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||
|| Wildnews Bulletin 30th April 2025
|| News of Lincolnshire Wildlife
|| LNU: http://lnu.org/
||
|| Please email Editor on: philporterento@outlook.com
||
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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.
Gibraltar Point, Coastal Country Park
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.
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If you would like to receive the weekly LNU Bulletin 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.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. INFORMATION, EVENTS, NEWS AND REQUESTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Editor writes:
Two themes emerge in this week’s excellent haul of local records;
Firstly, three correspondents are hearing Blackcaps singing in their
gardens, which I suspect is due to their sympathetic approach to planting
and management, and the nature of their immediate hinterland. Perhaps,
a lack of suitable traditional haunts also has something to do with it. One
hesitates to throw in the alternative idea that there might be an oversupply
of Blackcaps in our woods, that notion just doesn’t stand up, I imagine.
Then, sadly, there is a large number of reports (7) of road casualties. If we
knew the actual number, I’m sure we would be appalled. Please check out the
Cleethorpes Wildlfe Rescue initiative which follows the list or roadkill
observations. It investigates whether data analysis can be transcribed into
work on the ground in specific hotspots.
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
Cuach Cores, Joe, Hafren, Wilfred and Cleeve.
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/
PETITION
Add hedgehogs to schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/709054/
Go to https://www.ukwildlife.com/index.php/wildlife-countryside-act-1981/schedule-5/
to check out the protections of Schedule 5. The number of signatures nationally
dictates whether or not Parliament is obliged to consider the issue, so please sign!.
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
the current record distribution Map can be seen at
https://lnu.org/palomena-prasina-green-shield-bug/
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: ***
International Dawn Chorus Day on 4 May.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show
Spring's hot weather to be treat for nature lovers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0780j0rpx3o
Farmer's 'heart sinks' when dogs chase her flock
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cnv58d5n3yzo
Bid lodged for new targets at MoD weapons range
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg9jx3mz25o
Water bosses could now face jail for cover-ups
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yrwl1wgdjo
*** 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 1st May - Sunday 4th May
Headline:
Dry with plenty of sunshine. Very warm, with light winds.
Thursday:
Largely dry, sunny and very warm or locally hot on Thursday. However,
there is the small chance of a few isolated showers, locally heavy, developing
in the afternoon. Light winds. Maximum temperature 29 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Mostly fine and dry, with sunny spells on Friday, with similar conditions
into the weekend. Feeling cooler compared to recent days. Some locally
chilly nights too. Light winds.
UK long range weather forecast
Sunday 4th May - Tuesday 13th May
Mainly dry with spells of sunshine across the UK at the start of this period.
A few showers are likely in places, mainly along coasts in the north and
east, with a very small chance of some heavy showers in the far south early
on Sunday. Into the following week, little change with a large amount of dry
weather and sunny spells. Some showers or longer spells of rain may develop
at times and if they do, they are most likely to affect the north of the UK with
little rainfall further south. Winds will mostly be light, but could become stronger
at times in the far north. Temperatures will generally be near normal or slightly
above.
*** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers ***
China shares rare Moon rocks with US despite trade war
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8v691qmg5o
Night Sky - RMG - highlights - May
https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/night-sky-highlights-may-2025
Full Moons - next 12th May.
https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/full-moon-calendar
Meteor shower dates - Eta Aquariids, - Max 5th May.
https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide
BBC Sky at Night Magazine website
https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news
*** EVENTS ***
*** LINCOLN RSPB PEREGRINE WATCH ***
Volunteer opportunities available for people who are passionate about
wildlife and conservation. Lincoln RSPB are running the Peregrine Watch
at Lincoln Cathedral again this year.
All weekends in June, July and August starting on 31st May.
Prior experience isn’t necessary, enthusiasm and reliability is more important.
For more information contact: Gwen M Randall, Volunteer Co-ordinator
gwen.randall@lincolnrspb.org.uk
*** GRIMSBY AND CLEETHORPES AREA GROUP LWT ***
On Saturday 10th May you are invited to join us for a morning walk in
Bradley and Dixon Woods with Graham Hicks looking for birds and
spring flowers especially Bluebells and Orchids. Meet Graham at 8am
in the car park Grid Ref TA 244058.
Please dress sensibly according to the weather conditions and wear
stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them.
This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust.
For further information please contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890 or
visit our website www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk
We are also on Facebook.
*** 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
22/4/2025
Frampton Marsh, Blue-headed Wagtail, Spoonbill, Spotted Redshank.
23/4/2025
Baston Langtoft GPs, Black Tern over, Turnstone flew through, Wader Pit.
Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas
Tree Farm at South Fen Road.
Deeping St James, 4 Arctic Terns and Spotted Redshank at East Pit,
Deeping Lakes..
Frampton Marsh, 1+ Turtle Dove.
Gibraltar Point, 4 Spoonbills at Tennyson's Sands.
Woodhall Spa Airfield, Garganey drk on North Lake from hide.
24/4/2025
Fishtoft, Hobhole Drain, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese with 1300 Dark-bellied
Brent Geese.
Frampton Marsh, Spotted Redshank from 360 hide, Spoonbill.
Gibraltar Point, 2 Blue-headed Wagtails on Tennyson's Sands, then flew to
Croft Marsh. 2 Spoonbills,
Spalding,2 Arctic Terns along river by Gousto Factory.
Stallingborough, Blue-headed Wagtail at Cress Marsh.
25/4/2025
Deeping St James, Wood Sandpiper at East Pit, then flew south, Deeping Lakes
Frampton Marsh, Garganey, Spoonbill, Spotted Redshank. Green-winged Teal drk
at Marsh Farm Grassland.
Gibraltar Point, 2 Spoonbills.
Pyewipe, Ruddy Shelduck, Novartis Ings.
26/4/2025
Anderby Creek, Black-throated Diver.
Gibraltar Point, Spotted Redshank, 2 Spoonbills.
Goxhill Haven, - just east of - Ring Ouzel.
27/4/2025
Anderby Creek, 2 Ring Ouzels at Anderby Marsh.
Bourne, South Fen, Dark-breasted Barn Owl [form guttata] near Christmas
Tree Farm at South Fen Road.
Deeping St James. Spotted Redshank at Deeping Lakes.
Donna Nook, Ring Ouzel.
Frampton Marsh, Ring Ouzel along footpath to River Witham mouth.
Spotted Redshank. Green-winged Teal drk in ditch at Marsh Farm Grassland.
Gibraltar Point, Long-eared Owl in East Dunes
North Somercoates, Ring Ouzel.
Stallingborough, Blue-headed Wagtail fem at Cress Marsh by hide.
29/4/2025
Baston Langtoft Pits, 5 Black Terns over Wader Pit.
Deeping St James, Little Gull 1s at Main Lake, Deeping Lakes.
East Halton Marshes, Ring Ouzel male.
Frampton Marsh. 2 Spoonbills on Middle Scrape, Spotted Redshank
on saltmarsh.
Freiston Shore, Wood Sandpiper off Freiston Heath Lane.
Manby Flashes, Spotted Redshank.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
ERMINE STREET, REDBOURNE, North Lincolnshire
SK 96225 97555
Peter Morrell
28.04.25
Badger roadkill on A15
ERMINE STREET, RISEHOLME, Lincolnshire
SK 97573 74293
Peter Morrell
28.04.25
Hedgehog roadkill on A15
A1, LITTLE PONTON, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire
SK 91661 32710
Peter Morrell
29.04.25
Badger roadkill on A1
A1, LITTLE PONTON, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire
SK 91746 32573
Peter Morrell
29.04.25
Badger roadkill on A1
HORKSTOW B1206
Road kill
What3words: flashing.belly.thumb
Jenny Haynes
25 April 2025
Dead badger
SALTFLEET A1031
John Walker
Fresh dead hedgehog roadside verge near bridge entering
south Saltfleet
Fresh dead badger roadside verge minor road adjacent to
Saltfleet playing field
THEDDLETHORPE A1031
John Walker
Dead female roe deer at least 5 days old roadside verge
c. 500 m south of great Eau
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.
BARDNEY - THE GREEN
TF120694
R + A Parsons
w/o 21/4/25
Blackbird 2m.1f
Chaffinch 2
Collared Dove 3
Domestic Pigeon 8+
Dunnock 2
Goldfinches - 2+
House Sparrow 10+
Jackdaw 12+ - regular group of 5. Filmed "gathering wool" from a piece
of old carpet.
Pied Wagtail m and f
Robin 2
Starling flock 12+
Wood Pigeon 7
Wren
Kestrel over on 23/4 @ 09.50hrs
Hedgehog activity
Adult hedgehog most nights.
On trailcam: 23/4 @ 12.36hrs
Badger activity
Regular Badger on trail camera - squeezes through gap under garden gates.
25/4/2025 on camera at 02.22-02.27hrs.
Bat activity
Bats @ 55kHz detected between 18.30 and 21.00hrs most evenings.
26/4 Bat @ 55kHz@ 21.00hrs and @ 27/4 and 04-40 and 05.00hrs.
Bats @ 55kHz detected between 18.30 and 21.00hrs most evenings.
And again at 04.30hrs.
30/4 Bat flying over Green echolocating at 45kHz 03.30-4.00hrs.
BARDNEY GARDEN
TF117700
Phil and Mary Porter
24th April 2025
House Martin heard. House Martins have declined to almost nothing in
the street, where in the past small (or occasionally large) groups could
be seen settling at puddles to gather nesting material. We know of one
deliberate nest destruction in the past, but houses that used to host them
have been modified and are no longer suitable.
Goldcrest singing.
25th April 2025
Stock Dove has become an erratic visitor in the garden lately, but one was
present today.
26th April 2025
21.00; 2 bats, one of which definitely came from the roof of the ground
floor extension
27th April 2025
2 Cuckoos singing in the early evening, the first local birds. Butterfly
deficit continues - Orange-tip, Holly Blue, Peacock, various ‘whites’
but only 1’s or 2’s. The Stock Dove returned today, having to watch out
for challenges from our 2 pairs of Wood Pigeons when the latter take a
break from fighting among themselves.
20.55; 2 bats again, both emerging from the extension.
About 6 Lily Beetles on our remaining lily plant so far. As an accidently
introduced alien, the beetles are picked off and destroyed despite their
attractive bright scarlet colour, as they have killed off all the other lilies.
29th April 2025
Brimstone, Holly Blue, Orange-tip noted in small numbers. A Blackcap
sang very well indeed and came close to the house at times. The Blackbirds
were also very vocal, and late in the afternoon, Mary heard our first Swift.
30th April 2025
Mary reported a Cuckoo calling very loudly at 04.30.
CHAMBERS FARM WOOD
Pete and Margaret Westcott
28.04.2025
We had an exceptional day in CFW yesterday, and photographed a
Glow-worm larva, and an Orange Footman moth. There's always something
more to discover!
COBBLERS LOCK on the river Slea
TF1249
Colin Smith
28/4/25
A pair of Cuckoos courting, with plenty of Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers
and Whitethroats singing in the surrounding area. Peacock, Orange Tip
and Large White butterflies. Comfrey in full flower and a Dock Bug flying about.
FAR INGS.
Angela Buckle
27th April.
Creeping buttercup, Wild mignonette, Sea milkwort, Birds foot trefoil,
Hoary cress, Hawthorn in flower. Butterflies; Peacock, Small white.
Birds; Hobby, Common tern, Cuckoo.
FRITHVILLE
TF298489
Pete and Margaret Westcott
25.04.2025
MOTH TRAP
Powdered Quaker 2 (one generation Ap-May)
Shuttle-shaped Dart 1 (m) (first generation)
Swallow Prominent 1 (first generation)
Only 4 moths, but all beautifully marked.
26.04.2025
GARDEN
Common Zebra Spider - with prey
Cramp-ball Fungus Weevil (new to us)
Gooden's Nomad Bee -several
Orange-tailed Mining Bee - several
27.04.2025
Asparagus Beetle 1
Common Footman, two fully grown caterpillars climbing up our wall to
pupate.
FRITHVILLE (near the house)
TF30164833
Black Oil Beetle - 2
The Oil Beetles were a great surprise, and were found on a dyke bank
alongside an arable field sown with sugar beet.
GRASBY WOODS.
Angela Buckle
26th April.
Garlic mustard, Wood forget-me-not, Ladies mantle, Bluebell, Bugle,
Crosswort, Three-nerved sandwort, Pignut, Ivy leaved speedwell,
Lords and ladies, Butterflies, Small white, Orange tip, Speckled wood.
HORKSTOW
Jenny Haynes
26 April 2025
Bats flying around my house at 20.55. Female Great Spotted Woodpecker
on seed feeder in my garden.
27 April 2025
Bats flying 20.55
28 April. 2025
Bats flying 21.00. Quite a display tonight!
I’ve seen quite a few orange tip and small white butterflies plus one or
two small tortoiseshell butterflies in the past few days. I also came close
to (about 10 yards) a brown hare while driving on a minor road to Barton.
I was driving slowly so got a good view before it went into the hedgerow.
We’re being entertained by a melodious blackcap that’s been singing for a
few days now. A rarity to my garden but a welcome one!
NETTLETON GAME FARM
Ben Jacob
Marble Galls on oaks showing exit hole showing presence of Andricus kollari
New season oak apples showing presence of Biorhiza pallida.
Forget-me-nots flowering, mostly blue but with some white flowers.
I suspect these are Myosotis sylvatica wood forget-me-not rather than
Myosotis arvensis field forget me not, but am asking for help with id for these.
SLEAFORD
My garden
TF069452
Diane Maltby
29/04/2025
Male blackcap bathing in our garden's artificial stream - the first blackcap
spotted for many years.
SOUTHREY WOOD
TF130680
Phil and Mary Porter
29th April 2025
Visited on a warm morning. The main ride from the Horncastle Road entrance is dominated by blue flowers, since almost all of the scrub on either side of the path was removed during the winter forestry operations. Bugle and Wood Forget-me-not dominated, with Ground-ivy contributing in a small way, and Primrose, Greater Stitchwort and Lesser Celandine punctuated the blueness here and there. Other plants reminded us of their future days in the sun with recognisable foliage; Devil’s-bit Scabious, Hairy St. John’s Wort and Meadowsweet. A few Early Purple Orchids were well into the process of being swamped by new growth in the small coppice enclosure specially cleared for them several years ago near the remains of the shooting seat.
A very few butterflies, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Speckled Wood and Brimstone, passed by. A Roe Deer lurked, and a Brown Hare made off in the distance. Song Thrush, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Goldcrest made their presence known.
STICKNEY
TF322568
Gail Cartwright
20 April 2025
1 bat flying about 11.30pm on 145/150
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Renata Jackson writes…
Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR WildNews Report
Contributors: - Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor, Owen Beaumont,
Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison and Dean Nicholson.
Thank you to all other contributors.
230425 – between Rimac and MOD 5 reeling grasshopper warbler,
3 lesser whitethroat, 18+ common whitethroat, 12 sedge warbler,
5 willow warbler, 2 Cetti’s warbler, cuckoo, barn owl, sparrowhawk.
3 Egyptian geese and a pink-footed goose still with Canada and
greylag geese in arable fields south of Rimac, plus 2 whimbrel.
Common sandpiper, 5 avocet, 2 oystercatcher and 2 cattle egret around
Rimac car park scrape. Great white egret on Rimac freshwater marsh
scrape. 14 whimbrel on saltmarsh near Sea View. Cuckoo calling
around Paradise wood and also heard at Sea View earlier in the day.
Paradise lagoon – snipe, greenshank, avocet, readshank, 6 shoveler,
2 shelduck, grasshopper warbler, weasel with 6 young kits seen.
Butterflies – brimstone, 4 green hairstreak, 2 green-veined white,
large white, 2 male orange-tip, 15 peacock, red admiral, 2 speckled wood,
wall Paradise-Rimac; 2 wall, 6 green hairstreak Rimac; wall MOD;
2 holly blue Churchill Lane. 5 large red damselfly Rimac south.
St Mark's fly hatching off and an increase in mosquitos along damp
dune slack sections.
240425 – common sandpiper and 3 avocet Rimac car park scrape.
3 Egyptian geese, 5 whimbrel and black-tailed godwit on Sea View
Washlands. Great white egret on Rimac freshwater marsh scrape.
Little owl flew from dune scrub near Sea View and continued along
the dunes towards Saltfleet. Wheatear on dune top north of Rimac
and cuckoo calling south of Rimac. c25 whimbrel flew into Sea View
and landed on the saltmarsh mid-afternoon. Elm House Farm
3 sedge warbler, snipe, 15 shelduck, marsh harrier. 110+ sanderling,
40+ immature common gull, 10 herring gull and 1 great black-backed gull
on Brickyard Lane foreshore over high tide.
250425 – common sandpiper, 7 avocet and yellow wagtail around
Rimac car park scrape. Grasshopper warbler reeling at Rimac early
morning and MOD late morning. Willow warbler, common whitethroat
and lesser whitethroat also in song around MOD. Black-tailed godwit
and 3 Egyptian geese on Sea View Washlands. Butterflies – small copper
Sea View.
260425 – garden warbler, 3 lesser whitethroats, 2 willow warblers,
3 Cetti’s warblers around Brickyard and Churchill Lane. 2 grasshopper warbler,
2 common sandpiper Rimac. 2 jays south of Rimac. 2 grey heron,
2 great egrets, Rimac freshwater marsh scrape.
270425 – two groups of whimbrel on saltmarsh areas 36 & 17. 8 avocets
and common sandpiper on Rimac scrape. Jay and cuckoos at Crook Bank.
2 kestrels, buzzard, common whitethroat. 4 great white egrets Rimac
lagoon, reed warbler nr Sea View bridge. Butterflies – green hairstreaks,
speckled wood, 2 holly blue and brimstone. Moths – green longhorn.
St Mark’s flies in abundance.
280425 – 50 black tailed godwits, cuckoo and swallows flew south,
34 whimbrel on saltmarsh, yellow wagtail Sea View west. Great white egret,
2 avocets, little ring plover and common sandpiper on house’s field.
2 cuckoo’s, 20 sanderling Mablethorpe north. 8 avocets and
common sandpiper still present Rimac car park scrape. Cuckoo,
sedge warbler and common whitethroat showing well at Rimac.
Butterflies – Small Heath.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
21st April: at sea there were Pintail and Eider flying south, Sandwich Tern
flying north, Anderby Marsh showed 3 Spoonbill, Whimbrel, 4 Avocet,
12 Yellow Wagtail, Little Ringed Plover and 2 sitting Lapwing. Also 3
reeling Grasshopper Warbler. Whimbrel on Huttoft Marsh. At Huttoft Pit
there were 2 Snipe, 3 Sedge Warbler, 4 Swallow, Great White Egret,
Grey Heron, Whimbrel, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush and Sparrowhawk.
4 Wheatear along Jolly Common Lane.
22nd April: Stonechat at Huttoft Marsh, Little Ringed Plover on
Sandilands Golf Course. 3 Wheatear along Jolly Common Lane.
4 Spoonbill on Anderby Marsh along with 32 Yellow Wagtail,
11 Redshank, 8 Avocet and 9 Snipe.
23rd April: Pochard, Little Ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit
and 3 Spoonbill on Anderby Marsh. Drake Pochard at Chapel Pit
and Wood Sandpiper calling over Sandilands Golf Course.
24th April: at sea 3 Puffin, 2 Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, 2 Arctic Tern
flying north with 7 Little Tern flying south. Anderby Marsh has
42 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Yellowhammer, Sand Martin, 2 House Martin,
9 Little Egret, 6 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 2 Dunlin and 2 Little Ringed Plover
displaying.
25th April: 7 Black-tailed Godwit on Anderby Marsh along with
65 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Lesser Whitethroat.
26th April: Grey Partridge and Wheatear along Jolly Common Lane,
Barn Owl along Sea Lane. Anderby Marsh showing 3 Greenshank
and displaying pair of Little Ringed Plover, 50 Yellow Wagtail including
Blue-headed variant. Water Rail at Chapel Six Marshes.
27th April: Ring Ouzel over Anderby, Swift flying north, Spoonbill on
Anderby Marsh. Huttoft Pit has Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler,
Redstart, 3 Great White Egret, 3 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron with Brimstone
and Speckled Wood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
Gardening days for 2025:
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
<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: downloadable LNU book
<https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf>
*** For the Geologists ***
Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary.
Boy discovers Jurassic fossils in his own garden
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgp0dzg40zo
Trump deep sea mining order violates law, China says
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2v37z333lo
Fingerprints of city-sized icebergs found off UK coast
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2xz664r2do
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/>
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/
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
Area burned by UK wildfires in 2025 already at annual record
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0m9gm3jwljo
The hunt for glow-in-the-dark caterpillars - Dorset
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx28dp8jnmvo
Unopened Victorian soft drink bottle found at dig
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c86jy6dge67o
Scientists Create a ‘Power Bar’ for Bees to Replace Pollen and Keep Colonies Alive Without Flowers
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/scientists-create-a-power-bar-for-bees-to-replace-pollen-and-keep-colonies-alive-without-flowers/
Why whale urine is so important to life in the sea
https://theconversation.com/why-whale-urine-is-so-important-to-life-in-the-sea-254748
A New Type of Rock Is Forming — and It’s Made of Our Trash
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/new-rocks-human-waste-cumbria/
*** Mail Fails ***
None
-----------------
~ THE END ~
-----------------
(..until next week!)
Roger Parsons
old.museum@yahoo.co.uk
http://rogerparsons.info/