============================================ || || 3rd April 2024 || || 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. 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/months. Past Bulletins archive [in 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Phil Porter writes; If our garden is anything to go by, the last week has revealed more insect visitors Especially bees, but also droves of 7-spot ladybirds, and apparently no harlequins. There is also an abundance of moisture-induced budding and flowering which will keep the pollinators happy. The winter birds are on the wane. The local societies still have talks to entertain us and a new season of field meetings is almost upon us, so take advantage of the expert guidance that can be found when you take part. Bob Sheppard writes Disappointingly, the Len Pick Trust barn owl camera is down again and this time it's not likely to be back on stream, as the birds cannot be disturbed for repairs to the system.  This will be frustrating for the thousands of viewers who tune in from all over the world to see the trials and tribulations of the breeding season. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ The male osprey arrived at Loch of Lowes last Wednesday and so we shan't have to wait too long for the first egg. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ Our local peregrines are very active. Louth St James' Church has two eggs with more to come. The quality of the live footage from the cameras there is very impressive. http://www.louthperegrines.org.uk/latest-news.html We are still hopeful of breeding at Boston Stump. The birds have been visiting the nest tray so fingers crossed. There is a screen relaying live pictures in the cafe. The birds at St Wulframs Church at Grantham are leading us a merry dance! Unbelievably, we have identified EIGHT different peregrines visiting the church in the past few weeks. There now appears to be a regular pair settling down and visiting the tray daily. The female is colour ringed and has been identified as a chick born in 2020 at Taunton. If they lay eggs then the cameras on the walkway will stream live pictures downstairs onto a screen in the church. Latest news: Our local female was attacked by a female from Taunton (colour ringed) and this resulted in an aborted soft shelled egg being laid during the fight! So the breeding season is on hold whilst we await developments! Roger Parsons adds: BTO's tracked Cuckoos are on their way northwards. https://www.bto.org/cuckoos This week's mostly-local news stories: Parking charges introduced at nature reserve https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxxz6dy3ygjo Flood-affected pub 'celebrates' unhappy milestone https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpek8pg1z0zo Seal strangled to death by plastic beach toy https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce5e44v852yo Sculptures made from litter left behind on beaches https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmmqg4vy6r6o Flooding fears over major Skegness expansion https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx8zr7p5v2qo Burst main affects water supply in homes https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck7047z8nv3o E-waste 'drawers of doom' growing, say campaigners https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68673420 Seagulls 'charismatic' not 'criminal', say scientists https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68599512 Recycling centre fire caused by punctured battery https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0eeg278q3o Heatwaves now last much longer than they did in the 1980s https://www.newscientist.com/article/2424847-heatwaves-now-last-much-longer-than-they-did-in-the-1980s/ Phil Porter's email is: philporterento@outlook.com Alex Pickwell is now helping with the Bulletin mailing. There is another side to him! Starting in April, he will be attempting to run three full marathons in six weeks to raise money for a Lincolnshire- based charity. Central German Shepherd Rescue is a charity dedicated to the rescue, fostering and rehoming of German Shepherds in need. It provides care and treatment for unwanted or neglected dogs and educates people about the German Shepherd breed. Central German Shepherd Rescue is entirely supported by donations and run only by volunteer efforts. If interested you can find out more from Alex. Alex Pickwell's email: mrapickwell@gmail.com *** Weather News and Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#? April 7th-16th Breezy on Friday with heavy rain to start. Near-gale force winds and brighter spells on the weekend with blustery showers and a risk of hail and thunder. Temperatures above average. The ongoing unsettled spell of weather is likely to continue into this period with little sign of any dramatic change. All areas can expect to see showers or longer spells of rain at times with western hills likely to see the largest rainfall totals. Likely windy at the start of the period with further windy spells likely at times through to mid-April. Whilst unsettled conditions are most likely to prevail, there does appear to be at least a chance of some regions having some drier interludes. These probably only short-lived however, and through next week the chances look greatest across southern areas. Above average temperatures are most likely, albeit often tempered by cloud, rain and occasional strong winds. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** Solar eclipse 2024: Millions in North America will view what promises to be a blockbuster https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68597945 How can I watch the Total Solar Eclipse online on April 8th 2024? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MJY_ptQW1o April Night Sky - highlights: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/astronomy/night-sky-highlights-april-2024 Full Moons 2024 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/full-moon-calendar Meteor shower dates 2024 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide BBC Sky at Night Magazine website https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news *** EVENTS *** *** The Natural History and Geology Section - Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Our final indoor meeting before our spring and summer outdoor visits is on Monday, 8th April when we have an illustrated talk by our local wildlife LNU recorder John Davison on "Butterflies and Moths". John has an extensive knowledge of the wildlife in our local reserves. He has extra special knowledge of the insect population found in our local Messingham Sand Quarry Nature reserve, often reporting on new species to our area. He has a fantastic collection of images of butterflies and moths that he has seen both in countries around the world that he has visited as well as in our own country. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS which start at 7.15pm and take place in the Small Hall, Room 1, of the Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe DN16 2AQ. There is free parking at the Church which is immediately next to the Applegreen filling station on Ashby Road opposite to the St Hugh's Church. There is a £3 entry charge for non-members. Light refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. *** The Scunthorpe and Brigg Local Group of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. *** Our last indoor meeting until September is on Thursday, 18th April, when we hold our AGM followed by members' contributions of their photographs and stories that they have found to be enjoyable and interesting. This will be an extra special AGM as Eddie Gaunt who has been our Chairperson for 21 years will be standing down. We will be thanking him and celebrating his service. We will also be thanking and celebrating Mark Sacker who will be taking over as our new Chairperson. Starting at 7.30pm, the meeting will be held as usual in the St. Hugh's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2AG, which is opposite the Applegreen filling station near Brumby crossroads. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS. There is a free car park at the Church and also on the nearby road. As this is the AGM there is no entry charge. Refreshments will be available at the break after the AGM. *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 8th April you are invited to join the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT at their next indoor meeting Where our speakers Matt Blissett and Ruth Taylor will be giving an illustrated talk "Natterjacks and All" which will include updates on reserves that they manage including the Grey Seals at Donna Nook. Please note that we will be holding our AGM at 7pm before the talk starts at 7.30pm. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall DN31 1HX. Admission £4, all are welcome. There will be a sale of pre-loved natural history books, raffle and refreshments available. For further details contact Jackie Kirk 07464 636926 or check our website www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk or why not check out our Facebook page? *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** On Saturday 20th April you are invited to join the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT on a Wildlife Walk at Freshney Bog, Grimsby with Graham Hicks. Please meet at 8am in St. Michael's Church carpark on Great Coates Road, Grimsby DN34 4ND. We will be looking for wildlife in the area including Water Voles and Kingfishers. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. For further information please contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890 or check our website www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk or our Facebook page. *** South Lincs RSPB Group *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group has released details of their 2024 "Seal and Birdwatching" cruises aboard "The Boston Belle". There are twelve cruises organised for 2024, starting on 5th April and ending on 24th October. Full details are on our website, including ticket prices, booking arrangements, sailing times and dates etc. Booking is essential. https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/ *** THE SOUTH LINCS RSPB GROUP *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: South Lincs RSPB group have announced two evening SLIDESHOW/ TALKS at The Old Kings Head {Kirton, PE20 1EG}. "Natures Favourites" by Neil Smith on Thursday 11th April 2024 at 7-30pm. "Birds and wildlife of the Western Cape Provence of South Africa” by Garry Steele on Thursday 24th October 2024 at 7-30pm Full details at Home - South Lincolnshire Local Group (rspb.org.uk) *** Lincoln RSPB *** Richard Davidson writes… “Heron-Watch” Volunteer opportunities available for people who are passionate about wildlife and conservation. Lincoln RSPB is running a Heron Watchpoint at Hartsholme Park, Lincoln on two weekends in May 4th, 5th 6th (Bank Holiday Monday), and 11th, 12th. Prior experience is not necessary, enthusiasm is more important. For more information, contact Gwen M. Randall, Volunteer Co-ordinator gwen.randall@ntlworld.com *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** Brian Patterson writes: An illustrated talk by Steve Race - Professional Wildlife Photographer and Wildlife Guide. Company Director of Yorkshire Coast Nature. ‘Wildlife of the Yorkshire Coast’ A look at wildlife from a wide range of habitats. From deep forests and woodlands to the beautiful purple moorland of the North York Moors National Park, along the rugged coastline and through the sweeping hills of the Yorkshire Wolds. Everyone welcome. · Monday April 15th · 7.30 pm Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LH Admission £5 for all, including refreshments Also raffle. *** Hull City Nature Challenge 2024 *** Lucy Baldwin writes… The Hull City Nature Challenge returns in 2024 on the 26th – 29th April! The City Nature Challenge is a global nature-recording bioblitz with over 500 cities across the globe taking part this year. The aim of the event is simple: to record as much wildlife as possible in your participating city over the event weekend! Everyone is welcome to get involved in Hull by making records via the iNaturalist app, for which no prior experience is necessary. Last year Hull reached #7 on the UK leaderboard, with over 4,000 observations made of 839 species – we’d love to beat this in 2024! The Hull City Nature Challenge is organised by NEYEDC (the North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre), with assistance from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the University of Hull. For more information, visit the Hull City Nature Challenge website: www.neyedc.org.uk/hull-cnc-2024 and sign up for the 2024 iNaturalist project:  City Nature Challenge 2024: Hull · iNaturalist United Kingdom. For any queries, please email events@neyedc.co.uk and for records submissions please email info@neyedc.co.uk. STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Bird flu: Defra advice to the general public is to leave corpses alone and report the findings - but that landowners should dispose of birds themselves. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain 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 - look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 27/3 Anderby Creek, 2 Garganey. Covenham Reservoir, Smew ad drk. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park, Green-winged Teal drk on Marsh Farm grassland, Russian White-fronted Goose on Reedbed. Gibraltar Point NNR, 2 Garganey, 1 drk, flew south past, 2 Bewick's Swans flew over, Firecrest at Mill Hill. Manby Flashes, SE of Manby, 3 Garganey, 2 drks, from hide, Spoonbill on Croft Marsh. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, Garganey drk and Green-winged Teal on wet grassland south of Crook Bank car park. Sutton on Sea, 2 Garganey, 1 drk, flew south past.. 28/3 Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Manby Flashes, SE of Manby, 3 Garganey, 2 drks. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, Garganey drk and Green-winged Teal on wet grassland south of Crook Bank car park, 29/3 Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point NNR, Hen Harrier ringtail over Old Saltmarsh. Manby Flashes, SE of Manby, 3 Garganey, 2 drks. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, Garganey drk and Green-winged Teal on wet grassland south of Crook Bank car park. 30/3 Cowbit Wash, 3 Turnstones, 3 Grey Plovers from Cradge Bank. Deeping St James, Yellow Wagtail at Deeping Lakes on East Pit. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point NNR, Grasshopper Warbler singing north end, south of Seacroft Lagoon, Little Gull, Water Pipit, Firecrest at East Dunes. Manby Flashes, 3 Garganey, 2 drks 31/3 Boultham Mere,6 Little Gulls, 4 ads. Cowbit Wash, Grey Plover with c1000 Golden Plovers. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Short-eared Owl over saltmarsh Little Gull on South Scrape. Gibraltar Point NNR, Waxwing flew south over. 1/4 Cowbit Wash, Grey Plover, Spotted Redshank flew NE over. Covenham Reservoir, 8 Little Gulls, 3 Common Scoters both drks. Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis on East Pit. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Garganey, 7 Little Gulls. Also 5 Little Gulls 4 ads reported on Wash. Gibraltar Point NNR, 2 Water Pipits. Huttoft Bank, Cuckoo reported. Normanby, Hawfinch in garden 2/4 Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis on West Pit. Far Ings, Reed Warbler singing. Frampton Marsh, Little Gull, Spotted Redshank, Garganey, 1 drk, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point NNR, Short-eared Owl. Manby Flashes, 2 Garganey. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 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 observations and welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY - THE GREEN TF120694 R + A Parsons 28/3/2024 Large q bumblebee at window in house - released - then went directly to nectaring in garden. One later seen searching for nest sites. Probably Bombus terrestris - Buff-tailed Bumblebee Wool "packing waste" put out as nesting material was quickly plundered by Jackdaws. 31/3/2024 Andrena fulva 3+ f patrolling lawn. 24/3/2024 Pied Wagtail m +f Blue Tit 2 Dunnock Wren Robin 2 House Sparrow 4 Blackbird 2m 1f Chaffinch Starling 12+ Jackdaw 8+ Wood Pigeon 8+ Collared Dove 2 Domestic pigeon 9 Black-headed Gull absent BARDNEY GARDEN TF117700 Phil and Mary Porter This week has seen blackcaps singing most days, and a green woodpecker calling from grassland out the back every day. The birdfeeders have been busy, mostly with greenfinches, chaffinches and goldfinches but siskin numbers are down and the last few days have seen none. One pair of blue tits and one pair of great tits are nest building in boxes on the house wall. Jackdaws and squirrels continue to barge their way onto the bird table. Dunnocks, robins and blackbirds are also about. The blackbirds are very tame, getting under your feet when going out with the bird food. Wood pigeons are in (too) good numbers, with single stock dove and collared dove about on most days. House sparrow numbers are low, and only one starling seen briefly. MANY ladybirds, mostly 7-spot. There must be hundreds. Many mating. Both male and female sparrowhawks have been through the garden several times a day. Buzzards seen over the garden most days. 27/3/24 Blackcap singing for the first time. Goldcrest calls. 28/3/24 Siskins calling but not seen. 31/3/24 A brambling was on the feeder and on the ground for a little while. Only seen the once, and the first one for several years. A wren was very busy gathering dog fur, and continued to do so for several days. x3 Brimstones including a pair flying close together, doing acrobatics and at speed. X1 peacock and x1 small tortoiseshell. 1/4/24 Red Kite soaring above our heads, pursued by two jackdaws. We watched them for some time and the jackdaws were still with it as they faded into the distance. x5 Caddis fly larvae in pond with case resembling those of Limnephilus sparsus. They were surprisingly noticeable while moving to feed and resembled miniature Christmas trees when seen from a distance, their cases being constructed by packed layers of thin green leaves sticking out at right angles to the larva. One newt seen briefly, but the pond weed is quite overgrown. Various water beetles. X1 Bee-fly, possibly more, but only one seen at a time. 2/4/24 Juniper Shield-bug, Hairy Shield-bug, Holly Blue, x2 brimstone (male and female) Lacewing on window. 3/4/24 A siskin did finally make it to the list before deadline time. CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson Further to Phil Porter's note on Bee-flies, I have seen two hereabouts in the last week: we see them every Spring.     27/3/24 A number of conical mounds of earth excavated by Andrena spp bees appeared, which is a week or more earlier than usual.   Lots of Chiffchaffs singing in the area generally, more than I recall in past years. Some Greenfinches and the odd Chaffinch have appeared recently, having been absent over the winter. DUNHOLME near Lincoln . TF026792 Phil Busby, asked You can treat this short note as a report but I just thought somebody should know of a concern I have. I have an irregular shaped pond about 3m x 2m and I try to keep it as wild as I can.  There are no fish as a grey heron took them all. Two years ago at this time of year there were masses of frogs and they all assembled for a couple of days and left me with a huge area of frog spawn. They hatched and there were loads of small frogs which eventually left for pastures new. Last year there were only a few frogs and the spawn was sterile and it all just dissolved and there were no tadpoles. This year there have been no frogs. There is a thriving community of newts for many years and the pond is crystal clear so there is no pollution problem with the pond. So what has happened to the frogs? The local duck population, all Mallards, has increased greatly.  Could they be eating all the frogs as apparently they do? This year a pond near me, about a quarter of a mile away, has a good population of Mallards and this year a pair of Canada Geese. The pond is all but dead wild-life wise but was said to have crested newts in it. I think mine are all smooth newts and I have never seen a crested newt which are reputed to be larger may 150mm long.  So is this concerning matter of the frogs wide spread? Would Ashley Butterfield have a notion as to what is happening?  I have copied this email to his last known address.  Ashley Butterfield replied Hello Phil, It seems that you have had a very productive wildlife pond until 2 years ago.  Cold water (usually from springs or late frosts,) are often too cold to allow tadpoles and spawn to develop and grow.  Also consider green algal blooms (due to increased nutrients,) that suck oxygen out the water as this will suffocate tadpoles or whether there is  too much shade as the spawn requires light to grow.  Of course the Mallards will also be eating the spawn and tadpoles and if their numbers have increased then their impact on the tadpoles will also increase. Please feel free to keep me updated, Kindest regards, Ashley Reptiles & Amphibians FAR INGS Angela Buckle 24th March 2024. Flowers. Coltsfoot, Celandines, Flowering currant, Marsh marigolds, Adders tongue, Green alkanet, Cowslips, Lungwort, Whitlow grass, Blackthorn blossom. Danish scurvy grass all along the A18. RAITHBY AREA TF368668 or close to, on this road at the public footpath. Tracey Lenton 30-03-2024 Early afternoon, fine day, sunny with some cloud, mild Went for a drive on Easter Saturday, took a left at West Keal on A16 onto Marden Hill and continued straight. Stopped on the road at this grid reference. Blackthorn bushes in blossom along the lane, branches covered in lichen Saw a Stoat, its black-tipped tail quite eye-catching STAPLEFORD SK867576 Jeremy Hutchinson 26/3/24 Hare WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH Jane Ostler 20-31 March 2024 Walking down green lanes between arable fields on 24th March I found, newly in flower, Speedwells (Veronica persica and V.polita), Forget-me-nots, and common Whitlow grass.  A surprise was groups of Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus ) near an old hedge and a field corner with the spiky fruits of teasel. Though planted for game cover, rather than food it would have provided plenty of seeds over the winter, especially for Goldfinch. On the muddy except for green lanes Coltsfoot is now being replaced by Dandelions. A sunny day but with a cold wind meant few insects about except for Buff-tailed Bumblebees, a swarm of Winter Gnats and a rather tattered Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly. Gardens on sunny days had more interest including male and female Brimstone. The first Bee Fly seen in my garden was on 29/3/24. The fruit blossom is now all out, except for the apples.  Mining Bees included the very welcome Tawny Mining Bee which is a great pollinator for the gooseberries. The black melanic form of the Two-spot Ladybird was found crawling amongst the pot plants in the conservatory, carrying a second one around on its back.  Much amusement was to be had watching a male Hairy footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes) hovering around a newly emerged female with his loud buzzing noise. The black female much larger than the gingery male which emerges earlier, appeared to be ignoring the attraction of the long hairs on his legs being quivered enticingly. Records of nesting birds in the gardens include those, like the Blackbirds sitting on eggs. A Wood Pigeon nestling fallen to the ground was taken for some strange new species, so unlike its smooth and rounded parents. Flocks of small birds collecting in the few large trees left all the housing development included a parties of some 14 goldfinches. Blue and Great Tits athletic at the feeders, were also pecking at my conservatory window, not to come in but at their reflections, seen as rivals. The Dawn Chorus is beginning to swell to reach its peak in May. Hedgehog droppings found for the first time at the end of the month in our garden.     4. NNRs and NATURE RESERVES 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 Reserves https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report  27th March – 2nd April 2024 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   270324 - Small tortoiseshell at Sea View, a pair of gadwall and 4 redshank on Paradise lagoon. At least 250 siskin flew south over Rimac in 80 minutes in the morning. 3 cattle egret and a kingfisher on the Eau between Sea View and Rimac. 2 avocet on Rimac lagoon, and a male stonechat on the saltmarsh nearby. 7 chiffchaff between Rimac car park and MOD track. A marsh harrier and ringtail hen harrier flew south at Brickyard Lane, where a merlin and 2 jack snipe were on the saltmarsh. Little ringed plover on foreshore south of Crook Bank mid-morning. Green-winged teal, drake garganey, 5 little ringed plover, ruff, 2 snipe, 3 dunlin, 110 curlew and 15 redshank on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. A black-tailed godwit flew north over the sea then landed on Rimac saltmarsh. 3 sand martin flew south over Rimac freshwater marsh.   280324 – Willow warbler singing intermittently in the dunes south of Crook Bank. Barn owl hunting around Brickyard Lane early morning. Green woodpecker, buzzard and 3 Cetti’s warbler also around Brickyard Lane. 3 pintail, 2 little ringed plover and a white wagtail on wet grassland south of Crook Bank.   290324 - Marsh marigold in flower. 2 cattle egrets Sea View washlands and 3 more in adjacent pasture field. Siskin, all flying south, 17 over Rimac and 24, 11 over Sea View. Barn owl hunting near Sea View. Marsh harrier flew south over Mablethorpe North End. 16 dunlin and 12 ringed plover on the beach at Brickyard Lane and 67 sanderling on Churchill Lane foreshore. Garganey, 15 black-tailed godwit and reportedly green-winged teal on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. 90 siskin, 130 chaffinch, 1 yellowhammer and 12 rook flew south through the morning. Short-eared owl flew up from the dunes at Sear’s Track. 3 little egret and a grey heron on Brickyard Lane saltmarsh early evening.   300324 – 5 siskin at Sea View, brimstone and peacock in flight and willow warbler nearby. 2 black-tailed godwits on Sea View washlands. Paradise lagoon: 1 lapwing, 4 redshank, 1 little egret, 10 mallard, 6 teal, and 2 tufted duck.  310324 - Sea View washlands: 76 shoveler, 29 teal, 15 wigeon, 10 tufted duck, 4 mallard, 1 little grebe, 1 moorhen, 5 curlew, 5 lapwing (one on nest), 4 redshank and 2 oystercatchers. At least 9 chiffchaff and 4 Cetti’s warbler singing between Brickyard Lane and Churchill Lane in the morning mist. Barn owl and great spotted woodpecker also in the Brickyard Lane area.   020423 - Woodcock flew from dunes near Sea View. A short-eared owl was seen hunting near Rimac lagoon. Chris Atkin had an amazing sight of a school bottle-nosed dolphins, at least 14 being very active in the Haven outfall area. They gradually worked their way north to be seen later from Sea View, being very active in a calm sea. Throughout this time the dolphins were being followed by many gulls, so it seems reasonable to assume that the presence of fish was their main attraction. Blackcap and a willow warbler singing south of Churchill Lane and another blackcap singing north of Churchill Lane. A silent male blackcap also seen south of Rimac and at least 14 chiffchaff singing in the dunes. 3 cattle egret feeding north of Rimac car park. Approx. 80 shoveler flew off Sea View Washlands as a buzzard flew low over. Butterflies - speckled wood Rimac south; 2 brimstone and red admiral Sea View; brimstone, comma and peacock Churchill Lane north; peacock Elm House Farm. Cowslips coming into flower in many areas of the dunes. 2 mistle thrush at Sea View. *** National or international stories *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These cover a huge area. 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: Next dates: 2nd April 2024, 16th April 2024 https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/chambers-farm-wood-butterfly-garden ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Discover Woodland Trust woods near you - including the best woods for walks, wildlife watching, family fun and heritage. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/#=undefined&view=map Lincolnshire County Council - Local Nature Reserves https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coast-countryside/nature-reserves Links to "Other Reserves" are welcome. Your suggestions, please. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 iRecord. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Links "not to be missed *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. CONTACTS LIST Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union LNU Website: http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist LNU Facebook page: LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: https://twitter.com/LincsWildlife Lincs Bird Club: https://twitter.com/Lincsbirding LBC County Bird Recorder: 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/ Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Trust: https://lincolnshirechalkstreamstrust.org.uk/ 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. Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com 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 When asking for help: Please give 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. Lincolnshire Badger Group https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093647842292 email lincolnshirebadgergroup@hotmail.com Lincs Environmental Records Centre: http://www.glnp.org.uk/ Natural England: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ NHBS Natural history equipment or books. https://www.nhbs.com/ The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons: downloadable LNU book Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire: *** For the Geologists *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Geologists reject declaration of Anthropocene epoch https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/mar/22/geologists-reject-declaration-of-anthropocene-epoch Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/special-features/geology The Geology of Lincolnshire: downloadable LNU book ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 unwise or untimely 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. [Views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU EVENTS DIARY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events *** https://lnu.org/meetings/ https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** National or international stories *** Yorkshire estate known as world’s first nature reserve gets Grade II listing https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/27/yorkshire-estate-known-as-worlds-first-nature-reserve-gets-grade-ii-listing-waterton-park Boat Race rowers told not to enter Thames due to high levels of E. coli https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68674088 Rare fungus to be moved from Scotland to England in hopes to save species https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/26/rare-fungus-willow-gloves-scotland-england-hopes-to-save-species Raw sewage spills into England rivers and seas doubles in 2023 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68665335 Northumberland’s Farne Islands reopen to visitors after bird flu outbreak https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/27/northumberland-farne-islands-reopen-tourists-bird-flu-outbreak-boat-visitors-seabirds England’s sewage crisis: how polluted is your local river and which regions are worst hit? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2024/mar/27/englands-sewage-crisis-how-polluted-is-your-local-river-and-which-regions-are-worst-hit Mammals battle for life in new David Attenborough series - wonderful! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68658875 Country diary: A single discordant voice in the lullaby of birdsong https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/30/country-diary-a-single-discordant-voice-in-the-lullaby-of-birdsong Country diary: I’ve become a taxi service for the ladybirds https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/29/country-diary-ive-become-a-taxi-service-for-the-ladybirds ‘Enormously exciting’: farm to create biggest natural grassland in southern England https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/29/farm-create-biggest-natural-grassland-southern-england Catkins are flowering at different times as climate changes – threatening their pollination and the wildlife that feed on them https://theconversation.com/catkins-are-flowering-at-different-times-as-climate-changes-threatening-their-pollination-and-the-wildlife-that-feed-on-them-226640 *** Mail Fails *** ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/