============================================= || || 9th September 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. Invite new readers to give it a try. We really need your help with this. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** Meteor Shower The September Perseids are due 5th - 21st, with the peak on the 9th. Conditions should be favourable, so "heads up". More details on Paul Money's website. Reminder: Jan Rousseau's Plant Galls workshop on the 8th Sept has been cancelled. However, there are some places still, 2 on the Bryophytes on October 6th and 4 on the Fungi workshops on November 3rd. See details below. Have you any news? I will be pleased to receive your reports and contributions and to give a "plug" for Lincolnshire natural history activity. If you are organising meetings, please give the Bulletin a plug and help to find us a few more readers. Thanks. As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Don't forget to click. NERC: Planet Earth brings you the latest stories, pictures and videos about their work. https://nerc.ukri.org/planetearth/ The Biologist - Liz Bonnin interview and more. https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist/158-biologist/features/2007-interview-liz-bonnin InsideEcology: Online Magazine - overwintering in frog tadpoles - Laurence Jarvis https://insideecology.com/2018/08/24/overwintering-in-frog-tadpoles/ 2018 was the joint hottest summer for UK https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45399134 Dead ducks found in Boston waterway https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-45397945 Littleport seal with fishing hook in eye found and treated https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-45354437 Crows flock to Cow Paddle pitches looking for grubs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-45366428 Environmental campaigner Lord Peter Melchett dies, aged 71 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-45366188 More links in "..and finally..." Thank you for all your contributions this week. Please keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Willow Emerald Damselfly *** From Nick Tribe, county dragonfly recorder. Can Bulletin readers look out for willow emerald damselfly in August and September? Willow emeralds are best seen in August and September basking on small branches, usually above water. They lay their eggs into young wood so the larvae can fall into the water on hatching. They are large all-green ‘emeralds’ with pale pterostigma on the wings. They were first recorded in Lincolnshire in 2016 and have been seen at Kirkby on Bain and Frampton for the first time this year. Some more detail and some pictures are here https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/willow-emerald-damselfly *** Barn Owl Nest Box Webcam. The story continues.....*** But not much longer.... http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** September Night Sky - with September Perseid meteors? *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html AuroraWatch UK https://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ *** Heritage Open Days 2018 *** Your once-a-year chance to discover some of Lincolnshire's rarely seen historic treasures, with exciting experiences that bring local history and culture to life, for free! Over 180 free events across Lincolnshire during September https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/heritage-open-days *** Heritage Open Days - Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/heritage-open-days/ *** Picturing the Past: Lincolnshire Wolds Railway *** Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days event in September. The theme of this year’s event is “Picturing the Past” and we will be opening the doors at Ludborough station on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September between 11am and 3pm. https://lincolnshirewoldsrailway.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. Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau - CANCELLED A few places are still available on: Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. [2 places left] 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 *** 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 *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** LoveLincsPlants Webpage: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants Reminder - #LoveLincsPlants Botany ID training for 18-35 year olds Aidan Neary writes: Trees in Leaf Identification session 18th September: We will be running a Trees in Leaf identification session on Tuesday 18th September at Whisby Nature Park in Lincoln. To book onto either of these training session please send an email with your mobile telephone number to the following email address: lovelincsplants@gmail.com Attendees must be aged 18-35 to satisfy the requirements of The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) who are funding this project. Developing the botanical identification skills of the next generation of botanists is a key aim of the project. [Please note that other botany training such as informal botany walks for over people aged over 35 will become a regular fixture of the project in 2019 and 2020] 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/ Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. At our first indoor meeting for the 2018 - 2019 "season" on Monday, 10th September, Professor Alastair Fitter, the eminent, botanist, ecologist and co-author of the popular book "Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland" visits us to give his talk on "Flowering time and Climate Change". Professor Alastair Fitter, CBE, FRS, is a British ecologist at the University of York whose special areas of expertise are in ecology, soil biology and the biological impacts of climate change. His illustrated talk about the timing of the blooming of plants comes in a year when we have become much more aware of the effects of climate change. Starting at 7.15pm the meeting will take place in the St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is ample free parking at the Church which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. There is no entry charge to the meeting but a donation bowl is provided. For any further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** 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 *** 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 17th September 2018 at Holy Trinity Parish Hall (formerly known as Corpus Christi Community Centre), corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Matthew Blissett will give us an illustrated talk entitled "Norfolk and the Brecks". There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to Spurn Point on Sunday 23rd September 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 Carolyn Davis writes: On Sunday 9th September 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Pyewipe starting from the junction of Gilbey Road and Pyewipe Road. Grid ref. TA259111. Meet Ray Hume at 7am.Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For more details contact Ray Hume 07814 840682. On Friday 21st September 2018 popular local folk rock band Merlin's Keep will be performing in concert at St. Giles' Church, Scartho, Grimsby DN33 2EU, in aid of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Please arrive by 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Admission £5 on the door which includes tea, coffee & biscuits. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle and Trust literature available. For further details contact Carolyn Davis 01472 312051. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk September 20th: Rewilding - a Return to the Wilderness An illustrated talk by Louth naturalist Stewart West looking at Rewilding projects around the UK. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** 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: 30/8 Long-billed Dowitcher ad, Stilt Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 2 Black Terns, Freiston Shore Great White Egret, Boultham Mere, Lincoln 12 Black Terns, Cut End, Boston Little Stint, Spotted Crake, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 8 Spoonbills, Garganey*, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point 31/8 Long-billed Dowitcher ad, Stilt Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 26 Spotted Redshanks, 4 Spoonbills, 2 Garganey, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Boultham Mere, Lincoln Garganey, Alkborough Flats Osprey, Pied Flycatcher, Donna Nook 2 juv Caspian Gulls, Trent Port Wetlands WSW of Marton Spotted Crake, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 6 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 1/9 Long-billed Dowitcher ad , Stilt Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Garganey, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, Donna Nook 2 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 2/9 Stilt Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher ad, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Spoonbills, 28 Spotted Redshanks, Garganey, Frampton Marsh 27 Spotted Redshanks, Montagu's Harrier ringtail, 15+ Spoonbills, juv Curlew Sandpiper, Alkborough Flats Osprey over Wolds Retreat Leisure Park 3 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 3 Great White Egrets, Boultham Mere. Lincoln 3/9 Stilt Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher ad , Black Tern over reservoir, Wood Sadndpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point 3 Common Cranes flew east over Legsby Road/Dog Kennel Lane, Market Rasen 13 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 4/9 Long-billed Dowitcher ad, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 9 Black Terns, 2 5+ Spotted Redshanks, 12 Curlew Sandpipers [juvs], 3 Turtle Doves, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Messingham Sand Quarry Great White Egret, Boultham Mere, Lincoln 7 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 5 Spoonbills, Spotted Redshank, Sooty Shearwater flew north, 2Puffin, 2 Arctic Terns, Gibraltar Point 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. Heckington (A17) 01/09/2018 Roy and Kath Pearson Road kill 3 badgers on A17 between both turn-offs to Heckington. Worlaby TA01678 13273 Jenny Haynes Young fox dead on B1204 30 August 2018 TF301845 Silvia Fowler 03.09.2018 Mature Hedgehog dead on lane TF315850 Silvia Fowler 03.09.2018 Hedgehog dead on A153/Raithby turning TF388871 approx. Silvia Fowler 04.09.2018 Badger roadkill on B1200 west of Manby *** 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 New feeding station up 3/9 to replace felled sumac. 4/9 Starling juvs on peanut feeder - 3 Goldfinches 3, 2 adults on niger feeder and one juv being fed. Robin 2 Collared Doves 5/9 2 Jackdaws Grey Squirrel BOSTON Boston August 2018 Kathleen Pearson I was able to do the BTO Garden BirdWatch on all 31 days in August.. Unfortunately bird numbers were very low with very few species daily and apart from Starling and Goldfinch, all were of individuals or small groups. Best thing during the month was the appearance together of Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker. Total number of species was 17. Blackbird 4, Great Tit 3, Collared Dove 3, Starling 8, Dunnock 2, Greenfinch 3, Long-tailed Tit 6, Woodpigeon 3, Goldfinch 9, Chaffinch 2, Blue Tit 2, Robin 3, Chiffchaff 1, House Sparrow 4, Wren 1, Great-Spotted Woodpecker 1 and Green Woodpecker 1. Others:- Dragonflies - Common Darter, Southern Hawker and Brown Hawker. Damselfly:- Common Blue. Butterflies:- Peacock, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Holly Blue, Red Admiral and Orange-tip. Mammals:- Hedgehog, squirrel and for only the second time this year, a Pipistrelle was seen. Amphibian:- Frog. DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LT Nature Reserve Date: 18/09/2018 Time: AM Observer: Ian Gordon Weather : Mainly cloudy, warm, breezy Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Common Tern Coot Cormorant Gadwall Great Crested Grebe Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Sand Martin Scaup Shovelor Starling Stock Dove Swift Tufted Duck Woodpigeon Yellow-legged Gull Mammals: Brown Hare Butterflies: Large White Small White Speckled Wood Baston/Langtoft Gravel Pits: Black-necked Grebe - 18th to 25th/08/2018 DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LT Nature Reserve Date: 29 & 30/09/2018 Time: PM Observer: Ian Gordon Weather : Sunny periods, becoming cloudy, warm, breezy Birds: Blackbird Blue Tit Cananda Goose Common Tern Carrion Crow Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coot Cormorant Gadwall Great Crested Grebe Green Sandpiper Green Woodpecker Grey heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Hobby House Martin Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Grebe Little Grebe Little Egret Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Nuthatch Osprey (reported by another observer) Pochard Sand Martin Scaup Snipe Spotted Flycatcher Starling Swallow Teal Tufted Duck# Woodpigeon Yellow-legged Gull Butterflies: Large White Small White Speckled Wood Dragonflies: Common Darter Migrant Hawker Common Blue Damselfly GRIMSBY TA265095 Joyce Attia 10.00 hrs 5th September 2018 In my garden A four spotted chaser, a number of large and small whites, the mint moths seem to have gone now - they also like rosemary, a few white mini moths when the security light comes on. A few house sparrows and a dunnock. It's nearly time to get the bird feeders out again. Along the river bank. We still have six cygnets with Mum and Dad, the other brood seem to have gone from this stretch of the river. The mallards and the moorhens are thriving, there are plenty of insects for them as the weed is still thick along parts of the river, unfortunately it attracts rats. We have a river clean planned for the end of September. There are still some swallows feeding in the mornings and evenings. There are a number of patches of purple loosestrife, some yarrow and lots of rough grass and nettles, 3 blue damsel flies, which were too quick to identify, and what I think was a ruddy darter. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 30.08.2018 Grey Heron flying S - N Buzzard mewing nearby August Rainfall = 49 mm, about average 01.09.2018 Grey Heron x 2 (not together) flying over, N – S Tawny Owl x 2 (m + f) calling Great Diving Beetle in pond 02.09.2018 Southern Hawker f. Small Tortoiseshell 2, Comma 1, numerous Whites 2 Grey Herons arising from church pond, flew north 03.09.2018 2 Robins in autumn song Green Lacewing on window sill Brown Hare (TF293858) 04.09.2018 Grey Heron flying over SOUTH KYME Julian Purvis 2nd brood of kingfishers fledged on 31 August - 2 juveniles. 6th year of nesting at this site but first time I have been around to see them fledge - approx 100m from Kyme Eau at South Kyme but the river is their main source of food. SUTTON BRIDGE Sutton St James, 3/9/2018 Jonathan Bye Box Leather Bug (Gonocerus acuteangulatus). 3+ individuals have been feeding on Rosa rugosa hips over the past two weeks at TF407197. Wingland, Sutton Bridge. 2/9/2018 Jonathan Bye Sea Aster Bee. Seen nectaring on Nipplewort (probably), on the sea bank at TF483210. TATTERSHALL THORPE R&M Pocklington Tattershall Thorpe 30.08.2018 We found an injured barn owl by the drive the other morning. The bird’s legs and body had no obvious sign of damage but it was flopped out. We put the bird in a large cardboard box to rest quietly but when we noticed drops of blood coming from its mouth we took the bird to the vets. Unfortunately, after some hours being kept in the dark the beautiful owl died. Previously we had often seen the owl flying between our house and next door, crossing our lane and we presume that the bird hit the telephone/electric cables. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 30/08/18 Common Buzzard x 1 Greenshank x 1 over Thurnholmes Red Legged Partridge x 4 Sparrowhawk x 1 male Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Tree Sparrow x 39 Common Pipistrelle x 2 Migrant Hawker x 2 04/09/18 Blackbird x 4 Common Buzzard x 2 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 Mute Swan x 4 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Oystercatcher x 1 over Thurnholmes Red Legged Partridge x 6 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 02:15hrs Tree Sparrow x 53 Roe Deer x 1 Wood Mouse x 1 Small White x 2 Speckled Wood x 2 Setaceous Hebrew Character x 1 THE WASH 50 Bird species seen from the Boston Belle 3rd September 2018 by South Lincs. RSPB Group. The highlights included several Raptors including Osprey, and Spoonbill. black headed gull, blackbird, black-tailed godwit, brent goose, buzzard, canada goose, carrion crow, collared dove, common gull, common sandpiper, common tern, cormorant, curlew, feral pigeon, goldfinch, great black-backed gull, green woodpecker, greenshank, grey heron, greylag goose, house martin, house sparrow ,jackdaw, kestrel, lapwing, lesser black-backed gull, linnet, little egret, magpie, mallard, marsh harrier, meadow pipit, osprey, oystercatcher ,peregrine, pheasant, pied wagtail, redshank, ringed plover, ruff, sandwich tern, shelduck, sparrowhawk, spoonbill, starling, swallow, teal, turnstone, whimbrel, wood pigeon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 30th August 2018 – 4th September 2018 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Jon Hamnett and Ruth Taylor. August weather report: During the first week of August a high pressure system to the south-east drifted north and settled over the UK. This caused an air flow from Southern Europe to dominate the weather giving hot, sunny and at times humid conditions. Day-time temperatures rose to a high of 30.25? on the 6th and 7th. By the second week the high pressure was squeezed back south-eastwards by a strong influence of low pressure systems to the west. The weather became unsettled. Temperatures were generally much lower than the first week with highs reaching the early twenties. By the end of the month a high pressure edged in to the south giving good sunny spells with a slight increase in daytime temperatures. A cold 1.75? ground minimum (air 7.0?) was noted on the 25th. Strong south-westerly breezes (F5) were recorded on the 12th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 22nd and 24th. A heavy spell of rain during the night of the 22nd gave 22.2mm of precipitation otherwise the rain fell as showers, some heavy. The 26th was a day of low cloud and continuous light rain and drizzle for which only 3.7mm of precipitation was recorded. Total rainfall for the month was 43.1mm (1.7 inches). Daily news and wildlife sightings: 300818 - 2 black-tailed godwits, 1 common sandpiper, 1 common snipe, 4 lapwing, 1 greenshank, 11 redshank and 1 ruff at Paradise lagoon. The pleasant afternoon sunshine gave a good show of butterfly species including singles of comma, painted lady, small copper, wall brown, peacock 2, red admiral 7, common blue 2, small heath 2 and green- veined white all in the Sea View area. Whinchat 2, wheatear 2, pied flycatcher 1, spotted flycatcher 2 in the Churchill area. 310818 – Butterfly count from Brickyard Lane to Churchill: small white 18, speckled wood 17, common blue 6, small heath 4, brown argus 1, meadow brown 1. Good numbers small white all week. 010918 – Bonxie flying along the coast 030918 – Barn owl in the Sea View area 040918 – Bonxie flying along the coast Butterfly numbers have fallen by c 80% over past week, common blue and speckled wood the 2 most common butterflies on this weeks’ transect with no species recorded in double figures. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Visiting Southrey Wood NR, Lincolnshire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This slot is for those cracking reserves which don't get the regular mention they should. 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 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 *** 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. Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** Mail fails: Lyn Moore - soft bounce - This mailbox is disabled I am about to delete mailing list addresses that are not yet "opted-in". You may get a note from me reminding you to do something about it. Please check your details now as explained in "Editor writes". 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..... The life of a shark scientist https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45359293 Pests to eat more crops in warmer world https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45358643 Hayabusa-2: Japan sets date for spacecraft's asteroid touchdown https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45363130 Tropical sunfish spotted in Highland waters https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-45388695 Golden eagle genome study 'a conservation game changer' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45334960 Engineered sand cleans up storm water for drinking https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2018/08/engineered-sand-cleans-up-storm-water-for-drinking/ Fears over protected wildlife disturbed by drones https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-45361654 Space Weather notifications: Solar storms etc. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/space-weather/ ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/