============================================= || || 25th February 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... *** Aidan Neary has spaces available on 2 free plant identification and herbarium collection training sessions at Whisby Education Centre led by Fred Rumsey and Kath Costello from the Natural History Museum. Should be really good. An opportunity not to be missed! See the LoveLincsPlants slot below. Date correction re Communiqué – May, NOT March 2018. Sarah Lambert is running a photography course for beginners on the 19th May for the project at Whisby. She has been in touch to say that the LNU Spring 2018 Communiqué has this down as March. Please note the change. Whilst I am on about Communiqué, if LNU members would like in future to have this and the AGM papers by email in electronic form, please drop a note to this effect to Charlie Barnes: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk The AGM on 3rd March will be followed by the Presidential Address by Richard Jefferson on ‘Grasses and Grasslands in Lincolnshire’. We hope to see you there. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/2018-03-03/ On the subject of corrections, I'm sorry about an autocorrected pied flycatcher in my report last week – which was meant to be our regular pied wagtail. My usual typo is "Meaty" Redpoll! Beware of autocompletes. “March comes in like a Lion?” Earlier weather forecasts suggested might have snow mid-February. TWO forecast says: Much colder weather on the way. https://www.theweatheroutlook.com/twoother/twocontent.aspx?type=hp1_1_sta&id=1615 As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Deadline to return old Charles Darwin paper £10 notes fast approaching - 1st March http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43104497 Earthquake felt across parts of UK. Did anyone feel it? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43097113 Rent-a-church spire plan to boost mobile phone coverage http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-43071975 From Joseph Banks to big data, herbaria bring centuries-old science into the digital age https://theconversation.com/from-joseph-banks-to-big-data-herbaria-bring-centuries-old-science-into-the-digital-age-77718 Origins of land plants pushed back in time http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43116836 The more kinds of bees, the better for humans https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180215141707.htm Wildlife Photographer of the Year - People's Choice http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-43045545 Underwater Photographer of the Year 2018 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-43044592 Thank you for your contributions this week - excellent. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ [Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm.] Annual General Meeting – 3rd March 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ Field Meetings 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** Deadline for applications: Saturday 31 March 2018 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/awards *** 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/ *** Bulletin Bookshelf *** I am having a weed of my "library" and for starters offer 2 books that may be of interest to some readers – free if you donate £10+ -ish per book to LNU. Both titles can be “Googled”. [I will be starting with unusual stuff and get on to birds and botany later!] Terrestrial Acari of the British Isles. Volume One. Evans, Sheals and Macfarlane. 1961. Hard cover. Dust jacket. Good condition. Est Value £10-25 Evolution in the Genus Drosophila. Patterson and Stone. 1952. First printing. 1952. Hard cover. Fair condition. Est Value £10-25 Contact Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** Here is the first of hopefully many opportunities for Bulletin Readers to become involved in the Love Lincs Plants project. Aidan Neary - LoveLincsPlants Project Officer writes: I have spaces available on 2 free plant identification and herbarium collection training sessions at Whisby Education Centre led by Fred Rumsey and Kath Costello from the Natural History Museum. Session 1 (over 35s): Thursday 22nd March 2018. 10am to 4pm – 4 places left Session 2 (18-35 year olds): Friday 23rd March 10am to 4pm. – 7 places left The main focus of the session will be on plant collection, pressing and drying techniques as well plant identification tips. An excellent opportunity to get involved with the creation of our new Lincolnshire herbarium (#LoveLincsPlants). To book on please ask interested trainee to send an email to: Aidan Neary aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Sir Joseph Banks Society http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en 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*** Richard Davidson writes: I've just finished the summer program for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Lincoln Group which includes the workshops at Whisby this summer: At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. I've got two bookings already. See section 11 below for details: *** Bryophyte meeting – Snipe Dales, Lincolnshire – Saturday 17th March 2018 ** We will be meeting to record Lincolnshire's bryophytes again, the last time before the main LNU program starts. This month's destination is Snipe Dales, a semi-natural wet valley system. Parking and the meeting location is in the reserve car park which is signposted from B1195 Horncastle-Spilsby road (TF330682). Meeting time is 10AM. There is a small charge for the car park apparently. We are interested in rumours of Sphagnum and a 1972 record of Fountain Apple-moss (one of two post-1930 records for this species in Lincolnshire). We plan to stay out most of the day so please bring warm/dry clothes and a packed lunch. Anyone is welcome for part or all of the day. Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can make contact if there are any last-minute changes due to weather (steven.heathcote@gmail.com). Reports from previous meetings can now be found on the following website: https://lincsbryology.wordpress.com/ *** February Night Sky – soon to change to March page *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Star Gazing Lincs – Saltfleetby – Saturday 10th March 2018 *** East Lincolnshire Astronomy Club presents Star Gazing Lincs Saturday 10th March 2018 2pm to 10pm at Marshlands Community Hall, Saltfleetby Louth LN11 7SS A free public event to celebrate Astronomy in Lincolnshire with observing, talks and activities for budding star gazers. Discover the night sky whatever the weather in the planetarium with three presentations over the afternoon, 2:15pm, 3:15pm and 4:15pm. Evening session, special guest speaker, Paul Money FRAS. See real rocks from space with meteorite collector Michelle Clark. Kids activities with space enthusiast Cosmic Carol. Safe solar observing in the afternoon and see the wonders of the night sky using club member's telescopes during the evening (weather dependent). Northern Optics trade stand Lincolnshire astronomy societies attending. Pre-book places in the planetarium or lectures at #Stargazinglincs For further information www.lincsastro.org *** Investigating Tree Archaeology conference *** John Birbeck writes: The Programme for our Investigating Tree Archaeology conference is now online and can be downloaded by following this link https://www.ukeconet.org/tree_ archaeology.html The conference, taking place this May (16/17) has a packed programme of presentations and a field visit to a local timber-framed building. Topics include: dendrochronology, worked and working trees, palaeoecology, vernacular buildings, woodland management and documentary evidence, and evidence of wood-use in prehistory. An early bird discount on bookings runs to the end of March; and there is a special rate for local volunteers. The event is already booking up so if you are thinking of attending please book soon. *** “Beachclean” – Anderby Creek *** Dave Miller writes: Saturday 3rd March 2018 10am Beach Clean at Anderby Creek: as part of the Great British Spring Clean we will be running a beach clean and litter survey at Anderby Creek. Meet in the car park at 10am, bags and litter pickers will be provided. For this event we are trialing the use of hessian coffee sacks rather than bin bags to try and reduce our plastic footprint. *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project – Practical Day*** Will Bartle writes: Friday 9th March 2018 – Owmby Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The day will involve maintaining the in stream and bankside vegetation to help keep the chalk stream flowing. Wader sizes are needed in advance so please contact the Monitoring Officer for the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Will Bartle. Contact the Monitoring Officer for the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Will Bartle before the day – William.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or 01522 555780. Full directions and details can be found in the 'Events and Shows' section on the website www.lincolnshirechalkstreams.org *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. On Monday, 12th March next we have the very welcome return of our well-known local ornithologist Graham Catley to give us an illustrated talk that he has entitled "Fifty Years of Lincolnshire Birding". Graham's lifelong love of birding has taken him far and wide but he has devoted most of his time to studying and photographing the birds in our Lincolnshire county. The high quality of his photography is well-known and has been used in some prestigious magazines. Graham is unique to our area and is giving us a unique talk. Don't miss it! Our meetings are held in the St. Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincs., DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. Our meetings start at 7.15pm and ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are available at the mid-talk break for a small charge. There is a large free car park at the church. For further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ *** Local RSPB links: *** Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby Please note there has been a change of speaker at the March meeting on the 19th. Graham Catley, (ornithological consultant, photographer and serious local patch birder), will now give an illustrated talk about the birds of Vancouver Island and Western British Columbia" S Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** 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 Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 24th February 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a group visit to Far Ings National Nature reserve near Barton on Humber lead by warden Simon Wellock. Meet Simon LWT regional office at Ness End Farm DN18 5RG at 1pm. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. All are welcome so come along and maybe we'll see some signs of spring? For further information contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Louth area group LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: "A recent presentation by Aiden Neary, ‘Love Lincolnshire Plants’ Project Officer, looked at the history of botanical recording in Lincolnshire, the creation of a historic herbarium and its recent conservation, and the project to create a new herbarium and flora for the county, with the attendant needs for training a new generation of botanists. "The Love Lincolnshire Plants project has been granted significant Lottery funding to carry out the work. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is playing a central role in this new 'plant archive for the next generation', other partners being the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Sir Joseph Banks Society, Natural History Museum and Lincoln University School of Life Sciences." The next LWT talk in Louth will be at 7.30 pm on Friday 23 February at the Nichol Hill Methodist Church when Nicholas Watts MBE, ‘the farmer who grows bird seed’, will give a personal account of Farming and Wildlife. The meeting is open to everyone with a charge of £2.50 which includes refreshments. Children are most welcome. For more details of the activities of the Louth Group contact Ray on lag2014rww@aol.com. *** 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. 14/2 Bewick's Swan with 93 Whooper Swans, in field north of Huttoft Bank 15/2 Spotted Redshank, Glossy Ibis flew over, Frampton Marsh 2 Bewick's Swans by Idle Bank, Great White Egret at Alderfen Fishery, Wroot Mealy Redpoll on feeder in garden, Park Road, Willingham-by-Stow. 16/2 Bewick's Swan with 121 Whooper Swans, in field north of Huttoft Bank Pit Scaup 1w drk, Boultham Mere c40 Snow Buntings flew low over Cleethorpes Leisure Centre to outer beach, Cleethorpes 4 Water Pipits*, Gibraltar Point 17/2 Great White Egret, Bittern, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Great White Egret, wast of Candy Farm, Wroot Woodlark flew south over east dunes, Short-eared Owl, Water Pipit, Hen Harrierv male, Gibraltar Point Mealy Redpoll on feeder in garden, Park Road, Willingham-by-Stow Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 18/2 Scaup 1w drk, Apex Pit, Boultham Mere Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier male, 2 Snow Buntings at Millennium Ridge, Gibraltar Point Glaucous Gull juv on roof of Kirwins, Grimsby fish docks Great White Egret, Deeping Lakes 19/2 3 Hen Harriers*, Little Stint, 2 Hen Harriers, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 20/2 Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point 4 Hen Harriers [2 males], Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 21/2 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 KILLS 2 Dead Badgers, 1 had been there several days 1 Muntjak A151 , Twyford Wood area SK950237 18/2/18 Jane Ostler Hedgehog numbers 'down by half', warn wildlife groups http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766 Your sightings and roadkill records please. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** 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 to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. 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 Note – I did NOT have a Pied Flycatcher in the garden last week! I was auto-corrected. It was a pied wagtail. I expect/hope most of you worked that one out. Mary Porter adds: "Just to let you know that me and Roxy found some muntjac deer poo outside your back gate ( the front corner of the churchyard) yesterday!" [LN3 5TY-19th Feb 2019] Mary later pointed out the droppings to us [R&A Parsons 21/2/2018] River Witham at Bardney - landing stage near bridge. TF111693 4 Goosanders, 3m and 1f. Goosander - 1m further up river towards Bardney Lock. TF109695 Little Egret in drain at TF104701 Closed BTO bird-ring found to side of Water Rail Way path and details sent in via the "Euring" website. No bird remains were found. We wait with interest for the history. CLEETHORPES BOATING LAKE (Grid reference TA3107) 5/2/18 Jon Drakes A visit to the Discovery Centre found the following species present at the boating lake: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Carrion Crow Coot Feral Pigeon Greylag Goose Herring Gull Magpie Mallard Moorhen Pochard Tufted Duck Woodpigeon COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 February 1st - 16th 2018 JANE OSTLER PLANTS IN FLOWER Mostly a few days earlier than last year. Plants in cultivation not included. Lesser Celandine, Winter Sweet, Stinking Hellebore, Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) Spurge Laurel, Gorse, Alder (A.glutinosa) and Hazel, male and female f lowers, Ash-leaved Maple(male only). Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera). As last year was in flower mid January. INVERTEBRATES Green lacewings seen on windows  On Feb. l6th Buff tailed bumble queens out briefly. Honey bees only seen in ones and twos on Crocus thomassinianus. In previous years around same date they have been counted by the dozen. BIRDS Great White Egret, two Little Egrets, Heron, two Kingfishers, all in one area alongside River Witham. In the same area Red Kites photographed in a tree, one feeding from something grasped in talons. Barn owl also seen in this area. Elsewhere kites, buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks all regularly seen. Little owl in ash tree. In gardens flocks of goldfinch and up to 6 green finch, as many as four bullfinch feeding togetherbut numbers of chaffinch seem to be down. Greater Spotted Woodpeckers in gardens and on report of a Green Woodpecker on lawn. A recently fledged collared dove seen feeding at bird table on 1st February. Song Thrush, Blackbirds and Great Tits in full song by 9th February. Starling murmurations have involved fewer birds this winter. MAMMALS 4 roe deer seen in field near River Witham. EAST HALTON SKITTER TO GOXHILL HAVEN (and return) (Grid reference TA1423 to TA1225) 18/02/2018 Jon Drakes An early morning visit to this stretch of the Humber to carry out the monthly WeBS count found the following species present: Bearded Tit 1 Black Tailed Godwit 20 Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch 1 Carrion Crow Coot 6 Cormorant 1 Curlew 266 Fieldfare Goldeneye 17 Great Black Backed Gull 3 Great Tit Herring Gull Kestrel 2 Lapwing 185 Little Egret 1 Little Grebe 1 Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard 14 Marsh Harrier 1 Meadow Pipit 2 Mute Swan 1 Pheasant Pink-footed Goose Approx. 1000 Redshank 6 Reed Bunting 8 Robin Shelduck 13 Skylark 5 Starling Stonechat 1 Teal 10 Turnstone 4 Water Pipit 1 Wigeon 175 Woodpigeon Wren HOLYWELL LAKE WeBS 17th February 2017 Ian Misselbrook Little Grebes 18 Little Egrets 2 Black Swan 1 Mute Swans 2 - pair and a dead bird Greylag Geese 22 Canada Geese 3 Mallard 107 Gadwall 22 Wigeon 30 Teal 12 Tufted Duck 20 Coot 2 – a pair Moorhens 13 Grey Wagtail 1 Redwings 4 Blackbirds Robins Dunnocks 2 Wren Marsh Tits 2 Coal Tits Great Tts Blue Tits Long-tailed Tits Goldcrests 2 Siskins 2 Chaffinches Goldfinches Pheasants 2 Kestrel 1 Collared Doves 2 Wood Pigeons Rooks Jackdaws Carrion Crows HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid reference TA3304) 5/2/18 Jon Drakes A brief visit to the pools and beach adjacent to the Humber Mouth Yacht Club found the following species present: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Brent Goose Carrion Crow Collared Dove Common Gull Curlew Great Black Backed Gull Herring Gull House Sparrow Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Oystercatcher Pied Wagtail Redshank Shelduck Shoveler Starling Turnstone Woodpigeon HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 - except where stated 16/2/2018 Great tits 4 17/2/2018 Pheasant 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Tawny owl 1 - heard 5am 18/2/2018 Goldfinch 6 - at TF513764 - seen flying around top of hedge on the main road Ladybird 7-spot 1 - on dead perennial stem Sparrowhawk 1  19/2/2018 Pheasant 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Wood pigeons 7 Wren 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 10/2/18 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Black-headed Gull 1 Collared Dove 15 Dunnock 5 House Sparrow 15 Robin 1 Starling 12 Woodpigeon 1 Chaffinch 1 Goldfinch 2 Greenfinch 5 Long-tailed Tit 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610 and TA1609) 11/2/18 Jon Drakes An early morning walk around fields and woodland to the North of Keelby village in what can only be described as cold and blustery conditions found the following species recorded: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch 2 two male birds recorded Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff 1 first on the patch in 2018. Coal Tit Collared Dove Goldfinch Great Tit House Sparrow Kestrel 1 Long-tailed Tit Magpie Pheasant Pied Wagtail Robin Song Thrush Starling Woodpigeon Also seen were 3 Roe Deer. KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 17/2/18 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 2 Black-headed Gull 4 Collared Dove 14 Dunnock 5 House Sparrow 20 Robin 2 Starling 2 Woodpigeon 2 Blue Tit 1 Greenfinch 1 Tree Sparrow 1 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler January 2018 Whilst wintering in southern Spain myself, I regularly noticed little green warbler-type birds nectaring on the tubular flowers of the widely planted Aloe arborescens.  The birds were mostly perched on the stems of the aloe flowers, but occasionally seen taking nectar whilst hovering like humming-birds.  A little internet research told me that these are wintering Chiffchaffs that take advantage of this food source.  Eventually I was able to take some confirmatory photographs and am now eagerly looking forward to their return to my local patch in Lincolnshire. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler Winter Aconites and Snowdrops in flower since the beginning of February. 14.04.2018 and subsequent days 2m and 2f Mallards (= 2 pairs, I think) feeding on muddy pasture 1m and 1 f blackbird seem to have paired up, seen regularly in garden. 18.02.2018 1000+ Starlings (seen again on 19.02.18) feeding on muddy pasture (TF309847/TF309848), two made it into my garden and took advantage of the sunflower hearts in a hanging feeder. Buzzard x 3 over TF309848 and adjoining squares. Harlequin Ladybird active in conservatory SCOPWICK John Boulton Red Kite; Scopwick; 13-02-2018, 16:00; TF 06579 59064; (being mobbed by crow!) THURNHOLMES RECORDS Steve Hiner 11/02/18 Blackbird x 7 Blue Tit x 2 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 58 Goosander x 4 males Owston Ferry Warping Drain Mute Swan x 2 over Thurnholmes Robin x 1 18/02/18 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 4 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 36 Goosander x 1 male Owston Ferry Warping Drain Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 3 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Moorhen x 1 Pied Wagtail x 2 Stock Dove x 1pr displaying to each other Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Tree sparrow x 4 Wood Pigeon x 31 Yellowhammer x 1 WRANGLE COMMON 17/02/2018 Roy and Kathleen Pearson We did a BTO BirdWatch count today mainly on wetland and produced a total of twenty-eight species.  Of particular interest were Canada Geese 15, Greylag Geese 40, Curlew 10, Gadwall 3, Mallard 30, Teal 29, Tufted Duck 3, Snipe1, Woodcock 1 (unusually seen out in the open, close to a hedge), Buzzard 1, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Little Egret 1 and Fieldfare 5. Mammals included Muntjac 1 and Roe Deer 1. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 6th February – 13th February 2018. Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Nige Lound & Cliff Morrison. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings Bird song increased over sunny days this week with 5 great tit, 1 song thrush, 2 robin, 1 dunnock and several skylark within 150m of Coastguard. 060218 – Between CL & CB 1 blackcap female. Today was last remnants of the buckthorn berries and a forlorn blackcap wondering where the next meal was coming from. Thrushes all vacated, to be found field side only. 6 Bullfinch. Phil Espin reported 405 cormorant were roosting at the haven mouth. 36 red- throated diver and 3 eider were over the sea. Singles of hen harrier, marsh harrier and peregrine around. 070218 - Paradise Pools 52 teal, 48 shoveler & 2 coot. 080218 – Flock of 24 greenfinches in shelterbelt alongside Sea View meadow. 20+ Blackbird in SV garden. There was a peak a couple of weeks ago before birds started moving back to continent and now the next wave of birds are building up again to move off. 1 Goldcrest. A red kite appeared to come in/off at CB and then drifted off south early on. A woodcock also came in/off. In the CB area were 4 bullfinch, 2 goldcrest, 3 fieldfare and a drumming great-spotted woodpecker. 50+ White-fronted geese were still on Elm House Farm. 22 snow bunting and 20 twite were on the beach north of CB. 090218 - Between CL & CB 1 blackcap male. 11 Pied wagtail on saltings, 29 snow bunting, 30 twite, 12 linnet and single sparrowhawk. 100218 - 12 Snow bunting were on the beach south of CB. At sea were 36 red-throated diver, 2 great-crested grebe and 40 common scoter. At Elm House Farm were 9 whooper swan briefly, 23 pinkfeet, 50 fieldfare, 20 redwing and 196 golden plover. 110218 – South-westerly gust of 39.1mph recorded near Sea View, 46 curlew flew from the haven towards the marshland, 42 shoveler and 79 teal on Paradise lagoon and 10 little egret on the saltmarsh. At CL a very good garden bird count at the feeders on a very cold frosty day, 19 blackbird, 15 chaffinch, 4 house sparrow, 5 dunnock, 7 great tit, 5 blue tit, 5 long-tailed tit, 1 great-spotted woodpecker, 1 pheasant, 1 wood pigeon & 2 collared dove. 120218 - 2 stonechat near Rimac and several skylark in song over the saltmarsh. Between CL & CB 1 sparrowhawk, 1 kestrel & tawney owl calling. 19 Pied wagtail on saltings, where some looked like female white types, also 7 fieldfare & 22 stock dove in field next to dunes. A Lapland bunting flew south at CB. Over the sea were 26 red-throated diver, 4 great-crested grebe and 40 common scoter. An immature Iceland gull headed inland then south at Rimac where there was also a male marsh harrier, a pair of stonechat and 15 fieldfare. On CL foreshore 426 curlew roosting and 69 sanderling. Male and female hen harrier over saltmarsh. 130218 – Chaffinch and wren in song near Sea View, a woodcock in dunes. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 14th February – 20th February 2018. Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker & Nige Lound Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 140218 - At Rimac were singles of marsh harrier and stonechat along with 7 fieldfare. 150218 – Tawny owl calling near Sea View. 160218 - At sea 344 red-throated diver, 3 great-crested grebe and 80 pinkfeet flew north. 40 common scoter were on the sea. Around CB were a male bullfinch, a goldcrest, 2 long- tailed tit, a drumming great-spotted woodpecker and 2 buzzard. Pair of stonechat and 10 fieldfare were at Rimac. Tawny, barn and little owls heard, male and female hen harrier seen, 77 carrion crow, 21 snow bunting on foreshore, c90 twite and a total of c500 curlews. c600 pink-footed geese seen roosting. 170218 – Hen harrier (ringtail) hunting over saltmarsh late afternoon. 180218 - Over the sea were 153 red-throated diver, 21 great-crested grebe, 2 wigeon, 2 shelduck and 40 common scoter. In the CB area were 6 bullfinch (3 pairs), a goldcrest and a great-spotted woodpecker. A peregrine flew low north along the dunes. 2 woodcock and a single great spotted woodpecker near Sea View. Over the mild and sunny weekend lots of birdsong with chaffinch, great tit, dunnock, robin, song thrush and skylark all in song. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs, private reserves etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org 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/ *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/t/tetneymarshes/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. For good advice for ALL nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Indoor Meetings 2018 Annual General Meeting – 3rd March 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ Field Meetings 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ 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. 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..... Britain's bus coverage hits 28-year low. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-42749973 MPs want Brexit fund for UK farmers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43088855 Pollution blights UK seagrass meadows http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43087785 '100,000 orangutans' killed in 16 years http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42994630 DNA secrets of how vampire bats became bloodthirsty http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43112650 Genes remain active after death. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43046905 'Loneliest tree' records human epoch http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43113900 Ocean plastic tide 'violates the law' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43115486 A eureka moment for the planet: we’re finally planting trees again https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/13/worlds-lost-forests-returning-trees Country diary: bullfinches and their passion for cherry buds https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/15/country-diary-bullfinches-and-their-passion-for-cherry-buds Country diary: the biggest hare I’ve ever seen sat boldly on its arse https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/16/country-diary-the-biggest-hare-ive-ever-seen-sat-boldly-on-its-arse Starfish can see in the dark (among other amazing abilities) https://theconversation.com/starfish-can-see-in-the-dark-among-other-amazing-abilities-91965 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/