============================================ || || 10th 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: The coast is bouncing with migrational activity and many of the summer song-birds have been noted for the first time. The year’s butterfly list is also expanding slowly. Roger has had a productive week with his night-time camera and has been consulting the BTO’s .Cuckoo tracking site (see below), a very interesting study. Bob Sheppard's news: The Len Pick Trust barn owl camera is running smoothly at the moment. They now have 4 eggs, the last one laid on Monday. If there is to be a fifth it should arrive tomorrow. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ The Loch of Lowes ospreys saw off an intruding female last week. Their first egg could be laid by the weekend https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ The Louth peregrines are sitting on a full clutch of four eggs, the final one arriving last Friday. http://www.louthperegrines.org.uk/latest-news.html Roger Parsons adds: BTO's tracked Cuckoos are on their way northwards. https://www.bto.org/cuckoos *** This week's mostly-local news stories: *** Residents left without working toilets after heavy rainfall https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmmq3mqyp5jo More money needed to restore Lincoln's 'Wonky House' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68745037 Council issues nesting bird beach warning https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2q7vwp5drxo A very British butterfly: spectacular swallowtail is built for capricious summers https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/04/a-very-british-butterfly-spectacular-swallowtail-is-built-for-capricious-summers In defence of wasps: a misunderstood insect with human-like qualities https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/07/in-defence-of-wasps-misunderstood-insect Young Darwin Scholarship Applications close at 9pm on Sunday 12th May 2024. https://www.field-studies-council.org/young-darwin-scholarship-applications/ Phasing Out Lead; where are we? https://www.gwct.org.uk/blogs/news/2024/march/phasing-out-lead-where-are-we/? 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#? Thursday Likely dry with winds easing and bright spells giving a warm feel. Outbreaks of rain possible overnight. Maximum temperature 18 °C. Friday Breezy throughout with showers or perhaps longer spells of rain at times interspersed with brighter, drier spells. Temperatures dropping slightly but remaining near normal. UK long range weather forecast, Sunday 14 Apr - Tuesday 23 Apr: The weather is likely to remain generally unsettled, at least in the north, with the focus for the most persistent rain and showers across north-western parts of the UK. Here, rain could be heavy at times, especially in upland areas, with some snow mainly over high ground. This colder, northerly flow will possibly give way to something milder from the Atlantic, but timing on this change is uncertain. Windy spells of weather are also likely, particularly in the north. Southern and eastern areas are will see some decent spells of drier weather with some good sunshine at times. While some rain is still likely, this less heavy and much less frequent than recently. Near average temperatures most likely overall, although some cooler interludes at times, especially in the north. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** April Night Sky - highlights: "Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will continue to streak through the skies, reaching an almost-naked-eye magnitude. It'll meet Jupiter mid-month, around about the time the Lyrid meteor shower will also be kicking off – our first shower since early January." 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 *** *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes Lincoln Area Group Talk 18th April 2024: The Life and Legacy of Sir Joseph Banks Paul Scott of the Sir Joseph Banks Society will profile this founding father of British botany and natural history. Plus a brief retrospective on the LoveLincsPlants project. The event is at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2.50 which includes refreshments in the interval. *** 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 *** 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 https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/news-blogs/news/natures-favourites-slideshow-talk/ "Early morning Birdsong". A FREE WALK. Saturday 11th May at 7-30am Prior booking essential. Full details at Full details at https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/news-blogs/blog/early-morning-birdsong-walk/ *** 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 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, 2 Little Gulls, Spotted Redshank, Garganey, 1 drk, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point NNR, Short-eared Owl. Manby Flashes, 2 Garganey. 3/4 Anderby Creek, 2 Spoonbills at Anderby Marsh. Frampton Marsh, Little Gull, Hen Harrier from Bank Viewpoint, Spotted Redshank, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Huttoft Bank, Reed Warbler. Manby Flashes, 3 Garganey 2 drks. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR, Green-winged Teal drk on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. 4/4 Anderby Creek, 2 Spoonbills both ads, at Anderby Marsh. Deeping High Bank, Grey Plover flew over River Welland at Crowland Wash. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, 3 Little Gulls 2 Hen Harriers 1 male from Bank Viewpoint. Freiston Shore, Green-winged Teal drk on reservoir. Manby Flashes, 3 Garganey 2 drks. 5/4 Anderby Creek, 2 Spoonbills both ads, at Anderby Marsh. Covenham Resrvoir, Little Gull ad, 2 Common Scoters. Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James, Glossy Ibis on West Pit. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Hen Harrier, Little Gull. Freiston Shore, Green-winged Teal drk on reservoir. Gibraltar Point NNR, Hen Harrier. Manby Flashes, 2 Garganey. Tetney Marshes, Ring Ouzel male in ploughed field by flood bank. Willow Tree Fen, 2 Hen Harriers both males, in roost, probable Water Pipit. 6/4 Anderby Creek, Garganey drk, 2 Spoonbills both ads, at Anderby Marsh. Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James, Russian White-fronted Goose on East Pit, Glossy Ibis on West Pit. Frampton Marsh, Garganey drk, Little Gull, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point NNR, Blue-headed Wagtail, Swift. Manby Flashes, 3 Garganey, 2 drks. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR, Green-winged Teal drk on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. 7/4 Covenham Reservoir, drk Garganey, Little Gull ad.at South Scrape, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w near car park, Water Pipit at Marsh Farm grassland. Cowbit Wash,Turnstone viewed from Cradge Bank. East Halton Marshes, Ring Ouzel on west side. Frampton Marsh, Little Gull 1w, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park. Gibraltar Point NNR, Serin, Ring Ouzel at north end, 2 Woodlarks flew over, Firecrest along sleeper track at East Dunes., 2 Whimbrels flew south, ringtail Hen Harrier, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR, Scaup fem on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. Washingborough, Swift over sewage treatment plant 12.30pm. Willow Tree Fen, 2 Hen Harriers in roost. 8/4 Anderby Marsh, 2 Spoonbills both ads, 1 flew south. Cowbit Wash, Garganey fem north end, Turnstone, Grey Plover, viewed from Cradge Bank. Frampton Marsh, 2 Little Stints on reedbed, 2 Little Gull at South Scrape, Garganey drk and Lesser Yellowlegs 1w near car park, Black-winged Stilt on North Scrape. Gibraltar Point NNR, Shorelark south of Seacroft Lagoon, 5 Water Pipits Fenland Lagoon, Twite, Glossy Ibis flew to the Plantation. Swanpool, Lincoln, Ring Ouzel male. Trent Port, Woodlark flew over. 9/4 Covenham Reservoir, Arctic Tern. Frampton Marsh, Black-winged Stilt on North Scrape, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Gulls, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w near car park. Gibraltar Point NNR, 2 Hen Harriers, Caspian Gull on beach, Glossy Ibis. Kirkby Moor, Whitethroat male singing. Langtoft Pits, Garden Warbler. North Scarle, Lesser Whitethroat at Lapwing Field, west of Eagle. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR, Swift, 2 Ring Ouzels, both males, flew south over Seaview. 10/4 Frampton Marsh, Little Gull ad., Lesser Yellowlegs 1w near car park, Black-winged Stilt on Marsh Farm grassland. Pyewipe, Spoonbill at far end of Novatis Ings. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 4/4/2024 Andrena fulva q - several. Bombus terrestris q - Buff-tailed Bumblebee - "surveying" garden. Buzzard seen over village to south. Robin 2 Dunnock 2 Wren House Sparrow 6 Blackbird 2m 1f Chaffinch m Wagtail m Starling 12+ up to 20. Jackdaw 8+ Wood Pigeon 8+ Collared Dove 2 Domestic pigeon 6+ up to 9 Black-headed Gull absent 6/6 Badger caught on trailcam - 01.04hrs. 7/4 - trailcam: Hedgehog 01.33hrs. Rat 02.38hrs Mouse spp.- probably woodmouse - 04.11hrs Then later... Hedgehog at 22.13hrs. BARDNEY GARDEN TF117700 Phil and Mary Porter Highlights include: 4th April 2024 Goldfinch apparently sick with the “Greenfinch disease”. We haven’t seen it since and, so far, no other birds seem affected. 5th April 2024 2 brimstone, 2 small white, peacock on marsh marigold 8th April 2024 3 brimstone, 1 Small tortoiseshell, 1 peacock, oystercatcher overhead, buzzard soaring, finches thinning out 9th April 2024 Female great spotted woodpecker, 3 siskins At least one dark-edged bee-fly most days, along with bumblebees and smaller “Andrena”-type bees. Hairy-footed flower bees have been around the dead-nettles and pulmonaria. Still plenty of 7 spot ladybirds about, with several pairs. Green woodpecker still “yaffling” from the grass field at the back on most days, as well as one, sometimes two, blackcaps singing in the garden. BOSTON TF338441 My garden Tracey Lenton After having no sight or sound from my frog, there has been late night croaking and frog spawn has appeared in batches since 1st April. So, I read with interest, Phil Busby's frog question and the reply. My pond has (unusually) blanketweed this spring, I think from being flooded by the heavy rains, soil nutrients have encouraged its growth. I have removed it and hope the frog spawn will be ok. Interesting information, thank you. I, too, have seen a lot of 7-spot ladybirds this spring all around the garden. 29-03-2024 Nursery web spider, minus 2 legs, in nettle patch, id by britishbugs.org.uk who informed me of leg loss from predators. 06/04/2024 Bumble bees, buff-tailed, are commonly seen flying around the garden and often seen crawling on the lawn, maybe hungry or tired, or having respite from the winds? I wonder if the high winds are affecting them? A good day for Peacock butterflies, singly and a pair flying together, braving the winds and basking in the sun, one time clinging to a wind-tossed grape-hyacinth. 08/04/2024 Sunny spells and less windy Brimstone butterfly, likely to be a male as a vivid yellow, flying through garden. Peacock butterfly resting in the sun on forget-me-not. Buff-tailed bumble bee on white blossom tree flowers Several types of hoverflies, including Footballer FRITHVILLE TF298489 08.04.2023 Margaret Westcott Tawny Mining Bee (f) Ashy Mining Bee (m,f) 20 at a guess. Bombus vestalis, (queen) feeding on garden bluebells (with difficulty) Helophilus pendulus, several Green Shield Bug 3 Speckled Wood 1 Peacock 2 Small Tort 1 Green-veined 3 Red Admiral 1 HORKSTOW SE987279 26 March 2024 Two male brimstones in garden. I nearly ran over a brown hare just north of Horkstow. A male sparrowhawk has become a frequent visitor. Bat seen flying around the house on 1 April. A pair of rock doves have been seen a few times in my garden as has a male great spotted woodpecker. SOUTHREY, St. JOHN the DIVINE Church yard TF138666 Phil and Mary Porter 8th April Plants; Cat’s-ear, Ground-ivy; Dandelion, Germander speedwell, Mouse-ear hawkweed, Ribwort, Daisy, White clover, Field wood-rush, Oxeye, Prickly sow-thistle, Dove’s-foot cranesbill, Creeping buttercup, Yarrow, Sorrel, Sheep’s sorrel, Spear thistle, Bird’s-foot trefoil, Nettle, Cut-leafed cranesbill, Common mouse-ear, Red dead-nettle, White dead-nettle, Cow parsley, Ragwort, Cleavers. All in mown grassland. SOUTHREY WATER RAIL WAY TF141662 Phil and Mary Porter 8th April Downstream from Southrey station Birds; Willow Warbler 1, Goldfinch 4, Chaffinch 5, Gadwall 2, Goosander drake, Great tit 1, Stock dove 1, Robin 1, Skylark 6, Wren 2, Blackcap 1. Plants in flower; Common storksbill, Common whitlow-grass, Ground-ivy, Dandelion, Common field speedwell, Green Alkanet, Red dead-nettle, Daisy, Lesser celandine, Field stitchwort, Sticky mouse-ear, Winter-cress, Groundsel, Hairy bittercress, Cuckoo-pint. Mammals; Rabbit 3, Hare 1. SOUTHREY WOOD TF134684 Phil and Mary Porter 10th April Visited Southrey Wood to view the masses of Wood Anemones but found that although the plants are fine, growing under beech, by the acre, the flowering is down by at least 80%, which is something we have never seen before over the last twenty-odd years. Woodland flowers along the northern edge included a few plants of Goldilocks Buttercup, also Lesser Celandine, Bugle, Great Stitchwort, and Wood Forget-me-not. It was only a quick visit, but we couldn’t find Lily of the Valley. Blackcaps were singing strongly and Mary spotted an Orange-tip, our first for the spring. 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 3rd – 9th 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 Note: Extremely warm and very strong south-westerlies on the 6th with a gust of 49.6mph near Sea View, the maximum temperature was 19.75 degrees centigrade. 030424 - Brambling at Sea View and at least 36 siskin flew over in small flocks. 3 blackcap and 1 willow warbler in song Brickyard Lane to Churchill Lane. Fieldfare in scrub north of Sea View. 3 cattle egret with sheep on Rimac corner. Green-winged teal still on wet grassland south of Crook Bank and 3 blackcap in bordering trees. 040424 - 2 ruff flew over Paradise lagoon. Single brambling and 2 siskin at Sea View. 25 brent geese on Rimac beach. 3 cattle egret still at Rimac. 050424 - Single brambling Sea View. Cetti’s warbler calling near Sea View bridge. Brimstone and peacock on the wing. Swallow flew over at Sea View. Cetti’s warbler, willow warbler, little grebe all heard at Churchill Lane. 060424 - 26 redwing flew off grassland in a northerly direction near Sea View, at least 100 siskin flew south in small flocks. Spring beauty in flower on the dunes. Over Sea View, single house martin and swallow plus 2 sand martins. 3 swallows and house martin flew south. Approximately 300 siskin, 100 chaffinch, 4 yellow wagtail and yellowhammer also flew south. 4 Cetti’s warbler, 5 willow warbler, 7 blackcap and 1 sedge warbler between Brickyard Lane and MOD. 2 white wagtail, 2 avocet and little egret on Brickyard Lane saltmarsh. Single cattle egret on Sea View Washlands. Green-winged teal, greenshank, whimbrel, 2 bar-tailed godwit, 90 curlew, 40 redshank and 6 avocet on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. 070424 – 354 siskin, 286 chaffinch, 86 linnet, barnacle goose, 42 black-tailed godwit, 9 rook, 3 house martin, 2 sand martin, 8 swallow and 2 adult Mediterranean gull flew south at Mablethorpe North End early morning. Red kite drifted north-west over Crook Bank. Female scaup on wet grassland south of Crook Bank with tufted ducks and the first wheatear of the spring feeding in rough grassland. 080424 - Willow warbler and blackcap near Sea View car park and grasshopper warbler calling on edge of saltmarsh near Paradise lagoon. Brimstone and green-veined white at Sea View. The first whitethroat of the year singing at Brickyard Lane. 5 wheatear at Rimac pushed off the saltmarsh by a surge tide. 3 cattle egret at Rimac. Cetti’s warbler singing on the Eau between Sea View and Rimac, and 2 grey heron by the river. Adult whooper swan landed on the flooded saltmarsh before flying north, 27 brent goose flew north. 2 Mediterranean gull and numerous displaced waders flew south at Mablethorpe North End and a common scoter flew north. Butterflies – peacock, small tortoiseshell, comma Churchill Lane; brimstone, green-veined white Sea View; 4 peacock, speckled wood Rimac; 2 male orange-tip, brimstone, peacock, green-veined white Brickyard Lane. Swallow over at Rimac. Grasshopper Warbler heard at Rimac, green-woodpecker Sea View. 090424 - Male redstart, briefly, at Sea View. 2 ring ouzel flew south over Sea View having been flushed by a sparrowhawk. Grasshopper warbler reeling intermittently between Sea View and Rimac. 3 cattle egret south of Rimac car park. The first swift of the year, 3 sand martin, 3 swallow, house martin, 2 buzzard, marsh harrier and 3 red kite flew south over Mablethorpe North End, and a raven and sand martin flew north. Willow warbler singing at Crook Bank. Whitethroats in song at Crook Bank and Brickyard Lane. Whimbrel and bar-tailed godwit, 95 curlew, ruff and 10 avocet on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. Butterflies – peacock Sea View; speckled wood Crook Bank. 5 linnet Sea View, 40 shelduck Rimac - Sea View saltmarsh, 2 avocet Sea View washland, grasshopper warbler Sea View Farm, Cetti’s warbler along the Great Eau at Sea View. Frog and toad tadpoles in many water bodies. Other local reserves: 080424 – Toby’s Hill: 3 buzzards flew over, blackcap heard. 090424 – Donna Nook: Single swallow and whitethroat. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 16th April 2024 https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/chambers-farm-wood-butterfly-garden Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Gemma Watkinson writes "This summer, as there are forestry works being undertaken by Forestry England over the summer at Chambers Farm Woods, we will have limited access to the woods this year, and things may need to change at short notice. To manage visitor numbers, we are going to need to limit non-licenced visitors to around 10 people, and will require those who are interested in joining each session to email through to 'sign-up' no later than a week before each session. Please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us. The summer dates we so far have approved with FE for nest box checks are: Saturday 20th April Sunday 19th May Saturday 15th June Sunday 21st July Saturday 17th August As always for the summer sessions, we will meet at 9.30am, and this will be outside the wood centre in the car park, but this may need to change. Looking forward to another dormouse filled summer! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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 https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire: https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf *** For the Geologists *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Mount Etna blows smoke rings from new vent (video) https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-68752290 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 https://lnu.org/publications/books/the-geology-of-lincolnshire/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** Seagrass to be replanted after failed attempt - Tees Estuary https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jxkxjp2qpo Thousands of plastic tubes removed from woodland https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clej0068qnlo The voracious Asian hornet – the invertebrate symbol of our dark times https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/05/asian-yellow-legged-hornet-invertebrate-symbol-of-our-dark-times In praise of bees: the Cupid of the flowering world https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/05/in-praise-of-bees-the-cupid-of-the-flowering-world Blue, mysterious and arriving by the millions: the alien-like creatures blanketing US beaches https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/05/blue-tide-west-coast-beaches Meet the 'Seed Detective' who travels the world's farms to understand local food cultures https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/seed-detective-adam-alexander-travels-world-farms-for-rare-crops *** Mail Fails *** ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/