============================================ || || 20th 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... *** I wonder what this week's turbulent winter weather will give us in the way of unusual wildlife observations - please let us know if you spot things of interest. We have snowdrops showing in the churchyard at Bardney, always a welcome reminder that we are getting through the winter. I have also had a report of Snowdrops and Aconites out in Carlton le Moorland churchyard. [JH] There are winter thrushes about too, notably Redwings feeding on Holly Berries and Fieldfares in hedgerows and gardens with windfall apples. Note UK weather warnings - East Midlands https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2021-01-19®ion=em®ionType=area and Flood warnings for Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire Weather Forecast: 24 Jan - 2 Feb "...unsettled conditions look most likely with low pressure dominant across the UK, bringing changeable weather with periods of rain, showers and strong winds at times. Overall temperatures are likely to be rather cold in the north but close to average in the south." https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Big Garden Birdwatch 2021 Friday 29 and Sunday 31 January Are you ready? "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." You can sign up via their link. https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Your information and news will keep the Bulletin interesting! Please send in your wildlife 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 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..." Climate change vulnerability and adaptation on England's National Nature Reserves. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320720309964 England's Big Picture: 11 - 17 January https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-55620370 Two Iron Age skeletons found in separate dig sites near Lincoln https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/two-iron-age-skeletons-found-4895574 In pictures: Winter scenes from around the UK https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-55674785 BBC 2 Winterwatch new series - on now - catch up. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rh17 Meet the Boston-born specialist at the heart of the coronavirus crisis - JVT https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/profile-jonathan-van-tam-boston-4841807 20 garden projects to do during lockdown - Countryfile https://www.countryfile.com/how-to/outdoor-skills/garden-projects-to-do-in-coronavirus-lockdown/ Sonic boom: RAF home-schooling lesson after Typhoon intercepts plane https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-55645967 Covid: 'Urban explorers' on Grantham hospital visit fined https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55645288 The latest from Woodhall Spa mortuary as coronavirus death toll increases https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/woodhall-spa-mortuary-coronavirus-update-4883605 Aerial photos capture 'tree of life' structures in Norfolk and Suffolk https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-55678557 Brexit: Kirkella super trawler unable to fish since Brexit https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-55621259 Grimsby tip Christmas attraction raises £10,000 for charity https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-55631329 Wanted: UK bison rangers, no previous experience expected. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/13/wildlife-rangers-in-uk-jobs-offer-no-bison-experience-required Houseflies have specialised wings that make them harder to swat https://www.newscientist.com/article/2264602-houseflies-have-specialised-wings-that-make-them-harder-to-swat/ BBC's Perfect Planet series - not to be missed. You can catch up on BBC iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08xc2lh 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 New coronavirus variants could cause more reinfections, require updated vaccines https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/01/new-coronavirus-variants-could-cause-more-reinfections-require-updated-vaccines "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. *** 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 Warnings - Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire 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/ 12/1 4 Hen Harriers, 2 males, Wainfleet RAF Range roost, Wainfleet St Mary Short-eared Owl, Baston Fen 4 Hen Harriers, Gibraltar Point 13/1 2 Bewick's Swans in oilseed rape field near Shillaker's Farm, Baston Fen 11 Russian White Fronted Geese, Anderby Marsh 14/1 2 Bewick's Swans ads in oilseed rape field near Shillaker's Farm, Baston Fen 15/1 2 Bewick's Swans ads in oilseed rape field near Shillaker's Farm, Baston Fen 16/1 Water Pipit on first flood, Baston Fen 17/1 2 Bewick's Swans ad with 70 Whooper Swans, NE of Deeping St Nicholas at Deeping High Bank Scaup 1w drk on Main Lake, Tallington Lakes Water Pipit on 1st flood, then along River Glen, Baston Fen Water Pipit, Frampton Marsh Snow Bunting, Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, Iceland Gull ad between north end of Mablethorpe and Crook Bank 18/1 Possible Siberian Chiffchaff, Marston sewage works 2 Hen Harriers, Gibraltar Point 2 Lapland Buntings, Hen Harrier, Tetney Marshes 19/1 Hen Harrier, 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 19/1/2021 First snowdrops up in churchyard. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 9/01/2021 4-5 Redwings feeding on Holly berries in garden. A walk along a small local watercourse resulted in sightings of a Snipe and a Kingfisher, neither of which I've seen locally for years. A friend in the village has a Dunnock which sits on the handle of her patio doors and taps on both the glass and the door frames. It shows no aggression to its reflection, but I presume that it's a male because it sings between bouts of tapping. I've never heard of a Dunnock behaving in this way, they're usually such timid little birds. This morning it was performing when a Robin chased it away. HORKSTOW SE987170 Jenny Haynes 17 January 2021 A Goldcrest appeared in my garden yesterday. I usually see one every winter. Long Tailed Tits and a Great Spotted Woodpecker also put in an occasional appearance. I spotted some snowdrops just about to burst into flower today. Always a good sign! HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 13/1/2021 Collared doves 2 15/1/2021 Chaffinch 2 Wren 1 16/1/2021 Long-tailed tits 8-10 in oak 20/1/2021 Fox 1 [at] 5am and my husband said he heard 2 much earlier than this SOUTH HYKEHAM South Hykeham SK 944647 Jeremy Hutchinson 10/01/2021 Kingfisher (Having not seen one since August 2018 in the centre of Sheffield!), the second in consecutive days. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 13th – 19th January 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 120121 - Interesting seeing reaction of a fox towards a ringtail hen harrier which was perched on the ground on the saltmarsh near Sea View. The fox spotted the bird and meandered its way towards the harrier which saw it but allowed the animal to approach within about 10 metres. The bird then flew to land on another clump of vegetation some 15 metres away. The fox, still curious, stalked the bird which then flew off to land on another clump but this time behind the fox. The fox then realising it hadn’t a hope turned and moved away, similarly the harrier flew off and began hunting along the creeks. Also hunting over the saltmarsh a marsh harrier and merlin. 130121 - Flock of 20 redwing near Sea View. 140121 - Great spotted woodpecker near Sea View. 150121 - Water levels on the Eau were very high, but there was a nice selection of wildfowl on the submerged scrapes near Sea View, the highlight being a drake pintail. 120 wigeon and 100 teal were also present along with 2 pied wagtails. 2 woodcock were in the dunes at Rimac and a Cetti’s warbler was in the reedbed. 500 herring gull on the beach from Crook Bank and 13 snow bunting. 170121 - At least 2500 golden plover seen flying over Elm House Farm. Male marsh harrier over saltmarsh. A goldeneye and 37 red-throated diver went north over the sea. On the sea was a great northern diver and a long-tailed duck, a woodcock flew in. 12 yellowhammer were on the dune edge and an increase in gull numbers on the beach which included an adult Iceland gull and an adult Mediterranean gull. 180121 - Paradise lagoon: 42 shoveler, 67 teal, 4 mallard. Pair of bullfinch and great spotted woodpecker near Sea View. At Rimac: 1 buzzard, 2 kestrel, 1 merlin, 1 sparrowhawk, 70 redwing, 2 stonechat. Water rail and Cetti’s warbler heard in the evening, when 120 teal and 8 shoveler were on Rimac Lagoon. 190121 - Amongst the teal and shoveler on Paradise lagoon were 5 gadwall, 2 tufted duck and a little grebe. Ringtail and male hen harrier over the saltmarsh. 8 smooth newts in a pool at Sea View and a snipe flew over at Rimac. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Woodpeckers move their beaks 'like a drill bit' https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9153583/ Indonesia: Archaeologists find world's oldest animal cave painting https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55657257 Vampire finches: how little birds in the Galápagos evolved to drink blood https://theconversation.com/vampire-finches-how-little-birds-in-the-galapagos-evolved-to-drink-blood-153010 Honey detective work raises fears for bees https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55662985 UK allows emergency use of bee-harming pesticide https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-55566438 Thames Water criticised over Witney river pollution https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-55648606 'Deliberate' spillage kills fish and prompts Dudley bird rescue https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-55638478 Country diary: monarchs of the canal make a modest midweek treat https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/13/country-diary-monarchs-of-the-canal-make-a-modest-midweek-treat Lincs - Country diary: the woodworm's map of whimsy https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/15/country-diary-the-woodworms-map-of-whimsy Country diary: blackbirds feast on the food of the gods https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/16/country-diary-blackbirds-feast-on-the-food-of-the-gods Country diary: free accommodation for feathered folk https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/19/country-diary-free-accommodation-for-feathered-folk Country diary: goosegrass and the glory of spring https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/20/country-diary-goosegrass-and-the-glory-of-spring ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/