========================================= || || 19th 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roger writes: Welcome to this week's digest of news, events, reports and information about Lincolnshire's natural history. I've tried to reduce/compress the content for easier reading on laptops and tablets in anticipation of Phil Porter taking over the the editing. He may well have thoughts on further "evolution". "Clear Skies" for the Lyrid Meteor Shower 22/23 April 2023! Be aware of the test of Emergency Alerts: 3pm On Sunday 23 April 2023. https://www.gov.uk/alerts LNU Meetings. Scroll to full details in section 11 below. Or click: 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/ Please help with BWARS' Hornet survey - ID photos are here: https://www.bwars.com/wasp/vespidae/vespinae/vespa-crabro To submit a record: https://www.bwars.com/content/submit-sighting-vespa-crabro-hornet 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...We now have a long wait before any chicks hatch as the adults incubate for 37 days. 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. Ideally we need a long spell of calm weather to enable them to hunt. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ This week's links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories... No Mow May - are you doing it? https://www.plantlife.org.uk/campaigns/nomowmay/ Drone footage shows Spurn's recovery 10 years after tidal surge https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-humber-65316263 New oil well near Gainsborough granted planning permission https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-65304721 False widow spider bite victim felt finger 'would explode' with pain https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-65313884 Project to restore marine habitats in Humber Estuary https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-65275072 RAF Scampton: Jet flown by Red Arrows goes up for sale https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-65264045 John Hassall: Jolly Fisherman artist's work on show https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-65275071 Mindless Boston vandals cut down three trees - police https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-65275012 North Sea oil spills exceed safe level - activists https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-65254022 Ranworth Broad: Ospreys could breed for the first time in 250 years https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-65266563 Wild beaver spotted in west Wales garden after couple set up camera https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science_and_environment More links in ".and finally ..." at the end of the Bulletin. Thank you to everyone who sent something in. It really helps. 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#? 23 April - 3 May " Unsettled conditions likely on Sunday, with showers or longer spells of rain for most areas. Some sunny spells away from more persistent areas of rain. Windy conditions expected further north. Into the start of the week, a north/north-easterly flow is likely across northern areas, leading to temperatures widely below average and the risk of a wintry shower. Further south, there is more uncertainty with a chance of more organised rain at times but a mixture of sunny spells and showers for most. The risk of rain and wintry showers affecting northern areas will reduce through the period. More settled conditions further south may be replaced by an increasing likelihood of cloud and rain. Temperatures below average early in this period but likely returning back to around average." For Astronomers and Sky-watchers How to watch the Lyrids meteor shower tonight https://www.newscientist.com/article/2369136-how-to-watch-the-lyrids-meteor-shower-tonight/ Heads up for the Lyrid Meteor Shower 22/23 April 2023 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide European Space Agency: Blast off for Jupiter icy moons mission https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-65273857 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 Aurora Watch - when Northern Lights might be seen in the UK: https://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ 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 During 2023, the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB celebrates its 50th anniversary. 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 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 12/4 10 Twite, Mablethorpe Alpine Swift, near tower by Chapman's Pond, Cleethorpes, 2pm, 3pm, 5.44, til 5.55pm - appeared to roost on tower 13/4 Black Redstart male at visitor centre, Short-eared Owl over Old Saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point Black-necked Grebe, by entrance, Woodhall Spa Airfield Great Northern Diver, Covenham Reservoir Garganey drk between Seaview and Rimac, on Great Eau, Saltfheetby/Theddlethorpe Dunes Water Pipit, Anderby Creek Alpine Swift near tower by Chapman's Pond, Cleethorpes 3.05pm, 11.40am, 1pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm 14/4 Short-eared Owl at saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point Black-necked Grebe, by entrance, Woodhall Spa Airfield 2 Spoonbills, Anderby Creek Alpine Swift near tower by Chapman's Pond, Cleethorpes 10.23am, 15/4 Spotted Redshank flew over Baston Fen Spotted Redshank flew south over Willow Tree Fen Gargany drk, Water Pipit over saltmarsh from steps to sea bank, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel singing in hawthorns near Mill Hill, 2 Short-eared Owls over saltmarsh behind visitor centre, Black Redstart at visitor centre, Gibraltar Point Black-necked Grebe, by entrance, Woodhall Spa Airfield Ring Ouzel, Thimbleby Long-tailed Duck 1w at sailing pit, Water's Edge City Park, Barton-upon-Humber 2 Spoonbills at Halton Marshes, East Halton Skitter 16/4 4 Spoonbills, Frampton Marsh Spoonbill, Ring Ouzel in East Dunes, Gibraltar Point 2 Spotted Redshanks on east side of Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft Pits Woodlark over Long Acre, Mablethorpe 2 Spoonbills at Halton Marshes, mitigation area north of Winter's Pond East Halton Skitter 17/4 Spotted Redshank on Wader Pit, Baston + Langtoft Pits 2 Garganey 1 drk, Frampton Marsh Ring Ouzel south of Mill Hill, Hen Harrier ringtail, Short-eared Owl over saltmarsh by main car park, Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point White Stork flew NW over Langrick Black-necked Grebe, by entrance, Woodhall Spa Airfield 12 Twite on north side, Tree Pipit flew north over Donna Nook Short-eared Owl, Alkborough Flats 18/4 Bar-tailed Godwit on East Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Spotted Redshank, 10 Bar-tailed godwits, 6 on Wader Pit, 4 at South Pit, Arctic Tern, Spotted Redshank, Baston + Langtoft Pits Water Pipit, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Frampton Marsh Black Redstart fem/1w male, Gibraltar Point Garganey on Great Eau from Bridge just SW on car park, Rimac 7 Bar-tailed Godwits flew north over Nocton 19/4 Spotted Redshank on Wader Pit, 9 Little Gulls, Arctic Tern, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, Baston + Langtoft Pits Velvet Scoter drk flew south past, ringtail Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List - LNU Paul Kirby's list of all the vascular plant & stonewort taxa with r ecords 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 - 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. STICKNEY TF322568 West Fen, Stickney Dead Badger 1 on side of road Gail Cartwright *** 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 14/4/2023 Blue Tit 2 Robin Blackbird 2m Pied Wagtail m + f Chaffinch m Domestic Pigeon 2+ Collared Dove 2 Woodpigeon 3+ Jackdaw 6+ 19/4 2 hedgehogs on trailcam [ 2 individuals ] 1.05;1.10; 1.16; 1.20 hrs BARDNEY to Bardney Lock - Water Rail Way R & A Parsons 15/4/2023 2 Buzzards being harried by Carrion Crow 2 Brown Hares in fields from eastern bank. Song from Robin, Chaffinch, Great Tit. BOSTON GARDEN (TF326426) 15/04/23 Kathleen Pearson Two warblers in the garden this morning were Chiffchaff and a male Blackcap. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 9/4/23 00.05: Tawny Owl sitting on road 11/4/23 Blackcap singing (first this year). HORKSTOW SE987179 17 April 2023 Jenny Haynes Bats were flying around my house this evening. It’s the first time I’ve seen them this year. HORKSTOW SE987179 18 April 2023 Jenny Haynes Sitting in my garden in the sun watching hover flies of different sizes, a few bumblebees (unable to say which), a couple of small white butterflies and a speckled wood. The air is full of birdsong, which I can’t identify but birds I can see are: blue, great and longtailed tits, chaffinch (probably the most numerous), goldfinch, tree sparrow, wren, dunnock, blackbird, robin, wood pigeon, stock dove and pheasant. Magpies and rooks have been raiding the fat balls, too and buzzards fly over. GRASBY WOODS Angela Buckle Tue, 18 Apr at 09:22 17th April 2023 Grasby woods. Early purple orchids in flower, Ground ivy, Bluebells, Stinking hellebore, Lords and ladies, Brimstone butterfly, Chiff chaff calling. GRIMSBY TA265095 Joyce Attia 18th April 2023 In the garden the birds on the feeders have been mainly starlings, house sparrows, blue tits, great tits, the odd chaffinch, I haven't seen any more goldfinches and haven't seen any greenfinches this year at all. Ground feeders have been dunnocks and blackbird. There seem to be a lot of chiffchaffs calling, and the blackbirds are awake at 4.30 am, though I'm not sure who wakes up first, the blackbird or herring gulls. There was a comma butterfly yesterday and some small bees on the "soldiers and sailors" plants ..sorry, I must look it up. Along the riverbank the moorhens are nesting, I'm told there are mallard ducklings though I haven't seen them. The swans on the island that have been worrying me are still acting strangely. I was told at least a week ago that there are 11 cygnets but whatever time of day I go there is one swan in the river and another sitting on the island. In previous years they have brought the youngsters out almost straight away. We shall see what happens. There are a few grey squirrels, some young ones, though not as many as last year. NORTON DISNEY Norton Disney SK 89127 58702 Jeremy Hutchinson 11/4/23 8 Little Egrets feeding in field SAPPERTON Sapperton Roadside Nature Reserve No.41 Marion Ellis Easter Sunday 9th April 2023 Prolific amounts of cowslips flowering along the 1.6 mile reserve. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 30/03/23 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 6 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 Greenfinch x 1 Great Tit x 2 Jackdaw x 6 Magpie x 3 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 Skylark x 2 Tree Sparrow x 9 Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 1 15/04/23 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 4 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Green Woodpecker x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Linnet x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 STAPLEFORD Stapleford SK 88631 58232 Jeremy Hutchinson 12/4/23 Weasel Swallow (first this year) THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 28/03/23 Little Owl x 1 SK788989 31/03/23 Barn Owl x 1 01:00hrs Blackbird x 4 Blue Tit x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 6 Greenfinch x 1 Grey Partridge x 2 Greylag Goose x 6 in fields around Thurnholmes Kestrel x 1 Linnet x 2 Magpie x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 1 on nest in box Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 04/04/23 Barn Owl x 1 01:15hrs Blackbird x 4 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 6 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Greylag Goose x 4 over Thurnholmes Grey Partridge x 2 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 7 Linnet x 2 Magpie x 3 Mallard x 2 over Thurnholmes  Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 on nest in fruit cage in a plant pot holder Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 on nest in open fronted box in chicken run Tree Sparrow x 15 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:20 Wood Pigeon x 6 Peacock x 2 Bee Fly Bombylius major x 1 07/04/23 Barn Owl x 1 01:50hrs 08/04/23 Heron x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain 13/04/23 Barn Owl x 3 01:15hrs 16/04/23 Barn Owl x 1 01:20hrs Blackbird x 4 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 5 'kettling' over Thurnholmes Dunnock x 3 Goldfinch x 6 Greenfinch x 1 Heron x 1 over Thurnholmes Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 2 Linnet x 2 Magpie x 2  Mallard x 4 over Mute Swan x 2 over Pied Wagtail x 2 Red-legged Partridge x 2 Robin x 2 (1 on nest) Skylark x 2 Stock Dove x 1 on nest Tree Sparrow x 4 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 17/04/23 Barn Owl x 1 flew to nest box with food Blackbird x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 4 Skylark x 1 Robin x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Willow Warbler x 1 (my 1st for year) Yellowhammer x 1 Comma x 1 Holly Blue x 1 Orange Tip x 2 females ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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  12th – 18th April 2023 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor, Owen Beaumont, Cliff Morrison and Dean Nicholson. Thank you to all other contributors. Daily News and Wildlife Sightings 120223 - Single wheatear on dunes near Rimac. 130423 - Single wheatear on saltmarsh North of Sea View and 24 little egrets in area. Paradise lagoon: 3 gadwall, 1 little grebe, 4 coot pair of shoveler and a pair of common pochard. Drake garganey with teal along edge of Eau near Sea View. Barn owl and tawny owl at Sea View. 140423 - 2 wheatear on saltmarsh and 2 sand martins flying south, single redwing, great spotted woodpecker and green woodpecker near Sea View. Peacock on the wing. On the dunes between Rimac and Sea View 5 wheatear and 1 swallow flying south. 150423 - Pair pochard still on Paradise lagoon, 2 avocets on edge of Eau nearby. Butterflies seen: peacock, red admiral, brimstone, small tortoiseshell, small white, speckled wood. At least 5 species of bee, also bee fly, hover fly, and 7 spot ladybirds. 160423 - Single whimbrel on the saltmarsh, common whitethroat in song and 4 blackcaps in song around Sea View. 170423 – Common lizard, common toad and water scorpion at Rimac. 180423 - On the saltmarsh between Sea View and Paradise 12 whimbrel, flock of 21 linnets near Sea View, 2 drake wigeon on Paradise lagoon. On the Sea View washlands lapwing, redshank, oystercatcher and curlew have all been seen displaying. Common lizard at Sea View. Flowers include: red dead nettle, ground ivy, field mouse-ear, cowslip, swathes of dandelion, blackthorn and sallow. Other local reserves: 180423 – Legbourne Wood: Chiffchaff, black cap, red kite flew over, nuthatch, green woodpecker, peacock, speckled wood, small white butterflies, bee flies, primroses, wood anemones, violets, bluebells, lesser celandine all in flower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 visitor advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Annette 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, 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/ 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. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 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... Biodiversity targets may be slipping out of reach - study https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-65315823 Wild birds at risk even as avian flu measures end https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-65301241 Bird flu: What is it and what's behind the outbreak? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63464065 Emily Williamson: Plaque to honour RSPB founder unveiled https://www.theweatheroutlook.com/twocommunity/default.aspx Contraceptives to control pine marten proposed https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-65310355 Amber fossils reveal dinosaurs and beetles had symbiotic relationship https://www.newscientist.com/article/2369196-amber-fossils-reveal-dinosaurs-and-beetles-had-symbiotic-relationship/ Kelp forests capture nearly 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually https://www.newscientist.com/article/2369412-kelp-forests-capture-nearly-5-million-tonnes-of-co2-annually/ Vikings left Greenland after growing ice sheet caused sea level rise https://www.newscientist.com/article/2369057-vikings-left-greenland-after-growing-ice-sheet-caused-sea-level-rise/ ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/