============================================ || || 31st March 2021 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - including Chambers Farm Wood 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... don't miss the links... ============================================ Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins from Feb 2009 http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** Given the modification of Covid lockdown rules, please refer to the relevant websites to confirm information in the Bulletin and pick up on any Covid-related changes. We caught an adult hedgehog on a camera trap in the garden early this morning. Your hedgehog records will be welcome. Seen any bats yet? Bumblebees? Informal reports indicate that lockdown has had a positive impact on wildlife in several ways including numbers of "herptiles" seen and some interesting birds. It will be good if you can report any sensitive news directly to recorders rather than via the Bulletin please, as we don't want to spoil things with untimely/unwise publicity. https://lnu.org/specialists/ Weather Forecast: 4 - 13 April "This period begins with cold and unsettled conditions in the far north spreading south, with outbreaks of rain and cloudy conditions being seen by most by the end of the Sunday. Cold conditions mean that some of these outbreaks have the potential to turn wintry down to low levels, particularly across northern regions " https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Here is a selection of links from topical local to national and international news stories and articles sent in by fellow-readers. Your contributions keep the Bulletin interesting so please keep them coming! More links in "...and finally..." Last chance to save up to 50% in NHBS Backlist Bargains sale: ends midnight 31st March https://www.nhbs.com/ Lincolnshire: Country diary: the vanishing craft of hedge laying https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/19/country-diary-the-vanishing-craft-of-hedge-laying Survey ranks 13 places to live in Lincolnshire from best to worst https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/survey-ranks-13-places-live-5084056 Puffin numbers boom to 1940s-level high on Skokholm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56511105 Walrus seems to be continuing his trip around the Welsh coast. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56550854 Sand Martins: Giant sand sculpture could help birds return https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-56548926 Beavers back in Dyfi Valley for first time in 400 years https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-56576944 Why cutting down trees can be good for the climate https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-56450965 Could you be suffering from ‘plant blindness’? https://www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/could-you-be-suffering-from-plant-blindness/p08rnbd0 How to identify spring bees - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/how-to-identify-spring-bees/ Cornwall plane crash: Red Arrows grounded after Hawk jet crash https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-56531788 Grantham: Police shocked by Lee Gray's church burglary https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-56536139 The oldest animal (that we know of) -- and it's not what you think https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/the-oldest-animal-that-we-know-of-and-its-not-what-you-think/ The Life Scientific - all available episodes https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015sqc7 To help us find some more readers, please try the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. You can also direct people to: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ Tip: If possible avoid forwarding on your individual Bulletin to others. Best to use the secure "Forward to a Friend" link at the end of each issue, please. Thank you for all the contributions. Please keep your reports coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Covid-19 Noticeboard *** Please stay aware of updated government advice and adapt your personal precautions accordingly as the understanding and measures "evolve". See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus NHS About Coronavirus [COVID-19] https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 "LNU 2021 field meetings - May - October are now provisionally booked" We will confirm plans for resumption of LNU events through the Bulletin, the LNU Twitter feed, LNU Facebook page and LNU meetings webpage. For details and any necessary subsequent updates or changes please visit: 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 *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ http://caddingtonhedgehogs.blogspot.com/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Bourne Barn Owls back online *** Bob Sheppard is hoping for a better year for the barn owls in the Len Pick tower at Bourne. The camera is now live 24/7. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Peregrine Webcams *** Bob Sheppard reports: "Louth peregrines laid their first egg March 27th, mid afternoon." Bob recommended 2 Lincolnshire peregrine webcams. They are at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham and St James' Church, Louth. Throughout the breeding season these cameras can be accessed 24/7. There is a picture link to both sites on the LBC home page. https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/ *** Wildlife Tower - Nettleham Woodland Trust *** Su Colman writes: Nettleham Woodland Trust is planning to build a Wildlife Tower using crowd- funding and the Barn Owl Trust's plans at Ashing Lane Nature Reserve. See: https://crowdfunder.co.uk/wildlife-tower-alnr *** Your Bat records please *** Annette Faulkner writes: In another week or so bats will start properly emerging from hibernation. We always get a few calls over March and April of underweight bats that have only just made it through the winter, and if predators haven’t got there first we feed them up, get them going again, wait for a decent night and release them. So do keep your eyes open. If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box - remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail - wearing gloves or using a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** Bumblebee sightings, please *** David Sheppard writes: With the increase in temperature, insects will become active and Bumblebees will be some of the most noticeable. Bumblebee queens have been in hibernation since last autumn and will soon be buzzing about seeking nectar to build up their energy reserves, quartering the ground looking for nesting sites and then seeking pollen to feed their first brood. Records of Bumblebees will be very welcome. Whilst it is often not possible to see any colour pattern on the buzzing silhouette, if you can get close enough to make a positive identification that would be great. The earliest Bumblebees are likely to be: Bombus lucorum (yellow & black banded with a white tail) Bombus terrestris (yellow & black banded with a buffish tail) Bombus pratorum (yellow & black banded with an orange tail - and usually conspicuously smaller than the others) Bombus lapidarius (black with a red tail) Bombus hypnorum (brown and black with a white tail) could be about as well. If you do manage to get close enough to see the colour pattern, have a look for any pollen on the back legs. The pollen is likely to be yellow and is easy to spot. If the bee is collecting pollen, she must have established a nest and is gathering pollen to feed her young. Please send your records to David Sheppard at d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Another RSPB Grimsby Local group talk *** Martin Francis writes: 'The season of Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group continues with another illustrated talk which will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 19th April 2021 "An Osprey in a Shopping Bag: the Return of a Raptor" A Zoom Talk by Alasdair McKee Alasdair McKee of the RSPB and Cumbria Wildlife Trust works closely with ospreys in south Cumbria. He will be talking about how this most charismatic bird of prey has returned from extinction in England in the last twenty years. This entertaining illustrated talk will introduce you to these remarkable birds and tell the story of a remarkable conservation comeback in Cumbria and beyond. And explain where the shopping bag comes in! The talk is open to everybody. You don't need to belong to the RSPB, or have attended Group Meetings. And don't be put off by Zoom. It is easy to use, you don't need any special equipment like a camera or microphone - just an internet connection, and we may be able to offer help if you request it. To find out the arrangements for getting a link to the talk, please email me at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com before 8pm on Thursday 15th April, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group' *** NFBR Conference 2021 *** Charlie Barnes has drawn our attention to this NFBR* conference: [*National Forum for Biological Recording"] "Outside the Honeypot: wildlife recording in the urban world" Originally planned for May 2020, this event has been postponed until May 2021, and will take place online. Aims of Outside the Honeypot: wildlife recording in the urban world: - To understand the wealth of recording and monitoring undertaken in urban area - To discuss how NFBR can better support urban recording - To link biological recorders and citizens in an urban context - To understand research in the urban world - To celebrate our rich natural heritage and show how nature can thrive in an urban context Spaces on this 2-day virtual conference cost £5 per person For more details see http://www.nfbr.org.uk/?q=conference_2021? *** Moth Night 2021 Dates for the diary - 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 Please let us know of any local Covid-related developments readers might need to hear about. Wildlife organisations wishing me to publicise any alterations or new guidelines are welcome to get in touch with updates for the Bulletin. *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes area group LWT cancellation *** Carolyn Davis writes: Due to the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area group LWT have taken the decision to cancel the rest of their indoor and outdoor meetings up to and including April 2021. *** Covid-19: Lincolnshire Show cancelled for second year *** The event, which attracts 60,000 visitors, was due to take place on June 23 and 24. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-56340942 *** South Lincs RSPB Social Group Cruise programme *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group announce that , due to the current pandemic and general uncertainty, they are unable to offer any more information or proposed sailing dates about a 2021 Cruise programme. However the Group can announce that the Boat Owners have decided that the “Boston Belle” will not be available for the foreseeable future for ANY cruises. It will however be replaced by a smaller boat with a smaller capacity [compared to the Boston Belle]. Please keep checking the website where we will publish further information when we have it. https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/ *** Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival postponed until 30th April - 5th June 2022 *** Helen Gamble writes: The organisers behind the upcoming Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival have announced that the inaugural event, originally set to take place this May, has now been postponed until 2022. The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival is set to be the successor to the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, however, those behind the event say that, despite the recent announcement on the planned easing of Covid-19 restrictions, it would be difficult to do the Festival justice whilst ensuring safety of all involved. The Organisers will instead use 2021 to run a campaign celebrating the Lincolnshire Wolds as a place to visit, get active, and explore. The Festival will now run from 30th April to 5th June 2022. More information on the Outdoor Festival is available from https://woldsoutdoorfestival.com/ *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Road works and hold-ups https://roadworks.org/ Met Office Severe Warnings https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service - worth signing up for this. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Warnings - Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up if a high risk area. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx Lyme Disease - would you spot the symptoms? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bird-flu/ 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 *** April Night Sky will be up shortly *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html NOTE that due to COVID 19 the 2021 edition of Night Scenes will only be available as a pdf or kindle and produced in 2 parts covering 6 months each. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/nightscenes/ns-current.html [Editor adds: I am finding this on-line version very useful.] Photograph the night sky with your smartphone - skyatnightmagazine https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/astrophotography/astrophoto-tips/smartphone-astrophotography-use-your-phone-to-capture-the-night-sky/ Nasa to fly Ingenuity Mars helicopter in early April https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56505031 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/ The site has several interesting articles. See: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 24/3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, by River Welland on East Pit, Deeping Lakes, SE of Deeping St James Cattle Egret by recycling centre, Station Road, Deeping St James Cattle Egret at industrial estate at Custom Road/Hards Lane junction, in Garford Machinery compound, Frognall Hen Harrier male, Little Gull flew south past Gibraltar Point 25/3 Scaup 1w drk, East Pit, Deeping Lakes, SE of Deeping St James Black Redstart at Visitor Centre, Bearded Tit, Tennyson's Sands, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Water Pipit flew south over Anderby Marsh 26/3 Black Redstart in garden, Deeping St James Scaup 1w drk, Main Lake, Deeping Lakes, SE of Deeping St James Osprey flew north over Marston Sewage works Black Redstart fem/1w male at Visitor Centre, Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point House Martin, Swanpool 2 Garganey, 1 drk, Willow Tree Fen, WSW of Spalding 27/3 Yellow Wagtail male, Osprey flew north over, Dark-bellied Brent Goose in field by riding stables, Baston+Langtoft GPs Black Redstart fem/1w male, Towning Close, Deeping St James 2 Garganey, 1 drk, Willow Tree Fen, WSW of Spalding Spoonbill on Tennyson's Sands, 2 Black Redstarts at visitor centre, White Stork [colour ringed] at Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point White Stork flew NNE over Middlemarsh Wetlands, Water Pipit, 2 Great White Egrets, Skegness White Stork flew over West Drive, Sudbrooke 28/3 5+ House Martins, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St Nicholas 2 Black Redstarts at Visitor Centre, Gibraltar Point Spotted Redshank, Far Ings $ Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 29/3 Water Pipit, Baston Fen 2 Black Redstarts, Gibraltar Point House Martin, Friskney 4 Water Pipits, Anderby Marsh 4 Water Pipits, Huttoft 2 Little Gulls, Saltfleetby Lapland Bunting, Black Redstart, Hen Harrier, 4 Water Pipits, Jack Snipe, Theddlethorpe Hen Harrier male, Sandtoft 2 White Storks flew over Ness End, then appeared to land, Spotted Redshank, Far Ings 30/3 2 Common Cranes, Baston Fen 2 Garganey, 1 drk, Willow Tree Fen Water Pipit, 45 Whooper Swans, 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, Frampton Marsh 2 Black Redstarts at visitor centre, Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point Spotted Redshank, 2 Water Pipits, Short-eared Owl, Far Ings 56 Whooper Swans, Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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! Roger died on the 6th March 2009. https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/Roger+Goy/1980090 http://www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire/content/articles/2005/08/30/nature_sightings_feature.shtml Stuart Britton's walkabouts this week produced the following reports: Tuesday 22nd March a flock of about 21 Crossbills feeding in the Scots Pine at Linwood Warren. Yesterday [23rd] at Woodhill Farm near Market Rasen (TF12387) we saw three pairs of Lapwings displaying over drilled wheat stubble. In the same field we disturbed a flock of c140 Fieldfare! 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 ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. FRITHVILLE Boston Road TF327477 25/03/2021 10.00 David Smith Roadkill Adult badger side of road Chris Manning writes: Otter road kills... It would be helpful if readers would continue to report otter road kills and sightings to help build up relevant data. Carcases may be sent to: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/otter-project [Alas our local EA team no longer support the project by paying for transport.] Potential Bovine TB Hotspot Area [PHA] - Lincolnshire Wolds "If you find a dead badger or wild deer carcase within the PHA, please report this to the Animal and Plant Health Agency [APHA] via the Defra Rural Services Helpline 03000 200301. They will need the following details: 1. The location of the carcase to assess whether it falls within the PHA and in order to find it, if it’s suitable for collection. This could be an OS grid reference, longitude-latitude co-ordinates, the what3words address (tapping on the exact square where the carcase is located), a postcode or enough detail to precisely locate the carcase 2. Whenever possible an assessment of the condition of the carcase because decomposing or extensively damaged carcases are not suitable for post mortem examination." *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ Chris Manning writes: Please remember to use grid refs, If a recorder doesn't, it not only adds work but must invariably loose accuracy. DON'T FORGET - TIME FLIES! Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. Include the time too if relevant - e.g. for Bat records. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in their observations and we welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY - The Green TF120694 R & A Parsons 29/3/2021 Small Tortoiseshell nectaring in garden at 12 noon. 2+ small bats seen, echolocating at 55kHz at 20.00hrs. Probably Pipistrelles. Hunting over churchyard next door and around St Lawrence's Church. 30/3/2021 2+ small tortoiseshells in garden. Queen bumblebee sp investigating nest site in external underfloor vent! Possible Raven flying west over at 08hrsv approx. One unidentified raptor flew east midday - larger than a sparrowhawk - smaller than a buzzard. 2 Buzzards circling over - 14.50hrs Hairy-footed Flower Bee, female with heavy yellow pollen load, in kitchen at window, caught and released. 17.00 hrs. 31/3/2021 Hedgehog, adult, caught on trailcamera in garden at 01.35-01.39hrs CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 18/03/2021 First Chiffchaff 24/03/2021 First Brimstone butterfly South Hykeham SK 93025 64508 24/03/2021 Red Kite, flying in a harrier-like manner which I haven't observed before. COLSTERWORTH SK92/25 Jane Ostler 29/3/21 Photo of prints in mud vicinity of R. Witham belonging to Otter. FAR INGS Angela Buckle Far Ings 28th March, 2021 Flowers: Cowslips, Alexanders, and Cow Parsley, Bittern still booming, and quite a lot of Chiff chaffs. also: Yesterday's [29th] walk in Willingham Woods, Golden Saxifrage, and Butterbur. Lots of butterflies, Peacock, Tortoiseshell, Comma, and Brimstones. HEIGHINGTON TF 031696 John Nickson 28/03/21 Chiffchaff seen and heard. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden except where advised otherwise) 14/3/2021 Song thrush 1 15/3/2021 Dunnock 1 Greenfinch 2 m&f Reed bunting 1 TF521765 Roe deer 9 TF522764 17/3/2021 Blue tits 2 18/3/2021 Chaffinch 19/3/2021 Bombus terrestris 1 carrying pollen (Recorder advised) 20/3/2021 Andrena nigroaenea 1 (Recorder confirmed) 22/3/2021 Collared dove 1 Goldfinch 2 Myosotis sylvatica in flower 23/2/2021 Wren 1 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden except where advised otherwise) 24/3/2021 Mallard 2 m&f  going for a walk at TF520765 28/3/2021 Bombus pratorum 1 - David Sheppard confirmed Crane fly Tipula lateralis 1 ovipositing in pond Peacock butterfly 1 Sparrowhawk 1 29/3/2021 Bats - none Small tortoiseshell 3 30/3/2021 Bombus hypnorum 1 (Recorder advised) Peacock butterflies 2 Small tortoiseshell 4 MORKERY WOOD SK955192 Jane Ostler 30/3/21 Picnic Area near entrance only To check on Yellow Star of Bethlehem Gagea lutea Visit later than in previous years and difficulties with walking and getting close to main colony which is protected by branches made a careful count of flowering spikes impossible. However possible to assess with the help of photographs that this was a good year for flowering in the main groups nearest the hedge and on the adjacent RNR. The plants continue to spread into the open ground in small clumps but there were hardly any flowers amongst these. Other plants in flower were Toothwort (9 spikes round two sycamore trees), Moschatel, continuing to spread, Primrose, Sweet Violet, Barren Strawberry, Lesser Celandine, Dog’s Mercury, and the first Wood Anemones. With the temperature at 20C and the sun out the following seen flying – Brimstone Butterflies (3) Peacock, Tortoiseshell, Small White, Buff-tailed Bumble Bees and Bee Fly. MUCKTON WOOD Muckton Wood 300321 John Walker and Rob Scott honey bees very active in tree nest (seen for 6th consecutive year in same tree) Primrose, wood avens and lesser celandine in flower Peacock 6 and small tortoiseshell 1 butterflies on wing 1 brown hare and 1 muntjac with fawn 2 nuthatch, 2 song thrush, 1 blackbird, 3 chiffchaff, 1 great tit, in song 1 Great spotted woodpecker drumming.and pair seen pair of common buzzard display 52 whooper swans flying over northward SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 24/03/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue it x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Dunnock x 1 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Magpie x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Sparrowhawk x 1 male being mobbed by Carrion Crows Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 1 30/03/21 Blackbird x 1 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Whooper Swan x 6 flying north over Small Tortoiseshell x 2 SPALDING TF 26350 26239 Mick Todd 30/03/21 While working on our trial ground this morning, I heard what I thought to be a flock of geese, but to my surprise it was a group of 60 Bewick's swans flying overhead, at a height of about 40 feet, in a northerly direction. I am confident that I also saw 2 swallows flying by earlier in the morning. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 19/03/21 Golden Plover x 110 east over Thurnholmes 20/03/21 Whooper Swan x 32 north over Thurnholmes 22/03/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 6 Dunnock x 2 Goldfinch x 8 Great Tit x 2 Lesser Redpoll x 2 Long-tailed Tit x 2 Mallard x 1 over Thurnholmes Mute Swan x 3 over Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 on nest Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 6 Yellowhammer x 1 Bombus terrestris x 1 28/03/21 Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 30 fields around Thurnholmes Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 6 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 2 Mallard x 1 over Thurnholmes Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 30/03/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Mallard x 2 over Pied Wagtail x 2 Reed Bunting x 1 male Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 6 Wood Pigeon x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 24th – 30th March 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: Note: Daytime temperatures soared to a high of 21.75 degrees C on the 30th and 19.75 degrees C the day before. The ground minimum on the 29th was 10.0 degrees C but the next night there was a frost of -0.5 degrees C. There were very strong south-westerly winds too, with a gust of 39.7mph noted on the 29th. Apart from some light rain on the 26th giving 2.4mm, the dry spell now has continued since the 20th. 240321 - Group of 6 redwing in trees near Sea View, stonechat near Churchill. 26 curlew over Sea View. At Rimac: 19 snipe, 3 little egret, 1 marsh harrier and 1 buzzard. 250321 - Single peacock in flight at Sea View. On Sea View washland: 14 teal, 4 shoveler, 6 mallard, 2 little egret, 1 redshank and 4 moorhen. 1 kingfisher on Great Eau at Sea View. Also at Sea View early evening 1 small bat and male tawny owl calling. 260321 - 15 tufted duck on Paradise lagoon, 2 grey partridge flew from dunes near Paradise wood. Chiffchaff calling at Sea View, 4 avocets on Rimac lagoon. A female red-breasted merganser flew north over the sea. 270321 - Chiffchaff at Sea View and Paradise wood. 290321 – 11 little egrets on saltmarsh, 3 chiffchaff at Sea View and 2 near Paradise wood plus 2 goldcrests, 2 wheatear on dunes N of Rimac and black redstart in hawthorn hedge near Sea View. 4 peacock butterflies on the wing around Sea View. Migrating south in the morning were: 10 rook, 16 jackdaw, 37 meadow pipit, 141 chaffinch and 10 linnet. 7 chiffchaff, 7 wheatear, a stonechat, 2 redwing, a fieldfare and 6 little egret between Sea View and Rimac MOD. Over the flooded saltmarsh on the evening high tide were 3 marsh harrier, a hen harrier, a jack snipe and a Lapland bunting. 2 small tortoiseshell and a peacock butterfly around Rimac. On Sea View washlands: 24 teal, 2 shelduck, 2 redshank and 1 curlew. At Sea View Farm: 1 male wheatear, 1 chiffchaff, 1 fieldfare, 2 mistle thrush and 1 sparrowhawk. 300321 - 2 wheatear on edge of saltmarsh near Paradise, 10 redwing flew from hedgerow near Sea View. 5 cormorants flew over Sea View and then seemed to pick up a thermal as they rose very high, circling and drifting off in a north-westerly direction. Bee-flies very active feeding on nectar from early spring garden flowers near Sea View plus peacock, small tortoiseshell and small white butterflies. 2 siskin south, 4 wheatear and a woodcock in the dunes/grassland between Sea View and Rimac car park. 24 peacocks, 3 small tortoise- shell and a brimstone between Rimac and Paradise Lagoon. 3 buzzard and a sparrowhawk riding a thermal high above Sea View. Butterflies between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane: 9 peacock, 5 small tortoiseshell, 2 comma, 1 brimstone. Various bees, hoverflies and 7 spot ladybirds. 4 little gull moving north over high spring tide, pair of sparrowhawks over. Brickyard Lane to Rimac: 9 chiffchaff and 1 blackcap in song, 185 pink foot geese over northwards. On Sea View washlands and Great Eau: 25 teal, 10 tufted duck, 4 shoveler, 2 mallard, 2 snipe, 2 little egret and 1 reed bunting. At Sea View: 3 chiffchaff, 1 buzzard and 3 peacock butterfly. Various species of bushes coming into leaf and some blackthorn in flower, 102 frog spawn clumps found in 3 ponds Churchill Lane area. Other local reserves 300321 – Muckton Wood: 2 chiffchaff and 1 blackcap singing, great spotted woodpecker drumming, 2 brimstone and 1 peacock butterflies, bee-flies feeding on primroses, wood anemones in flower. Welton-le-Wold: lapwing displaying in nearby field, skylarks and yellow hammer in full song. Coltsfoot and ground ivy in flower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on the Coronavirus, Covid-19 plus details of any LWT reserves which are now open and the related advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given on the website. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ LNU Bursaries: Why not apply for one? The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses, or for identification materials (e.g. books or online resources) to help recording in any group of plants, animals or fungi in Lincolnshire. The upper limit is £300. You do not need to be a member of the LNU to apply, but it would help. The LNU would, however, expect you to put your newly facilitated skills into practice and derive some Lincolnshire records. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course, or to buy books to help you, please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Love Lincs Plants *** Events and activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed - active... https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants Don't miss Mark Spencer on The Life Scientific - "How plants solve crimes." https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000sz1m Those involved in the planning and development of Love Lincs Plants will remember the important help and advice Mark gave in the initial stages of the project. LLP Project Partners and related links: Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Sir Joseph Banks Society https://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lifesciences/ *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** All of the specimens that have been processed and digitised to date can now be viewed here: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/lincs-plants *** The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons - downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List *** Paul Kirby has produced a list which details all the vascular plant and stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorder Phil Hyde - County Recorder, Lincs Bird Club recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE: 07768-501895 PAGER: 07654-330877 Related Webpages: Lincolnshire Police Advice on Hare Coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ Rural Crime News https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Useful identification links: British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ Butterfly guide to part of Europe including Britain - free to download https://assets.vlinderstichting.nl/docs/0b095bc2-0387-4785-9f7e-5f7a987b3468.pdf Fungi Families/Types Identity Parade https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ 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 Identifying Geese? Good WWT page. https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/wetland-wildlife/uk-geese/ LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Lincolnshire Mammals *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com 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/ BioLinks Courses – Field Studies Council https://www.field-studies-council.org/biolinks-courses/ *** InsideEcology *** Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ *** NHBS *** Should you need natural history equipment or books, a good place to start is: https://www.nhbs.com/ For the geologists... *** Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group *** https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** UKGE - Geological Supplies *** https://www.ukge.com/ *** The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-geology-of-lincolnshire-h-h-swinnerton-and-p-e-kent.pdf *** British Geological Survey at Keyworth *** https://www.bgs.ac.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few instances may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed please contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. *** Codes of Conduct *** BMS Code of Conduct for Responsible Collecting of Fungi https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/mycology/conservation/code-conduct RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ BSBI Code of Conduct https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/BSBI-Code-of-Conduct.pdf [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see https://lnu.org/meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important update *** As the Covid 19 risk remains high the Executive had taken the decision to cancel the first two meetings and (hopefully) postpone the AGM to July/August/September 2021. March 27th AGM - Cancelled Brian Hedley writes: I've put the 'confirmed' (subject to various caveats) field meetings onto the LNU Facebook ...and onto the LNU website." https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ https://lnu.org/meetings/ Richard Davidson says of the Whisby Workshops: "Several workshops to be held at Whisby Nature Park are being prepared for the Autumn (September to November). They will be on a variety of subjects. Further details will be announced in due course on the LNU website and on future LNU Emails." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** lorda bounced last week. Advice is: if your Service provider or network can't or won't allow the Bulletin through, use a free email account instead. In the event of a genuine mail failure I will be happy to send you the error report to pass on to your "Help Desk". Just ask. ....and finally... Cambridge University: Butterfly found pressed inside centuries-old book https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-56551453 Somerset nature reserves see visitor numbers double https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-56510670 Thirty-tonne dead whale headed for landfill https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-56515194 Country diary: the creature I'm after lurks at the very bottom of the pond https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/17/country-diary-the-creature-im-after-lurks-at-the-very-bottom-of-the-pond Lord Howe Island: Saving an Australian paradise's 'cloud forest' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-australia-56452910 Uluru waterfalls: Rain brings 'unique' sight to Australian landmark https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-australia-56506799 Octopuses may be able to dream and change colour when sleeping | New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/article/2272319-octopuses-may-be-able-to-dream-and-change-colour-when-sleeping/ Country diary: love is in the air for these oystercatchers https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/24/country-diary-love-is-in-the-air-for-these-oystercatchers Country diary: mist, music and mighty oaks evolve https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/27/country-diary-mist-music-and-mighty-oaks-evolve Giant sandcastle built to bring sand martins home to roost in Surrey https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/27/giant-sandcastle-sand-martins-surrey-nature-reserve Starwatch: don't miss gossamer beauty of the zodiacal light https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/mar/29/starwatch-dont-miss-gossamer-beauty-zodiacal-light ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/