============================================ || || 13th January 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 Wood Farm 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... don't miss the links... ============================================ Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins from Feb 2009 - new layout 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... *** We were delighted to see a Redwing visiting the garden on 10th January, such a striking bird and not one we would normally expect to see here in the centre of the village unless we had apple trees to attract them. Perhaps the very cold spell had lured them in. Then I recalled I had heard a burst of unfamiliar birdsong that morning and confirmed it the song of a redwing with this link: https://www.british-birdsongs.uk/redwing/ I wonder if any readers are watching ITV's "The Pembrokeshire Murders" this week? I've recorded it because I want to scrutinise it carefully. My parents lived in the area, [where I had my teenage years,] looking across the Bristol Channel to Lundy Island, and we know the county and Coastal Path very well. I did not know any of the people mentioned, but remember following the events at the time. You can catch up here: https://www.itv.com/hub/the-pembrokeshire-murders/2a6732a0001 Hope you are managing to watch BBC's Perfect Planet series - not to be missed. You can catch up on BBC iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08xc2lh We look forward to your contributions this year. Please send in your reports via the Bulletin or to the appropriate LNU recorder[s] if you prefer: https://lnu.org/specialists/ [If unsure on this, see section 7. "Sending in Reports - contributors please read!"] To email me please use the recommended address: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Weather Forecast: 17 - 26 Jan "...Into the next week unsettled conditions will continue with winds from the north bringing cold conditions from Scandinavia across much of the country by the end of the week... ...Temperatures most likely rather cold/cold for much of the UK." https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Reminder: Big Garden Birdwatch 2021 Friday 29 and Sunday 31 January Your reminder may already be winging its way to you. Or sign up via their link. "You can participate in the Birdwatch anytime between Friday 29 and Sunday 31 January. Simply spend an hour counting the birds in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park. Then tell us what you saw. " https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Here is a selection of links from topical local to national and international news stories and articles sent in by fellow-readers. There should be something to interest everyone. More links in "...and finally..." England's Big Picture: 4 - 10 January https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-55533237 In Case You Missed It: A ‘singing’ lake and a lava fountain - speakers on. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-55605868 In pictures: Aurora Borealis lights up sky above Scotland https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-55630880 Sonic boom heard over eastern England as RAF escorts civilian aircraft https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-55636583 Covid-19: Horsey seal sightseeing couple fined for 130-mile trip https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-55588086 Covid-19: Praise as angling given lockdown go-ahead https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-55587460 'Hundreds' visit Lincolnshire village after satnav confusion https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55596220 Gang who stole lead from churches jailed - good! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-55561596 'Human foot' in Gateshead field turns out to be potato https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-55585065 Climate change resulted in mixed fortunes for UK wildlife during 2020 - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/unpredictable-weather-sees-mixed-fortunes-for-uk-wildlife-in-2020/ Climate change: 2020 in a dead heat for world's warmest year https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55576736 What to feed ducks – according to science https://theconversation.com/what-to-feed-ducks-according-to-science-150901 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. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Covid Noticeboard - Lincolnshire has gone to Tier 5 National Lockdown *** Covid-19-related information: Please stay aware of updated government advice and adapt your personal precautions accordingly as the measures "evolve". See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus NHS About Coronavirus [COVID-19] https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 Coronavirus: Virus provides leaps in scientific understanding https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55565284 Coronavirus variants and mutations: The science explained https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55404988 "All LNU meetings are cancelled" policy continues. When eventually judged safe, we will announce any plans for resumption of LNU events through the Bulletin, the LNU Twitter feed and LNU meetings webpages. 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. https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants 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 Please let us know of any local Covid-related deveopments 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. ends.... *** Society for the History of Natural History - John Thackray Medal *** Ann Sylph writes via Paul Scott: I am pleased to be inviting nominations for the 2021 SHNH John Thackray Medal - awarded to the best book published on the history or bibliography of natural history during 2020 or 2019. The prize will be awarded to the book which contributes most significantly to the history of natural history. Significance will be assessed on the basis of: Originality, Organisation and presentation of information, Excellence of intellectual content, Contribution to the literature of the field. Nominations are welcome from publishers and members of the Society for the History of Natural History. Please send nominations to the Chair of the Award panel : wan1000@cam.ac.uk Information about the Award and a list of previous winners can be found on our website: https://shnh.org.uk/awards-honours-medals/john-thackray-medal/ Please do share with your networks to encourage submissions for the Award. If you are not already a member, please do consider joining, details on our website: Membership - Society for the History of Natural History https://shnh.org.uk/ *** Petition about future funding of Natural England *** We don't do political campaigning, but it does no harm to keep abreast of current issues and readers are free to hold and express their views. It is being suggested that more support should be given to Natural England to carry out its work to protect the natural environment. If interested in looking at one such petition visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/561183 *** Bird Flu Watch *** How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu also - specifically in wild birds: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#wild-birds-in-england *** Reminder: Zoom Talk offered by RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** "Wildlife of a Working Forest" - A Zoom talk by Mike Read Martin Francis writes: 'Following the success of our previous Zoom talks, the RSPB Grimsby Local Group has arranged another illustrated talk which will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 25th January. This time, Author, Tour Leader and acclaimed Free-lance Photographer Mike Read will focus on his ‘local patch’, The New Forest, which is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife species with many rarities. 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 able to offer help if you request it. To find out the arrangements for getting a link to the talk, please email Martin Francis at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com before 8pm on Friday 22nd January, and please state that you have seen the information in the LNU Bulletin Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group' *** Lincolnshire Show Dates for the diary *** From their website: Show returns for 2021 "The Lincolnshire Show is delighted to announce its return for 2021. It’s been a difficult year for everyone, but we can’t wait to welcome you back to the Showground on 23 & 24 June. The Show is a flagship event for the county and one that is more important than ever. We are now busy planning as there will be a few changes to the usual format to ensure we are fully Covid-19 compliant. More details will be announced soon, so please save the date!" See: https://lincolnshireshow.co.uk/media/news/2020-12-15/the-lincolnshire-show-returns-for-2021 [Editor adds: Given the Covid pandemic - please keep checking.] *** Moth Night 2021 Dates for the diary *** Planning ahead: 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. Live on line perhaps? www.mothnight.info *** 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/ *** 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 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up if at risk http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx Lyme Disease https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ *** January 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 Meteor Shower Guide 2021 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/ 6/1 Great Northern Diver juv on Main Lake, 1w Scaup drk, 4 Long-eared Owls in gully, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 2 Great White Egrets at Deeping High Bank near River, 4 Short-eared Owls, Deeping St Nicholas Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck fem/1w drk, on sea at south end, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 7/1 Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point 80 Snow Buntings in outer dunes, Cleethorpes 9/1 3 Short-eared Owls, Baston Fen Scaup 1w drk, Main Lake, Tallington Lakes Great Northern Diver juv on Main Lake, 1w Scaup drk, 3+ Long-eared Owls in gully, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Hen Harrier male over fields east of Wainfleet St Mary Bewick's Swan ad with 129 Whooper Swans, NE of Deeping St Nicholas Red-necked Grebe, ringtail Hen Harrier, Freiston Shore 12+ Lapland Buntings, 91 Twite, Tetney Marshes Little Stint, 2+ Water Pipits, Alkborough Flats 10/1 Water Pipit, on Middle Wash, Baston Fen Bewick's Swan ad at Deeping High Bank with 151 Whooper Swans, 2 Short-eared Owls by Gull Farm, Great White Egret, NE of Deeping St Nicholas 1w Scaup drk on Main Lake, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 9+ Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes 11/1 2 Common Cranes flew over Morrisons, Lakeside, Scunthorpe 1w Scaup drk on Main Lake, 2 Long-eared Owls on island, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 12/1 4 Hen Harriers, 2 males, Wainfleet RAF Range roost, Wainfleet St Mary Short-eared Owl, Bastomn Fen 4 Hen Harriers, Gibraltar Point ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work and drop-in sessions at the Queen in the West pub! http://www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire/content/articles/2005/08/30/nature_sightings_feature.shtml 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: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project Useful Hedgehog Links https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ http://caddingtonhedgehogs.blogspot.com/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. None reported this week. Chris Manning writes: 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 7/1/2021 Carrion Crow 1 - with "slipped oar" Jackdaw - 10+ - one with one leg Magpie 2 Black-headed Gull 12+ based in the church Starling 20+ House Sparrow 10 Wren Robin 1+ Dunnock m + f Blue tit 2+ Blackbird m + f Collared Dove 3 Wood Pigeon 3 10/1/2012 11.30-12 noon Redwing ad seen in garden 3 times on holly bush and lawn. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 7/1/2021 Chaffinch 2 m&f Tawny owl 1 Heard 10pm Self heal in flower 10/1/2021 Great spotted woodpecker 1 11/1/2021 Fox 1 - At least I think it was a fox at 2.30am - made 3 barks that weren't from a dog. MORKERY WOOD  SK955192 6/1/21 4C Cloudy Car Park area only Jane Ostler Unlike same date in 2020, nothing in flower and no fungi except for the beginnings of the bracket Turkey tail on a log and Tar Spot on fallen sycamore leaves. LICHENS A silver birch tree has been felled and the twigs had collars of lichens between the nodes. Taken home to examine under magnification this grey, crustose species revealed “jam tart” fruits with the fertile tan coloured filling partly obscured by a white powdery covering. This is the distinctive Lecanora carpinea, found typically on fine branches. Two other kinds of lichen were collected from the leaf litter, having fallen from the trees. The first, a green foliose species tested negative with a spot of bleach (i.e. didn’t turn orange.) This separates the acid tolerant and common Hypogymnia physodes from the clean air indicator Hypotrachea laevigata. The other species , a grey, branched species with numerous fruits was Ramalina fastigiata, not particularly tolerant to nitrates but not a clean air indicator like Ramalina calicaris. This has grooved branches whilst that of  R.fastigiata has flat ones in section. BIRDS Pheasants are reared in the wood and apart from those heard a dead cock bird was on the road outside the wood. 5 Blackbirds, only one of which female, were searching the leaf litter. Great Tits were in the silver birch trees and a Jay was flying low under the trees. MAMMALS A hazel nut with a hole in made by a Bank Vole. Rabbit droppings in leaf litter. Evidence of Badger, but not recent. 14 Fallow Deer walking in adjacent field, south to back of kennels and then returning slowly after about ten minutes. No stags. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 11/01/21 Blackbird x 4 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker x 1 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 2 Jay x 1 Little Egret x 1 flew east over Tree Sparrow x 7 Wren x 1 Fox x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 06/01/21 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 31 fields around Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Cormorant x 2 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 45 Greenfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Mallard x 6 over  Moorhen x 4 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Mute Swan x 4 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Redwing x 9 Robin x 2 Starling x 350 over Stock Dove x 1 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 19:30hrs Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 2 Wren x 1 Weasel x 1 SK804998 07/01/21 Blackbird x 6 Black-headed Gull x 12 Blue Tit x 3 roosting in last years nest Carrion Crow x 2 Mistle Thrush x 2 East Lound SK786997 Woodcock x 1 Wood Pigeon x 2 09/01/21 Blackbird x 6 Black-headed Gull x 35 over Blue Tit x 1 roosting as previous Carrion Crow x 5 Chaffinch x 6 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 15 Great Tit x 1 Grey Partridge x 4 Mallard x 1 over Robin x 1  Sparrowhawk x 1 male 12/01/21 Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 34 over Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Great Tit x 3 Greylag Goose x 26 over Red-legged Partridge x 1 Siskin x 1 7-Spot Ladybird x 4 on Oak sapling in paddock WOOLSTHORPE AND COLSTERWORTH SK92/24  ,SK92/25 5-11Jan 2021 Jane Ostler BIRDS Following the bird survey on 1st Jan 2021 the following addional species have been seen: A Cormorant in a tree near the River Witham Redpolls in Twyford Wood Woodcock in woodland to north of Colsterworth In my garden this week on a sunny day three vocal birds the Dunnock, Wren and Robin. Three big voices from three small birds. No blackbird song as yet though one male gave a half hearted chase to a female. On the Nature Trail as in Morkery Wood last week, there seems to be a lot more blackbirds about. A house on the other side of Woolsthorpe to ours  has one of the few chimneys without a protective cowl and a pair of jackdaws are very busy filling it full of nesting material. The Collared Doves in our garden are also building a new nest. We have attracted chaffinch into the garden by putting niger and other small seed on the ground. That in the bird feeder continues ignored. MAMMALS A Wood Mouse has winter quarters in a nest box occupied in summer by blue tits. From the house we have been hearing a Fox calling for a mate – a sound something between a scream and a howl ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Reserves http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/far-ings https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/gibraltar-point ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore are listed as Open. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of which LWT reserves are open and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report  6th – 12th January 2021. Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Interesting weather facts recorded at Sea View from 2020: Lowest minimum temperature was on 31st December with a ground -8.0 degrees C and air -4.5 degrees C. A late ground frost of -0.25 degrees C was recorded on 9th June. First autumn ground frost of -2.0 degrees C noted on 4th November. Highest day-time temperature was 27.25 degrees C on 26th June. Most continuous days of recorded rainfall was from 28th September - 17th October, but note that no ppt fell on 18th October but then a further 17 days of rainfall from 19th October - 4th November. During this long spell from the end of September to early November 69.7mm (2.75 inches) rainfall recorded. Most rainfall recorded in a 24 hour period was 22.2mm (0.87 inches) on 28th August. Wettest month was February with 89.9mm (3.54 inches) of rainfall. Total rainfall for 2020 was 571.50mm (22.52 inches). From ppt records for Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR (taken at Sea View) for 1993 - 2019 the average annual rainfall is 596.87mm (23.52 inches). Longest period without rainfall was 6th April - 25th April, twenty days. Driest month was May with 7.8mm (0.31 inches) of rainfall. Snowfall was recorded as wet snow on 27th February which didn’t settle on the ground. Snow grains observed for a very short period of time at daybreak on 25th December. Single days of fog observed on 23rd January, 15th September and 6th November. Between 6th - 9th December dense freezing fog which was at times slow to clear during the day. Days of strong winds were noted in most months during the year but in particular February was a very windy month where 10 days had a wind strength of +30mph but a south-westerly gust of 69.8mph was recorded on the 15th.Note - bitterly cold W-NW on the 25th with snow grains observed at daybreak. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 060121 - 3 brambling, 2 bullfinch and a stonechat in the dunes at the south end of NNR. The female long-tailed duck on the sea close in with 2 female common scoter. 400 herring gull on the beach at Crook Bank. 1 Peregrine over Sea View. 1 little grebe on Paradise Lagoon. 080121 - On a raw foggy day at least 12 blackbirds feeding on any available berries in the Sea View area. At Rimac was a chiffchaff, 50 redwing and 3 stonechat. 090121 - Paradise lagoon 10 mallard, 4 greylags, 37 shoveler, 51 teal, 5 gadwall and a single redshank. Hunting over the saltmarsh ringtail hen harrier, marsh harrier and female merlin. On the foreshore near Crook Bank were 24 yellowhammer, 6 snow bunting, 5 skylark, 3 pied wagtail and a stonechat. 3 woodcock and 5 bullfinch in the dunes. Long-tailed duck on the sea and two red-breasted merganser flew south offshore. 100121 - On the saltmarsh 17 little egrets were joined by 57 redshank all busily feeding together. A female pintail and 2 red-throated diver flew south over the sea and the long- tailed duck was on the sea from Crook Bank again. 40 yellowhammer between Crook Bank and Brickyard lane and 6 snow bunting on the beach again. 2 goldcrest in the dunes. 2 water rails calling, 38 blackbirds, 96 carrion crow and little owl calling in the CL area. 110121 - Six snow buntings near Crook bank. In a grass field between the Eau and B1200 near Alderson House 3 white-fronted geese with a minimum of 2000 pink-feet. 120121 - Mix of blackbirds, redwing and 2 song thrushes in shelter belt near Sea View plus single bullfinch in scrub nearby. c3500 pink footed geese flying off foreshore roost in 3 large skeins and 2 skeins heading south west over Gayton wind turbines. Brambling and water rail heard, female sparrowhawk over, 3 bullfinch in Blackthorn and 56 cormorant on foreshore. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on the Coronavirus, Covid-19 plus details of any LWT reserves which are now open and the related advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given on the website. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ 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 Dr Anke Timmermann FLS discusses Joseph Banks’ florilegium https://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lifesciences/ *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** All of of the specimens that have been processed and digitised to date can now be viewed here: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/lincs-plants *** The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons - downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List *** Paul Kirby has produced a list which details all the vascular plant and stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ *** 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: 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/ British wasp guide: how to identify common species https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/insects-invertebrates/british-wasp-guide-how-to-identify-common-species-lifecycle-and-why-wasps-sting-in-autumn/ 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 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 Please have a look at https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php for an easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. Or you can send any records to Ashley Butterfield (Lincolnshire Amphibian and Reptile Recorder) at LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Please include Species, Date, Time, Location, numbers as a minimum (Other useful information includes Temperature and Weather conditions.) *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) http://www.glnp.org.uk/ Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards have now been cancelled for 2020 and will resume in 2021, all being well. *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ *** InsideEcology *** Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ *** NHBS *** Should you need natural history equipment or books, a good place to start is: https://www.nhbs.com/ For the geologists... *** Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group *** https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** UKGE - Geological Supplies *** https://www.ukge.com/ *** The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-geology-of-lincolnshire-h-h-swinnerton-and-p-e-kent.pdf *** British Geological Survey at Keyworth *** https://www.bgs.ac.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few instances may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed please contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. *** Codes of Conduct *** BMS Code of Conduct for Responsible Collecting of Fungi https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/mycology/conservation/code-conduct 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 message for LNU members *** Précis of Nick Tribe's announcement on future events - full text in 7th Oct Bulletin. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2020oct07.txt As the Covid 19 risk remains high the Executive has taken the decision to cancel the first two meetings and (hopefully) postpone the AGM to July/August/September 2021. i.e. January 16th joint talk with Lincolnshire Bird Club February 27th Recorders’ meeting March 27th AGM The Executive will explore dates in the summer for the AGM. ...If a delayed AGM is not possible, the Executive is happy to remain in post until March 2022. We have considered alternatives such as an online AGM, but none appear to be workable. We hope to publish a summary of the accounts in the Spring 2021 Communiqué and should be able to update members on the delayed AGM at that time. Any queries about the accounts can be sent to Chris Manning. The Executive continues to be active via email and telephone and is monitoring the situation with an eye on the 2021 field meeting programme. As with the AGM, the Union may be able to run some field meetings in 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Richard Chadd or Nick Tribe." LNU Officers & Executive https://lnu.org/about/officers-executive/ Richard Davidson says of the Whisby Workshops: "All are cancelled for this year. I am hoping to run them this time next year if at all possible, but that depends on whether something approaching normal life has returned by then." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** None last week. ....and finally... Readers have a wide range of interests which I try to reflect in the news and information given in the Bulletin. Please help with suggestions for future links. A photographer's secrets to capturing wildlife on Bardsey Island https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55530924 Was I wrong to fall for a cheating cat? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-54710400 Forget your biology book -- here's what chromosomes really look like https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/genetic/what-chromosomes-look-like-03012021/ Consultation launched over gene edited food in England https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55576187 Climate change: Extreme weather causes huge losses in 2020 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55416013 Covid: Online shopping spike creates Cardiff recycling collection challenge https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55571589 Cornish fishing boats 'gathering dust' as EU shellfish exports halt https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-55563678 Why 2021 could be turning point for tackling climate change https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55498657 Whitehaven coal mine: Government refuses to call in plans https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-55561852 Climate change: Alaskan wilderness opens up for oil exploration https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55561536 Plastic waste found by archaeologists at Pembrokeshire hill-fort https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55573129 Nasa's Curiosity rover: 3,000 days on Mars https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55562150 Country diary: the awkward teenagers of the seal world https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/02/country-diary-the-awkward-teenagers-of-the-seal-world Country diary: worms lose their grip in a deadly tug-of-war https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/06/country-diary-worms-lose-their-grip-in-a-deadly-tug-of-war Hair ice: The strange phenomenon of 'candy floss' on trees https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55531529 ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/