=========================================== || || 15th December 2021 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, events, news 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, events, news and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: My cautionary words last week that Covid rules could change seem to have proved correct. If you need to announce cancellations, postponements or offer presentations on Zoom, feel free to send updates for the Bulletin. If/when/as any LNU changes are necessary these will be put on the website, Twitter, Facebook and in the Bulletin. Please stay aware of updated Covid-19 advice and adapt personal precautions accordingly as understanding and measures "evolve" and change yet again. See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Covid: Omicron study suggests major wave in January https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59621029 Here is this week's selection of links to Lincolnshire and other wildlife-related news stories, mostly local. I hope you find something of interest. Please click. Avian flu confirmed at three sites near Alford, Lincolnshire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59634164 UK chief vet warns avian flu at 'phenomenal level' in UK https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59585618 Lincolnshire pendant is millionth archaeological find by public https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59607288 Victorian Society: 'At-risk' - includes Church of St Helen, Biscathorpe, Lincolnshire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-59636858 Lincolnshire council dismisses need for new horse safety signs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59634180 Mallard Pass: Solar farm developers aiming for 2026 target https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59562666 Young Arctic walrus "Freya" spotted in Shetland - lovely! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-59636151 Sustainable Christmas trees: an ecologist's buying guide https://theconversation.com/sustainable-christmas-trees-an-ecologists-buying-guide-173383 Dragonflies disappearing as wetlands are lost https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59585677 South Downs National Park: Sand lizards return to restored heathland https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-59628064 Mundesley: 'I'm very nervous about any further cliff falls' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-59608066 Concern over impact of Norfolk Boreas offshore windfarm on seabirds https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/09/concern-over-impact-of-norfolk-boreas-offshore-windfarm-on-seabirds University of Portsmouth study finds 9,000% increase in face mask litter https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-59622307 Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 - date for your diary 28 to 30th January. https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Climate change: Four cheap ways to save energy at home https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58913875 Tally the turtle on road to recovery - Anglesey Sea Zoo https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59579787 More general links in "..and finally ..." Some cracking offerings this week. Do keep using the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. It's best to avoid forwarding your individual Bulletin to others. Use that secure link or you can simply direct people to this link: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ If you are not yet an LNU member and would like to become one, you will be very welcome to join and support the effort. The webpage is: https://lnu.org/join-the-lnu/ A big thank you to all contributors who send in interesting news, events info and species reports. Please keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Weather Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Sunday 19 - 28 Dec "At the start of this period it will be settled and predominantly dry with large amounts of cloud, though cloud may well be thick enough for the odd spot of drizzle at times. In general, cloud amounts will tend to reduce with time, with a corresponding increase in the risk of overnight fog and frost, which may be slow to clear by day in some areas. " *** Next LNU [Indoor] Meeting *** 'The new Birds of Lincolnshire: trials and tribulations in data recording.' LNU/Lincolnshire Bird Club talk by Phil Espin. 2pm - Saturday January 29th 2022 Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park Free to attend. All welcome. There is a £2 parking charge. More information, including whether an indoor meeting is available on Zoom: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ *** Recording with "irecord"*** More and more people are using irecord, which is recommended by the LNU as the most appropriate platform for on-line recording, with the best validation and feedback. Please look at the website and while you are there why not create an account so you are set up and ready to try? https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** December 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 2021 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Area Groups webpage *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/area-groups *** Lincoln Area Group LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: "New speaker for our Lincoln Area Group meeting" December 16th 2021: "Out of the Darkness" An illustrated talk by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust president and wildlife photographer Geoff Trinder on people, landscapes and wildlife. At Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50. Refreshments are provided and there will also be a raffle. Advice from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is to wear a mask while attending and we will also need to take contact details for Test and Trace purposes, etc. Apologies to anyone looking forward to the talk by our original speaker. It may reappear again at some point in the next 12 months! *** Boultham Park Wildlife and Conservation Talks *** Boultham Park will be hosting talks by a range of experts in their field throughout December and January in the Linkage Education Centre. There will be 4 talks covering a range of topics, from managing wetland habitats, to building a thriving community green space from scratch, taking place on a Thursday from 6pm. There will be a small fee of £3.00 on the door, and free refreshments for all attendees. To guarantee a seat, please email us at Boultham.Park@lincoln.gov.uk or call 01522 873607, we hope to see you there! Information from Richard Davidson, who adds: The talks are in the Boultham Park Education Centre which is off Rookery Lane, Lincoln. More information: http://www.boulthampark.co.uk/wildlife-and-conservation-talks/ *** Zoom Talks - RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** Martin Francis writes: The successful season of well-received Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group continues on Monday 20th December at 7.30pm “The Natural History of Christmas” Dr Michael Leach Dr Michael Leach is a full-time wildlife author and photographer who has visited the Grimsby Group on at least 7 occasions in the past, and thrilled us every time! This topical and well-timed talk is based on Michael’s latest book where he explores the natural history of the holly and the ivy, the pre-Christian roots of hanging mistletoe and reveals that turkeys never did come from Turkey! This illustrated talk explains why the robin is our favourite Christmas bird and the origin of the Yule log. But, best of all, it reveals the unlikely story of why we thought that reindeer could fly! Once described as ‘a unique wildlife humorist’, Michael is guaranteed to inform, delight, amuse and surprise his audience. This is one talk that you must not miss under any circumstances! 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 Saturday 18th December, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Reminder: Bat rescue instructions *** Annette Faulkner writes... 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. *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Bear in mind Covid guidelines may change. Please continue to stay informed about new information and advice on Co-19 and 'flu. Adapt your precautions accordingly at indoor meetings and in groups on reserves or in the field. See: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 7/12 Curlew Sandpiper on Roads Farm grassland, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting flew south past, Great Northern Diver, 3 Snow Buntings. Gibraltar Point 33 Snow Buntings on beach, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Grey Phalarope 1w on north side. Snow Bunting on path in SE corner Covenham reservoir 8/12 Water Pipit on Jackson's Marsh, 5 Little Gulls flew south, Gibraltar Point Purple Sandpiper on beach, Mablethorpe Bittern, Whisby Nature Park Grey Wagtail in NE corner, Snow Bunting on east side, Covenham reservoir 9/12 Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe at Cut End, River Witham mouth, SE of Boston White-billed Diver offshore the flew south, Red-necked Grebe offshore, Great Northern Diver, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck offshore with Common Scoter, Purple Sandpiper on outlet, Mablethorpe c30 Snow Buntings on beach north of Crook Bank, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Grey Phalarope and Snow Bunting on east side, Covenham reservoir 10/12 Long-tailed Duck flew south past, 3 Great Northern Divers, 20 Snow Buntings, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck offshore with common Scoter north of Mablethorpe Short-eared Owl flew east, Marston sewage works Rock Pipit, Grey Phalarope 1w, Snow Bunting, Covenham reservoir 11/12 Little Stint, Water Pipit, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe flew south past, 3 Great Northern Divers, Gibraltar Point Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, at Cut End, River Witham mouth, SE of Boston 2 Long-tailed Ducks off north end, Velvet Scoter, Mablethorpe Grey Phalarope 1w, Snow Bunting, Great Northern Diver, Shag in NW corner, Caspian Gull 2w, Covenham reservoir 2 Water Pipits, East Halton Skitter 12/12 Cattle Egret flew north over River Welland, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Purple Sandpiper 1w on beach, Mablethorpe Little Stint, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh 26 Snow Buntings on beach north of Crook Bank, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Great Northern Diver flew south over Carlton Grange, Saltfleetby St Peter Caspian Gull 2w, Snow Bunting, Grey Phalarope 1w, 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Shags, Covenham reservoir Water Pipit at Skitter Pools, East Halton Skitter 13/12 Water Pipit on Low Wash Pools, Baston Fen viewed from River Glen bank 3 Short-eared Owls opposite Gull Farm at Deeping High Bank, NE of Deeping St Nicholas Little Stint on Middle Scrape, Water Pipit of South Scrape, 2 Hen harriers 1m over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck, Gibraltar Point Siberian Chiffchaff at Grace Avenue just north of Millennium Green Lake, North Hykeham Probable Mealy Redpoll at Millennium Green, North Hykeham 4 Long-tailed Ducks, 3 Velvet Scoters on sea off Seal Sanctuary, Mablethortpe Siberian Chiffchaff in hedge, then flew west, Huttoft Pit Grey Phalarope 1w, Great Northern Diver, Shag, Snow Bunting, Covenham reservoir Bittern, Far Ings 14/12 unconfirmed/possible Rough-legged Buzzard, Bishop Norton NW of Glentham Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 5 Long-tailed Ducks on sea at forth end, 2 Velvet Scoters, Purple Sandpiper on beach, Mablethorpe 25 Snow Buntings between Crook Bank and Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 12 Snow Buntings in dunes near Lookout pub, Winthorpe Bittern at Butterley's Pit [viewed thru' fence], Mill Green at Pike Drain, North Hykeham 2 Great Northern Divers, Snow Bunting, 2 Shags, Covenham reservoir ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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! *** Links "not to be missed" *** If you have a local starling roost site now's the time to visit it, but be there by 3.30pm when they usually start arriving. You need a "gate code" for visiting Woodhall Spa Airfield. Check the relevant page here: "Know before you go" https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/starling-murmurations Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: excellent photos and information. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Lincs Bird Club - latest sightings: superb website https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch - check the latest sightings: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/lincolnshire-latest-sightings BTO tracked cuckoos: latest updates. https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. *** 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/ *** 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 R+A Parsons TF120694 w/o 13/12/2021 Looking out to the Lime Trees on The Green this week I noted a male blackbird on guard duty, overlooking our holly bush. also a blue tit on the hunt, a rare sight here for some reason. The usual raiders keep visiting: 6+ Jackdaws, 6+ Wood Pigeons, 30+ House Sparrows, 20+ Starlings, 1-2 Collared Doves and 20+ local Black-headed Gulls from the church. Reading Mary's report below I'd add that the people of Bardney are under the constant surveillance of the local gull community. If I step outside I am promptly reported by a local "observer" which gives a sharp alert call to its mates. Given how aggressive gulls are to each other such cooperation is a a puzzle. Would it not be better to be sneaky? BARDNEY GARDEN Grid ref TF 117 701 Mary and Phil Porter 9th December 2021 Interesting behaviour: I’ve often observed that the house sparrows have different warning calls for “aerial predator” (usually a sparrow-hawk) and “ground predator” (usually a cat), but this morning I noticed these calls are understood by other animals as well as other species of birds. The garden had been full of chirping, with sparrows, chaffinches, collared doves and wood pigeons. Suddenly I noticed all was quiet. I looked out to see the great spotted woodpecker “frozen” on the hanging sunflower heart dispenser, five wood pigeons, all in a row, completely still on a tree branch, and a squirrel, frozen half on and half off the bird table. A quick look out the window revealed a large, female sparrow-hawk standing absolutely still on a tree branch, only about five metres from the feeder with the woodpecker on. How long they would have stayed in this “stale-mate” I don’t know, but I moved to get a photo of the sparrow-hawk and it flew off, breaking the spell. It was fascinating to see the squirrel joining in with the same behaviour as the birds. 14th December 2021 On a gloomy, damp, but comparatively mild morning, a song thrush was singing it’s heart out, plus a robin singing, and, even when still dark, a collared dove was calling. CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson The mature Birch in our garden has had an unprecedented mast year (if this term applies to birches), and is still releasing more seeds than I can ever recall. The hedges along the foot/cycle path to Bassingham have yielded a good crop of berries, which are being consumed by a small flock of Fieldfares and Redwings plus a few Blackbirds. I was out in the garden yesterday afternoon when I heard a loud clear 'peewit', which unfortunately is unusual these days. I looked around for a Lapwing, but failed to see one, before realising that the call had been made by a Starling which was in the Spruce in our front garden, which is a favourite perch for it/them. I have often heard them mimic Buzzards, but this was a first for me. Recently a flock of 400-500 Starlings has been foraging in the local fields: they can be heard chattering at quite a distance. Long-tailed Tits seem to have had a good year, there are few days when I fail to either see or hear them. Tawny Owls have been very vocal after dark, and a Little Owl has recently taken to spending a lot of time (including during the day) in a large old Ash across the field from us. Years ago Little Owls used to nest in one of its several cavities, but then they moved (I suspect because of Jackdaws) into a neighbouring Ash, where they remained until last year. It will be interesting to see whether they move back into this tree; it has been calling at dusk, which I presume to be a territorial matter. There seem to be a lot of Kestrels in the area hereabouts, presumably some of them ones which have come from the continent to overwinter. Finally, we have a Dunnock which scavenges our bird table, but only when no other birds are present. I have the feeling that I have mentioned this before, but until recently I have only ever seen Dunnocks shuffling around beneath looking for bits which other birds have knocked off the table. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 8/12/2021 Starlings 15 - in sycamore 10/12/2021 Hawthorn shieldbug 1 - accidentally brought indoors on chard after checking leaves for ladybirds outside! 13/12/2021 Greenfinch 2 HUTTOFT BANK, low tide around TF554776 Sanderling Calidris alba Small flock of 5 LINCOLN South Delph Su Colman & Mark Townsend SK 99170 70977 12/12/21 14:45 Never seen this before - 10 cormorants perching on top of pylons and high tension wires. Who would have thought they could manage the wires with their big webbed feet? SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 06/12/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 39 Jackdaw x 2 Redwing x 52 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 9 Wren x 1 14/12/21 Blackbird x 4 Blue Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Collared Dove x 2 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 51 Goldcrest x 1 Great Tit x 4 Jackdaw x 4 Jay x 1 Kestrel x 1 Little Egret x 1 Long-tailed Tit x 25 Magpie x 2 Redwing x 9 Robin x 1 Starling x 15 Tree Sparrow x 8 Wood Pigeon x 8 Grey Squirrel x 1 Rabbit x 2 SOUTH FERRIBY SE 96996 Jenny Haynes 9 December 2021 Large flock (over 100) of Lapwings circling over the mud flats between Read's Island and the south bank of the Humber this afternoon. STAPLEFORD SK 87818 57482 Jeremy Hutchinson Friday 3/12/21, 20.15: Barn Owl perched on chevron road sign. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 03/12/21 Barn Owl x 1 calling 17:00hrs Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 5 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Cormorant x 4 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Fieldfare x 75 Golden Plover x 35 flying east, fast and high in 'V' formation over Thurnholmes Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 41 Magpie x 2 Pink-footed Goose x 1500+ flying east, high over Thurnholmes Redwing x 29 Robin x 1 Rook x 15 in fields around Thurnholmes Starling x 51 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 8 05/12/21 Barn Owl x 1 17:30hrs Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 52 in fields around Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 5 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 65 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 8 Little Egret x 2 SK788992 Magpie x 2 Redwing x 51 Robin x 2 Teal x 14  east over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 31 Wood Pigeon x 35 08/12/21 Little Egret x 2 SK788992 10/12/21 Barn Owl x 1 calling 01:00hrs Blackbird x 15 Black-headed Gull x 125 in fields around Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 7 Common Buzzard x 2 Cormorant x 11 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain  Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 112 Goldfinch x 2 Grey Partridge x 2 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 23 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain  Redwing x 129 Robin x 1 Siskin x 6 feeding in Alders Starling x 125 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 00:25hrs Tree sparrow x 9 Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 1 13/12/21 Blackbird x 12 Black-headed Gull x 15 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 6 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 3 Fieldfare x 129 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 over Thurnholmes Pied wagtail x 2 Redwing x 151 Robin x 1 Siskin x 6 Starling x 131 Tawny Owl x 2 Tree Sparrow x 25 Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 2 Fox x 1 WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH  SK92/24 Jane Ostler 8-14 December 2022 Still plenty of both Wood and Meadow Blewits about on the Nature Trail and in the adjacent grass field. The Yellow Stainer which can be poisonous to some people and is sometimes mistaken for edible mushrooms has had a second fruiting also on Nature Trail. Inkcaps are represented by the Glistening Inkcap around a tree stump where Sulphur Tuft is dying off. Along the edges of the Nature Trail Scurfy Twiglet which seems to be found almost any month of the year. The Robin’s Pincushion galls on the wild roses seem particularly frequent this year but are yet untouched by birds as are the rose hips. Flocks of fieldfares and redwings are travelling the length of the hedges, with the fieldfares feeding on the fallen apples. In the garden the added interest this week has been a party of long-tailed tits visiting the feeders. Blackbirds have begun feeding on the fruits of the spindle which are abundant this year. A neighbours newly created pond has already been visited by a frog, a newt and a grass snake. In September a Brown Hawker Dragonfly explored the emergent plants he has put in only the day before. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs and Nature Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 RSPB Reserves: RSPB Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore are listed as Open. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list RSPB Freiston Shore https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Weekly seal update from Donna Nook https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook/weekly-update Remember to read our FAQs : 10/12/2021 Bulls 545, cows 779 and pups 2,084. 3/12/2021 Bulls 527, cows 1,488 and pups 2,009. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 1st – 14th December 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 031221 - Single woodcock flew from dunes near Sea View, at Elm House Farm: 328 Canada geese and 5 pink-feet and 12 greylags; in the area at least 175 wigeon. 4 long-tailed duck and 3 velvet scoter with c500 common scoter. 30 snow bunting around Crook Bank, snipe flew in-off the sea, peregrine flew along the beach with breakfast and 300 corvids were on the beach at the south end. Woodcock in the dunes at Crook Bank. 041221 - Single great spotted woodpecker, 3 stock doves and 8 magpies at feeding station near Sea View. 071221 - Small flock of 55 wigeon feeding on saltmarsh after falling high tide and at least 190 with teal, shoveler and mallard on the nearby Great Eau. Note: Another few days of contrasting temperatures. A ground frost of -5.25 degrees C recorded on the 11th and an air frost of -1.25 degrees C but by the 13th temperatures had risen, due to a south-westerly air flow, to minimum temperatures of 7.0 and 9.0 degrees C with a maximum of 14.25 degrees C. 081221 - 12 blackbirds feeding on fallen apples at Sea View. 091221 - Several blackbirds, 3 mistle thrushes and 2 fieldfares in hawthorn hedge near Sea View. The grass field near Paradise lagoon continues to attract at least 24 feeding curlew. 348 curlew seen on Theddlethorpe foreshore roost. 101221 - Hunting over the saltmarsh: male merlin, kestrel and 3 marsh harriers. 111221 - 190 wigeon grazing on the Sea View washlands. 121221 - After a sunny afternoon reaching 14 degree C 3 small bats hawking insects near trees and cattle sheds Churchill Lane at dusk. 3 Cetti’s warblers and 2 water rails heard Churchill to Rimac. 26 snow bunting on the foreshore near Crook Bank, where a group of mixed waders were also feeding, including 560 dunlin. 131221 - 18 whooper swans and c 2600 pink foot geese leaving NNR foreshore roost. At least 2500 pink-feet flying over Sea View and 18 whooper swans on Rimac lagoon. Small bat flying around Sea View at dusk with the temperature being 10.0 degrees C. 24 snow bunting near Crook Bank. Ringtail hen harrier seen flying over farmland adjacent to NNR. 141221 - 5 long-tailed duck and 2 velvet scoter with 400 common scoter at Mablethorpe north end. Woodcock in the dunes at Crook Bank and a bullfinch at Rimac.  Other local reserves: 031221 – Donna Nook weekly seal count: bulls: 527, cows: 1488, pups: 2009 081221 – Muckton Wood: 1 woodcock, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 1 nuthatch 101221 – Donna Nook weekly seal count: bulls: 545, cows: 779, pups: 2002. Pup total for 2021 so far: 2084 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ 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 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com *** Lincs Dormouse Group update *** Gemma Watkinson writes: The winter work party dates for this winter are below. Sunday 21st November Saturday 18th December Sunday 16th January Saturday 19th February Sunday 20th March We meet at 10am at the wood centre car park, and normally stay until around 3pm with a packed lunch break. All tools are provided, but recommend to bring your own work gloves/ gardening gloves if you have them. Please note that Forestry England have still not opened the toilet facilities at Chambers. We have a lot of winter tasks to catch up on including box repairs and replacements, cutting back a few of the pathways that have become overgrown and coppicing work as part of the management of Ivy Wood. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Humber Heritage Trail, Alkborough Flats - LWT leaflet https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ *** Love Lincs Plants *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants Love Lincs Plants: Herbarium Hub Aidan Neary writes: we have launched our online herbarium knowledge hub today to help external organisations to develop their own herbarium. Lots of useful information, including instructional videos on plant collection (Jack Perks film) and a Mounting Guide video by NHM’s Kath Castillo as well as links to equipment and materials. See: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/herbarium-hub https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants/status/1457735102046384133 *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** All of the LNU 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 - LNU downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List - LNU *** 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/ *** South Lincolnshire Flora Group *** https://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** The Wolds Fungi Group *** Contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com *** Lincolnshire Dormouse Group *** Contact: lincsdormousegroup@gmail.co FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer 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. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Need help identifying a moth? Want to know which moth species might be on the wing tonight in your area? You can find out easily using ‘What’s Flying Tonight’. https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/whats-flying-tonight 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 For current records please refer to the Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire by C. J. Manning, LNU Mammal Recorder. You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf Spiders, Pseudoscorpions, Harvestmen Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Email: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk 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. You can send any records to Ashley Butterfield (Lincolnshire Amphibian and Reptile Recorder) at LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: 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 Email: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk Non-Marine Molluscs Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: mrapickwell@gmail.com 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 welcomed. USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS 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/ *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ 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/ *** Bird Friendly Coffee Shade-grown from RSPB *** https://birdandwild.co.uk/ For the geologists... Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group *** https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 *** Lincolnshire Geology - The Wolds AONB *** https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/maps/geology *** Cracking up in Lincolnshire - our roads - Geological Society *** https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Geoscientist/Archive/March-2014/Cracking-up-in-Lincolnshire *** The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable LNU book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-geology-of-lincolnshire-h-h-swinnerton-and-p-e-kent.pdf *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. https://lnu.org/specialists/ When sending in reports, e.g. unusual plants, 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. Thank you. 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 *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. BSBI Code of Conduct https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/BSBI-Code-of-Conduct.pdf Code of Conduct for Responsible Collecting of Fungi http://www.davidmoore.org.uk/Assets/fungi4schools/Reprints/Pickers_code.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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important updates *** We will post any changes to LNU events through the Bulletin, the LNU Twitter feed, LNU Facebook page and LNU meetings webpage. Please refer to the LNU website for details of any Zoom arrangements for watching online. Indoor Meetings 2022 https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ 'The new Birds of Lincolnshire: trials and tribulations in data recording.' LNU/Lincolnshire Bird Club talk by Phil Espin. 2pm - Saturday January 29th 2022 Species Recording Meeting Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders; it will finish at 4pm. 12 noon – 19th February 2022 Annual General Meeting – 12th March 2022 2pm – Followed by the Presidential Address by Owen Mountford 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/ Whisby Natural History Workshops See: https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. Places are limited. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** None this 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 mail failure I will be happy to send you the error report to pass on to your "Help Desk". Just ask. ....and finally... Country diary: They drive you out, your mum and dad https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/08/country-diary-they-drive-you-out-your-mum-and-dad Country diary: The jackdaws strut and chatter with Paul Hollywood eyes https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/10/country-diary-the-jackdaws-strut-and-chatter-with-paul-hollywood-eyes Country diary: Storm Arwen battered the valley, but the barn owl survives https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/13/country-diary-storm-arwen-battered-the-valley-but-the-barn-owl-survives Country diary: A great white egret darts into view, as if walking on stilts https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/14/country-diary-a-great-white-egret-darts-into-view-as-if-walking-on-stilts Roman crucifixion: First example in UK found in Cambridgeshire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-59569629 How white-feathered barn owls terrify their prey into submission: 'It’s like a ghost coming on it' https://www.countrylife.co.uk/nature/white-feathered-barn-owls-terrify-prey-submission-like-ghost-coming-202918 A Census Catalogue of British and Irish Bryophytes 2021. This is now available as a pdf https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/publications/census-catalogue/ Linnean society: What did our ancestors do when faced with climatic & env changes? https://soundcloud.com/user-679811756/deep-history-of-climate-change Soil carbon increases with long-term cattle stocking in northern temperate grasslands https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sum.12580 NHM: Are lobsters immortal https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/are-lobsters-immortal.html How does spider colouration enable them to hunt better? https://appliedecologistsblog.com/2021/12/03/spider-body-coloration-plays-an-important-role-in-foraging-and-predator-avoidance/ How have colourblind animals mastered colour change https://functionalecologists.com/2021/12/02/can-cephalopods-see-what-fishes-see/ Californian firm touts 'mushroom leather' as ground breaking https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/02/californian-firm-touts-mushroom-leather-as-sustainability-gamechanger In the frigid Arctic, these foxes grow their own gardens https://www.zmescience.com/science/biology/arctic-foxes-gardens-30112021/ Dave Goulson: Discover the advantages of having a second penis. Watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMCi2sL7e-k Space sleeping bag to solve astronauts' squashed eyeball disorder https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59591301 ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/