========================================= || || 12th April 2023 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU: http://lnu.org/ || || Please email Editor on: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk || ============================================ 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 wildlife 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]. Compare earlier years. Past Bulletins archive [text] 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: Welcome to this week's digest of news, events, reports and information about Lincolnshire's natural history. Thank you to everyone who sent something in. It really helps. Heads up for the Lyrid Meteor Shower 22/23 April 2023! LNU Meetings. Full details in section 11 below. https://lnu.org/meetings/ Next Field Meeting: Castle Bytham LWT Reserve – Saturday 29th April (all day) https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2023-04-29-castle-bytham-lwt-reserve-saturday-29th-april-all-day/ Help with BWARS' Hornet survey https://www.bwars.com/wasp/vespidae/vespinae/vespa-crabro To submit a record: https://www.bwars.com/content/submit-sighting-vespa-crabro-hornet Bird flu risk levels have been reduced. "Members of the public are reminded not to touch dead wild birds and are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the new online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77). Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-keepers-must-maintain-scrupulous-biosecurity-standards-as-housing-measures-set-to-be-lifted Loch of The Lowes Ospreys Bob Sheppard writes: The breeding ospreys at Loch of Lowes now have a full clutch of three eggs. On 10th April the third egg appeared in the afternoon, 72 hours since egg 2. Whilst the male was away fishing, an intruder female with a blue ring landed on the nest! She was the same bird which landed on the nest in May last year. She gets about, having been seen in Poole Harbour in 2021 and 2022 and also in Senegal! Considering she was born in 2014 at Glaswyn reserve in Wales, she is certainly taking her time finding a place to settle down and raise a family! She demonstrates the invaluable contribution made by ringing the chicks in the nest. Colour rings on big raptors can be read at a distance with a telescope or binoculars. We now have a long wait before any chicks hatch as the adults incubate for 37 days. But the views are stunning on the webcam. Sometimes it's serene and the loch is flat calm but the best time to log in is when a hoolie is blowing. What an atmosphere we get then! https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ Len Pick Trust Owl-box Camera Bob Sheppard writes: The barn owls on the Len Pick website are being seen together in the nest box more frequently now. There are very few reports coming in about early nesters so it could still be around the end of the month before we see any eggs. Even early May is not unknown. Ideally we need a long spell of calm weather to enable them to hunt. Lots of windy nights are their worst enemy! https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ This week's links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories... Poultry to be allowed outside as bird flu eases https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-65244151 Boy trapped in sand at Anderby Creek nearly buried alive, rescuer says https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-65225565 UK coastguard issues beach hole warning after boy trapped up to his neck https://uk.yahoo.com/news/uk-coastguard-issues-beach-hole-132210357.html Dead whale beached at Cleethorpes likely to wash up again, charity says https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-65220316 Another huge solar farm could be built between Lincoln and Sleaford https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/another-huge-solar-farm-could-8245342 Unesco world heritage status: Seven sites win UK backing. Includes The East Atlantic Flyway, a migratory bird route over western parts of Europe including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Kent. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65225817 More links in ".and finally ..." at the end of the Bulletin. Thank you for the interesting contributions. Please keep them coming. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - my best address for emails. Joining Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union If you are a member, please give the LNU a "plug " to others. https://lnu.org/join-the-lnu/ Reminder: On-line Biological Recording events coming up: entoLIVE is a webinar series that showcases invertebrate research (covering inverts from terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments). There will be 40 talks this year and they are all free to attend, with a fair few of them about biological recording or citizen science monitoring projects. Full programme of events: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/entolive-webinars-74679 The Why iRecord? Virtual Symposium on the 21st April showcases 5 presentations on how organisations are using iRecord to gather data, including the benefits and challenges of using the online recording platform. There are talks from a local wildlife group, a LERC, a national scheme, a recording project funded by NLHF and an update from iRecord themselves. More info and booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/why-irecord-virtual-symposium-tickets-568719113177 Weather Forecast https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#? 16 - 25 April "Rather cloudy on Sunday with some rain and drizzle likely at times in the west. Mostly dry elsewhere, with some sunny spells especially in the east, and feeling warm in any sunshine. Light to moderate winds. Into the start of the week, a ridge of high pressure is likely to develop, resulting in fine and dry conditions for many, with breaks in the cloud likely, especially to the lee of high ground. These settled conditions are expected to continue later in the period, with frequent dry weather for most, perhaps with the odd shower. However, the chance of showers increasing later, especially in the southwest. Temperatures generally above average through the period, and locally very warm in the sunshine at times." For Astronomers and Sky-watchers Could you endure Nasa's 3D-printed Mars simulation? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-65247481 April's Night Sky: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/astronomy/night-sky-highlights-april-2023 Space and astronomy highlights in 2023 from The Royal Observatory https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/space-astronomy-highlights-2023 Heads up for the Lyrid Meteor Shower 22/23 April 2023 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide Aurora Watch - when Northern Lights might be seen in the UK: https://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ Cosmic Links... for more information... http://rogerparsons.info/cosmic.html Stellarium - open source and very useful https://stellarium.org/ “Seal and Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash”. Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group have released details of their 2023 programme of “Seal and Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash”. For 2023 twelve cruises are scheduled to take place, aboard “The Boston Belle”, at various sailing times, starting on 13th April and ending on 23rd October. All cruises start and end at Boston Marina and last for about five hours, and on average approximately 60 bird species are seen on each trip. Full details at: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire All cruises are by advance ticket only, which, once again, can be obtained from Blackfriars Arts Centre in Boston [01205-363108}, or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/blackfriars Ticket prices for RSPB members are £22 {adult} and £10 (child under 16). Non-RSPB members £25 and £11-50. Any queries please contact Blackfriars (as above) or email Jeremy Eyeons: jerry200433@hotmail.com *** BTO Cuckoo Tracking project *** None reported in the UK yet. https://www.bto.org/cuckoos *** Hedgehog Advice *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** South Ormesby Estate. Open weekend 20-21 May. *** Guided walks running throughout the weekend, as well as a range of fantastic stalls, entertainment, food, and games. https://www.southormsbyestate.co.uk/tour/ *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** Helen Gamble writes Join us to discover more about the geology, history, wildlife, chalk streams and farming within the Wolds AONB. During 2023, the Lincolnshire Wolds is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and it’s an ideal opportunity to discover more about this protected, living, working and thriving landscape! We are running 50 events for 50 years, details on: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/events/ We also have a special edition of Wolds News, if you’d like paper copies contact aonb@lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Area Groups webpage *** Please let me have your "plugs" for coming events. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/area-groups *** Grimsby And Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 29th April 2023 you are invited to join the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group of LWT for a 'Birds and Bluebells Walk' in Bradley and Dixon's Woods near Grimsby with Graham Hicks. Meet Graham at 8am in the car parking area of Bradley Woods. Grid Ref. TA 244058. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information contact: Graham Hicks 07979 089890 Details also on our website www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk  We are also on Facebook. *** Gainsborough Area Group LWT *** Dan Bardsley writes: Wednesday 19th April 2023 Illustrated talk 'Next Door Nature' by Suzanne Fysh on her current role in urban conservation with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, so important to Gainsborough. All indoor meetings are held at St Stephens Methodist Church (postcode DN21 2DP) and begin at 7.30pm. Entrance from Roseway car park. Members and non-members, adults and children equally welcome. Entrance by donation (minimum £2.50 pp). There will be an interval with refreshments. Raffle tickets £1.00 each. Raffle prize donations of are most welcome (Non-alcoholic) Covid-19 Precautions Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell, or have been asked to self-isolate. Use hand sanitiser. More details from Dan Bardsley on 07720569228 or dbardsley999@gmail.com *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk April 20th 2023 Florida, the Sunshine State An illustrated talk by Matthew Capper about Florida's colourful and varied wildlife. At Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2.50 which includes refreshments in the interval. *** South Lincs RSPB Group *** www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Jeremy Eyeons writes: "The Birds and Wildlife of Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore" An illustrated slideshow/Talk by local RSPB Volunteer and Photographer Jeremy Eyeons showcasing the wide variety of wildlife which can be found at these two RSPB Reserves. At The Old Kings Head, Kirton PE20 1EG Thursday 20th April 7-30pm start. Adults £3 (RSPB members £2). Children free. Tickets on the door. Walk Around Boston Cemetery Saturday 22nd April 2023 at 10-30am. The South Lincs RSPB Group in conjunction with “The Friends Of Boston Cemetery Group” have arranged a Spring Walk around Boston Cemetery. Meet and park in the Crematorium car park, no ticket required. “A beautiful space, a tranquil place”. Free Of Charge with any voluntary donations going to the Friends of Boston Cemetery. Editor adds: A very interesting spot with an extensive wild area. *** RSPB Lincoln Local Group *** https://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/events.htm *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** https://group.rspb.org.uk/grimsby/ Martin Francis writes: The RSPB Grimsby Local Group's next Indoor Meeting is on Monday 17th April at 7.30pm. Nick Martin will give an illustrated talk with the title "Journeys into Wild Wales" Nick Martin, who is an excellent speaker and photographer, is a naturalist on a mission to enthuse as many people as he can about wildlife and the great outdoors. In this talk, we will join Nick to look for migrant birds of oak woodlands, butterflies of the Great Orme, seabirds of South Stack and so much more from his journeys into wild Wales. From Skomer to Worlds End, we'll meet many of the best species that Wales has to offer. The talk takes place at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LH. A map showing the location of the Hall can be found on our website above. Entry for everybody is £4, payable at the door. Light refreshments and a raffle will be available The next 'car share' Trip is on Sunday 23rd April to RSPB St Aidan's/ Swillington Ings. If you would like to go, please contact Sally Prescott at sally.prescott142@btinternet.co 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. We look forward to seeing you at the Indoor Meeting and/or on the Trip Martin Francis Group Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group" STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. About Emergency Alerts: 3pm On Sunday 23 April 2023, there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts service. https://www.gov.uk/alerts Bird flu updates: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england 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 - sign up. 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. 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 their pager reports. A big thank you from us all. Readers interested in a pager - 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 4/4 5 Pale-belied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh 2 Garganey 1 drk, Teal Lake, Whisby 2 Garganey both drks, Boultham Mere 2 Garganey 1 drk, Toft Newton reservoir Great Northern Diver, Covenham reservoir 48 Twite at Howden's Pullover, north of Saltfleet Presumed escape Gyr morph at Anderby Marsh, Anderby Creek Little Gull 1w, New Pits, Far Ings Spoonbill ad at pool near wind pump, Halton Marshes, East Halton skitter 5/4 Water Pipit, Willow Tree Fen Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point 2 reed Buntings both singing males at North Kelsey Carrs, w of Caistor Iceland Gull juv at Novartis Ings, Pyewipe Little Gull 1w at New Pits, Far Ings 4 Water Pipits, 8 Yellow Wagtails, Sedge Warbler, past Prospect Hide, before flooded path in field, 3 Spoonbills, Alkborough Flats 6/4 Water Pipit, Hen Harrier ringtail, Willow Tree Fen Long-eared Owl in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Short-eared Owl, Sandilands 2 Snow Buntings on beach, Saltfleetby Kittiwake, Boultham Mere Great Northern Diver, Covenham Reservoir Long-tailed Duck at Waters' Edge Country Park on fishing pit by Hoe Hill, Barton-upon-Humber Garganey, Alkborough Flats 7/4 Black Redstart at visitor centre, Water Pipit at Freshwater Marsh, 6 Twite, Gibraltar Point 2 Common Scoters, 1 drk, Toft Newton reservoir Night Heron ad from roundhouse in dunes, then flew NW, Anderby Creek Short-eared Owl at Far Ings 8/4 Black Redstart at visitor centre, 2 Short-eared Owls, Gibraltar Point Great Northern Diver, drk Garganey, Covenham Reservoir Ring Ouzel male at Barkston Aerodrome, SW of Ancaster Short-eared Owl, Far Ings Ring Ouzel in horse paddock behind Roxton Avenue, Keelby, SW of Immingham 9/4 Hen Harrier ringtail, along sea wall, Terrington Marsh 2 Short-eared Owls, Woodlark, Black Redstart male at visitor centre, Gibraltar Point Garganey drk, Seaview, Saltfleetby Cuckoo, Anderby Creek Great Northern Diver, drk Garganey, Covenham Reservoir Swift spp over garden, Cleethorpes Short-eared Owl. Far Ings Iceland Gull juv at Novartis Ings, Pyewipe 10/4 Black Redstart male, Gibraltar Point Water Pipit on saltmarsh in dykes, Long-tailed duck fem on scrapes, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Far Ings 11/4 Garganey drk on North Scrape from East Hide, Frampton Marsh 2 Short-eared Owls, Woodlark, Gibraltar Point 12/4 Firecrest at East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Garganey drk from bridge at Seaview, Saltfleet Alpine Swift over Chapman's Pond, 11.12, 11.35, 12.00 and 12.51hrs, Cleethorpes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. WILDLIFE NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. British Bugs (Hemiptera) - online identification - NEW https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/index.html Mike's Insect Keys: illustrated identification aids for insects - NEW https://sites.google.com/view/mikes-insect-keys/ 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? https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/whats-flying-tonight Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire by C. J. Manning, LNU Mammal Recorder. Download /print off. https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf 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 for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. Download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ Record Pool - recommended by Ashley Butterfield An easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. *** 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 TF120694 R & A Parsons 5/4/2023 Cudweed spp. Local Starling flock now approx 60 feeding on lawn. [On what?] Great Tit BlueTit Robin - 3 Hedgehog feeding - 3.17hrs on 7/4/2023 Hedgehog on trailcamera using "feeding box": 8/4/23 @ 10.39-42 and 9/4 @ 12.49hrs 11/4/2023 We hear/see Ravens occasionally in Bardney - but today a pair were visible from our garden on the top of a mature pine tree. 14//4/2023 Pied Wagtail m BARDNEY GARDEN TF117700 1st April 2023 Phil and Mary Porter Chiffchaff singing whilst working through blackthorn bush in flower, also a Skylark singing in adjacent garden with very large expanse of grass, unusual to hear in the "residential” zone. 4th April produced our first Dark-edged Bee-fly. Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma all seen as singles in the afternoon DUNSTON TF065631 8th April 2023 Steve Green House Martin NETTLEHAM Brenda Edlington TF 005756 April 2023 The eggs in a blackbirds’ nest in ivy on a fence have been predated by magpies.It was not very well hidden. The pair are now building a new nest in ivy nearer the house. Last year magpies and crows took the eggs/young from two blackbirds’ nests but the third nest was successful. Great tits taking nesting material into the sparrow terrace box - which has never seen a sparrow! They prefer ivy on the house wall. FAR INGS Angela Buckle. Far Ings, 9th April 2023. Lots of Adder's Tongue fern, Two swallows, Bittern booming, Bee fly on Blackthorn blossom. GOSLINGS CORNER Brenda Edlington Goslings Corner Wood LWT TF 144752 9/4/2023 Rather wet underfoot in places. Not many birds about. Blackbird Blue tit Buzzard Chaffinch Chiffchaff Crow Dunnock Great tit Long-tailed tit Mistle thrush- 3 together Robin Wood pigeon Wren Deer 2 (roe I think) Hares 4 along the rides Peacock Speckled wood Primroses Violets Wood anemones First bluebells HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 7 April 2023 Female blackcap and tree sparrow both seen in my garden today. Tree sparrows are frequently seen in the summer while blackcaps are rare visitors. Roe deer have been present in the field opposite this week as well as a couple of hares. Grey squirrels chasing each other round the garden. Longtailed tits appear to have mastered the seed feeders. KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK 8474 Alison Brownlow 9 April 2023 St George's Mushrooms in a ring (a little early!) Cedar Cups in a neighbours garden SOUTHREY WOOD TF135684 4th April 2023 Phil and Mary Porter 2 Goldcrests in wood edge. Wood Anemones starting to flower, but some clumps seem to be leaves only this year – a result of the baking last summer? The main anemone area is under beech standards. In recent years the very extensive mats of flowers has retreated quite a lot – it is still a lovely extensive display, but previously floriferous ground in the centre of the beech plantation are now devoid, perhaps because of too much shading from the developing crowns. No other plant has taken their place. A Stock Dove was singing from this area. A muntjac and a hare were spotted in denser coppice area near by. SPALDING Annette Faulkner Garden TF245218 8/4/23 Holly blue along mixed hedge (both food plants present). First this year. Allotments TF228218 9/4/23 Red kite overhead. SPALDING London Road TF248223 Annette Faulkner 3 little annuals growing between foot of walls and pavement: Rue-leaved saxifrage Whitlow grass Thale cress WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH SK92/25 1ST to 1oth April 2023 Jane Ostler Flowering Plants. Though catkins on Hazel, Willow and Alder and flowers on Ash and Elm were at similar times to recent years, the leafing of most trees was later. Coltsfoot in flower in a muddy patch near the disused telephone box was not noted until 1st April when Dandelions and Daisies were out on our ‘lawn’ and on grassy verges. Patches of pale mauve Early Dog Violets on 3/4/23 could be distinguished on the Lincs Wildlife Trust’s Roadside Nature Reserve from the swathes of darker, larger Sweet Violet. Cowslips were just opening here but were more advanced alongside the Al where Danish Scurvy Grass has migrated from the NE coast through Lincolnshire and into Cambridgeshire. On the barest patches of ground annuals which have a season like Spring Whitlow Grass, Hairy Bittercress and Ivy-leaved Speedwell did not flower until the first week in April. Insects. The limitations imposed by the ‘Covid years’ combined with my decreasing mobility have allowed me to spend time studying the more readily identifiable Bees in my garden. Queens of Tree and Bufftailed Bee emerged at the usual times including on days in February but they have been fewer in number. I have not noted, to date any White-tailed bees A common Carder Bee was first out a fortnight later this year on 30th March 2023. A female Hairy Footed Flower Bee was also seen on this date. The males had been missed as they were feeding on the same day on lungwort, only just in flower. To date there are far fewer than previous years. A single Brimstone Butterfly was not a regular until April (no females seen). A single visit from a Small White and a Peacock Butterfly on 1st April 7-spot Ladybirds emerging from shrubs on sunny days were in pairs on 3rd April. Apart from Winter Gnats, insects have seemed so scarce this year that a Queen Wasp emerging from the wood pile and a Green Shield Bug in the conservatory were main events. The pear, plum, damson and peach blossom are out but with few honey bees or hoverflies to pollinate them. Frogs. First spawn on 13th March. In newer ponds seem to be doing well but none in mine after over 40 years . Birds. Starlings gathering  in a tall walnut tree in increasing numbers during March, circled at dusk until they resembled a small murmuration. This has now ceased and they are seen gathering nesting material. Families of Long-tailed Tits which fed regularly in winter at feeders have now split up and in one case a pair continues at the same feeder. Blue tits are exploring old sites, included a hole in a stone wall where a family was reared last year. In my garden they are feeding vigorously on the branches of Silver Birch and Larch, neither  of which are in leaf. There are more visiting finches including Greenfinch and Goldfinch. Chaffinch is in full song. Both a Brambling and a Siskin are amongst a mixed flock. A Blackbird is building a nest in a dense climbing winter clematis at the back door and Dunnocks are nesting in another winter clematis and on Clematis montana over a pergola. Jackdaws, deprived of the winter of renovated chimneys, including capping have taken to Owl boxes and a  pigeon coop. The Chiffchaff seen at the beginning of March, could have overwintered with us, but two heard on the Nature Trail and two Blackcaps are more likely to be migrants. Mammals. Only one record of Bats flying round house at dusk from 20th March and then again over Easter weekend. Hedgehogs on camcorders, and leaving evidence in droppings suggest that there is a good population between gardens in the built up areas. Muntjac are now seen along the Nature Trail, in adjacent fields.A video taken of two Stoats fighting in a field near where they are known to have reared young.  Hares out in daylight where they are more often noted than Rabbits. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list 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  5th - 11th April 2023 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Owen Beaumont, Matt Blissett & Ruth Taylor. Daily News and Wildlife Sightings 050423 – 4 little ringed plover on the foreshore near Brickyard Lane. 1 swallow over the Eau outfall. 060423 – 2 snow bunting on the beach near Sear’s track, one with a metal ring TY80106 which has been sent off to the BTO for details. Willow warbler singing at Churchill Lane. Tawny owl calling at Sea View. 070423 – Green woodpecker feeding along flood bank of Sea View washland, 5 lapwing, 3 curlew and a single oystercatcher in area. Swallow flying north over Rimac. 3 willow warbler between Churchill Lane and Rimac. Wheatear in dune enclosure north of Churchill Lane. 080423 – Blackcap in song at Sea View, single swallow north, 2 speckled woods and 2 peacocks on the wing. On Sea View washland male garganey. Willow warbler, blackcap and Cetti’s warbler in song around Churchill Lane. Pairs of sparrowhawk and buzzard over Rimac south, where a yellow wagtail flew south. 090423 – 12 chiffchaff, 4 willow warbler, 2 blackcap and 3 Cettis warbler in song between Brickyard Lane to Rimac. Single red kite drifting south outer saltmarsh, drake garganey still at Sea View washlands. Barn owl and 2 swallow between Sea View and Rimac. 1 raven flew west off saltmarsh at Sea View. 100423 - Twenty-one little egrets feeding in grassland near Sea View. Rimac lagoon 4 avocets, 46 shoveler, 2 gadwall, 2 wigeon and 24 teal plus 2 swallows feeding over the area. 110423 – male wheatear out from Brickyard Lane and snow bunting still at Sear’s track. Butterflies seen over recent days: Red admiral, peacock, speckled wood, small white, brimstone and holly blue. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These cover a huge area. Records from them are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Forestry Commission visitor advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Chambers Farm Wood - Butterfly Garden - gardening dates and times: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/chambers-farm-wood-butterfly-garden Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com Gemma Watkinson writes: Here are the dates for the summer nest box checks. As always, we meet at 9.30am in the Chambers Farm Woods car park, by the wood centre/volunteer hut. Anyone interested can get in touch at lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com for more information. Saturday 22nd April Sunday 21 May Saturday 24 June Sunday 23 July Saturday 19th August Sunday 17th September Saturday 21 October ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Links to "Other Reserves" are welcome. MiddleMarsh Wetlands, Skegness: https://www.birdguides.com/sites/europe/britain-ireland/britain/england/lincolnshire/middlemarsh-farm/ 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 Grainthorpe Haven https://www.birdguides.com/sites/europe/britain-ireland/britain/england/lincolnshire/grainthorpe-haven/ Cress Marsh, Stallingborough https://www.birdguides.com/news/new-wetland-takes-shape-in-lincolnshire/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 or via i-record. https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ 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 may vary. 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 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: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ LNU Officers and Executive Committee: https://lnu.org/about/officers-executive/ Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: https://twitter.com/LincsWildlife Lincs Bird Club: 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: https://twitter.com/sirjosephbanks Lincolnshire Bat Group: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch: https://twitter.com/BC_Lincolnshire Lincsbirders: https://twitter.com/lincsbirders Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project: https://lincolnshirechalkstreams.org/events/ 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 Wildlife Crime https://www.lincs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wc/wildlife-crime/ SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ Recording with "irecord": https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ irecord is recommended by the LNU as an appropriate platform for on-line recording. 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. Email: d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Mammals Chris Manning, Email: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Spiders, Pseudoscorpions, Harvestmen Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Email: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk Amphibians and Reptiles Ashley Butterfield The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Email: LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette 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 me on 01775 766286. 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: 01383 669 124 Email: chris.r.dufeu@gmail.com 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: http://www.glnp.org.uk/ Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership newsletter: https://linktr.ee/GLNPnature Contact in case link does not work: Emily Todd: emily.todd@glnp.org.uk Natural England: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ InsideEcology: Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals: https://insideecology.com/ NHBS: Natural history equipment or books. https://www.nhbs.com/ NHM - Final report on LoveLincsPlants: https://lnu.org/lincolnshire-plants-past-and-future/ Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens": http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/lincs-plants The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons: downloadable LNU book For the Geologists... Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Suggestions for Geology news, events or new useful links always welcome. Marine reptile fossil found by dog 16 years ago goes on show https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-65036119 Fens for the Future: https://www.fensforthefuture.org.uk/ Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 Geology - the Collection: https://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/explore/geology Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/special-features/geology The Geology of Lincolnshire: downloadable LNU book BGS webpage: Earthquakes around the UK last 60 days: http://www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/earthquakes/home.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. [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 *** We will post any changes to LNU events in 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: https://lnu.org/meetings/ 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. Summer programme - Field meetings Saturday 29th April Castle Bytham (all day) LLP collecting Sunday 21st May Wild Wrendale Sunday 25th June Trent Port Wetland Saturday 15th July Wilder Doddington (all day) LLP collecting Saturday 12th August Boothby Wildlands (all day) collecting NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FROM 19th Saturday 9th September Wolla Bank Pit, Chapel Pit & Chapel Six Marshes LWT Reserves (all day) (LLP collecting?) Sunday 15th October Langholme Wood and Haxey Turbary LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** None ....and finally... Minke whale: Angler enjoys rare encounter in English Channel https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-65231985 Kinver Edge rangers appeal to dog walkers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-65235718 Why robotic worms could one day dig beneath your feet https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64874027 Cumbrian tern colony 'flourishing' due to conservation work https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-65203935 Male crazy ants have two different sets of DNA in their bodies https://www.newscientist.com/article/2368226-male-crazy-ants-have-two-different-sets-of-dna-in-their-bodies/ Emissions from global electricity generation may have now peaked https://www.newscientist.com/article/2368526-emissions-from-global-electricity-generation-may-have-now-peaked/ Country diary: The unassuming gadwall deserves a closer look https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/11/country-diary-the-unassuming-gadwall-deserves-a-closer-look Lights, camera, insects? Invertebrates missing out on starring screen roles https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/10/wildlife-nature-films-insects-invertebrates-miss-out-screen-roles-aoe ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/