============================================= || || 22nd April 2018 || || 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..... ============================================ 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]. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. 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 and invite new readers to give it a try. We really need your help with this. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** I will not need to "wax lyrical" about the arrival of some warm days. Every creature will be sharing in the pleasure. Steve Green spotted a "first swallow" over the church in Bardney on 15th. I was pleased to spot a buzzard over Woodhall Spa at 9.30am on 16th, crossing Victoria Avenue north to south, and another over Sleaford at 3pm on 18th. The garden and village green have many "nest volcanoes" of tawny mining bees, unnoticed by most passers-by and the mowing contractors. The bees seem to cope with us humans and the unwitting disruption we always seem to cause them. Mary Porter added "two house martins and a swallow looking mournful" on 17th. A walk in Southery Wood on 16th provided the annual delight of a carpet of wood anemones, worked by queen bumblebees and with a bee fly "on patrol". The Bluebells are on the point of opening and the Lesser Celandine adds a flash of yellow, Don't miss all this action - get into the woods! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/habitats/woodland http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/ Mary also reports loads of 7-spot ladybirds, over 30 in her garden, so you may manage to find some of these, or other species. Your records, please. See: http://www.ladybird-survey.org/bbc/spotter.php Bill Meek's latest book is out - 'A Natural Selection - Wildlife Writings from the Cleethorpes Chronicle' It retails at £12.99 and is available from Bill at bill.meek@btinternet.com or 07765 004547. I have settled down to read it and will let you know how I get on. It looks great. Jonathan Bye writes that he was delighted to see an osprey near Whaplode St Catherine on 13th April 2018. The bird stayed around the village for a couple of days, perching on roadside posts and flying down to fish in the Little Holland. As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Asian hornet spotted in Bury cauliflower [from Lincolnshire] prompts alert http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-43767438 See David Sheppard's notes below. Dog seizure policy working in Lincolnshire, police say http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43786816 MoD experts return to Woodhall Spa mustard gas site http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43782081 Nature Friendly Farming Network - run activities and exchange information. https://www.nffn.org.uk/ Seal swims 50 miles from North Sea to River Swale near Thirsk http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-43727918 Nazi legacy found in Norwegian trees [In Bardney we know about the Tirpitz] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43727547 Hundreds of Bomber Command veterans gather for centre opening http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43715894 Thank you for all your contributions this week. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Bat Emergencies *** Annette Faulkner writes: Bats should finally be out of hibernation now, having been dipping in and out for the last month, but surprisingly we’ve had no more than the usual quite small number of casualties that we always get at this time of year – which has included an emaciated brown long-eared that clearly hadn’t been able to feed up enough in the autumn, and several mostly underweight pipistrelles that have been caught by cats. So do look out for your own bats at dusk – and let me know how they’re getting on. And if you do find a grounded one PLEASE don’t leave it – they take a long time to die. Find a secure box with a tight lid, remembering a small bat can get out of a hole the size of your thumbnail (so cover and tape up any holes), put paper in the bottom plus a milk bottle top of water, pick the bat up with gloves or a cloth (not bare hands), put in the box – and phone us on 01775 766286. In that order, or your bat may wander off and you lose it - as has happened a few times. *** Asian Hornet - The Facts *** David Sheppard writes: Asian Yellow-legged Hornet The discovery of an Asian Yellow-legged Hornet in a cauliflower packaged in Boston has set the media alight with predictable scare stories of losses to commercial honey bee colonies. Regrettably, the media have failed to make it clear that we have a native hornet, which is widespread in Lincolnshire, and which is not a significant threat to honey bees or to any other pollinators. They are quite different in appearance but the big clue is in the name of the beast: it has yellow legs. The Asian Yellow-legged Hornet has a black head, black thorax and black & yellow legs. The abdomen varies in colour but is predominantly black or dark brown. It builds its nest amongst the branches and twigs of trees and shrubs. The European Hornet has a yellow head, brown thorax and brown legs. The abdomen is half brown and half yellow. It builds its nests in cavities such as holes in trees, bird boxes (which it can out-grow and extend its nest around it), sheds and out-houses. Further information is available on line but beware that few sites explain about the European Hornet. The best leaflet is available as a pdf from the Non-native Species Secretariat, and available on the National Bee Unit website, amongst others, does show the differences between the two hornet species, although the initial illustration of a European Hornet is clearly a wasp not a hornet, so just adds to the possible confusion! For subscribers to ‘British Wildlife’ please refer to the December 2017 issue (vol 29 Number 2) where there is an excellent article with clear illustrations differentiating both hornet species and some wasps. If you think that you have seen an Asian Yellow-legged Hornet, please take a photo if possible and send it to alertnonnative@ceh.co.uk or via a free App ‘Asian Hornet Watch’. Please don’t forget to send a copy to the LNU Bulletin or to the Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre as well. Do not attempt to destroy the nest yourself. They have experts to make the definitive identification and deal with the nest if necessary. David Sheppard *** Barn Owl Nest Box Webcam - Mortality *** http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** The Loch Arkaig ospreys *** Bob adds: In my opinion the best of the osprey webcams. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/support-an-appeal/arkaig-pinewoods/wildlife/osprey-cam/?utm *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ [Note: 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.] Field Meetings 2018 - details on: https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Next meeting: Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 29th April 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-04-29/ Access courtesy of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at wood entrance which is at TF421777. Nearest postcode: LN13 0ED which is east of the wood. NB. Very restricted parking so please car share where possible. Likely need for reverse parking along entrance track (first in, last out policy). Verges near entrance are Roadside Nature Reserves so please no parking on them, especially if arriving earlier than 12.00. Nearest public toilets in Alford town centre. Habitats: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.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/ *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** LoveLincsPlants Website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lovelincsplants Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Sir Joseph Banks Society http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences blog https://lifesciences.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ *** Whisby Natural History Workshops *** At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Mining Bees - June 2nd - David Shepherd Hoverflies - July 28th - Phil Porter & David Denman Ground Beetles - August 11th - Alan Lazenby Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** April Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Horse/3 Donkeys/Cat/House-sitter wanted *** 12 acre holding - animal chores 1 hour per day. Couple of days at a time, occasionally a week/fortnight. Near Gainsborough. For more details/arrangement/any questions contact: H. Proctor on: 01427 838712 [Or you can email the Editor who will forward it.] ***Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival *** Saturday 19 May to Sunday 3 June 2018. Check out the website for further information and to download the brochure: www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park *** Debby Braund writes: Please could you include a link to the 2018 Events Brochure for the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. Events range from sea dipping and guided walks to beach art and book sales. Something for everyone! https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coastalcountrypark/events/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ *** Local RSPB links: ****** https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby The Group's next trip to RSPB Titchwell on 22nd April is now fully booked. South Lincs. RSPB "Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash" 2018 programme. 12 cruises scheduled for 2018 starting 11th May and ending 16th October. Further details,ticket prices and booking arrangements at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/news/450628/ Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** LWT Reserves: *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves *** LWT Area Groups *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/area-groups *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Caroline Davis writes: On Sunday 29th April 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car park at 8am. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and please bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume 07814 840682. *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Louth area group LWT *** http://lwt-lag.org.uk/ *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events *** 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/historical reports to save going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important reports, marking them with a * to indicate their lateness. New pager awaited - reports suspended. 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. High Toynton TF282699 R Parsons 12/4/2018 Dead Badger - north side of road Stoat SK898242 Crabtree Road, Stainby April 14th 2018 Jane Ostler Badger SK933253 B6403 (High Dyke) Colsterworth April 16th 2018 Jane Ostler Hedgehog TF197355 A52 Donington April 16th2018 Jane Ostler Rabbit (baby) TF295615 A155 Revesby April 16th 2018 Jane Ostler Scunthorpe SE 90683 08267 Peter Morrell 14.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Grange Lane South. Scotter SE 89589 00899 Peter Morrell 14.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Kirton Road Manton SE 95904 02883 Peter Morrell 16.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on A15. Marton SK 84117 81292 Peter Morrell 16.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on High Street Fenton SK 85485 76606 Peter Morrell 16.04.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Lincoln Road *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in their observations and we welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. DON'T FORGET - TIME FLIES! Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons Adult Hedgehog foraging night on 13/14th April 2018 15/4/2018 Tawny Mining Bee [Andrena fulva] female searching lawn. Several "Andrena volcanoes" noted. 17/4/2018 Looked out of an upstairs window and saw a bundle of leaves flying towards me, big enough to hide the starling that was carrying them. 18/4 Holly Blue and Brimstone in garden. BARDNEY GARDEN April 2018 Mary and Phil Porter Grid ref TF 117701 Tuesday 17th two house martins flew over. One swallow perched on nearby wire. From about 15th...black cap singing in garden. Green woodpecker yaffling in the grass field at the back. Goldcrests “ weedling” in the tall conifer at the bottom of the garden. Chaffinch collecting moss from under the French Windows last week. Flew up to nearby juniper tree. Blackbirds busy collecting leaves and mud from around pond Pair of stock doves around bird table AT LEAST thirty 7 spot ladybirds around the garden in the sunshine. Several mating pairs. One pied shield bug nymph. Four newts active in pond - two male, two female. Four pond skaters One toad, one small frog and one newt, all squashed on nearby road Neighbour reports a cat making off with a newt.., Bee-flies One each of brimstone, peacock and small tortoiseshell butterflies. BOSTON 14/04/2018 Roy Pearson Chiffchaff singing in the garden mid-morning. The sunshine has brought out some butterflies with 2 Large Whites and the first Comma of the year present. BOSTON 14/04/2018 Kathleen Pearson A female Blackcap was feeding in the garden today. Another bird this week was a Rook on Monday, which is seldom seen feeding here. BOSTON 18/04/2018 Kathleen Pearson First sight this year of a Humming-bird Hawkmoth on aubretia. CLAXBY 3rd April 2018 Near Claxby TF1193 John Margetts and Jacquie Harrison Butterbur plants on wet road verge - we can’t remember seeing them in Lincs before although John checked and there have been records. Photos available if needed. Editor adds: Readers may recall we did a county-wide survey of Butterbur 6 years ago. You might find it interesting to revisit the sites you reported then. CLEETHORPES TA 300069 Peter Crick Sunday 15th April 2018 Harlequin Lady Bird - Black 2 spot -  ID chart relates to f. conspicua. Been on outside window sill for 5 days, moved on with rise in temperature HORKSTOW 10 April 2018 Jenny Haynes Two collared doves appeared in my garden this week. They didn’t stay long but were the first we’ve seen here for a few years. Editor adds: 6 years ago we did a Butterbur survey, instigated by Paul Kirby. This is a VERY interesting plant and Paul's Bulletin notes give useful background: See: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2012apr22.txt HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 4/4/2018 Wood pigeons 18 - overnight in trees 5/4/2018 Bombus hypnorum (tree bumblebee) 1 - on anemone blande Chaffinch 2 Goldfinch 2 Small tortoiseshell 1 7/4/2018 Great tits 2 Starlings 2 Wren 1 First honesty flower 9/4/2018 Dunnocks 2 Pheasants 2 Wood pigeons 20 Wood mouse 1 10/4/2018 Wren HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 11/4/2018 Ladybird 7-spot 1 Woodmouse 1 12/4/2018 Ladybird 7-spot 2 - on privet 14/4/2018 Sparrowhawk 1 15/4/2018 Pheasants 2 - 1 male chasing another male 16/4/2018 Small tortoiseshell 2 17/4/2018 Pheasants 3f and 1m Sparrowhawk 1 18/4/2018 Bombus lapidarius 1 - caught on tea-towel drying and was exhausted. Gave her sugar water - was surprised how much was taken - and then she flew off. Hawthorn shieldbug 1 Peacock butterflies 2 Woodmouse 1 LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 15 April ‘18 Goldfinch – 1 House Sparrow – 2 LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 16 April ‘18 Chaffinch –1 (male) RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 05.04.2018 (a rare sunny day with night temps still only around 2 C, but 9 C by day) Brimstone Small Tortoiseshell Tree Bumblebee x2, Buff-tailed Bumblebee and various others Wasp queen 7-Spot Ladybird Mallard pair Pheasant 1m, 2f Water vole in beck (fairly certain of ID; rounded head and thick, brown fur) Skylark (TF300843 approx.) 06.04.2018 Moorhen on pasture near church pond Hedgehog droppings Skylark (TF313846 approx.) 07.04.2018 Chiffchaff in song, first this year, about 4 weeks later than last year (TF311847) 09.04.2018 Wren foraging Chiffchaff singing (TF311847) 11.04.2018 Kestrel over A16 Louth bypass (TF316877 approx.) 12.04.2018 Primroses in flower, good numbers along former railway line (TF300849 approx.) 13.04.2018 Chiffchaff in song Skylark (TF313847 approx.) Blackthorn coming into flower (TF3085) 14.04.2018 Peacock butterfly (first of the season, very tatty) Mallard 4m, 1f Moorhen 15.04.2018 Buzzard (TF3084) Skylark (TF307846 approx.) Skylark (TF308847 approx.) Common Toad Frogs croaking 7-Spot Ladybird Green Shieldbug Peacock butterfly (fresher looking than yesterday’s) White Deadnettle in flower 16.04.2018 Rainfall month to date already 54 mm (more than double the usual average) 17.04.2018 Skylark x 2 (TF313848 and TF312850 approx.) THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 05/04/18 Blackbird x 1 Chaffinch x 1 Dunnock x 1 Jackdaw x 4 over Thurnholmes Mute Swan x 2 in flooded arable fields north of Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 1 Red-legged Partridge x 2 Robin x 1 Wren x 1 07/04/18 Barn Owl x 1 calling 01:10hrs Oystercatcher x 1 over Thurnholmes calling 01:00hrs Common Frog x 1 calling from Owston Ferry Warping Drain 01:00hrs Doing usual lamping survey of Owston Ferry Warping Drain 01:00 - 02:30, I found no Common Toads but could not see through water to drain bed as water was very cloudy due to high water levels (usually I can see to river bed and record lots of Toads moving about below water). 10/04/18 Whilst sat in my living room at 19:00hrs, Barn Owl flew across in front of the window hunting and came back about 30 minutes later (armchair birding at its best). Chiffchaff x 1 Little Owl x 1 SK789977 Red-legged Partridge x 2 14/04/18 Barn Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Canada Goose x 15 in flooded arable fields, north of Thurnholmes Great Tit x 2 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 in flooded arable fields, north of Thurnholmes Reed Bunting x 2 Skylark x 2 singing high over Thurnholmes Swallow x 6 on wires around Thurnholmes Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:45hrs Tree Sparrow x 7 Wood Pigeon x 12 Yellowhammer x 1 18/04/18 Chiffchaff x 1 SE808003 Goldfinch x 9 Kestrel x 2 displaying around pole nest box they have used for the past 3 years Pied Wagtail x 4 Yellowhammer x 1 RAF WOODHALL SPA 8th April 2018 LWT RAF Woodhall Spa reserve TF209612 John Margetts and Jacquie Harrison All in fairly heavy rain Black-headed gulls Coot Cormorants Gadwall Great crested grebe -pair Jay Little egret Mallards Meadow Pipit Moorhens Mute Swans Pied Wagtail Sand martins - our first in Lincolnshire this year Shovelers Skylarks - 5 singing Swallows - our first in Lincolnshire this year Teal Tufted ducks Wigeon - at least two still here WYBERTON (Nr. BOSTON) 17/04/2018 Roy and Kathleen Pearson First Swallow of the year seen flying across the A16. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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 11th April 2018 – 17th April 2018 Contributors: - Cliff Morrison, John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth, Ruth Taylor and Matt Blissett. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: Weather note – after continual raw winds from an easterly sector giving low cloud, fog and rain from the 6th the direction of the wind finally changed to a south-westerly on the 14th giving by the afternoon a clear blue sky with sunshine with an increase in temperature. 130418 – 4 swallow and 26 ringed plover flying over dunes 140418 – 3 avocets and 7 wigeon on Rimac lagoon, 2 blackcaps at Sea View 7 redwing flying over plus 4 chiffchaffs and 2 willow warblers nearby. A single chiffchaff calling near Paradise and 2 swallows flying over, whilst on Paradise lagoon were 6 mallard, 10 shoveler, 9 tufted duck, 6 coot, 6 curlew and singles of gadwall, moorhen and a male pochard, a common snipe flew off the saltmarsh. Late afternoon a mixed flock of goldfinch, greenfinch, and chaffinch included at least 6 bramblings all actively foraging for food in the sycamores at Sea View. A peacock butterfly was on the wing at Sea View. Brickyard Lane to Rimac ,single peregrine, cuckoo, 8 blackcap, 6 chiffchaff, 3 willow warbler, 1 lesser whitethroat, 1 redstart male and short eared owl. Adult glaucous gull at Churchill. 150418 – Male marsh harrier and merlin over saltmarsh, 2 whimbrel over Sea View and 5 brambling nearby, on Paradise lagoon were 42 redshank, 2 male gadwall, 9 tufted ducks, 2 shoveler and a male pochard. Small tortoiseshell butterfly on the wing and natterjack toads calling late evening. At Saltfleet a merlin and an Iceland gull in company with migrating herring gulls north. 160418 – Single white wagtail feeding along the strand line off Rimac and a ringed plover showing signals of territory display in the area also there was a flock of 7 whimbrel flying west and a male stonechat at Rimac where there was also a report of a wheatear. Early evening an escapee Harris hawk was seen in the Sea View area. Peacock and a single brimstone butterfly on the wing. Brickyard Lane to Rimacadditional migrants included 1 grasshopper warbler, 2 sedge warbler, 3 lesser whitethroat and 2 cuckoo, also peacock and comma butterflies and various bumblebees. Crookbank, 1 wheatear, 1 swallow, 2 willow warbler, 2 chiffchaff, 2 lesser whitethroat and cuckoo calling. 170418 – Single male blackcap in Paradise wood and one swallow flying over, plus 5 whimbrel feeding on edge of saltmarsh north of Sea View. Field mouse-ear, ground ivy and common storksbill coming into flower on the dunes. Despite the bad weather in March, there has been a very large increase in young rabbits, with over 150 between BYL and CL. However, as often happens when populations increase to high densities, there has been an outbreak of myxomatosis and many dead rabbits are about. This spring, there has been a higher proportion of black rabbits than for some time, with at least a dozen between CB and CL. DONNA NOOK Matt Blissett & Ruth Taylor 13/04/18 Twite 27 Swallow 6 Sand martin 2 Wheatear 1 Chiffchaff 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 A list of all the articles contained in Transactions (Transactions page) and a list of the Presidents (Officers page) is also available on the LNU website. 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 InsideEcology: Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ British geology maps now free to explore on web http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** 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 Webpages: Hare coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ Wildlife Crime 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 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 *** 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 *** 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Field Meetings 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 29th April 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-04-29/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve, Northwest of Alford Access courtesy of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at wood entrance which is at TF421777. Nearest postcode: LN13 0ED which is east of the wood. NB. Very restricted parking so please car share where possible. Likely need for reverse parking along entrance track (first in, last out policy). Verges near entrance are Roadside Nature Reserves so please no parking on them, especially if arriving earlier than 12.00. Nearest public toilets in Alford town centre. Habitats: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Greetwell Hollow LWT Reserve – Sunday 27th May 2018 Greetwell Hollow LWT Reserve, (partly a geological SSSI) Eastern edge of Lincoln Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at TF001717 which is roadside parking in far north-eastern corner of Allenby Road Industrial Estate, Lincoln. Nearest postcode: LN3 4PH. There is a short section of path north to the Hollow through rough grassland/scrub via a ‘gate’ in fence and by crossing Greetwell Road. NB. Some steep slopes, marshy areas, a fairly busy road to cross plus high levels of public usage. Nearest ‘public’ toilets in McDonalds just to north in Carlton Shopping Centre car park or Tescos nearby. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub, stream, marsh, wet woodland, pond, rocks. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Shearman’s Wath / West Ashby Pits – Saturday 23rd June 2018 Shearman’s Wath next to West Ashby Pits. North of Horncastle A private site with access courtesy of Mike Harrison. Afternoon and evening moth/bat session. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then again from 21.00 for evening session. Meet and park on wide roadside verge at TF252719 (just east of River Bain bridge) which is located on minor road which joins the A158 and A153 north of Horncastle. Nearest postcode: LN9 5PP (which takes you slightly NE of meeting spot). NB. Some steep slopes and deep water areas. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Horncastle town centre. Habitats: Lakes, ponds, marsh, grassland, scrub Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com South Ormsby Estate – Saturday 7th July 2018 Raithby Beck Wood – Saturday 4th August 2018 Sutton Bridge area – Sunday 2nd September 2018 Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 14th October 2018 Whisby Natural History Workshops In partnership with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Find out more about the various subjects from our local experts. Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available. Mining Bees - June 2nd - David Shepherd Hoverflies - July 28th - Phil Porter & David Denman Ground Beetles - August 11th - Alan Lazenby Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. jassydrakulic - soft bounce - Email rejected due to security policies cft chutchinson - soft bounce - refused to talk to me - Mail from this IP has been limited. 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..... Map records UK's small ups and downs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43721223 Earth's magnetic ocean tides mapped from space http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43720024 The 10 worst A&Es for waits revealed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43738973 Hunt for Stone Age site in North Sea http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43711762 Country diary: the sap also rises, drips from wounds and gives nourishment https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/05/country-diary-sap-rises-nourishment-wolsingham-weardale Country diary: it looks like a songbird, but the dipper is aquatic to its bones https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/07/country-diary-dipper-aquatic-to-its-bones-garsdale-cumbria Country diary: a two-handed comic treecreeper act bursts out of the trees https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/09/country-diary-a-two-handed-comic-treecreeper-act-bursts-out-of-the-trees Country diary: the wintering birds are on their way north https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/10/country-diary-the-wintering-birds-are-on-their-way-north Country diary: a waterscape rewilded https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/11/country-diary-waterscape-rewilded-river-tern#comment-114591636 Honeybees hog the limelight, yet wild insects are the most important and vulnerable pollinators https://theconversation.com/honeybees-hog-the-limelight-yet-wild-insects-are-the-most-important-and-vulnerable-pollinators-93247 These ants have evolved a complex system of battlefield triage and rescue https://theconversation.com/these-ants-have-evolved-a-complex-system-of-battlefield-triage-and-rescue-94778 Country diary: wild violets are an absolute joy, to us and the bees https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/17/country-diary-wild-violets-are-an-absolute-joy-to-us-and-the-bees Country diary: a chiffchaff sings by the paper mill's ruins https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/18/country-diary-trees-ruined-paper-mill-tamar-valley ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/