============================================= || || 9th October 2019 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, 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 from Feb 2009 - 10 years worth! 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 building up reader numbers. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** Back in the old days of the USSR, underground Samizdat newsletters circulated, recipients passing on copies of what they themselves had received - information for like-minded citizens. It was this image that was in the back of my mind when the Bulletin began and there is still a somewhat "underground" feel to it. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the bottom of the Bulletin and invite someone new to join the network. Or you can include the following LNU link in an email: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ Bird of the week has to be the Yellow-browed Warbler. Would you recognise one? https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/yellow-browed-warbler/ A selection of relevant news stories can be found on the following links. Most have been suggested by fellow readers. Humpback whale spotted in River Thames found dead https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-49980089 Len Pick Barn Owl camera - the story continues! http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 Badger culls risk increased spread of TB to cattle, study finds https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49938943 Capturing Animal Movement: The RSB photo competition https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-49960767 More than a quarter of UK mammals face extinction https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49892209 Read the Report: https://nbn.org.uk/stateofnature2019/ Honey fungus secrets fall to science https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49924014 Maori shootings: Britain regrets killings by Endeavour crew Joseph Banks reference. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-49903759 The triangulation points that mapped Britain - wonderful panoramic views https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-49760110 More links in "...and finally..." Thanks for all the help. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are also listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings and workshops, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ You should check this link in case any change has been made. In the event of a late cancellation or other change after the Bulletin has been sent I will also post updated details on the following webpage: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html [Note: Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, and start at 2pm.] Next meetings: Moor Farm LWT Reserve and SSSI – Sunday 13th October 2019 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2019-10-13/ Moor Farm LWT Reserve and SSSI, east of Woodhall Spa Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Last LNU visit in 1997 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park in reserve car park at TF226635. Nearest postcode: LN10 6YU. NB. Possible need for some verge parking if car park gets full (only takes about 10 cars). Nearest public toilets are in Woodhall Spa. Possibly quite wet along reserve paths. Habitat: Acid Grassland, broadleaved woodland and boggy heathland. Leaders: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk and Roger Parsons 07867 847679 old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ‘4000 years of recording mayflies’ Craig Macadam – 16th November 2019 - note the change of date https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/2018-11-10/ Indoor Meetings 2020 https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ ‘Gibraltar Point’ Barrie Wilkinson – 11th January 2020 Recorders’ Meeting – 8th February 2020 Annual General Meeting – 7th March 2020 Followed by the Presidential Address by Chris du Feu *** Whisby Natural History Workshops 2019 *** In partnership with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.00 pm until 4.00 pm. Free of charge. 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. Update on the Whisby workshops. Slugs - October 26th - Chris de Feu - Spaces still available. Fungi - November 2nd - Ray Halstead - fully booked. *** October Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** 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 Following our AGM we have Dr Chris Skinner from Hull University to give us his illustrated talk about the impact of "Micro-plastics" on Monday, 14th October. This is a great opportunity to learn about this major pollutant that threatens life forms all over the Earth. Don't miss it. As always we start at 7.15pm and meet in the St. Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are available for a small charge during the mid-talk break. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is a large, free car park in the church grounds. For further details please contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Grimsby & District RSPB *** http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 Martin Francis writes: October Meeting and Trip. “The RSPB Grimsby Local Group's next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday, 21st October 2019 at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, (formerly known as Corpus Christi Community Centre), Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LH. Our speaker, Richard Baines, is an experienced ornithologist/ecologist whose work as a Wildlife Guide and in Nature Conservation for over 30 years has included setting up the North Yorkshire Turtle Dove Project. Richard will give us an illustrated talk entitled ‘Birding in East and North Yorkshire’. There will also be refreshments and a raffle Entry is £4, payable at the door. Our next trip is on Sunday 27th October to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Attenborough Reserve. This is a large reserve with a variety of habitats, and a Visitors’ Centre with a café. On previous visits, we have always seen 60 or more species including unusual sightings like water rail and red-crested pochard. The coach leaves the Shoppers Car Park on Waltham Road, Scartho, DN33 2LX, (which is between Springfield Rd and the Scartho round-a-bout) promptly at 7.30am and returns at 6.00 - 6.30pm. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. Booking is essential. For more information, contact Tony Bryan at mariners4top@yahoo.co.uk or on 01472 873362 Everyone is welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB to attend the meeting or go on the trip. *** South Lincs RSPB Group *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group's 2019 BIRDWATCHING AND SEAL CRUISES aboard The Boston Belle, into The Wash. Full details of the 2019 cruise programme can be found at- https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/news/459075/ Note: The Group has 1 cruise remaining this year, 21st October. For full availability information contact the Groups booking agency, Spalding's South Holland Centre 01775-764777 www.southhollandcentre.co.uk *** LWT Reserves *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves *** LWT Get Involved page - including Area Groups *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved *** Boston Branch - Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** Geof Lee writes: 10th October, 2019 at 7.30 p.m. Wildlife of Madeira and the Canary Islands a talk by Gill Walsh illustrated by digital photographs taken on her many visits. The meeting will be held in the schoolroom of the Centenary Methodist Church in Red Lion street Boston. Free - all welcome. Refreshments. Leaving collection. For more info contact Geof Lee at 01205366923. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk On Monday 14th October 2019 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust hold their indoor meeting where excellent photographer Geoff Trinder will be showing his wildlife images taken in 2018 from his visits to Hungary, the Yorkshire Dales and some taken more locally. The photos are of birds, landscapes, flowers and some captive frogs! This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission £3, all are welcome. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle, tea & coffee available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. On Sunday 20th October 2019 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in Bradley Woods off Bradley Road, Grimsby. DN37 0AQ with Graham Hicks. Meet Graham at 8am in the car parking area. Grid Ref. TA 244058. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890. On Saturday 26th October 2019 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them for a Fungus Foray in Messingham Sand Quarry Nature Reserve with Ray Halstead. Meet At 10.30am in the reserve car parking area which is off the B1400 opposite Scallows Hill Farm. Grid Ref. SE 908032. Nearest postcode DN17 3RD. Please wear suitable out door clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Carolyn Davis - 07914 924790. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk October 17th - Lincolnshire Nature Reserves from the Air Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust head of nature reserves Dave Bromwich takes us on a tour of them with a difference. From an aerial perspective! At Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2.50 which includes refreshments. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] RBA note on visiting Middlemarsh Wetlands, Skegness: Access from A52 thru The Pines Caravan Park, TF537628 2nd October 2 Richard's Pipit over, Yellow-browed Warbler at Sykes Farm, Pomarine Skua past, Sooty Shearwater, Short-eared Owl, Scaup, Whinchat, Gibraltar Point Little Stint, Freiston Shore Russian White-fronted Goose Torksey flew over railway bridge Great White Egret by Alford Road in grass field, Sutton on Sea 4 Short-eared Owls, 3 Little Stints, 10 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 3rd October 12 Spotted Redshanks, Short-eared Owl, 3 Little Stints, 15 Spotted Redshanks, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Spoonbill, Freiston Shore Great White Egret, Whooper Swan, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Richard's Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler in West Dunes, Gibraltar Point Barred Warbler in scrub at Low Farm north of Tetney Lock 13 Whooper Swans in field north of College Road, East Halton Ring Ouzel, Tetney Marshes Yellow-browed Warbler, Anderby Creek 4th October 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, Anderby Creek - 2 at Marsh Farm car park. 1 at Roman Bank by coast road at entrance to village 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, Covenham reservoir Yellow-browed Warbler, Huttoft Bank Pit Spoonbill, Freiston Shore Probable Little Bunting, 2 Short-eared Owls, Gibraltar Point Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Great White Egret, Frampton Marsh 5th October 2 Ring Ouzels, Yellow-browed Warbler, Rimac Pomarine Skua flew past, 2 Velvet Scoters, Short-eared Owl, Huttoft, Great White Egret, Boultham Mere the flew off Great White Egret flew NE over Lincoln city centre Pied Flycatcher, Old Coastguard Cottages, Tetney Lock 2 Little Stints, Great White Egret, 2 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, Snow Bunting, Ring Ouzel, Richard's Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Scaup, Great White Egret, Pomarine Skua flew north, Quail in East Dunes flew south, Gibraltar Point 6th October Probably Purple Heron, 2 Great White Egrets, 2 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh Sabine's Gull, juv Long-tailed Skua, Shag, Little Gull, Arctic Tern, Firecrest, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Ring Ouzels, Great White Egret, 5 Yellow-browed Warblers, Gibraltar Point 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, north of Chapel Six Marshes, Chapel St Leonard's 2 Yellow-browed Warblers,between Brickyard Lane and Churchill Lane, Ring Ouzel, Saltfleetby NNR Pomarine Skua, 2 Little Gulls, Anderby Creek 2 Long-eared Owls, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 7th October Ring Ouzel male, Trent Port Wetlands, Marton Short-eared Owl, north end, Mablethorpe 2 Hawfinches, Brickyard Lane, also 2 Yellow-browed Warblers at Sea View Farm, Saltfleetby NNR 2 Yellow-browed Warblers trapped and ringed, 2 Hen Harriers, 2 Great White Egrets, Anderby Creek Richard's Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Short-eared Owl, 4 Ring Ouzels, Great White Egret, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Firecrest trapped and ringed, Gibraltar Point Little Stint, Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Great White Egrets, 2 Little Stints, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall, 1 Ring Ouzel, Donna Nook Yellow-browed Warbler, Grimsby garden 2 Water Pipits, Yellow-browed Warbler and Great White Egret between Wolla bank and Huttoft Car Terrace 8th October Little Bunting, male Hen Harrier, Huttoft Bank pits 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Turtle Dove, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 3 Ring Ouzels, 9 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 9th October Great White Egret flew south over Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel, Frampton Marsh ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. http://www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire/content/articles/2005/08/30/nature_sightings_feature.shtml TF511762 (my garden) HUTTOFT and a field in North Devon Jane Pennington Araneus diadematus 1 This week we went to Devon for a few days, accompanied by Araneus diadematus and her web, neatly woven on and around the van's mirror. We didn't think she'd survive as she started out sitting on the web but soon tucked herself into the corner of the mirror to keep out of the wind for safety. We camped in a damp and windy farm field for several days. There were lots of insects, many of which flew straight into the web for wrapping by the spider and I counted 7 packed lunches on Thursday. We came back to Lincolnshire on Saturday, noticing that 2 meals were left and to our surprise, when the van started moving she took one with her into the corner of the mirror for sustenance on the way home! ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. ROAD KILLS B676, Colsterworth SK928238 YOUNG SQUIRREL Jane Ostler *** 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 TF120694 R and A Parsons Current garden birds: House sparrow flock - approx 20 Collared Dove - 8+ Robin - 1 Magpie - 2 7/10/2019 Common Green Shield Bug in house - evicted. https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Pentatomidae/palomena_prasina.html 8/10/2019 at 0910 hrs Large skein of [pink-footed?] geese overhead flying north towards Lincoln. Bat hunting over garden at 18.45hrs - probably a Common Pipistrelle. BARLINGS Su Colman OS grid ref: TF 075 735 Viking Way, near Barlings 16:45 6 October 2019 About six spots of Mucilago crustacea - dog sick slime mould - I don't remember ever seeing this before! Really does look like vomit. https://species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0001489959 Same spot - 2 kestrels flying between the hedges and the plough and at least ten long tailed tits in the hedge CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 2/10/2019 Jeremy Hutchinson Green Woodpecker calling 4/10/2019 Half a dozen (approx) Swallows flying around tops of trees (mainly Oak) during light rain. Not seen since. Lincoln (Bracebridge) SK 967683 5/10/2019 2 House Martins Carlton le Moorland SK909581 8/10/2019 Jeremy Hutchinson Chiffchaffs still in area also Bassingham SK910595 8/10/2019 Single House Martin CHAMBERS FARM WOOD TF158743 approx R & A Parsons 3/10/2019 Under beech Cep - Boletus edulis Hedgehog mushroom - Hydnum repandum Track verge Common White Helvella - Helvella crispa POTTERHANWORTH WOODS TF070662 John Nickson 5th Oct 2019 Skullcap Dapperling Leucocoprinus brebissonii https://species.nbnatlas.org/species/NBNSYS0000037844 SCOTGROVE WOOD, BARDNEY - East side. R & A Parsons 5/10/2019 Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria amethystina Butter Cap Collybia butyracea Marasmius spp Russula - red sp Beefsteak fungus Fistulina hepatica Common Puff Ball Lycoperdon perlatum Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum Carrion Crows unusually noisy Jays calling Deer slots. spp? Badger and mole signs THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 12/09/19 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Goldfinch x 4 House Martin x 5 over Thurnholmes Jackdaw x 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull x 2 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 29 Common Pipistrelle x 2 15/09/19 Barn Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Blackbird x 1 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Common Gull x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 Great Tit x 1 Little Owl x 1 Robin x 1 Swallow x 12 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 23:50hrs 18/09/19 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldcrest x 1 Pink-footed Goose x 17 north over Thurnholmes Robin x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 19/09/19 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Common Buzzard x 2 Common Gull x 27 Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 2 fledged young Stock Dove x 2 Swallow x 2 Tree Sparrow x 35 Large White x 3 Red Admiral x 1 Small White x 7 Migrant Hawker x 3 20/09/19 Marsh Harrier x 1 male over Thurnholmes Pink-footed Goose x 225 west over Thurnholmes Hedgehog x 1 22/09/19 Blue Tit x 2 Coal Tit x 5 25/09/19 Little Owl x 1 27/09/19 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Cormorant x 1 over Thurnholmes Dunnock x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 1 Pied Wagtail x 2 Red-legged Partridge x 4 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 16 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Leopard Slug x 2 29/09/19 Field / Bank Vole x 1 Great-crested Newt x 1 Tegenaria gigantean several around house over the last month Zygiella x notata x 1 04/10/19 Blackbird x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Goldcrest x 2 Goldfinch x 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 Kestrel x 1 + 2 fledged young birds Red-legged Partridge x 6 Robin x 1 Swallow x 7 over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 25 Wren x 1 TWYFORD WOOD SK948233 3/10/19 Jane and Brian Ostler Area all in Compartment 197 round the route explored for fungi over the last 25 years. FUNGI The main fruiting of woodland gill fungi has barely started, in spite of the wet weather. Of the coprophilous species only Pleated, Common and Shaggy Inkcaps Some colourful Bonnets (Mycena spp.). Burgundy Drop Bonnet (M.haematopis) on wood and Lilac Bonnet found amongst beech. The Lilac Fibre Cap (Inocybe geophylla) also found and distinguished by its clay-coloured, not white, gills). Common Bonnet lived up to its name in the beech litter and Clustered Bonnet was found on one of the few oak stumps. The commonest gill species found was Russet Toughshank (Collybia dryophila) and the first Funnel Caps (Clitocybe gibba=infunduliformis) were through. Wood Blewit was also found and amongst the non-gill fungi were Common and Stump Puffballs. FLOWERING PLANTS Just a few flowers of Hogweed, Blackberry and Common Comfrey with, as every month, scatterings of Herb Robert and Groundsel. Ivy flowers were at their best and visited by wasps. The trails of Black Bryony fruits wound through haws and hips. There was in one area a striking difference between the abundant round hips of the low growing Field Roses and the sparser, oval fruits of the Dog Rose on straggling branches. Hazel nuts were scattered all over the paths with evidence of both bank voles and wood mice. Amongst the herbaceous plants Meadowsweet and Hogweed were notable for abundance of seedheads. Small Teasel all seeding in Car Park area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves - reports always welcome ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx 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/ LWT Reserves: reports always welcome. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/far-ings https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/gibraltar-point ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 2nd October – 8th October 2019 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett and Ruth Taylor.   Daily news and wildlife sightings:  021019 - Single swallow over Sea View 031019 - Whooper swans heard calling over the saltmarsh near Sea View at dawn, on Paradise lagoon were 24 mallard, 34 teal and 1 little grebe, 1 stonechat nearby. On Rimac lagoon were 11 shoveler, 110+ teal, 5 Barnacle geese and 3 Brent geese at Haven Outfall. Singles of blackcap, chiffchaff and goldcrest at Sea View. 041019 - Single yellow-browed warbler with a mixed flock of blue and great tits, single goldcrest in a separate tit flock and 1 song thrush, 6 blackbirds and 3 redwing all near Sea View. At dusk at least 17 swallows feeding over the sycamores at Sea View Farm. 2 marsh harriers and 2 sparrowhawks seen between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane. 051019 - Single yellow-browed warbler with mix flock of tits, few redwing, blackbird and song thrushes all in the Sea View area. 10 whooper swans over Saltfleet Haven. Between Churchill and Brickyard Lane a fall of c150 migrants brought song thrushes, redwings, blackbirds, robins, goldcrests and a great grey shrike. Butterflies seen: red admiral, small copper, speckled wood and small white. 1 arctic warbler (Andy Lowe) 061019 - Between Sea View and Paradise the following min counts late morning were 40 song thrush, 25 blackbird, 10 robin, 10 dunnock, 15 reed bunting, 7 goldcrest, 30 blue tit, 20 great tit, 5 long-tailed tit, 5 redwing, 5 chiffchaff, 4 goldfinch, 5 greenfinch and 2 yellow-browed warblers, 2 stonechats, cream-crown marsh harrier over saltmarsh and 3 lapwing flying SE. A larger fall of migrants saw c180 song thrush, 150 redwing, 130 blackbird, 2 ring ouzel, 130 robin, 70 chaffinch, 3 brambling, 3 greenfinch, 3 yellow-browed warbler, 3 chiffchaff, 2 blackcap, 1 sparrowhawk, 1 woodcock, 35 goldcrest, 1 marsh harrier, 2 kestrel, 2 little owl and 1 tawny owl between Brickyard Lane and Churchill Lane. 081019 – Single swallow over Sea View   Donna Nook 051019 – 2 yellow-browed warbler, 3 brambling (Chris Atkins)   071019 – 1 redstart, 1 firecrest (Martin Sizer), 1 short eared owl, 1 wheatear, redwing, greenshank, Brent geese, oystercatcher, redshank, grey plover, knot and black tailed godwit. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 The group still meets over winter to carry out essential coppice management of the wood and maintenance activities and anyone is welcome to come along and help. Just get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com Gemma Watkinson adds: "Dormouse can only be disturbed and handled by those that are licenced by Natural England. The group always welcomes visitors to join us when we carry out box check surveys to continue to monitor the dormouse population. We have box checks scheduled for the following dates. Sunday 20th October Anyone interested should 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always 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 *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given on the website. Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ A list of all the articles contained in Transactions (Transactions page) and a list of the Presidents (Officers page) is also available. 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 *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates from the Partnership *** To view the LWT project page go to: 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.sites.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ Also see: *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** Chris Manning writes: Project Officer Kath Castillo at NHM has improved the accessibility of the LNU historic specimens; creating a collections ‘dataset’ on the NHM Data Portal. All of of the specimens that have been processed and digitised to date can now be viewed here: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/lincs-plants The digital herbarium sheet image data for the LNU historic specimens, plus associated images i.e. the newspaper packets, together with images for the contemporary Lincs specimens will all be pulled into the dataset as and when these are integrated into the museum’s EMu collections management system. It’s a fantastic online resource so please take the time to have a look through it. If you have any questions on this please get in touch with Kath at k.castillo@nhm.ac.uk or Fred Rumsey at f.rumsey@nhm.ac.uk *** The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons - downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List *** Editor adds: Paul Kirby has produced a list which details all the vascular plant and stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ *** 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 *** 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 Recorder Phil Hyde - County Recorder, Lincs Bird Club 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/ Dates for 2020 Big Farmland Bird Count confirmed - Friday 7th to Sunday 16th February 2020. 2019 results on the BFBC website: https://www.bfbc.org.uk/ 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: Rural Crime News https://www.lincs.police.uk/news-campaigns/news/2019/rural-crime-news/ STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Check for road works and hold-ups: very useful *** https://roadworks.org/ *** 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 *** Lyme Disease *** https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ 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 *** British Bryological Society *** http://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/ *** British Mycological Society *** https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/ *** 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. https://glnp.org.uk/admin/resources/mammalatlas.pdf *** 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 *** 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 *** Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ http://caddingtonhedgehogs.blogspot.com/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Lincolnshire Environmental Awards www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ *** InsideEcology *** Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ *** NHBS *** Should you need natural history equipment or books, a good place to start is: https://www.nhbs.com/ *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ For the geologists... Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** UKGE - Geological Supplies *** https://www.ukge.com/ The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable book https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-geology-of-lincolnshire-h-h-swinnerton-and-p-e-kent.pdf A Building Stone Atlas of Lincolnshire - British Geological Survey pdf https://www.bgs.ac.uk/downloads/start.cfm?id=2885 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. *** Codes of Conduct *** 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 Code of Conduct for Responsible Collecting of Fungi for Research and Educational Purposes https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/mycology/conservation/code-conduct BSBI Code of conduct for picking, collecting, photographing and enjoying wild plants. https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/Code-of-Conduct-v5-final.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 https://lnu.org/meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Our indoor meetings are normally held in Lincoln at the Whisby Education Centre at Whisby Nature Park. Indoor meetings start at 2pm, with both members and non- members welcome to attend. There is an annual recorders’ meeting, where we review the wildlife highlights of the previous year and to leaven the Annual General Meeting the honorary president gives a presentation on his or her particular interest in wildlife and this is reproduced in full in ‘The Lincolnshire Naturalist‘. This too starts at 2pm but attendees gather from noon to socialise. Next Meetings: Moor Farm LWT Reserve and SSSI – Sunday 13th October 2019 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2019-10-13/ Indoor meetings: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ Whisby Natural History Workshops In partnership with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.00 pm until 4.00 pm. Free of charge. 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. Slugs - October 26th - Chris de Feu Fungi - November 2nd - 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 Reminder: Please check and make sure that your account on Mailchimp does have your GDPR email consent box ticked and that your name/details are as you want them to be. If in any doubt, this is what you do: 1. Scroll to the end of any Bulletin and click on "update subscription preferences". 2. Look at the "Marketing permissions" section. Your email box should have a tick. 3. If is doesn't, please give it a tick. Then please click on "Update Profile". That's it. If there are difficulties when doing this, send an email to old.museum@yahoo.co.uk If ever you decide you don't want to receive the Bulletin any longer there is an easy- to-use "Unsubscribe" link to click at the end of every Bulletin. You can sign up again if you miss us. ....and finally.... Global wildlife trade higher than was thought https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49904668 Microplastics: Why plastic is causing big problems for worms https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/49935723 Little Hadham bypass: Road project sees 500 snails rehomed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-49920919 Country diary: armies of nettles are ready to strike https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/sep/30/country-diary-armies-of-nettles-are-ready-to-strike Country diary: a quiet morning gives way to noise and commotion https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/01/country-diary-a-quiet-morning-gives-way-to-noise-and-commotion Country diary: observing birds with undeniable charm https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/02/country-diary-observing-birds-with-undeniable-charm Country diary: voles are on the menu for saltmarsh visitor https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/05/country-diary-voles-are-on-the-menu-for-saltmarsh-visitor Extinction Britain: Wildlife survey exposes shocking decline in animals https://www.channel4.com/news/the-british-wildlife-that-could-face-extinction 25 minutes ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/