============================================ || || 17th April 2011 || || 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 Bardney 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 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Bulletin is being read by 940 people 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editorial *** Great walkabout in West Wales this week. Good birding, bottle-nosed dolphins etc. Cuckoo on 14th April at Pentre Ifan. Saw 30 buzzard and 11 Red Kite on drive down. St Mark's Flies on 15th April, 10 days early! Roger *** April Lyrids *** Paul Money's "Night Scenes 2011" reminds me that the April Lyrid meteor shower will be falling from 19th to 25th April, with a peak on the 22nd. The moon could spoil the seeing if the cloud doesn't, but make a mental note and let us know if you see anything. Meteor links can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/cosmic.html *** LNU Events *** For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, 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. See section 11 for full programme. April 17, 2011 Wilsford Heath Quarry SSSI (Private site) South of Ancaster 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small on-site car park at SK985 413. Gate to site to be unlocked by land owner. Habitats: Woodland. Scrub, Calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards are coming up, so if you have a project to submit, now is the time to think about it. The deadline for applications is: 30 April 2011 See: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ An on-line application form is available on: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/how-to-enter.php Bulletin readers will all be connected to likely projects. A good number of entries is always very encouraging to the organisers, so how about having a go? *** Gainsborough Group LWT *** Linda Woodward writes: Wednesday 27th April 2011 7.30pm Short AGM followed by illustrated talk and FOOD! The Himalaya - Mera Peak Adventure by Roger Bannister See some beautiful scenery and hear about Roger's experiences on the highest trekking peak in Nepal Morton Village Hall (just north of Gainsborough) Raffle and other fundraising items on sale A donation of £1.00 includes refreshments People of all ages, Wildlife Trust members or not, are welcome. *** Joseph Banks Lecture *** A note from Paul Scott The Sir Joseph Banks Society Annual Lecture is to be held on Thursday May 12th at Horncastle College. Dr. Rob Wheeler will give a talk about Banks and the draining of East, West and Wildmore Fens. Dr Wheeler is secretary of the national Charles Close Society and author of the recent volume "Maps of the Witham Fens from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century." Doors open at 7.00pm with a 7.30pm prompt start. See link to a map for those not familiar with the venue. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-culture-and-heritage/lifelong-learning/horncastle-college?tab=maps *** Beetle to Watch For *** Charlie Barnes writes: Elater ferrugineus, the Rusty Click Beetle, is classified as endangered in the UK, with records restricted to a few areas in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and London. This summer a nationwide programme of "mark capture release" will be taking place to help establish the true distribution and status of the species. Volunteers will be required to monitor traps set to attract the beetle. If you're interested in taking part, contact Charlie Barnes charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk for more information. *** Far Ings Botany Course *** Buttercups and Willowherbs Saturday 16th. July 2011 A half day course looking at Ranunculus and Epilobiums. A friendly atmosphere, with tea and coffee. Suitable for the beginner or someone with an established interest. Indoor Talk Outdoor Walk Tutor: Mick Binnion Please contact Far Ings Visitor Centre to reserve a place Tel. No. 01652 637055 (You don't have to be a Brain Surgeon!) All welcome. Adult event. Price of the course £5. Includes booklet. *** Newt Workshop *** Brian Hedley tells me: There will be a free newt identification and ecology Workshop in Kettlethorpe area on Friday 6th May, run by national experts from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and funded by Trent Vale Landscape Partnership. See: http://trentvale.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/free-one-day-newt-identification-and-ecology-workshop/ *** Sleaford LWT *** Sleaford Area Group of the LWT Solo Club, Sleaford 7.30pm, Mon 18th April AGM followed by talk by Dr David Sheppard called `Cutters, Masons & Bumbles`, relating to the lesser known types of bees. Admission one pound. Coffee & biscuits will be available. Sat 11th June. Coach trip to RSPB Titchwell on the Norfolk coast, and Castle Acre Priory (English Heritage) and Castle. Take a picnic lunch. The cost will depend upon coach numbers. Meet Eastgate Car Park (Sleaford) at 8.30am. For details & bookings please ring Anthea Ashmore on 01529 413890. *** Alkborough Flats Event *** Dawn Chorus Walk and Breakfast - 7th May 4.30am, £5 per person A leisurely walk followed by hot drinks and breakfast at the Paddocks Tea Room Bird Walk - 28th May 8.30am, £2 per person A relaxed stroll around Alkborough Flats with help identifying any birds seen Photography - 28th May 2pm, £10 per person Capture the magic of Alkborough Flats and the surrounding area with the help of local photographer Lee Beel. www.lee-beel-photography.co.uk All levels of ability and any camera welcome Landscape in Watercolour - 6th June 10am, £10 per person + lunch Develop your artistic skills with the help of a local artist. Different watercolour techniques will be covered and there will be plenty of opportunity to put these into practice. Lunch at the Paddocks tea room Booking is essential for all events, please call: 01724 721269 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. Been away - so no pager reports this week. Roger Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. Otters and Fyke Nets [See last Bulletin] Mick Binnion writes: You may have seen on television and heard on radio, that we have had four otters drowned at Barton in illegal eel nets. Legal nets are tagged, licensed and fitted with otter excluders. This follows on from two more in Hull last year. Please could I ask all readers to be vigilant and report any unusual activity on wetland habitat, so as to avoid any more unnecessary waste of life for this iconic species, a high predator, top of its foodchain and deserved of much more respect. *** 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. BECKINGHAM - FENTON SK85 Barry Johnson 09/04/11 Grass Snake 4 (total in 3 locations) Blackcap Warbler Common Whitethroat Yellow Wagtail Fox BOSTON 16.04.11 Mick Todd It has been a disappointing year for frogspawn. I normally get about 6 clumps, in my small garden pond each year. This year I have only had 3, 2 of which were laid on the edge of the pond and not in the water. I would be interested to hear if any other readers had experienced a similar occurrence, though I have had problems with cats and wonder if they have dragged the female frogs out the pond and caused them to abort their spawn. There has also been a noticeable decline in frog numbers in my pond, probably due to the harsh winter. DENTON SK8632 TO WOOLSTHORPE-BY-BELVOIR SK8334. 10/04/2011. David Clarke. Blackbird 15 Blackcap 2 Blue Tit 6 Buzzard 2 Chaffinch 22 Chiffchaff 9 Carrion Crow 4 Goldfinch 4 Great Tit 3 Greenfinch 5 Jackdaw 7 Magpie 4 Marsh Tit 1 Pheasant 11 Robin 7 Skylark 3 Tawny Owl 1 Green Woodpecker 3 Wood Pigeon 13 Wren 5. Butterflies. Brimstone 5 Orange Tip 9 Peacock 2 Speckled Wood 2 Small White 12. Flowers. Dog Violet Lesser Celendine Red Campion. GREETWELL, between R. Witham and Greetwell Church Jo Bramwell 7/4/11 My first cuckoo of the year heard. HOLBEACH ST MATHEW Kay Heath 7th April Red Admiral 1 8th April Holly Blue 1 Small Whites 2 PINCHBECK 9th April Holly Blue 1 LACEBY BECK 10/04/11 Mick Binnion Forest cuckoo bumblebee/Bombus sylvestris (nest searching) Panzer's nomad bee/Nomada panzeri (busy but resting on Herb Robert) LEA MARSHES SK815 865 Brian Hedley 15 April 2011 Orange-tip 1 Comma 1 Small White 1 Peacock 4 Small Tortoiseshell 2 Red-tailed Bumble-bee 2 Brown Hare 4 Grey Wagtail pair Sand martin 70+ Yellow Wagtail 1 Curlew 4 Tree Sparrow 20 LINCOLN John Farmer My back garden 3/4/11 to 8/4/11 1 Chiffchaff - singing in the woods, then visited pond 2 Treecreepers 2 Bullfinches 1 Blackcap male LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 09/04/2011 Jayne Knight Chiffchaff heard 05/04 Blackcap heard 06/04 Skylark been singing for a few days Few more Swallows and Housemartins about now too Spiders: Araneus diadematus observed in garden, while indoors Tegenaria domestica is a long-term co-habiter and also identified an Amarobius fenestralis which, sadly, drowned in the bath. Also seen the black with red spots 2-spot Ladybird. LINCOLN ALLENBY ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, LINCOLN TF003 714 Brian Hedley 13 April 2011 Small White 3 Small Tortoiseshell 4 Peacock 1 White-tailed Bumble-bee 1 Red-tailed Bumble-bee 2 Common Carder Bee 1 Tawny Mining Bee 2 Bee-fly 3 MARTON SK842 820 Brian Hedley 13 April 2011 Hedgehog seen in garden at 9pm (feeding on bird food scraps). RAF Waddington 11 - 14 April 2011 Brian Eke & co-workers Days 11th Red legged part 3pr Grey part pr Wheatear 6 Blue tit Canada goose 2 Tree sparrow Yellowhammer pr Swallow Curlew Days 12th Curlew 2 Wheatear 26 Mallard pr Nights 13th Linnet 190 +/- 20 Buzzard pr interacting Wheatear 3 one looking Greenlandish Ground ivy Nights 14th Wheatear 33 Kestrel Late news from 5th Apr Grey Plover. Late news for 9th Apr Muntjac SEACROFT Seacroft Marsh SSSI 13th April Jon Haines Muntjac 2 Tree and shrub survey: Ash, Wild Service Tree, Winter Cherry, Buddleia, Snowy Mespil, Hodginsii Holly, Dog Rose, Traveller's Joy 14th April Jon Haines Shelduck 6 Mallard 4 Oystercatcher 2 Curlew 1 Redshank 4 Great tit 2 Skylark 2 Starling 20 Robin 1 Meadow Pipit 6 Reed Bunting 2 SKELLINGTHORPE Skellingthorpe Old Wood 13.04.2011 Alison Brownlow Morel, possibly Morchella esculenta Yellow Rust on Dog's Mercury White Rust on Shepherd's Purse SPALDING 12.04.11 Mick Todd A pair of swans adding reeds to their nest, with the female sitting on the nest, possibly on eggs. SPILSBY 16.04.11 Mick Todd While out walking, admiring the spring flowers, greater stitchwort, lesser celandine, primrose, marsh marigold and bluebell, a pair of buzzards were observed in courtship display overhead and a longtailed tits nest could be seen in the hedgerow. SPILSBY TF407 660 www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Joan Gunson Moths recorded in my garden using Robinson 125W MV trap. 2.4.11 8 x Clouded Drab 15 x Common Quaker 2 x Double-striped Pug NFY 2 x Early Grey 1 x Early Thorn 16 x Hebrew Character 5 x Small Quaker 1 x Powered Quaker NFY 6.4.11 11 x Clouded Drab 12 x Common Quaker 4 x Early Grey 1 x Early Thorn 20 x Hebrew Character 2 x Powdered Quaker 1 x Shoulder Stripe NFY 4 x Small Quaker 1 x Diurnea fagella 11.4.11 2 x Clouded Drab 4 x Common Quaker 4 x Early Grey 1 x Early Thorn 14 x Hebrew Character 2 x Powdered Quaker 13.4.11 1 x Clouded Drab 2 x Common Quaker 2 x Early Grey 6 x Hebrew Character 2 x Powdered Quaker 1 x Ruby Tiger NFY 1 x Streamer NFY 1 x White-spotted Pug NFY 1 x Emmelina monodactyla NFY 14.4.11 1 x Brindled Pug NFY 5 x Clouded Drab 2 x Common Pug NFY 8 x Common Quaker 2 x Early Grey 17 x Hebrew Character 2 x Powdered Quaker 1 x Red Chestnut 1 x Shoulder Stripe 1 x Small Quaker 1 x Alucita hexadactyla WICKENBY WOOD Ray Halstead 16th April 2011. Plants in flower: Goat Willow Salix caprea Crab Apple Malus sylvestris Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Common Sedge Carex nigra Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea Primrose Primula vulgaris Water Avens Geum rivale Bugle Ajuga reptans White Dead Nettle Lamium album Common Dog Violet Viola riviniana Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca Wild Arum Arum maculatum Fungi: Dryad's Saddle Polyporus squamosus Yellow Fieldcap Bolbitius vitellinus Butterflies: Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Peacock Inachis io WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 17/4/11 2 marsh harriers in area. WILLOWTREE FEN Marcus Craythorne 8 April 2011 Black-tailed Godwit 10 Garganey 1 (male) Wheatear 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/index.php Katherine Bocock 03/04/2011 Blackcap 2 Chiffchaff 4 Crossbill 7 Firecrest Sand Martin 2 Willow Warbler 04/04/2011 Chiffchaff 1 Firecrest 2 Rough-legged Buzzard Sedge Warbler 1 Swallow 1 Wheatear 3 05/04/2011 Crossbill 7 Siskin 7 06/04/2011 Blackcap 3 Brambling 6 Buzzard 3 Crane 2 Goldcrest Hen Harrier House Martin 1 Linnet 105 Marsh Harrier Marsh Tit 1 Peregrine Red Kite Redpoll 3 Redwing 3 Sand Martin 13 Short-eared Owl Siskin 20 Sparrowhawk 3 Stonechat 2 Swallow 19 Wheatear 3 White-tailed Eagle 1 Yellowhammer 3 07/04/2011 Black Redstart Buzzard 2 Coal Tit Knot 2000 Peregrine Serin Wheatear 3 Whooper Swan 14 11/04/2011 Blackcap 5 Buzzard 1 Peregrine 1 Short-eared Owl 1 12/04/2011 Buzzard 1 Swallow 1 Willow Warbler 5 13/04/2011 Buzzard 1 Redstart 1 Swallow 1 14/04/2011 Buzzard 1 Hen Harrier 1 Nightingale 1 Redstart 1 Swallow2 Shore lark 9 15/04/2011 Blackcap 8 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 1 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 John Walker. No report this week, but John Walker has reiterated my request for care when reporting possible nesting sites. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore John Badley March 2011. RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp Avocets continued to increase with up to 27. Other waders included up to 18 Ruff, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and 50 Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors were well represented with Rough-legged Buzzard (5th) and the first reserve record of Goshawk (14th). Up to 40 Twite were in front of the 360 Hide throughout. Whooper Swans peaked at an impressive 157 (19th), a Black Brant was seen on one date (5th) as was Great White Egret (8th), although a Little Gull remained for nearly two weeks (7th to 19th). Summer migrants included Sand Martin (from 12th), Swallow (19th), Garganey, Wheatear and six Little Ringed Plovers (from 28th) RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp Avocets started to return from the beginning of the month, with a peak count of 18 (20th). A Rough-legged Buzzard flew South (8th). Good numbers of Goldeneyes and Red-breasted Mergansers were present offshore, with up to 30 of both and a Shag was also present on one date (22nd). 11 European White-fronted Geese (20th-24th) and a Greenshank (24th) were seen on the wet grassland. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings NNR 16.04.11 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 12 bearded tit 2 bittern 2 blackbird 20 blackcap black headed gull 50+ blue tit 14 bullfinch Canada goose 10 carrion crow 4 chaffinch 14 Cetti's warbler chiffchaff 5 collared dove 2 common gull 20 common tern coot 60+ cormorant curlew dunnock 6 gadwall 4 glaucous gull goldfinch 2 grasshopper warbler 3 greenfinch 2 GC grebe 4 great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 30 grey partridge 2 herring gull house sparrow 10 lesser whitethroat little grebe 2 long tailed tit 2 magpie 6 mallard 25 marsh harrier M+F moorhen 25 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pochard 10 reed bunting 6 reed warbler 2 ring ouzel 2 robin 10 sand martin 200+ sedge warbler 3 shelduck 4 shoveler 4 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 6 swallow 10 tawny owl tree sparrow 2 tufted duck 30 water rail 2 wheatear whitethroat 6 willow tit 2 willow warbler 6 wood pigeon 8 wren 7 Also: pipistrelle bats (Ness End Farm) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 specific 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 bridle way only) Adrian Royle's website for photos of species from the Limewoods. http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Chambers Farm Wood 17.4.11 Adrian Royle A pretty slow day today until about 2pm when I found a swarm of Sloe Bugs; at least 50 all on and around a recently coppiced willow, plus a few more nearby, total 55, probably a lot more I missed. The swarm was very active, lots of movement, running around, flying, not the usual Sloe Bug lifestyle. Many seemed to be coming from the ground vegetation then heading upwards. Until just a few years ago there were no records for Lincolnshire but they have been steadily increasing and spreading although today's swarm was a huge surprise. Also Hazel Leaf Rollers were out and about as were tiny RDB beetles Trachys minuta. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. [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 Bulletin layout to save 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. 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: Ian Macalpine-Leny macalpine@doddington.demon.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 e-mail: nigelound@btinternet.com *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** 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 *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** Whisby's Bee and Wasp List *** Dr Michael Archer and Alan Phillips have put together an impressive list. Have a look and see how many species you recognise by name! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php?id=73 Also see: http://norwegica.wordpress.com/author/norwegica/ Could this be the year you learn to identify bees and wasps? *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning Email: chris@lincsdeer.info Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** New Met Office Service *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail 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 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 Please note my new addresses for plant gall id etc:- 46 Sibthorp Street Lincoln LN5 7SH gclayton54@o2.co.uk 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 Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Bird Club Grantham Peregrine Project *** The Lincs Bird Club is pleased to announce the return of the Grantham Peregrine Webcam. Images from the tower at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham can be seen at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/pegcam.html while details of daily activity can be found at http://pegcam.blogspot.com. Birds have already been seen in the nesting tray, so fingers crossed that they breed again successfully in 2011. Details of last year's successful breeding attempt can be download at http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/Articles/2010_Peregrine_Blog.pdf *** Wash Cruises *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB group have released details of their 2011 Wash Birdwatching Cruises programme. Each Cruise lasts about 4/5 hours and after boarding the boat at Sluice Bridge, Boston the trip follows the river Witham into the Wash, along the river Welland with views over the saltmarsh bordering the RSPB reserve before returning to Boston. During 2010 over 100 bird species were seen and seals are also seen on most cruises. There are 15 cruises starting 13th April and continuing until 22nd October. RSPB members £14 (children under 16 £8) and non-members £16-50 (£9). Further details on www.southlincsrspb.org.uk or call 07531495521. *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, 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, charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.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 *** Interesting Weather radar website *** Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.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 Bardney Limewoods www.limewoods.co.uk limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's moths: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v499/jsylvester/Moths%20in%20my%20garden%202010/ Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: I've put all my decent photos of common butterflies on the Grimsby website: See http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ *** 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 and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Identifying Hoverflies - have you registered yet? *** Information from Ian Macalpine-Leny Whisby Education Centre in conjunction with Roger Morris are holding an Introduction to Hoverflies event on 26th and 27th March 2011 and 24th September 2011 (3 day course). Roger Morris describes the course as follows:- An Introduction to Hoverfly Identification This course is designed to give the novice sufficient confidence to tackle these attractive and interesting flies. By the end of the second day most pupils can be expected to understand the critical parts of the keys that often cause trouble. The programme comprises a mixture of formal and informal sessions. Identification sessions use preserved material provided by the course tutors. Course literature has been designed to compliment the keys in Stubbs & Falk's British Hoverflies. A second session in September is scheduled to provide an opportunity for pupils to refresh their knowledge and have specimens confirmed. It will also give an opportunity to look at more challenging genera that often cause difficulties. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, 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. April 17, 2011 Wilsford Heath Quarry SSSI (Private site) South of Ancaster 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small on-site car park at SK985 413. Gate to site to be unlocked by land owner. Habitats: Woodland. Scrub, Calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 15, 2011 Priory Farm, Orford (Sir Richard Sutton Settled Estates) NW of Binbrook. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in yard of Priory Farm at TF194 945. Habitats: Waithe Beck, marsh, ponds, arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, June 19, 2011 Great Eau - Theddlethorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at TF454857 Healey Land, park on side of Road - note cattle may be grazing. Habitats: River, Marsh, Ditches. Leader: Chris Manning 07752 353303 chris@lincsdeer.info Sunday, July 03, 2011 South Farm, Thurlby. SW of Lincoln. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in yard of South Farm at SK907 614. Habitats: River Witham, ponds, grassland and arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, July 16, 2011 Hatfield/Thorne Moor NNR Joint Meeting withYorkshire Naturalists' Union Botanical Survey Habitats: Moorland and Heath Contact Ian McDonald at iannutwell@talktalk.net if interested Saturday, August 13, 2011 Alkborough Flats (North Lincs Council and Environment Agency) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in car park at SE879 221. Take lane on left just pass church (if coming from south) and continue downhill. Evening moth/bat session starting at 8.30pm Habitats should be Saltmarsh, marsh, lagoons, ditches, pasture. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Colin Smith (evening) 07595 414318 Saturday, September 24, 2011 Riseholme College, N of Lincoln, off A15 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in car park next to Conference Hall at SK981 756 Evening moth/bat session starting at 7pm. Includes an opportunity to investigate the LNU Collection and encourage students to use them. Habitats: Parkland, woodland, lake. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com (afternoon) and Colin Smith (evening) 07595 414318 Sunday, October 23, 2011 Fungus Foray, Callan's Lane Wood (Forestry Commission site) Kirkby Underwood. North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at car park TF061 270 Habitats: Mixed Woodland Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find a copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Recent mailfails: p.corringham *** Aurora Borealis *** Astounding! http://www.wimp.com/largeaurora/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/