=========================================== || || 20th 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: Fall Back: Autumn 2021 - the Clocks go back 2am on 31st October https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/when-do-clocks-go-back Heads up for BBC's Autumnwatch: starts next Tuesday https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00110z2 Brian Hedley's report on the last LNU Field Meeting [Fungi] is posted in section 3. Have you ever tried using irecord for reporting species? More and more people are starting to and the thinking is we need to encourage Bulletin readers to give it a try. Scroll down for Chris Manning's explanation of the possible future of LNU Recording. 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. 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: 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 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. Weather Forecast https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Sunday 23 Oct - 1 Nov "Turning windier again with a chance of coastal gales in the west. Through the first half of the period it will settled, especially in the west. Initially cold, with chance of overnight rural frost, and showers wintry over highest ground. Temperatures trending upwards through the period..." 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. ‘He’s so majestic’: Wally the walrus hits Iceland on tour of Europe https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/01/hes-so-majestic-wally-the-walrus-hits-iceland-on-tour-of-europe Under-threat chalk streams need protected status - Norfolk https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-58927267 Stamford development 'example for the future' - council leader https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58898357 Normanby Hall: Scunthorpe Parkrun cancelled due to rutting stags https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-58928452 Recycling row as 'contaminated' bins left unemptied - North Kesteven https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58926292 Chronic shortage of Lincolnshire GPs amid rising demand, report finds https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1kjkvg1g80o Assurances given over Theddlethorpe nuclear waste plans https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58890290 Nuclear fusion: Five sites shortlisted for UK energy plant: Goole and Ratcliffe-on-Soar https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-58911210 BBC News: Wildlife Photographer of the Year https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58888305 Dormice favoured by Italian mafia seized in drugs raid - What? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58938494 Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) - report sightings https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/fthr/pest-and-disease-resources/oak-processionary-moth-thaumetopoea-processionea/ Grow fungus with us! - Grow Wild https://www.growwilduk.com/grow-fungus-us 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 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 A big thank you to all the regulars who send in news, events info and species reports. Keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Recording in Lincolnshire - looking to the future *** Chris Manning writes: We all know what a record is, a minimum of species/location/date/ recorder. Over the years I have established a good database of Lincolnshire mammal records. We might assume that their publication in the Bulletin provides consent for me as County Recorder to use the records in this way, but unless I specifically ask for consent, I risk breaching the recorder's copyright. The Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre has looked at this problem for a long time and considers that asking recorders to submit records via irecord is the best option. Therefore after 31 December 2021, I will no longer routinely take records from the Bulletin. Please continue to support the Bulletin by providing reports, but ensure your records are also placed on irecord. Of course I and my fellow recorders will follow up occasional reports that take our interest, but in most cases, will expect the recorder to submit records directly to irecord. Editor adds: I suggest Bulletin readers might like to try submitting a few initial records in this way and see how you get on. You will already have a good idea of what will be needed. Have a look at: https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ *** Seasonal Canine Illness *** Note from Mary Porter - warning from local vet. "We have started to see cases of probable Seasonal Canine Illness in dogs that have been walked in the woods in Woodhall Spa. "Although no one is sure what causes canine seasonal illness, it’s suspected that it could be linked to harvest mites. Harvest mites (Neotrombicula autumnalis) are tiny, bright orange mites that live in soil. Infestations are most commonly found on the ears (in Henry's Pocket) and in between toes. They can also be found on the legs, armpits, genitals and tummy. "SCI typically occurs a few days after walking in woodland, and causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, low energy, a high temperature and muscle tremors. Left untreated, canine seasonal illness can be fatal." *** 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. *** 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. *** 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; also 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. *** 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 *** 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 meeting: 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 13/10 Rock Pipit flew over River Glen, Baston Fen Cattle Egret, male Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, Twite, Great White Egret, 5 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier male, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Spotted Redshank, Tetney Marshes 15 Whooper Swans opposite Scallow Drove Farm, Messingham Sand Quarry - then flew off 14/10 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 4+ Short-eared Owls, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier male, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, Little Gull flew south, Gibraltar Point Glossy Ibis, Far Ings 15/10 3 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, 4+ Short-eared Owls, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 3 Bean Goose sp over, Twite, 8 Little Gulls, Water Pipit, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 16/10 Cattle Egret, 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Spoonbill, 3+ Short-eared Owls, ringtail Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 3 Cattle Egrets flew south over Freiston Shore wetland Pomarine Skua flew SW past, Velvet Scoter, 11 Little Gulls, Hawfinch in Plantation, Gibraltar Point Scaup juv, Rock Pipit on Wader Pit the flew to T-junction pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs 17/10 Scaup juv, Rock Pipit over, Baston + Langtoft GPs Rock Pipit flew north over East Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Cattle Egret with cattle opposite visitor centre, Frampton Marsh Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point 2 Cattle Egrets, Fillingham Lake Grey Phalarope, Alkborough Flats 18/10 Scaup juv, Baston + Langtoft GPs 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Spoonbills, 3 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh Scaup flew south past, 11 Little Gulls, Ring Ouzel, Water Pipit on Jackson's Marsh, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 2 Little Stints, juv Scaup, Covenham Reservoir Gannet flew over car park, Far Ings Grey Phalarope, in large sheep field by Trent bank, Alkborough Flats 19/10 Scaup juv, T-junction pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs 2 Little Stints, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Spoonbills, Spotted Redshank, 2 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting, Rimac Black-throated Diver drifting south, Saltfleetby 20/10 Scaup juv, T-junction pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Spoonbills, 2 Little Stints, 2 Curlew Sandpipers. Frampton Marsh ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 The green spider Nigma walckenaeri on our garage door handle has gone AWOL. Its web is still in place. St Lawrence Church, Bardney TF119693 R+A Parsons 16/10/2021 Flush of Lepiota rhacodes - the Shaggy Parasol - in churchyard grazing paddock. Badger signs. 16/10/2021 Like several people I've noted the digging and scraping in the churchyard - which said "badger" to me - though I know a few optimists still think it may be a squirrel. We have now had a good look and can say it's certainly badger. I had heard reports of badgers being a nuisance in gardens on the other side of the churchyard wall near The Manor. The "nosings" in the churchyard are characteristic of badgers. Squirrels cache and dig up nuts but don't go worming like this. There is a clear entrance point to the SW corner of the churchyard where they are getting through the fence from the field. A clear badger path leads from that hole to the makeshift repair into the churchyard sheep paddock, which has nosings too. Along that path is a typical badger "latrine" - very well used. They are eating well! The churchyard close to the church had been extensively worked-over in several patches. This part of Lincolnshire is very well provided with badgers, from the Limewood habitat to the banks of the drains and rivers. Trailcam results: 16/10/2021 Deer at 20.44 and 22.32 - fascinated by the camera and had a good look. Badger at 23.25hrs - spooked by the camera and ran off. HORKSTOW SE987179 16 October 2021 Jenny Haynes Out walking I noticed a large number of ladybirds on a fence post. I counted 15 plus another three which appeared to be transitioning from lava to adult. They were different in spot numbers and colours and I think they were also all harlequin ladybirds. Also, a few weeks ago I came across about forty snails all clustered together on a tree trunk. I saw a red admiral butterfly in my garden yesterday but most of the garden birds appear to have departed with only chaffinches and blackbirds in evidence. LINCOLN Caroline Steel SK976729 15/10/2021 9 Buzzards seen from garden, soaring over Lincoln. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 13/10/21 Blackbird x 1 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 21 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 singing Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 38 feeding in surrounding stubble fields Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 Tree Sparrow x 6 Wood pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Red Admiral x 1 Common Darter x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 10/10/21 Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 6 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 6 Goldcrest x 2 Golden Plover x 2 over Thurnholmes Goldfinch x 4 Greylag Goose x 14 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 12 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Magpie x 2 Mallard x 4 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 2 Pink-footed Goose x 94 + x127, north over Thurnholmes Red-legged Partridge x 16 Robin x 1 Skylark x 7 Stock Dove x 2 Tawny Owl x 5 all calling from separate areas at same time 01:30hrs Wood Pigeon x 6 House Mouse x 1 Red Admiral x 2 Common Darter x 4 Migrant Hawker x 1 Southern Hawker x 1 12/10/21 Common Pipistrelle x 1 20:30hrs (45hz) Noctule x 1 20:15hrs (25hz) 15/10/21 Coal Tit x 4 17/10/21 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:05hrs Redwing x 6 Tawny Owl x 4 calling 01:00hrs 18/10/21 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 6 Carrion Crow x 4 Goldfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Linnet x 57 feeding in arable stubble around Thurnholmes Pied wagtail x 2 Pink-footed Goose x 275 over Thurnholmes Redwing x 39 Red-legged Partridge x 6 Rook x 52 in arable fields around Thurnholmes Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 TRUSTHORPE TF516836 Jane Ostler 25/9/21 Tipula paludosa Common Cranefly A mass emergence of adults early in day. Females being mated almost as soon as they struggled from the grassed areas between holiday chalets. By late afternoon it seemed as if was only males sunning on walls wings spread and which came into the chalets when the lights were lit. On the promenade between the site and the sea Flustria foliaceae Sea Mat Piles of the bleached cases of these colonial animals, looking like pale seaweed. Confined to a motor scooter on the promenade two great-grandchildren brought me treasures from the strand line: Ascophyllum nodosum Seaweed with its twin air bladders Common Dog Whelks - broken shells pitted with worm holes Razor shells covered in barnacles WOODHALL SPA AIRFIELD LWT RESERVE  TF20660 10th October 2021 Report: Brian Hedley The sixth LNU field meeting of 2021, and annual fungi foray, was to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's Woodhall Spa Airfield reserve. Thirteen LNU members attended who were led by Ray Halstead and assisted by Roger Parsons on a dry and sunny afternoon. This relatively large site has a mixture of grassland, woodland, marsh, various water- bodies plus areas of hard-standing (ex-runway) but it was only really the habitats next to the main runway that were looked at during this visit. A restricted range of fungi were noted with a total of about 26 species including Death Cap, Wood Blewit, Shaggy Inkcap, Blackening Waxcap and an Omphalinoid species (awaiting ID). As is often the case, the area around the car park was where most fungi were found due to the variety of trees planted there. About 120 plant species were recorded by Brian Hedley and Annette Faulkner from the fairly narrow strips of grassland alongside the ex-runway. Highlights included Viper's Bugloss, Sticky Groundsel, Marsh Cudweed, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Fern-grass. Unfortunately, both t he invasive New Zealand Pygmyweed and Piri-piri Bur were also noted. Forty-four bird species were heard or seen including Egyptian Goose, Shoveler, Little Egret, Snipe, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Green Woodpecker. Mammals included three Roe Deer and a very tame Wood Mouse. Many dragonflies were still on the wing with over a hundred Common Darters skirting the edges of the lakes plus a few Migrant Hawkers and Ruddy Darters were also noted. Phil Porter supplied details of several noteworthy flies he recorded including Pherbellia nana which is a snail-killing fly and the second county record. The grotesque shore-fly Ochthera manicata is a fierce predator with its enormous front legs and the third record after two at Whisby many years ago. The cranefly Tipula obsoleta is just the 6th Lincs record, known as the Kite-tailed Cranefly because of a shallowly forked extension of the abdomen which makes it simple to identify. WOOLSTHORPE-COLSTERWORTH SK923247 Jane Ostler 1-17 October 2021 Garden The mild weather has meant a wide range of flowers still out attracting insects. Some plants have grown exceptionally tall this year and clearing overgrown areas has revealed hidden lives. Some examples given below:- Bombus terrestris - Bufftailed Bumble Bee and Bombus pascuorum - Common Carder Bee Watching these on snapdragons.The smaller carder bees tried to reach the nectar by climbing into the throat formed by the base of petals but their weight was not sufficient to open the lips. The bufftailed bumble bees succeeded (just). The lips closed back in on them and they bumbled around inside before pushing out again. Bombus lapidarius - Redtailed Bumble Bee, Epoisyrphus balteatus - Marmalade Hoverflies Together with other hoverflies and solitary bees these covered the flowerheads of Sedums finding something in the numerous tiny pink flowers. (1o/10/21) Megachile centucularis - Leaf Cutter Bee Evidence of this in holes on roses and in the tunnels of the bee hotel Urophora cardii - Picture Wing Fly This gall forming fly photographed as an adult with a distinctive wing pattern. Its hosts are thistles. Some thistles found galled in Woolsthorpe hedgerows. Comma Butterfly 10th October together with Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell which have been in garden regularly on sunny days . Garden Carpet Moth. On vegetation on 5/9/21 in a bedraggled state. Forficular auricularia - Common Earwig. These dropping out of deadheaded flowers, particularly dahlias. Meconema thallassium - Oak Bush Cricket – a single full grown specimen in shrubs Aranaeus quadratus 4-spotted orb weavers spider. 3 hibernating adult frogs found behind plant pots, Evidence of hedgehogs feeding at night. A wood mouse nest discovered amongst shrubs On the Nature Trail numbers of the pale tussock Moth - Dasychira pudibunda ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Report follows. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. *** 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. 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... Walrus counting from space: How many tusked beasts do you see? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58901410 Climate change: 'Adapt or die' warning from Environment Agency https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58883234 Waste electronics will weigh more than the Great Wall of China https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58885143 One in five bird species in Europe is threatened by extinction https://www.zmescience.com/science/one-in-five-bird-species-in-europe-is-threatened-by-extinction/ Dolphins in Wales 'whistle at the highest frequencies in the world' https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10089045/Dolphins-living-coast-Wales-whistle-highest-frequencies-world.html ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/