============================================ || || *** The Lincolnshire Wildlife News Bulletin *** || 7th Febuary 2010 || || LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ || || News of Lincolnshire 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 is read by 890 people each week and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events Diary - Please Come Along *** For all LNU meetings also see section 11 below and www.lnu.org/events.php Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Saturday, February 13, 2010 Recorders' Meeting The annual reports from the LNU recorders for 2009. Always very good. All welcome. *** Swan Information *** Paul Gee in answer to Anne Goodalls Swan information: Garthorpe, Nth Lincs Friday 29 Jan 2010, approx 10.30am Idle Bank between Sandtoft and Misson Springs, before South Engine Drain, (heading from Sandtoft towards Misson). 140+ Swans, (appeared to be all Mute, no binoculaors with me), feeding in large Oil Seed Rape field, quite a few juveniles. 10-15 in a further field a little further down the road. Also between Sandtoft and the Misson Junction, 3 Kestrels and 4 Herons. *** Tracks, Trails, Signs and Scats *** Marion O'Neil writes: Re the query from John Cowell, there's a small Hamlyn paperback called "Animals, Tracks, Trails & Signs" by R.W.Brown, M.J.Lawrence and J.Pope, which might be relevant. Editor adds: There is, the successor to my 1967 copy of Mammals of Britain, their Tracks, Trails and Signs. Every home should have one. I had a look on Amazon and found and ordered myself a VERY CHEAP copy. Ah, 1967, what a summer! I was hitching in Europe and picked up chickenpox. Colin Faulkner writes: In reply to John Cowell's request for identification guides for droppings I can recommend the Field Studies Council guide to British Mammals Tracks and Signs. It is folded into three to a little under A4 size and is laminated to make it waterproof, ideal for carrying around in the field. The FSC produce these guides on a number of topics and I carry them around permanently in my back pack. I too found a dropping which according to the field guide was likely to be a Pine Martin but I read recently that that they are extremely difficult to identify from sight and that a DNA test is necessary to confirm identity. Unfortunately I can't remember the organisation to which the sample should be sent or where I saw the information, I think it may have been the Vincent wildlife Trust but I am sure that if you contacted the Mammal Society they would help you. *** Barton Area Group Events *** Viv Rowett writes: Wednesday 17th February 7.30 pm. Evening meeting at Far Ings NNR Visitor Centre. Darren Clarke from HINCA will speak on "The Humber Estuary: Industry and Wildlife." Sunday 28th February 2010 Meet 9am Barton Market Place Rimac. Rimac is one of the central access points for the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve just north of Mablethorpe on the Lincolnshire coast. The reserve consists of tidal sand and mudflats, salt and freshwater marshes and sand dunes. A winter visit should see large numbers of waders feeding on the open shore with berry and see eating birds flocking on the shrublands and saltmarsh. There is also a chance of seeing raptors attracted by these waders and passerines. There will be up to 5 miles of flat walking over sand dunes and coastal mudflats. No facilities. *** Boston Area GroupLWT *** Willow Growing and Basket Making an illustrated talk by Rodney Cousins 7.30 P.M.,Friday, 12th February at the schoolroom of the Centenary Methodist Church, Boston Refreshments, free. There will be a leaving collection. All welcome. For more details contact Brian Redman, tel. 01205 351406. *** Gainsborough Group LWT *** Linda Woodward writes: Whisby Nature Park: wildlife and management by Phil Porter Wednesday 17th February, 7.30pm Morton Village Hall (just north of Gainsborough) Bird food on sale, raffle and other fundraising items A donation of £1.00 includes refreshments People of all ages, Wildlife Trust members or not, are welcome. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 8th February 2010 at the next meeting Chris Dowse, Manager at Hall Farm Stainton le Vale will talk about "Farming and Wildlife" and explaining how one can benefit the other. The meeting will be held in the Banqueting Room of Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2. Raffle, stall and refreshments. All are welcome. On Sunday 14th February the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust presents a Guided Walk around Tetney Blow Wells Nature Reserve. The walk will last for about 1.5 miles in 1.5 hours. Park and meet at Tetney Parish Church at 2pm. Wellies boots recommended at parts of the reserve will be very wet. No dogs please. Free event but donations to the Trust will be gratefully received. The church will be open to visitors 3.00pm - 4.15pm and hot drinks will be available at 60p towards church funds. Please contact leader Clifford Jukes 01472 814887 for further details. *** Lincoln RSPB Local Group Events – February *** Jo Bramwell writes: NEPAL: A HIMALAYAN JOURNEY: illustrated talk by Tim Loseby Thursday 11 February, 7.30pm The Lincoln Suite, The Lawn, Union Road, Lincoln, LN1 3BJ. Tim has been a birdwatcher for 45 years and regularly contributes to wildlife magazines. His talk will show the bird life and stunning scenery of the Kathmandu valley and the Jomsom Trek through the Himalayas. The wildlife photos, taken on several winter expeditions to Nepal over 25 years, cover both familiar Western Palearctic birds plus colourful Asian species. RSPB gifts and bird food and feeders on sale. RSPB members and students £3, other adults £4, accompanied children free. Parking charge at The Lawn. COACH OUTING to Far Ings and Watersedge Country Park Sunday 28 February Depart Lincoln 9am. Depart reserve 4pm. Adults £12.50 (including £1 permit). NEW FOR 2010: With every adult, one child may travel free (permits etc. still payable). More information and booking: Mike Willey, 01526 321917. All are welcome at all RSPB events. For more information visit www.lincolnrspb.org.uk *** RSPB South Lincs February Events *** On Sunday 7th February, the R.S.P.B. South Lincs Local Group will be hosting a guided walk in Bellmount Woods, near Belton Park, Grantham, starting at 10-00 a.m. The walk will lead from the car park, up a gentle slope, passing Bellmount Tower, before entering the various rides and footpaths through the woods. The walk will be led by members of the Group who will be able to point out the various species of flora and fauna seen as the woods recover from the recent snow and winter weather. The walk will end at Bellmount Tower, which will be opened by kind permission of the National Trust to enable the Group to climb the tower and look over the magnificent views of the estate and beyond. Suitable clothing for the weather on the day is recommended as there will be little shelter from any inclement weather, stout footwear is also essential. If you have binoculars, please bring them along, although a limited number may be available for loan for the duration of the event. Spaces on this walk, for which there will be no charge, are limited. To book your place, and obtain full details of the meeting point, please contact the organiser, Robert Townhill, on Tel 01400 230445 or e-mail at robert.townhill@btinternet.com On Thursday 25th February, the Group have arranged an Illustrated Talk at the Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston, starting at 7-30 pm. The talk, entitled "Spitzbergen" will be given by Ian Rowlands. Ian worked for the RSPB and various Wildlife Trusts before moving to Scotland in 1989, founding Speyside Wildlife. He is a proloific writer, lecturer and one of the most experience wildlife and bird guides in the country. Now based in Southern England, he is co-owner of the company Planet Whale and works on the Committee of the Whale and Dolphin Charity ORCA, but still finds time to watch wildlife for pure enjoyment. Spitzbergen is only 800 miles from the North Pole, but ocean currents make it the easiest-to-reach Arctic. Join Ian as he journeys amidst peaks, glaciers and sea ice which make up the wild ice kingdom that is Spitzbergen. See incomparable birds like the long tailed skua and king eider and watch the polar bear stalking his prey of seals and walruses. Using much of his own material, Ian will help the audience live their own Arctic dreams. Admission is £3-50 for non members, £2-00 for members, with children being admitted at half price. Light refreshments will also be available during the mid session interval. *** Alkborough Flats Events *** Sarah Pimm writes: 5th February, 4pm Winter Wonder See wildlife in a whole new light. An evening stroll out to the Trent bank to witness the magic of the winter wildfowl coming in to feed and roost. 6th February, 2pm Photography Capture the magic of the Flats and the surrounding area with the help of a local photographer. All levels and any camera welcome. Both events are free but booking is essential Call (01724) 721269 *** South Holland Area Group of the LWT *** Colin Faulkner writes with dates for your diary. Tuesday February 9th 2010 Mr. D. Bromwich will inform us about “Nature Reserves of the Woodhall Spa Area” Tuesday 9th March 2010 Mr D J Rackham will tell us of the “History of the Landscape of the River Witham” Tuesday 13th April 2010 when the Annual General Meeting followed by “The Nature Reserves of South Holland”. The wardens of these reserves will give us an overview of them. *** Whooper Swans *** Subject: Whooper Swans Those who enjoyed the spectacle of the seals at Donna Nook may also enjoy seeing the Whooper Swans at Welney in Norfolk. Another stunning experience, if a somewhat longer drive. See: http://new.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/welney *** Bird of Prey Photography Days *** Lewis Phillips the photographer says: I am running local Bird of Prey Days again. All the info is on my new website at www.wildshots.org.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 1/2/10 LINCS 8 Shorelark. Saltfleetby NNR, 11.35am at end of Brickyard Lane. 2/2/10 LINCS 1w Caspian Gull. Sutton Bridge, 7.53am flew SSW along R.Nene + 1w Med Gull. 3/2/10 LINCS juv Iceland Gull. Gainsborough, 2pm on Lea Marsh. 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. NETTLEHAM TF 005756 Brenda Edlington 31/1/2010 Blackcap - first this winter 30/1/2010 Yellowhammers 2 (made the BG Birdwatch!) In response to a question from Marion Ellis about a possible Blackcap at Braceby, Roy Pearson wrote: Whilst I cannot rule-out the possibility of the bird being a marsh tit, I think Marion might have noticed the tit's black bib and its prominent white cheek. Also the black on the head of the marsh tit is more extensive. There is an excellent comparison of the two species side by side on page 283 of the 'Collins Bird Guide'. Whilst behaviour tends to change in hard weather, I would expect a marsh tit to make rapid 'raids' on the food source, but I notice Marion comments on it feeding on an apple for a while. I strongly suspect that what she saw was a blackcap, which are not too uncommon in winter. Incidentally, research tends to suggest that wintering blackcaps are of the central European race and not tardy British birds. *** 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. BONBY Cheryl Leaning 31.01.2010 Small flock (approx a dozen) of golden plover in field to the left of the northern approach into the village BROTHERTOFT TF24X 28/01/2010 Roy and Kath Pearson On Thursday we did the final Atlas count for this winter on a piece of prairie north-west of Boston. I always find it surprising how many birds an apparently featureless area can yield when one spends some time, in this case one hour - to search them out. Our count yielded:- Red-legged Partridge 11 Woodpigeon c200 Pheasant 3 Carrion Crow 8 Mute Swan 1 Mallard 1 Rook 59 Collared Dove 14 Chaffinch 1 Magpie 1 Dunnock 1 Greenfinch 2 House Sparrow 10 Blue Tit 3 Tree Sparrow 12 Stock Dove 1 Starling 30 Blackbird 3 Mistle Thrush 2 Fieldfare 13 Redwing 10 Long-tailed Tit 1 Black-headed Gull c100 Common Gull c50 COVENHAM RESERVOIR 03/02/2010 Malcolm Johnson Black Headed Gull - 1 Coot - 18 Goldeneye - 62 Goosander - 3 Great Crested Grebe - 1 Little Grebe - 5 Mallard - 26 Scaup - 2 Tufted Duck - 70 Wigeon - 60 CULVERTHORPE LAKES. TFO239. 31/01/2010. David Clarke. Blackbird 9 Blue Tit 11 Carrion Crow 6 Chaffinch 4 Coal Tit 2 Coot 22 Dunnock 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 Great Tit 6 Greylag Goose 19 Jackdaw 41 Kestrel 1 Long Tailed Tit 13 Mallard 37 Marsh Tit 1 Moorhen 2 Robin 4 Rook 19 Tufted Duck 6 Wood Pigeon 9 Wren 2 Yellowhammer 1 ROXBY Cheryl Leaning 31.01.2010 Barn owl hunting around deserted farm buildings to the East of Roxby village at 3.30pm in brilliant sunshine, and again an hour later. SCOTHERN Stephen Hart Week 24-31 January. Red Partridge 8 Grey Heron 1 every morning on our pond Yellowhammer 6 Sparrow Hawk 1 Little Owl 2 Fieldfares 6 Fox 1 lives in our bushes: contemptuous of our (very fast) dog and simply changes up to third gear to lose him. RIVER WITHAM STAMP END TO WASHINGBOROUGH STATION. WATER RAIL WAY CYCLE PATH. John Nickson 1st Feb 2010 Grey Wagtail, Stamp End lock Sparrow Hawk, ♂ Green Woodpecker. RIVER WITHAM STAMP END TO FIVE MILE HOUSE. WATER RAIL WAY CYCLE PATH. John Nickson 1st Feb 2010 Goosander 7 ♂ 6 ♀ Barn Owl WILDMORE FEN TF216534 A & R Parsons TF 218534 approx 31/1/10 Fieldfares, 6, attracted by thrown out windfall apples. WRANGLE COMMON 30/01/2010 Roy and Kath Pearson We did two counts for BirdTrack today, the first on Wrangle Common and the second at the Conservation Ponds at Wainfleet. The impression we had was of a steady decrease in bird numbers at Wrangle. The woodcock that we had come to expect had left and finches and sparrows were in very low numbers. Whether this means that there has been very high mortality over the cold weather period or they have moved into town gardens or down to the marshes, I can't say, but I suspect this weekend's Big Garden Birdwatch count will produce some interesting results. Birds recorded at Wrangle were:- Black-headed Gull 3 Blackbird 14 Blue Tit 9 Chaffinch 3 Common Gull 1 Coot 2 Curlew 4 Goldfinch 2 Great Tit 4 Jackdaw 1 Kestrel 1 Long-tailed Tit 6 Mallard 6 Meadow Pipit 4 Mistle Thrush 1 Moorhen 1 Pheasant 1 Redwing 4 Robin 1 Starling 3 Woodpigeon 24 Wren 2 Bullfinch 1 This species is quite a rare bird at this site. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 30/01/2010 Brambling 1 Hen Harrier Merlin Pale Bellied Brent Goose 30 Shoveler 48 Smew Woodcock 26 31/01/2010 Bittern Fieldfare 2000 Grey Partridge 8 Jack Snipe Pale Bellied Brent Goose 25 Smew Water Pipit 01/02/2010 Common Scoter 800 Fieldfare 1000 Hen Harrier Pale Bellied Brent Goose 24 Purple Sandpiper 02/02/2010 Common Scoter 1000 Dunlin 2950 Fieldfare 2000 Hen Harrier 1 Red-throated Diver 17 Reed Bunting 34 Smew 1 Starling 800 03/02/2010 Bar-tailed Godwit 2500 Bullfinch Common Scoter 1500 Fieldfare 2000 Pale Bellied Brent 8 Red-throated Diver 20 Smew Woodcock 10 05/02/2010 Stoat in ermine Velvet scoter SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 THEDDLETHORPE John Walker No report this week. 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 RSPB Lincs Wash Reserves sightings January 2009 Paul French No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 30.01.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern blackbird 50+ black headed gull 100+ blue tit 10 bullfinch carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 8 collared dove common gull 40 coot 80+ cormorant curlew 26 dunlin 10 dunnock 6 fieldfare 2 gadwall 30 goldfinch 10 GBB gull 5 GC grebe 3 great tit 8 greenfinch 6 grey heron greylag goose 10 herring gull 6 house sparrow 15 lapwing 22 linnet 2 little grebe 2 long tailed tit 8 magpie 6 mallard 25 marsh harrier 1M, 1F mistle thrush moorhen 28 mute swan 4 pheasant pochard 15 redshank 3 reed bunting 6 robin 12 shelduck 10 shoveler 3 smew M (Hotel Pit) snipe 6 song thrush sparrowhawk starling 6 tawny owl 2 teal 50 tree sparrow 15 tufted duck 10 water rail 3 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 6 wren 8 FAR INGS NNR Week ending 05.02.10 BIRDS Max. Numbers = barn owl bittern 2 blackbird 50+ black headed gull 100+ blue tit 10 bullfinch 2 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 8 collared dove 2 common gull 30 coot 80+ cormorant curlew 13 dunlin 6 dunnock 6 fieldfare 2 gadwall 10 goldfinch 10 GBB gull 2 GC grebe 2 great tit 8 greenfinch 4 grey heron greylag goose 80 herring gull 8 house sparrow 10 kestrel kingfisher linnet little grebe 4 long tailed tit 6 magpie 4 mallard 25 marsh harrier 1M mistle thrush moorhen 28 mute swan 4 pheasant pochard 20 redshank 2 reed bunting 6 robin 13 shelduck 14 shoveler 2 snipe 3 song thrush sparrowhawk starling 25 tawny owl 2 tree sparrow 20 tufted duck 12 water rail 3 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 8 wren 9 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) Adrian Royle's website for photos of species from the Limewoods. http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Anne Goodall writes: Limewoods NNR volunteer working days this month: the Butterfly Garden working day planned for Jan 10th was cancelled. Next date is Feb 9th. No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: csmith668@btinternet.com *** 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.] *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. Mammal records can reported to chris_j_manning@hotmail.com Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** New Met Office Service *** The Met Office website now offers an email notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20090727.html *** 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. 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 The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, cbarnes@lincstrust.co.uk or for more general queries: info@lincsbiodiversity.org.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 Contact: Project Officer, Luisa McIntosh 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 EasyTide 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 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. As shown on LNU Website: LNU Events Programme CANCELLED Saturday, January 09, 2010 Grisly Biology - an Introduction to Forensic Entomology This LNU meeting was been cancelled due to the difficult roads. The hope is it can be rescheduled and details will be put in the Bulletin. Richard Chadd writes: attempting to reschedule for 30th Jan, assuming our micro ice-age has finished by then! Watch this space. Saturday, February 13, 2010 Recorders' Meeting The annual reports from the LNU recorders for 2009. Saturday, February 27, 2010 Dragonflies Steve Brooks Dr. Stephen Brooks has worked in the Department of Entomology at the Natural History Museum in London for over 30 years. He specialises in research on a range of aquatic insects, but is perhaps best known for his extensive publishing on dragonflies, most recently Volume 106 (Dragonflies) in the Collins New Naturalist series, in collaboration with the late Philip Corbet. He is also the author of the Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland published by British Wildlife Publishing and a leading member of the British Dragonfly Society. He has researched aquatic insects, including dragonflies, in all corners of the World. Saturday, March 13, 2010 Annual General Meeting & Presidential Address Mammal review, atlas update. A century of recording, progress and opportunities Saturday, May 22, 2010 SW corner of Laughton Forest (woodland area known as Peacocks) More details to follow ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** Some readers may need to change their anti-bulk-mail settings to flag my address as safe so the Bulletin is not blocked. Affected are Hotmail, also msn and Live. Meanwhile, if you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find it. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Permanent errors: now deleted from list. None the report this week, so ignore thev next para. If you recognise any of these, please ask them to contact me with a new address if they wish to continue to recenve the Bulletin. Thanks. ... and finally.... A thought. I would love to know if the Bulletin helps with event attendance. So if you use the Bulletin for this, feedback is very welcome. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/