============================================ || || 14th April 2021 || || 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 Farm Wood 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 refer to the relevant Covid-related websites below to check the latest information and pick up on any new advice you should know about. We shall still need to be careful. Mid-April snow on Teesside and North Yorkshire causing disruption . What we missed! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-56708842 Weather Forecast: 9 - 11 April "The most likely scenario for the start of this period is for mainly settled conditions to be in place across the country. Unsettled conditions with rain showers may spread erratically from the west at times. " https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ When sending in reports, e.g. unusual nesting birds, it will be good if you can report any sensitive news directly to recorders rather than via the Bulletin please, as we don't want to spoil things with untimely/unwise publicity. If in doubt, choose caution. Thank you. https://lnu.org/specialists/ Here is a selection of links from topical local to national and international news stories and articles sent in by fellow-readers. Your contributions keep the Bulletin interesting so please keep them coming! More links in "...and finally..." Prince Philip death: Duke's visits to East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-39365238 Bird Photographer of the Year 2021 finalists revealed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-56654460 Big Garden Birdwatch 2021 results https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/results/ NBMP 'Discover your local bats' Workshop - Events - Bat Conservation Trust https://www.bats.org.uk/events/nbmp-discover-your-local-bats-workshop-zoom-15-04-21 Extinction fears drive The Wildlife Trusts' re-wilding campaign - Baston https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-56661210 UK woodlands 'at crisis point' amid wildlife decline https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56738428 Plans announced for 'low carbon' power stations in Lincolnshire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-56675914 Cute and fluffy: meet the bee-flies - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/bee-flies/ Lost camera reunited with owner after years in Lake District river - amazing! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-56680079 Water companies illegally dumping sewage in England and Wales' rivers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56721660 To help us find some more readers, please try the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. You can also direct people to: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ Tip: If possible avoid forwarding on your individual Bulletin to others. Best to use the secure "Forward to a Friend" link at the end of each issue, please. Thank you for all the contributions. Please keep your reports coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Covid-19 Noticeboard *** Please stay aware of updated government advice and adapt your personal precautions accordingly as the understanding and measures "evolve". See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Great Yorkshire Show to run for four days in Harrogate - July https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-56595522 *** Covid-19: Lincolnshire Show cancelled for second year *** The event, which attracts 60,000 visitors, was due to take place on June 23 and 24. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-56340942 NHS About Coronavirus [COVID-19] https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 LNU 2021 field meetings - May - October are now provisionally booked For details and any necessary subsequent updates or changes please visit: https://lnu.org/meetings/ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Events/activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. "Our events are currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, there's still ways you can get involved with the project..." See: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants RSPB: map for which reserves and facilities you can access. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ Forestry England’s coronavirus guidance: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Bourne Barn Owls back online *** Bob Sheppard is hoping for a better year for the barn owls in the Len Pick tower at Bourne. The camera is now live 24/7. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Peregrine Webcams *** Bob Sheppard recommended two Lincolnshire peregrine webcams. They are at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham and St James' Church, Louth. Throughout the breeding season these cameras can be accessed 24/7. There is a picture link to both sites on the LBC home page. https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/ Bob adds: The Louth peregrines laid their fourth egg late on Saturday night. A fifth has been known at this site but four is a healthy clutch. It looks like St Wulfram's, Grantham will disappoint us again. It is nine years since the site fledged a chick. They have been scraping in the tray but not recently. They have an alternative site nearby, believed to be on the arm of a pylon overlooking the A1. The wonderful osprey camera at Loch Arkaig is now live in anticipation of the return of the adults this week. In recent years they have completed their amazing journey between the 4th and 6th April, so not long to wait. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/ *** Where one can find out about "doing the right thing" for a pond? *** Richard Shillaker writes: Here are some good sources of info: The Norfolk Ponds Project has been very successful, see: https://www.norfolkfwag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NPP-Restoring-Norfolks-Ponds-Guidance-booklet.pdf The Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT) has pond advice on their website, see: https://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/projects/flagship/pond-management-info/ The Pond Book produced by FHT is well worth buying https://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/pond-clinic/pond-book/ *** One for the herpetologists *** Annette Faulkner asks: At what age do toads reach maturity? I have been digging out an old compost heap at the bottom of our garden, and a few weeks ago found a small toad, which may have been an adult male – I’m not sufficiently au fait with the size differences between male and female to know. But then on Saturday, just as I’d almost finished, I found another, the body of which was about the size of a fifty pence piece, and clearly not an adult. Fortunately neither of them was injured and I was able to release them to a safe place to crawl away. But then this raises another question. This is only the second time I have found toads in our Spalding garden in the nearly fifty years we’ve lived here, and the nearest ponds are about 300 metres away along a disused railway line, a site I know extremely well – and have never ever found toads there, though plenty of frogs. The other alternative is the Welland, across the main road, but they wouldn’t go into flowing water, would they? If anyone can shed light on this puzzle I’d be interested to know the answer. If they’re in our compost heap they must be in other gardens in the area, too. For the record the grid ref is TF245218. *** Your Bat records please *** Annette Faulkner writes... Don’t forget, if you find a grounded bat, or one on an exterior wall, please don’t assume it’ll be OK and it will fly off. It won’t be and it won’t. Please take it in and give us a call on 01775 766286. Reminder: Bat rescue instructions If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box - remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail - wearing gloves or using a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** Bumblebee sightings, please *** David Sheppard writes: Records of Bumblebees will be very welcome. Whilst it is often not possible to see any colour pattern on the buzzing silhouette, if you can get close enough to make a positive identification that would be great. The earliest Bumblebees are likely to be: Bombus lucorum (yellow & black banded with a white tail) Bombus terrestris (yellow & black banded with a buffish tail) Bombus pratorum (yellow & black banded with an orange tail - and usually conspicuously smaller than the others) Bombus lapidarius (black with a red tail) Bombus hypnorum (brown and black with a white tail) could be about as well. If you do manage to get close enough to see the colour pattern, have a look for any pollen on the back legs. The pollen is likely to be yellow and is easy to spot. If the bee is collecting pollen, she must have established a nest and is gathering pollen to feed her young. Please send your records to David Sheppard at d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Another RSPB Grimsby Local group talk *** Martin Francis writes: 'The season of Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group continues with another illustrated talk which will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 19th April 2021 "An Osprey in a Shopping Bag: the Return of a Raptor" A Zoom Talk by Alasdair McKee Alasdair McKee of the RSPB and Cumbria Wildlife Trust works closely with ospreys in south Cumbria. He will be talking about how this most charismatic bird of prey has returned from extinction in England in the last twenty years. This entertaining illustrated talk will introduce you to these remarkable birds and tell the story of a remarkable conservation comeback in Cumbria and beyond. And explain where the shopping bag comes in! The talk is open to everybody. You don't need to belong to the RSPB, or have attended Group Meetings. And don't be put off by Zoom. It is easy to use, you don't need any special equipment like a camera or microphone - just an internet connection, and we may be able to offer help if you request it. To find out the arrangements for getting a link to the talk, please email me at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com before 8pm on Thursday 15th April, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group' *** NFBR Conference 2021 *** Charlie Barnes has drawn our attention to this NFBR* conference: [*National Forum for Biological Recording"] "Outside the Honeypot: wildlife recording in the urban world" Originally planned for May 2020, this event has been postponed until May 2021, and will take place online. Aims of Outside the Honeypot: wildlife recording in the urban world: - To understand the wealth of recording and monitoring undertaken in urban area - To discuss how NFBR can better support urban recording - To link biological recorders and citizens in an urban context - To understand research in the urban world - To celebrate our rich natural heritage and show how nature can thrive in an urban context Spaces on this 2-day virtual conference cost £5 per person For more details see http://www.nfbr.org.uk/?q=conference_2021 *** Moth Night 2021 Dates for the diary *** Moth Night 2021 takes place over the three nights of 8th - 10th July. The theme for the 2021 event is Reedbeds & Wetlands. Please let us know if you are planning anything. www.mothnight.info Please let us know of any local Covid-related developments readers might need to hear about. Wildlife organisations wishing me to publicise any alterations or new guidelines are welcome to get in touch with updates for the Bulletin. *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes area group LWT cancellation *** Carolyn Davis writes: Due to the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area group LWT have taken the decision to cancel the rest of their indoor and outdoor meetings up to and including April 2021. *** South Lincs RSPB Social Group Cruise programme *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group announce that , due to the current pandemic and general uncertainty, they are unable to offer any more information or proposed sailing dates about a 2021 Cruise programme. However the Group can announce that the Boat Owners have decided that the “Boston Belle” will not be available for the foreseeable future for ANY cruises. It will however be replaced by a smaller boat with a smaller capacity [compared to the Boston Belle]. Please keep checking the website where we will publish further information when we have it. https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/ *** Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival postponed until 30th April - 5th June 2022 *** Helen Gamble writes: The organisers behind the upcoming Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival have announced that the inaugural event, originally set to take place this May, has now been postponed until 2022. The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival is set to be the successor to the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, however, those behind the event say that, despite the recent announcement on the planned easing of Covid-19 restrictions, it would be difficult to do the Festival justice whilst ensuring safety of all involved. The Organisers will instead use 2021 to run a campaign celebrating the Lincolnshire Wolds as a place to visit, get active, and explore. The Festival will now run from 30th April to 5th June 2022. More information on the Outdoor Festival is available from https://woldsoutdoorfestival.com/ *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Road works and hold-ups https://roadworks.org/ Met Office Severe Warnings https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service - worth signing up for this. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Warnings - Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up if a high risk area. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx *** April Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html NOTE that due to COVID 19 the 2021 edition of Night Scenes will only be available as a pdf or kindle and produced in 2 parts covering 6 months each. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/nightscenes/ns-current.html [Editor adds: I am finding this on-line version very useful.] Meteor Shower Guide 2021 - check info on Lyrid shower in April. Max 22nd. https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/best-meteor-showers-in-2021/ A beginner’s guide to meteor showers https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/a-beginners-guide-to-meteor-showers/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ The site has several interesting articles. See: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 7/4 Ring-necked Duck 1w fem, West End, Langtoft on small pit viewed from footpath by Greatford Cut 2 Cattle Egrets, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Firecrest by track to hide, Freiston Shore Water Pipit on Jackson's Marsh, Spotted Redshank on freshwater marsh, Gibraltar Point 8/4 Ring-necked Duck 1w fem, West End, Langtoft on small pit viewed from footpath by Greatford Cut Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point 8+ Common Scoters flew over Scopwick 9/4 2 Cattle Egrets, Deeping Lakes, 1w drk Scaup, Deeping St James 2+ Short-eared Owls, 28 Twite, Frampton Marsh Firecrest, Freiston Shore Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Water Pipit on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Black Redstart fem/1w male, between Sea View and Rimac, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Siberian Chiffchaff singing, Saltfleetby St Peter Ring Ouzel, Anderby Cheek 2 Garganey in Ness Pit, 3 Ring Ouzels on New Pit, Far Ings 3 Ring Ouzels, Barton-upon-Humber Pits 10/4 Ring Ouzel, Fillingham Lake Ring-necked Duck 1w fem, West End, Langtoft on small pit viewed from footpath by Greatford Cut Ring-necked Duck, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Water Pipit on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel in horse paddocks off top end of South Sea Lane, Humberston Common Crane flew over Alkborough flats 11/4 Ring Ouzel male in field north of West Deeping Sluice, Tallington Lakes, viewed from pumphouse on north side of Maxey Cut Hen Harrier male just south of Crowland Bridge flew south Hen Harrier male at Deeping High Bank, NE of Deeping St Nicholas Cattle Egret, drk Scaup, at Deeping Lakes, SE of Deeping St James Ring-necked Duck 1w fem, West End, Langtoft on small pit viewed from footpath by Greatford Cut Water Pipit, 1+ Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart reported near beach, Gibraltar Point Water Pipit, East Halton Skitter Bewick's Swan ad with 13 Whooper Swans, on pond, Savi's Warbler singing, male Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Alhborough Flats 12/4 Ring Ouzel in paddocks, Gull House Farm, Deeping High Bank NE of Deeping St Nicholas 2 Cattle Egrets, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Short-eared Owl, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 25 Twite, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, along wetland trail between corral and prison, Freiston Shore Snow Bunting, Gibraltar Point 2 Kittiwakes both 1w, Covenham Reservoir Osprey flew over Rippingale 13/4 Kittiwake as on West Pit, drk Scaup on West Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 5 Short-eared Owls on saltmarsh, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Cattle Egret in drain between Lyndhurst Garden Centre and Ten Acres Burgh-le-Marsh, N of Skegness ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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! 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: one battery fails... https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project "A note from the wheel" from Ray Halstead This morning [8th April] whilst driving to work at 6.30 there were three little egrets fast asleep in the field adjacent to the River Rase at Bishopbridge. Ray adds: In Sheffield last weekend we went to Woodhouse Washlands which is a fantastic wildlife reserve run by the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust. On our walk round I spotted something quite high up which I initially thought was a heron but something niggled me so I put the long lens on the camera and shot a few images. It was a stork. We saw it again about twenty minutes later. Though not in Lincolnshire its probably worth a mention as it's only a couple of wing beats away for such a large bird..... and it's a timely reminder to people to be inquisitive about what they see if something seems out of the ordinary. ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. KINGTHORPE Brenda Edlington 30/3/2021 TF133748 Dead badger on west verge near bridge south of Kingthorpe. Chris Manning writes: Otter road kills... It would be helpful if readers would continue to report otter road kills and sightings to help build up relevant data. carcases may be sent to: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/otter-project [Alas our local EA team no longer support the project by paying for transport.] Potential Bovine TB Hotspot Area [PHA] - Lincolnshire Wolds "If you find a dead badger or wild deer carcase within the PHA, please report this to the Animal and Plant Health Agency [APHA] via the Defra Rural Services Helpline 03000 200301. They will need the following details: 1. The location of the carcase to assess whether it falls within the PHA and in order to find it, if it’s suitable for collection. This could be an OS grid reference, longitude-latitude co-ordinates, the what3words address (tapping on the exact square where the carcase is located), a postcode or enough detail to precisely locate the carcase 2. Whenever possible an assessment of the condition of the carcase because decomposing or extensively damaged carcases are not suitable for post mortem examination." *** 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 9/4/2021 Tawny Mining Bee f, Andrena fulva, disturbed during gardening - am. [AP] 10/4/2021 Tawny Mining Bee f, Andrena fulva, quartering the lawn in the sunshine at 15.30hrs. [RP] https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/tawnyminingbee/ CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 2/4/2021 - first Hedgehog in garden 4/4/2021 - Grass Snake sunbathing on warm asphalt (NB this is the earliest I have ever seen one) 9/4/2021 - First House Martin flying around house in the last hour of light. 12/4/2021 - At least two House Martins examining old nest under eaves in the early evening. 13/3/2021 Red Kite, and Buzzards displaying General note: Until the last two years or so we always used to see a few Swallows 7-10 days before the House Martins appeared. For the last 2 years the Martins have arrived first. Also, we have seen more earth mounds dug by Andrena mining bees than usual. CLEETHORPES. TA300069 Peter Crick 10:04:2021 Beefly, despite bitterly cold conditions managed to find a bit of sunshine. 13:04:2021 First Brimstone of the season. Several Bumble Bees seen over last few days but very mobile FAR INGS Angela Buckle Far Ings 11th April 2021. Flowers, Shepherds purse, Groundsel, Black medic, Common scurvygrass. 9 Sandmartins, and 4 Swallows, cold afternoon with Hail and snow. Also Willingham Woods 12th of April, Wood sorrel, and Climbing Corydalis. HEMINGBY R & A Parsons 12/4/2021 at 10.30hrs approx. Roe buck crossing Green Lane from east to west - northern portion, location unclear. Say approx TF241755. HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 13 April 2021 Sightings in my garden this week include: Great Spotted Woodpecker Blue tit Great tit Long tailed tit Tree sparrow Dunnock Wren Robin Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch Blackbird Woodpigeon Stock dove Pheasant (I’m looking forward to when the hen pheasants start nesting so they’re no longer flattening everything in my garden!) Several bumblebees - bombus terrestris and bombus pratorum (I think) Small white and Brimstone butterflies. And squirrels, of course! HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) HUTTOFT 6/4/2021 Bombus lapidarius 1 Dunnock 1 Greenfinch 4 Long-tailed tits 2 - these are appearing daily and go around the house, picking insects off the windows and under the eaves. This starts at 7am! Pheasant 1 10/4/2021 Bombus terrestris 1 Common carders 3 Long-tailed tits 2 Wren 1 11/4/2021 Andrena fulva 1 Chaffinch 3 2f & 1m Enstalis pertinax 1 12/4/2021 Small tortoiseshell 2 Song thrush 1 13/4/2021 Long-tailed tits 4 Small tortoiseshell 2 Woodmouse 1 Wren 1 NOCTON area R & A Parsons 11/04/2021 - mid morning Nocton Fen Lane TF104657 2 Shelducks on spoil heap approx 09.45hrs Nocton Park Priory TF078644 Red Kite over 10.00hrs SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 12/04/21 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 4 Greenfinch x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 Cowslips flowering in meadow SOUTHREY WOOD, near BARDNEY R & A Parsons 10/4/2021 - 8.50hrs - 9.30hrs Opposite our usual parking place near the main entrance are three ash trees in a hedge. We noticed that each was matched by an explosion of blackthorn blossom, whilst the rest of the hedge show no flowers at all. A moment' of reflection suggested a probable explanation - the proximity of the trees had prevented a hedge trimmer reaching and cutting back the flowering branches. A male kestrel was watching us from high inside the wood. A Great-spotted woodpecker was drumming. Blue and great tits were calling, blackbirds too, and as we turned to complete the walk we heard a male tawny owl calling. The East side of Southrey Wood catches the morning sunlight through a thin hedge with several breaks. Consequently the plants of the woodland floor are well advanced, with Wood Anemone well out now and bluebells already opening. There is Lesser Celandine and Dog's Mercury to be seen, and the leaves of Cuckoo Pint are up too. To quote our niece: "It's SO beautiful!" https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/wood-anemone https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/bluebell https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/lesser-celandine https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/dogs-mercury https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/lords-and-ladies THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 31/03/21 Blackbird x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 2 Lesser Redpoll x 15 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Pied Wagtail x 2 Red-legged Partridge x 4 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 on nest Tree Sparrow x 7 Wood Pigeon x 4 Peacock x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 02/04/21 Great-spotted Woodpecker x 1 03/04/21 Barn Owl x 1 SE742039 Common Buzzard x 1 Tunnel Pits, Epworth (Sam Hiner) 04/04/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Chiffchaff x 1 (first of year at Thurnholmes) Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 8 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Lapwing x 2 Lesser Redpoll x 2 Long-tailed Tit x 2 Magpie x 2 Mallard x 3 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 6 Yellowhammer x 1 Peacock x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 6 7-spot Ladybird x 9 05/04/21 Sparrowhawk x 1 male 07/04/21 Heron x 1 over Thurnholmes 08/04/21 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 1 Greenfinch x 1 Lapwing x 2 Lesser Redpoll x 2 Magpie x 3 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 8 10/04/21 Heron x 1 over Thurnholmes Song Thrush x 1 12/04/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 12 Grey Partridge x 2 Jackdaw x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Song Thrush x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 15 Wood Pigeon x 6 Peacock x 3 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler 7-13 April 2021 Garden unless otherwise indicated In spite of overnight frosts and snow flurries bees have been active throughout the week. The first out in the mornings have been the Buff-tailed and White-tailed Bumble Bees. Carder Bees have been frequent but the Red-tailed and Early Garden Bees are seen less often. I have not noted any Tree Bumblebees. A Hairy Footed Flower Male Bees have, apparently been holding territory around a patch of garden Pulmonarias. Another was chasing the larger female whose orange hairs on her pollen brushes showed up against her black body. Bumble and Honey Bees, because they add nectar to stick pollen together in their pollen sacs are not as effective pollinators as the solitary bees, which hold pollen ‘dry’ in their pollen brushes. This week we welcomed back two Andrena species A. haemorrhoides, first seen on 12/4/21 and the Tawny Mining Bee which apart from its striking orange hairs on both thorax and abdomen has volcano shaped piles of sandy soil to form its nests. It seems to be the main pollinator of our gooseberry and currant bushes. First one seen on13/4/21 – no flowers yet on these bushes. On 13/4/21 The first Orange Tip Butterfly in the garden. On Monday 12/4/21 a single swallow on a telegraph wire near the stable where they nest each year. On the same day two House Martins seen flying over the Woolsthorpe Road. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. COASTAL NNRs and Nature Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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  7th – 13th April 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: Note: Sharp frost on the 6th (ground -6.25 degrees C, air -1.75 degrees C) with further frosts during the next few days falling to a ground reading of -7.25 degrees C and air -2.75 degrees C on the 13th. Snow grain showers on the 6th and 7th and persistent snow showers on the 11th. 070421 - 5 whooper swans flew off Rimac lagoon in a north-westerly direction. 080421 - Paradise lagoon: 6 male shoveler, 4 tufted duck, 3 gadwall, 3 mallard, 2 coot, 7 teal, 2 redshank, 1 common snipe and 2 meadow pipits. 1 snipe at Rimac. On Sea View washlands: 8 shoveler, 22 teal, 2 mallard, 1 redshank, 2 little egret, 2 pied wagtail and 1 buzzard. 090421 - Male stonechat on edge of saltmarsh, single house martin and later sand martin flying over Paradise lagoon in a north-westerly direction. On Sea View washlands: 2 shoveler, 2 mallard, 6 moorhen, 1 redshank, 1 little egret, 1 curlew, 1 snipe, 1 buzzard and 1 sparrowhawk.  On Paradise Lagoon: 10 shoveler, 4 gadwall, 4 tufted duck, 2 teal, 6 mallard, 7 greylag geese, 2 coot and 1 redshank. At Rimac: Chiffchaff and blackcap calling. 2 marsh harrier and 1 buzzard soaring on thermals and 18 curlew feeding on nearby fields. 2 snipe. 100421 - Single wheatear and stonechat on saltmarsh plus a pair of red-legged partridges scurrying across the area. Swallow flying north. 110421 - Jack snipe flushed from saltmarsh near Rimac. 120421 - 3 whimbrel feeding on the saltmarsh, party of 12 greylag geese and 6 avocets on Rimac lagoon. On Sea View washlands: 1 grey heron, 16 teal, 2 tufted duck, 2 mallard, 4 moorhen and 1 redshank. 130421 - Single swallow flying north, 3 whimbrel on the saltmarsh. At Sea View 2 small tortoiseshells and a peacock on the wing. 140421 - On Sea View washlands: 24 teal, 6 shoveler, 2 tufted duck, 2 shelduck, 2 mute swan, 8 moorhen and 2 redshank. Other local reserves 110421 – At Donna Nook: 170 dunlin, 53 grey plover, 58 curlew, 55 sanderling, 38 oyster- catcher, 18 knot and 6 brent geese. 120321 – Donna Nook: Several skylarks singing, curlew calling, a single swallow flew over, 1 Cetti’s warbler and 36 curlew feeding on nearby fields and 1 small white butterfly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list 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 Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ 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/ 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. Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed - active... https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants LLP Project Partners and related links: Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Sir Joseph Banks Society https://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lifesciences/ *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** All 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/ *** 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: Lincolnshire Police Advice on Hare Coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ 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. Useful identification links: British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ Butterfly guide to part of Europe including Britain - free to download https://assets.vlinderstichting.nl/docs/0b095bc2-0387-4785-9f7e-5f7a987b3468.pdf Fungi Families/Types Identity Parade https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ Naturespot: British bees, wasps and wasp guides https://www.naturespot.org.uk/taxonomy/term/19396 NatureSpot on Ladybirds https://www.naturespot.org.uk/taxonomy/term/19357 Naturespot on Spiders https://www.naturespot.org.uk/taxonomy/term/19515 Naturespot on Beetles https://www.naturespot.org.uk/beetles Identifying British bugs - an online identification guide https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/gallery/heteroptera/Pentatomoidea/pentatomoidea.html Identifying Geese? Good WWT page. https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/wetland-wildlife/uk-geese/ LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ 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 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. *** 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) Contact: Ashley Butterfield : learningoutdoors@btinternet.com Ashley writes: Please have a look at https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php for an easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. 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 Bat rescue instructions: If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box - remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail - wearing gloves or using a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** 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 *** 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/ BioLinks Courses – Field Studies Council https://www.field-studies-council.org/biolinks-courses/ *** 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 RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ BSBI Code of Conduct https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/BSBI-Code-of-Conduct.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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important update *** "LNU 2021 field meetings - May - October are now provisionally booked" We will confirm plans for resumption of LNU events through the Bulletin, the LNU Twitter feed, LNU Facebook page and LNU meetings webpage. For details and any necessary subsequent updates or changes please visit: LNU Website: https://lnu.org/meetings/ LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ Richard Davidson says of the Whisby Workshops: "Several workshops to be held at Whisby Nature Park are being prepared for the Autumn (September to November). They will be on a variety of subjects. Further details will be announced in due course on the LNU website and on future LNU Emails." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** steve haith bounced last week. Advice is: if your Service provider or network can't or won't allow the Bulletin through, use a free email account instead. In the event of a genuine mail failure I will be happy to send you the error report to pass on to your "Help Desk". Just ask. ....and finally... South Walney Nature Reserve records more than 500 grey seals - Cumbria https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-56714878 'Ocean noise: Study to measure the oceans' 'year of quiet' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56676820 Exciting' Stone Age discoveries in the Cairngorms https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-56661834 Country diary: sticks, moss and dog hair – the nest-building has begun https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/08/country-diary-sticks-moss-and-dog-hair-the-nest-building-has-begun Country diary: it’s breeding season for this sparrow colony https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/09/country-diary-its-breeding-season-for-this-sparrow-colony Country diary: a telltale sign of the elusive woodcock https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/12/country-diary-a-telltale-sign-of-the-elusive-woodcock Country diary: a stoat sighting is a pleasant interruption https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/13/country-diary-a-stoat-sighting-is-a-pleasant-interruption Country diary: a pair of blackbirds has moved in by the kitchen window https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/14/country-diary-a-pair-of-blackbirds-has-moved-in-by-the-kitchen-window ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/