============================================ || || 9th September 2020 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby'Theddlethorpe 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - including Chambers Wood Farm 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..... don't miss the links... ============================================ 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 copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** Please let me know of any local Covid-related changes readers might need to hear about. Wildlife organisations wishing to publicise any alterations or new guidelines are welcome to get in touch with updates for the Bulletin. Coronavirus: New virus measures 'not a second lockdown' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54093465 Next week weather forecasts suggest a mixture of weather typical for early September. "Close to average." https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ I am sorry that customers of plus.com have yet again had Bulletins blocked by the company's filters. I have referred them to my webpage of past Bulletins so at least they can read a text copy: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html I have also emailed plus.com on their behalf and hope to hear from them soon. The explanation in the "Bounce" reports was: "552 Spam Message Rejected". No other email service providers had similar issues and it might be an idea for plus.com users to double check they have "whitelisted" my sending address: roger.parsons@pobroadband.co.uk Covid-19-related information: "All LNU meetings are cancelled" continues. When judged safe to do so, we will announce any resumption of LNU events through the Bulletin, LNU meetings webpages and the LNU Twitter feed. Please keep checking. Things could change for better or worse as the pandemic evolves so remain alert and keep up appropriate measures to reduce your risks. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of which LWT reserves are open and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Events and activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. Paul Money's suggested Virtual Horncastle Astronomy Weekend has been cancelled. RSPB Returning to reserves: Whilst it hasn’t been possible to open all our reserves just yet, we’re working hard to re-open as many as we can and we’re delighted that the majority have car parks (where applicable) and trails available. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ The Forestry Commission says: "We are open and ready to welcome you" https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide Heritage Open Days 2020 Brochure 11-20 September https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/lincolnshire-heritage-open-days-brochure National Trust in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire We're starting to reopen some National Trust gardens and parks, as well as car parks, in line with government guidance. You will need to book your visit in advance. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/regionmidlands/in-and-around-lincolnshire-and-south-nottinghamshire Here is a selection of links to topical local and national stories and articles sent in by fellow-readers. More cracking links in "...and finally..." Please keep your contributions and reports coming. Reports this week of the charming Whinchat along the coast. Description: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/whinchat/ Lincolnshire police officers cut from car after it was rammed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-53997263 Warning over Yorkshire coast marine wildlife disturbance https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-53986718 British wildlife in September - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/watch-wildlife/british-wildlife-in-september/ Legal bid to halt use of 1951 Walcot planning consent - Allotments NKDC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-54000076 'Rebel botanists' in Plymouth identify urban plants. Watch https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-devon-54012372 Washburn Valley release for threatened water voles https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-54059585 Rare sand lizards released on Fylde coast dunes. Watch https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-lancashire-54029165 Could pine martens be red squirrels' best friend? Watch. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-54062488 Chris Packham condemns 'cruel' badger culling extension https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-54062941 Badger cull extended in England with more than 60,000 in line of fire https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/07/badger-cull-extended-england-60000-animals-in-line-of-fire Common Snipe, Great Snipe and Eurasian Woodcock photo ID guide https://www.birdguides.com/articles/identification/common-snipe-great-snipe-and-eurasian-woodcock-photo-id-guide/ Natural History Live: Introduction to Carrion Beetles – Field Studies Council https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/courses/natural-history-live-carrion-beetles/ Plantlife :: Marsh Saxifrage: an undiscovered treasure https://www.plantlife.org.uk/scotland/blog/undiscovered-treasures The Ecologist: Have you seen our amazing archive? https://ocean.exacteditions.com/magazines/308/issues/ UK nature-lovers invited to join fight against litter https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/sep/02/time-for-uk-nature-lovers-to-take-action-against-litter-in-countryside-trash-free-trails Thank you for the contributions and sightings this week. Much appreciated. Please keep them coming. You may be interested to know that 60% of readers open their Bulletins within 24 hours of mailing. Within a week we can expect 70% to open Bulletins, while similar organisations have an opening rate of only 40%. So we are doing really well and thank you! [It is a curious fact that the later you open your Bulletin the less likely you are to click on one of the links.] Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Humber Nature Forum *** Jackson Sage writes: Humber Nature Forum - Thursday 17 September 10 am -12 noon. Join us for a talk on Marine Mammals in and around the Humber Estuary, with presentations from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and British Divers Marine Life Rescue. Please follow the link to register. http://humbernature.co.uk/news/post.php?s=2020-08-20-humber-nature-forum-marine-mammals-in-and-around-the-humber-estuary *** Calling all Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch Members *** Lesley Robinson writes: Are you interested in becoming part of the local branch committee who amongst other things have organised field trips, the practical management of branch reserves, attended shows etc and promoted Butterfly Conservation to the wider public? We meet once a month, at the moment via Zoom, to continue to promote and conserve butterflies and moths in our County. If you are interested, please contact Rachel Scopes (branch chairperson - tel: 07786 650875) or Lesley Robinson (secretary - tel: 07583 759419) for more information. *** LNU Events Diary *** Website says: "All field meetings during 2020 are cancelled." We will update you if/as situation changes, including LNU Workshops and Drop-in sessions and Indoor Meetings. For details of all LNU meetings and workshops, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group's Meetings and Trips *** All the Local Group's Meetings and Trips must be suspended until 31st December. Martin Francis STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. NHS About Coronavirus [COVID-19] https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 Check for road works and hold-ups https://roadworks.org/ The Road from Bardney to Baunber will be closed near the site of the "Omex corner Forest Incident" - supposedly 7th - 25th September. Met Office Severe Warnings - check https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service - why not sign up? http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up if at risk. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx Lyme Disease https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ *** September 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. Next big ones Draconids and Orionids in October https://www.rmg.co.uk/discover/explore/how-to-see-meteor-showers-key-dates ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] 1/9 26 Spoonbills, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, Great White Egret, Pied Flycatcher, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 8 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Pied Flycatcher, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret of grazing marsh then flew off, Black-necked Grebe juv on T-junction pit, Baston Fen Icterine Warbler, between Stonebridge Car Park and Pye's Hall, in bushes on sea bank, probably Marsh Warbler, Donna Nook 2/9 Whinchat, 10 Spoonbills on Jackson's Marsh, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 12 Spoonbills, 2 Little Stints, 3 juv Curlew Sandpipers. 17+ Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, by river at Gull Pit, Deeping High Bank, Deeping St Nicholas White Stork over Alford 3/9 29 Spoonbills, 2 juv, later 6 Curlew Sandpipers, Wood Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, 19 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Spoonbill, 3 Black Terns, Freiston Shore/River Witham Mouth Great White Egret, by river at Gull Pit, Deeping High Bank, Deeping St Nicholas 9 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, 2 Long-tailed Skuas, both juvs, flew south past, 2 Black Terns, Gibraltar Point Curlew Sandpipers both juvs on saltmarsh, Rimac Unconfirmed report of Marsh Warbler singing, Huttoft Bank pit 4/9 19 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Short-eared Owl, Black Tern, 2 Pomarine Skuas south past, Lapland Bunting south over, Gibraltar Point Whinchat, Little Stint, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 4 Short-eared Owls, Pied Flycatcher behind hide, Freiston Shore Great White Egret, north lake, Woodhall Spa Airfield - then flew east Great White Egret, between Crowland Bridge and Deeping High Bank, Deeping St Nicholas turning Cattle Egret at west end of Main Lake, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St Nicholas Spoonbill on beach, Saltfleet 5/9 2 Whinchats, 28 Spoonbills, Pectoral Sandpiper, 20 Curlew Sandpipers, Wood Sandpiper on North Scrape,5 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Little Stints, 3 Black Terns, Frampton Marsh 18 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Spotted Redshank, Long-tailed Skua on sea, Short-eared Owl, Blue-headed Wagtail reported, Wryneck on east side of East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Short-eared Owl on shingle island, Spotted Redshank, Freiston Shore 2 Whinchats in weedy field opposite chicken farm east of Cradge Bank, Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank, NE of Deeping St Nicholas Bittern, Boultham Mere 6/9 3 Whinchats, 29 Spoonbills, 20 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Little Stints, Wood Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper on north scrape, 14 Spotted Redshanks, ringtail Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Whinchat, 19 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Short-eared Owl, Great White Egret,Pied Flycatcher, Gibraltar Point 6 Whinchats, Osprey, Little Stint on main lagoon, the flew over sea wall, Freiston Shore Whinchat, Goxhill Haven 2 Whinchats, Dunsby Fen 7/9 7 Turnstones flew west over Kirton Whinchat, 9 Spoonbills, 2 Curlew Sandpipers on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Whinchat, 24 Spoonbills, 12 Curlew Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpiper juv on North Scrape, Wood Sandpiper, 15 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Little Stints, Garganey, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank, NE of Deeping St Nicholas 8/9 Wood Sandpiper on Jackson's Marsh, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Short-eared Owls at Old Saltmarsh, 12 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Garganey on Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper, 4 Little Stints, ringtail Hen Harrier, 26 Curlew Sandpipers, 22 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting flew over Rimac Caspian Gull juv at Cove Farm GP, Westwoodside Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank, NE of Deeping St Nicholas 9/9 13 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, , Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper on North Scrape, 11 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, 10 Spotted Redshanks, 24 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank, NE of Deeping St Nicholas ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work and drop-in sessions at the Queen in the West pub! http://www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire/content/articles/2005/08/30/nature_sightings_feature.shtml As Autumn approaches look out for Fungi. Fungi Families/Types Identity Parade Hopefully this link will work now! https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Bird Club - latest sightings: https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. Latest sightings: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/lincolnshire-latest-sightings BTO tracked cuckoos: Valentine has moved to northern Nigeria. PJ has reached NW Niger. Carlton is 40 km in the Fragas do Eume natural park, north-west Spain. https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Reports welcome. ROAD KILLS Jane Ostler 1/9/20 Woolsthorpe Road, Woolsthorpe SK915241 GRASS SNAKE 1/9/20 Bridge End, Colsterworth SK930244 BUZZARD Jane Ostler 3/9/20 A151, Grimssthorpe  TF047231 RABBIT 3/9/20 A151, Grimsthorpe TF050228 HEDGEHOG 3/9/20 A151, Twenty  TF151208 RABBIT (baby) Jane Ostler 6/9/20 Woolsthorpe Road, Woolsthorpe SK918244 NIGHTJAR *** 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/ Chris Manning writes: Please remember to use grid refs, If a recorder doesn't, it not only adds work but must invariably loose accuracy DON'T FORGET - TIME FLIES! Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. Include the time too if relevant - e.g. for Bat records. *** 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. BARDNEY - The Green TF120694 R & A Parsons 9/9/2020 Adult Hedgehog on trailcam - 03001-0306hrs. Bardney Garden Grid ref TF 117 701 Mary and Phil Porter 8th September 2020 X2 Robins singing Adult wood pigeon with very fat-looking “squab” on the grass for some time. Flock of 30+ siskins flew low over the garden. We have three large mature birch trees and they were heading in that direction. X2 goldcrests in Leylandii and other trees and shrubs. X1 large female sparrow hawk making several attempts on the bird feeders. A pile of collared dove feathers found nearby later. In excess of thirty house sparrows in our flock. Two poorly greenfinches seen. All bird feeders and water dishes scrubbed, disinfected, and moved, and feeding reduced right down to encourage birds to forage away for a time. Large blue dragonfly, probably migrant hawker, quartering the area over the pond. X1 Pair of common darters laying eggs in pond. I tried to rescue some sort of dronefly that appeared to be struggling and had attracted the attention of a water beetle. I lifted it out with a stick and put it on an emergent plant stem, wherein it promptly turned round and went back in the water. I assume it was egg laying. I left it to its fate. X1 Hummingbird hawkmoth on violas and phlox. Ivy flowers opening and attracting many insects, including common wasps. 4+ red admiral butterflies on fallen apples and ivy flowers. Many white butterflies, they seem to be mostly small whites. A small tortoiseshell butterfly has been hibernating in the corner of the lounge for two weeks, with no sign of moving. (Could this be a good excuse not to do the planned decorating I wonder?) While weeding, I found an entire, dead large white butterfly which appeared to have been dragged below the surface between a brick and the soil. Week 4 of what I’m sure is the same common wasp coming into the room through the French windows to feed on honeydew from scale insects on the indoor weeping fig tree. It knows its way in and out and will bash against the door until it is opened. Interesting that the other wasps are on the ivy flowers but it’s remaining loyal to the high-quality honeydew! BOSTON GARDEN. (SOUTH by A16) August 2020 Kathleen Pearson During August I was able to do the BTO Garden BirdWatch on all 31 days. Birds were in low numbers this month with only 18 species being recorded. Surprisingly a group of 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were eating some bread on one occasion. Sadly the highest number of Greenfinches this month was only 2. An unusually high number of butterflies occurred this month with 10 species seen. Birds:- Blackbird 4, Blue Tit 3, Collared Dove 3, Long-tailed Tit 5, Goldfinch 7, Woodpigeon 4, Robin 2, Magpie 2, Great Tit 2, House Sparrow 9, Greenfinch 2, Chaffinch 2, Wren 1, Lesser-black Backed Gull 6, Dunnock 1, Herring Gull 3, Carrion Crow 4, Starling 1. Butterflies:- Brimstone, Peacock, Holly Blue, Large White, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and Green-veined White. Other: Frog, Common Darter, Southern Hawker, frog and grey squirrel. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 27/08/20 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 4 Common Buzzard x 1adult, 1 juv. Wood Pigeon x 4 31/08/20 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 6 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 9 Linnet x 2 Robin x 1 Swallow x 2 Tree Sparrow x 29 Wood Pigeon x 5 Wren x 1 Rabbit x 1 Green-veined White x 2 Meadow Brown x 1 Southern Hawker x 1 SNIPEDALES Snipe Dales Country Park and LWT Reserve TF 333 684 Ian Dunn 05.09.2020 Birds Buzzard x 1 Kestrel x 2 Woodpigeon x 4 In flower Common hemp-nettle Dandelion Hawkbit Herb Robert Meadowsweet Perennial sowthistle Rosebay willowherb (mostly seeding now) Tormentil Water mint Wild angelica Other flora Giant horsetail In fruit Brambles Dogwood Elder Guelder rose Hawthorn Rowan Insects 6 spot ladybirds x many on hemp nettle Comma x 1 Large whites x 3 Red admiral x 2 Small whites x 10 Speckled wood x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 27/08/20 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 4 Goldfinch x 12 Great-spotted Woodpecker x 1 Greenshank x 2 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 2 Red-legged Partridge x 3 Swallow x 2 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Green-veined White x 7 Moths around security light 21:00 - 03:00hrs; Flounced Rustic x 4 Setaceous Hebrew Character x 1 Silver Y x 2 Snout x 2 Square-spot Rustic x 1 28/08/20 Moths around security light 21:00 - 01:00hrs; Common Rustic x 1 Flounced Rustic x 1 01/09/20 Jackdaw x 1 Little Owl x 1 Red Admiral x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 Small White x 2 02/09/20 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Grey Partridge x 4 Kestrel x 2 Magpie x 2 Robin x 1 Starling x 21 Stock Dove x 1 Swallow x 2 Tree Sparrow x 32 Wood Pigeon x 4 Green-veined White x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 03/09/20 Chiffchaff x 1 singing Common Buzzard flying very low over paddocks being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crows and 32 Tree Sparrows. Starling x 37 mixture of adults and this years young birds 07/09/20 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed gull x 38 following plough in fields around Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Curlew x 2 over Thurnholmes Dunnock x 1 Little Egret x 1 SK795977 Robin x 2 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Green-veined White x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 08/09/20 Curlew x 2 over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 38 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 Small White x 39 all smaller than usual and pristine condition WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 1-8 September 2020 Jane Ostler FLOWERING PLANTS With the weather becoming autumnal almost overnight attention in the garden turned to the berries which are remaining on the trees and bushes longer this year. Perhaps this is because our three pairs of blackbirds, having between them reared six lots of young, have moved out. The Whitebeam, Pyracanthus and Spindle are laden with berries. The Guelder , Oregan Grape and Rowan berries were all taken by early August. The berries of wild Arum are being picked over, but I wonder if this is mice. We always leave plenty of seedheads from the perennials but at present these seem to be ignored. The Autumal Hawkbit is the dominant plant on the lawn, managing to flower on very short stalks between mowings. Sedum spectabile has its first flowers and is aptly named the Butterfly Stonecrop. We also have the Biting and White native stonecrops in the garden. We have a few House Leeks (Sempervivum) in flower.On the verges Purple Toadflax in flower and Green alkanet is having a second flowering. INSECTS In garden on warmer days Small Whites, Speckled Woods and a single Small Tortoiseshell. When the stewed remains of Crabapple (from jelly making) put onto compost heap it attracted Red Admirals, Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshell. Male Vapourer Moths seen in the garden. A caterpillar was found a fortnight ago on some bark. The females are wingless and do not stray far from the cocoons from whhich they have emerged. A Common Green Gasshoppper, male, flew into the conservatory onto my notepad as I was drafting this! The most frequent bumble bee working the flowers is the buff-tailed and on the same day (7/9/20)a Queen Buff-tailed Bumble Bee also flew into the conservatory. We are inundated with Wasps attracted by fallen apples and plums. The 7 spot Ladybird is also frequent, with both adults and larvae. We have seen no Harlequins this year. BIRDS The most remarkable finding has been a road casualty - a Nightjar was found by the parish roadman and brought to me on 6/9/20. It was found on the western boundary of Woolsthorpe. The record has been sent to Phil Hyde. Earlier in the week Kevin Atter (the finder of the Nightjar) had told me of a buzzard and a grass snake, also road casualties. The swallows from the stables left this week having reared a brood after an unsucessful earlier attempt. Elsewhere swallows also left after rearing two broods but not attempting a third as in previous years. House Martins which nest in eaves on the Woolsthorpe Road are still seen regularly feeding. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs and Reserves including RSPB and LWT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore are listed as Open. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of which LWT reserves are open and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus 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 2nd – 8th September 2020 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 310820 - Green woodpecker seen around Churchill Lane. 010920 - 7 migrant hawker dragonflies around Churchill Lane, 3 small bats flying around at dusk. 318 curlew and c5000 gulls mostly black headed roosting. 020920 - Paradise lagoon 74 teal, 1 ruff, 1 greenshank and kingfisher along the Great Eau. Hummingbird hawkmoth at Sea View. 030920 - High tide count of: 140 dunlin, 160 ringed plovers and 40 sanderling, along with 76 curlew, 4 whimbrel and 12 cormorants.  040920 - Short-eared owl hunting over saltmarsh, single swift over Sea View and 1 green woodpecker seen. 050920 - Wheatear near Sea View, single swift overhead, marsh harrier hunting over saltmarsh, 3 greenshank on Paradise lagoon and nearby 2 lesser whitethroats and willow warbler in with a flock of 9 long-tailed tits. Out from Churchill Lane a roost count of 326 curlews, 5 siskins flew over, 1 Cettis warbler calling, 3 bats at dust. Brickyard Lane: Southern hawker female and darters and migrant hawkers about, plus 4 recently fledged bullfinches. 060920 - 120 Canada geese in the Paradise area and 2 short-eared owls hunting nearby over saltmarsh (Graham Parker). Single tree sparrow in mixed tit flock near Sea View. Late afternoon in hedgerow near Sea View were at least 50 long-tailed tits, blue tits, great tits, goldfinches, 4 willow/ chiffchaffs, 1 lesser whitethroat and 3 spotted flycatchers. 3 common buzzards over Seaview north, 2 great spotted woodpeckers seen and 1 tawny owl calling in Churchill Lane area. Brickyard Lane: pink footed geese heard in the morning, butterflies: 7 red admirals, tortoiseshell, comma and many whites. In the dunes: whites, 3 speckled woods and small heath. Between Sea View and Rimac: 5 chiffchaff, 7 willow warbler, 6 lesser whitethroat, 2 blackcap, 3 whitethroat, 1 spotted flycatcher, 2 bullfinch, 6 reed bunting, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 2 marsh harrier, 7 kestrel, 2 siskin flying south, 1 alba wagtail flying south, 79 meadow pipit flying south, 1 skylark flying north, 22 golden plover flying north. On Paradise lagoon: 2 greenshank, 36 redshank, 64 lapwing, 2 kingfisher, 3 teal, 1 kestrel. 070920 - 80 pink-footed geese flying low, south, over sea. Brickyard Lane area: Covey of 14 red-legged partridge disturbed into the dunes from field harvesting, 47 pink footed geese flying south. Between Sea View and Quarry Hill: 1 Teal, 42 meadow pipit, 5 chiffchaff, 6 willow warbler, 5 swallow, 3 house martin, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 47 pink-footed geese (38 dropped onto fields at Elm House Farm), 5 golden plover. 080920 - Several skeins of pink footed geese flying over Sea View, 20+ long tailed tits moving through scrub at Sea View, 1 goldcrest seen. During the week around Brickyard Lane a resident party of long-tailed tits are accompanied by several chiffchaffs, blackcaps and lesser-whitethroats. Peregrine in the area, 2 great-spotted woodpeckers and a green woodpecker. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Forestry Commission says: "We are open and ready to welcome you" https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via 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. LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on the Coronavirus, Covid-19 plus details of any LWT reserves which are now open and the related advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports 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! 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.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ 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: Why not apply for one? The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses, or for identification materials (e.g. books or online resources) to help recording in any group of plants, animals or fungi in Lincolnshire. The upper limit is £300. You do not need to be a member of the LNU to apply, but it would help. The LNU would, however, expect you to put your newly facilitated skills into practice and derive some Lincolnshire records. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course, or to buy books to help you, please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Love Lincs Plants *** Events and activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. 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 LLP Project Partners and related links: Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Love Lincolnshire Plants: A plant archive for future generations https://lnu.org/lincolnshire-plants-past-and-future/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Sir Joseph Banks Society Dr Anke Timmermann FLS discusses Joseph Banks’ florilegium https://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lifesciences/ https://lifesciences.sites.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ *** 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 *** Webpage says: "Following Government guidance and in the interests of health and safety, this year's field meetings are cancelled up until the end of May with immediate effect and until further notice. For further information please contact your County Recorder(s). " Contact: Sarah Lambert: sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** BSBI Website: *** https://bsbi.org/ *** Natural History Museum - Botany Collections *** https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/collections/botany-collections.html *** 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/ 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/ 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. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ *** 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 - 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 *** Identifying British bugs - an online identification *** guidehttps://www.britishbugs.org.uk/gallery/heteroptera/Pentatomoidea/pentatomoidea.html *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com Please have a look at https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php for an easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. Or you can send any records to Ashley Butterfield (Lincolnshire Amphibian and Reptile Recorder) at LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Please include Species, Date, Time, Location, numbers as a minimum (Other useful information includes Temperature and Weather conditions.) *** 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 (of which LERC is a part) http://www.glnp.org.uk/ 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 The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards have now been cancelled for 2020 and will resume in 2021, all being well. *** 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 *** British Geological Survey at Keyworth *** https://www.bgs.ac.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 instances may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed please 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 *** 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 Butterfly Conservation: Policy on collecting, breeding and photography https://butterfly-conservation.org/sites/default/files/2018-10/BC%20Policy%20on%20collecting%2C%20breeding%20and%20photography%202018.pdf RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ [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. 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: "All LNU meetings are cancelled." We will update you if/as situation changes. Field Meetings: CANCELLED https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Whisby Workshops - CANCELLED. https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Whisby Natural History "drop-in" sessions - CANCELLED https://lnu.org/meetings/drop-in-sessions/ Indoor Meetings 2020 https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** Mail fails: None. ....and finally... An intriguing bit of epidemic history brought up to date! Italy reopens ancient 'wine windows' during Covid-19 - Decanter https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/wine-windows-italy-covid-19-442211/ Earth's 'lost species' only the tip of the iceberg https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54034134 Wildlife Photographer of the Year: How many crocodiles can you see? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53972571 Scientists have the answer to a tadpole mystery https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54006016 Curlew conservation project sees birds released at Lough Neagh https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-53993295 What happens to the plastic you recycle? Researchers lift the lid https://theconversation.com/what-happens-to-the-plastic-you-recycle-researchers-lift-the-lid-142831 Blue jeans' microfiber footprint extends all the way to the Arctic https://www.zmescience.com/science/blue-jeans-microfibers-043242/ More episodes of The Life Scientific: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015sqc7 ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/