============================================= || || 25th March 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... *** It is hard to credit we are past the Spring Equinox [20th] and change to British Summer time on the 25th! Have we have the last of the snow? https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/43450117 Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. There is still time to apply. Deadline for applications: Saturday 31 March 2018 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/awards Reminder: The new date for the LNU AGM is now: 7th April 2018. This will be followed by the Presidential Address by Richard Jefferson: ‘The natural history & ecology of grasses in Lincolnshire’. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/2018-03-03/ The Len Pick Trust has activated their owl nest box camera. Bookmark the URL and make a visit part of your browsing. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: New plant list to help deter garden deer http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43473397 Thousands of miles of UK roads in poor condition http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43407167 Power lines adapted after Lincolnshire swan deaths http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43458391 Plastic particles found in bottled water http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43388870 Beat The Microbead http://www.beatthemicrobead.org/product-lists/ New medical school to open in Lincoln https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/lincoln-news/new-medical-school-open-lincoln-1360769 Dambusters airmen 'reunited' for portrait exhibition http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-43405670 Good Fish Guide - Your guide to sustainable seafood https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/search Thank you for all your contributions this week. 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/ [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 *** LobeLincsPlants 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 *** March Night Sky - soon to change to the April Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html ***Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival *** Helen Gamble writes: Saturday 19 May to Sunday 3 June 2018. Co-ordinated by Heritage Lincolnshire, in partnership with Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival remains one of the largest, and best-attended, events of its kind in the UK. This year there are 104 walks on offer, with a varied programme with something for all ages and abilities, providing a great way for everyone to experience a beautiful landscape, its culture and heritage, whilst enjoying some healthy exercise in good company. Check out the website for further information and to download the brochure www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk/ *** Faith and the Environment Conference 2018: Climate Change and the Coast *** Revd Leslie Batty writes: The conference will consider the significance of climate change in relation to sea-level rise and storm surges and their impacts on our coastal county, wider society and economy, and also globally, through increased flooding and erosion. There will also be consideration of how, as people of faith, we might respond as we seek to love the planet and its people. Date: Saturday, 12th May 2018 (10am–4.30pm) Venue: St Giles’ Church, Lamb Gardens, Lincoln LN2 4EJ. (Parking is available and it is close to bus route 5 from the new Lincoln Transport Hub). Speakers from Lincoln University, Environment Agency, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Lincoln School of Theology and others. The conference is open to those of all faiths and none. There will be opportunity to network with one another and attend a variety of stalls. For more information and tickets, please follow one of these links: https://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news/looking-ahead-faith-and-the-environment-2018 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faith-the-environment-conference-2018-climate-change-and-the-coast-tickets-43403275365 *** Nettleham Woodland Trust - Recorders [and records] wanted *** Su Coleman writes: Nettleham Woodland Trust seeks Recorders for Ashing Lane Nature Reserve Do you live near Dunholme and want to help us with recording other species? We would be really delighted to get information (particularly regularly) from our visitors. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact the Acting Secretary, Su Colman, by email s+nwt@smmjv.com *** Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. *** Section Secretary needed. With the approaching retirement of the current secretary in October this year, the "section" is looking for a successor. The role would suit a person with good organisational skills to carry out the usual tasks of running a voluntary group. For more information contact Keith Scarrott who can explain what is involved. Tel: 01724 762098 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ Kerith Scarrot writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. On Monday, 9th April next we have our last indoor meeting before the summer field visits and until we meet again on September 10th. At this April meeting we have a visit by Andy Jayes, BSc, who is a marine biologist, to give us an illustrated talk entitled "Selwick Sea Safari". Andy will describe "A Photographic Rock Pool Safari of North Yorkshire", focusing on the zonation of the shoreline at Selwick Bay, Flamborough. The meeting will be held in the St. Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, starting at 7.15pm. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS.  There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. There will be a mid-talk break during which light refreshments are available for a small charge. There is a large, free car park in the church grounds. For further information contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Local RSPB links: *** Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby S Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group invite you to join in with our March events.  All welcome, Trust membership not necessary. All our events are free although donations are welcomed! Wednesday 21st March "Costa Rica and Panama" A talk by local photographer and tour guide Mandy West about her trips  to these two bird-rich countries. Meet at Ness End Farm centre for a 7:30pm start. Contact Adrian White (01724 732159) for details. Refreshments available. Donations welcome. To get to Ness End Farm from Barton-upon-Humber, travel west along Far Ings Road, go past the brown signs for Far Ings visitor centre and past the turning for the hotel. The road narrows and after 300 yards Ness Farm car park is on your right (satnav post code DN18 5RG).  *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 31st March 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invites you to join them on morning bird walk in Weelsby Woods with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car park, Grid ref TA283080 nearest post code DN32 9RU at 7am.  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 details contact Ray Hume 07814 840682. Yours sincerely, *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Louth area group LWT *** http://lwt-lag.org.uk/ *** LWT Area Groups *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/area-groups *** 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. 14/1 Iceland Gull ad on beach south of Crook Bank, Saltfleetby Great White Egret, Alderfen, Wroot Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Sandmartin, Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes Water Pipit, Jackson's Marsh. Gibraltar Point 15/3 Black Redstart near Visitor Centre, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier, Crowle 8 Shorelarks on beach at Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby. 16/3 2 Black Redstarts, f and 1w m near Visitor Centre, Firecrest in roadside bushes, ad Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Gibraltar Point Swallow, Woodhall Spa Pits Scaup, Black-necked Grebe, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits Long-tailed Duck, Baston Fen Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh and 5 flew over saltmarsh, also Hen Harrier ringtail Scaup drk, 2w Caspian Gull, Deeping Lakes 17/3 Ring-necked Duck, Red-necked Grebe, 4 Red-crested Pochards, 6 Brent Geese, Bagmoor - view only from road Scaup drk, Anderby Marsh Caspian Gull 2w on lagoon at Middlemarsh Wetlands, west of Skegness Long-tailed Duck on wader scrape, Baston Langtoft gravel pits Iceland Gull flew past Gibraltar Point Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh 18/3 Scaup drk, Anderby Marsh Long-tailed Duck on wader scrape, ad Little Gull, Baston Langtoft gravel pits Black Redstart near Visitor Centre, 4 Little Gulls offshore, Gibraltar Point Black Redstart male at Hannah in garden, SW of Sutton on Sea Ring-necked Duck, Red-necked Grebe, 4 Red-crested Pochards, Bagmoor, near Thealby opposite Craig Kirwin Transport - view only from road Caspian Gull 2w on lagoon at Middlemarsh Wetlands, west of Skegness Great Northern Diver, Freiston Shore 19/3 Caspian Gill 2w on Tennyson's Sands, 2 Black Redstarts by Visitor Centre, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck fem on wader scrape, 2 ad Whooper Swans, Baston Langtoft gravel pits Spoonbill, Little Ringed Plover, Frampton Marsh 2 Little Gull,s adults, Sailing Pit, Barton-upon-Humber [clay] pits 20/3 Ring-necked Duck, Red-necked Grebe, Little Gull, Bagmoor, near Thealby opposite Craig Kirwin Transport - view only from road Spoonbill*, Hen Harrier male*, Spotted Redshank*, Frampton Marsh 21/3 Ring-necked Duck, Red-necked Grebe, Little Gull, Bagmoor, near Thealby opposite Craig Kirwin Transport - view only from road Spoonbill on scrape, Frampton Marsh 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. [Roger died on 6th March 2009, aged 61.] ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Hedgehog numbers 'down by half', warn wildlife groups http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766 Your sightings and roadkill records please. Red-necked Grebe, Sailing Pit, Barton-on-Humber [Clay] pits *** 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 17/03/2018 Much activity around the garden feeders included: Pied Wagtail [joined by a 2nd bird on 19/3 - conflict!] Greenfinch - 2 m & f Chaffinch - 12+, at least 6 m. Goldfinch - 6-8 House Sparrow - 8+ Dunnock 1 Robin 1 Blackbird. 1, 2f 3 Collared dove including very pale/almost white individual. Wood Pigeon - 3 - 7 Jackdaw - 3+ Magpie 1 Starling flock of 30+ Bardney Garden Grid ref TF 117 701 Mary and Phil Porter Monday 19th March 2018 Our small terrier trotted by with a headless redwing in his mouth. We haven’t noticed any redwings in the garden, and as he was coming out of a shed where the neighbour’s cat often sits, and the redwing wasn’t freshly dead, we are guessing he picked up the cat’s discarded kill. Red kite week! Monday 19th March 2018 Red kite flew quite low over the garden gate while I was chatting to a neighbour. I was alerted to it by the house sparrows kicking up their “aerial predator” warning call. As a sparrow-hawk had narrowly missed my face by whizzing by the same spot about a week previously, I assumed it was that. The red kite obligingly did a sort of “tilt” in the air right above me so I got a good view of it’s V shaped tail. Only two days previously: Saturday 17th March Red kite flew low over the car in the start of a blizzard over the A15, near Aunsby turn-off, approximately GR TF0539 (it was probably about three miles from Aunsby) HOLYWELL LAKE 15th March 2018 12.45 – 1400 Ian Misselbrook and Denis Toomy Little Grebes 12 Little Egret 2 Grey Heron 1 Mute Swans – pair mating in front of us. Canada Geese 25 Mallard 30 Wigeon 40 Teal 12 Gadwall 21 Tufted Duck 12 Moorhen 11 Coot 9 Black-headed Gulls c 50 Kingfisher 1 Red Kite 1 Pheasants Stock dove 1 -singing Wood pigeons Rooks Carrion Crow Jackdaw Mistle Thrush 1 singing Blackbirds Robin Dunnocks Wrens Goldcrest – singing Great Tits Blue Tits Coal Tits Chaffinch HUTTOFT PITS 14th March 2018 Dave Miller Black-headed gull 3 Canada Goose 4 Common gull 2 Coot 1 Gadwall 7 Greylag Goose 4 Kestrel 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Magpie 1 Pheasant 1 Skylark 1 Sparrowhawk 1 male Starling 200 Teal 2 Wigeon 509 Woodpigeon 42 Saturday 14th April 10am: I will be leading a guided walk along the dune path at Anderby Creek followed by a stroll back along the beach. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 14/3/2018 Bombus terrestris 1 Woodmouse 1 15/3/2018 Sparrowhawk 1 16/3/2018 Pheasants 2 - male 19/3/2018 Chaffinch 1 - male Great tits 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 17/3/18 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Collared Dove 20 Dunnock 5 House Sparrow 40 Robin 3 Starling 15 Woodpigeon 2 Chaffinch 3 Greenfinch 3 Goldfinch 4 Herring Gull 1 Jackdaw 2 Tree Sparrow 1 Blue Tit 2 Song Thrush 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 18/3/2018 Jon Drakes A walk in less than ideal conditions (Easterly gale and a good covering of snow) around fields and woodland to the North of the village found twenty-three species of bird and two species of mammal recorded: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coal Tit Collared Dove Fieldfare - 20 feeding along field edge Goldcrest - 2 seen feeding in Holly tree Goldfinch Great Tit Herring Gull House Sparrow Jay - a single bird heard in woodland. Long-tailed Tit - group of approx. ten birds feeding in woodland tree canopy. Mistle Thrush - 4 feeding with Fieldfare along field edge. Nuthatch Robin Song Thrush Starling Woodpigeon Wren Also seen was a single Roe deer and a Rabbit. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler Total precipitation (rain/snow) for February 2018:  40 mm 07.03.2018 House Sparrow carrying feather (roosting?/nesting?) Muntjac deer (likely, seen at dusk in distance; shape/size/solitary) (TF299841 approx) 2 Woodmice found drowned in watering can (could only have happened in the recent cold snap) 09.03.2018 Bluetits (pair) in and out of nest box Long-tailed Tits (heard) 11.03.2018 Little Owl calling ca. 18:05 hrs (TF306947) 12.03.2018 Heavy rain all day produced 20 mm of precipitation. 13.03.2018 7-Spot Ladybird (inactive) in dead chrysanthemum foliage Blackbird in full song (eve till 18:35 hrs), also Dunnock, Chaffinch, Robin, Great Tit Pair of Collared Doves (recent arrival in garden) Other species regularly seen around bird feeders: Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-Tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow (resident), Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon 14.03.2018 Gorse ca 30% in flower (TF309850) Spider Pholcus phalangioides in downstairs toilet (first one this year) 15.03.2018 Ca. 70 Starling (TF309848/TF310848) Male Blackbird chasing away Songthrush 20.03.2018 Muntjac deer (TF306847) (clear view ca. 8:30 am) Lesser Celandine and Common Dog Violet in flower (TF306847) SPALDING Jonathan Bye Excellent views of an adult badger running across Hurdletree Bank (B1165) in PE12 6SB at 9pm on 8/3/18. STALLINGBOROUGH – HOBSON WAY (Grid reference TA2113) Jon Drakes Noted whilst at work during the week were: 12/3/2018 Carrion Crow Fieldfare 15 Herring Gull Kingfisher 1 Mistle Thrush 13/3/2018 Carrion Crow Herring Gull Kestrel Yellowhammer WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK919244 Jane Ostler 16th March 2018 Garden The first spring-like day this year First Butterflies - 2 male Brimstones First Bumble Bees - a surprise this as there were 5 Queen Bombus hypnorum (they were searching the hellebores, have seen no B.terrestris or B.lucorum spring yet this year) First ladybirds - 7 spot climbing out of evergreen shrubs. Honey bees - for the first time they were out in numbers (several hundred) on Spring crocuses First female frog in pond with males - first spawn at a neighbours on 13th March On Roadside Nature Reserve In flower Lesser Celandine, Coltsfoot, Whitlow Grass and Sweet Violets On 17th March, next day the snow covered everything and remained several days ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 14th – 20th March 2018 Contributors: - Matt Blissett, Peter & Janet Roworth General Notes & Weather Observations: Wind gusts with wind chill temp taken around mid am and mid pm on a high dune near Sea View using a Skywatch® Xplorer anemometer and thermometer. 16th – pm 46.4mph with 1.6°C chill 17th – am 57.9mph with -6.7°C falling to -8.9°C by mid-day and pm 54.7mph with -7.2°C chill 18th – am 56.4mph with -9.1°C chill and pm 47.1mph with -5.7°C chill 19th – am 34.3mph with -1.1°C chill 20th – am 19.8mph with 2.3°C and pm 16.3mph with 3.7°C chill. Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: 140318 – 14 magpies ‘exploded’ out of a sea buckthorn bush near Sea View and flew off in scattered directions 150318 Pair of gadwall on Paradise lagoon 160318 A fine male hen harrier was hunting over the saltmarsh early am, 6 fieldfare with 8 starlings near Sea View and 2 reed buntings feeding with other birds at feeding station 180318 Male wheatear on ground near Black bridge, paradise and 9 mute swans on lagoon. At least 12 blackbirds, single male sparrowhawk and woodcock at Sea View, grey and brown hen harrier over saltmarsh, 6 whooper swans flying over, single short-eared owl & marsh harrier over Rimac. In grassland near Sea View 22 lapwing, 33 curlew and 50+ starlings plus 310 + wigeon on the Eau near Sea View Lane, and singles of fieldfare, common snipe and barn owl. 190318 100+ redshank on edge of saltmarsh near Sea View, 12 shelduck, 6 lapwing with 40+ starlings in field near Paradise and 18 shoveler on lagoon 200318 In pasture field near reserve base at SV were 22 redwing, 1 fieldfare, 27+blackbirds and 3 gadwall were on the Eau near SV plus at least 75 wigeon BE AWARE – DON’T TOUCH Strange white & waxy lumps have washed up on the beach this week. This is thought to be palm oil; samples have been taken for both East Lindsey District Council & HM Coastguard for final confirmation. Palm oil is used widely in many products, including foodstuffs & cosmetics. The oil is generally non-toxic but may have been corrupted with other chemicals. While palm oil is not poisonous to dogs, it does have a laxative effect and, if eaten, can cause sickness, diarrhoea, dehydration and, in extreme cases, pancreatitis. It can also cause blockages in the gut due to its semi-solid state. In other cases of palm oil pollution, some dogs have become seriously ill after ingesting palm oil. Much of the risk from palm oil is thought to derive from other toxic products mixed in it such as diesel oil from ships. LWT staff are working to remove this pollution from the reserve. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 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. iain.m.anderson - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. johnfrancisjones - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. k.avey - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. njatkin - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. peter mills - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. specialk - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. 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..... Hemsby cliff-top homes 'perilously close' to edge http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-43442176 MPs warn of 'poisonous air' emergency costing £20bn a year http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43405684 How to stop birds smashing into windows http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/stories-43407634/how-to-stop-birds-smashing-into-windows Platypus milk: How it could combat superbugs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-43415998 Changing environment influenced human evolution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43401157 'Catastrophe' as France's bird population collapses due to pesticides https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/21/catastrophe-as-frances-bird-population-collapses-due-to-pesticides?utm Country diary: wild garlic makes the greenwood greener https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/14/country-diary-wild-garlic-greenwood-wenlock-edge-shropshire Country diary: a woodland walk to the dawn chorus https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/13/country-diary-a-woodland-walk-to-the-dawn-chorus From the pyramids to Stonehenge – were prehistoric people astronomers? https://theconversation.com/from-the-pyramids-to-stonehenge-were-prehistoric-people-astronomers-92901 Country diary: this landscape has little to offer a shy fieldfare https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/15/country-diary-shy-fieldfare-crook-county-durham#comment-113571474 We spent a year photographing the animal crop raiders of the Amazon – here are the results https://theconversation.com/we-spent-a-year-photographing-the-animal-crop-raiders-of-the-amazon-here-are-the-results-92867 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/