============================================ || || 9th February 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 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 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 Wildnews 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: There is a mixture of cancellations, postponements and returns to "active" meetings in this week's Bulletin. We will do our best to keep you up to date. If you know any LNU members who may not have noted the announcement below, please let them know about it. Important announcement Postponement of LNU Species Recording Meeting: Sat 19th February 2022. The Species Recording Meeting has been postponed due to the Covid situation and a new date in the Summer is being investigated. Details will follow. Remember that Covid guidelines may change event arrangements at short notice. Please continue to stay informed about new advice on Co-19 and 'flu. Adapt to any changes accordingly at indoor meetings and with groups on reserves/in the field. If you have any event postponements or changes to announce please let me know. LWT guidelines: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Here is this week's selection of links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories. I hope you find something to interest and entertain. More general links in "..and finally ..." Theddlethorpe: Search area for possible nuclear waste site revealed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-60304295 Humber Bridge: Call for second crossing to boost North's economy https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-60306832 Stamford: Red Lion Square cobbles kept despite mayor's tarmac wish https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-60304287 Northern Lights photographed off Norfolk coast by aurora hunters https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-60273620 Deluge of dog pee and poo harming nature reserves, study suggests https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/07/dog-pee-and-poo-harming-nature-reserves-study Bats spell route change for planned Norwich Western Link road https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-60237744 HMS Endeavour: Row erupts over location of Cook's coal ship https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-60239753 Please keep your emails coming. Again - a big thank you to all contributors who sent in interesting news links, wildlife events info and species reports. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Weather Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ 13 - 22 February "...On Sunday a band of rain, heavy at times, is expected to spread southeastwards across the country, with showers following into the northwest of Scotland. Strong winds are expected too, especially around coasts, and temperatures will be mild for all. Into the following week and beyond, the unsettled weather is likely to continue. Frequent showers and longer spells of rain are likely for most." *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** BBC Eyes to the skies - 2022 is shaping up to be an excellent year for astronomy https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/feeds/60085546 Royal Observatory highlights for 2022 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/space-astronomy-highlights-2022 I had a note about night-time bird song this week. Gail Cartwright wrote: STICKNEY TF322568 03/02/2022 Last night about 9.30pm I heard a bird singing, I first thought it was on the TV but it went on for ages on and off till I went to bed, Eventually I realised it was outside, it was really going for it and I remembered I had thought once or twice before that a bird was singing on tv. My son then told me he had heard one singing at about 3am. We have no idea what bird it was and I was hoping someone else might have some idea, there may have been 2, sounded like a small bird, definitely not an owl. Gail adds: There are no street lights round here but my husband does have a decent light on his workshop but doesn't really reach the big hedge where most of the birds usually are. We have robins but I haven't seen any thrushes for years. I sent Gail this link on the subject - but does anyone else have a similar story to tell? See: Why do birds sign at night? - RSPB https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/birdwatching/bird-behaviour/why-do-birds-sing-at-night/ *** 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. *** Natural History & Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Our next meeting on Monday, 14th February. Brian Jubb and John Naylor will give their illustrated talk on "The Marine wildlife photographed on a diving expedition around the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi". Brian and John have given us illustrated talks of their diving expeditions in the past. Their presentations are always full of spectacular images of the amazing wildlife in Earth's seas and oceans. We have much need to appreciate all our marine wildlife when there is so much threat to it from human exploitation and climate change. We meet in St Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road where there is a free, large car park. We start at 7.15 pm and there is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided to help us pay our speakers' fees and travel expenses. There will be a comfort break halfway through the talk but at the moment no refreshments are provided. We are asked to keep a record of all attendees at the talk with contact details for the continuing track and trace procedures. *** Cyprus in Spring" - RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** The next meeting of the RSPB Grimsby Local Group will take place on Monday 21st February 2022 at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LH At our first in-person meeting for 2 years, the talk will be "Cyprus in Spring" by Graham Catley Graham is a well-known and respected Lincolnshire birder, professional photographer and ornithological consultant who has visited the Group several times before. As well as being Lincolnshire County Recorder for ten years, Graham has been a contributor to all of the Lincolnshire bird reports from 1969, and to many other publications. His photographic credits include regular publication in journals such as British Birds, and he has been well placed in many prestigious photography competitions. With several spring trips to the island of Cyprus, which has a rich bird population and plays host to many more species on spring migration, Graham has built up a fine library of photos of the birds of this exceptional area. This promises to be a fascinating and illuminating talk. This talk will be open to everybody. You do not need to be a member of the RSPB to attend. Entry is £4, payable at the door. Light refreshments and a raffle will be available. Obviously, measures will be taken to minimise 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. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting Martin Francis - Leader, RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Area Groups webpage *** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/area-groups Please let me have your "plugs" for coming events that may interest readers *** Boston Area Group LWT *** Talk - The Wildlife Of Gloucestershire by Gill Walsh Gill will take you on a tour of her favourite reserves in The Cotswolds and The Forest Of Dean showcasing the wonderful array of wildlife to be seen there. Thursday 10th February at 7.30pm Centenary Methodist Church Red Lion Street Boston PE21 6NY *** LWT Bourne Area Group. *** Barnack Hills & Holes NNR - Chris Gardiner - 18th February Meeting at Bourne Methodist Hall 7.30pm On Friday 18th February, Chris Gardiner will be speaking to us about Barnack Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve. Chris was formerly Natural England's warden for this fantastic site which is noted for its pasqueflowers but also has a wealth of other wildlife and a fascinating history. A donation of £2.50 is requested from adults, children free. Chris will also be bringing a selection of 2nd hand natural history books priced from £1 upwards so it's also a chance to add to your collection.  *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Indoor Meeting - "A Year of Nature 2021" with Mike Pickwell On Monday 14th February 2021 you are invited to join us at our next indoor meeting where our speaker Mike Pickwell will be taking us through a year's journey in nature with his excellent photography. This will take place in the Banqueting Room of Grimsby Town Hall, DN31 1HU and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission £3. Tea and coffee will be available. Covid measures will remain in place in the Town Hall with social distancing, hand sanitising and we would still prefer you to wear a mask when moving around the building and the Banqueting Room. For further details contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858 *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk February 17th: Rivers: Natures Calendar An update by the Nature's Calendar team on this groundbreaking Citizen Science project, which monitors signs of the changing seasons and the effects of weather and climate on wildlife. At Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50. Refreshments are provided. Advice from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is to wear a mask while attending and we will also need to take contact details for Test and Trace purposes, etc. *** Scunthorpe and Brigg Local Group LWT *** Our first meeting for 2022 is on Thursday, 10th February. Matthew Blissett, LWT Outer Humber Warden for some of our Lincolnshire coastal reserves, will give an illustrated talk on NATTERJACK TOADS AND DUNE PRESERVATION. Matthew has given us some excellent talks in the past, illustrating his work as a reserves warden in Norfolk and, earlier, in our own North Lincolnshire region. We meet in the St Hugh's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2AG, which is opposite the service station near the West Common Lane/Ashby Road crossroads in Brumby. The meeting starts at 7.30 pm and there is a £2 entry charge which includes coffee or tea, plus a biscuit, at the mid-talk break. There is a small free car park at the Church and also roadside parking nearby. On this occasion, we are asked to record the names and contact details of all attendees at the meeting. The wearing of facemasks and social distancing as appropriate is voluntary but people are asked to please be considerate of others. *** 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 etc can be found at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/ *** Useful Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** 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 - 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. 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 1/2/2022 2 Long-eared Owls on Main Lake from track to hide, Deeping Lakes. Deeping St James 2 Lapland Buntings flew south over, 8+ Snow Buntings, 2 Velvet Scoters Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck, 7 Velvet Scoters, Mablethorpe White-tailed Lapwing at south end of first pool beyond windpump, East Halton Skitter 2/2/2022 Long-eared Owl on Main Lake from track to hide, Deeping Lakes. Deeping St James Cattle Egret, Baston Fen Cattle Egret at South Fen Road by River Glen, WSW of Tongue End , ESE of Bourne Little Stint, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting, Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point 2 Velvet Scoters, Saltfleetby Purple Sandpiper, on beach at outflow, 1w Caspian Gull flew south, Mablethorpe 18 Snow Buntings on beach from Crook Bank, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe White-tailed Lapwing at south end of first pool beyond windpump, East Halton Skitter 3/2 Cattle Egret by South Fen Road, Tongue End, ESE of Bourne Red-breasted Goose at South Scrape, flew towards The Wash with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Hen Harrier 1 male over saltmarsh Frampton Marsh 2 Lapland Buntings, Water Pipit, Velvet Scoter, Great Northern Diver, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Iceland Gull on new pond, Pywipe, WNW of Grimsby White-tailed Lapwing beyond windpump at end of Marsh Lane on Winter's Pond East Halton Skitter 4/2 Ring-necked Duck, west end Langtoft GPs 3 Long-eared Owls on Main Lake from track to hide, Deeping Lakes. Deeping St James Black Redstart fem/1w male, Scopwick Little Stint, male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 3 Short-eared Owls at Halton Marshes, East Halton Skitter Cattle Egret, Messingham Sand Quarry White-tailed Lapwing beyond windpump at end of Marsh Lane on Winter's Pond East Halton Skitter 5/2 3 Long-eared Owls on Main Lake from track to hide, Deeping Lakes. Deeping St James Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 2 Velvet Scoters, Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point Cattle Egret, East Halton Skitter White-tailed Lapwing beyond windpump at end of Marsh Lane on Winter's Pond East Halton Skitter 6/2 Long-eared Owl on Main Lake from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Cattle Egret by South Fen Road, Tongue End, ESE of Bourne Great Northern Diver flew south past, Gibraltar Point Cattle Egret, Messingham Sand Quarry White-tailed Lapwing beyond windpump at end of Marsh Lane on Winter's Pond East Halton Skitter 7/2 Long-eared Owl on Main Lake from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Cattle Egret by South Fen Road, Tongue End, ESE of Bourne Hen Harrier over saltmarsh, Spotted Redshank, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Mealy Redpoll briefly on path, north of Millennium Green, North Hykeham White-tailed Lapwing beyond windpump at end of Marsh Lane on Winter's Pond East Halton Skitter 8/2 Cattle Egret on north bank of Counter Drain near Windmill Corner, Baston Fen Cattle Egret by South Fen Road, Tongue End, on Counter Drain ESE of Bourne 2 Bewick's Swans, both ads, Deeping Lakes, the flew soutth, Deeping St James 3 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Little Stints north of sea bank, Short-eared Owl and Hen Harrier male over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese with 5000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Freiston Shore 57 Twite on edge of saltmarsh from seal viewing path, Donna Nook White-tailed Lapwing beyond windpump at end of Marsh Lane on Winter's Pond, 2 Water Pipits, Short-eared Owl at Halton Marshes, East Halton Skitter 9/2 Ring-necked Duck, west end Langtoft GPs ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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" *** Bourne Barn Owl Webcam: Bob Sheppard says: Camera is now off pending installation of the new one. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project 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? You can find out easily using ‘What’s Flying Tonight’. https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/whats-flying-tonight BTO tracked cuckoos: latest updates: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project *** 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. This is for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in their observations and we welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY - The Green R+A Parsons TF120694 8/2/2022 Blue Tit on nut feeder - an unusual sight here these days. Evening robin and blackbird song. 2 Magpies over. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 02/02/22 Blackbird x 7 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 4 Goldfinch x 6 Jay x 2 Kestrel x 1 Redwing x 16 Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 singing high over Tree Sparrow x 6 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 23/01/22 Blackbird x 6 Black-headed Gull x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 12 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 25 Great Tit x 2 Greylag Goose x 12 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 6 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 17 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:00hrs Robin x 2 Tawny Owl x 3 calling 01:20hrs Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 4 26/01/22 Barn Owl x 2 00:10hrs Blackbird x 9 Black-headed Gull x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 1 Robin x 2 Sparrowhawk x 1 male Tawny Owl x 2 01:15hrs Wood Pigeon x 2 first snowdrop flowers Hazel flowers multiplied x 6 in 2 days 27/01/22 Goosander x 1 male Owston Ferry Warping Drain 31/01/22 Barn Owl x 1 01:15hrs Blackbird x 15 Black-headed Gull x 7 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 7 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Greylag Goose x 7 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 2 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 11 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 1 over Thurnholmes Redwing x 7 Robin x 2 Skylark x 2 singing high over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 5 Wood Pigeon x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 06/02/22 Blackbird x 8 Black-headed Gull x 12 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 6 Dunnock x 2 Golden Plover x 65 over Thurnholmes Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 1 Little Egret x 1 SK788994 Long-tailed Tit x 2 Robin x 2 Tree Sparrow x 4 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 08/02/22 08/02/22 Blackbird x 6 Black-headed Gull x 17 over Thurnholmes Blue tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 3 Chaffinch x 6 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 7 Goosander x 2 males Owston Ferry Warping Drain Goldfinch x 6 Golden Plover x 29 over Thurnholmes Great Tit x 2 Greylag Goose x 9 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Pied Wagtail x 1 Redwing x 4 Robin x 2 Skylark x 2 singing high over Thurnholmes Tree Sparrow x 7 Wood Pigeon x 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 2nd – 8th February 2022 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: Note: Very strong WSW winds on the 1st with a gust of 51.5mph noted on Quarry Hill, Rimac. Very mild on the 8th with the maximum temperature reaching 15.0 degrees centigrade. 020222 - Single jay flew out of Paradise wood, active ladybird nearby. 030222 - Of note 79 shoveler and 69 teal on Paradise lagoon. Marsh harrier seen flying over at Churchill Lane. 60 wigeon, 40 teal, 2 shelduck, 12 curlew, 2 redshank, 10 tufted duck, 12 mallard and 2 mute swan on the Sea View Washland. 040222 - A minimum of 140 redshank feeding on the saltmarsh at Sea View. 060222 - Peregrine falcon and male marsh harrier hunting over the saltmarsh. 070222 – Great Spotted woodpecker near Paradise wood. 080222 - Paradise lagoon 82 teal, 26 shoveler, 3 coot, 10 mallard, 6 redshank, 41 Canada geese,1 grey lag and 23 curlew feeding in adjacent field. Single small bat near Churchill Lane cottages at dusk. 4 snipe and 2 little grebe along the Great Eau. 3 song thrushes in full song over recent days Rimac to Brickyard Lane. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide 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/ 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 *** Lincs Dormouse Group update *** Gemma Watkinson writes: The winter work party dates for this winter are below. Saturday 19th February Sunday 20th March We meet at 10am at the wood centre car park, and normally stay until around 3pm with a packed lunch break. All tools are provided, but recommend to bring your own work gloves/ gardening gloves if you have them. Please note that Forestry England have still not opened the toilet facilities at Chambers. We have a lot of winter tasks to catch up on including box repairs and replacements, cutting back a few of the pathways that have become overgrown and coppicing work as part of the management of Ivy Wood. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nature Reserves - Lincolnshire County Council https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coast-countryside/nature-reserves Nature reserves in North Lincolnshire https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/local-nature-reserves/ South Humber Heritage Trail, Alkborough Flats - LWT leaflet https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We 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. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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/ *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** 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 *** 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/ 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. The FSC are offering a virtual introductory irecord course in February. https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/courses/discovering-irecord-2022/ https://twitter.com/FieldStudiesC 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 *** www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ https://twitter.com/FieldStudiesC BioLinks Courses – Field Studies Council https://www.field-studies-council.org/biolinks-courses/ FSC are offering a virtual introductory irecord course in February. https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/courses/discovering-irecord-2022/ *** 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/ *** Love Lincs Plants*** https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/love-lincs-plants NHM Final report on LoveLincsPlants goes online Aidan Neary [LoveLincsPlants] writes: "Debra Turner and the team at NHM London have now fully curated the LNU historic herbarium collection and has kindly produced a summary report to document this achievement. It captures the human story behind it’s 180 year development and gives some important historical context to the study of botany in Lincolnshire." 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 - LNU downloadable 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. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. https://lnu.org/specialists/ When sending in reports, e.g. unusual plants, 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 Code of Conduct for 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 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. Indoor Meetings 2022: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ Species Recording Meeting - under review 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. 12 noon – 19th February 2022 Annual General Meeting – 12th March 2022 2pm – Followed by the Presidential Address by Owen Mountford 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** None. 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... Woolly mammoth and other Ice Age remains found in Devon https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-60234766 Plantlife:Spring into action with Plantlife https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/spring-into-action Watch "Habitats and homes for barn owls on farmland in County Down" on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPQJjdvJ5yw A Swedish company plans on using crows to pick up cigarette butts https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/infrastructure/592368-a-swedish-company-plans-on-using-crows-to-pick ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/