=========================================== || || 22nd 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: It's the Autumn Equinox today - the official end of Summer 2021. https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/what-when-autumnal-equinox I hope you enjoy this weekly digest of What's Been Seen; What's Coming Up; and What news items people are finding of interest. Don't miss the Cuttlefish video! Next LNU Field Meeting: Woodhall Spa Airfield LWT Reserve – Sunday 10th October 2021. Fungus Foray. https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2019-10-13/ Aidan Neary has sent in a final update link for Lincspirational Plants: Exhibitions, Light Shows and and Auction https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/lincspirational-plants He writes: As well as our upcoming light show and exhibition events in October we are also launching our online Lincspirational Plants Art auction to help us raise money so we can create more wildflower rich habitat across Lincolnshire. The auction contains over 130 pieces of original artwork that were submitted by artists from across the country as part of the Lincspirational Plants competition held earlier in the year. The auction is now open for browsing but will not be going live until next Friday 1st October. Why not bid on one of our lots and make a difference to wildlife in Lincolnshire? Items start at £20 + P&P. Auction link: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/lincspirationalplantsauction There are still places on most of this year'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 Plant Pressing - Sue Fysh - September 25th - a few places left. 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 - will go ahead - some places still. An introduction to the subject by Professor Mark Seaward of Bradford University, Lincolnshire county Lichen recorder. An initial talk but then most of the workshop will be out of doors looking at examples in the nature park. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for when we go outside. Owl Pellets - Garry Steele - November 20th - will go ahead - some places still. 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 26 Sep - Sunday 5 Oct "Saturday will see outbreaks of rain, heavy in places, affecting northern areas... Following this, generally unsettled conditions are set to continue across the UK, with showers and longer spells of rain, heavy at times, interspersed with drier, sunnier interludes. Into October: The north is expected to see the most unsettled conditions, outbreaks of rain, possibly heavy at times, and strong winds, possibly coastal gales." Here is this week's selection of links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories plus reports and articles sent in by Bulletin readers. I hope there's something for you. Drone Photo Awards 2021 - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/photo-galleries/drone-photo-awards-2021/ Lincolnshire pub historian gets dream job after mum sends advert https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58571586 Trio who ran Lincolnshire's 'largest' cannabis farm jailed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58590104F FA Cup: Prof Jonathan Van-Tam on his 50-year love affair with Boston United https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58420444 Lincolnshire Wolds: Man arrested after spate of haystack fires https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58611596 Moths on the move - RSB on Butterfly Conservation Report https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/moths-on-the-move 'Unprecedented' seabird deaths on northern coasts a mystery https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-58601859 Watch cuttlefish migrate together in a defensive line with a lookout | New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/article/2290696-watch-cuttlefish-migrate-together-in-a-defensive-line-with-a-lookout Moths use acoustic decoys to dodge bat attacks – new research https://theconversation.com/moths-use-acoustic-decoys-to-dodge-bat-attacks-new-research-168217 On record: Autumnal ivy bees https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/the-ivy-bee-makes-its-move 12 seeds to find and identify this autumn - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/how-to-identify-autumn-seeds/ 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/ Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** 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. 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. Over the last four days (Friday – Monday) we’ve had three such calls, and in two of the cases the caller had thought the bat would fly off at dusk, and waited for 48 hours before calling us. The first bat, a brown long-eared, was already only about 8” from the ground, then by evening found grounded. It was taken in, but died overnight. The second caller got in touch much more quickly, but the bat, another long-eared, died shortly after collection. The third, a pipistrelle, on the second day was lower down the wall – and the cat had it. It was brought over to us, but was dead on arrival from its injuries. I don’t have weight details of the first bat, but the other two were both considerably underweight and too weak to fly. 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. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** On Monday 4th October 2021 our area group will celebrate our 50th Anniversary at our indoor meeting where Steve Crosland will give an illustrated talk on "Tetney Blow Wells - A Personal View." This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission is £3. Covid preventative measures will be in place as stated on our area group website. Attendees are requested to book a place with Jennie Redpath on 01472 502858 or email jennifer.redpathgy@gmail.com as numbers are restricted. *** The South Holland Area Group of the Wildlife Trust *** The South Holland Area Group of the Wildlife Trust are resuming their winter programme. The first talk will be given on the 12th October by Amanda Jenkins and is titled “Naturehoods.” Attendees are ask to wear a facemask and note that there will be no refreshments provided at the moment but members of audience are welcome to bring own their if the wish. To pay for the room hire and the speakers' fees and costs there will be a £1 .50 charge, also note a raffle will not be held this time. All meetings will be held as usual at Pinchbeck Village Hall starting at 7.30 unless further notice is given. The annual coffee morning has been postponed until the committee can see how the Corona virus situation develops. *** Online talks - Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service and Heritage Lincolnshire*** Hedges and Hedgelaying Thursday 23rd September 2021 Time: 7pm start online with Q&A's afterwards 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/ 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. 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 *** 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 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 Spotted Redshank over Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs Black Stork juv, several reports, 29 Spoonbills, Lapland Bunting flew south over, 4 Little Stints, 9 Spotted Redshanks, 8+ Short-eared Owls from sea bank. Bittern, Osprey, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Spotted Redshank on lagoon, Freiston Shore 9 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Pied Flycatcher, Lapland Bunting flew south over, Gibraltar Point Bittern, Great White Egret, Boultham Mere Bittern. Far Ings 16/9 28 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 10 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Russian White-fronted Goose, Covenham Reservoir 17/9 29 Spoonbills, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 17 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Short-eared Owl, Pied Flycatcher, Gibraltar Point 18/9 Pectoral Sandpiper on flight over reedbed, 3 Pectoral Sandpipers in pool near East Hide, Little Stint 14 Spotted Redshanks, Bittern, 3 Short-eared Owls, Woodlark, 7 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh 15 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 19/9 2 Pectoral Sandpipers on pool at west end of reedbed, 10 Spotted Redshanks, 9 Spoonbills, 2 Little Stints, 3 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh 23 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Purple Sandpiper, Little Stint, Covenham Reservoir Garganey, Marston sewage works 20/9 4 Little Stints, 16 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 22 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, 4 Black Terns, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers both juvs, Gibraltar Point Garganey, Marston sewage works Purple Sandpiper, Little Stint, Covenham Reservoir 2 Ruddy Shelducks on Ness Pit, Far Ings 21/9 Pacific Golden Plover, 5 Short-eared Owls, Pectoral Sandpiper on North Scrape, 2 Ruddy Shelducks on reedbed, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 25 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 4 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper briefly, on beach, Theddlethorpe 2 Little Stints, Tetney Marshes 2 Common Scoters flew over, Hen Harrier, Scopwick Slavonian Grebe, Covenham Reservoir Little Stint on beach, briefly, Humberston 6 Spotted Redshanks. Alkborough flats ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work and drop-in sessions at the Queen in the West pub! Links "not to be missed" Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: excellent photos and information. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Lincs Bird Club - latest sightings: superb website https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch - check the latest sightings: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/lincolnshire-latest-sightings BTO tracked cuckoos: latest updates. https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. MESSINGHAM Northmoor Road: 893 052 Keith Scarrott 17/09/21 Small Hedgehog Roadkill *** 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. HORKSTOW SE987179 15 September 2021 Jenny Haynes Six buzzards circling over my house. A large family group. Not seen so many together before. There were also several red admiral butterflies in my garden. Bats have been in evidence most evenings. This morning, while walking along the road by my house, I noticed a tawny owl crouched on the verge beside the road. I went to look at twice as it didn’t move and didn’t have prey so I thought it may be injured. But when I decided it needed rescuing and approached it again it flew off! HORKSTOW SE987179 18 September 2021 Jenny Haynes Hummingbird Hawk Moth in my garden feeding on Abelia flowers. First one I’ve seen here for many years. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 12/9/2021 Bat sp 1 Likely Common pip. briefly 7.45pm 45kHz Dunnock 1 Common darter Red admiral Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) HUTTOFT 17/9/2021 Buff-tailed bumblebee 1 disturbed in pile of leaf mould 18/9/2021 Common green shieldbug 1 Common darter 1 19/9/2021 Tawny owl 1 - I was woken by it at 2.45am On same oak and sometimes the same leaf: Common Spangle Galls Neuroterus quercusbaccarum Silk-Button Spangle Galls Neuroterus numismalis SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 16/09/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 5 Chaffinch x 1 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 9 Long-tailed Tit x 15 Wood Pigeon x 19 Wren x 1 Peacock x 1 Speckled Wood x 1 SPALDING Spalding; Horseshoe Road allotments TF 229 221 Colin Faulkner 20/09/2021 A recent Hatching of Peacock caterpillars on the nettles on my allotment, I don't know when they hatched but there are two sizes, the larger are about 1.5cm long but they all have moved from their hatching webs. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 15/09/21 Barn Owl x 1 23:55hrs Blackbird x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Chaffinch x 15 Kestrel x 1 Stock Dove x 1 on nest with young Tree Sparrow x 21 Tawny Owl x 2 01:15hrs Wood Pigeon x 4 Green-veined White x 2 Common Darter x 4 16/09/21 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 4 Goldfinch x 1 Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 2 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 15 Wood Pigeon x 4 Green-veined White x 2 Large White x 1 Red Admiral x 3 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 Small White x 3 Common Darter x 3 17/09/21 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 6 Kestrel x 1 Tawny Owl x 1 04:30hrs sat on telegraph pole in front of our house calling Common Pipistrelle x 2 22:55hrs (45hz) 18/09/21 Blackbird x 2 Chaffinch x 6 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull x 7 Tawny Owl x 1 very vocal 04:10hrs Common Pipistrelle x 2 22:10hrs (45hz) Migrant Hawker x 1 20/09/21 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Black-headed Gull x 4 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Great Tit x 1 Grey Partridge x 2 adults 10 young Jackdaw x 1 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Moorhen x 3 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 6 Common Pipistrelle x 2 20:10hrs (45hz) Large White x 4 Red Admiral x 1 Small White x 4 Speckled Wood x 2 Black-tailed Skimmer x 1 male (my latest ever) Common Darter x 4 Migrant Hawker x 2 Southern Hawker x 1 21/09/21 Common Buzzard x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Stock Dove x 1 youngster fledged Tawny Owl x 2 calling 01:20hrs Large White x 2 Small White x 2 Speckled Wood x 1 Common Darter x 4 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 15th – 21st September 2021 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 150921 – 4 Arctic skua over the sea and a raft of 250 common scoter on the sea 160921 - Paradise lagoon: 46 lapwing, 3 greenshank, 7 snipe, 1 black-tailed godwit, 1 little egret and a wheatear nearby. Single house martin over Sea View. 27 curlew counted in ones and twos as they flew over Sea View from nearby grassland, at dusk, to their roosting area of Saltfleet Haven. 170921 - Paradise lagoon: 27 teal, 36 lapwing, 1 common snipe. Flock of 17 long- tailed tits near Sea View. 180921 - A brambling near Churchill Lane car park and 2 pied flycatchers south of there. 200921 - Great northern diver and 6 Brent goose north over the sea. Pied flycatcher calling at Mablethorpe North end. 4 greenshank on Paradise lagoon and a grey wagtail flew over. 210921 - Myriad of bees, hover flies, wasps flies, 3 spotted ladybirds, comma, red admiral, small copper all on ivy flowers. Also seen common and ruddy darters and migrant hawkers in the Churchill Lane area. 2 curlews calling as they flew over Rimac. Flocks of long-tailed tits moving along the dunes. 4 little stint feeding/roosting on the foreshore at high tide. 7 black-tailed godwit flew south. A group of c40 wigeon flying around Saltfleet Haven mouth throughout the day. Other local reserves: 210921 – Donna Nook: Flock of c40 golden plover flew over. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ The Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting). College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Humber Heritage Trail, Alkborough Flats - LWT leaflet https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf 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: mrapickwell@gmail.com USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) http://www.glnp.org.uk/ 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... E-shaped banks built in Bedfordshire to help rare butterflies https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-58589105 The hexagon shape and why it shows up so much in nature https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/hexagon-shape-nature-physics-13092021/ Time balls: The rise and fall of a timekeeping icon https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-58559814 Kew Gardens: Royal Botanic Gardens breaks record for largest plant collection https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-58559491 How a new app helps fishing boats avoid endangered species https://theconversation.com/how-a-new-app-helps-fishing-boats-avoid-endangered-species-167242 How to join the Great British Beach Clean | BBC Wildlife - Discover Wildlife https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/public-encouraged-to-join-great-british-beach-clean-and-the-source-to-sea-litter-quest/ Mangrove forests: Photography winners show beauty of ecosystems - stunning https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-58558932 Country diary: the butterflies are fading, but one still shines https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/09/country-diary-the-butterflies-are-fading-but-one-still-shines Surrey heating co-op’s woodland scheme entices rare butterfly to return https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/09/surrey-heating-co-op-woodland-scheme-entices-rare-butterfly-return Country diary: panning for nature’s gold – yellow rattle https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/10/country-diary-panning-for-natures-gold-yellow-rattle Lincs -Country diary: a frail creature needs my help. But what is it? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/17/country-diary-a-frail-creature-needs-my-help-but-what-is-it Country diary: porcelain fungi light the dark like a splash of milk https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/18/country-diary-porcelain-fungi-light-the-dark-like-a-splash-of-milk Country diary: fungi like ripe peach flesh magnifies the veteran oaks https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/21/country-diary-fungi-like-ripe-peach-flesh-magnifies-the-veteran-oaks ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/