=========================================== || || 13th 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 remember, I am expecting some work to our house next week which may slow/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. I'd like to remind readers who don't usually contribute to the Bulletin or send in reports to county recorders, support for the recording effort is the Bulletin "deal". We rely on you to help make it useful and interesting. Huge thanks to the regulars who send in news, events info and species reports. What would we do without you? 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 Indoor Meeting: Spring forwards, fall backwards: How our seasons are changing’. A talk by Tim Sparks of the UK Phenology Network. Saturday 20th November. 2pm, Saturday 20th November 2021 Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park Free to attend. All welcome. There is a £2 parking charge. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ 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 7-26 Oct "...a period of unsettled weather begins to form at the start of this period as cloud builds and associated outbreaks of rain develop.... Wind becomes increasing breezy as these unsettled conditions are set to remain across most parts through this period, with showers and longer spells of rain likely across all regions. Winds will frequently be strong across all areas of the UK with an increased risk of gales...." 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. Humber Bridge to close for essential repairs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-58844034 Order Flocking our of Chaos - the harmony of murmurations https://nautil.us/issue/107/the-edge/order-flocking-out-of-chaos Ants feeding off honeydew wins the Royal Society of Biology's photo prize https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-58828861 Incredible Mushroom Timelapse - Outdoor Photographer https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog/incredible-mushroom-timelapse/ Charles Darwin's dwarf kidney beans cleaned and catalogued https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-58561645 Ducklings swim in a line behind their mother to reduce drag https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10069403/Ducklings-swim-line-mother-reduce-drag-propel-forwards.html Number of butterflies in the UK at a record low, survey finds | Butterflies | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/07/number-of-butterflies-in-the-uk-at-a-record-low-survey-finds How high above sea level am I? By posycode or smartphone. https://www.getthedata.com/how-high-above-sea-level-am-i Stink bug discovery raises fears of threat to crops https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58809987 Lyme disease: Drug could eradicate the bacterium behind illness | New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/article/2292543-drug-treatment-for-lyme-disease-could-lead-to-its-eradication/ 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 Likely the Orionids 21st/22nd will be spoiled by moonlight. *** 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. 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. *** 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: 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 Note - last week I overlooked the change of month from 9 to 10 in these reports. Corrected here: 2/10 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 3/10 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 4/10 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 5/10 17+ Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 7 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 2 Bitterns, Far Ings 2 Ruddy Shelducks, then flew north, Alkborough Flats 17+ Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 7 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 2 Bitterns, Far Ings 2 Ruddy Shelducks, then flew north, Alkborough Flats 6/10 Pectoral Sandpiper on Wader Pit, Cattle Egret flew SW over Wader Pit, Little Stint on East shore, Baston + Langtoft GPs 7 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Short-eared Owls, Curlew Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh 10 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Yellow-browed Warbler, Jack Snipe, 3 Short-eared Owls, Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Skua past , Black-throated Diver, Spoonbill, Sutton-on-Sea Probable Olive-backed Pipit flew north over dunes at north end, Mablethorpe 2 Pomarine Skuas, Long-tailed Skua dark morph, Huttoft Car Terrace Black Tern, Little Gull, 2 Velvet Scoters, Long-tailed Duck flew south, Theddlethorpe Dunes 7/10 Gannet juv flew south over Baston+Langtoft pits 7.40am Probable Gannet flew NW over Eastgate, 8.10am Deeping St James Spotted Redshanks, male Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh Probable American Golden Plover in ploughed field by Butterwick car park, with Golden Plovers, Freiston Shore 11 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Hen Harrier, Long-tailed Duck flew south, Red-breasted Flycatcher north of Shovelers Pool, Gibraltar Point Gannet juv flew south over Boultham Mere 8.40am 4 Rock Pipits, Covenham reservoir 2 Bitterns, Far Ings 14 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats 8/10 Grey Phalarope by start of sea wall,3 Short-eared Owls, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, ringtail Hen Harrier, Bittern flew towards The Wash at dusk, 9 Spoonbills at Jackson's Marsh, Frampton Marsh 3 Hen Harriers from Wash Viewpoint, Yellow-browed Warbler at Sykes Farm Track, Short-eared Owl, Red-breasted Flycatcher north of Shovelers Pool, Pied Flycatcher, Gibraltar Point Yellow-browed Warbler ringed, Anderby Creek Tree Pipit flew west over Rimac 2 Yellow-browed Warblers near ruined jetty, 5 reported along river near Winters Farm, East Halton Pectoral Sandpiper, then flew towards Whitton Sands, Alkborough Flats 9/10 5 Short-eared Owl, 3 Little Stints, Jack Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Hen Harrier male, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier, Great White Egret, Gibraltar Point Red-backed Shrike, north of Sea View Farm, Rimac 10/10 Yellow-browed Warbler, Lapland Bunting flew south over, Richard's Pipit flew south over, Gibraltar Point Lapland Bunting flew south over sea wall, Holbeach Marsh 15 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats 11/10 Short-eared Owl, Dowsby Fen Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, 2 Hen Harriers, 5 Short-eared Owls, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 2+ Common Scoters over Scopwick 8.07pm - from sound recording 5 Bewick's Swans flew south over Nettleton Holiday Park Bittern, Jack Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Far Ings 12/10 Rock Pipit at Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs 2 Little Stints, 3+ Short-eared Owls,2 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh 4 Velvet Scoters on sea at Crook Bank, 2 Taiga Bean Geese on outer foreshore, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 13/10 Rock Pipit flew over River Glen, Baston Fen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. *** 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 7/10/2021 Boletus lanatus aka Xerocomus subtomentosus - Suade Bolete - another flush in the lawn. Pied wagtail over - often seen on local roofs. Small group of Housemartins flying round local eves. Update on spider reported last week: Imogen Wilde writes: "Looking more closely at the photo I think this is actually Nigma walckenaeri. That would explain the size etc. Very good spot!" See: http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Nigma+walckenaeri Interesting that this says: "The leaves of lilac, Forsythia, holly and ivy are especially favoured but any leaves are used with a similar size and curved surface across which the web can be made." The door handle had a curved concave surface. Across this profile a web had been built. BARDNEY GARDEN Grid ref TF 117 701 Mary and Phil Porter 8th October 2021 X4 swallows observed feeding and flying above the garden. We saw them over about 15 minutes, so were unable to tell if they were the same four swallows each time. Birds this week have included: Approximately: x10 long tailed tits X5 blue tits X4 great tits x10+ goldfinches 5 chaffinches X2 greenfinches 20 house sparrows 4 blackbirds X3 robins singing X2 dunnocks X1 wren X1 starling X2 collared doves X4 wood pigeons, plus one squab A large female sparrow-hawk flew at speed towards the “wood pigeon” tree and the pigeon flew straight out at her with it’s wings out and flapping to scare her away. The sparrow-hawk veered away and left the garden! X2 magpies, which have also been interested in the pigeon’s nest. Skeins of pink-footed geese have been going over most evenings Male tawny owl hooting 11th October. No hedgehog on the night-time camera for several weeks. Just one long-tailed field-mouse on the night of 10th October. A few red admiral butterflies about, and many bees, wasps and flies on the ivy flowers, which have been alive with buzzing most days. An unidentified, very fast-flying insect went by the window which could have been a hummingbird hawk moth, but, unfortunately, it didn’t stay to get a proper view. A small caterpillar was spotted in the bundle of mixed herbs we had picked for cooking, possibly a mint moth caterpillar. HOLYWELL LAKE 6th October 2021 Ian Misselbrook WeBS Holywell Lake 1330 – 1415 Canada Geese 33 Mute Swans 2 Gadwall 8 Mallard 28 Teal 6 Tufted Duck 16 Moorhen 21 Little Grebes 22 Little Egrets 4 Red Kite 1 Buzzard 1 Jackdaws 8 Rooks Carrion Crows Woodpigeons Blue Tits2 Great Tits 2 Chiffchaff 1 Wrens 2 Robins 3 Pied Wagtail 2 Chaffinch 3 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 1/10/2021 Barn owl 1 Flew through garden 8.15pm 3/10/2021 Sparrowhawk 1 Female sitting of fence post over boundary ditch 6/10/2021 Achaius oratorius 1 : Spotted on terrace through the french doors. It was moving quickly, hence just one passable photo. Using the id guide https://www.naturespot.org.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/british-ichneumonid-wasps-id-guide.pdf I discounted Amblyjoppa proteus as, although black and white, the markings weren't the same. However, Achaius oratorius looks to be a possibility even though the wings were closed and the eye area wasn't visible. It had white leg bands, a white tail spot. and white bands on the antennae. Photo available. 7/10/2021 Common green shieldbug 1 Red admiral REEPHAM, Station Road TF 040738 6/10/21 Catherine Wilson There have been signs of hedgehog activity in my garden for a few weeks. I have put special food out and it has been disappearing so I was sure one or more must be around. I went to put more food out this evening just at dusk and there was a hedgehog feeding on the birdseed that the sparrows and starlings had left. It completely ignored me and went on feeding while I watched from about a metre away and it then trotted off to the back of the garden and disappeared in the undergrowth. STANTON'S PIT Stanton’s Pit NR (Highlights) Ian Misselbrook 14.30 -15.15 Little Grebes 5 Mute Swans 2 Tufted Duck 2 Coot 1 Moorhen 1 Blackcap 1 Chiffchaff 1Buzzard 1 Red Kite Migrant Hawker 3 Common Darter 6 Ruddy Darter 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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  29th September – 12th October 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 290921 - 2 common sandpipers on edge of the Eau near Paradise lagoon, 2 marsh harriers and 2 kestrels hunting over the saltmarsh. 011021 - Paradise lagoon: 78 teal, 22 lapwing. Hunting over the saltmarsh late evening: 4 marsh harriers, 1 short-eared owl and c1200 pink-footed geese flying to roost near Saltfleet Haven. 021021 – C800 pink footed geese over Sea View. Sea View Washland: 40+ teal, 4 shoveler. 041021 - Female great spotted woodpecker at Sea View and 12 swallows south. Good number of pink-footed geese in several skeins flying inland from their roost to Elm House Area, at least 1800 birds. 14 little egrets and around 300 starlings on saltmarsh and tawny owl calling near Sea View. Some movement of meadow pipits and finches in the morning along with seabirds. 9 jay south and 2000 pink-footed geese around. 051021 - Paradise lagoon now showing a good level of water: 109 teal and 24 shoveler, grey wagtail nearby. On the newly created Sea View washland: 21 curlew. 4 jay south at Crook Bank and another near Churchill Lane. 061021 - Both stoat and weasel seen hunting near Sea View. Good movement over the sea in the morning. Going south were 6 whooper swans, a long-tailed duck and 3 great skua, and north went 2 Manx shearwater and good numbers of waders and wildfowl. A probably olive-backed pipit also flew north calling. Barn owl seen hunting at Churchill Lane. 071021 - 5 greenshank on Paradise lagoon, 24 little egrets on the saltmarsh. A warm, sunny afternoon saw: 1 comma, 1 painted lady, 2 red admirals, 2 small whites and 1 small copper on the wing at Sea View. 081021 - 2 goldcrest, single chiffchaff and blackcap at Sea View. Paradise lagoon: 49 Canada geese, 1 greylag goose, 14 mallard, 9 common snipe, 3 greenshank, 1 cormorant, 114 teal, 7 shoveler, 2 little grebe, 3 lapwing, 6 redshank, 3 common gulls and 88 black-headed gulls. Painted lady, 4 small coppers, 1 small white and 1 red admiral at Sea View. 4 brambling and a tree pipit flew over Rimac. C3000 pink-footed geese flew from roost on the beach/Rimac lagoon into the fog. Going south at Crook Bank were a jay, a grey wagtail, 2 Siskin and 2 mistle thrush. 091021 - A red-backed shrike was seen in hawthorn and elderberry bushes being at times mobbed by a robin near Sea View. Of note at Paradise lagoon: 162 teal, 15 shoveler and a single greenshank. Butterflies seen in the Churchill Lane area: peacock, small tortoiseshell, small white, small copper, speckled wood, red admiral and odonata: willow emerald, common and ruddy darter, migrant hawker. 101021 - 3300 pink-footed geese flying from roost to feeding grounds inland. Single siskin at Sea View, 37 little egrets on saltmarsh, 1 kingfisher on Eau near Paradise lagoon. Two speckled woods on the wing at Sea View. Over 1500 pink-footed geese flew south throughout the morning. 3 stonechat at Rimac. Odonata at Churchill Lane: willow emerald, common and ruddy darter, migrant hawker. 111021 - Kingfisher on Eau near Paradise, single jay and blackcap at Sea View, 5 whooper swans on beach off Rimac. Flying over Crook Bank were 14 tree sparrow, 2 redpoll, 4 Siskin, 2 jay and 600 pink-footed geese. 2 stoats fighting at Rimac. 120121 - Single jay and a flock of 16 long-tailed tits at Sea View. 110 redwing around Sea View in two groups. A female red-breasted merganser was on the sea at Mablethorpe north end. 4 velvet scoter reported on the sea at Crook Bank. 2 taiga bean geese seen resting on foreshore, now rarely seen in Lincolnshire. Stoat seen at Sea View. Other local reserves 091021 – Donna Nook: 40 golden plover flew over. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ *** 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. 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 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/ *** 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... Biodiversity loss risks 'ecological meltdown' - scientists https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58859105 National Trust's laser mapping reveals lost Wallington woodlands https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-58821450 How tree planters turned a bare valley into a wooded glen https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-58760924 Images of 'secretive' shark captured in Alderney https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6y419y08d2o Hoylake beach: Grassland rewilding scheme criticised https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-58817578 Country diary: autumn brings the daddy longlegs bouncing in https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/01/country-diary-autumn-brings-the-daddy-longlegs-bouncing-in Country diary: where did house martins live before there were houses? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/05/country-diary-where-did-house-martins-live-before-there-were-houses Country diary: It’s worth getting your knees wet for these insect-eating beauties https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/06/country-diary-its-worth-getting-your-knees-wet-for-these-insect-eating-beauties ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/