============================================ || || 18th May 2022 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || Visit the: || 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 - mostly local. 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert. 3. Wildlife reports around the county - contributions welcome... 4. NNRs, RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe. 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - Chambers Farm Wood . 6. Other Reserve Reports - links and highlights. 7. Sending in Bulletin Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information recorders and specialists... 9. Notes about these wildlife reports. 10. Bulletin publicity policy. 11. Events Diary - what's on. 12. ...and finally. Mostly national/international stories. ============================================ 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]. Refer to and compare text versions of past Bulletins from 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: Stuart Britton sent in the following helpful note... "With regard to Joyce Attica's report of a brood of 11 Mute Swans - I have checked with the BTO Website and the maximum clutch size is 7. I don't know the local history but strongly suspect it is the product of more than one pair - no wonder the pen is looking dishevelled! Those readers who think that Goldfinches on their garden feeders are local birds are generally right. However, I have just learned that a first year female I ringed on March 22nd near Osgodby Woods, Market Rasen was re-trapped near Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway on April 15th some 352kmWNW. Yet another example of the value of ringing birds!" Entomology help needed! LNU @ Lincolnshire Show 2022 We like to display live insects in the LWT tent at the Lincolnshire Show. However we don't have entomologist volunteers available to provide and talk about specimens this year. If you are able to help please get in touch to discuss the possibility. The LNU will pay for your ticket - or I will! The dates are: Setting up 21st June. Show dates: 22/23rd June. https://lincolnshireshow.co.uk/ 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 event 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 This week's links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories. More general links in "..and finally ..." at the end of the Bulletin. Lincolnshire and Yorkshire beaches get Blue Flag and Seaside awards https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61413503 Car stuck on Cleethorpes beach submerged by tide https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-61464707 Woodhall Spa Jubilee Park lido facing £75,000 gas bill hike https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61481931 Police launch arson probe after large blaze in Bardney https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2022/05/police-launch-arson-probe-after-large-blaze-in-bardney/ Grantham: Margaret Thatcher statue lowered into place https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61455387 Holbeach building scheme set for approval despite MP's objections https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61483502 West Lindsey council rejects dozens of blue bins in waste crackdown https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61429892 Long Bennington illegal waste site operator sentenced over breaches https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61423119 Coningsby BBMF Spitfire comes off runway on landing https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61415789 Caterpillar web blankets cover Norfolk hedgerows https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-61492121 Dozens of dead birds in suspected flu outbreak at Highlands reserve https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-61436063 Bee highways: how they work and why we need them https://theconversation.com/bee-highways-how-they-work-and-why-we-need-them-182577 The UK's worst Japanese knotweed hotspots revealed https://uk.yahoo.com/style/uks-worst-japanese-knotweed-hotspots-080156660.html Photos of 1900s Herefordshire life discovered hidden in cupboard https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-61425923 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/ 21-30 May "At the start of this period a northwest/southeast divide is most likely, with moderate winds and scattered showers at times in the northwest. Elsewhere, plenty of fine and dry weather, although there is a risk of some thicker cloud and showers, perhaps thundery, pushing into the far south and southwest at times. The changeable and unsettled weather is likely to continue into the start of the following week. More settled patterns and overall drier conditions probable towards the end of the month... Still some showers or longer spells of rain in places..." *** 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 - 13-20th May https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-may-13-20/ *** Tawny Owl Monitoring 2022 *** Bob Sheppard writes: I have just finished my annual monitoring of the tawny owl nest boxes in the Forestry Commission woods in South Lincolnshire. The 92 chimney style boxes have had a very average season. Tawny owls are notoriously fickle nesters. In years when prey is scarce some pairs don't nest at all. They are long lived and so can wait for better prey years to make up for the lean times. Working alongside the forest rangers, we found 22 occupied nest boxes, 26% of the total boxes. In a bumper prey year we can have double this. Brood sizes were quite small. 42 chicks were found averaging just 1.9 per occupied box. We were excited to catch two adult females we had ringed as chicks eleven years ago! Adult tawnies are very sedentary and it is not unusual to catch the same birds in the same nest boxes every year. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Area Groups webpage *** Please let me have your "plugs" for coming events. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/area-groups *** Herbal Walk in Tattershall - Heritage Lincolnshire *** Join us in a month for our Herbal Walk in Tattershall with Fenland Natural Health with an added bit of history in there too! Saturday 11th June 2022. Details and to book: https://www.heritagelincolnshire.org/shop/buy/herbal-walk-in-tattershall *** Lincolnshire Pubs - a history *** A new, free exhibition showcasing the rich history of Lincolnshire's pubs is set to open at the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards on Monday 16 May 2022. Details: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/1055/lincolnshire-s-pubs-celebrated-in-new-exhibition-on-east-coast Lincolnshire's coastal pubs celebrated in new exhibition https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-61428612 *** Lincoln Area Group LWT *** Richard Davidson Lincoln Area Group Talk May 19th: Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park Update Dave Miller will give an illustrated talk about Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves along the Lincolnshire coast within the Coastal Country Park, and also a few others inland. Including the Sea Bank Claypits, Huttoft Marsh, Wolla Bank Pit, Mill Hill Quarry, Swinn Wood and Spendluffe Meadows. At Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50. Refreshments are provided. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: Morning walk in Tetney Blow Wells Nature Reserve. On Sunday 22nd May 2022 we invite you to join us on a bird and wildlife walk in Tetney Blow Wells Nature Reserve with Graham Hicks. Meet at 8am outside St Peters and St Paul's Church, Church Lane, Tetney DN36 5JS. Grid Ref. TA 317009. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. The is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890 *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group - Car Trip to Kilnsea *** 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 Kilnsea on the Spurn Peninsular on Sunday 22nd May. It is expected that migrants on their journey North will still be passing through. There is a cafe and toilets at the nearby Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre Travel to Kilnsea 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. You may be absolutely amazed by what you will see! Martin Francis Group Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" *** Humber Low Carbon Pipeline *** 2021 Humber Conference - Humber low carbon pipelines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmMdW97DH94 Andrew Hersom writes: They will be asking for comments in May onwards so your readers may be interested to know about it. It's all on the NIP website. https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/yorkshire-and-the-humber/hornsea-project-four-offshore-wind-farm/ *** Ecoacoustics for Monitoring Biodiversity symposium 15-16 June *** Carlos Abrahams writes: We have organised a two-day symposium on ecoacoustic monitoring for biodiversity, taking place June 15-16 in Manchester. It would be great if you could join us for this event (in-person or online), where we will be discussing methods for using acoustic monitoring within sectors such as nature conservation, Biodiversity Net Gain, agri-environment and rewilding. Details and booking (only £20 or less!) are available here: https://acoustics.ac.uk/ukan-monitoring-uk-biodiversity-symposium-15-16th-june/ *** Insect Week 2022 dates announced *** The Royal Entomological Society is pleased to confirm the dates of Insect Week 2022: 20th June to 26th June 2022. We look forward to you taking part. If you are interested in organising an event do contact Fran Sconce at the Society to find out more: fran@royensoc.co.uk *** Records STILL wanted; Queen Bumblebees carrying pollen *** David Sheppard writes: 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. d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** 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! *** 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 10/5 3 Sanderling, South Pit, Baston + Langtoft Pits 11/5 Turnstone on Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft Pits Whinchat at Waterwell, Ancaster 4 Spoonbills 1 ad, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Little Gull 1w, Little Gull flew north past, Osprey flew south, Short-eared Owl, fem Ring Ouzel in plantation, Gibraltar Point 12/5 3 Sanderling on Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs Large Pipit flew north from saltmarsh, Butterwick 2 Temminck's Stint on Roads Farm grassland from sea bank, Little Gull, Garganey, Osprey flew over River Welland, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Frampton Marsh Pied Flycatcher fem, Red-rumped Swallow flew over, 5 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Savi's Warbler singing north of Wolla Bank car park Blue-headed Wagtail, Saltfleet Haven Honey Buzzard flew north over Baston+ Langtoft towards Bourne Honey Buzzard over Long Drove, lost behind trees, Thurlby 13/5 Sanderling, then flew north, Whooper Swan, East Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Pectoral Sandpiper, Teminck's Stint, Little Stint, 4 Wood Sandpipers, Garganey, Frampton Marsh Alpine Swift flew south over East Dunes, 10.30am, Red-rumped Swallow over beach car park, 3 Red-rumped Swallows flew south, Pied Flycatcher, Wood Sandpiper, 6 Spoonbills, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Short-eared Owl, 2 Turtle Doves, Osprey, Red-footed Falcon NNW of Croft Marsh flew south, Gibraltar Point Alpine Swift flew south over 9.05am, Anderby Creek 14/5 Black Tern on Wader Pit, Sanderling, Baston + Langtoft Gps Little Gull, 2 Harrier spp ringtails flew over Croft Marsh, 2 Golden Orioles 1 male singing: Golden Oriole 1s heard singing in hawthorns south of Mill Hill, Golden Oriole end of East Dunes, then flew south out to sea, Ring Ouzel, Red-rumped Swallow near visitor centre, Gibraltar Point 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Wood sandpiper, possible Lesser Yellowlegs south of sea bank car park with Black-tailed Godwits, then flushed, Spoonbill, Temminck's Stint near sea bank car park, Pectoral Sandpiper at Marsh Farm reservoir, Little Gull, Garganey drk, Frampton Marsh Spoonbill, Freiston Shore Short-eared Owl, Saltfleet Wood Warbler male singing at Littleborough Lane?, Marton Little Gull, Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats 15/5 Black Tern at Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft GPs Temminck's Stint by sea bank, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gull, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel, Curlew Sandpiper at Jackson's Marsh, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Spoonbills, Spotted Redshank, Turtle Dove flew north over south end, Broad-billed Sandpiper briefly, Gibraltar Point Rustic Bunting by road just before car park, Horse Shoe Point Turtle Dove, Whisby Hen Harrier flew over Snitterby Carr 16/5 2 Spoonbills from east Hide, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Common Crane in flight, Ring Ouzel at plantation, Short-eared Owl from Wash Viewpoint, 2 Wood Sandpipers, Turtle Dove, Little Gull, 3 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper at Paradise Pool south of Saltfleet Haven Black Redstart, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Honey Buzzard flew north over Fulbeck 2 Glossy Ibises flew south over 5 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 17/5 Temminck's Stint, 2 Little Stints, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gull, 2 Spoonbills Frampton Marsh Purple Heron in dead tree north of Mill Hill - view from viewpoint, 3 Spoonbills, Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Kentish Plover male, Tetney Marshes 18/5 Garganry Drk on Wader Pit, Baston +Langtoft GPs Temminck's Stint and Pectoral Sandpiper on grass north of sea bank car park, Frampton Marsh Osprey Fiskerton- then flew off Osprey flew over Ashbyville Lake, Scunthorpe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Len Pick Trust barn owls - a note from Bob Sheppard It's all quiet at the Len Pick Trust barn owls, which have now settled on six eggs. We are hoping to have the first chicks in the week beginning 23rd May. The male often brings in a few extra food items when we are near to the first egg pipping. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project St James' Church, Louth - Peregrines - a note from Bob Sheppard. The Louth peregrines have successfully hatched all four eggs, the last chick arriving on the evening of 6th May. There will be so much to see over the next three weeks after which they may wander out of sight of the camera. http://www.louthperegrines.org.uk/latest-news.html Loch of Lowes Osprey Webcam - a note from Bob Sheppard Hopefully the Loch of Lowes ospreys will start to hatch later this week. They will be born in the sequence they were laid. This asynchronous hatching means the eldest chick has the best chance of survival if food becomes scarce. There seems to be plenty of fish being brought to the nest by the male so far. Perhaps all three eggs will make three big chicks? https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ Top tips for bumblebee ID https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/identification-tips/ 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. 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. ANTON'S GOWT R +A Parsons 13/5/2022 Dead adult female deer in middle of village - east side of road. Took it to be a Roe as we passed - but this is an village with a local fallow herd I don't think it was that. BOURNE ROAD Annette Faulkner 15/5/2022 Dead muntjac on roadside, A151 Bourne Road at approx. TF189236. Obviously hit by car. Dead hare side of A16 at approx. TF268293 (17/5/2022) *** 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 11/5 2 Dunnocks on flower bed - one being "saucily provocative" to the other. 12/5 4 Swifts over garden around noon. Regular Pied Wagtail hunting in harden. 14/5 Good Yellow Rattle germination in "No Mo May" area. Many "Cudweed" plants in cracks on pathways, Mid-morning birdcount: Chaffinch - 1m - unusual here Peregrine over - flying east Buzzard high up to south 2 Sparrowhawks over - being mobbed Heron over - flying west Swifts - max seen at a time 6. Swallows - 2 max House Martin - 2 max Jackdaws - 6 Starlings - 10+ House Sparrow 10+ Dunnock 1 Robin 1 Blackbird 2m, 1f [Pied Wagtail not seen today] Butterflies: Orange tip, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Large and Small White 15/5 Large Queen hornet spp landed briefly in the "No Mow" area but we were unable to catch it for Identification. 15.00 hrs. Several large Hedgehog droppings - will put camera out tonight. My friendly starling turned up today with a Cinnabar moth in its beak. It seemed very pleased with that. It scooped up some of my offerings and zoomed off to feed the family. 16/5 The number of Hedgehog droppings in the garden prompted me to check the hedgehog-box today - and it's occupied by a hedgehog! Results: Hedgehog seen on: 16/5 at 21.42; 22.26; 2./47; 23.5hrs 17/5 at 01.55; 04.16hrs 21.07; 21.35hrs BARDNEY LOCK - FISKERTON FEN TF090710 A Parsons 16/5/2022 Cuckoo seen and heard midway between Fiskerton Fen and Bardney Lock about 9.30 am Wed 18 May. FAR INGS Far Ings. Angela Buckle, 8th May 2022. Common sorrel, Yellow flag iris, Twayblade, Thyme leaved sandwort, Lesser sea spurrey, Buttonweed, Sea milkwort. GRIMSBY TA265095 Joyce Attia 17th May 2022 22.30 hrs 11th May. It's raining..praise be! There are a number of herring gulls and black backed gulls over the river outside the back gate. 12th May. Filled bird feeder last night. This morning a flock of about 20 starlings, one woodpigeon and a collared dove were attacking it. Walked up to the Riverhead where there are a pair of swans with 10 cygnets, some grey and some blonde. Walked back via TA266095 Fildes Street bridge, there's a beautiful hawthorn tree bending down towards the river, smells lovely and there is also a Tarzan rope, though I don't know how the kids get to it, because it's right over the river. Later in the day I walked up river through the park. No sign of the other swan family, I think they must have gone way up river. There is a moorhen with just one chick and a female mallard with 2 tiny ducklings. Coming back down river there were a pair of mallards with 7 ducklings, looked to be 3 or 4 days old. They were near some bushes where there were clouds of gnats. The ducklings were jumping up out of the water to catch the gnats. Walking back I noticed the hawthorn and horse chestnut trees are in blossom. Most of the trees are native trees, sycamore, elder, willow, beech, copper beech, oak, cherry. 14th May. In the garden there was a white cat with a collar and a bell, good! Visitors to the feeder and bird bath were starlings, blue tit, great tit, blackbird and 2 collared doves, male and female sparrows. Insects. There was an orange bottomed bumblebee, pollen on front legs and front of body, but no pollen pouches. 2 common blue butterflies, and a small white butterfly. Sitting out in the afternoon, a blackbird suddenly flew off shrilling alarm call, he went on for ages back and forth from fence to chimney to roof, then there was panicky twittering in the elder tree and a dunnock landed on the clothes post, singing loudly. Then I heard a magpie in the tree, and saw a crow sitting in the top of it. Lots of little birds are nesting there, no wonder there was panic Not much I could do except shout and throw an apple core at the tree. The crow flew off but the magpie was still there.  I went inside and when I came out again it was ominously quiet. 15th May. Raining, cleared by lunchtime. I walked up the river bank. Took bird food and peanuts for the squirrels, though I haven't seen many just lately. There was one squirrel, juvenile I think, he was very nervous, even scared of a pigeon. He grabbed the peanut and ran up the tree and along the farthest branch. I saw 4 swifts TA259100 approximately. The first I've seen this year. Wild flowers along the river are marsh marigolds, yellow flag iris, lesser pond sedge, yellow goats beard (Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon) 17th May. In the garden 6.30 am, The rose "Rhapsody in Blue" is in flower and the perfume is beautiful. There are a number of little ginger bees around this part of the garden. There was a bat in the garden this evening, it seems solitary. HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 16 May 2022 Young robin in my garden. First youngster I've seen this year. IMMINGHAM Immingham Golf Course, Angela Buckle, 12th May 2022. Bulbous buttercup, Charlock, Cowslip, Smooth hawksbeard, Black medick, Mouse-eared hawkweed, Germander speedwell, Common mouse-ear, Red clover, Hairy tare, Musk storksbill, Stags horn plantain, Field madder, Wood avens. 2 Swifts LINWOOD WARREN Linwood Warren. Angela Buckle, 13th May 2022. Bilberry, Tormentil, Sheep sorrel, Common speedwell, Gorse, Greater stitchwort, Three-nerved sandwort, Bluebell, Wood sorrel, Lily of the valley, Bugle. Butterflies, Small copper, Green veined white. Brown hare. NETTLEHAM Brenda Edlington TF 005756. 13/5/2022 The long-tailed tits near our back door have been feeding young. A pair of magpies had set up home in the ash tree at the end of the garden and we think they have destroyed 2 blackbird nests; the blackbirds were starting a new nest next door. Crows were seen in the magpie nest and the magpies have relocated and are not in the garden so much, which was good news for our tits. Luckily the crows have not taken over the nest. Our long-tailed tits fledged this morning and at least 3 young flew into the green lane at the bottom of the garden. A success story. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 28/04/22 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Blue Tit x 1 Carrion Crow x 4 including 1 on nest Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 Great Tit x 1 Grey Partridge x 2 Jackdaw x 2 Jay x 1 Little Owl x 1 Mallard x 3 over Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 2 Willow Warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 2 Wren x 1 Rabbit x 2 05/05/22 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 2 Dunnock x 1 Great Tit x 1 Jackdaw x 1 Robin x 1 Swallow x 4 Tree Sparrow x 6 Willow Warbler x 2 Wood Pigeon x 4 Green-veined White x 1 Orange Tip x 6 males 2 females Peacock x 1 11/05/22 Blackbird x 1 Blackcap x 1 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 4 Wood Pigeon x 6 Orange Tip x 1 male Small Tortoiseshell x 3 STICKNEY. TF322568. BATS. Gail Cartwright May 1st 2022 1 bat (45) 12 am May 2nd 1 bat (45)12 am. May 1st 12.30 am Medlam Bridge 1 bat (45), also (20) possibly same bat as only saw 1, grey underneath, brown back in torchlight. May 3rd 9.15 pm 1 bat, grey under, brown back. in torchlight. Bat heard intermittently since at TF322568. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 08/05/22 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 1 adult at least 3 young Chaffinch x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 1 Kestrel x 1  Magpie x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Red-legged Partridge x 2 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 3 Wood Pigeon x 6 Green-veined White x 4 Large White x 1 Peacock x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 Speckled Wood x 1 Hairy Dragonfly x 1 Agonopterix spp. (heracliana or ciliella) x 1 1st Yellow Rattle flowers 1st Guelder Rose flowers 1st Bird Cherry flowers 12/05/22 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 1 mobbing Buzzards Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 2 soaring high over Thurnholmes Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Jackdaw x 1 Mallard x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Stock Dove x 3 prs in nest boxes Swallow x 2 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 0:15hrs Tree Sparrow x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 Yellow Wagtail x 1 Field Vole x 1 16/05/22 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Greylag Goose x 2 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 2 Jackdaw x 1 Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 1 Mallard x 8 over Thurnholmes Mute Swan x 1 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 feeding young in barn Sedge Warbler x 1 Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 3pr. Swallow x 2 stable yard Tree Sparrow x 6 Whitethroat x 1 Willow Warbler x 1 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 Hornet x 2 in kitchen 17/05/22 Little Owl x 1 calling 02:00hrs Quail x 1 calling from our back paddock 02:30hrs Green-veined White x 2 Small Tortoiseshell x 2 Speckled Wood x 3 Moths around security light; Common Carpet x 2 Garden Carpet x 1 Light Emerald x 1 White Ermine x 2 males ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Visitor Leaflet - Natural England http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR - Report follows... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 - worth a read: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ The Forestry Commission visitor advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Wood road closed for maintenance w/e 15th May 2022 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 - downloadable https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve - Natural England http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/30030?category=59026 East Midlands Nature Reserves - Natural England - downloadable http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/file/73041 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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 of 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. 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 an appropriate platform for on-line recording. 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 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 Building Stones of Greater Lincolnshire https://glnp.org.uk/images/uploads/services/geodiversity-strategy/building-stones-web.pdf Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/special-features/geology 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 of 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 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/ Don't forget, the annual Species Recording Meeting has been re-scheduled for the 18th June! 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 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: Tawny owls are on the prowl https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/12/country-diary-tawny-owls-are-on-the-prowl Nature loss: Watchdog highlights 'precarious state' of environment https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-61414475 The Loch Ness monster: a modern history https://theconversation.com/the-loch-ness-monster-a-modern-history-182546 The kids are not okay. The Ecologist - a sobering but very interesting read... https://theecologist.org/2022/may/11/kids-are-not-okay How to grow plants on the moon - new stud y https://theconversation.com/how-to-grow-plants-on-the-moon-new-study-182797 A wing and a prayer: is there hope for Britain's loneliest bat? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/10/greater-mouse-eared-bat-britain-rarest-mammal Birdwatch: the ruff - which was named first, the collar or the bird? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/11/birdwatch-the-ruff-which-was-named-first-the-collar-or-the-bird Right to roam: why activists are reviving the mass trespass protests of the 1930s https://theconversation.com/right-to-roam-why-activists-are-reviving-the-mass-trespass-protests-of-the-1930s-182703 Swans found dead in Stallingborough after chemical spill https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-61427176 Marsh harrier nests discovered on Sizewell C land https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-61402139 Scientists find a forest growing inside a giant newly discovered sinkhole in China https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/scientists-find-a-forest-growing-inside-a-giant-newly-discovered-sinkhole-in-china/ Anglia Ruskin University gets £0.5m for Arctic beaver study https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-61412309 Stonehenge: Archaeologists unearth 10,000-year-old hunting pits https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-61408488 ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/