============================================= || || 14th October 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. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every LNU Bulletin. We really need your help with this. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** There's a bit of a plastics theme this issue. Thank you for all your suggestions. By coincidence, The Biologist mailing from the Royal Society of Biology came in a compostable wrapper this week. The label carries an explanation which says: "Polycomp uses biopolymers, consisting mainly of potato and maize starch. It is compostable in open air as long as there are microorganisms to break it down. It can be disposed of in any compost heap, household garden or food waste bin." Well done to the RSB. Has anyone noticed if any other biology/natural history organisations are using this product? If you have please let us know. https://www.polytheneuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Polycomp.pdf Reminder: Lincolnshire Apple Day at Newton's home, Woolsthorpe Manor. 14th October. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor/features/apple-day-at-woolsthorpe Coming Events - information below. Something for everyone. Swinn Wood LWT Reserve - LNU Fungi foray - 14th October On the Trail of Sir John Betjeman - 17th October GNLP Conference - 31st October Chris Packham - Pictures from the Edge of the World - 1st November Whisby Natural History Workshops - Fungi - 3rd November DaNES INSECT SHOW 10th November We have enjoyed an excellent series of LNU Field Meetings. The final visit of the year will be the Foray at Swinn Wood. Thanks and appreciation go to Brian Hedley who organised these; our hosts; and the leaders who guided us round some fascinating habitats. Thanks to all members who attended too. The winter programme of Indoor Meetings is now up on the LNU Website. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ I enjoyed Steven Heathcote's excellent "Whisby Workshop" on Bryophytes last weekend. These sessions are an invaluable way to start to learn/relearn particular groups of organisms and develop your species-identification skills. Richard Davidson does a great job organising these workshops. Thank you , Richard, and thank you to the recorders and enthusiasts who have contributed this year and the participants for coming along. It is a splendid opportunity. We look forward to what 2019 will bring. For readers wishing to take their interest further, please don't forget the LNU Bursary scheme which can be used for courses with the Field Studies Council or similar. I put the following reminder in every Bulletin and we are always pleased to hear from anyone who may be interested: 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 Field Studies Council [FSC] - Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ Should you need natural history equipment or books, a good place to start is: https://www.nhbs.com/ As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Don't forget to click. In pictures: Autumnal colours across the UK https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-45786492 Whale-watching for Benny the beluga in the Thames Estuary https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-45798421/ How to recognise the Harlequin Ladybird http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm Apathy blamed for 'this shocking plastic river' in Sleaford https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-45745992 Walkers crisp packets recycling scheme announced https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-45759712 Drowning in Plastic is still available on BBC i-Player. A good overview. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0bmbn47/drowning-in-plastic Short extract: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06mfk49 Microplastics in Insects https://www.mygreenpod.com/articles/microplastics-in-insects/ More links in "..and finally..." Don't forget to look. No one has yet expressed an interest in taking on the editing of the Bulletin. If you think you may have the time/interest to have a go, please get in touch. Contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Thank you for all your contributions this week. Please keep them coming. 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/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 14th October 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-10-14/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve, northwest of Alford Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) 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. Habitat: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk *** On the Trail of Sir John Betjeman *** Stuart Crooks alerts us to: On the Trail of Sir John Betjeman - Wolds Words Festival 2018 An illustrated entertainment about the life and work of Sir John Betjeman Wednesday 17th October 2018 - 7.30pm Conoco Room, Louth Library LN11 0LY Members of the local branch of the Betjeman Society will paint a picture of the poet, broadcaster and conservationist , including readings of his Lincolnshire poems. £3 entrance. More on Wolds Words Festival 2018 programme: https://www.magnavitae.org/events/wolds-words-festival/ *** GNLP Conference *** Conference on Evolving evidence: new and innovative ways to make the case for nature Sarah Baker writes: The Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership’s annual conference takes place on 31 October and will consider the innovative methods being used to support evidence-based policy and decision making for the natural environment. Speakers will include Nick Atkinson of the Woodland Trust on uses for woodland cover and tree canopy data, Dr Niall Burton of the British Trust for Ornithology looking at the techniques being used to build a better under- standing of the impacts of offshore wind farms on seabirds and Gareth Dalglish of Natural England on approaches to strategic licensing for great crested newts. The event will also mark the launch of LERC Search, a pioneering new system developed by the GLNP to provide instant access to data for ecologists and local authorities - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Booking for the conference is essential, please contact events@glnp.org.uk or call 01507 528384. Further details can be found at https://glnp.org.uk/contact/latest-news/ Sarah Baker - Senior Policy Officer 01507 528384 www.glnp.org.uk *** CPRE event with Chris Packham. *** Jenny Haynes writes: CHRIS PACKHAM, the well known TV presenter, naturalist and film maker, will be presenting his new show, called Pictures from the Edge of the World, at the Baths Hall, Scunthorpe on 1st November 2018, starting at 7.30pm. This event is being promoted by CPRE Northern Lincolnshire and we would love to see you there. Tickets, priced at £25 are available from the Baths Hall, either in person at the Box Office, by telephone 08448542776 or online at www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk *** Whisby Natural History Workshops - Reminder *** At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. A few places are still available on: Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead [4 places left] [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 *** Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Entomological Society *** DaNES INSECT SHOW 10th Nov Mark Schofield writes: Thought the LNU members might be interested in this event at Derby University on the 10th November. Saturday 10th November 2018. DaNES Annual Insect Show. Derby University. 10:30am until 4.30pm. Our main Annual event. A large number of exhibits by individuals and organisations - informative displays, demonstrations, hands-on activities, live insects and sales stalls. There will also be a series of interesting talks throughout the day. Plenty to see, do and buy, and a café for refreshments. Wheelchair friendly. Free parking and FREE ADMISSION. For further details please contact Julie Marshall at julmrshll7@aol.com. http://www.danes-insects.org.uk/events.htm *** October Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html AuroraWatch UK - keep checking for alerts. https://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates from the Partnership *** LoveLincsPlants Webpage: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants 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/ *** 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 Martin Francis writes: "The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Local Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 15th October 2018 at Cromwell Banqueting Suite, 1 Kings Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 0AJ (Please note that the venue has changed because our regular venue is under maintenance on this date only) Ashley Grove will give us an illustrated talk entitled "Jewels of the Gambia". There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. The Group's October trip is to RSPB Fairburn Ings and Blacktoft Sands on Sunday 28th October 2018 leaving Millman's Coach Depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. Booking is essential All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB for either event. For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 We look forward to seeing you at the meeting, or on the trip, or both! 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 Get Involved page *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk October 18th:An Introduction to Bee Keeping An illustrated talk by Jason Rawson who is Chairman of the Lincoln District Beekeepers Association. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Scunthorpe and Brigg LWT *** The Scunthorpe and Brigg Group for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust The next meeting for the 2018 "indoor season" is on Thursday, 11th October when Matt Cox, our local North West Warden for the LWT, will give us an illustrated talk entitled "Wildlife on the Doorstep". Matt 's message is - "You don't have to travel to see interesting wildlife". ALL ARE WELCOME. You don't have to be a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust member to attend our meetings which start at 7.30pm and take place in the St Hugh's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe. There is a £2 entry charge which includes light refreshments at the mid-talk break. For further information contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 4/10 Yellow-browed Warbler, Huttoft Pit Great Northern Diver flew past Huttoft Bank Ring Ouzel, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Jack Snipe, Gibraltar Point 5/10 Long-billed Dowitcher, Cattle Egret, drk Scaup, 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, ringtail Hen Harrier, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Corncrake, East Halton Skitter, Goxhill 6/10 2 Sooty Shearwaters flew south past, 5 Little Gulls flew north, 3 Arctic Terns, 2 Ring Ouzels, 2 Scaup flew north, Jack Snipe on Mere, Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher, Cattle Egret, drk Scaup, Frampton Marsh Black-throated Diver, Ring Ouzel, Freiston Shore American Golden Plover , East Butterwick Arctic Tern, Cut End, Boston Petrel spp past Mablethorpe 2 Long-tailed Skuas flew south past, Snow Bunting, Huttoft Car Terrace Juv Long-tailed Skua past Sandilands, as Pomarine Skua, Arctic Tern, Sutton on Sea 7/10 15 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Barred Warblers, one trapped and ringed in East Dunes, Lapland Bunting, 4 Snow Buntings, Twite, Caspian Gull, 6 Ring Ouzels, 2 Richard's Pipits, Hawfinch, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, Long-billed Dowitcher, 2 Scaup, 1 drk Ruddy Shelduck, Frampton Marsh 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, Sea View Farm, Saltfleetby 8/10 Hawfinch, 4 Yellow-browed Warblers, Spotted Crake juv, Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher, Cattle Egret, Scaup, ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 3 Yellow-browed Warblers at Sea View Farm, Whinchat at Churchill Lane, Saltfleetby Yellow-browed Warbler, Saltfleet St Peter Ring Ouzel, Freiston Shore 9/10 Great White Egret flew SE over Far Ings Spotted Crake juv, Lapland Bunting flew south over, 2 Snow Buntings, 10 Yellow-browed Warblers, 3 Snow Buntings, White-fronted Goose flew south, Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher, Cattle Egret, drk Scaup, Frampton Marsh 10/10 Long-billed Dowitcher, Scaup drk, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 7 Yellow-browed Warblers, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Firecrest trapped and ringed in East Dunes, 3 Ring Ouzels, Arctic Tern, Gibraltar Point 2 Great White Egrets flew SW over Ruskington Great White Egret, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber Rough-legged Buzzard over Castle Bytham 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Peter Morrell writes: I had a holiday in the Bulgarian Balkans at the end of September, travelled 00's of miles by road in rural areas and never saw one road kill! It was either the lack of traffic or that mammals and birds were very thin on the ground, more than likely a combination of both. I did manage to find a brown bear scat high in the mountains though, but no sight of the actual bear unfortunately. Blyborough Grange SK 96306 95728  Peter Morrell 02.10.18 Badger roadkill on A15 Holme SE 92108 06889  Peter Morrell 02.10.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Holme Lane Blyton SK 84948 94463 Peter Morrell 04.10.18 Hedgehog roadkill on A159 East Barkwith TF 16497 81011 Peter Morrell 09.10.18 Badger roadkill on A157 Greetwell SE 94370 04590 Peter Morrell 05.10.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Kirton Road Kirton Lindsey SK 93939 99354  Peter Morrell 05.10.18 Hedgehog roadkill on North Cliffe Road Saxilby SK 89746 75708 Peter Morrell 06.10.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Mill Lane Blyton SK 89746 75708 Peter Morrell 07.10.18 Hedgehog roadkill on Laughton Road Harpswell SK 93791 89979 Peter Morrell 05.10.18 Stoat crossing the B1398 Belton SE 77369 08876 Peter Morrell 06.10.18 Two common cranes flying across M180 in a northward direction Willoughton SK 90973 93076 Peter Morrell 03.10.18 Barn owl hunting over fields *** 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 5/10 Buzzard calling. Many seen in this area. 10/10 Flock of approx 25 starlings on feeders, 8am. BOSTON (South by A16) September 2018 Kathleen Pearson During September I was able to do the BTO Garden BirdWatch on 29 days. At only 16, the number of species was very small and there were very few birds of most species present in the garden at any one time. An exception to this was the Goldfinch with considerable numbers present on several occasions. These were difficult to count, but I managed a top count of a Charm of 30 feeding together on sunflower hearts. Greenfinches occurred on only 3 days, with never more than two birds together. There were no gulls. Was this due t o the decline of the nearby landfill area, or was it the time of year? Hedgehog occurred everyday, with an unusual count of two on one occasion. Butterflies were considerably down in number. (Apologies for failing to mention the high number of whites last month). The count was as follows:- Blackbird 3, Collared Dove 6, Woodpigeon 2, Starling 17, Goldfinch 30, Robin 1, Wren 1, Chaffinch 2, Blue Tit 2, Greenfinch 2, Great Tit 2, Dunnock 2, House Sparrow 6, Jay 1, Long-tailed Tit 7 and Magpie 1. Non-avian records:- Common Darter, Southern Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly, Large and Small Whites, Comma, Red Admiral, Grey Squirrel and Pipistrelle (on 18th September). HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 26/9/2018 Ichneumon wasp 1 - on lounge window Red admiral 1 speckled wood 1 27/9/2018 Collared dove 1 Common darters 2 Peacock butterfly 1 - first for me this year 4/10/2018 Araneus diadematus Garden cross spider  - many in the garden but I watched this one for some time as a birch leaf landed in its web and she rushed to it and then spent an inordinate amount of time doing what can only be described as twisting and turning the leaf until it dropped to the ground. Wrens 2 5/10/2018 Pheasants m. 2 Wood pigeons 8 7/10/2018 Dunnock 1 Peacock butterfly 1 IRBY DALES (Grid reference TA1905) 6/10/2018 Jon Drakes and Louise Drakes A late morning walk, in wet conditions around this location found the following species present: Black-headed Gull Blackbird Chaffinch Common Gull Jackdaw Magpie Mallard Mistle Thrush Pheasant Starling Woodpigeon Yellowhammer KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 6/10/2018 Jon Drakes Species noted on a cold and wet morning whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO were: Black-headed Gull 1 Collared Dove 18 House Sparrow 10 Sparrowhawk 1 Starling 40 WINTER'S POND, EAST HALTON to EAST HALTON SKITTER (Grid reference TA1521, TA1522, TA1422, TA1423) 7/10/2018 Jon Drakes, Louise Drakes, Mike Wilson, Tracey Wilson A morning walk, in glorious weather conditions found the following species present along this stretch of the River Humber: Black Tailed Godwit approx. 500 B lack-headed Gull Blackbird Blue Tit Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coot Cormorant 15 Curlew Dunnock Golden Plover 4 Goldfinch Great Black Backed Gull Grey Heron 2 Greylag Goose Herring Gull Kestrel 2 Lapwing approx. 200 Linnet Little Egre2 Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Meadow Pipit Moorhen Mute Swan Pheasant Pied Wagtail Pink-footed Goose approx. 300 Pintail 1 Redshank Reed Bunting Robin Shelduck Shoveler Skylark Starling Teal Tree Sparrow Tufted Duck Woodpigeon Roe Deer 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/far-ings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/gibraltar-point 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 https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 3rd October – 10th October 2018 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison and Matt Blissett.   Daily news and wildlife sightings:   031018 – A bittern flushed from reeds on River Eau between Sea View and Rimac. 041018 - Single chiffchaff at Sea View. Early afternoon sunshine brought out a few butterflies - 1 common blue, 6 small copper, 1 red admiral, 4 small white, 3 comma and a single brown argus. 051018 - Single goldcrest and male blackcap at Sea View. At least 290 pink-feet in the area. 061018 - With strong N-NE winds, many seabirds on the move, with good numbers of common scoter, gannets, great skua and a few Arctic skua present. 15 Song thrush arrived off the sea, when goldcrests, bramblings and siskins present. Still up to 5 chiffchaff between BYL and CL. 7 Little egret on Paradise lagoon and 3 on the saltmarsh, male stonechat nearby and 9 Brent geese over the outer dunes at Saltfleet Haven. 071018 - Around Sea View single blackcap, tree sparrow, redwing, chiffchaff, goldcrest, at least 3 brambling, and 3 song thrush. Churchill Lane - c20 song thrush, 4 redwing, 1 fieldfare, 3 brambling, 2 siskin, c15 goldcrest, c35 chaffinch, 7 bullfinch,1 stonechat and c200 linnet.   081018 - Two blackcap and 2 goldcrest and at least 3 yellow-browed warblers in the Sea View area. All present in the morning with another single yellow-browed warbler late afternoon. Churchill Lane - 1 yellow browed warbler, 8 song thrush, 6 chiffchaff and 2 blackcap. Single merlin and sparrow hawk present in the BYL area hunting across the saltings, where the linnet flock has built back up to 200 birds. Up to 20 meadow pipits also on the saltings and skylarks are now arriving with up to 15 present. 1-2 buzzards seen most days.   Butterflies still showing this week include, red admiral, peacock, small tortoiseshell, small copper, small white, speckled wood and comma. Dragonflies - migrant hawker, common and ruddy darter.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/get-involved/ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Meetings 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports welcome..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Examples: SNIPE DALES https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/snipe-dales WHISBY https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/whisby WILLOW TREE FEN https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/willow-tree-fen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Readers are invited to send in their reports and "reviews" of favourite nature reserves and public wildlife sites. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 usually 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/as 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 Field Studies Council - Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk 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 *** 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/ STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** EasyTide *** http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** 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/as 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 *** 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 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/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lincs-environmental-awards *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.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 14th October 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-10-14/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve, northwest of Alford Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) 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. Habitat: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk 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. Next workshop: Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** Mail fails: None this week. If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of current and past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally... Final call to save the world from 'climate catastrophe' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45775309 Harlequin ladybirds swarm into homes after hot summer https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45766496 UK Ladybird Survey website http://www.ladybird-survey.org/ Deep-fried chocolate orange hits plates at chip shop https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-lincolnshire-45758126/ Country diary: a close encounter with a badger https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/02/country-diary-a-close-encounter-with-a-badger Country diary: wasps lead the dance at the year's last flower festival https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/03/country-diary-wasps-dance-ivy-flowers-wenlock-edge-shropshire#comment-121103160 Country diary: ravenous brent geese fly in for an eelgrass feast https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/06/country-diary-light-bellied-brent-geese-eelgrass-strangford-lough Country diary: a butterfly boom out of the barren land https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/04/country-diary-a-butterfly-boom-out-of-the-barren-land ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/