============================================= || || 8th January 2020 || || 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 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... *** We have had a brilliant start to the year with some 65% of readers opening their Bulletins. Lots of great contributions this week too: events, sightings, and news. Thanks to everyone who sent something in. Those who know Gibraltar Point should make a note of Barrie Wilkinson's talk on Saturday 11th January. 2pm start. A joint meeting with Lincs Bird Club. RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: 25-27 January 2020 - are you ready? https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Correct your new diary? "The early May bank holiday in 2020 will move from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day." https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2020-may-bank-holiday-will-be-moved-to-mark-75th-anniversary-of-ve-day Donna Nook end of season figures. Thanks and well done to all staff and volunteers. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook/weekly-update Reminder: Allan and Annette Binding are taking a break from recording. [Harvestmen, Pseudoscorpions, Spiders and Shield Bugs] Please do not send records in for now. We will let you know when alternative arrangements are in place via the LNU website and the Bulletin. A selection of topical news stories and wildlife articles can be found on the following links. Most have been suggested by fellow readers. Seal pup found 15 miles away from North Sea home https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-50974425 Photo of the Week: 1-7 January - BirdGuides https://www.birdguides.com/articles/photo-of-the-week/photo-of-the-week-1-7-january/ New wetland takes shape in Lincolnshire https://www.birdguides.com/news/new-wetland-takes-shape-in-lincolnshire/ Year of the Rat - 25th January: Belfast artist PJ Lynch designs Chinese New Year coin https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-50971500 Christmas trees used to build up sand dunes https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-50985836/ Sperm whale dies after stranding near shoreline at Ardersier https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-51019282 Top plants for pollinators in your wildlife garden https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/wildlife-gardening/top-plants-pollinators-garden/ 12 roosting birds to spot this winter and how to identify them https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/12-roosting-birds-to-spot-this-winter/ Flood Alert: Barlings Eau and Duckpool Catchwater - latest update 8/1/2020 https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/053WAF117BED Missing man's body found in river near Kirkstead Bridge - Fred Gibson https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-50984682 Major road into Lincoln to be closed for up to FIVE MONTHS - Washingborough https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/major-road-lincoln-closed-up-3652977 More links in "...and finally..." Thanks for all the support. Please keep your contributions coming. If you need a plug for your Natural History events and activities - please let me know. Always glad to 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/ [Note: Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, and start at 2pm.] Next meetings: 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 *** January Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Meteor Shower Guide 2020 https://www.rmg.co.uk/discover/explore/how-to-see-meteor-showers-key-dates *** 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. Our first talk for 2020 is on Monday, 13th January when we have a visit by Dr Miguel Morale-Maqueda of the Natural and Environmental Sciences department at Newcastle University. He comes to give us his illustrated talk that he has entitled "Ocean and Climate - How ocean processes shape Earth's climate". The talk will provide an overview of the history of oceanography as a scientific exploration endeavour and will also discuss the crucial part played by ocean processes in driving and controlling the global climate, notably as regards glaciations and current climatic changes. Starting at 7.15pm we shall meet as usual in the St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS. There is a large, free car park at the Church. There is no charge for entry to our meetings but a donation bowl is provided to help us pay the speaker's fees and travel expenses. There will be a mid-talk break in the meeting during which light refreshments are available for a small charge. For further details please contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Grimsby & District RSPB *** http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby Martin Francis – Group Leader - writes: For its January meeting, the RSPB Grimsby Local Group welcomes back Dr Michael Leach to give his talk about rain forests under the title ‘Beneath the Dark Canopy’. Dr Leach is a full-time wildlife author and photographer who has travelled to all 7 continents and worked with some of world’s most distinguished naturalists while studying many of the world's most charismatic animals - polar bears in the Arctic, gorillas in central Africa, lemurs in Madagascar, sperm whales in the mid-Atlantic, monkeys in the Amazon, penguins in the Antarctic and elephants in Kenya. In this talk, Dr Leach will use his experiences in Indonesia, the Amazon Basin, West Africa and Central America, to explain how a rain forest, (which is the richest terrestrial habitat on Earth containing more than half of all known animal species), works and show some of the specialised animals that have evolved to live in this fragile, intricate environment. The previous talks by Dr Leach were lively, informative, thought-provoking and very entertaining – this talk should not be missed! The talk takes place at 7.30pm on Monday, 20th January 2020 at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, (formerly known as Corpus Christi Community Centre), Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LH. There will also be refreshments and a raffle Entry is £4, payable at the door. Our first trip of 2020 is on Sunday 16th February to Carsington Water in Derbyshire, where we have seen over 50 species, including great northern diver, in the day. This trip may also appeal to walkers and ramblers who will be most welcome to join us, because there is an excellent walk of about 8 miles round the lake. The coach leaves the Shoppers Car Park in Scartho, (next to Scartho Community Centre) at 7.30am, returning at 6-6.30pm. The cost is £20 per head. Booking is essential and closes on Thursday 30th January. Contact Tony Bryan by email at mariners4top@yahoo.co.uk or by phone at (01472) 873362 Everyone, RSPB members and non-members, is welcome to attend the meeting or join us on the trip. *** South Lincs. RSPB Group and Lincs. Wildlife Trust. *** Talk -“On The Marsh” by Simon Wilson. 11th February at 7-30pm Pinchbeck Village Hall PE11 3RB £1-50 {including refreshments}. Further details at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/events/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs. RSPB Group have released details of their hugely popular “Birdwatching cruises into the Wash” programme for 2020. Fourteen cruises are arranged for 2020, at various sailing times and dates, starting 16th April and ending 23rd October. Full details of all cruise dates and times, costs etc., plus 2019 Sightings, can be found at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/news/ Booking is once again via Spalding's South Holland Centre (01775-764777) or online at 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 LWT *** Reserves - An Aerial Perspective A talk by Dave Bromwich, the Trust's Reserve Manager The talk will be at 7.30 P.M. on Thursday, January 9th, 2020 in the schoolroom of the Centenary Methodist Church in Red Lion Street, Boston All welcome, free ( a leaving collection ) refreshments. For more information contact Geof Lee on 01205366923 *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk January 16th - Dragons and Damsels An illustrated talk by Fiona McKenna about Dragonflies and Damselflies and the work of the British Dragonfly Society. At Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Sunday 12th January 2020 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk at Covenham Reservoir near Louth with Graham Hicks. Meet Graham at 8am in the carpark Grid Ref. TF 349955, nearest postcode LN11 0PD. 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 further details contact Graham Hicks 07979089890. On Monday 13th January 2020 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting where the excellent Steve Lovell will give an illustrated presentation - "Highlands and Islands" - The Best of Scotland. Be prepared for amazing scenery, rugged peaks spectacular sea bird colonies. WARNING This presentation contains cute Puffins! This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission £3, all are welcome. Trust sales stall, raffle, tea & coffee available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** South Holland LWT *** Wildlife of the Norfolk Coast A talk by Geof Lee The talk will be at 7.30 P.M. on Tuesday, 14th January, 2020 in Pinchbeck Village Hall Entry £1.50p including refreshments. All welcome. For more information contact Geof Lee on 01205366923 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 If visiting Willow Tree Fen see: LWT website for directions and updated information on parking and access. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/willow-tree-fen What is a "ringtail" Hen Harrier? "While males are a pale grey colour, females and immatures are brown with a white rump and a long, barred tail which give them the name 'ringtail'. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/hen-harrier/ 1/1/2020 Black-throated Diver flew south past Anderby Creek Long-eared Owl on island from hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Lapland Bunting, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, ad Black Brant, Hen Harrier, c30 Snow Buntings, c20 Twite, 4 Russian White-fronted Geese flew over, Donna Nook Ruddy Shelduck drk, Smew drk at The Ocean, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits Hen Harrier male, 15 Russian White-fronted Geese at Croft Marsh, Black Brant in field west of river Steeping with Dark Bellied Brent Geese + Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Water Pipit, 2 Russian White-fronted Geese, Gibraltar Point 40+ Russian White-fronted Geese flew over Huttoft Car Terrace Iceland Gull, Manby Flashes Scaup, 1w drk, Denton reservoir Twite in buckthorn, Saltfleet Haven Great White Egret, Branston Island 2 Russian White-fronted Geese with Pink-footed Geese, Saltfleetby St Clements 2 ringtail Hen Harriers, Baston Fen Great White Egret, Bardney pits [late report] Long-tailed Duck, Apex Pits, North Hykeham [late report] 2/1 Smew redhead, Kiorkby-on-Bain gravel pits Great White Egret, Bardney Lock Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point 2 Common Cranes in field west of Goodcop Farm, Sandtoft Great White Egret, ringtail Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret on New Saltmarsh, Slavonian Grebe off Greenshanks Creek, 19 Russian White-fronted Geese, 2 Water Pipits on Jacksons Marsh, Gibraltar Point 4 Russian White-fronted Geese, Alkderfen, Wroot Long-tailed Duck, Apex Pits, North Hykeham 8 Snow Buntings, outer beach, Cleethorpes Turnstone, Willowtree Fen, WSE of Pode Hole, Spalding Smew drk, The Ocean, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits 2 Tundra Bean Geese with Pink- footed Geese, Saltfleetby St Clement 3/1 2 Common Cranes SE of Moor Lane in field near Evergreen Garden Centre, Sandtoft c15 Snow Buntings in stubble field, Trusthorpe Long-tailed Duck, Apex Pit, North Hykeham Turnstone, Off Deeping High Bank at Crowland Fodder Lots, on flood with Lapwings, Crowland Hen Harrier male, Frampton Marsh Bittern, Far Ings, Barton-upon-Humber Hen Harrier ringtail, Short-eared Owl, Russian White-fronted Goose at Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point 14 Russian White-fronted Geese, Alkderfen, Wroot 4 Russian White-fronted Geese, Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby 4/1 Smew redhead, Fillingham Lake Ruddy Shelduck, Baston + Langtoft gravel pits 2 ringtail Hen Harriers, Baston Fen Tundra Bean Goose, Saltfleetby St Peter White-fronted Goose, Anderby Marsh Lapland Bunting, Slavonian Grebe past, Pale-bellied Brent goose with Dark-bellied Brents, 5 Russian White-fronted Geese in fields W of Croft Marsh, male hen Harrier from Wash viewpoint, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point 5/1 2 Common Cranes SE of Moor Lane in field south of Low Levels Bank, Sandtoft 40 Snow Buntings, 4 Twite, Donna Nook Iceland Gull, Manby Flashes, east of Louth 2 Russian White-fronted Geese, Great White Egret, Branston Island Long-tailed Duck, Apex Pit, North Hykeham Long-tailed Duck, Whisby NR Scaup 1w drk, Denton Reservoir Hen Harrier male, Gedney Drove 2 Hen Harrier male, Snow Bunting, Water Pipit, White-fronted Goose, Gibraltar Point 3 Hen Harrier 1 male, Frampton Marsh 6/1 Caspian Gull on boating lake west of Festival Car Park, Skegness Great Northern Diver flew north past North Sea Observatory, Chapel Point Great Northern Diver flew south past, Russian White-fronted Goose still with Pink-footed Geese, Gibraltar Point Scaup 1w drk, Denton reservoir Hen Harrier ringtail, Frampton Marsh 7/1 2 Common Cranes between Sandtoft and Crow Tree Bank, east of Moor Lane in stubble field at Low Levels Bank Smew redhead on Slea pit from hide, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Water Pipit, Jacksons Marsh, Gibraltar Point 8/1 37 Snow buntings, Donna Nook Tundra Bean Goose, with 17 Whooper Swans, in field, Saltfleetby St Clement 33 Russian White-fronted Geese, Anderby Marsh 2 Common Cranes between Sandtoft and Crow Tree Bank, east of Moor Lane in stubble field at Low Levels Bank then flew north Smew redhead on Slea pit from hide, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Dipper on river at Belton near Grantham 5 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats 2 Hen Harrier ringtails, Baston Fen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. HORKSTOW 7 January 2020 Jenny Haynes A weasel ran across the decking in my garden this morning. Never seen one here, or so close, before. WORLABY TF 321761 John Nickson 6th January 2020 Red Kite ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. INGHAM Ermine Street, Ingham SK 97005 83880 Peter Morrell 01.01.20 Barn owl roadkill on side of A15 *** 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 & A Parsons 1/1/2020 Mixed flock of long-tailed and blue tits working the hedgerow trees of the allotments and cemetery along the B1190. TFTF122690 BOSTON (Garden south by A16) December 2019 Kathleen Pearson In December I counted for the BTO BirdWatch on 29 days, the number of species recorded being 23. Most species were seen in very low numbers, with six of them being in singletons, the most unusual of which was a male Pheasant. Only three species were seen in flocks exceeding 10, being Starling (23), Goldfinch (18) and Woodpigeon (11). The totals were:- House Sparrow 8, Dunnock 3, Magpie 2, Woodpigeon 11, Collared Dove 4, Goldfinch 18, Blue Tit 3, Goldcrest 2, Great Tit 3, Robin 1, Chaffinch 3, Greenfinch 4, Blackbird 3, Starling 23, Blackcap 1, Long-tailed Tit 6, Wren 1, Pheasant 1, Jackdaw 2, Bullfinch 1, Carrion Crow 2, Black-headed Gull 4 and Sparrowhawk 1. For the first time, a group of four Grey Squirrels turned-up in the garden. BOSTON (South by A16) 06/01/2020 Roy Pearson A female Sparrowhawk perched on our garden feeding station this morning for several minutes giving us a very close view from the kitchen window. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 31/12/2019 Jeremy Hutchinson Hedgehog (roadkill) Song Thrush singing Goldcrest Little Owls calling at dusk. Carlton le Moorland SK909581 4/01/2019 Jeremy Hutchinson Coal Tit visiting garden feeders (seldom seen here). GRIMSTHORPE Jane Ostler 2/1/20 On the bare branches of trees surrounding a grass field I counted 50 bunches of mistletoe of all sizes. Seen from the A151 at TF050230,between Edenham and Grimsthorpe. In the early 1980's, when a regular visitor to Grimsthorpe I was told by the Estates Manager Philip Grimes that a gamekeeper had tried to grow mistletoe on as many species of trees as possible. I was shown them on horse chestnut and by the forester on poplar. Today the evidence is everywhere. The apple trees in the walled garden are so loaded with that their branches are bowed down with them. From the A151 they can be seen on trees set back from the road - perhaps another 50 clumps, as you travel from Edenham to the western boundary of Grimsthorpe. HUTTOFT TF511762 (my garden) Jane Pennington 27/12/2019 Rooks 36 in 2 oaks Wren 1 29/12/2019 Kestrel 1 TF524765 Roe deer 5 TF520770 31/12/2019 Dunnocks 2 Goldfinch 1 on teasel 1/1/2020 Redwing 1 Surprised but delighted to see this in the garden as the last time I saw one was in 2012! It was hopping about on the ditch side, next to the farmer's field and I suppose it was possible that more were in the field. TF511762 (my garden) HUTTOFT Jane Pennington 1/1/2020 Barn owl 1 3.30pm in garden 4/1/2020 Pheasants 3 male 7/1/2020 Kestrel 1 Over the farmer's field next to my garden 8/1/2020 Bluetit 1 NETTLEHAM Brenda Edlington TF008752 7/1/2020 Grey wagtail on Nettleham Beck between Church Lane and Vicarage Road. Nettleham TF 005756 2/1/2020 Have been monitoring the young hedgehogs that haven’t hibernated on a trail camera. One was out in the daytime not moving much but it died before we could take it to a refuge. Another is a reasonable size and runs away quickly if approached – last seen on 2/1/2020 at 5.10am. All that has been on the camera since then is a mouse and a cat looking out for the mouse and eating the hedgehog food. One cat ignores the ultrasonic cat deterrents (which usually do a good job)– perhaps it’s deaf. Two adult hedgehogs were seen together on 18th and 19th August and one was trying to mount the other – possibly responsible for the late litter. One of our hedgehog boxes appears to be occupied at the moment. TF 005756 30/12/2019 Great spotted woodpecker on sunflower seeds TF 005756 w/c 15/12/2019 Female blackcap crashed into a window, perhaps chased by our regular visitor, a male sparrowhawk who has a taste for goldfinches, and didn’t look likely to survive. After quite a while it did eventually fly off and one has been seen since. POTTERHANWORTH WOOD 4/1/2020 A. Parsons Many deer slots of varying sizes. Fox at 11.30hrs TF066669 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 25/12/19 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 49 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 5 Common Buzzard x 1 roosting in my hedgerow around paddock Fieldfare x 15 Little Owl x 1 Redwing x 5 Starling x 175 Tawny Owl x 3 calling 01:00hrs Tree Sparrow x 15 Yellowhammer x 11 28/12/19 Blackbird x 2 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 38 Kestrel x 1 Moorhen x 7 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Redwing x 12 Song Thrush x 1 01/01/20 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 35 Common Buzzard x 1 Fieldfare x 35 Goldfinch x 15 Kestrel x 1 Moorhen x 1 Mute Swan x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Redwing x 12 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 01:45hrs Wood Pigeon x 7 Wren x 1 03/01/20 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 01:30hrs 06/01/20 Barn Owl x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain 07/01/20 Barn Owl x 1 calling 02:30hrs Blackbird x 6 Black-headed Gull x 125 in fields around Thurnholmes following tractors Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 32 Kestrel x 1 Redwing x 15 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 02:00hrs Roe Deer x 2 East Lound SK783996 WADDINGTON 28 12 2019 Peter Wilson Playing field 80+ geese flying over , as yesterday in a north westerly direction. There is much mole activity on the playing with 35+ molehills adjacent to one of the football pitches . Fortunately they haven’t yet invaded the playing pitch area but are getting close. Some are quite larg . WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK923243 Jane Ostler 4/1/20 Every year I record plants in flower in the garden in the first week of January and, separately on a circular walk round the old lanes of Woolsthorpe. This year there were 26 plants in flower in the garden of which 8 are native plants - Daisy and Common Speedwell, Ivy-lvd toadflax and Primrose Sweet Violet and Cherry Plum, Comfrey and Helleborus foetidus. Some like the Marigolds and Soapwort are relics from the summer. Some like the Winter Honeysuckle and the Coronopus are garden plants grown for the first Bumble Bees. In over 20 yrs of recording 2019 had the record number of plants in flower (35) and though numbers fluctuate, down to none in the year snow on the ground, there is an upward trend over the period. Last year was the earliest flowering of Winter Aconites planted 30 yrs ago and this year they were as early - in flower on December 28th. The hedgerow flowers are less this year - only Nipplewort, Ragwort, Yarrow and Butcher's Broom ( just one male flower open.) Everywhere you could hear the rooks building in the ash trees. There were 10 nests at the site where the 'beast from the east' blew down all their nests last year. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves - reports always welcome ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: 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 27th December 2019 – 7th January 2020 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett and Ruth Taylor. Interesting weather facts from 2019: Lowest minimum temperature was ground -8.75? on 3rd February and air -5.5? on 31 January and 3rd February. A late ground frost of -1.25? was recorded on 22nd May. Highest day-time temperature was 31.75? on 24th July. Most continuous days of recorded rainfall was 11 from 3rd March - 13th March. Most rainfall recorded in a 24hr period was 37.1mm (1.46 inches) on 7th November. Wettest month was November with 131.8 mm (5.19 inches) of rainfall. Total rainfall for 2019 was 699.1mm (27.54inches) which was the wettest year since 2012 [728.2mm, 28.69 inches]. From precipitation records for Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR (taken at Sea View) for 1993 - 2011 the average Autumn (Sept - Nov) rainfall was 166.69mm. The year 2019 was the wettest Autumn since 1993 with a total of 311.80mm. Longest period without rainfall was 3rd April - 23 April (21 days). Driest month was April with 18.6mm (0.73 inches) of rainfall. Snowfall was recorded as flurries on 17th January, wet snow which soon thawed on 23rd January and grains on 2nd February. Dense fog slow to clear observed on 31st January, 23rd February, 19th May, 24th October and 24th November. A west-south-westerly gust of 70.0mph was recorded on 13th March near Sea View during a spell of very strong gale force winds from a SW sector between 11th and 17th. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 291219 - Ring ouzel at Sea View, brief sighting of a few seconds at the feeding station before flying off. Assumed to be the same bird first seen on the 3rd December. 020120 - Ring ouzel observed for a few minutes, late afternoon, feeding on earthworms before being chased off by two blackbirds at Sea View. 030120 - Pair stonechats near Sea View. 040120 - In the Elm House Farm area during the morning; 2 whitefronts with 110 Canada geese and pink-feet in several small skeins beyond. Mid-day 720 pink-feet feeding in pasture field adjacent to B1200. On Paradise lagoon 75 redshank, 90 teal, 32 shoveler, 2 mallard and 7 curlew. 060120 - 4 brown and 2 grey hen harriers, 1 barn owl, 2 little owl, 1 tawny owl, 1 female sparrowhawk in the Churchill Lane area. 080620 – A total of 62 whooper swans flying off roosts; 23 Great Eau and 39 Rimac NNR foreshore, 4 water rail heard, 1 barn owl, 1 stone chat in the Churchill Lane area. Donna Nook Final pup total: 2187 which is a 5.4% increase on the total from last season. Daily sightings of snow buntings feeding on the saltmarsh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Southrey Wood work party volunteers needed. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Volunteers needed this winter. 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 Please see below a link to the latest dormouse monitor magazine which includes an article on the Lincolnshire dormouse group. Also the remaining dates for the winter coppicing sessions at Chambers Farm Woods. https://ptes.org/get-informed/publications/magazines/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If visiting Willow Tree Fen see: LWT website for directions and updated information on parking and seasonal paths - groundwork is in progress. 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" *** 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 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 *** 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 *** 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/ *** 2020 Big Farmland Bird Count *** 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/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ 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 *** Metcheck 6-month Forecast *** https://www.metcheck.com/WEATHER/180days.asp? *** 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/ *** 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/ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ BTO's Birdwatchers' Code https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf BMS Code of Conduct for Responsible Collecting of Fungi 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. Next Meetings: 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ....and finally... Families plant an urban forest to fight effects of pollution https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/05/trees-for-cities-guardian-observer-charity-appeal-2019-families-plant-urban-forest Snowdon walker captures rare Brocken spectre - spooky! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50981682 Pocahontas Heacham mulberry tree DNA test 'inconclusive' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-50669758 'Awol' beaver collected from Somerset house https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-somerset-50982337/ Dead whale removed from bow of Portsmouth cargo ship https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-50974761 Belching in a good way: How livestock could learn from Orkney sheep https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-50856275 The communities on a mission to exterminate rats https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-50957797 Call for drone users and jetskiers to keep away from marine wildlife https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/31/call-for-jetskiers-and-kayakers-to-keep-away-from-marine-wildlife Country diary: glimpses of a drowned world https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/26/country-diary-glimpses-of-a-drowned-world Country diary: hope for English elms lies on this New Horizon https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/31/country-diary-hope-for-english-elms-lies-on-this-new-horizon 'Like sending bees to war': the deadly truth behind your almond-milk obsession https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/07/honeybees-deaths-almonds-hives-aoe A warm welcome? The wildlife visitors warning of climate disaster https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/02/a-warm-welcome-the-wildlife-visitors-warning-of-climate-disaster-aoe Country diary: a living jewel and her handiwork adorn the kitchen window https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/03/country-diary-a-living-jewel-and-her-handiwork-adorn-the-kitchen-window Country diary: a hunter on the wing https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/07/country-diary-a-hunter-on-the-wing Country diary: how many Bewick's swans will fly in this January? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/06/country-diary-how-many-bewicks-swans-will-fly-in-this-january ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/