============================================ || || 27th 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 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 - 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 am trying to include links to natural history programs you may wish to watch, or on-line Zoom conferences and lectures. I'm grateful to those who have drawn these to my attention and will be glad to hear of other on-line events like these. Last week's Bulletin went out ahead of Storm Christoff, with relevant weather and flood information. Despite some local flooding and a bit of wind, we seem to have got off lightly in Lincolnshire. I did hear of a bit of snow in some areas of the county. Weather Forecast: 30 Jan - 8 Feb "Unsettled conditions look likely to dominate for this period, with low pressure across the UK. Therefore, this should bring changeable weather to most of the country, with periods of rain, showers, and strong winds at times. ...Towards the end of the period, we may see high pressure bringing a higher than average chance of cold weather more widely with wintry outbreaks. " https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Big Garden Birdwatch 2021 Friday 29 and Sunday 31 January Are you ready? "Simply spend an hour counting the birds in your garden, from your balcony... Then tell us what you saw." You can sign up via their link. https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Your contributions 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..." NHBS: Save up to 50% on great botany books in our Backlist Bargains sale https://www.nhbs.com/backlist-bargains Boston 'donut' drivers hit with fines for Covid breaches https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55813821 Hornsea farmer's fears for future due to coastal erosion https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-humber-55770565 The latest from Woodhall Spa mortuary as coronavirus death toll increases - corrected link https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/woodhall-spa-mortuary-coronavirus-update-4883605 Parasites: what causes some species to exploit others https://theconversation.com/parasites-what-causes-some-species-to-evolve-to-exploit-others-153114 New light shed on Charles Darwin's 'abominable mystery' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55769269 Giles Yeo on how our genes can make us fat - Life Scientific - Labrador owners must listen https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000rmp5 Natural wonder: Wing 'clap' solves mystery of butterfly flight https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55719955 Physicists find best way for insects to avoid collisions when jumping https://www.newscientist.com/article/2265565-physicists-find-best-way-for-insects-to-avoid-collisions-when-jumping/ Loyal dog's six-day wait for poorly owner outside Turkish hospital - hankies ready! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-55779275 BBC 2 Winterwatch new series - catch up. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rh17 BBC's Perfect Planet series - catch up. 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-19 Noticeboard *** Please stay aware of updated government advice and adapt your personal precautions accordingly as the understanding and measures "evolve". See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus NHS About Coronavirus [COVID-19] https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 Map shows five areas in Lincolnshire with the highest coronavirus infection rate https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/map-shows-five-areas-lincolnshire-4924904 Covid: Vaccinated people may spread virus, says Van-Tam https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55784199 ITV programme: Outbreak: The Virus That Shook the World - Episode 1. A good, if grim, take on Covid-19 story. [19th Jan] Link on ITV Hub: catch up. https://www.itv.com/hub/outbreak-the-virus-that-shook-the-world/10a0476a0001 "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. *** Bird Flu Watch *** Two dead Ythan Estuary seabirds confirmed as having bird flu https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55766514 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 *** BTO & Lincolnshire Bird Club Conference 2021 *** Presenter: BTO & Lincolnshire Bird Club This year the BTO & Lincolnshire Bird Club conference is going virtual with an afternoon of talks you can watch from the comfort of your home for just £5. The conference will be held online using Zoom. Join us online on 30 January for the BTO & Lincolnshire Bird Club Conference 2021 Pricing: £5 Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021 - 15:00 to 17:10 Places available - details/book on line: https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/information/joint-lbc-bto-conference-30th-january-2020 *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group Zoom Talk - "Natural History of Nepal" *** Local Group Leader, Martin Francis, writes: We have organised another Zoom talk. "Natural History of Nepal" - A Zoom talk by Steve Lovell - Monday 15th February 2021 '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 15th February 2021 Well known local speaker, Steve Lovell, will give a talk about Nepal that covers everything from a vast array of birds and some of the world's most threatened large mammals to the plants you know and grow in your garden 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 12th February, and please state that you have seen the information in the LNU Bulletin *** Humber Nature Forum *** Jackson Sage writes: We have another Humber Nature Forum event coming up on the 25 February, looking at advances in avian tracking technology. I've provided some information below: Humber Nature Forum - Thursday 25 February: 10 am - 12 noon. Join us for a talk on Avian Tracking Technology around the Humber Estuary, with presentations from the Humber Management Scheme and the Hull Ornithology Research Cluster. Please follow the link to register. https://www.humbernature.co.uk/news/post.php?s=2021-01-25-humber-nature-forum-avian-tracking-technology *** Hedgehogs on Roads: The Problems and Solutions (Natural History Live) *** Field Studies Council. Tue 23, March 2021 14:00 - 15:00 " Natural History Live events are free online natural history talks, comprising a 30-40 minute talk from either an FSC member of staff or a guest speaker, followed by a question and answer session. We host them on Zoom and we will send out joining instructions on the day of the event." More information: https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/courses/hedgehogs-nhl2020/ *** Lincolnshire Show Dates for the diary - Show returns 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... 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!" https://lincolnshireshow.co.uk/media/news/2020-12-15/the-lincolnshire-show-returns-for-2021 [Editor adds: Given the ever-changing Covid pandemic - please keep checking the website!] *** 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. 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 - 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 Lyme Disease - would you spot the symptoms? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ *** January Night Sky - about to update to February *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html We will all be conscious of the down side of keeping ourselves and others safe. I found myself reflecting that a trip to Mars would take 6 to 8 months . What would a real space journey that long in a small space craft be like? We have had a taster. https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars/overview NOTE that due to COVID 19 the 2021 edition of Night Scenes will only be available as a pdf or kindle and produced in 2 parts covering 6 months each. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/nightscenes/ns-current.html [Editor adds: I am finding this on-line version very useful.] Meteor Shower Guide 2021 - no major showers this month. 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/ 19/1 Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point 20/1 Black-throated Diver flew south past Gibraltar Point Bittern, Far Ings 21/1 4 Water Pipits, 3 Velvet Scoters flew south, Gibraltar Point 22/1 Siberian Chiffchaff between sewage works and railway, between Barnack and Uffington 3 Common Cranes, Willow Tree Fen Scaup reported, Kirby-on-Bain GPs - late report Short-eared Owl, 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese, Tetney Marshes 23/1 2 Bewick's Swans, Deeping Fen Hen Harrier juv, Short-eared Owl, "Twenty" on Bourne North Fen Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck, 8 Snow Buntings, between north end and Crook Bank, Mablethorpe Bearded Tit, Marston sewage works 24/1 Scaup 1w drk, Main Lake, Long-eared Owl on island, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Long-tailed Duck, male Hen Harrier, Freiston Shore 5 Snow Buntings, Mablethorpe Siberian Chiffchaff, Marston sewage works Scaup 1w drk, Main Lake, Tallington Lakes 25/1 Siberian Chiffchaff, Marston sewage work Hen Harrier ringtail flew west from Wainfleet Marsh, Wainfleet All Saints Bewick's Swan, Freiston Shore 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Gibraltar Point [late report] Iceland Gull flew west over Saltfleetby St Peter 26/1 Black-throated Diver offshore, 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. WILLINGHAM WOODS PICNIC AREA TF136 884 Richard Fox 18.01.2021 Road kill Roe Deer in shallow ditch on the north side of the A631 at Willingham Woods Picnic area difficult to see if in a moving vehicle. Directly opposite the cafe kiosk and will soon be detectable by smell! 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 w/o 25/1/2021 Reports this week of Long-tailed Tits in this locality [MP] but none seen by us yet. No further sign of the Redwing. Otherwise a garden list as follows: Robin 1 Wren 1 Blue tit 2 Dunnock 2 House sparrow 16+ Collared dove 2 Wood Pigeon 2 Jackdaw 8+ Carrion Crow 1 - with slipped oar Magpie 1+ Local Black-headed Gull flock 20+ BARDNEY GARDEN TF 117 701 Mary and Phil Porter 23rd January 2021 We have suspected we have redpolls for a few weeks now but keep missing out on them. At last we saw two male redpolls, one on the sunflower heart dispenser and one down having a drink. We have had two female great spotted woodpeckers as regular visitors for many weeks, but we now also have a male. All the “usual suspects” in the garden during the week, including a wren, dunnock, many blackbirds, a few fieldfares, long tailed tits, blue tits and great tits. One male and one female greenfinch, one male bullfinch and several chaffinches. Starling numbers are increasing, with a maximum of three, and wood pigeons and collared doves seem more numerous. The magpies have been following a pair of collared doves around, who have been trying to chase them away. We have jackdaws also making regular visits. Moles (or one mole) have been very active. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 21/1/2021 Pheasant 1 24/1/2021 Thrush 1 - too quick to identify unfortunately 26/1/2021 Chaffinch 2 m & f Robin 2 m & f - hurray! 26/1/2021 Cow parsley in flower MIDDLE RASEN (own garden) TF107 897 Richard Fox 19.01.2021 Goldcrest Wasp looking very 'groggy' and wet SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 26/01/21 Blackbird x 8 Blue Tit x 6 Carrion Crow x 4 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 3 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 2 Robin x 2 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 6 Wood Pigeon x 3 Wren x 1 Fox x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 13/01/21 Little Egret x 1 SK788994 14/01/21 Little Owl x 2 15/01/21 Barn Owl x 1 01:00hrs 16/01/21 Blackbird x 8 Black-headed Gull x 31 fields around Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 4 Chaffinch x 9 Common Buzzard x 1 Cormorant x 1 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 4 Fieldfare x 25 Goldfinch x 25 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Redwing x 7 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 39 Wood Pigeon x 5 Wren x 1 19/01/21 Great Diving Beetle x 1 female, around horse water trough 20/01/21 Agonopterix alstromeriana micro moth, in log pile 21/01/21 Blackbird x 17 Black-headed Gull x 29 over Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 29 Goldfinch x 4 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Robin x 2 Siskin x 3 Tree Sparrow x 14 Wood Pigeon x 9 7-Spot Ladybird x 3 on Oak saplings 22/01/21 Golden Plover x 16 flying south over Thurnholmes 24/01/21 Blackbird x 12 Black-headed Gull x 35 over Blue Tit x 4 Bullfinch x 2 Chaffinch x 6 Cormorant x 6 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Common Buzzard x 1 Coot x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain  Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 17 Great Tit x 4 Robin x 2 Tree Sparrow x 2 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH SK923247 20th to 26th January 2021 Jane Ostler Garden unless otherwise indicated Friday 22nd January Sunny after a nights frost and 8C by noon, the first butterfly of the year – A Small Tortoiseshell warming up on a south-facing wall.  Also two drone flies (Eristalsis tenax?) on Winter Honeysuckle LICHENS I have started listing lichens in garden, starting with those easiest to identify as I am very out of practice. On our oldest apple tree, some 60 years old, the fruticose (tufted) species Evernia prunastri which forty years ago was the only one of this group found in the garden – it having some tolerance to acid rain. It is still there but only a small amount and has been joined by Ramalina farinacea with narrow branches tolerant to both acid rain and nitrates in the air (a new problem and responsible for the emergence of the so-called dust lichens.) The larch tree near the road has the first sign of these with the foliose lichens Physcia tenella and Xanthoria parietina. The last named is so distinctive and widespread that it has a common name Orange Shield lichen and in the garden is also found on buildings. Hypogymnia physodes, a foliose lichen is very similar to H.tubulosa but has different endings to the sorediate lobes and is found also on the old apple tree. This is just a start. My reasons for looking at the lichens is to see if, now that we have less of a problem with acid rain than forty years ago, any of these more sensitive species are returning or has the emergence of the dust species overwhelmed them. In any case under magnification all the species are quite beautiful and are filling up my sketchbook on these winter days. MAMMALS On 25th January 2021 there was a thick covering of snow, frozen from the continuous fall the day before. A disused concrete road, to the north west of our garden, used to store large logs was covered in footprints. Rabbits and a single set of fox, small rodents, a set possibly of stoat and a muntjac deer crossing at one point. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. COASTAL NNRs and Nature Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore are listed as Open. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of which LWT reserves are open and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 20th – 26th January 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Note: From a very mild 20th with a ground minimum of 8.5 degrees C (air 8.0 degrees C) and maximum of 11.5 degrees C the weather took a dive to very cold conditions with daily frosts falling to a ground minimum of -7.25 degrees C (air -4.0 degrees C) on the 25th. The 24th was a particularly raw day when daytime temperatures only reached 2.5 degrees C. A bitterly cold, force 6, WSW blew on the 21st when a gust of 49.5 mph was recorded near Sea View. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 200121 - Minimum of 2000 lapwing flying over Elm House grassland and surrounding fields. 220121 - Skein of 70 pink-feet over Sea View. 230121 - 390 Brent geese near Saltfleet Haven, 108 curlew on waterlogged arable field near Saltfleet and minimum of 800 lapwing over Elm House Farm. In the Churchill Lane area: several small stands of snowdrops in flower, c470 curlew, c180 herring gulls, c850 mixed black headed and common gulls, 57 cormorant, c500 dunlin, c170 sanderling, 33 oystercatcher, 33 bar tailed godwit all on outer foreshore just before sunrise. On the beach between Mablethorpe North End and Crook Bank were: 120 dunlin, 195 sanderling, 25 curlew, 28 redshank, 8 snow bunting, 19 yellowhammer and 4 skylark. On the sea were:10 common scoter and a long-tailed duck, while a group of 30 red-throated diver flew north offshore. A jack snipe was on the edge of the foreshore pool at Crook Bank. 240121 - On a small area of unfrozen water on Paradise lagoon: 76 shoveler, flock of 16 redwing and 2 mistle thrushes near Rimac. Around Churchill Lane: little owl and tawny owl calling at dusk as were 2 water rails and 3 woodcocks flew over. Good red-throated diver movement in the morning with 100 flying north in 90 minutes, with a further 15+ on the sea along with 3 great crested grebe. 5 snow bunting, 14 yellowhammer and 4 skylark were just south of Crook Bank. In the dunes were 4 bullfinch and 2 buzzard. 150 teal, 266 wigeon, 10 shoveler, 127 curlew, 19 redshank and 4 snipe were on the scrapes behind Theddlethorpe terminal. 250121 - 2 jack snipe around the foreshore pool at Crook Bank. At least 300 wigeon on the Eau near Sea View. 260121 - Woodcock flew from near Paradise wood and a great spotted woodpecker heard drumming nearby. In shelter belt near Sea View a minimum of 35 redwing foraging amongst leaf litter and gradually working through the trees together with a few blackbirds, chaffinches and great tits. Churchill Lane: 15 whooper swans standing on frozen foreshore large pool early morning, 2 marsh and 2 hen harriers flying over saltmarsh. C3600 pink footed geese, 406 dark bellied Brent geese, 89 Canada geese, 485 golden plover, 296 lapwing, 236 wigeon, 89 starling, 84 redshank, all on grassland during afternoon post morning frost, also 3 common buzzards and 2 kestrels seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on the Coronavirus, Covid-19 plus details of any LWT reserves which are now open and the related advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU 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 *** Save up to 50% on great botany books in our Backlist Bargains sale https://www.nhbs.com/backlist-bargains 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. First Plymouth beaver for 400 years gets companion https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-55729648 UK government backs birth control for grey squirrels https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55817385 Climate: Government postpones Environment Bill again https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55799191 Chris Grayling leads MPs' charge to save hedgehogs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55804978 Scientists address myths over large-scale tree planting https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55795816 AVoCet : Avian Vocalization Center https://avocet.integrativebiology.natsci.msu.edu xeno-canto : Sharing bird sounds from around the world / https://www.xeno-canto.org/ A Brief History Of Sea Shanties - HistoryExtra https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/a-brief-history-of-sea-shanties/ How to stay connected to nature and the outdoors from your home - Countryfile.com https://www.countryfile.com/how-to/outdoor-skills/easy-ways-to-stay-connected-to-nature-and-the-outdoors-from-your-home/ Pollinators: neonicotinoid pesticides stop bees and flies from getting a good night’s sleep https://theconversation.com/pollinators-neonicotinoid-pesticides-stop-bees-and-flies-from-getting-a-good-nights-sleep-153673 Country diary: a witchy barn owl swoops across a wintry landscape https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/23/country-diary-a-witchy-barn-owl-swoops-across-a-wintry-landscape How creating wildlife crossings can help reindeer, bears – and even crabs https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/23/how-wildlife-crossings-are-helping-reindeer-bears-and-even-crabs-aoe ‘A remarkable phenomenon’: billions of cicadas set to emerge across eastern US https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/26/cicadas-emerge-eastern-us ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/