on the banks of tHe River Witham. BIRDS: Spotted Flycatchers These have succcessfully nested in a new garden adjoining the Nature Trail, Woolsthorpe.There have been none this year at a garden in Colsterworth which had them nesting last year. Blue tits A pair this week exhibiting courtship behaviour and inspecting two bird boxes. Goldcrest. Pruning revealed a nest in an old red-flowered hawthorn. DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Date: 27/08/2017 Time: 0900 - 1120 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny and hot Birds: Blue Tit Buzzard Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaf Common Sandpiper Cormorant Great Crested Grebe Greenshank Green Sandpiper Green Woodpecker Greylag Goose Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little egret Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Reed Bunting Ruff Sand Martin Scaup Starling Stock Dove Tufted Duck Woodpigeon Butterflies: Large White Small Tortoiseshell Small White Speckled Wood Dragons & Damsels: Brown Hawker Commom Blue Damselfly EAST HALTON SKITTER TO GOXHILL HAVEN (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 28/8/2017 Jon Drakes Species noted whilst walking between East Halton Skitter and Goxhill Haven on what was a glorious Bank Holiday Monday were as follows: Bearded Tit 2 Black Tailed Godwit 1 Blackcap 1 Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff 1 Coot 2 Cormorant 2 Curlew 139 Golden Plover 15 Goldfinch Grey Heron 2 Grey Partridge 5 Herring Gull House Martin Kestrel 2 Linnet 30 Little Egret 3 Little Grebe 1 Long-tailed Tit Magpie Redshank 3 Reed Bunting 2 Shelduck 2 Starling Swallow Woodpigeon Wren HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid reference TA3304) 3/9/2017 Jon Drakes A brief afternoon visit to the pools and salt marsh at the Humberston Fitties found the following species present: White Rumped Sandpiper 1 Dunlin Redshank Black-headed Gull Little Grebe 6 Woodpigeon Carrion Crow Little Egret 14 Oystercatcher Swallow Starling Goldfinch Kestrel 2 Cormorant Collared Dove Great Black Backed Gull Curlew Magpie Pied Wagtail HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 29/8/2017 Frogs 2 (but not seen since) 30/8/2017 Darter 1 31/8/2017 Honey bees 40 or so on ivy flowers Ladybird harlequin 1 adult + 1 pupa on leek plant for several days Ladybird 7-spot 2 Red tailed bumble bee 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 Volucella pellucens 1 on ivy flowers 4/9/2017 Darter 1 Ladybird 7-spot 1 Newt 1 6/9/2017 Wasps 20 or so going in and out of nest in ground on my boundary on edge of farmer's field (I was too scared to try and get a photo!) KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 2/9/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 2 Starling 2 Collared Dove 3 Dunnock 3 House Sparrow 40 Robin 2 Goldfinch 1 Chaffinch 2 Tree Sparrow 1 Greenfinch 4 Butterflies: Large White Small Tortoise Shell Red Admiral Peacock RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler August Rainfall = 59 mm; somewhat above average 01.09.2017 Chiffchaff calling briefly Wren 04.09.2017 Ca. 35 Swallows, including a few House Martins, on power line Frog croaking Buff Ermine Moth caterpillar 20:30 hrs: Barn Owl calling (approx. direction of TF309849) 05.09.2017 Unable to locate any Pseudoscorpions in my compost bins so far this year Green Shieldbug Fresh egg shell below ash tree – Collared Dove or Woodpigeon Grey Squirrel SCOTGRAVE WOOD R & A Parsons 01 September 2017 2 male Tawny owls calling 10am Deer sp barking 10am Many Speckled Woods to be seen. STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) 29/8/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst at work: Mistle Thrush 2 Black-headed Gull Herring Gull ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 24th August – 5th September 2017 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, Cliff Morrison, John Walker, Nige Lound General Notes and Weather Observations The first week of August was dominated by strong south-westerly to westerly winds of Force 6+ veering to a very strong north-north-easterly on the 9th (a gust of 28.1mph was recorded).More days of strong winds of f5+ were observed on the 15th, 18th - 20th and 24th. The unsettled beginning was also showery but the dull day of the 8th with continual rainfall gave 22.3mm. High pressure became established from the 13th and apart from the occasional rainfall days were dry, sunny and warm. A high of 27.75°C was recorded on the 28th and of particular note the very warm humid days of the 22nd and 23rd gave ground minimums of 15.5°C and 15.25°C with the air being 15.5°C and 16.5°C. A sharp ground temperature of 3.5°C (air 7.5°C) was recorded on the 6th. The established high pressure was very briefly replaced by a series of weak fronts on the 29th and 30th giving cool, cloudy weather with heavy rainfall, hail and thunder at times before another ridge of high pressure was edging in at the end of the month. Total rainfall for the month was 57.8 mm (2.28 inches). Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 30th - A pied flycatcher was just north of CB and 3 wheatear were on the beach south of CB. At sea were 2 great-crested grebe and 20 common scoter whilst 9 gannet flew north. A whimbrel flew south and an adult winter Mediterranean gull was in CB field. 1st – On Paradise lagoon am were 22 dunlin, 1 common sandpiper, 1 little ringed plover, 5 ringed plover, 115 redshank, 27 black-headed gulls and 5 common gulls. Around Sea View were 2 common whitethroats, 1 great spotted woodpecker, several small tortoiseshells, peacocks and one painted lady. Like the weather, today was rather quiet. In the Rimac area were 2 marsh harrier, a bullfinch, a goldcrest, a greenshank and an early redwing. Numerous speckled wood, large and green-veined white were on the wing together with 6 small tortoiseshell and singles of painted lady, red admiral and small heath. 4th – single grey partridge flew off from edge of dunes near SV. Over the sea were 26 gannet, 25 common scoter, 300+ Sandwich tern and 5 Arctic skua. 42 teal, 2 pintail and a lone red-throated diver flew south. A yellow wagtail was around BYL, 2 goldcrest were around CB and 236 Canada geese were on a stubble field south of CB. At the gull roost off BYL were 380 Sandwich terns, 28 common terns, 1 Arctic tern with the BH and CM Gull. 5th – On Paradise lagoon were 1 ringed plover, 5 dunlin and 2 greenshank. Great skua and Arctic skua flying north. 6th - 420 Canada geese were in the stubble field south of CB. At sea 49 gannet, a great-crested grebe and 3 Arctic skua flew north whilst a juvenile black tern and 2 red-throated diver flew south. A guillemot and 7 common scoter were on the sea. An adult Mediterranean gull and an Arctic tern were on CB beach and nearby were 3 wheatear. Flying south were 55 house martin, 21 swallow and a whimbrel. A turtle dove was at BYL paddock. 2 great-spotted woodpecker, 2 sparrowhawk, 2 yellow wagtails, 6 chiffchaffs, along with a long-staying immature turtle dove, remain in the BYL-CL area. There have also been up to 8 whitethroats, 3 lesser whitethoats and a 2-3 blackcaps. The 2 pipestrelle bats are still active at Churchill Lane area and badgers have been rooting up various areas including adjacent lane verges. Brown rats are now seen in gardens as most of the harvest has been taken. Hay bales were gathered and stored from the LWT meadows adjacent to NNR and most will go to Snipe Dales to feed wintering cattle there; the hay was made during a fine sunny dry spell and is organic natural hay smelling as hay should do for those of us of an age to remember. Migrant hawker dragonflies have been common. Most of the breeding warblers have now departed the NNR and it’s fairly quiet in the dune scrub with just a few chiffchaffs and goldcrests now arriving for the winter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Repeat of report in section 3 "pour encourager les autres" SCOTGRAVE WOOD R & A Parsons 01 September 2017 2 male Tawny owls calling 10am Deer sp barking 10am Many Speckled Woods to be seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.....: Suffolk Wildlife Trust launches Lackford Lakes appeal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-41122448 Northern lights linked to North sea whale strandings http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41110082 Multiple waterspouts spotted in Sochi http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-41125176/multiple-waterspouts-spotted-in-sochi Young tagged hen harrier goes missing in 'suspicious' circumstances http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-41107663 Amazon study discovers 381 new species in two-year period http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-41107862 Bee larvae fed beebread have no chance of becoming queen https://www.newscientist.com/article/2146093-bee-larvae-fed-beebread-have-no-chance-of-becoming-queen/ Tough little plants surface briefly on the lake's retreating edge https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/01/tough-little-plants-surface-briefly-on-the-lakes-retreating-edge A neuroscientist explains: Why birds have the edge over GPS navigation https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/sep/03/why-birds-have-the-edge-over-gps-navigation Rude, erect and smothered in flies, this fungus has no shame https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/06/country-diary-stinkhorn-fungus-phallus-impudicus Assault by midges is the price you pay for this shimmering landscape https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/05/country-diary-highlands-midges-spiders-ecosystem Sparrowhawks play hard to get https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/04/sparrowhawks-play-hard-to-get-country-diary-sheffield ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/