============================================ || || The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin || *** 3rd May 2009 *** || || LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ || || "News of Lincolnshire's Wildlife" || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. News from the Lincolnshire Coast NNRs 5. News from Far Ings NNR 6. News from Lincolnshire Limewoods NNR 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9.. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary ....and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin now goes to 876 addresses each week and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. Note: Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Please make contact via the LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ or e-mail wildlifenews@lnu.org, or contact the Editor to join up and contribute articles or reports. [Or cancel!] E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Back copies of Bulletins *** Web-hosted Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009feb15.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009feb22.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar01.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar08.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar15.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar22.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009mar29.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr05.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr12.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr19.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009apr26.txt http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009may03.txt Just cut and past the address into your browser. Now you know the system, if your email does not arrive you can work out what the URL will be! Next week it should be: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2009may10.txt Thanks. Roger *** LNU Meetings *** For details of all 2009 LNU Field meetings see section 12 below or visit www.lnu.org/events.php Saturday, May 16, 2009 BioBlitz - South Rauceby LNU members and the public are invited to this event. Sunday, May 31, 2009 Robert's Field Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve SW of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Parking at TF 000 150 (on roadside?). See Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for details http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=75. Habitats: Limestone grassland Leader: Annette Faulkner a.faulkner@care4free.net 01775 766286 and possibly Dave Vandome (site warden) 07775 566586. *** Cloudspotting *** 'Cloudspotting', the BBC's 90-min documentary featuring members of the Cloud Appreciation Society and presented by society founder, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, goes out on BBC4 this Sunday, 3 May, at 9.30pm. See:http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00k99th *** Barton on Humber LWT *** Sunday Field trip 17th May 2009 9am Bempton and Flamborough. Leader- Tony Norminton (01652 657683) A seabird spectacular awaits us today as we go in search of puffins and gannets amongst the 200,000 birds that call Bempton and Flamborough their home. This is the largest seabird city in England. We will spend the morning at Bempton, departing from there at 12.30pm to transfer to one of the Flamborough sites for the afternoon. If anyone wishes to join up with the group for the afternoon only, then please meet us at 12.30pm in the Bempton car park. There will be up to 5 miles of easy walking. Toilets, Shop and Info Centre. Please bring RSPB membership cards if you have them. Suitable for family groups. Spare binoculars will be available for loan on the day. Monday Evening Walks Summer 2009 These walks will be lead by Martin Broadbridge (Tel: 01652 632895) and will aim to look at breeding birds as well as wild flowers. They normally start at 6.30 pm and last for about 2 hours. Whilst they are not strenuous walks, stout shoes and waterproofs could be a good idea. 18th May Beverley Clump (6.00 pm start). Meet at the layby on the A1077 Scunthorpe Road just west of the A15 intersection at Barton so that we can organise car sharing to take the minimum number of cars. Rendezvous at the car park on the B road from South Cave to Riplingham (SE945327). This is a very attractive walk through chalk wold land and woods to the artesian springs and the old Hull to Barnsley Railway Line. We hope to see a number of raptors (Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk and Red Kite) and chalk flowers. *** Coningsby - The Pingle LNR Events *** Roger Parsons writes: Events for 2009 Slug Hunt: Saturday 9th May 2pm – 4.00pm Leader: Chris du Feu with Roger Parsons All welcome. Nice to have some support. Moth & Bat Night. Friday 17th July 9.00pm Helen Scarborough. Toby Ludlow. All welcome. Always a good evening. For more info contact: rparsons@enterprise.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Birdnews from FOCALPOINT *** UPDATED DETAILS. Sign up for local and national news for only £15 p.a. with text messaging also available, details of this and other services at www.fpoint.co.uk 28/4/09 LINCS imm Spoonbill. Gibraltar Point NNR, 11.38am in tidal channel. 29/4/09 LINCS imm Spoonbill. Gibraltar Point NNR, 7.45am on Tennysons Sands. 1/5/08 LINCS ALPINE SWIFT. BARTON-UPON-HUMBER, 9.45AM AT HOE HILL, TAKE OAKLAND RD THEN PASTURE RD N.OVER RAILWAY TO VIEW. LINCS 2 Spoonbill. Frampton Marsh, 11.40am briefly by Vis Cntr then flew SE + SEOwl. LINCS 5 Dotterel Grainthorpe Haven off A1031 SE of Marshchapel on Keyholme Ln past Middle Fm & 60m past small copse view beet fld NE twds seawall TA387005. We are very grateful to FOCALPOINT for allowing us to reproduce Lincolnshire Birdcall reports, and strongly encourage keen birders to sign up to receive these on a regular basis. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. CARLTON LE MOORLAND and.. Jeremy Hutchinson writes on 26/4/09: I was interested to read Ian Misselbrook's comment re. lack of Willow Warblers. I haven't heard any in Lincs, but we were in the Shropshire hills the week before last where there were many singing on the lower slopes of the Long Mynd. There were also many swallows in the area, when I'd only seen one here in Lincs. There are plenty now (26th April), but they seem to have been later than usual, despite there being some House Martins earlier than is usually the case. My neighbour commented to me that he'd watched a pair of House Martins inspecting the three old nests on our gable end over several days last week, but hadn't seen them since. I have noticed in previous years that they do this, seemingly choosing a site, then going away (recovering from their migration flight?) before beginning to build/re-build about two weeks later. Has anyone else observed this? A mallard on our village pond had 12 ducklings in tow a fortnight ago, but is now down to one. This seems to be an extraordinarily high rate of loss. WASPS NEST area – Marsh Harriers and.. Jerry Gunner writes on 28/4/09: When I took the dogs out between the showers today I expected to see one or two Marsh Harriers of the four or more that returned to the fields near Bardney's Sugar Beet factory a few weeks ago. I was disappointed at first but not surprised because two rather large tractors had preceded me up the path. After a little while I heard a noise similar to but of a deeper tone than a buzzard, but for the life of me I couldn't see what was making it. Eventually I managed to spot the male Harrier way up high, at least five hundred feet. He was flying around in tight circles, every so often lurching upwards and letting out his cry and then descending but in general maintaining the same flight level. He kept this up for about ten minutes and then started to descend in the general direction of the reed bed where the pair have been roosting. Generally it was a bit of a 'float' down, with the occasional squawk punctuated with almost falcon like stoops. He levelled out over the reed bed before dropping in amongst the stems. A little later the pair of them were up, disputing territory with lapwings, crows and gulls. The evening before I'd seen the male land in a field perhaps ten paces from a couple of hares and a lapwing, none of which moved. I expected the lapwing to flap away but no, they just eyed each other up before the Harrier lazily flapped away. Other seasonal highlights include four or five pairs of amazingly noisy little sedge warblers and a Moorhen perching on top of a Bramble thicket, I don't know why. There are still Oystercatchers on the puddles near Potterhanworth Booths but the Redshanks have gone. Jerry Gunner adds on 30/4/09 Marsh Harriers little bit earlier today but the same general area around Wasps Nest, Potterhanworth and Nocton. The Marsh Harrier was ending a similar display to the one I saw the other day and again finished by crashing into the reed beds. The rain has enticed the Oystercatchers back and the two Shelducks are still out in the fields. A preponderance of Herons today, sometimes being mobbed by Lapwings. Many more Swallows buzzing around but still no Swifts of Martins. The woods seem to be full of Chiff-Chaffs and Willow Warblers. Several Sedge Warblers buzzing, beeping and churring away in the reeds and lots of Wrens two. Saw one Lesser Whitethroat - the first one this summer, and one Reed Warbler. Noticeable by their absence for the last few days have been Barn Owls and Buzzards which have been seen constantly during the last few months. In the garden there is simply too much to take in, baby rabbits are annoying the dogs by grazing on the lawn in front of the French Windows. A little train of four hares running around in ever decreasing circles was amusing. Several families of Blackbirds have fledged with quite large young. Nests I'm aware of include Jackdaw, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Robins, Starlings, Blue Tits, Great Tits, and Bullfinch, which we seem to have every year - luckily! An interesting thing in the week was a Greater Spotted Woodpecker flying around trying different surfaces for drumming on and eventually deciding that the aluminium ladder I'd lazily left out made the best noise, something new for me. I've found a lot of frogs and toads but no lizards or newts. Judging by the size, and that is about the limit of my knowledge, we have three different species of bat at the moment ranging from tiny to middling. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming, We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from all readers, be they beginners or professionals. Thanks. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hitchinson SK 909 2581 2/5/2009 09.00 Cuckoo calling - only one I've seen to date. Neighbour told me he'd seen swifts yesterday, but cannot confirm: I've seen none so far CHERRY WILLINGHAM Jo Bramwell 1 May 2009 Male wheatear sitting out in the middle of a rape field. CULVERTHORPE LAKES. TF0239. 26/04/2009. David Clarke. Blackbird 5 Blue Tit 4 Chaffinch 15 Chiffchaff 4 Coot 3 Carrion Crow 3 Great Crested Grebe 4 Greylag Goose 33 Goldfinch 11 Great Tit 3 Greenfinch 4 Housemartin 4 Jackdaw 9 Mallard 17 Mistle Thrush 1 Moorhen 2 Pheasant 4 Reed Warbler 1 Robin 3 Rook 10 Swallow 6 Tufted Duck 8 Wood Pigeon 4 Wren 1. Butterflies. Brimstone 2 Small White. 7. Flowers. Cuckoo flower Ground Ivy Lesser Celandine. DEEPING ST NICHOLAS RICHARDSONS FARM, Mick Todd 21st April 2009 carrion crow 2 coot 4 heron mallard 2 moorhen 2 mute swan 20+ pheasant 10 red legged partridge 2 reedbunting skylark 8 swallow 4 tufted duck 6 yellow wagtail GAINSBOROUGH Bob Telford 25.4.09 A pair of courting Holly Blue butterflies in the garden, never more than 3" apart, indulging in a fast, jinking, fluttering, unpredictable aerial pursuit. They settled on Escallonia 'Apple Blosom', but were off again within seconds. Several fleeting, false landings on the same bush later they finally settled on one of its small leaves, manoeuvring until they were rear to rear and coupling commenced. GRANTHAM Nick Hodgetts Saw the first swift flying over Grantham ca. 9pm 23 April. Haven't seen one since though! HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Tuesday 28th April Tree creeper spotted on an ash tree in my garden. I first, I believe. NORTH THORESBY OS 2997 C Byatt 26 April '09 barn owl - 1 STICKNEY CATCHWATER COTTAGE Mick Todd 26th April 2009 pair of wheatears STICKNEY TF322569 Gail Cartwright 1/5/09 I am rather concerned as we have had swallows nesting in our barn every year for at least 16 years. Normally 2 but last year there were 3, and at least 2 nests. Last week 1 swallow turned up and it is still alone. There are others around the fields and they all fly around together sometimes but there is only the 1 on the phone line and in the barn. I suppose there is still hope of fledglings. On a lighter note our blue tit nest box has at least 8 eggs in it, hopefully I will soon have the sound on so I can hear when the babies start calling for food. SOUTH SOMERCOTES 25th April 2009 Chris J Manning First cuckoo of the year, calling all day on Sunday. SOUTH THORESBY 26.04.2009 LNU visit to two sites attended by 18 people. Disused pit at TF407 776 Sparrowhawk Buzzard Woodpigeon Great spotted woodpecker Wren Robin Blackbird Song thrush Mistle thrush Blackcap Whitethroat Chiffchaff Willow warbler Blue tit Great tit Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch Common Frog, fox, brown rat. Large White Green-veined White Orange tip Holly Blue Comma Plants included early purple orchid, common twayblade, common spotted orchid, bee orchid, bluebell, wood anemone and cuckoo-flower. Mosses (list from Christine Rieser) Amblystegium serpens Brachythecium velutinum Bryum capillare Calliergonella cuspidatum Eurhynchium praelongum Eurhynchium hians Fissidens taxifolius Grimmia pulvinata Hypnum resupinatum Homothecium sericeum Leskea polycarpa Neckera complanata Orthotrichum affine Orthotrichum anomalum Orthotrichum diaphanum Plagiomnium affine Plagiomnium elliptcum Plagiomnium undulatum Rhizomnium punctatum Syntrichia laevipila Thamnobryum alopecurum Zygodon viridissimus Liverworts Lophocolea bidentata Lunularia cruciata Metzgeria fruticulosa Metzgeria furcata South Thoresby Warren LNR TF 392 762 Red-legged partridge woodpigeon skylark swallow house martin meadow pipit wren robin blackbird blackcap willow warbler chiffchaff blue tit great tit chaffinch greenfinch bullfinch mole rabbit grey squirrel muntjac deer green-veined white peacock comma speckled wood Red twin-spot carpet moth Plants included wild garlic, soft shield-fern, early forget-me-not and common cudweed. Mosses (List from Christine Rieser) Amblystegium serpens Atrichum undulatum Barbula convoluta Barbula unguiculata Brachythecium albicans Brachythecium rutabulum Bryum bicolor + bulbils Bryum ruderale Calliergonella cuspidata Ceratodon purpureus Cratoneuron filicinum Didymodon fallax Didymodon insulatum Eurhynchium praelongum Fissidens bryoides +f Fissidens taxifolius Funaria hygrometrica Hypnum cupressiforme Mnium hornum Orthotrichum affine Orthotrichum diaphanum Plagiomnium undulatum Plagiothecium curvifolium Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Scleropodium purum Ulota bruchii Warnstorfia fluitans Liverworts Lunularia cruciata Pellia endivifolia WATER RAIL WAY near WASHINGBOROUGH Jo Bramwell 24 April 2009 weasel WILDMORE FEN - TF 216534 R & A Parsons 26/4/09 Brimstone butterfly Cuckoo. 730pm. First time this year and 5 days earlier than usual. 1/5/09 Marsh harrier in area. 2/5/09 Orange tip, speckled wood. WINTERTON 1st May 2009 Richard Fox Female Marsh Harrier flew across road between Winterton and the B1207. I won't curse the Police now for diverting us due to an accident! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT N.N.R. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/index.php Katherine Bocock No report yet received. GIBRALTAR POINT Malcolm Johnson. 29th April 11.30 to 14.00. Avocets 20+ Black Headed Gulls. 100's Canada Geese 8 Coots 20+ Greylags 10 Lapwings 2 Moorhens 6 Oystercatchers 1 Redshanks 1 Ringed Plover 2 Shelduck 10+ Shovellers 8 Spoonbill 1 Tufted Duck 15+ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker No report yet received. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp Lincs Wash Reserves FREISTON SHORE Malcolm Johnson 29th April 15.00 to 17.50 Avocets 30+ Black Headed Gulls (Too many to number) Brent Geese 100+ (Not the thousands as last month) Coot 4 Canada Geese 6+ Greylags 10+ Moorhen 5 Oystercatcher 6 Redshank 6 Ringed Plover 10+ Shelduck 10+ Shovellers 2 Wren 1 Yellow Wagtail 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending  1.5.09 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet bittern 2 blackbird 30+ blackcap 4 black headed gull 20+ blue tit  13 bullfinch 2 canada goose 2 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 14 chiffchaff 4 collared dove 4 common gull common sandpiper common tern 3 coot 120+ cormorant cuckoo curlew 6 dunlin 4 dunnock 4 gadwall 6 goldfinch 10 grasshopper warbler GC grebe 4 GS woodpecker great tit 6 greenfinch 6 grey heron  greylag goose 30+ herring gull 5 house martin 4 house sparrow 8 kestrel lapwing 2 lesser whitethroat 2 linnet 10 little grebe 3 little ringed plover long tailed tit 4 magpie 7 mallard 20+ marsh harrier  M+F meadow pipit 6 mistle thrush 2 moorhen 30+ mute swan 6 peregrine pheasant 2 pied wagtail 4 pochard 25 redshank 2 reed bunting 10 reed warbler 6 ringed plover 6 robin 14 sand martin 50+ sedge warbler 5 shelduck 12 short eared owl shoveler 8 skylark 3 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 30 swallow 12 tawny owl tree sparrow 6 tufted duck 18 turtle dove water rail 4 whinchat whitethroat  8 willow tit 2 wilow warbler 6 wood pigeon 7 wren 12 yellowhammer 4 Other:  poipoise in  adjacent  River  Humber,  pipistrelle bats around  Ness  End  Farm  and speckled  wood,  orange  tip, green - veined white and brimstone  butterflies.  Mammals:  usual  foxes,  water  voles  and a roe deer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specfic area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridleway only) CHERRY WILLINGHAM to HARDY GANG WOOD circular walk Jo Bramwell 26 April 2009 blackbirds blue tits carrion crows chaffinches chiffchaffs collared doves common buzzard common whitethroats cuckoo (2 heard - first this year) goldfinches great tits greenfinches grey partridges greylag geese house martins house sparrows jackdaws lapwings displaying linnets long-tailed tits mallards magpies pied wagtail robins rooks sedge warblers shelduck shovelers skylarks song thrush starlings swallows willow warblers wood pigeons wrens yellowhammers bank vole brown hares (2) early purple orchids among bluebells in wood at Barlings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this 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! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Sundays. Please e-mail in your contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save reediting: 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. Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms via Tori Sandilands at the Lincs Wildlife Trust Horncastle office, e-mail vsandilands@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: csmith@countrywidefarmers.co.uk *** Contacts List *** PC Nigel LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer - Community Safety Police HQ Deepdale Lane Nettleham Lincs LN57PH Tel 01522 558684 e-mail: nigel.lound@lincs.pnn.police.uk or Nige LOUND Wildlife Crime Officer County Police Station Sea Lane Ingoldmells Lincs PE24 44XX Tel: 01522 558684 *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) has assembled a committee in order to access funding sources, develop training courses and survey for reptiles and amphibians in Lincolnshire. For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel.07984 66 5847 *** The Lincolnshire and Rutland Limestone Grassland Project *** We need as many volunteers as possible over the next two summers to help us survey roadside verges in your area. You will not need previous experience as a wild flower ID guide and training will be provided. Contact: Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Banovallum House, Manor House Street, Horncastle, LN9 5HF, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk, Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Gounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: A.Faulkner@care4free.net *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: A.Faulkner@care4free.net *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php *** LNU Bees and Wasps Recorder *** Dr Michael Archer 17 Elmfield Terrace, Malton Road, York YO31 1EH. [Willing to check or identify any aculeate wasp or bee specimen. Such a specimen usually has to be relaxed and mounted on a pin before it can be examined. If more than a few specimens are sent in, they must be mounted.] *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is now a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** LNU Plant Galls Recorder *** Graeme Clayton 2 The Dene Nettleham Lincoln LN2 2LS g.clayton@ntlworld.com Willing to check or identify any plant gall material. Recording forms www.british-galls.org.uk *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group *** If you have important information about badger activity or badger road casualties please e-mail the information to: Ian Frudd, e-mail address Fruddfolk@tiscali.net *** Bird Club Recorder *** LBC County Bird Recorder Steve Keightley: steve.keightley@btinternet.com *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Check it out. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. English Nature is now "Natural England" http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs. Wildlife Trust Website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ Lincs Environmental Records Centre Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre newsletters can be downloaded from: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/ Development Officer, Margaret Haggerty's e-mail: mhaggerty@lincstrust.co.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: freistonshore@rspb.org.uk South Lincs RSPB Local group's website address: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk/ Sub Regional Country Park North Kesteven District Council The concept of the Sub Regional Country Park (SRCP) is to create an easily accessible network of managed outdoor places by developing links and routes between existing green spaces and facilities, and exploring the opportunities for creating new, sustainable recreational facilities and supporting nature conservation objectives. This might include the restoration of old quarries; constructing new all purpose paths; or simply providing access to new areas of woodland, lakes and open land for countryside focussed activities. Contact: Luisa McIntosh Project Officer, Sub Regional Country Park North Kesteven District Council Tel: 01529 414155 ext 2469 Direct Line: 01529 308069 www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/subregionalcountrypark Bardney Limewoods www.limewoods.co.uk [New URL] limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** Harlequin Ladybird Survey *** To report your sightings: www.harlequin-survey.org/ *** Sir Joseph Banks *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society is based at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre in Horncastle and a programme of events has been arranged for both members and non-members. New members to the Society are always welcome. Contact 01507 528223 or by email: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. Latest newsletter and related articles are available on: www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Trent Aegirs *** Don't forget that the bore often comes up to half an hour before the expected time. www.environment-agency.gov.uk and go to Midlands link or search for 'Trent Aegir'. or try: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/timetable_2-Trent.pdf *** Before You Set Out. *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk Chambers Farm Wood NEW contact - Mary Porter Mary.porter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Lincolnshire Bird Club Secretary - Janet Eastmead: janet.eastmead@talktalk.net Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net For the more general wildlife information coming via Roger Goy: roger@wildlifehelpline.org.uk Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen "in flower".] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will not be giving precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Field Meetings 2009 *** Saturday, May 16, 2009 BioBlitz - South Rauceby LNU members and the public are invited to this event. Sunday, May 31, 2009 Robert's Field Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve SW of Bourne. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Parking at TF 000 150 (on roadside?). See Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for details http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=75. Habitats: Limestone grassland Leader: Annette Faulkner a.faulkner@care4free.net 01775 766286 and possibly Dave Vandome (site warden) 07775 566586. Sunday, June 07, 2009 High Barn SSSI, Oxcombe. In Wolds between Louth and Horncastle. Private site. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on road verge along Blue Heath Road at TF325 761 near where track leads north to site. Habitat: Calcareous grassland on steep slopes. Leader: Brian Hedley 01427 718320 brian_hedley@hotmail.com with Paul Kirby. Saturday, July 04, 2009 Crowle Moor Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at visitors’ car park at SE756 137. Take minor road leading NW from Crowle village. See Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for details http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=12. Later meeting at 20.30 for bats and moths. Habitats: Heathland, mire and willow scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 01427 718320 brian_hedley@hotmail.com with Colin Smith later. Friday, July 10, 2009 BioBlitz - Banovallum House, Horncastle BioBlitz @ Banovallum House, Horncastle Times: 4pm to 4pm. Habitat: Large riverside garden. Contact: Margaret Haggerty 01507 526667 mhaggerty@lincstrust.co.uk Sunday, August 23, 2009 River Glen 12 for 1pm start. Park at TF144 176. This is the Car Park used for Baston Fen NR and is located on the minor road between Baston and Tongue End. Cross over concrete bridge and park along track to left. Do not park on track straight on from bridge. Habitats: River, drains and marsh. Leader Richard Chadd richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk & Ian Cappitt ian.heidi@virgin.net Saturday, September 19, 2009 Humberstone Blow Wells + National Moth Night A small blow wells site just south of Humberston. Private site. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Later meeting at 19.00 for bats and moths. Park on verge of South Sea Lane at TA 313 048 near where track leads south to site (might be able to park closer depending on harvesting activity). Habitats: small woodland, ditches, marsh, pools and cattle pasture. Leaders: Brian Hedley (afternoon) 01427 718320 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Colin Smith (evening) csmith@countrywidefarmers.co.uk. Sunday, October 18, 2009 Fungus Foray - Roughton Moor Wood, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve Fungus Foray 12.00 for 13.00 start. Site located off Moor Lane, a minor road between Woodhall Spa and Kirkby on Bain. Restricted parking along Moor Lane (do not block tracks). Meet at site entrance at TF210 631. Habitats: Mixed Woodland and heathland. Leaders: Ken Rowland 01522 686900 and Ray Halstead. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** The following address(es) gave an error message. I have deleted them from the mailing list. If you recognise any, please pass on a message - "Contact me if you wish to continue to receive the Bulletin." Thanks. Roger Mailfails markjsutton ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/