=========================================== || || 15th September 2021 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - including Chambers Farm Wood 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary - 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, hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: We look forward to seeing members at the field meetings - with fresh air and Social Distancing. Next LNU Field Meeting: Woodhall Spa Airfield LWT Reserve – Sunday 10th October 2021. Fungus Foray. https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2019-10-13/ Several other interesting-sounding on-line live events are detailed below, including: Love Lincs Plants events: Lincspirational Plants Online talks from Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service and Heritage Lincolnshire RSPB Grimsby Local Group meeting Also see: Whisby Natural History Workshops The Wolds Fungi Group - Programme of Forays There are places on September's Whisby Natural History Workshops. https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Yellow Asteraceae/Compositae Flowers - Sarah Lambert – September 18th An introduction to all those yellow Daisy family flowers that a lot of people find confusing. All those Hawkbits and Hawksbeards and Catsears and the like! An initial indoor talk on the subject followed by an outdoor session looking at examples of the plants growing in the nature park. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for when we go outside. Our expert leading the workshop is Dr Sarah Lambert, the LNU botanical recorder for the southern half of Lincolnshire. See: https://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 Plant Pressing - Sue Fysh - September 25th As the LoveLincsPlants project comes to an end this is a final opportunity for anyone who missed the previous sessions to have a go and learn this new skill. Led by Sue Fysh who has been involved with the project since its beginning. Some flowers to press can be sourced from outside in Whisby Nature Park but please bring flowers from your own garden to press if you wish to. Sawflies – David Sheppard - October 9th - FULLY SUBSCRIBED Sawflies are a much less known and studied branch of the Hymenoptera family than the more glamorous Bees and Wasps. This workshop is an introduction to them by Dr David Sheppard, Lincolnshire county Hymenoptera recorder. The workshop will be indoors as there are very few sawflies around by October. An initial talk followed by studying specimens. Lichens – Mark Seaward – October 16th 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 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/ Friday 18 Sep - Sunday 27 Sep "Through the weekend and Monday there is a signal for mostly fine and dry weather across southern and eastern areas with variable amounts of cloud and some decent sunny spells, although overnight there is a risk of fog patches." 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. Aidan Neary has sent in a final update link for Love Lincs Plants events: Lincspirational Plants: Exhibitions, Light Shows and and Auction https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants Garden photography reveals a world of hedgehogs and foxes https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-58327374 RAF Coningsby: Lancaster bomber returns home after service https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58528514 Prof Alice Roberts in Lincoln in Britain's Historic Towns Channel 4: 7.30 on Saturday 18th September. [Nov 2020] https://www.channel4.com/programmes/britains-most-historic-towns Tetney Golf Club Bronze Age coffin to be displayed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58491917 UK fires up coal power plant as gas prices soar - near Gainsborough https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58469238 Radioactive waste disposal plans 'could hit tourism' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cnvd7923xq4o RAF Waddington: £94m boost for drone fleet RAF station https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58504796 Migratory birds found to be flying much higher than expected – new research https://theconversation.com/migratory-birds-found-to-be-flying-much-higher-than-expected-new-research-167582 Badger cull: New control areas despite cull phase-out https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-58487796 Badger eating a hedgehog - not for the squeamish https://youtu.be/hIC_dhtDymc Rare wild flowers growing in Ruthin meadows, council says "One woman claimed a mouse had gnawed its way into her bedroom because the meadows are too close to people's homes. " Good grief! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58491003 Cows have been potty-trained to reduce greenhouse gas emissions | New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/article/2289981-cows-have-been-potty-trained-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/ Why has the UK's wet summer been bad for bees? — The Conversation https://theconversation.com/why-has-the-uks-wet-summer-been-bad-for-bees-167224 Stamford auction house surprise as Ru ware fetches £320,000 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58489566 Beavers are back: here's what this might mean for the UK's wild spaces https://theconversation.com/beavers-are-back-heres-what-this-might-mean-for-the-uks-wild-spaces-166912 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 help find more readers by using the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. If possible avoid forwarding your individual Bulletin to others. It's best to use that secure link. You can also direct people to: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Ambigolimax nyctelius, the Balkan Threeband Slug *** New to North Lincolnshire - Chris du Feu sent in this report In the last few years specimens of what was thought at first to be Ambigolimax valentianus, the Iberian Threeband Slug, have been found with much darker body colour and much better defined markings than usual. A. valentianus is variable in colour and strength of markings but these specimens seemed to be at least at the far end of expected, if not even beyond that. Unfortunately the closely related Balkan species is also very variable in body colour and intensity of markings so these specimens fell in the overlap range of both species. Dissection is required in these doubtful cases. The records from North Lincolnshire came to me via iRecord, for which I am a slug verifier. Obviously it is not possible to dissect a digital image of a slug - the real thing is needed. Slugs, although reputed to be sluggish, can move pretty fast and be elusive. I contacted the finder and asked him, were he to be willing, to look for more of these beasts and send them to Ben Rowson at Cardiff Museum. (Ben is the Conchological Society terrestrial mollusc recorder and also author of the indispensible FSC slug identification guide.) More slugsduly found in late August, sent to Ben and, after dissection, he confirmed them as Ambigolimax nyctelius, the first record for VC54 North Lincolnshire, TA0222. I am pretty sure the species is also present in South Lincolnshire but have yet to have one confirmed as such. If you suspect you have these please take a photograph and submit the record to iRecord where I will see it and can determine whether it is worth further investigation. No great need to worry that you will not find the slug again. If you have one of these in your compost bin you will have several more around so be able to find more very easily should we need some for dissection. Just in case you have listened to the type of gardener who considers that 'slug' is a single, universally pestilential species, can I allay your worries. Ambigolimax nyctelius could just occasionally be a very minor garden pest but only if you have one of those gardens where nature is unwelcome. If you have compost heap Ambigolimax nyctelius, like its Iberian cousin, will avoid the nasty, indigestible living green plants and be very happy helping the natural process of recycling organic material. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** September 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://skyandtelescope.org/observing/best-meteor-showers-in-2021/ A beginner’s guide to meteor showers https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/a-beginners-guide-to-meteor-showers/ *** Covid-19 Noticeboard *** Stay aware of updated government advice and adapt your personal precautions accordingly as understanding and measures "evolve" and perhaps change. See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Please let us know of any local Covid-related developments readers might need to hear about. Wildlife organisations wishing me to publicise alterations or new guidelines are welcome to get in touch with updates for the Bulletin. Just ask. *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Bourne Barn Owls online *** The owlets will now disappear down the entrance tunnel for much of the time but we should occasionally see them on camera in the box. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** 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. *** Online talks from Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service and Heritage Lincolnshire*** Magic and Folklore of Trees 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/ Hedges and Hedgelaying Hedges are not a common site across the world. Then why does the British Isles contain so many of them? Discover the history of these wildlife corridors and find out why our countryside is cut into segments by lines of trees. The speaker will give an over view of the history of hedges in Britain, and explain their role, their value and their pride of place as one of the most iconic features of the landscape. There will also be time to talk about how a hedge can be made and managed including a look into the craft of hedgelaying and the tools and techniques used. David has amassed thirty years experience of planting, laying and caring for hedges. Join him in a voyage through time and muddy fields. 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. September meetings: Tuesday Sept. 28th Chambers Farm Wood, Wragby. Meet and park in the car park at Chambers Farm Grid ref. TF146739 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 *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group meetings - from Martin Francis *** Details - September talk: The new season of Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group starts with an illustrated talk on Monday 20th September at 7.30pm ‘Autumn birding on the Isles of Scilly’ - A Zoom talk by Jim Almond Jim Almond is Shropshire-based, has a lifelong passion for nature and photography, and the motto "never birding without my camera". Over the years, he has travelled extensively in the UK and overseas. In this talk, he looks back at the highlights of several trips to the Isles of Scilly in September and October. The resident and regular visiting birds are featured as well as the scarce, rare and mega-rare birds which make the islands a key destination for many serious birders! Simply sit back and enjoy the sheer spectacle of wildlife these islands offer. This Talk will be followed by the AGM’s for the years ending June 2020 and June 2021. 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 18th September, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. 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 8/9 Black Stork juv, many reports, 6 Little Stints, 37 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 32 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, 7 Little Stints, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Garganey, Gibraltar Point Osprey over, 3 Spoonbills flew over, Far Ings 9/9 Black Stork juv, many reports, 31 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, Frampton Marsh 27 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, 4 Little Stints, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, Garganey on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Bittern, on Water Rain Way side, Fiskerton Fen Glossy Ibis, Alkborough Flats 10/9 Black Stork juv, several reports, Pectoral Sandpiper on North Scrape, 15 Curlew Sandpipers, 12 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Black Terns, 20 Spoonbills, 2 Short-eared Owls, Whinchat, Frampton Marsh Pomarine Skua flew south past, 22 Spoonbills, Great Northern Diver, 2 Black Terns flew past, Gibraltar Point Black Tern juv flew north over beach, Curlew Sandpiper flew north, Theddlethorpe Great Northern Diver, Sutton-on-Sea 2 Little Stints both juvs, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park Red-backed Shrike at Nebraska Wetlands, Kirton-in-Lindsey 11/9 Black Stork juv, several reports, Pectoral Sandpiper, 6+ Little Stints, 13 Spotted Redshanks, 29 Spoonbills, 4 Short-eared Owls, 5 Black Terns at River Witham mouth, Scaup, Frampton Marsh Honey Buzzard flew over Freiston Shore then over Frampton Marsh 4 Short-eared Owls, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Common Rosefinch retrapped in East Dunes, 2 Little Stints, Spotted Redshank, 17 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 2 Little Stints both juvs, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, Read's Island 12/9 Little Stint on East Pit then flew off, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Black Stork juv, several reports, Pectoral Sandpiper, 4 Little Stints, 30 Spoonbills, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, 2 Curlew Sandpipers both juvs, Frampton Marsh 9 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Pomarine Skua dark morph flew north, 3 Little Stints, 11 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Skua, ad Pomarine Skua, Anderby Creek Little Stint juv, Curlew Sandpiper, on beach, Theddlethorpe 2 Little Stints both juvs, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park Wood Sandpiper, at old fishing pond, East Halton Skitter Osprey flew down River Humber, Whitton Island Glossy Ibis, 17 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, Alkborough Flats 13/9 Black Stork juv, several reports, 4 Little Stints, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 17 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Long-tailed Skua flew south, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Black Tern flew north, Garganey on Jackson's Marsh, 2 Arctic Terns flew past, Gibraltar Point 2 Little Stints both juvs, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 14/9 Black Stork juv, several reports, 4 Little Stints, 5 Spotted Redshanks, 28 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 2 Little Stints on Jackson's Marsh, 15 Spoonbills, Tennyson's sands, Gibraltar Point Caspian Gull, Middlemarsh Wetlands, Skegness Long-tailed Skua flew past Sutton-on-Sea 15/9 Black Stork juv, several reports, 23 Spoonbills, Lapland Bunting flew south over, Little Stint, 9 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Short-eared Owls, 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: most have crossed the Sahara now. 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 Jenny Haynes 9 September 2021 South Ferriby B1204 Badger *** 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 9/9/2021 21.20 hrs Bats at 55kHz and around 20kHz. Probable Common Pipistrelle and Noctule. HOLYWELL LAKE WeBS Holywell Lake 13th September 2021 0815 – 0920 Ian Misselbrook Little Grebe 14 Grey Heron 2 Little Egret 1 Mute Swans Greylag Geese 123 Canada Geese 101 Mallard 88 Teal 8 Gadwall 3 Tufted Duck 4 Moorhen 31 Swallows 2 House Martins 4 Chiffchaff 2 Muntjac 1 Brown Hare 1 HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 8/9/2021 The sun and warm weather has brought out the butterflies and bees today. Butterflies include at least six small tortoiseshells, eight or nine small whites and a couple of red admirals on one buddleia and a dozen or so honey bees on a sedum. I also spotted a young goldfinch in my garden and a yellow shell moth on my shed. I’ve been hearing a pair of tawny owls in my garden. The other night the male was very close to the house and it sounded as if he hadn’t got the hang of calling yet, it was hesitant and wobbly. It even made me laugh (at 3 o’clock in the morning!) KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK 847 757 Alison Brownlow 08/09/2021 The Buddleia flowers and today's sunshine brought out a flurry of butterfly activity---- Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Peacock. Speckled Wood were on the blackberries but not visiting the Buddleia. Also noted that the Small Tortoiseshell frequently come into the house. LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 18/09/2021 Jayne Knight 08/09/2021 Speckled Wood butterfly on the Ivy flowers, along with two Holly Blue and numerous types of bee and hoverfly (too high up to identify further, sorry!) 10/09/2021 More bees and hoverflies, Pellucid Fly and a European Hornet mingled with the Holly Blue, Tortoiseshell, Large & Small White butterflies on the Ivy flowers. 13/09/2021 Usual bees, hoverflies and butterflies were joined by two Red Admiral butterflies, in showroom condition. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard caused disturbances overhead with the remaining House Martins giving very vocal alarm calls to warn of their presence. Many female European Garden Spiders have spun webs in the garden along with some smaller specimens who I assume are the males. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Great Tit x 2 Grey Partridge x 2 Jackdaw x 4 Kestrel x 1 Robin x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 1 Green-veined White x 1 Small White x 4 Speckled Wood x 1 STANTONS PITS Stanton Pits Nature Reserve – highlights 13th September 2021 Ian Misselbrook 0930 -1020 Little Grebe 2 Mute Swans 2 Tufted Duck 1 Moorhen 2 Red Kite 1 Green Woodpecker 1 GS Woodpecker 2 Chiffchaff 6 Willow Warbler 3 Blackcap 3 Lesser Whitethroat 1 – possibly 2 Mistle Thrush 2 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 31/08/21 Common Footman x 1 Dusky Sallow x 1 Heart and Dart x 2 01/09/21 Common Darter x 2 Migrant Hawker x 3 02/09/21 Little Owl x 1 SK790977 03/09/21 Barn Owl x 1 23:10hrs Blackbird x 16 Black-headed Gull x 58 following plough in fields around Thurnholmes Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Grey Partridge x 2 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 2 23:40hrs Mute Swan x 1 over Thurnholmes Red-legged Partridge x 7 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Tawny Owl x 2 23:40 Wood Pigeon x 6 Green-veined White x 4 Small Copper x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 Small White x 14 Speckled Wood x 1 Large Yellow Underwing x 4 Setaceous Hebrew Character x 7 05/09/21 Common Pipistrelle x 2 00:30hrs (45hz) Brimstone x 1 male Green-veined White x 2 Large White x 1 Red Admiral x 1 Small Tortoiseshell x 7 Angle Shades x 1 06/09/21 Little Owl x 2 calling 23:50hrs Tawny Owl x 1 calling 23:55hrs Common Pipistrelle x 2 20:15hrs (45hz) Soprano Pipistrelle x 1 20:35hrs (55hz) 09/09/21 Blackbird x 4 Blue Tit x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 singing Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Grey Partridge x 6 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 4 Common Pipistrelle x 2 21:00hrs (45hz) Green-veined White x 4 Large White x 1 Peacock x 2 Red Admiral x 2 (1 very tatty and faded) Small Tortoiseshell x 6 Small White x 5 Speckled Wood x 1 Blood Vein x 1 Common Darter x 6 Migrant Hawker x 1 Southern Hawker x 1 10/09/21 Araneus diadematus x 1 Sparrowhawk x 1 female SK769998 13/09/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 8 Chiffchaff x 1 singing Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Grey Partridge x 9 Kestrel x 2 young being taught how to hunt by 1 adult over paddocks Magpie x 2 Red-legged Partridge x 2 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 on nest Tawny Owl x 3 calling 01:15hrs Tree Sparrow x 15 Wood Pigeon x 6 Noctule x 1 20:15hrs (25hz) Migrant Hawker x 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 7th – 14th September 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 090921 - Paradise lagoon: 3 black-tailed godwits, 1 common sandpiper, kingfisher along the Eau and 21 little egrets, single marsh harrier and at least 1200 black-headed gulls over the saltmarsh. 109921 - There was a threat of rain during the day but the briefest of showers during the afternoon only registered a trace (less than 0.1mm) in the rain gauge. Juvenile black tern and curlew sandpiper flew north over the beach on the morning high tide. Wheatear on the foreshore. 2 black-tailed godwit flew south as did a grey wagtail. 120921 - 2 tawny owls calling near Churchill Lane. First rock pipit of the season on the foreshore at Crook Bank. A little stint and curlew sandpiper on the beach at high tide with other small waders which included 380 dunlin, 130 ringed plover and 60 sanderling. 2 rooks also on the foreshore with other corvids. 130921 - Tawny owl calling near Sea View. Divers starting to move offshore and skuas seen regularly on sea watches. A single velvet scoter and 180 common scoter on the sea while 2 razorbill flew south. Other wildfowl including shoveler, teal and wigeon also s een moving over the sea. 140921 - Redstart near Paradise wood, lesser whitethroat and blackcap near Sea View. Raining all day, the last time rain recorded was 22nd August. Rain developed on the 14th and continued all day, heavy at times giving 27.9mm of ppt. The last time when over an inch of rain was recorded was on 7th November 2019 with 37.1mm. 150921 - Goldcrest at Sea View. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Find a Wood https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/find-woods/ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on the Coronavirus, Covid-19 plus details of any LWT reserves which are now open and the related advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given on the website. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ LNU Bursaries: Why not apply for one? The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses, or for identification materials (e.g. books or online resources) to help recording in any group of plants, animals or fungi in Lincolnshire. The upper limit is £300. You do not need to be a member of the LNU to apply, but it would help. The LNU would, however, expect you to put your newly facilitated skills into practice and derive some Lincolnshire records. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course, or to buy books to help you, please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Love Lincs Plants *** Events and activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. 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: The NHBS Guide to UK Wild Flower Identification https://www.nhbs.com/blog/uk-wild-flower-identification British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ Butterfly guide to part of Europe including Britain - free to download https://assets.vlinderstichting.nl/docs/0b095bc2-0387-4785-9f7e-5f7a987b3468.pdf Fungi Families/Types Identity Parade https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ British Bugs https://www.britishbugs.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. *** 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. Atlas of the Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians of Lincolnshire and South Humberside Johnson, M. - Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union. 1982. [Some of these data are historical and should not be taken to indicate their occurrence today! There have been status changes since this analysis, with species being both lost and gained.] https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/atlas-of-the-mammals-reptiles-and-amphibians.pdf 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 For Lincolnshire bat information, see: https://glnp.org.uk/news/bitterns-bats-and-newts-mapped-for-first-time *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Contact: Ashley Butterfield : learningoutdoors@btinternet.com Ashley writes: 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 Please include Species, Date, Time, Location, numbers as a minimum (Other useful information includes Temperature and Weather conditions.) *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com 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 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk - changing - contact editor. 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/ Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk *** 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. 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. https://lnu.org/specialists/ 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. Yellow Asteraceae Flowers – September 18th – Sarah Lambert Plant Pressing – September 25th – Sue Fysh Sawflies – October 9th – David Sheppard - FULLY SUBSCRIBED 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 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... Butterflies released in Finland contained parasitic wasps – with more wasps inside https://uk.yahoo.com/news/butterflies-released-finland-contained-parasitic-104608469.html Stonehenge: English Heritage to repair cracked lintels https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-58547463 Climate change: Rare birds return to Wales after bog project https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58548745 Met Office new hurricane names https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2021/uk-friends-families-and-pets-recognised-in-latest-storm-names Wildlife photo: Is this the world's most beautiful mosquito? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58398905 Asteroid that wiped out dinosaurs shaped fortunes of snakes https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58559735 Spider as big as a puppy https://www.zmescience.com/science/meet-the-biggest-spider-in-the-world-a-tarantula-the-size-of-a-puppy/ Ants teeth https://www.zmescience.com/science/what-makes-ant-teeth-so-super-strong-and-sharp/ Believe it or not, this is not a wasp. Neither of these are... https://www.zmescience.com/science/this-is-not-wasp/ Why is an egg shaped like an egg? https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/why-egg-egg-shape-07092021/ Coral survival https://www.zmescience.com/science/corals-are-putting-up-a-fight-against-climate-change/ ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/