============================================ || || 20th April 2022 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: http://lnu.org/ || LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? || Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, events, news and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs, RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - Chambers Farm Wood 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Bulletin Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... don't miss the links... ============================================ Reports here are open. They are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union; the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. You can refer to text versions of past Bulletins from Feb 2009 here: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. INFORMATION, EVENTS, NEWS AND REQUESTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: We are looking forward to our first proper LNU Field Meeting on the year. 24th April: Lincoln’s Witham Wildlife Corridor - South Witham Marsh and Bracebridge Hall Fishponds & Syston Woods. Hoping for a good turn out. https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2022-04-24-lincolns-witham-wildlife-corridor-south-witham-marsh-and-bracebridge-hall-fishponds-syston-woods-sunday-24th-april/ Don't forget, the annual Species Recording Meeting has been re-scheduled for the 18th June! An opportunity to meet recorders. More in section 11, or: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/2019-02-09/ Please continue to stay informed on about Co-19 and 'flu, adapting appropriately to future changes at indoor meetings and in the field. If you have any postponements or changes please let us know. Check the LNU events web page for updates or cancellations: https://lnu.org/meetings/ LWT Covid guidelines: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Bob Sheppard writes: The ospreys at Loch of Lowes have completed their clutch of three eggs. We now have to wait a few weeks for the hatch. An intruder has been pestering the resident pair, but the male has managed to chase her off. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ It is quite easy to watch the regular fish deliveries to the nest. Along the bottom of the screen is a red line. By dragging this to the left it is possible to go back in time to see when the female gets agitated and she starts to call. This is the sign a fish is on its way. By watching the wide expanse of the loch in the background we can follow the male all the way to the nest. It is often possible to identify the prey. He likes to catch trout, pike and flat fish. This week's links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories. More general links in "..and finally ..." at the end of the Bulletin. Belton House: Bird's eye drone reveals more nesting herons than expected https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61087397 Scampton church plans Dambusters stained glass window https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61139921 Four dogs injured in south Essex snake attacks in one day https://uk.news.yahoo.com/warning-issued-four-dogs-injured-104219899.html Seaton Carew warden sought to protect little terns colony https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-61118449 Dog walkers urged to keep pets on leads to protect nests https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-61097581 Deer rescued in Ruddington after getting stuck in iron fence https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-61114136 Do mushrooms really use language to talk to each other? https://theconversation.com/do-mushrooms-really-use-language-to-talk-to-each-other-a-fungi-expert-investigates-181079 River pollution: Rescuer infected with sewage-linked parasite https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61030312 Dead whale discovered washed up on Bawdsey beach https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-61151583 Southend Council to mow parks and grass once a year https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-61112780 Museum of Zoology, Cambridge, on line free butterfly events https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/museum-of-zoology-15677895391 Please keep your emails coming. Thank you to all who sent in interesting news links, wildlife events info and species reports. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - my best address for emails. *** Weather Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ 23 April - 2 May "...no heavy rainfall is likely, with any showers looking to be light. Generally light winds for most, perhaps breezy in the persistent easterly flow in the south and west, particularly at the start of the period. ...Could see temperatures slightly higher than of recent to start the week, tending to decrease over the subsequent days..." *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** Sky & Telescope - This Week's Sky at a Glance https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/sky-at-a-glance/ This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 15-23. Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Saturn.... https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-april-15-23-2/ Celebrate Spring with the Lyrids https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/celebrate-spring-with-the-lyrids/ Other useful links: Jodrell Bank Monthly Night Sky Guide http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/ BBC Eyes to the skies - 2022 https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/feeds/60085546 Royal Observatory highlights for 2022 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/space-astronomy-highlights-2022 *** Records STILL wanted; Queen Bumblebees carrying pollen *** David Sheppard writes: If a queen bumblebee is collecting pollen, that means that she has already built her nest and may be rearing a brood. Please send records of all Bumblebee sightings to me, to LERC or to the Wildnews Bulletin and note if there is any pollen in the pollen baskets on the hind legs. There may be pollen elsewhere of their bodies but it is the compacted loads in the pollen baskets that tell the story. d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/bumblebee-species-guide/ *** 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. Wear gloves or use a cloth to pick it up with. Phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. Bat reports are always welcome: details and Grid References please. *** Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ Your Hedgehog reports, please - with Grid References please! *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Area Groups webpage *** Please let me have your "plugs" for coming events. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/area-groups *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Sunday 24th April 2022 you are invited to join our group on a morning walk with Graham Hicks in Bradley Woods near Grimsby. Grid Ref TA 244058 We'll be looking for birds, bluebells and other woodland flowers. Meet Graham at 8am in the car parking area. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. For further details contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890 *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk April 21st: 2022 An Introduction to British Wild Flower Families In a follow up to the very successful LoveLincsPlants project Mark Schofield will present an illustrated talk about the various families of wild plants found in Britain and the many flower species in them. Including the Buttercup, Cabbage, Carrot, Daisy, Geranium, Lily, Orchid, Pea, Primrose and Rose families. At Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50. Refreshments are provided. *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** Martin Francis writes: The RSPB Grimsby Local Group has organised a Trip and an Indoor Meeting in April All the Group's activities are open to everybody. You do not need to belong to the RSPB or to have attended Group Meetings to take part. The Trip is to RSPB Bempton Cliffs on Sunday 24th April, where the colonies of gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and a few puffins will be settling down to nest. There will also be a surprising number of farmland birds. Travel to the reserve is by 'car share' so if you would like to go, just contact Tony Bryan (mariners4top@yahoo.co.uk or Tel: 01472 873362) to let him know that you would like a lift, or that you have a spare seat(s), and for more details of the meeting place and time. We are particularly keen to encourage inexperienced birders who might like to take advantage of our 'Buddy Birding' scheme where you will be paired with an experienced birder to help you spot and identify the birds. If you are very inexperienced, you will be absolutely amazed by what you will see! The Indoor Meeting will take place on Monday 25th April 2022 at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LH Geoff Trinder will give an illustrated talk on "Sri Lanka" where the birdlife is stunning. Colourful bee-eaters, jungle fowl, pelicans, herons, egrets and various waders are just some that are covered in this talk. But there are more than just birds to enjoy - elephants, wild boar, fruit bats and strange reptiles also feature. Geoff, who is President of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and a member of the Royal Photographic Society, has visited the Group several times before so we know we can expect a really interesting and informative talk, backed up by his excellent photographs Entry for everybody is £4, payable at the door. Light refreshments and a raffle will be available. Obviously, measures will be taken to reduce the risk of spreading the Covid virus, and you should not attend if you are exhibiting symptoms of the virus, or have been in close contact with somebody known to have the virus. We look forward to seeing you on one, or both, Trips and at the Indoor Meeting. Martin Francis Group Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** Seal and Birdwatching Cruises 2022 - South Lincs RSPB Group *** 14 cruises have been arranged for 2022, at various sailing times, starting on 8th April and ending on 22nd October. All cruises are aboard “The Boston Belle”, last for 4/5 hours, and start [and return] at Boston's Grand Sluice Lock, sailing up The Haven, into The Wash and also along The Welland. 64 bird species on average have been previously seen per cruise. Full details as regards dates, sailing times, costs, booking arrangements: https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/ STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lyme Disease reminder https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/zoonoses-data-sheets/lyme-disease.pdf 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 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 https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 13/4 Little Gull 1w on Marsh Farm, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh 6 Cattle Egrets in sheep field, Saltfleetby 7 Common Cranes flew east over Whitton Cattle Egret briefly, Alkborough Flats 14/4 Ring-necked Duck ad drk at Embryo Angling Pits/ South Pit then flew NW, Spoonbill on Middle Wash, Baston + Langtoft GPs 2 Avocets on East Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St Nicholas White-tailed Eagle at Marsh Farm, then flew off, Little Gull at Marsh Farm, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint on South Scrape, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Spoonbill, Garganey, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Water Pipit, 2 Hawfinch, Firecrest, Spotted Redshank on Fenland Lagoon, Ring Ouzel at Rock Ridge, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Gibraltar Point 6 Cattle Egrets in sheep field, then flew NW, Saltfleetby Siberian Chiffchaff, Wolla bank 3 White Storks flew south over Legbourne 3 White Storks circled Fairfield industrial estate, Louth 15/4 Osprey, ARC pit, Baston + Langtoft Pits - flew north Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Spoonbill near sea wall, Garganey, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, Freiston short Short-eared Owl, Water Pipit, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Hawfinch at Sykes Farm, 2 Garganey 1 drk, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier male, Chapel Point west of Mogg's Eye west of road Ring Ouzel in horse field at top of South Sea Lane, Humberston Ring Ouzel flew over Weelsby Woods, Cleethorpes 2 Spoonbills, 8 Spotted Redshanks, 4 Garganey 2 drks, Alkborough Flats 16/4 Sandwich Tern on East Pit, then flew SW, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Garganey, Little Gull 1w on Marsh Farm reservoir, Spoonbill, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh Hawfinch at Sykes Farm, 3 Garganey on Tennyson's Sands, Farm, Ring Ouzel on Freshwater Marsh, Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel from Car Park, Scotter Common 17/4 Ring-necked duck ad drk on South Pit, 2 Avocets flew NE over Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft Pits 2 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Little Gull 1w on Marsh Farm, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, Freiston Shore Garganey, Spotted Redshank, Richard's Pipit flew over south end, Hawfinch at Sykes Farm,Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel flew north over dunes, Rimac Water Pipit, Anderby Creek Smew drk at Millennium Green. North Hykeham Osprey flew SW over Caistor 4 Spoonbills in field by River Trent, 8 Spotted Redshanks, 10 Common Cranes flew SW, Alkborough Flats 18/4 Blue-headed Wagtail on Marsh Farm, Short-eared Owl over saltmarsh, 2 Garganey, 3 Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Black-necked Grebes, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Little Gull, ringtail Hen Harrier, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point 2 Ring Ouzels in field on right before car park, Rimac Pale-bellied Goose, Donna Nook Ring Ouzel, near Yacht Club Tetney Marshes unconfirmed report Rough-legged Buzzard in marsh over fields SW of Irby Ring Ouzel fem at end of Marsh Lane at Winter's Pond, East Halton Skitter 19/4 Black-necked Grebe from Reedbed Hide, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Spoonbill, 2 Little Stints, Garganey, Little Gull, Frampton Marsh Hawfinch at Sykes Farm, Hen Harrier from Wash Viewpoint, Spotted Redshank Short-eared Owl, Fenland Lagoon, Gibraltar Point Ring Ouzel in field on right before car park, Rimac Common Scoter, Toft Newton Reservoir 4 Spoonbills, 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. *** 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/ *** Links "not to be missed" *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. The Len Pick Trust barn owl camera is back up and running. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/45934490 St James' Church, Louth - Peregrines - a note from Bob Sheppard. The Louth peregrines now have a full clutch of four eggs. The last egg was laid on 2nd April. It is expected the eggs will hatch between 5th and 7th May. The camera is live 24/7. http://www.louthperegrines.org.uk/latest-news.html Loch of Lowes Osprey Webcam https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ How to identify spring bees https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/how-to-identify-spring-bees/ Pollen Identification Colour Chart http://www.sheffieldbeekeepers.org.uk/tools/pollen-chart/ Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Lincs Bird Club: https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation - Lincolnshire Branch: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/ Which moth species might be on the wing tonight in your area? ‘What’s Flying Tonight’. https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/whats-flying-tonight BTO tracked cuckoos: latest updates: they are arriving 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. TA02908 12320 ELSHAM Jenny Haynes 13 April 2022 Roadkill B1206 Hedgehog FILLINGHAM area Brenda Edlington 19/4/2022 B1398 approx 400m North of Fillingham High Street turning Dead badger by roadside W *** 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 welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY - The Green R & A Parsons TF120694 11/4 Hedgehog droppings by entrance gate and birdfeeder. Pied wagtail most days. Occasionally the pair. Hairy-footed Flower bee f. seen most days this week and a male on 17th. 18/5 - bat over garden - 55khz signal. 19/4 Adult hedgehog caught on trailcam. 03.56hrs CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 14/4/2022 First Speckled Wood 15/4/2022 First Holly Blues 17/4/2022 First Orange Tips (male) This year we have the highest number of bee volcanoes (as I call them) made by the mining bee Andrena fulva, 30 + at the last count, and still coming. A Blackcap is singing in the garden most days, and for the first time I can recall a Chiffchaff can be heard from/in the garden on and off every day. I'm concerned by the very low numbers of Swallows and House Martins seen so far; is this the case generally? CLEETHORPES Angela Buckle, 13th April 2022 Rue leaved saxifrage, Scurvy grass, Oxford ragwort, FAR INGS Angela Buckle Far Ings, 17th April 2022 Cuckoo flower, Wavy bittercress, Birdsfoot trefoil, Wild strawberry, Thyme leaved speedwell, Garlic mustard, Cow parsley, White bryony, Common cornsalad, Adderstongue fern. GRASBY Angela Buckle Grasby woods, 15th April 2022 Wood forget me not, Lesser celandine, Lords and ladies, Red campion, Ground ivy, Common dog violet, Stinking hellebore, Bluebell, Bugle, Early purple orchid. HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 17 April 2022 Bats have been flying round my house these past few days. Brimstone and Peacock butterflies in my garden this weekend. Quite a few bumblebees which I haven’t been able to identify. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden unless otherwise advised) 13/4/2022 Pisaura mirabis, Nursery-web spider 8+ - out sunbathing. Most scuttled off under the nettle leaves but some braved it out and some thought I couldn't see them! 16/4/2022 Bat sp. likely Common pipestrelle 2 - briefly over garden at 8.25pm. Very glad to see they survived the winter. Bombylius major, Dark-edged bee-fly 10 or so - on the Honesty, which there is masses of in the garden at the minute. 17/4/2022 Bat sp. likely Common pipestrelle 2 - 8.30pm Ichneumon stramentor 1 - Had been in old compost in a pot. 18/4/2022 Bat sp. likely Common pipestrelle1 - 8.35pm Muntjac 1 - just sneaking out of the garden after eating the bluebell leaves. IMMINGHAM Angela Buckle Immingham, 14th April 2022, Bird cherry in flower, KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK 8477527 16/04/2022 Alison Brownlow St. Mark's Flies. As with everything else this year they have appeared early. St. Mark's day is April 25th KIRKBY (OSGODBY CP) TF050 925 Richard Fox 18.04.2022 Grey Partridge pr. MESSINGHAM Brenda Edlington 19/4/2022 SE 908032 Messingham Sand Quarry Birds seen Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed gull Blue tit Cetti’s warbler -one seen several heard Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coot Cormorant Crow Dunnock Gadwall Great crested grebe Great tit Greylag Jay Lesser black-backed gull Long-tailed tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute swan Pochard Red-headed pochard Robin Shelduck Shoveler Song thrush Tufted duck Willow warbler Woodpigeon Wren In flower Bluebells Cowslips Forget-me -not Garlic mustard Marsh marigolds – a lovely river of flowers in one ditch Violet NETTLEHAM Brenda Edlington Nettleham TF 005756. 17 and 18/4/2022 2 hedgehogs on camera together at feeding station, both nights about 8.30pm. Long-tailed tits still visiting the nest near our back door but not feeding yet NETTLETON Angela Buckle Nettleton, 15th April 2022 Lesser celandine, Ground ivy, Cowslip, Coltsfoot, Mouse ear, Hairy bittercress, Borage, Charlock, SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 12/04/22 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 4 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 2 Wren x 1 Rabbit x 6 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 10/04/22 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Grey Partridge x 2 Greylag Goose x 1 over Thurnholmes Jackdaw x 1 Kestrel x 1 Lapwing x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Magpie x 2 Mallard x 1 over Thurnholmes Mute Swan x 3 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 2 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 18:30hrs Wood Pigeon x 8 Peacock x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 4 Bee Fly Bombylius major x 1 14/04/22 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Greylag Goose x 2 Grey Partridge x 2 Jackdaw x 1 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Mallard x 6 attempted to land in our paddock but chased off by spaniel Mute swan x 4 feeding in fields around Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 4 Wood Pigeon x 10 Large White x 1 Orange Tip x 1 female Bee Fly x 1 16/04/22 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 1 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Magpie x 2 Oystercatcher x 1 over Thurnholmes calling Pied Wagtail x 1 Red-legged Partridge x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 2 Song Thrush x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 2 Wheatear x 1 male Willow Warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Brimstone x 1 male Green-veined White x 1 Orange Tip x 3 females Peacock x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 18/04/22 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 23:15hrs WILLINGHAM WOODS Angela Buckle Willingham woods 14th April 2022 Yellow archangel, Greater stitchwort, Ramsons, Garlic mustard, Wavy bittercress, Wood anemone, Wood forget me not, Red campion, WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler Garden On Good Friday (14/4/22) the first Orange Tip Butterflies and the first Holly Blues seen in garden. Also the first Tawny Mining Bees and the first Bee Flies. A fledgling Blackbird near fence was the first evidence of the early brood of one of our two nesting pairs. These are the same first records as for 14/4 /20 - Also a warm sunny day. This year it was the warmest of the year. Remarkably it was also the first time in both years when Swallows flew above the garden. This year it was just two. Damson and plum and pear blossom are fully out and there is some anxiety about the low numbers of pollinating insects. Although the workers of the Bumble bees are out, no Mason Bees have emerged from the bee hotels and I have seen no females of the Hairy Footed Flower Bee. Last year we lost most of the fruit from these trees due to frosts. The apples, apart from the crab apples are not open yet – all except one tree last year were affected by late frosts which continued into May. The gooseberries, in flower now, seem to attract solitary bees and it is hoped that we will see them on them soon. Some fruit seems to flourish most years wineberries, redcurrants and blackberries for example. Since we aim to be self sufficient in fruit and vegetables the drop in insects, reported in the news regularly, is of more than general concern. Our bee keeper cannot keep up with requests for his hives to be situated to help in pollination. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs and NATURE RESERVES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of LWT reserves and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 13th – 19th April 2022 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: Note: The dry spring continues with only 40.8mm of ppt recorded since 1st March of which 18.7mm fell on 16th March. The current total for April is 6.9mm. Consequently, the early flowering plants on the dunes are struggling to look fresh and strong. 130422 - Paradise lagoon: 4 avocet, 1 little egret, 1 redshank, 2 oystercatcher, 16 shoveler, 2 mallard, 4 tufted duck. Single wheatear, 9 wigeon, 11 teal, 9 shoveler, 2 shelduck and 2 pairs of lapwing on Sea View washlands. 2 small bats in flight at Sea View, late evening. At least 10 wheatear at Crook Bank on the outer dunes. Just off the reserve, 6 cattle egret spent the day with sheep in a roadside field. 140422 - 14 avocet around Rimac and Sea View. Barn owl, peregrine, yellow wagtail and 2 swallow over the dunes and 2 grey partridge in the dunes. 4 little ringed plover on Sea View washland. Red kite feeding on worms in field next to Churchill Lane car park. Male redstart seen briefly along willow boundary at Rimac. 150422 - Male great spotted woodpecker at Sea View. Grasshopper warbler reeling at Rimac. 2 wall brown along the footpath by the dunes. 160422 - 3 whimbrel on saltmarsh, 22 tufted duck Paradise lagoon, 2 whinchat near Rimac. 2 holly blues on the wing at Sea View. 170422 - 26 barnacle geese and a male ring ouzel north over Rimac and 30 black-tailed godwit flew south. 3 grasshopper warbler between Rimac and Churchill Lane. 10 fieldfare next to Rimac car park. Male orange-tip seen in the dunes. 180422 - 12 whimbrel on saltmarsh. 3 great spotted woodpeckers in ash tree near Paradise wood, 3 ring ouzels with 12 fieldfare in pasture field near Rimac late afternoon, single little ringed plover in Sea View washlands. 10+ wheatear on the saltmarsh/foreshore at Brickyard Lane. Pair of little ringed plover at Crook Bank and 2 yellow wagtail south. 190422 - 7 whimbrel on saltmarsh, cuckoo calling and seen near Paradise wood. Single ring ouzel seen near Rimac car park. Butterfly species seen over the sunny mild Easter holiday: at least 15 peacock, 1 brimstone, 2 male orange tips, 2 speckled wood, 3 small white, 2 green veined white, 1 holly blue. All scrub and trees now coming well into leaf. Cuckoo flower flowering, cowslips struggling in very dry conditions, carpets of ground ivy, dandelions and field mouse-ear. Birds: A marked immigration of willow warblers, blackcaps, sedge warblers, grasshopper warblers, wheatears, cuckoos and swallows over the previous 5 days. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area. Records from them 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/ The Forestry Commission visitor advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ British Native Trees - Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com *** Lincs Dormouse Group update *** Gemma Watkinson writes: I have set the nest box check dates with Forestry England: Sunday 22nd May Saturday 18th June Sunday 17th July Saturday 20th August Sunday 18th September Saturday 22nd October We meet at 9.30am for the box checks, and anyone interested in joining us on a box check should get in contact via email 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. Many are also designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Humber Heritage Trail, Alkborough Flats - LWT leaflet https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. SENDING IN BULLETIN REPORTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We aim to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders. The Bulletin is a 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! Please help us to help you. 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. It 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. CONTACTS AND USEFUL WEBSITES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTACTS LIST Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** LNU 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 Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ https://twitter.com/LincsWildlife *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk https://twitter.com/Lincsbirding 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 https://twitter.com/sirjosephbanks *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html https://twitter.com/BC_Lincolnshire *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** https://lincolnshirechalkstreams.org/ *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ https://twitter.com/lincsbirders *** 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.com FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** 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 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. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List - LNU *** Paul Kirby has produced a list which details all the vascular plant & stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database. This is for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ Recording with "irecord" https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ More and more people are using irecord. It is recommended by the LNU as the most appropriate platform for on-line recording. Tried it yet? Feedback welcome. 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 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 Spiders, Pseudoscorpions, Harvestmen Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Email: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Contact: Ashley Butterfield : learningoutdoors@btinternet.com Please have a look at https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php It's an easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. You can send any records to Ashley Butterfield (Lincolnshire Amphibian and Reptile Recorder) at LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Bat rescue instructions: If you find a grounded bat please don’t try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box . Remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail. Wear gloves or use a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We’ll do the rest. *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Slug ID Help Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 Email: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk Non-Marine Molluscs Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: mrapickwell@gmail.com When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcomed. USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) http://www.glnp.org.uk/ https://twitter.com/GLNPnature *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lincs-environmental-awards/enter *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ https://twitter.com/FieldStudiesC *** 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/ NHM Final report on LoveLincsPlants goes online This report along with previous progress reports can be viewed/ downloaded from the LNU website. https://lnu.org/lincolnshire-plants-past-and-future/ Love Lincs Plants: Herbarium Hub https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants/herbarium-hub https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants/status/1457735102046384133 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 - downloadable LNU book https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf For the Geologists... Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable LNU book https://lnu.org/publications/books/the-geology-of-lincolnshire/ *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. NOTES ABOUT THESE WILDLIFE REPORTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting. However, records are sent in by a variety of reporters; from complete beginners to professionals. They may vary in reliability and occasionally 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. BULLETIN 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, please report any sensitive news directly to recorders. Not the Bulletin. We don't want to spoil things with untimely or unwise publicity. Thank you. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. *** Codes of Conduct *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. BSBI Code of Conduct https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/BSBI-Code-of-Conduct.pdf 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important updates *** We will post any changes to LNU events through the Bulletin; the LNU Twitter feed; LNU Facebook page and LNU meetings webpage. Please refer to the LNU website for details of any Zoom arrangements for watching online. LNU Meetings 2022: https://lnu.org/meetings Charlie Barnes writes: The programme of field meetings for 2022 is now available. The changing nature of the Covid situation may mean alterations or cancellations at short notice, so check back regularly and keep an eye on Twitter and Facebook for updates. For more details on the times and locations see the website at https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ And don't forget, the annual Species Recording Meeting has been re-scheduled for the 18th June! 24th April: Lincoln’s Witham Wildlife Corridor - South Witham Marsh and Bracebridge Hall Fishponds & Syston Woods 22nd May: Cherry Fields Community Garden, south of Cherry Willingham 12th June: Dunston Beck, near Dunston 24th July: Wilsford Parish (part of LWT’s Wild Wilsford Weekend) 14th August: Elsham Chalk Quarry LNR 18th September: Old Bolingbroke Castle and Sow Dale LWT Reserve 9th October: Epworth Turbary LWT Reserve (Annual Fungus Foray) Species Recording Meeting – Now 18th June 2022. Whisby Education Centre, 12 noon Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders; it will finish at 4pm. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/2019-02-09/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** Roger Favell - Soft Bounce - undeliverable James Faulconbridge - Soft Bounce - undeliverable Advice is: If your Service provider can't or won't allow the Bulletin through, use a free email account instead. In the event of a mail failure ask me for the error report to pass on to your "Help Desk". I am glad to help. ....and finally... Country diary: My 40-year love affair with these breeding toads https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/18/country-diary-my-40-year-love-affair-with-these-breeding-toads Country diary: The flying teddy bears with a dark side https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/15/country-diary-the-flying-teddy-bears-with-a-dark-side New on-line Eco-skills Courses – Field Studies Council https://www.field-studies-council.org/eco-skills-courses/ Climate change: Key UN finding widely misinterpreted https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-61110406 Mutations across species reveal clues to ageing https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61045950 Common swifts enter hibernation-like torpor on cold night https://www.newscientist.com/article/2316100-common-swifts-enter-hibernation-like-torpor-on-cold-nights/ Hull maritime pictures have decades of grime removed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-61081173 Proper evidence key to Isle of Man wallaby policy, says charity https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-61081452 GPS thefts from farms prompt warning https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-61107201 BBC reveals that nightingale and cello duet was faked https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/bbc-reveals-that-famous-nightingale-and-cello-duet-was-faked/ ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/