============================================ || || 27th March 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; Look out for Dark-edged Bee-flies, which are emerging now from the underground-nests of mining bees in sandy ground or hedge-bottoms, where the flies have developed over winter, having stolen the food stored by the solitary bees to feed their own progeny. They are very small brown- furry flies with a very long thin proboscis that visit flowers, hovering and darting away just like hummingbirds. Their beating wings are a complete blur except when they briefly perch, showing the blackish leading edge. Although quite common where the soil is well-drained, the Lincolnshire dot-map of records is sparse, so report them here with a grid reference. If you have not seen them before, check out one of the several on-line videos so that you know what to look for. Bob Sheppard writes; The Len Pick owl camera is up and running again after last week's hiccup. Both birds are often in the box but it will be some time before they lay. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ The female osprey at Loch of Lowes still awaits her partner but he won't be long. She is looking to the skies all the time in anticipation. A tawny owl landed on the nest one night this week but she soon saw it off! She has been catching a variety of fish including trout, salmon and a grayling. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ We still await our first peregrine eggs but there have been a lot of visits to the nest trays at our favourite sites. We are still hopeful for Louth, Grantham and Boston. The Louth peregrine tray is worth keeping an eye on as they will probably lay in less than a week's time. http://www.louthperegrines.org.uk/latest-news.html Finally to update you all on our siskin ringing in Bourne Woods. Alan and I have now ringed over 500 siskins in the past two months as they continue their movement north through the county. Many will end up in Scotland where the ringers up there will hopefully catch some of our birds. Last week I mentioned we had caught an Italian siskin. Well this week I had the pleasure of extracting a Latvian ringed bird. This was only the fourth siskin from there in the history of the ringing scheme! Bumper siskin years don't come round very often. The last big invasion was eleven years ago with a mini year in 2016. This week's mostly-local news stories: Country park set for new management plan https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv2xxxrv3yxo Abandoned Grimsby allotments will be turned into wetland to protect homes from flooding https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/abandoned-grimsby-allotments-turned-wetland-9180513 Humans spread more viruses to other animals than they give to us https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423977-humans-spread-more-viruses-to-other-animals-than-they-give-to-us/ Attaching seaweed spores to used scallop shells could restore UK’s coastal kelp forests https://theconversation.com/attaching-seaweed-spores-to-used-scallop-shells-could-restore-uks-coastal-kelp-forests-224281 Help the GWCT expand their research in the battle to save the Curlew, an iconic wader https://www.gwct.org.uk/news/news/2024/march/help-the-gwct-expand-their-research-in-the-battle-to-save-the-curlew,-an-iconic-wader/?utm_source=All+Contacts&utm_campaign=e7a923abaa-NL-260324-Non-Mem&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dd843c5cb6-e7a923abaa-23177707&mc_cid=e7a923abaa&mc_eid=a606be3ad9 Cosmic cleaners: the scientists scouring English cathedral roofs for space dust https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/mar/17/cosmic-cathedrals-dust-rooftops-planetary-secrets-asteroids-comets Beaver recovering after washing ashore in Kent https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6p4n80w9p5o Plans drawn up for new 1,000-acre wildlife attraction in Rutland https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-68555344 Lincolnshire earmarked for more energy projects https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cyjzpxp1v3wo Ant queens have good reasons for eating their own babies https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423685-ant-queens-have-good-reasons-for-eating-their-own-babies/ What Climate Change Means for Your Garden https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-climate-change-means-for-your-garden/ 'Cheesemaker's dream' as Snowdrop wins top award https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3gez1jygdpo Asian hornets that can eat up to 50 honeybees a day could 'wreak havoc' if they become established in UK, expert warns https://uk.yahoo.com/news/asian-hornets-eat-50-honeybees-213800450.html 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#? 31 March to 9 April Easter Sunday likely to be one of the more settled days of late, at least initially with plenty of dry and bright conditions, especially across northern and eastern areas. Still a chance of some showers developing through the day, these most likely in south and west, but less frequent than recent days, with temperatures generally above average. Into the following week, another area of low pressure pushes in from the south with further unsettled, changeable weather dominating throughout. All areas are likely to see further rain or showers at times, with some drier spells in between. The wettest weather will tend to favour the south whilst northern parts remain a bit drier on average. In general temperatures around average, occasionally cooler in the north, and milder in south. *** 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 March Night Sky - highlights: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/astronomy/night-sky-highlights-march-2024 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/astronomy/night-sky-highlights-april-2024 (available soon) 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 *** *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: "Looking for Signs of Spring Walk in Weelsby Woods" On Saturday 30th March 24 the Grimsby and LWT Cleethorpes Area Group invite you to join them on a walk around Weelsby Woods, Grimsby Looking for signs of spring with Graham Hicks. Meet Graham at 8am in the car parking area Grid Ref. TA28590742 nearest postcode DN33 8PW Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For more information, please contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890 *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** 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 *** have announced two evening Jeremy Eyeons writes 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 19/3 Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park. Freiston Shore, Scaup on lagoon, Spotted Redshank. 20/3 Covenham Reservoir, Smew ad drk. Cowbit Wash, 2 Turnstones from Cradge Bank. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm grassland, 2 Garganey, 1 drk. 21/3 Covenham Reservoir, Smew ad drk. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm grassland, Garganey. Freiston Shore, Scaup on lagoon, Garganey, 22/3 Covenham Reservoir, 50+ Little Gulls, Smew ad drk. Cowbit Wash, 5 Turnstones from Cradge Bank. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm grassland, Little Stint, Hen Harrier. Freiston Shore, Scaup on lagoon. Gibraltar Point, Hawfinch flew over, Woodlark flew south, Male Hen Harrier. Late report of 2 Woodlarks, Hawfinch male, Hen Harrier and 2 Waxwings in East Dunes. Huttoft Bank, Bewick's Swan flew south past Marsh Farm car park. 23/3 Covenham Reservoir, Smew ad drk, 15 Little Gulls. Cowbit Wash, 5 Turnstones fron Cradge Bank. Deeping High Bank, Crowland Wash, 26+ Knot, then flew north towards Cowbit Wash. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm grassland with Teal, Scaup drk, Hen Harrier. Gibraltar Point, 2 Waxwings, Woodlark. Halton Marshes, Yellow Wagtail on 1st flood. Whisby, Black-necked Grebe at Thorpe Landfill quarry on lake at Job's Lane. 24/3 Covenham Reservoir, Smew as drk at north side, 2 Avocet. Frampton Marsh, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm grassland with Teal. Gibraltar Point, Hen Harrier and Water Pipit flew north over Old Saltmarsh, 2 Woodlarks, Hawfinch male, 2 Waxwings in East Dunes, Firecrest at North Building Ridge. Tongue End NE of Baston Fen, 2 Short-eared Owls in field by South fen Road, Cattle Egret. Whisby, Black-necked Grebe at Thorpe Landfill quarry on lake at Job's Lane. 25/3 Deeping Lakes, Glossy Ibis on West Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James. Frampton Marsh, 5 Common Cranes flew SW over, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park, ringtail Hen Harrier over saltmarsh, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm grassland with Teal. Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR, Green-winged Teal drk on wet grassland south of Crook bank car park. New Waltham, WSE of Humberston. Mealey Redpoll on feeder at Finley Crescent in garden. 26/2 Deeping Lakes, Glossy Ibis on West Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James. Frampton Marsh, Little Stint, Russian White-fronted Goose, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm grassland, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w at south end of visitor car park. Gibraltar Point, 2 Water Pipits, ringtail Hen Harrier, Spoonbill. Manby Flashes, SE of Manby. 2 Garganey. Withern, Cattle Egret at Great Eau by A157. Covenham Reservoir, Smew ad drk, fem Common Scoter. Whisby, Black-necked Grebe at Thorpe Landfill quarry on lake at Job's Lane. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 22/3/2024 Andrena fulva f on bare earth in lawn. 24/3/2024 Pied Wagtail m +f Blue Tit 2 Dunnock Wren Robin 2 House Sparrow 4 Blackbird 2m Chaffinch Starling 12+ Jackdaw 8+ Wood Pigeon 8+ Collared Dove 2 Domestic pigeon 9 Black-headed Gull 8+ 24/3 Fresh Hedgehog droppings in garden. Wagtail f spent half an hour "time out" in garden 3pm watching the world go by! Maybe he had a job? Pair of Red-legged Partridge through garden 5pm! And again on 25.3. BARDNEY GARDEN Grid ref TF 117701 Mary and Phil Porter Week beginning Tuesday 19th March 2024 We bought a new, tall iron pedestal bird feeding station to allow more flexibility as the ground beneath the trees was getting worn and possibly would encourage germs etc. We also wanted to get a clearer view from the house so we could get a better idea of rodent numbers! Mary put a trailcam out which spotted one very fat rat (we know it can’t be the only one) and two very energetic squirrels, which have also decimated the lovely tubs of bulbs around the garden, concentrating on crocuses, but destroying all other bulbs in the process. The better views have clearly shown that we have MANY chaffinches in the garden, with x10 being seen from the window alone. There have been quite a few squabbles, not just amongst the chaffinches, but the goldfinches too. There seem less house sparrows about, and no sign this week of the two tree sparrows spotted last week. Other birds included: Chiffchaffs calling. Two heard. Approx 5 siskins, the males showing beautifully in the sunshine. (No redpolls noticed this week) Approx x4 greenfinches. X2 long-tailed tits X2 robins X4 male blackbirds and only x1 female blackbird spotted at any one time. They may already be sitting on eggs. At least one very busy wren. Possibly another one spotted flying out of ivy covering an old shed. X1 great spotted woodpecker (couldn’t make out the sex) At least 6 jackdaws X6 wood pigeons X1 song thrush singing from bottom of garden Blue tits building a nest in the box by the kitchen window. A great tit was going in and out of a nearby box but we haven’t seen it at the latter part of this week. Sadly, no sign of starlings nesting. We usually have two pairs, one each corner of the roof. We had repairs done to a small section of the roof last year. Would this have been enough to put them off? Distant green woodpecker heard from behind the back garden. X1 hairy-footed bumble bee seen on the pulmonaria At least one buff-tailed bumble bee busy looking for nest sites X2 brimstone butterflies X1 peacock butterfly X1 common wasp sp on the warm side of the Leylandii hedge Many 7 spot ladybirds X1 22 spot ladybird Celandines full out in the sunshine BOSTON TF339447 Tracey Lenton 21/03/2024 20:13 hrs  Hedgehog (alive) seen on Ashlawn Drive. I had to drive around it to avoid it; a reminder to be alert when driving in the dark, now that they are out of hibernation. BOSTON TF338441 My garden Tracey Lenton Birds Blackbirds are polishing off ivy berries. They have been singing an evening chorus at dusk in the last couple of weeks. One pair has settled in the garden, the male has a stumpy/no tail. I have gone back through my video films and there was a blackbird born in 2022 with such a tail, I wonder if it's the same bird as I've not observed this before. Dunnock singing loudly these days. No sign of the Robin since 01-03-2024, has it gone in search of a mate? Bumble bees  I see the odd one or two bumble bees, look like buff-tailed but often too quick to identify 24-03-2024 Common carder bee, i.d. from video as resting in the sun. Butterflies 16/03/2024 First butterfly sighting - Comma. Seen again 19/03/2023 feeding on heather, looking beautifully pristine. Frogs 16/03/2024 First sighting of frog, later in the day there were 2 mating. 19/03/2024 Another check on the pond - 2 mating, 1 alone  No spawn as yet. 25/03/2024  Still no spawn, frogs seem to have disappeared. Hedgehogs 26/03/2024 Hedgehogs visit the garden nightly, either seen or food disappears. There is usually an early hedgehog but I woke in the night 3:15am and food had not gone, then within minutes a hedgehog arrived.  Flowers My garden is full of the blues of spring flowers, forget-me-nots, grape hyacinths, violets. Yellow of dandelions and marsh marigold in the pond. COLLEGE WOOD, APLEY R + A Parsons 24/3/2024 Deer barking and deer slots on mud, large and small Buzzard 2 Comma butterfly 2-3 Several small Bee-flies Many Mining bees - Andrena spp Hoverfly spp DUNSTON TF065631 Steve Green 19/3/24 We became aware over the weekend of 16/17th March of a pair of Blackbirds taking food into our hedge and feeding nestlings already. Careful inspection showed the chicks to be very well developed. Tuesday 19th and they've fledged! We have two baby blackbirds hiding away in the garden being fed by the parents. HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 20 March 2024 There’s a small flock of long tailed tits in my garden and they seem to be fascinated by windows. I have a small pottery workshop and lately when I’ve been in there one window in particular attracts them where they perch on the frame and tap the glass. They’re also doing it to a small house window. I even caught one collecting spiders web from inside my open greenhouse. A wren has been nest building in ivy attached to the house and a male siskin continues to visit a feeder. It’s aggressive in seeing off others, including goldfinches, which are themselves quite fierce! 24 March 2024 I was just about to pull the curtains this evening when I thought I saw a bat so I waited and sure enough it (they) appeared again. It’s the first time this year and I believe earlier than last year. On Friday, we saw a brown hare in the field opposite the house, first for quite a while. MESSINGHAM Phil and Mary Porter 22/03/24 Our friend in Messingham sent us a photo of a strange bird that had just crashed into her patio window this morning; it was a woodcock! Happily, it soon recovered and flew. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 21/03/24 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 12 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Magpie x 3 Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 2 Rabbit x 2 SOUTHREY WOOD GR TF130680 Mary and Phil Porter 24th March 2024 A sunny morning with blue skies and a chilly wind. Many chiffchaffs calling and one or two showing well at the tops of willows, which were full flower. Blackthorn blossom fully out and showing very well. Chaffinches, robins and wrens singing X1 peacock butterfly, with a bird’s beak “nick” out of one wing. X1 brimstone butterfly Buzzards calling over-head One hare ran across the path Wood anemones and primroses fully out in the open, sunny areas, especially those kept clear in the Butterfly Conservation coppiced sections. Phil spotted a wild arum with yellowish spots on the leaves which turned out to be arum rust. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 16.03.24 Barn Owl x 1 01:15hrs Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 3 over Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 2 checking out hole nest box on back of stables Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Cormorant x 1 wing drying on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 15 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling 01:50hrs Long-tailed Tit x 2 Magpie x 3 Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 2 Stock Dove x 3 Skylark x 2 singing over Thurnholmes Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:30hrs Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 2 Grey Squirrel x 1 17/03/24 Common Pipistrelle x 2 19:00hrs (45hz) 25/03/24 Blackbird x 3 Blue Tit x 1 in and out of nest box with nesting materials Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 14 Great Tit x 1 Greenfinch x 1 Greylag Goose x 3 over Thurnholmes Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Pied Wagtail x 2 Robin x 1 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:15hrs Wood Pigeon x 3 including one that had been predated with head and most of breast eaten Yellowhammer x 1 Rabbit x 1 Bee Fly Bombylius major x 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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  20th – 26th March 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 200324 – Adult kittiwake on the beach at Crook Bank. 3 displaying meadow pipit parachute diving around Crook Bank outer dunes and 10+ skylark in song. 5 singing chiffchaff between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane, 5 between Brickyard Lane and Sear’s Track, 2 between Sear’s Track and Crook Bank and a further 2 just south of Crook Bank. Little ringed plover on wet grassland south of Crook Bank. Song thrush carrying nest material and shelduck prospecting rabbit hole nest sites in Crook Bank dunes. 7 redwing Mablethorpe North End dunes. At least 3 lapwing and 4 redshank displaying at Elm House Farm. 210324 – 9 chiffchaff between Rimac and MOD. Grey wagtail flew north and 350 starling, 5 siskin, 2 yellowhammer and 30 chaffinch flew south. 2 avocet, 2 pintail and 80 redshank Rimac saltmarsh lagoon. 5 cattle egret Rimac entrance. Peregrine and sparrowhawk in flight over Rimac. Red kite flew low over Sea View Washlands eating food from its talons in flight. Male hen harrier landed on Elm House Farm grassland. 2 porpoises swimming south c400m offshore from Brickyard Lane. Sweet violets in flower near Paradise wood. Paradise lagoon: 4 avocets, 10 tufted duck, 32 teal, 4 mallard, 7 shoveler, 4 gadwall and 6 redshank. 4 siskin at Sea View. 220324 – 49 meadow pipit, 53 linnet and 2 grey heron flew north early morning; and a first winter Bewick’s swan and 16 siskin flew south. 2 chiffchaff singing and a bullfinch at Mablethorpe North End dunes. 2 cattle egret at Rimac. 2-3 house sparrow around Brickyard Lane. Buzzard pair displaying around Churchill Lane. 9 chiffchaff and 2 Cetti’s warbler singing between Brickyard Lane and Churchill Lane. 109 golden plover roosting on Churchill Lane foreshore and 13 snipe on Brickyard Lane saltmarsh. 2 great white egret, 2 avocet and 2 pintail Rimac lagoon late afternoon. Sea View washlands: 37 shoveler, 69 teal, 110 wigeon, 3 mallard, 8 tufted duck, 1 pintail, 2 coot, 2 moorhen, 7 little egrets, 52 redshank, 1 black-tailed godwit, 5 lapwing, 6 curlew, 4 greylag and 5 Canada geese. 230324 – Short-eared owl on Brickyard Lane saltmarsh. 26 golden plover Churchill Lane foreshore. 240324 – 3 cattle egret opposite Rimac entrance. 41 golden plover, 6+ displaying lapwing, 8 redshank and immature male marsh harrier Elm House Farm. Sea View washlands: 72 wigeon, 57 drake shoveler, 83 teal, 6 tufted duck, 6 mallard, 2 shelduck, 6 coot, 4 greylag, 5 Canada geese, 8 lapwing, 2 avocets, 4 oystercatchers, 9 curlew and 2 cattle egrets. 250324 – Drake Green-winged Teal on wet grassland south of Crook Bank, also white wagtail, 3 redwing and little ringed plover. Rock/water pipit flew up from Crook Bank dune slack and flew south. 78 curlew and 58 dunlin roosting near the old tank at high tide. 3 cattle egret adjacent to Rimac car park and a peregrine flew east over the dunes. 3 siskin and of note a pair of house sparrows at Sea View. 260324 - Wildfowl numbers falling on Sea View washlands with 46 wigeon, 54 teal, 21 shoveler plus 2 gadwall, 4 mallard, 17 curlew, 2 redshank, 6 lapwing, 2 cattle egrets and 2 greylags. Peacock and brimstone butterflies at Sea View and small tortoiseshell at Rimac. Marsh harriers at Sea View and Churchill Lane. Several chiffchaff calling at Sea View, Rimac and Churchill Lane and skylarks in song. A common lizard was seen basking in the sun at Churchill Lane. Field mouse-ear now in flower at Sea View. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** Attaching seaweed spores to used scallop shells could restore UK’s coastal kelp forests https://theconversation.com/attaching-seaweed-spores-to-used-scallop-shells-could-restore-uks-coastal-kelp-forests-224281 Help the GWCT expand their research in the battle to save the Curlew, an iconic wader https://www.gwct.org.uk/news/news/2024/march/help-the-gwct-expand-their-research-in-the-battle-to-save-the-curlew,-an-iconic-wader/?utm_source=All+Contacts&utm_campaign=e7a923abaa-NL-260324-Non-Mem&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dd843c5cb6-e7a923abaa-23177707&mc_cid=e7a923abaa&mc_eid=a606be3ad9 This 2,000-year-old Roman helmet used to look like a ‘rusty bucket’. Now it’s restored almost to its former glory https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/roman-cavalry-helmet-2000-years-old/ Gamechanger' Scottish wildlife law passes final vote https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-68619141 Organic farms seem to trigger more pesticide use on conventional farms https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423491-organic-farms-seem-to-trigger-more-pesticide-use-on-conventional-farms/ Amazingly preserved Bronze Age village reveals life in ancient England https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423158-amazingly-preserved-bronze-age-village-reveals-life-in-ancient-england/ Fluffy beetle discovered in Australia may be the world's hairiest https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423568-fluffy-beetle-discovered-in-australia-may-be-the-worlds-hairiest/ *** Mail Fails *** John Clarke - soft bounces. ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/