============================================ || || Wildnews Bulletin 23rd April 2025 || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU: http://lnu.org/ || || Please email Editor on: philporterento@outlook.com || ============================================ 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. ============================================ New readers, If you are enjoying the Bulletin, have not yet registered (free), and would like to receive it weekly by email, visit the LNU website https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ Reports here are open. They are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union; Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Compare earlier years/months. Past Bulletins archive [in text format] from 2009: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. INFORMATION, EVENTS, NEWS AND REQUESTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: Jenny Haynes writes of a Goldcrest singing in her Horkstow garden Christmas Tree. In Bardney, Mary and I are getting Goldcrest song regularly in our garden this year, as in several previous ones. We have a lot of garden trees and a Leylandi conifer hedge, also a tallish Juniper tree, but no 'needle' conifers like her Christmas tree. The feel of the garden doesn't suggest Goldcrest territory although Ivy is 'out of control' in the crowns of two or three trees and adds a certain evergreen effect. Using my mobile phone app, we have located Goldcrest song in at least two other locations in the village where there are random tall conifer hedges and there are others to check. I'm wondering if Goldcrests are becoming suburban birds, more common than we suspect. Phil Porter's email is: philporterento@outlook.com Roger Parsons' email is: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk The Bulletin Portal is available again. Maintenance completed. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Past Bulletins archive [in text format] from 2009. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar22.txt Bourne Barn Owl - Len Pick Trust Owl Project This is a static image from the owl tower, which is updated every 10 minutes. Refresh your browser page to see the latest image! https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/ BTO's tracked Cuckoos Latest updates https://www.bto.org/cuckoos Lock of the Lowes SWT Webcam Keep watching developments https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/ Learn a new species and boost Lincolnshire’s natural history record! Colin Smith, LNU President-elect writes… A core function of the LNU is to encourage wildlife recording. We would like everyone’s help to fill in the recording gaps for some of the more common Lincolnshire species. Each fortnight we will introduce a species with a link to a current distribution map and details of the species to look out for. Please look out for the species in your area or when you are out and about in the County. You can record what you see on iRecord at https://irecord.org.uk/ This is the LNU’s chosen digital platform for biological recording. It is free to register with and easy to use, but if you have any difficulty get in touch via the LNU website and we will try to help. There is a comprehensive guide to getting started on the iRecord home page above. Click on Help. After a month, details of the records received and an updated map will be Issued here on your Bulletin. On iRecord, you will have access to millions of wildlife records from across the UK, and will be able to organise your own records within its database. Please do join in and record these species and any others you find. Take the best close-up picture you can Thanks to those who added records for our previous map filling species. We received 57 records from 36 recorders for the Dark-edged Beefly Bombylius major Please do join in as all records are valuable and help our understanding of the county's changing natural history. The next species is the Common Green Shieldbug Palomena prasina This shieldbug is often seen sitting on vegetation from the ground up to tree height. They inhabit most areas from gardens, through farmland to woodland. The adults hibernate and will be feeding up now ready to produce the next generation. Pictures and further information can be found on the British Bugs website:- https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Pentatomidae/palomena_prasina.html LNU has been contacted by the Postal Microscopical Society as follows; To whom it may concern I am contacting you about the forthcoming open microscope meeting On Saturday 10th May at Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, and hope that you can bring it to the attention of your members. This meeting is run by the Postal Microscopical Society. The venue is the Turville Memorial Hall, Welford Road, Husbands Bosworth, LE17 6JX. The start time is 9.30 am. You can come or go as you feel free, and there is ample parking. Tea and coffee are available all day. There is a Public House opposite the hall, and a shop nearby that does sandwiches, pasties etc. Please feel free to invite anyone you think would benefit from attending. Such meetings only succeed if there are enough participants to make it worthwhile for us all. In the morning there will be displays and sales, and in the afternoon a practical session on mounting pollen. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to pick up used microscopes, often very good models at very keen prices, as well as accessories, books and other items, and often the subject matter strays widely from what we might think of as microscopy. There is a wealth of experience and expertise within the microscope community, so anyone seeking advice may gain from attending. I do hope that you will be able to join us. If you have any questions, then do not hesitate to ask. Kind regards Mike Samworth podophyra@gmail.com Secretary and Circuit Secretary Postal Microscopical Society http:///www.postal-microscopical-society.org.uk *** This week's mostly-local news stories: *** Three peregrine falcon chicks hatch at Cathedral https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpq7y323j7no The curious case of the Good Friday statue washing - Glentham https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2jmlq2gq6o Castle grounds closed due to further 'debris' - Tattershall https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c89gd0z0n9go University reopens after unauthorised camp moved - Lincoln https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0l06z892p5o Blaze tears through barns and stables - New York. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm24zdw0ke9o https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/eight-fire-engines-scene-multiple-10113483 Illegal encampment forces way into woodland -Boston https://bostonvibe.co.uk/2025/04/14/illegal-encampment-forces-way-into-woodland/ Work on new reservoir could get under way in 2031 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y49j90331o Man charged over birds of prey poisonings https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn5xl4kwe7qo New exhibit to explore lost treasures of cathedral https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8x8r0lleyxo Predation Control: Can closed seasons work? https://www.gwct.org.uk/blogs/news/2025/april/predation-control-can-closed-seasons-work/ *** Weather News and Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#? East Midlands weather forecast Thursday 24th April - Sunday 27th April Headline: Overnight rain dying out Wednesday morning. Brighter by afternoon. Thursday: Thursday morning probably starting dull and cloudy. Cloud thinning and breaking to bright or sunny spells in afternoon. A fine evening. Maximum temperature 17 °C. Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Friday bright for most before becoming cloudier. Chance of some rain or showers by Saturday morning otherwise another bright day. Sunday fine with sunny spells. Temperatures near or above average. UK long range weather forecast Sunday 27th April - Tuesday 6 May Starting off with something of a northwest to southeast split; higher pressure located towards the southeast should bring fine and increasingly warm conditions across at least southern UK, whilst there is a greater chance of periods of cloud, rain and stronger winds affecting the north. There will be fine weather here at times as well too however. There's a small chance that fine and very warm weather could extend right across the country early next week, but it's more likely that cloud/rain in the northwest will sink southeast introducing more changeable and cooler conditions for a time mid-week. It then becomes roughly equal chances that we see a resumption of mainly fine and dry conditions versus a continuation of more changeable weather with a mixture of rain and drier interludes. *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** Scientists find 'strongest evidence yet' of life on distant planet https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39jj9vkr34o The truth about life on other planets - and what it means for humans https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8jwj90ejno Night Sky - RMG - highlights - Venus at its brightest on 24th! https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/night-sky-highlights-april-2025 Full Moons: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/full-moon-calendar Meteor shower date - next big one April Lyrids 16-25 April - peak 22nd. https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide BBC Sky at Night Magazine website https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news *** EVENTS *** *** Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Field Meeting *** Wilder Doddington on Sunday 27th April Doddington, west of Lincoln. 11.00 for 12.00 start and finish about 16.00. Car parking at the Main Car Park, Doddington Hall. Habitat: Woodland Leader: Luke Hartley 07399 322211 hartley026@gmail.com Grid reference: SK 90172 70077 What3Words: fastening.repayment.overjoyed Nearest postcode: LN6 4RT *** Grimsby RSPB group *** Our local Grimsby RSPB group have arranged a talk for Monday the 28th of April at 7.30pm at The Holy Trinty Church Hall, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7LH. The talk will be on ‘Northern Goshawks from Yorkshire to Berlin’ and delivered by Richard Baines, Birding and Wildlife Guide. The group charges £5 per person which includes Refreshments. Further details https://group.rspb.org.uk/grimsby/news-blogs/blog/forthcoming-events/ *** THE SCUNTHORPE AND BRIGG LOCAL GROUP OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST *** The next meeting will be the last before our "outdoor season" of meetings and will include the AGM followed by an illustrated talk by Rolf Williams, a well-known wildlife conservation enthusiast, on "The Nature of Conservation on the North Kent Marshes". Rolf has presented this talk nationally to other wildlife groups with wide acclaim. Now, Rolf is a Lincoln school teacher with a PGCE from Canterbury Christ Church University. He continues to be an avid wildlife explorer and is immersed in Lincolnshire’s RAF legacy. Motivated to inspire others to engage with the world around them, Rolf has melded science, technology, arts, and media. Graduating from Middlesex University in 1990 with a degree in Scientific Illustration, he has applied his skills to diverse design work. Do not miss this exceptional talk. PLEASE NOTE THE DATE which is Thursday, 24th April, two weeks later than "normal" for our LWT meetings which are normally arranged for the 2nd Thursday of the month. The AGM is extra special this year as we need to appoint a new Chairperson and also a new secretary. ALL ARE WECOME TO OUR MEETINGS which start at 7.30pm and take place in the small hall of St Hugh's Church, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2AG. There is free parking at the Church, also in the Old Brumby United Church opposite, and on the nearby roadside. There is a £2.50 entry charge to the meeting which includes light refreshments at the mid-talk break. *** GRIMSBY and CLEETHORPES LWT *** Morning Walk around Freshney Bog On Saturday 26th April you are invited to join the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group on a morning walk around Freshney Bog, Grimsby with Graham Hicks. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES WE HAVE HAD TO CANCEL OUR FRESHNEY BOG WALK IN GRIMSBY ON SATURDAY 26TH APRIL. *** SOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE RSPB GROUP*** "Waders of The Wash". An illustrated Slideshow Talk by local RSPB Volunteer and photographer Jeremy Eyeons showcasing the wide variety of waders which can be found around the Wash estuary. Wednesday 24th September 2025 at 7-30pm at Boston Tennis Club. Full details at https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/ *** SOUTH LINCS RSPB GROUP *** has announced the dates for their 2025 programme of "Bird and Seal Watching Cruises" aboard The Boston Belle into The Wash estuary. There are 12 cruises scheduled for 2025 starting on Easter Monday and ending in October. Full details including availability, dates, costs, booking etc. are on the website. https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/ 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 14/4/2025 Alkborough Flats, American Wigeon drk on flood south of flooded road. 2 Glossy Ibises briefly. Far Ings, 2 Ring Ouzels on south side. Frampton Marsh, Garganey, Spoonbill. Gibraltar Point, 2 Common Cranes flew over Croftmarsh. Saltfleetby, Ring Ouzel in field at New Inn Caravan Park. Swanpool, Hoopoe in garden at Almond Crescent. 15/4/2025 Alkborough Flats, Scaup drk from Prospect Hide. Baston Langtoft Pits, Spoonbill on east side of Wader Pit. Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas Tree Farm at South Fen Road. Croft Marsh, 2 Common Cranes in field SW of Cowbank Lane. Covenham Reservour, 12 Arctic Terns. Frampton Marsh, 6 Arctic Terns. Gibraltar Point, 2 Common Cranes on Croftmarsh, then flew west. 16/4/2025 Anderby Creek, 3 Spoonbills and Ring Ouzel at Anderby Marsh. Covenham Reservoir, Little Gull. Langtoft, Ring-necked Duck 1w drk at West End GPs viewed from Greatford Cut. Gibraltar Point, 2 Common Cranes on Moat Scrape. Huttoft Bank, 2 Ring Ouzels. 17/4/2025 Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas Tree Farm at South Fen Road. Gibraltar Point, Water Pipit, 2 Spoonbills, 18/4/2025 Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas Tree Farm at South Fen Road. Gibraltar Point, Blue-headed Wagtail flew south over; 2 Woodlarks. Humberston, fem Ring Ouzel along South Sea Lane in horse paddock. Langtoft. Ring-necked duck 1w drk at West End GPs viewed from Greatford Cut. Mablethorpe Beach, 2 Spoonbills flew south over. Messinghan Sand Quarry, Garganey drk opposite Scallow Drove Farm. 19/4/2025 Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas Tree Farm at South Fen Road. East Halton Skitter, Spotted Redshank ad. Frampton Marsh, Spotted Redshank, 2 Spoonbills. Gainsborough, 2 Arctic Terns flew north over. Gibraltar Point, Spoonbill on Tennyson's Sands.. Messingham Sand Quarry, Garganey drk opposite Scallow Drove Farm. 20/4/2025 Anderby Creek, Spoonbill. Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas Tree Farm at South Fen Road. Far Ings, Ring Ouzel. Gibraltar Point, Ring Ouzel flew along West Dunes. Langtoft, Ring-necked Duck 1w drk at West End GPs viewed from Greatford Cut. Humberstone, Ring Ouzel along Sea Lane in horse paddock. Messingham Sand Quarry, Garganey drk opposite Scallow Drove Farm. Sleaford, 7 Spoonbills flew west over. Stallingborough, Spoonbill at Cress Marsh. 21/4/2025 Baston Langtoft Pits, 38 Arctic Terns at Wader Pit. then flew NE. Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas Tree Farm at South Fen Road. Frampton Marsh, Green-winged Teal drk at Marsh Farm from Cross Bank. Gibraltar Point, Spoonbill. Humberstone, Ring Ouzel along Sea Lane in horse paddock. Langtoft, Ring-necked Duck 1w drk at West End GPs viewed from Greatford Cut. Messingham Sand Quarry, Garganey drk opposite Scallow Drove Farm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. TETNEY - Station Rd TA 140152 18:04:2025 Peter Crick Young Deer by gateway A180 EAST BOUND - west of Luxmore service station Ta 160141 19:04:2025 Peter Crick Young Fox by roadside Request from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue Can You Help Us? We’re mapping wildlife fatality hotspots on roads to help improve safety for both animals and drivers. Over time, this data could support efforts to work with local authorities to make high-risk areas safer. If you come across a deceased animal or are aware of one, please report the location—when it’s safe to do so—by: Dropping a pin on the map provided Sharing a What3Words location Providing the street name While we are unable to collect deceased wildlife, your information could help prevent future incidents. Thank you! Please share to help spread the word. Report deceased wildlife on the link below: https://form.jotform.com/.../report-roadside-deceased... *** County Wildlife Reports from Readers *** We rely on readers to send in observations and welcome records from everyone, experts to beginners. Please keep your reports coming. AINSLIE PARK, GRIMSBY TA272089 Phil Porter 16th April 2025 A small sample of Diptera (true flies) in damp grass and old reed stems revealed Syntormon pallipes, (Dolichopidae), Scathophaga furcata (Dung-fly), Rhamphomyia sulcatella (Dance-fly), Delia platura (Bean Seed Fly), Hebecnema nigra, and Schoenomyza litorella (both Muscidae). Also a Slender Groundhopper. BARDNEY - THE GREEN TF120694 R + A Parsons w/o 21/4/25 Blackbird 2m.1f Chaffinch f Collared Dove 3 Domestic Pigeon 8+ Dunnock 2 Goldfinches - 2+ House Sparrow 10+ Jackdaw 12+ Pied Wagtail m and f Robin 2 Starling flock 12+ Wood Pigeon 7 Wren Grey Squirrel at bird feeder on 18th after long interval Hedgehog activity Adult hedgehog most nights. On trailcam: 17/4 @ 01.14-01.18hrs; 21/4 @ 03.29hrs. Badger activity Regular Badger on trail camera - squeezes through gap under garden gate. Bat activity Bats @ 55kHz detected between 18.30 and 21.00hrs most evenings. BARDNEY GARDEN TF117700 Phil and Mary Porter 21st April 2025 A Willow Warbler sang for a while in the garden and Goldcrest song now daily. I glimpsed a Slender Groundhopper in long grass. A Song Thrush and Blackbirds gratefully taking worms after rain. Both sexes of our two pairs of Blackbirds have been at loggerheads lately. Noisy juvenile Blackbirds lurking mostly unseen. Mary heard an evening Cuckoo in the distance. Chaffinch is probably the commonest garden bird, backed up by Greenfinch and Goldfinch. Over the week, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and ‘whites’ have turned up sporadically but there has been a general lack of butterflies. A wasp was chewing wood fibres on the garage door. BARTON UPON HUMBER COUNTRY PARK walk to Yacht club from car park 15:00hrs Temp 10oC, cold east wind Peter Crick 19:04:2025 Long-tailed Tit 1 Wren 1 Chaffinch 4 Canada Geese 2 Greylag 4 Reed Warbler Cetti’s Warbler 1 Sedge Warbler Coot Tufted Duck Swallow 5 BARTON TILE WORKS Angela Buckle 17th April 2025 Five Swallows BOSTON My garden TF338441 Tracey Lenton 18/04/2025 Speckled Wood and Holly Blue. 21/04/2025 The blackbird fledglings are thriving. I have seen them daily. There are 2 youngsters, the male parent is still feeding them a lot, either in the tree or sometimes they come down on the lawn to peck around or be fed by dad. They have discovered the bird bath for drinking and bathing, it's not too far from the tree for them to fly to and from. The female parent is around but not seen very often. CLEETHORPES, BUCK BECK (BELVOIR RD) Temp 10c cold east wind TA 303070 Peter Crick 20:04:2025 Little Egret 1 Pheasant 2 Robin 2 Linnet 2> Crow 4 Blackbird 2 Goldfinch 2> Greenfinch 2 Magpie 5> Curlew 3> Cetti’s Warbler 1 Common Whitethroat 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Cabbage White 2 FAR INGS Angela Buckle 20th April Shining cranesbill, Field pepperwort, Lesser sea spurrey, Thyme-leaved speedwell HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 9 April 2025 Brown hare running across the field opposite. A goldcrest was feeding in our Christmas tree. We’ve seen one more frequently this year than previously, and later in the year. We’ve seen two young chaffinches in the garden this week. 10 April 2025 Orange tip and brimstone butterflies and chiffchaff singing in my garden. Beefly in my greenhouse. I was able to identify it because I had looked it up after reading others mentioning it in the Bulletin. 12 April 2025 The chiffchaff continues to sing, mainly from a flowering cherry tree. I saw three orange tips and several small white butterflies. The bats were out flying at dusk. 20 April 2025 Unidentified owl seen flying across our garden. LANGFORD LOWFIELDS nr. Collingham SK821601 Brenda Edlington 18/4/2025 Avocets 30+ (on phase 3 viewed from perimeter public footpath) Bittern booming Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed gull Blue tit Buzzard Canada geese Cetti's warbler heard Chaffinch Chiffchaff Common whitethroat Coot Cormorant Crow Dunnock Egyptian geese Gadwall Goldfinch Great crested grebe Great white egret Greylag geese Heron Kestrel Lapwing Little egret Long-tailed tit Magpie Mallard Mute swan Oystercatcher Pheasant Pochard Robin Sand martin Sedge warbler Shelduck Shoveler Skylark Song thrush Sparrowhawk Swallow Teal Tufted duck Willow warbler Wood pigeon Wren Butterflies Green-veined white Orange tip Peacock Speckled wood LINWOOD WARREN TF133876 Colin Smith 21/4/25 Cuckoo calling NETTLEHAM TF 005756 Brenda Edlington 6/4/2025 First Holly blue 12/4/2025 First Orange tip First bluebells in flower At least 3 hedgehogs on camera recognisable by their white markings or lack of them NETTLETON GRANGE GAME FARM Ben Jacob Saturday 19/4/25 A cucumber spider (Araniella sp) on my car. Only id to generic level Sunday 20/4/25 A goldcrest foraging amongst the branches of redwood tree SCOTGROVE WOOD - Bardney Limewoods NNR TF130703 R & A Parsons 24/4/2024 10.00-11.00hrs Roe Deer calling. 2 Speckled Wood butterflies. Plant list: Chickweed [Common?] Dandelion Daisy Dead Nettle - Red and White. Dog's Mercury Forget-me not sp. Garlic - wild Ground Ivy Lesser Celandine Primrose Self-heal Shepherd 's Purse Stitchwort sp - [Lesser?] Violet - Common/Dog Wood Anemone SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 03/04/25 Blackbird x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Jackdaw x 4 Magpie x 2 Robin x 1 Rook x 10+ around Rookery Song Thrush x 1 Wood Pigeon x 7 lots of Lesser Celandine and Cowslips in flower SNIPE DALES TF3368 Colin Smith 14/4/25 We had the first meeting of the newly formed LNU fungi group. I won't bore you with the list which was quite reasonable considering the dry conditions. We did observe at about 11am a bat hunting along the stream it would rest on a tree trunk then drop off and fly along the stream to another tree about 25m along and hang on there for a couple of minutes before flying back to the original tree. I saw it take two prey items while I was watching one from the surface of the water and one in the air. I had to leave at lunch time and so missed an interesting find of a rust on Town-hall Clocks (in case like me you do not know what they are, Town-hall Clocks Adoxa moschatellina is a woodland flower) so I missed out on a new plant and fungus. I did find a good spread of fruiting slime mould Metatricha floriformis which look like tiny black lolly-pops that eventually burst into orange candy floss rather like the trees in The Lorax #, worth a google. # The Lorax is a children's book written by Dr. Seuss and published in 1971. It chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax, the main character, who "speaks for the trees" and confronts the Once-ler, a business magnate who causes environmental destruction. (Editor) SOUTHREY WOOD TF135684 Phil and Mary Porter 19th April 2025 We went for a walk in the north-east corner to see the Bluebells which were at their best. The proportion of pink-tinged Wood Anemones had increased significantly in the previous week and Lesser Celandine was in great flower, with Ground-ivy and Common Dog-violet also very pretty. We got our first sighting of Climbing Corydalis and Pignut through the emerging shoots. Lily of the Valley was as numerous as last year, just starting to show the first sign of bud, estimated at around 200 or so from a single viewpoint. The highlight was our first discovery at this wood of a small patch of Moschatel alongside the path in the woodland edge west of Ferry Road. This is a delicate, low cushion-like woodland plant with five tiny greenish flowers on a thread-like stem, four facing outwards at 90-degree angles with 5 petals each, and one facing upwards with four petals. The leaves look rather like those of Aquilegias. Mary heard our first Whitethroat song, and we found King Alfred’s Cakes fungus (Daldinia concentrica) on a fallen log. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 04/04/25 Barn Owl x 1 01:15hrs Blackbird x 4 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 2 Dunnock x 2 Goldfinch x 4 Great Tit x 1 Greenfinch x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Long-tailed Tit x 2 Magpie x 2 Mallard x 5 over Thurnholmes Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 2 Skylark x 2 Wood Pigeon x 4 Yellowhammer x 4 Grass Snake x 1 SK799988 Peacock x 3 09/04/25 Paul had his earliest Swallow return to his garage SK813999 20/04/25 Blackbird x 2 on nests Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 2 Chiffchaff x 1 Dunnock x 2 Goldfinch x 6 Greenfinch x 1 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Pied Wagtail x 3 Robin x 2 Red-legged Partridge x 2 Skylark x 2 Swallow x 2 Tree Sparrow x 2 in nest boxes in stable yard Wood Pigeon x 5 Willow Warbler x 1 Yellowhammer x 2 Green-veined White x 2 Orange Tip x 1 male, 3 females Peacock x 4 Small Tortoiseshell x 1 Speckled Wood x 3 WILLINGHAM WOODS Angela Buckle 17th April 2025 Greater Stitchwort, Yellow Archangel, Wood Forget-me-not, Cow Parsley, Common Chickweed, Garlic Mustard, Wavy Bittercress, Red Campion, Cuckoo Flower WINTERS POND, EAST HALTON 11:00/11:45. Temp 10c cloudy, cold east wind TA 155213 Peter Crick 19:04:2025 Little Egret 5. All feeding together Swallow 2. (first ones for me 2025) Gt Crested Grebe 2 Canada Geese 2 Greylag Geese 6 (1 pair with 6 gosling) Moorhen 1 Coot 3 Blue Tit 1 Wigeon 2 (m/f) Crow 7 Shelduck 5 Magpie 2 Curlew 1 Pheasant 1 m Mallard 2 m/f Blackbird 1 Yellowhammer 2 m/f Cabbage white Bumble Bee (white tail) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR https://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Owen Beaumont writes… A few certain signs of spring in the last week. 160425 – hooded crow flew south over the dunes at Sear’s Track and a ring ouzel in the dunes. Snipe and grey heron at Sea View. 14 black-tailed godwit flew south over Saltfleet Haven and continued. Lesser redpoll on feeders near Mablethorpe North End. 5 male and 2 female wheatear out from Brickyard Lane early evening. 2 male and 1 female wheatear along Elm House Farm track and a yellow wagtail flew over. 170425 – 2 snipe, willow warbler, 2 sedge warbler, 2 redwing and a red kite at Sea View. Sedge warbler singing along the Great Eau. 5 wheatear on the dune top between Sea View and Rimac, and a willow warbler at Rimac. 3 grasshopper warbler reeling Rimac south and 5 wheatear on saltmarsh out from MOD. Egyptian goose and pink-footed goose with feral geese in fields south of Rimac. The first lesser whitethroat of the year and willow warbler holding territory near Brickyard Lane. Male whinchat and 5 wheatear on fence at Elm House Farm near the hide and 7 yellow wagtail with cattle. 3 cattle egret with livestock between Elm House Farm and Sea View. Butterflies – small white Sea View; 3 green hairstreak, male brimstone, speckled wood, red admiral, 6 peacock, 4 green-veined white Rimac; brimstone, 2 green-veined white, 5 orange-tip, 17 peacock, 2 small white, speckled wood Sea View to Paradise. 180425 – cuckoo, willow warbler, whitethroats and lesser whitethroats new in around Brickyard Lane dunes. Cuckoo calling around Sea View early afternoon. 2 Egyptian geese with 6 greylag on Sea View Washlands plus 2 sitting lapwing. Sedge warbler at Rimac, 2 wheatear Rimac north dunes and 8 whimbrel feeding on the saltmarsh. Grasshopper warbler reeling at Churchill Lane. Snipe at Sea View, snipe and whitethroat at Rimac. Reed warblers singing Saltfleet Haven area. Butterflies – red admiral Rimac; orange-tip, peacock Churchill Lane. Alderflies on the wing around Churchill Lane. 200425 – a large increase in warbler song in recent days as shown by totals between Sea View and Churchill Lane late morning of 12 sedge warbler, reed warbler, 5 willow warbler, 21 chiffchaff, 2 cettis warbler, 6 blackcap, 25 common whitethroat. Also 4 whimbrel, cuckoo, yellow wagtail, 3 Egyptian geese and 1 pink-footed goose. 17 whimbrel feeding on Sea View saltmarsh in the evening. 210425 – greenshank on Rimac car park scrape mid-morning. 3 grasshopper warbler reeling between Rimac and MOD. 220425 – lesser whitethroat and willow warbler singing near Sea View. Minimum 35 whimbrel on Sea View saltmarsh late morning, gathering on Sea View Washlands late afternoon. 2 grasshopper warblers reeling, chiffchaff and whitethroat at Churchill Lane. 4 more grasshopper warbler reeling Rimac south plus lesser whitethroat and cuckoo singing. Siskin, greenshank and spoonbill flew over Rimac dunes. 12 avocet on Rimac car park scrape mid-morning and curlew calling. Common sandpiper on edge of the Great Eau near Rimac bridge. Wheatear on Rimac dunes. 2 wheatear, 9 shelduck and marsh harrier Elm House Farm. St Mark’s Flies on the wing. The first odonatan of the year with 2 large red damselflies. Butterflies – 2 wall brown Rimac; 2 red admiral Sea View; green hairstreak MOD outer dune. Donna Nook: 170425 - lesser whitethroat, wheatear, sedge warbler. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LINCOLNSHIRE COASTAL COUNTRY PARK Dave Miller Coast and The Wolds (South) Warden Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Sykes Farm Nature Reserve Office Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Gibraltar Road Skegness PE24 4SU No records this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire *** Chambers Farm Wood Butterfly Garden Volunteers CHAMBERS FARM WOOD Butterfly Garden Update Margaret Westcott April 2025 A lovely sunny day's gardening was had in early April, with plenty of birdsong and insects on the wing. We have some new Buddleias and Hebes, which are both excellent for butterflies. Our second day's gardening in April couldn't have been more different. We faced a chilly day with rain into the afternoon. We were able to plant out Marigolds and Snowdrops in the green. Some running repairs were made to a wheelbarrow. Laura has again provided a Visitor's Box, with lots of resources, plus a folder for comments. The Butterfly Conservation notice board reminds us to leave at least parts of our lawns uncut to provide refuge and breeding sites for certain butterflies and moths. We will be keeping an eye open as the season develops, and look forward to seeing both visitors and butterflies. Next dates for gardening are 6th & 20th May. Gardening days for 2025. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR EDITOR HAS ADVERTISED THESE DATES OUT OF ORDER IN PREVIOUS WEEKS. PLEASE RE-CHECK. APOLOGIES. Phil Porter 6th & 20th; May, 3rd & 17th; June, 1st & 15th; July, 5th & 19th; August, 2nd & 16th; September, 7th & 21st, October, 4th; November margaretwestcott7@hotmail.co.uk https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/chambers-farm-wood-butterfly-garden *** Lincolnshire Dormouse Group *** lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com Gemma Watkinson writes… We do not yet have the permit through from Forestry England for this season's box checks. Our proposed dates are below, but not yet confirmed. May Sun 18th Jun Sat 21st Jul Sun 20th Aug Sat 16th Sep Sun 21st Oct Sat 18th Readers may be interested to learn more about dormouse surveys and techniques used. We mostly use nest boxes at Chambers Farm Woods, and the nest box monitoring areas have been established now for at least 10 years at various sites throughout the woods. It should be noted that a Natural England Survey licence is required to carry out survey for dormice using nest boxes, nest tubes or disturbing wild nests, so anyone interested should get in touch to arrange to join our licenced surveyors, and there is a good chance of seeing a dormouse amongst a range of other interesting wildlife. However, anyone can keep an eye out for dormouse nibbled nuts, and as always, we are interested in any potential dormouse records across the county. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 to the editor as early as possible. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 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: nichol20@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 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 the recorder promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcomed. 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 USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. How to identify diving ducks | The Wildlife Trusts https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife/how-identify/how-identify-diving-ducks Dragonfly Identification help https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/odonata/species-and-identification/ Bat Identification https://www.bats.org.uk/about-bats/what-are-bats/uk-bats/ NHBS - Frequencies of British Bats https://media.nhbs.com/equipment/British%20Bat%20Frequencies.pdf 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: downloadable LNU book *** For the Geologists *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Could an almighty eruption destroy a dreamy Greek island? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm25lz56rezo 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 UK Fossils in Lincolnshire https://ukfossils.co.uk/category/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 the editor: 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/ *** Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Field Meeting *** Wilder Doddington on Sunday 27th April Doddington, west of Lincoln. 11.00 for 12.00 start and finish about 16.00. Car parking at the Main Car Park, Doddington Hall. Habitat: Woodland Leader: Luke Hartley 07399 322211 hartley026@gmail.com Grid reference: SK 90172 70077 What3Words: fastening.repayment.overjoyed Nearest postcode: LN6 4RT Stenigot Estate - Sunday 18 May, meet from 11am, 12-4pm Grimsthorpe Estate - Saturday 14 June, meet from 11am, 12-4pm Seacroft Dunes, Skegness - Saturday 19 July, meet from 11am, 12-4pm Theddlethorpe-Saltfleetby - Sunday 3 August, meet from 10am, 10:30-TBC ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ National and international stories Dogs 'eavesdrop' on humans - study https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3v9307y3vdo Toby Carvery owner 'sorry' over ancient tree felling https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8g6lj8343o Where the ancient tree felled by Toby Carvery once stood, people are reeling https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05n1vnnyrvo The bugs of the Bluebells https://members.rspb.org.uk/the-bugs-of-the-bluebells/ This Caddisfly Discovered Microplastics in 1971—and We Just Noticed https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/this-caddisfly-discovered-microplastics-in-1971-and-we-just-noticed/ Scientists filmed wild chimpanzees sharing alcohol-laced fermented fruit for the first time and it looks eerily familiar https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/chimps-alcohol-fermented-fruit-sharing/ *** Mail Fails *** Michael Firth - soft bounce ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/