============================================ || || 12th January 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]. 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 associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, events, news and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** 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/ Editor adds: A most interesting NHM report. I recall the hours spent moving the LNU herbarium from place to place to keep it safe and secure. Then there were the efforts of the LNU Exec to identify a permanent home for it, and the NHM was identified as the best possible partner. LNU meetings with Paul Scott and Paul Learoyd then explored the possibility of a project to encourage interest in Lincolnshire's plants and the project grew from there. Well worth the effort! Those who have the "Botany bug" will already be enjoying Sir David Attenborough's latest masterpiece: The Green Planet. Don't miss it! Available on BBC i-Player https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013cl7 Dave Miller - LWT Coast and The Wash Warden - asks if anyone has Coastal Events coming up that could do with a "Plug". Do you? He writes: "The Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park is planning on providing an events leaflet for 2022. I was wondering if you had any events planned that you would like to include in this leaflet? It is distributed widely along the coast and on websites. I would need any events planned by the end of January/beginning of February so that the leaflet can be finished by March. " Contact Dave on: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LincsCoastalWarden Twitter icon https://twitter.com/CoastalRanger I see that BBC TWO's WinterWatch is starting shortly. See: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013p1b 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 ..." Photographers capture wealth of wildlife on Fenland farm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-59901503 FSC Natural History Live webinars - Eventbrite - Heritage Fund https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/natural-history-live-webinars-63519 Huge fossilised ‘sea dragon’ found in Rutland reservoir https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59915689 Lincolnshire: More than 100,000 potholes reported https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59907998 Cleethorpes coastguard night search saves man from marsh https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-59891711 Mystery dog sickness linked to beach walks https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-59949893 'Ignorant' runner accused of causing seal stampede - Yorks - far too polite. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-59916670 Antibiotic-resistant superbug evolved on hedgehogs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59883336 Bird flu in Lincolnshire: One million culled in bid to halt spread https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59878040 Mesmerising photos reveal the microscopic beauty of plankton https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25233660-200-mesmerising-photos-reveal-the-microscopic-beauty-of-plankton/ Please keep your emails coming. A big thank you to all contributors who send in interesting news links, wildlife events info and species reports. Always very welcome. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Weather Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Sunday 16 - 26 Jan "Towards the middle of this period there remains a possibility that low pressure could move east, bringing strong winds and cold wintry showers to windward coasts. Temperatures are most likely to be slightly above average in the north whilst remaining near normal towards the south, ...low likelihood of a short-lived colder spell. ." *** 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. *** Next LNU [Indoor] Meeting will be on Zoom! *** 'The new Birds of Lincolnshire: trials and tribulations in data recording.' LNU/Lincolnshire Bird Club talk by Phil Espin. 2pm - Saturday January 29th 2022 Will be delivered on Zoom - see the LNU website for details. Link here: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/lnu-lincolnshire-bird-club-joint-talk-by-phil-espin-saturday-january-29th-2022/ *** Tried Recording with "irecord" yet? *** 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. It has the best validation and feedback. Please look at the website. While you are there why not create an account so you are set up and ready to try? Tried it yet? Comments welcome. I see 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 *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** January 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 2022 - January Quadrantids! https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide The Best Meteor Showers of 2022 https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/best-meteor-showers-of-2022/ *** 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 *** Lincoln Area Group Talk *** Richard Davison writes: January 20th: Rivers: Source to the Sea Jack Perks is renowned for his photography and appearances on Springwatch, Countryfile and The One Show. He will be giving an illustrated talk about rivers and their wildlife. He'll follow a British river downstream and look at the wildlife in it's different stages including reptiles, insects and fish. Not to be missed. [Editor adds: Absolutely. I heard him give a brilliant LNU talk a while back.] 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. *** Boultham Park Wildlife and Conservation Talks *** Information from Richard Davidson: Boultham Park will be hosting talks by a range of experts throughout January in the Linkage Education Centre. There will be 4 talks, taking place on a Thursday from 6pm. These will covering a range of topics, from managing wetland habitats, to building a thriving community green space. The talks are in the Boultham Park Education Centre off Rookery Lane, Lincoln. More: http://www.boulthampark.co.uk/wildlife-and-conservation-talks/ Lizzie Oakley adds: On the 13th January we are hosting a talk titled ‘Cherishing our Churchyards, Graveyards and Cemeteries – God’s Acre Project’. The talk will by given by Helen Gamble from the Lincolnshire Wolds, speaking with us about the importance of churchyards, graveyards and cemeteries as local green spaces, and the valuable wildlife they help preserve. Taking place at the Linkage Education Centre from 6pm, free refreshments will be available, and tickets are £3 on the door, contact us at Boultham.park@lincoln.gov.uk to reserve your spot as spaces are limited. *** Secret Wildlife of the Forest of Dean *** Zoom talks offered by the RSPB Grimsby Local Group continue on Monday 17th January at 7.30pm "Secret Wildlife of the Forest of Dean” - Nick Martin Naturalist, Nick Martin is on a mission to enthuse as many people as he can about wildlife. With a lifelong passion for nature, he has had a long career in conservation. He has worked for several wildlife organisations including the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts. In addition, he is a accomplished wildlife photographer and a regular speaker. The talk is open to everybody. You don't need to belong to the RSPB, or have attended Group Meetings. And don't be put off by Zoom. It is easy to use. You don't need any special equipment like a camera or microphone. Just an internet connection. We may be able to offer help if you request it. To find out the arrangements for getting a link to the talk, please email me at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com [Before 8pm on Saturday 15th January, please, stating that you saw the information in the LNU Bulletin. Martin Francis - Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** 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. Bear in mind Covid guidelines may change. Please continue to stay informed about new information and advice on Co-19 and 'flu. Adapt your precautions accordingly at indoor meetings and with groups on reserves/ in the field. See: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus 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 5/1 Ring-necked Duck 1w drk on South Pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs - view from Cross Road layby Ring-necked Duck ad drk on small alder-fringed pool north of Greatford Cut, fem Scaup, 1w Shag, Tallington Lakes 2 Short-eared Owls at Tongue end by River Glen Bank, Deeping Fen 3 Hen Harriers, 1 male, 2 Little Stints at high tide, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, 5 Snow Buntings on beach, Gibraltar Point 14 Snow Bunting on outer Beach, Cleethorpes 5 Long-tailed Ducks on sea, 5+ Velvet Scoters, Mablethorpe Siberian Chiffchaff trapped and ringed at Marston Sewage Works Great Northern Diver, 1w Shag, Covenham reservoir White-tailed Lapwing ad, at pool NNW of Winter's Pond, East Halton Skitter 6/1 Ring-necked Duck 1w drk on South Pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs - view from Cross Road layby Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier male, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Purple Sandpiper 1w on beach, 4 Long-tailed Ducks on sea off north end, 15 Velvet Scoters, Mablethorpe 7 Russian White-fronted Geese west of Roman Bank with Pink-footed Geese, Huttoft Bank Hen Harrier ringtail, Rimac Siberian Chiffchaff at Millennium Green, behind gardens at Station Road entrance, North Hykeham 4 Lapland Buntings, 7 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Black-throated Diver flew south, 2 Lapland Buntings NE of Pye's Hall, 20 Twite, Donna Nook 7/1 Short-eared Owl at Gull Farm, Deeping High Bank, Deeping St Nicholas Long-eared Owl at Main Lake, from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St Nicholas Ring-necked Duck 1w drk on South Pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs - view from Cross Road layby Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 14 Russian White-fronted Geese, Freiston Shore Great Northern Diver, Gibraltar Point 5 Long-tailed Ducks on sea off north end, 7 Velvet Scoters, Purple Sandpiper at outflow pipe, Mablethorpe 8 Russian White-fronted Geese, at Marsh Yard with Pink-footed Geese, Anderby Creek 17 Snow buntings on beach, Saltfleetby 7 Russian White-fronted Geese west of Roman Bank with 350 Pink-footed Geese, Huttoft Bank Hen Harrier ringtail, Rimac Siberian Chiffchaff, Marston sewage works Great Northern Diver juv, 1w Shag, Covenham reservoir 8/1 3 Short-eared Owls at Gull Farm, Deeping High Bank, Deeping St Nicholas Little Stint, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Siberian Chiffchaff, Marsrton sewage works - by feeding station from hide 9/1 7 Russian White-fronted Geese, Fillingham Lake Little Stint, male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 14 Russian White-fronted Geese, Red-breasted Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, in field north of Butterwick Car Park, then flew towards The Wash, Freiston Shore Slavonian Grebe flew south past Gibraltar Point Siberian Chiffchaff, Marsrton sewage works - by feeding station from hide 5 Long-tailed Ducks on sea off north end, 4 Velvet Scoters, Purple Sandpiper at outflow pipe, Mablethorpe White-tailed Lapwing ad, 2 Water Pipits, Short-eared Owl, East Halton Skitter Cattle Egret, Goxhill 10/1 Red-breasted Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, in field north of Butterwick Car Park, male Hen Harrier, 2 Russian White-fronted Geese, Tundra Bean Goose, Freiston Shore 5 Long-tailed Ducks on sea off north end, 8 Velvet Scoters, Mablethorpe Scaup drk at Millennium Green, North Hykeham, then flew west 2 Great Northern Divers both juvs, 1 Shag, Covenham reservoir 2 Smew, 1 drk, Barton-upon-Humber pits 11/1 White-fronted Goose with 500 Pink-footed Geese at Lutton Marsh in sugar beet field south of Gedney Drove End Ring-necked Duck ad drk on small alder-fringed pool north on Greatford Cut, Tallington Lakes Little Stint, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Red-breasted Goose in field north of Butterwick Car Park, then flew off with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Russian White-fronted Geese, Black Brant with 500 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Freiston Shore Water Pipit, North Hykeham sewage works White-tailed Eagle in field at Austen Fen, Grainthorpe, flew SE towards North Somercotes Hen Harrier ringtail, near River Waring, SW of Belchford ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 at the end of January. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project Meantime Bob suggests we entertain ourselves with: SWT's Osprey Webcam: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ Starling murmurations: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/starling-murmurations 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 11/1/2022 Harlequin ladybird, (Harmonia axyridis f. succinnea - yellow, black spots) and one dead f. conspicua - red spots at 16.45hrs - Several robins [3?] singing along Church Lane. GRIMSBY TA265095 Joyce Attia 5th January 2022 19.30 hrs. Christmas Day on the river just outside the back gate I saw a ring of water, thought it was a fish but a few seconds later a cormorant popped up. He continued down river diving and emerging at intervals. There are a number of cormorants at the river head area but they don't often come this far, though I believe there is a good supply of fish here. In the garden, we have had a blackbird dropping by for a few days and a pair of collared doves coming to the bird bath. Now it's getting cold I will put some feed out. I hope the neighbours don't get rats. There are some violets and primroses in bloom. Still a few roses which I haven't cut right back as there are some insects there, food for someone. 30th December. A small flock of Mallards on the river, and a pretty little duck which turned out to be a male ringed teal, quite feisty, he drove off a mallard. He was there on 2 consecutive days. 31st December. Two adult swans flying overhead, I think this is the breeding pair. Then a single swan, I think this is the juvenile from 2020. He's always alone, I do hope he finds a mate soon. This year's juveniles have moved down to the river head. New Year's Day. A walk to the park TA263095 to feed the squirrels. They are very hungry, one of them ran up my jeans leg to reach my jacket pocket where the peanuts are. LAUGHTON David Smith SK849972 06/01/2022  11.30 Male Sparrowhawk flying up the lane LOUTH CEMETERY. Derrick Haywood. 07/01/2022. 7 bullfinch, 3 male, 4 female. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 06/01/22 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 9 over Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 4 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 4 Redwing x 25 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 8 Wren x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 01/01/22 Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 3 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Cormorant x 2 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 112 Golden Plover x 3 over Thurnholmes Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Greylag Goose x 4 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 3 Lesser Redpoll x 115 feeding in Alders Little Owl x 2 calling 02:15hrs Magpie x 2 Moorhen x 3 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Mute Swan x 2 over Thurnholmes Redwing x 71 Robin x 1 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 02:30hrs Wood Pigeon x 4 04/01/22 Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 15 fields around Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 6 Common Buzzard x 1 Cormorant x 6 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 164 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 2 Greylag Goose x 7 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 4 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull x 2 over Thurnholmes Lesser Redpoll x 15 Little Egret x 1 SK788992 Little Owl x 1 Magpie x 2 Mallard x 6 over Thurnholmes Pink-footed Goose x 2000+ west over Thurnholmes Redwing x 104 Robin x 1 Sparrowhawk x 1 male Tawny Owl x 2 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Winter Moth x 1 05/01/22 Common Buzzard x 1 flew up out of small copse in our paddock followed by 2 Carrion Crows which continued to mob it when it landed in Hawthorn hedge around my vegetable garden 07/01/22 Blackbird x 8 Black-headed Gull x 12 fields around Thurnholmes Chaffinch x 7 Cormorant x 6 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 1 Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Moorhen x 2 Siskin x 2 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 01:00hrs Wood Pigeon x 6 09/01/22 Barn Owl x 1 01:15hrs, also later x 2 16:30hrs Blackbird x 8 Black-headed Gull x 29 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 22 Common Buzzard x 1 Fieldfare x 3 Golden Plover x 120 over Thurnholmes Lesser Redpoll x 21 Mallard x 8 Mute Swan x 3 Redwing x 12 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Wood pigeon x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 in our house, roosting on the stairs WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler 5-11 January 2022 Fungi Candlesnuff covering decaying log, Hedgerow Woolsthorpe Road Plants Hazel twig brought in to draw catkins shedding pollen, discovered two of the tiny female flowers out. Butcher’s Broom, which flowers in the remains of an ancient hedge has all its flowers in tight bud still, not affected apparently by the record recent temperatures. Moths Photos sent me from neighbours moth trap set 1st and 2nd January 2022 of a single Chestnut and a Dark Chestnut . Photographed together it was easier to appreciate the difference between these two closely related species. Birds Photographs of a male goldfinch feeding daily on a teasel plant growing near the backdoor showed the detail of the ‘barbs’ on the spines of the teasel and the strong, fine tip of the birds beak (one mm longer in the male) which allows it to reach the seeds. One of the seeds shown in the partly open beak of the bird. In the garden a brief song from a blue tit against a background of a very noisy wren. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 22nd December 2021 – 4th January 2022 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 221221 - Of note on Paradise lagoon: 31 tufted duck, 6 gadwall and 2 shelduck. On the adjacent field: 19 Canada geese, 2 grey lags and 31 curlew. In ones and twos at least 11 fieldfare flying in over the dunes. A charm of 16 goldfinches at Sea View. 231221 - Paradise lagoon: 51 shoveler, 13 gadwall, 1 little grebe, 251221 - Increase in blackbirds around Sea View with at least 10 birds plus 1 song thrush. Great spotted woodpecker at feeding station. 261221 - Churchill Lane area: barn and tawny owls heard, also water rail, 4 woodcock and 5 fieldfares seen. 271221 - Wildfowl on Paradise lagoon included 54 shoveler and 14 gadwall. 281221 - 3 great spotted woodpeckers at Churchill Lane 301221 - Shoveler numbers building up to 88 on Paradise lagoon. 26 curlew in adjacent field. 311221 - Paradise lagoon: 21 gadwall, 102 shoveler, 33 tufted duck, 5 mallard, 2 shelduck, 49 teal and 1 common snipe, 5 moorhen on the bank of the Eau and 5 fieldfare flying over. A single woodcock flew out of the dunes near Sea View and a flock of 320 lapwing flew east over towards Elm House Farm. 2 common buzzards were soaring in the strong south- westerly wind. Around Rimac 2 stonechat, 2 Cetti’s warblers and 18 snipe flew off the edge of an area of marsh, at least 40 mallard and with them 3 pintail flew beyond Rimac lagoon. Hunting and flying over the saltmarsh was a single merlin, 6 marsh harriers and 2 hen harriers (grey and brown). 12 little egrets feeding on the saltmarsh. 010122 - 53 curlew feeding in cultivated arable field near to the pasture fields at Paradise, Saltfleet, 8 whooper swans over Sea View. 040122 - Wildfowl on Paradise lagoon includes: 19 mallard, 9 gadwall, 49 shoveler and 2 male pintail. Donna Nook 311221 – 2000+ lapwings out on the saltmarsh with brent geese, curlew and little egrets. 040122 – 10 grey seal pups still at Donna Nook. Last pup born 21st December 2021. Total number of pups born: 2122. Interesting weather facts recorded at Sea View from 2021:- Lowest minimum ground temperature was -7.25 degrees C on 25th January and 13th April and air -4.0 degrees C on 25th January and 12th April. A late ground frost of -1.5 degrees C was recorded on 23rd May. First autumn ground frost of -1.25 degrees C noted on 13th October. Highest day-time temperature was 27.25 degrees C on 17th July. Most continuous days of recorded rainfall was twenty one from 24th November to 14th December. Most rainfall recorded in a 24 hour period was 27.9mm (1.1 inches) on 14th September. Of note in December there were only two days when rainfall was not recorded but otherwise rain fell as showers, more heavy on the 1st, 4th, 9th, 13th and 26th. Wettest month was May with 97.2mm (3.83 inches) of rainfall. Total rainfall for 2021 was 614.7mm (24.22 inches). From ppt records for Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR (taken at Sea View) for 1993 - 2020 the average annual rainfall is 605.78mm (23.87 inches). Longest period without rainfall was 16th - 26th April, eleven days but it is worth noting between 23rd August and 13th September was another very dry spell when precipitation was only recorded twice as a trace (<1.0mm) on two days. Driest month was April with 10.4mm (0.41 inches) of rainfall. Snowfall was recorded as a ‘dusting’ but ‘soon turning to rain’ on January 16th. Snow grains on February 7th with snow on the 8th that settled (40mm on concrete) but some taking, snow squalls on the 9th and a further dusting on the 10th but by the all snow in any shelters hollows had thawed. Wet snow fell briefly on April 11th but soon thawed. A light cover of snow fell on 28th November but had thawed by the afternoon. Fog observed on 20th April, 1st June, 8th and 9th October, 16th November and 17th - 19th, 28th December. Days of strong winds were noted in most months during the year but February was particularly windy especially from the 6th - 14th with near gale force winds from the easterly sector. A south-westerly gust of 60.8mph observed on March 11th and on 27th November a bitterly raw northerly gust of 73.4mph recorded. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 5th – 11th January 2022 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 050122 - 3 redwing and 2 fieldfare near Sea View. 060122 - Paradise lagoon 60 percent ice cover with wildfowl concentrated in the open water and edge vegetation, 2 common snipe, 2 pintail, 23 tufted duck, 23 gadwall, 108 shoveler, Teal 120, 21 mallard and 21 on Great Eau, 49 pink-footed geese and 16 fieldfare over the area. 070122 - 27 mute swans and 30 whooper swans feeding in rape field near the reserve and at Elm House Farm 16 golden plover, 115 lapwing and 300+ wigeon 090122 - 2 stonechats on saltmarsh reeds and 1 jack snipe flushed. 100122 - Theddlethorpe foreshore: 293 curlew, 43 bar tail godwit, c480 dunlin. 110122 - 6 stock doves at Sea View feeding station. NNR foreshore: c3500 pink footed geese and 68 whooper swans leaving roost. Other local reserves 110122 Muckton Wood: Great spotted woodpecker, hare, flock of redpoll. Legbourne Wood: Treecreeper, nuthatch, flock of redpoll, great spotted woodpecker. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Sunday 16th January 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 *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams *** 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/ 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/ 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. Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 - 28 to 30th January - RSPB https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Big Farmland Bird Count 2022 - 4-20 February - Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust https://www.bfbc.org.uk/ *** 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/ BioLinks Courses – Field Studies Council https://www.field-studies-council.org/biolinks-courses/ *** 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 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/ 'The new Birds of Lincolnshire: trials and tribulations in data recording.' LNU/Lincolnshire Bird Club talk by Phil Espin. 2pm - Saturday January 29th 2022 Species Recording Meeting 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/ Whisby Natural History Workshops: https://lnu.org/meetings/workshops/ Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** Steve Hindley - 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... Fungi: The New Frontier - listen https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00132xm Farmers could be paid for post-Brexit 'rewilding' land changes https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59886350 Beaver reintroduction in Staffordshire 'could cut flooding risks' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-59922072 Giving a dam about the environment: Beavers play key role in long-term ecosystem conservation https://www.zmescience.com/science/beavers-ecosystem-conservation-05012022/ Spain: Badger thought to have found Roman treasure https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59937510 Wild birds can be killed to protect game birds in England – new guidance https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/03/law-change-allows-wild-birds-killed-protect-game-birds-england Underwater videos could help explain why thousands of starfish are stranded on Welsh beaches https://theconversation.com/underwater-videos-could-help-explain-why-thousands-of-starfish-are-stranded-on-welsh-beaches-174436 ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/