=========================================== || || 3rd November 2021 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, events, news and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - including Chambers Farm Wood 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary - with details of the Whisby Natural History Workshops 12. ...and finally..... don't miss the links... ============================================ Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins from Feb 2009 http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, events, news and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paul Nichol has cancelled the Wolds Fungi Group foray on 6th November: He says: "I have recently done something with my right leg such that I can't walk on it and it is very painful so I'm very sorry and disappointed that I need to call the foray off." Scroll down for a bit more information. Editor writes: We saw a queen wasp in the house this week exploring possibilities for hibernation. I also spotted an unidentified bumblebee working Mahonia flowers. If you have these nearby it is worth taking a look at then on warmer days . Many insects visit. I am pleased to tell you I have submitted my first irecord report this week and have had the notification of its verification. It was a bit bewildering at first, but I feel ok about using it now - though I can see there's quite a bit to learn. I'm going to try to make a habit of sending something in reasonably frequently to get familiar with it. Spiders perhaps? Useful or entertaining comments about irecord will be welcome. I'm starting with this week's selection of links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories, mostly local. I hope there's something you will enjoy and appreciate. Heads up for Ring Ouzels: Ring Ouzels on the move https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/ring-ouzel/ Lincolnshire NHS bosses ask patients to book Covid booster jab https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59137633 Prof Van-Tam to be given freedom of Boston https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvxxpy59njeo "If we don't act now, it'll be too late." Sir David Attenborough ahead of the COP26 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59039485 Climate change: Extreme weather events are 'the new norm' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59105963 Lincolnshire Wolds oil drilling plan rejected by council https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59040065 Do you know your carbon footprint? Here's a calculator. https://carbonindependent.org/ COP26: 'Broads of the future would be familiar to Romans' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-58910204 Cleethorpes 'goose killer' van man case reviewed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-59078727 Boston Pilgrim Hospital: Plans for new emergency department announced https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59054025 Wrexham: Bird flu confirmed among poultry and wild birds https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59127164 More links in "..and finally ..." Weather Forecast https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Sunday 7 Nov - 16 Nov "Through the week beginning the 8th, areas of low pressure lying to the north or northwest of the UK will bring unsettled conditions predominantly affecting the north and west, with some heavy rain and strong winds followed by cooler, more showery interludes." Please continue to stay informed on any changes in information and advice on Co-19 and 'flu and adapt precautions accordingly at meetings and in groups on reserves or in the field. I'm thinking in particular of Donna Nook. See: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Next LNU [Indoor] Meetings: ‘Spring forwards, fall backwards: How our seasons are changing’ A talk by Tim Sparks of the UK Phenology Network. Saturday 20th November 2021. 'The new Birds of Lincolnshire: trials and tribulations in data recording.' LNU/Lincolnshire Bird Club talk by Phil Espin. Saturday January 29th 2022 Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park Free to attend. All welcome. There is a £2 parking charge. More information: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ As far as I know there are 2 places on the last Whisby Natural History Workshop. https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Owl Pellets - Garry Steele - November 20th - will go ahead - 2 places left! Dissecting owl and bird pellets can give a fascinating insight into their prey. Garry Steele who has been studying the subject for many years will lead the workshop which will be entirely indoors. Pellets to dissect will be provided. Lincspirational Plants: Aidan Neary writes: Exhibitions, Light Shows and Auction We have shared a few photos on Twitter so feel free to take a look: https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants. Seeing over 1,500 people at the final event at Boultham Park in Lincoln last Saturday was an amazing way to wrap up the project. Over £1,800 was raised in our Lincspirational Plants Auction. Thanks to everyone who took part and to all of the artists who donated their art to help us create more wildflower rich habitat across Lincolnshire. Don't forget, we will still be working on the new Lincolnshire Herbarium for many years to come. If you would like to get involved with plant collection please keep an eye on the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union field meetings page. For more information on volunteering, email: lovelincsplants@gmail.com. To view the herbarium go to the Sir Joseph Banks Society Website. Recording with "irecord" More and more people are using irecord , which is recommended by the LNU as the most appropriate platform for on-line recording, with the best validation and feedback. It's the way we are going for many Taxa. Please look at the website and while you are there why not create an account so you are set up and ready to try? https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ Reminder: If you are not yet an LNU member and would like to become one, you will be very welcome to join. The webpage to visit is: https://lnu.org/join-the-lnu/ Please keep using the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. It's best to avoid forwarding your individual Bulletin to others. Use that secure link or you can simply direct people to this link: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ A big thank you to all the regulars who send in news, events info and species reports. Please keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** The Wolds Fungi Group - Programme of Forays Autumn 2021 *** The aim is to have an enjoyable day out, looking for and learning how to identify the mushrooms & toadstools of Lincolnshire, record them and understand their ecology. Anyone interested in joining the forays should contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com Forays start at 10.00am and last for 2 to 3 hours. Bring along a plastic box (no carrier bags!) A penknife is useful for removing fungi on wood; a culinary fork for prizing specimens out of the litter. A hand lens is always useful, as is a note book. A list of our records for a foray will be provided for those who want them. November meeting: Last meeting of the Wolds Fungi Group on Saturday 6th November CANCELLED Paul Nichol writes: I have recently done something with my right leg such that I can't walk on it and it is very painful so I'm very sorry and disappointed that I need to call the foray off. It may be we can pull in another foray in a week or so if this improves by then and if a last foray is possible I'll get back to you. Very sorry this has happened. Paul. Anyone interested in joining the forays should contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** November Night Sky! Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Meteor Shower Guide 2021 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide The Leonid meteor shower will peak on 17–18 November between midnight and dawn. Fast bright meteors with fine trains. Associated with Comet Tempel-Tuttle. *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Reminder: Bat rescue instructions *** Annette Faulkner writes... If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box - remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail - wearing gloves or using a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 8th November 2021 the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group hold their indoor meeting where speaker Gillian Walsh will take us through a journey of the seasons show casing many wildlife highlights to be seen in reserves around Lincolnshire. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission £3. Attendees are requested to wear facemasks if possible, to use the hand sanitisers provided and to maintain social distancing. For more details, please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858 or 07901 946010. *** The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Keith Scarrott writes with an alteration: Our November meeting is on Monday, 8th November. Graham Catley is now unable to give his talk and will be giving it some time in the future. Steve Lovell has kindly offered to take Graham's place and give his talk entitled "Birds of Britain" Steve has given us several talks in the past and is well-known for his excellent presentations with many brilliant photographs and interesting, informative details. We meet in the St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, (opposite the Priory Hotel), starting at 7.15 pm. There is a large, free car park in the Church grounds. There is no charge for entry but a donation bowl is provided. There will be a mid-talk comfort break but no refreshments will be available. We are asked to note the names and contact details of all who attend for contact and trace purposes. Also, everyone is encouraged to wear face masks and to keep social distancing as appropriate. *** South Holland LWT *** The South Holland Area Group of the Wildlife Trust have resumed their winter programme. The next talk will be given on the 9th November is entitled Big Cats and will given by Barbara Meyer Attendees are ask to wear a facemask and note that there will be no refreshments provided at the moment but members of audience are welcome to bring own their if the wish. To pay for the room hire and the speakers' fees and costs there will be a £1 .50 charge; but a raffle will not be held this time. All meetings will be held as usual at Pinchbeck Village Hall starting at 7.30 unless further notice is given. The annual coffee morning has been postponed until the committee can see how the Corona virus situation develops. *** The Scunthorpe and Brigg Local Group of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. *** Our November meeting is on Thursday, 11th November, when the Humberside Reserves Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Warden, Simon Wellock, will give a talk on "The Humber Reserves". Simon is well known for his extensive work on the LWT Humberside Reserves, especially for the successful repopulation of bitterns at the Far Ings reserve. The meeting will start at 7.30 pm and will take place at the St Hugh's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2AG, which is near the junction of Ashby Road with West Common Lane, opposite the filling station. There is a small car park near the Hall and street parking nearby. There is a £2 charge for entry to the meeting which includes a drink and biscuit at the mid-talk break. We are asked to record all attendees' names and contact details for Covid reasons. Also everyone is encouraged to wear facemasks and keep social distancing as appropriate. *** LWT Boston Area Group *** Gill Walsh writes: Thursday 11th November 2021 at 7.30pm Talk - The Return of Common Cranes to Willow Tree Fen by David Cohen Centenary Methodist Church, Red Lion Street, Boston, PE21 6NY We are using the large central hall with audience seated around tables to enable social distancing. Refreshments will be served at your table during the interval. Retiring collection, non members welcome. Please note this is a different talk to the one previously advertised. *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** Martin Francis writes: " The successful season of well-received Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group continues on Monday 15th November at 7.30pm ‘The Wild Sea is My Home’ - A Zoom talk by Dr André Farrar Dr André Farrar has worked for the RSPB since 1982 when he started as a species protection warden in the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire with a focus on the strong local population of hen harriers. Since then, he has had a variety of roles, finally moving to the Lodge in 2000, where he has led the media team and developed campaigns. In this talk, André will consider the challenges faced by sea birds in the British Isles and in our Overseas Territories. No matter where they are, sea birds need safe nesting areas and an abundant food supply that they can catch without the risk of getting caught themselves. There is also the impact of climate change, planning developments at sea and the increasingly visible tide of plastic waste. Overall, it is clear that the health of our seabirds will be a measure of how we are treating our planet. The talk is open to everybody. You don't need to belong to the RSPB, or have attended Group Meetings. And don't be put off by Zoom. It is easy to use; you don't need any special equipment like a camera or microphone - just an internet connection, and we may be able to offer help if you request it. To find out the arrangements for getting a link to the talk, please email me at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com before 8pm on Saturday 13th November, stating t hat you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Please stay aware of updated Covid-19 advice and adapt personal precautions accordingly as understanding and measures "evolve" and perhaps change. See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Road works and hold-ups https://roadworks.org/ Met Office Severe Warnings https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service - worth signing up for this. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Warnings - Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up if a high risk area. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 26/10 American Wigeon drk still on Marsh Farm grassland, Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting flew over sea hide to saltmarsh, Freiston Shore Lapland Bunting flew south over, 43 Little Gulls, Gibraltar Point Twite on tank on beach, then flew south, Saltfleetby 27/10 Ruddy Shelduck at Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, American Wigeon drk at Roads Farm, Hen Harrier male, 2 Cattle Egrets, Curlew Sandpiper, Jack Snipe, Frampton Marsh Tundra Bean Goose, Freiston Shore Spotted Redshank on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Probable Rose-coloured Starling on saltmarsh with other starlings' Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 28/10 American Wigeon drk in 1st ditch on wetland, Pectoral Sandpiper on reservoir, Curlew Sandpiper on Roads Farm grassland, Frampton Marsh American Wigeon drk, Freiston Shore Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, 5 Little Gulls flew south, Cattle Egret, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Lapland Bunting flushed from saltmarsh, Rimac 2+ Twite, Toft Newton Reservoir 29/10 Pectoral Sandpiper on Marsh Farm Reservoir, Frampton Marsh American Wigeon drk on wetland, Freiston Shore Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, 2 Pomarine Skuas, 115 Little Gulls, Gibraltar Point 30/10 Pectoral Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 2 Short-eared Owls, Gibraltar Point Snow Bunting on outer beach, Cleethorpes 12 Little Stints, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, Alkborough Flats Green-winged Teal drk, Marston Sewage Works 31/10 Lapland Bunting, Twite, Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel over Crook Bank, Saltfleetby Ring Ouzel, Grimsby Curlew Sandpiper, Hen Harrier juv male flew east over Humber, East Halton Skitter 1/11 Water Pipit, Baston Fen Pectoral Sandpiper juv on Marsh Farm Reservoir, American Wigeon at Roads Farm Grassland, 2 Little Stints on Reedbed Scrape, Frampton Marsh 92 Little Gulls flew south past Gibraltar Point 4 Snow Buntings on beach opposite seal sanctuary, Mablethorpe Long-tailed Duck off Crook Bank, Saltfleetby 2/11 Water Pipit flew over River Glen, Baston Fen Hen Harrier male, Rippingale Fen American Wigeon, Pectoral Sandpiper on Marsh Farm Reservoir, Cattle Egret flew over reedbed, 5 Short-eared Owls, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, 25 Little Gulls, Twite, Great Northern Diver flew south, Lapland Bunting flew south over, Hen Harrier from Wash Viewpoint, Gibraltar Point 5 Twite flew north, Lapland Bunting flew south over beach, Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck on sea at south end, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 4 Snow Buntings, 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Twite, Donna Nook ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work and drop-in sessions at the Queen in the West pub! *** Links "not to be missed" *** Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: excellent photos and information. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Lincs Bird Club - latest sightings: superb website https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch - check the latest sightings: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/lincolnshire-latest-sightings BTO tracked cuckoos: latest updates. https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. CARRINGTON TF308546 David Smith 28/10/2021 15.00 adult badger FALLOW DEER Jane Ostler A151 Twyford Wood SK953237 28/10/21 BADGER Jane Ostler A151 Twyford Wood SK953237 28/10/21 2 FALLOW DEER Jane Ostler A151 l mile east Corby Glen TF010245 28/10/21 HEDGEHOG A151 1 mile east Corby Glen TF010245 28/10/21 Jane Ostler *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in their observations and we welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY - The Green R+A Parsons TF120694 28/10/2021 Brown, slightly mottled Slug on carpet - next to lemon tree in pot, recently in from garden. Description. 20mm resting, 30mm extended, defined mantle", spiracle on right. 4-5 Small white mites skidding over surface of skin. I initially thought it to be the Chestnut Slug - Deroceras invadens but later it wasdetermined to be Ambigolimax valentianus Slime trails on floor around pot gave a clue to its activity. Caught and photographed by Anne Parsons. Description. 20mm resting, 30mm extended, pore on right. Additional: 4-5 Small white mites skidding about over surface of skin. 1/11/2021 Queen wasp sp in the house this week exploring possibilities for hibernation. Also seen - an unidentified bumblebee working Mahonia flowers - Church Lane BASTON 2nd November 2021 Ian Misselbrook Baston Fen Nature Reserve 0820 -1120 1 Water Pipit 3 Grey herons 1 Little Egret 1 Cormorant 4 Little Grebes I Marsh Harrier 1 Red Kite 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel 2 Snipe 1 Kingfisher 3 Siskins 1 Red Admiral butterfly Baston and Langtoft Gravel Pits 11.30 -12.00 2 Red crested Pochard (pair) 1 Pintail C 500 Wigeon 2 Gadwall 6 Shoveler 20+ Mallard C 30 Tufted Duck C 20 Little Grebes 1 Marsh Harrier BOSTON (TF326426) October 2021 Kathleen Pearson In October I was able to do all 31 days in the BTO Garden BirdWatch. This was a very poor month with only 16 species occurring principally in very small numbers with the exception of 12 Goldfinches. Tits were in especially small numbers with only singles of Blue and Great Tits seen. Three hedgehogs were seen eating together in the garden and a single Brimstone butterfly occurred on the 31st. Birds:- Woodpigeon 5, Collared Dove 5, Goldfinch 12, Carrion crow 2, Blackbird 3, Chaffinch 1, Magpie 3, Dunnock 1, Greenfinch 2, Blue Tit1, Robin 1, Sparrowhawk 1, House Sparrow 3, Great Tit 1,Wren 1 and Long-tailed Tit 6. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 27/10/2021 Bank vole 1 - dead at the end of the lane, one ear missing and likely killed by a cat. Stenichneumon culpator 1 - First seen on north facing side of house in very windy conditions. (Husband came to find me to see if I wanted to see 'one of those waspy things'). I knocked it into plastic pot and taken to sheltered east side where I could photograph it. I believe it's S. culpator though I understand it would need dissection to be absolutely sure. 30/10/2021 Tawny owl 1 - calling 6.30pm 31/10/2021 Eratigena (atrica agg) 2 - For several years there's been a very large spider, perhaps even the same one, living high in the corner of an old enclosed lean-to against my house. I was in there and heard something buzzing and yes, it was a wasp. What surprised me was that 2 huge spiders went on the attack. The wasp was just under the web and so not immediately available to either spider. It then flew behind the insulation. I took a couple of photos and left them to it. I don't know how hungry one or both of them are still. RIPPINGALE Rippingale Fen Ian Misselbrook 13.30 15.15 1 Hen Harrier (male) 1 Red Kite 3 Buzzards c 500 Golden Plover c 60 Lapwings c 100 Black-headed Gulls 2 Mistle Thrushes SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 01.11.2021 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 4 Chaffinch x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 12 Magpie x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 02/11/21 Blackbird x 1 Blue Tit x 1 Carrion crow x 2 Dunnock x 1 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 4 Linnet x 2 Magpie x 2 Redwing x 12 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Starling x 125 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Rabbit x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 23/10/21 Barn Owl x 1 06:00hrs 24/10/21 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 4 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Coal Tit x 4 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 6 Greenshank x 2 NE over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 12 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 61 feeding in fields around Thurnholmes Magpie x 2 Mallard x 2 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 2 Redwing x 23 Robin x 1 Starling x 230 Tawny Owl x 2 Tree Sparrow x 17 Woodcock x 2 Wood Pigeon x 7 Angle Shades x 1 around security light 25/10/21 Little Owl x 1 calling 23:45hrs 27/10/21 Coal Tit x 4 01/11/21 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 27 over Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 2 Golden Plover x 175 N over Thurnholmes Goldfinch x 6 Grey Partridge x 12 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Pied Wagtail x 2 Redwing x 15 Robin x 1 Starling x 250 over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 35 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Angle Shades x 1 security light 02/11/21 Barn Owl x 2 calling lots 23:50hrs Blackbird x 1 Black-headed Gull x 120 over Thurnholmes Carrion crow x 1 Coal Tit x 2 Great Tit x 2 Wood Pigeon x 4 03/11/21 Kestrel x 1 Tawny Owl x 2 calling just outside our bedroom window 04:10hrs ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs and Nature Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of which LWT reserves are open and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus RSPB Reserves: RSPB Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore are listed as Open. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list RSPB Freiston Shore https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Weekly seal update from Donna Nook https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook/weekly-update 01/11/2021 There are now 9 pups, 38 cows and 14 bulls. Unfortunately the seal pups still aren't visible from the viewing area path. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 13th October – 2nd November 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: Note: The first ground frost of the autumn on 14th at Sea View, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, was -1.25 degrees C but how temperatures can fluctuate with plus 10.0 degrees C recorded the following day and another ground frost of -1.5 degrees C on the 16th. The weather then became influenced by strong, very mild south-westerlies when on the 19th the daytime temperature reached 19.5 degrees C and a gust of 31.5mph noted. A distinctive wasp seen on bungalow window close to north NNR was Pimpla rufipes which is rarely recorded 121021 – 2 taiga bean geese, rare in Lincolnshire on the foreshore 141021 - Hunting over saltmarsh single hen harrier (ringtail) and merlin, 2 marsh harriers and 7 whooper swans flew in and landed on Rimac lagoon. Tawny owl calling near Sea View. 150121 - Paradise lagoon: 1 ringed plover, 1 curlew, 14 dunlin, 60 lapwing, 109 teal, 7 redshank, 1 common snipe, 7 shoveler, 1 wigeon, 23 common gulls and 114 black- headed gulls. A great white egret with a little egret was on the edge of the Eau at Sea View washland. 2 short-eared owls hunting on the edge of the saltmarsh near the Eau, late evening. 161021 - On Paradise lagoon: 1 ruff, 5 whooper swans which later left and flew towards Rimac (per Geoff Williams). Single goldcrest at Sea View. 171021 - 3 curlew sandpipers resting on cleared area of freshwater marsh 181021 - Single jay and great spotted woodpecker at Sea View, at least 835 pink-footed geese flying in three skeins from their roost, high, west towards the Wolds. 191021 - Female brambling at Sea View. 211021 - Short-eared owl hunting over saltmarsh. 221021 - Little egret number increased to 36 birds feeding on the saltmarsh, 2 whooper swans on Rimac lagoon. 231021 - Brambling at Sea View. Going north were a black-throated diver, a red-necked grebe and a snow bunting; and going south were a little auk, a pomarine skua and 4 whooper swan. A woodcock flew in from the sea and a long-tailed duck was on the sea within a common scoter raft. 241021 - Willow/chiff at Sea View, merlin hunting over saltmarsh. At least 1100 pink- footed geese flying in from their feeding grounds, late evening, to roost. Dragonflies seen: 3 migrant hawker, c20 common darter, 2 ruddy darter. Butterflies: 1 each of speckled wood, small tortoiseshell, small copper. Also bee flies, wasps and possible buff tailed bumblebee. Birds seen and heard Rimac to Brickyard Lane: 3 Cetti’s warbler, 3 water rail, 5 brambling, 3 siskin, 4 redwing. 251021 - The mild day with weak sunshine saw several common wasps in flight, a red admiral and a small tortoiseshell on the wing at Sea View. A slight increase in thrushes, most noticeable in blackbird numbers. 2 yellowhammer flew south over Rimac along with a small movement of finches and pipits. 2 stonechat also in the dunes and a female goosander on the Great Eau. Rose-coloured starling reportedly on the saltmarsh with common starling in the afternoon. 261021 - 2 short-eared owl flew out of the dunes at Crook Bank. 2 goldcrest moving through scrub with a large tit flock. Stonechat at Rimac. Note: A very blustery end to the month with strong south-westerly winds with a gust of 39.6mph recorded near Sea View on the 29th. 281021 - Single fieldfare flew out of Paradise wood. At Churchill Lane; 5 common darter, 1 ruddy darter, 1 migrant hawker. 2 small bats at dusk. A few storksbill and ground ivy flowers in dunes. Over 3000 starling and a few redwing at Rimac. Long-tailed duck with 500 common scoter at Mablethorpe North end, where a blackcap was calling from dune scrub. 200 pink-footed goose south over the sea. 291021 - 2 brambling and 1 goldcrest at Sea View, single redwing flew over. 6 whooper swans flew south over saltmarsh late evening. Jack snipe in the dunes at Crook bank. 301021 – At Churchill Lane in a sheltered spot; 4 common darter, 2 ruddy darter, 1 buff-tailed bumblebee. 311021 - 5 Siskin over Churchill Lane area. Ring ouzel reported at Crook Bank. 011121 - Single male sparrowhawk flying at speed in the hope of catching a starling from the 2000+ plus birds flying in one flock over the saltmarsh. Male blackcap at Sea View. 2 short eared owl, 1 sparrow hawk and c1200 pink feet geese in roost along the foreshore. Small movement of finches and pipits in the morning included 45 rock pipit south in just over an hour. 4 snow bunting on the beach at Mablethorpe north end per Dean Nicholson. 021121 - C4500 starlings north over foreshore and 26 whooper swans south. Velvet scoter and long-tailed duck on the sea with 500 common scoter. 5 twite flew north along the beach and a Lapland bunting flew south. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ The Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting). College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Humber Heritage Trail, Alkborough Flats - LWT leaflet https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given on the website. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ *** Love Lincs Plants *** Events and activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants Aidan Neary - LoveLincsPlants Project Officer writes: Final update link for Love Lincs Plants project events: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed - active... https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** All of the LNU specimens that have been processed and digitised to date can now be viewed here: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/lincs-plants *** The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons - LNU downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List - LNU *** Paul Kirby has produced a list which details all the vascular plant and stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorder Phil Hyde - County Recorder, Lincs Bird Club recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ *** South Lincolnshire Flora Group *** https://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** The Wolds Fungi Group *** Contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com *** Lincolnshire Dormouse Group *** Contact: lincsdormousegroup@gmail.co FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE: 07768-501895 PAGER: 07654-330877 Related Webpages: Lincolnshire Police Advice on Hare Coursing - we can expect post-harvest coursing. https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ Rural Crime News https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Lincolnshire Mammals *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com For current records please refer to the Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire by C. J. Manning, LNU Mammal Recorder. You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf Spiders and... - Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Email: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Contact: Ashley Butterfield : learningoutdoors@btinternet.com Please have a look at https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php for an easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. You can send any records to Ashley Butterfield (Lincolnshire Amphibian and Reptile Recorder) at LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Bat rescue instructions: If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box - remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail - wearing gloves or using a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 Email: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: mrapickwell@gmail.com When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcomed. USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) http://www.glnp.org.uk/ *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ *** InsideEcology *** Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ *** NHBS *** Should you need natural history equipment or books, a good place to start is: https://www.nhbs.com/ *** Bird Friendly Coffee Shade-grown from RSPB *** https://birdandwild.co.uk/ For the geologists... Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group *** https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 *** Lincolnshire Geology - The Wolds AONB *** https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/maps/geology *** Cracking up in Lincolnshire - our roads - Geological Society *** https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Geoscientist/Archive/March-2014/Cracking-up-in-Lincolnshire *** The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable LNU book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-geology-of-lincolnshire-h-h-swinnerton-and-p-e-kent.pdf *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in a few instances may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed please contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. https://lnu.org/specialists/ When sending in reports, e.g. unusual plants, it will be good if you can report any sensitive news directly to recorders rather than via the Bulletin please, as we don't want to spoil things with untimely/unwise publicity. Thank you. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. *** Codes of Conduct *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. BSBI Code of Conduct https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/BSBI-Code-of-Conduct.pdf Code of Conduct for Responsible Collecting of Fungi http://www.davidmoore.org.uk/Assets/fungi4schools/Reprints/Pickers_code.pdf RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see https://lnu.org/meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important update *** We will post any changes to 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: LNU Website: https://lnu.org/meetings/ LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ Whisby Natural History Workshops See: https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. Places are limited. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** Paul Hamshaw - soft bounce - over quota so I can't contact him to help - does anyone know him? Also: Barbara Hodgkinson soft bounce - undeliverable - account does not exist. Advice is: if your Service provider or network can't or won't allow the Bulletin through, use a free email account instead. In the event of a mail failure I will be happy to send you the error report to pass on to your "Help Desk". Just ask. ....and finally... New Zealand bat flies away with bird of the year award https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-59115346 Inside the Indonesian cave where oldest animal art was found https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-58988252 Dangers to Garden Birds - BBC Gardeners' World https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/solve-problems/dangers-to-garden-birds/ Sir David Attenborough polar ship makes her London debut https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59022676 Birds in Patagonia have a surprising taste for the fungi https://www.newscientist.com/article/2295334-birds-in-patagonia-have-a-surprising-taste-for-truffles/ Climate change: Human activity makes forests emit carbon https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59065127 California condors: Virgin births discovered in critically endangered birds https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-59097703 For Some Parents, Hiding a Dead Body Shows How Much You Care https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/for-some-parents-hiding-a-dead-body-shows-how-much-you-care/ Birdsong: Declining bird populations making Europe and North America quieter | New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/article/2295787-falling-bird-numbers-mean-quieter-birdsong-in-europe-and-north-america/ Country diary: This humble slab is as old as sedimentary rock gets https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/28/country-diary-this-humble-slab-is-as-old-as-sedimentary-rock-gets Country diary: A frightful fungus worthy of an Edgar Allan Poe tale https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/03/country-diary-a-frightful-fungus-worthy-of-an-edgar-allan-poe-tale Country diary: How crows make the rowan trees grow https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/02/country-diary-how-crows-make-the-rowan-trees-grow ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/