=========================================== || || 6th October 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: Please note I am expecting some work to our house which may slow or interrupt work to the Bulletin in October. I will do my best to keep to my routine but may have surprise hold-ups, for which I apologise in advance. 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 Next LNU Field Meeting: Woodhall Spa Airfield LWT Reserve – Sunday 10th October 2021. Fungus Foray. https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2019-10-13/ Here are some some lovely videos of juvenile dormouse making a nest https://ptes.org/building-a-nest-a-fingle-woods-trilogy/ Gemma Watkinson, Lincolnshire Dormouse Group, writes: "Our final nest box check for the year is on Saturday 23 October. We have been able to open up to non licence holders again for the last couple of months but still had low numbers of attendees. If anyone would like to join please email the Lincs Dormouse Group address and I'll get back to them with the details." lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com Lincspirational Plants: Exhibitions, Light Shows and and Auction https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants Aidan Neary writes: POSTPONED: Light Show at Boultham Park this Saturday 2nd Oct - NEW DATE 23rd Oct We have rearranged for Saturday 23rd October. The event will start at 5:30pm and finish at 7:30pm (half an hour earlier due to light levels). A few of our LWT staff are not able to help out due to the change of date. If you are available it would be great to have you along to help with stewarding. I will be in touch when I return off leave in a couple of weeks. For further information about our other light shows at Boston Stump and Banovallum House, as well as our art exhibition and auction go to: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants Just a reminder – our online auction has gone live to help us create more wildflower rich habitat across Lincolnshire. Happy bidding https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/lincspirationalplantsauction There are a few places on the last two Whisby Natural History Workshops. https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Lichens – Mark Seaward – October 16th - will go ahead - 2 places left. An introduction to the subject by Professor Mark Seaward of Bradford University, Lincolnshire county Lichen recorder. An initial talk but then most of the workshop will be out of doors looking at examples in the nature park. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for when we go outside. 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. Weather Forecast https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Sunday 3 - Tuesday 12 Oct "Later next week, unsettled conditions are expected to be focused across the north and northwest with cloud and rain which may be heavy and persistent at times accompanied by some strong winds, particularly in coastal locations." Here is this week's selection of links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories plus reports and articles sent in by Bulletin readers. I hope there's something for you. The Nature Conservancy announces 2021 photo contest winners - wonderful https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-58720336 Grimsby Minster: Broken clock repair bill put at £50,000 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-58738863 Spalding pigeon poo: Birds of prey idea put forward https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58805064 The slithering truth about the snakes of Britain - Country Life https://www.countrylife.co.uk/nature/the-slithering-truth-about-the-snakes-of-britain-from-slow-worms-to-the-6ft-beasts-that-roam-central-london-yes-really-233456 From dragonflies to kingfishers: the science behind nature's brilliant blues https://theconversation.com/from-dragonflies-to-kingfishers-the-science-behind-natures-brilliant-blues-168889 Moth with the longest tongue of any insect is now a new species https://www.zmescience.com/science/moth-with-the-longest-tongue-of-any-insect-is-now-a-new-species/ Brexit paves the way for gene-edited crops https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58711230 "Who Gives a Crap" toilet paper - 100% recycled - no not like that! https://uk.whogivesacrap.org/ If you have news of good starling murmuration sites, please let us know. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/starling/starling-murmurations/ More links to enjoy in "..and finally ..." 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/ Please keep your reports coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** October 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 Draconids 8/9th October. Likely the Orionids 21st/22nd will be spoiled by moonlight. *** Flusurvey *** Flusurvey has contacted me. They intend to continue monitoring influenza and Covid symptoms through their simple weekly questionnaire and part of the national surveillance effort. You may remember me giving them a plug at the beginning of the Covid epidemic. It is still running and by participating you have a simple but useful role to play in the big picture. I recommend them to you. I have been contributing to their survey for years. It's quite painless. They write: " We are still increasing the number of participant sign ups on our platform, please continue to share and invite your friends and contacts to sign up on our platform www.flusurvey.net, we are interested in capturing UK residents 18 years of age and their households." www.flusurvey.net *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Len Pick Trust Barn Owls online *** Camera now off until, hopefully, January 2022. Thanks to Bob and his colleagues for an illuminating year. *** 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. BATS ON WALLS Please can I ask any reader who see a bat on an exterior wall in daytime to get in touch with us immediately – see details above. A bat on an outside wall is almost always in trouble. Some may be old animals, but we’ve had far too many underweight bats this year who are clearly not, and some at least can be restored to a decent weight and released, you hope to find enough to eat. *** The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Our October meeting takes place on Monday, 11th October, and will begin with our Section AGM followed by a talk entitled "Lincolnshire - A Natural Beauty" by Jon Fox, author of the books "The Lincolnshire Landscape: An Exploration" and "Lines Across Lincolnshire", two books about different aspects of the county's countryside. This talk will explore the concept of natural beauty in relation to Lincolnshire, looking at how both nature and human activity have interacted to produce the landscape we see today. The meeting starts at 7.15pm and will take place in the St Bernadettes Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. There will be a mid-talk comfort break but no refreshments will be available. There is free parking in the church car park There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. For track and trace Covid-19 purposes we are asked to record all names and contact details and everyone is encouraged to wear a face mask and keep to the spacing that is recommended. Hand sanitiser will be available. *** The South Holland Area Group LWT *** The South Holland Area Group of the Wildlife Trust are resuming their winter programme. The first talk will be given on the 12th October by Amanda Jenkins and is titled “Naturehoods.” 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, also note 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. *** Boston Area Group LWT *** Gill Walsh writes: Talk - A Year in The Brecks by Matt Blissett Thursday 14th October at 7.30pm Centenary Methodist Church, Red Lion Street, Boston, PE21 6NY Free entry but there will be a retiring collection. Please bring your own refreshments to consume during the interval. We have hired the large central hall to enable social distancing and would like you to wear masks whilst moving around the room/building. Non members welcome *** The Scunthorpe and Brigg Local Group LWT *** Our October meeting takes place on Thursday, 14th October. We will be having a talk on "Farming and Wildlife" by Nicholas Watts. Nicholas Watts has farmed at Vine House Farm, Spalding, since 1964. His inspiration and enthusiasm for farming and wildlife is the reason why Vine House Farm Bird Foods was born. The team around him has grown over the years, to not only manage a growing farm, but build a bird seed business too. The meeting starts at 7.30pm and will take place in St Hugh's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2AG, almost opposite the filling station on Ashby Road near the junction with West Common Lane. There is some free parking in the church grounds and more on nearby on Ashby Road. There is a £2 charge for entry which includes refreshments at the mid-talk break. For track and trace Covid-19 purposes we are asked to record all names and contact details and everyone is encouraged to wear a face mask and keep to the spacing that is recommended. Hand sanitiser will be available. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk October 21st: Fungi Folklore An illustrated talk by Vicky Buckberry about the folklore and past uses of the wide variety of fungi found in the UK. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.00. No refreshments provided but please feel free to bring your own. Advice from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is to wear a mask while attending and we will also need to take contact details for Test and Trace purposes, etc. *** Online talks - Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service and Heritage Lincolnshire*** Magic and Folklore of Trees - Thursday 21st October 2021 Time: 7pm start online with Q&A's afterwards Weaving mythology, magical practices and tales of woodland wisdom with advice on tree care and the everyday usefulness of woodland products. Trees provide a unique insight into our relationship with the natural landscape and have been an important part of our culture for tens of thousands of years. The speaker will take you on a journey into the legends and myths of trees found in the modern landscape. We will look for tree spirits and gods, superstitions and practical counsel from our ancestors and ask questions such as just why there is such an affinity between people and trees, even today. https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/shop/tickets/non-member-tickets/talks-by-david-rodger-lwcs/ Tickets: £5 Members of Heritage Lincolnshire / £7 Non Members For further information contact Heritage Lincolnshire: htladmin@heritagelincolnshire.org 01529 461499 www.heritagelincolnshire.org *** Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** The successful season of well-received continues on Monday 18th October at 7.30pm ‘A Humber Odyssey’ A Zoom talk by Pete Short Pete Short is the RSPB Humber Reserves Site Manager. In this talk, he will meander down the Humber looking at the spectacular birdlife and the diverse work the RSPB Humber wardening team do to manage the reserves and wider estuary, and how it helps keep it as an internationally important place for birds and wildlife. Plenty of local interest - not to be missed! This Talk will be followed by the AGM’s for the years ending June 2020 and June 2021. (There will be an opportunity to leave the meeting between the talk and the AGMs) 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 16th October, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** 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. October meetings: Thursday Oct. 7th Kenwick woods, Louth. The area we will be foraying in is essentially private but members who live on site and are joining the group are happy to host our visit. On entering Kenwick Park proceed to the car park on the right (not to the hotel and golf course) where we will meet before going down into the wood. Tuesday Oct. 19th Ostlers Plantation, Woodhall Spa. Meet and park at the wood Grid ref. TF 216627 Tuesday Oct. 26th Snipe Dales Country Park, Spilsby. Meet in the Country park car park Grid ref. TF330681. Note there is a £1 parking charge Anyone interested in joining the forays should contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 28/9 6 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, 19 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 2 Little Stints, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh American Wigeon ecl drk, on lagoon, Freiston Shore Garganey, Marston sewage works Little Stint, Donna Nook 29/9 2 Cattle Egrets on grassland opposite visitor Centre, Short-eared Owl over sea wall, Hen Harrier male, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 30/9 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, 2 Cattle Egrets both ads, Frampton Marsh 5 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Leach's Petrel flew SE over Humber, East Halton Skitter 1/10 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl on saltmarsh, Cattle Egret, male Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 3 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 2/9 2 Cattle Egrets, 7 Little Stints, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Unconfirmed report of Black Stork, Frampton Marsh 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Skua juv dark morph, flew SSW along the Humber, East Halton Skitter 3/9 6 Spotted Redshanks, Short-eared Owl, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 7 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Firecrest, Long-tailed Skua, 2 Little Gulls flew south, Gibraltar Point Bittern, Boultham Mere Garganey, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 2 Common Cranes flew south over Grimsby Bittern, Far Ings 4/9 2 Little Stints, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Short-eared Owls, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Firecrest, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 12+ Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Garganey, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 5/9 17+ Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 7 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 2 Bitterns, Far Ings 2 Ruddy Shelducks, then flew north, 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! *** 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. Road Kill E. Morley 29/9/21 Badger B1207 just north of Winterton *** 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 03/10/2021 Possible Cucumber Green Orb Spider - looked almost like an aphid to the naked eye. Inside a tiny web built on a concave door handle to the garage found by AP. Sent a photo taken by Mary Porter, Imogen Wilde says: It is a beautiful and distinctive beast. Unfortunately it’s not possible to say exactly which species it is from a photograph, because there are 2 Araniella species in Lincolnshire that look almost identical and would need to be examined microscopically - A. cucurbitina and A. opisthographa. In addition there’s another species found from the Wash southwards so that adds to the mystery! As this looked like an aphid I’m guessing it was small and therefore juvenile - the shape would certainly suggest this. But good spot - always nice to see! If you ever find an adult with an egg sac, have a  look at the silk, it’s a golden colour! BOSTON (TF326426) September 2021 Kathleen Pearson I was able to do the BTO Garden BirdWatch on all 30 days in September, but number of birds was very small with only Goldfinches giving a double figure count on one occasion and a total of 20 species . However, butterflies were in very good numbers with 8 types seen. A Jay was the first interesting bird for a while. Birds:- Blackbird 3, Robin 1, Collared Dove 2, Magpie 2, Woodpigeon 2, Dunnock 1, Blue Tit 1, Greenfinch 3, Carrion Crow 3, Goldfinch 10, Chaffinch 1, Long-tailed Tit 7, Wren 1, Herring Gull 2, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2, Great Tit 1, House Sparrow 2, Jay 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Song Thrush 1. Butterflies:- Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Large White, Small Copper. Other items:- Migrant hawker, common darter, PIPISTRELLE, common shrew, frog, hedgehog, squirrel. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 30/10/2021 - just arrived home to see a female Sparrowhawk take a House Sparrow by our conservatory, after some remarkable aerobatics. 1/10/2021 - noticed that the Swallows which nest in the local bus shelter were still around, but haven't seen them since. 4/10/2021 - Chiffchaff calling! During the last week or so I have noticed that the local Skylarks have begun singing a gain in the mornings, but in a more subdued manner than earlier in the year. Also, over recent months (up to the last day or two) I have seen a number of Beautiful Plume Moths Amblyptilia acanthadactyla, but never more than two at once. I think that I saw my first of these only last summer, maybe 2019, but this year I have seen them far more often. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 22/9/2021 Common darters 7 all lined up on the fence enjoying the last of the afternoon sunshine Helophilus pendulus 1 on ivy flowers Red admiral 1 Pimpla rufipes 1 on ivy flowers Xylota seguis 1 on ivy flowers 25/9/2021 Blue tit 1 Great tits 4 Grey squirrel 1 26/9/2021 Lace wing 2 Oyster mushroom Pleurotus - possible ostreatus several clumps on deciduous log by pond Woodpigeons 3 SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 22/09/21 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 6 Jay x 2 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 6 Wood Pigeon x 2 Wren x 1 Small White x 2 Speckled Wood x 1 Common Darter x 2 Migrant Hawker x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 22/09/21 Tawny Owl calling from Owston Ferry churchyard 18:30hrs 23/09/21 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 4 Blue Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 singing Golden Plover x 110 NE over Thurnholmes Goldfinch x 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 2 Little Owl x 1 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 3 Owston Ferry Warping Drain x 3 Stock Dove x 2 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 23:10hrs Tree Sparrow x 1 Wood Pigeon x 6 Large White x 1 Red Admiral x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 3 Small White x 2 Setaceous Hebrew Character x 1 Common Darter x 8 Migrant Hawker x 5 24/09/21 Common Toad x 1 large female in conservatory, not sure if it came in 'spaniel assisted' 26/09/21 Long-eared Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs 27/09/21 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Golden Plover x 1 over Thurnholmes Goldfinch x 4 Grey Partridge x 2 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Rook x 25 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 4 Red Admiral x 1 Common Darter x 6 28/09/21 Swallow x 4 flying north, low over fields. Common Darter x 4 Migrant Hawker x 1 29/09/21 Blackbird x 1 Black-headed Gull x 25 over Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Grey Partridge x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Meadow Pipit x 2 Pink-footed Goose x 265  flying NE, high over Thurnholmes Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 singing high Tawny Owl x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Brown Rat x 4 Red Admiral x 1 Small White x 1 Common Darter x 7 Migrant Hawker x 2 04/10/21 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Long-tailed Tit x 4 Magpie x 2 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 6 Speckled Wood x 1 Common Darter x 12 WILLINGHAM WOODS Angela Buckle Willingham Woods, 4th October 2021 Shaggy soldier - not seen there before, car park. Fungi. first fly agaric. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: "I am in the process in coordinating the project’s Lincspirational Plants light show/ projection events and online art auction in October. I will provide more details in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed." Lincspirational Art light show events in October - dates for your diary Final update link for Love Lincs Plants project events: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2021-10-02-lincspirational-plants-light-show https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2021-10-08-lincspirational-plants-light-show https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2021-10-09-lincspirational-plants-light-show 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. *** Some identification links for Fungi: *** How to identify British woodland fungi - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/british-woodland-fungi-id-guide/ British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/how-to-identify/guide-to-british-fungi-where-to-find-and-how-to-identify/ The NHBS Guide to Fungi Identification https://www.nhbs.com/blog/the-nhbs-guide-to-fungi-identification Fungi - Nature Spot - gallery https://www.naturespot.org.uk/gallery/fungi Fungi Families/Types Identity Parade - gallery https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/~id-guide.php https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ British Mycological Society https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/ 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 welcomed. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: 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 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/ *** UKGE - Geological Supplies *** https://www.ukge.com/ *** 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. 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 *** "LNU 2021 field meetings - May - October are now running." 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 Richard Davidson says : Arranged in partnership by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) and the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union. At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building on Saturday afternoons from 13.00 pm until 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments not included but please feel free to bring your own. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. Places are limited. Find out more about the various subjects from our local experts. Lichens – October 16th – Mark Seaward Dissecting Owl Pellets – November 20th – Garry Steele See: https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: Neil Barker - soft bounce - undeliverable 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... Coquet Island protected birds at risk from paddleboarders https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-58773702 Cirl bunting sees 33% increase on Devon farmland https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-58727962 BepiColombo: Europe's mission to Mercury returns first pictures https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58754882 Country diary: the warren is here, but the fluffle of rabbits has gone https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/22/country-diary-the-warren-is-here-but-the-fluffle-of-rabbits-has-gone Country diary: wasps gather to revel in fermenting apple rot https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/23/country-diary-wasps-gather-to-revel-in-fermenting-apple-rot US declares 23 bird, fish and other species extinct https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-58740362 Scotland's peatlands 'have been undervalued for years' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-58720216 String Theory - do you have any clue about it? Watch. https://www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/string-theory---a-simple-way-to-understand-the-uni/p09xhj2b ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/