============================================ || || 4th December 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 1035 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes *** Reminder: I sent out an earlier message asking Readers to please stay away from Donna Nook until the chaos caused by a recent storm surge has been dealt with as far as possible. Staff and volunteers have a lot to do. The best way we can help is to give them time to do what is needed. If they do need to call for extra help they know they can ask us via the Bulletin. See Seal News below for latest info. From time to time we get reports for the Lincolnshire Limewoods, but far fewer than we had hoped for. It is almost as if people do not know that we have a woodland NNR on our doorstep, with its associated wildlife. Take a look at the following links and see if you can boost our records with a visit. Don't forget: tracks and signs are important records, so examine muddy patches and if we get some snow look out for deer slots and paw prints etc. A good website about this is: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain/field_guides/ For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006846.aspx I hope to put your reports in section 6. [below] Roger *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. 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. Saturday, January 14, 2012 Joseph Banks, James Edward Smith and the Linnean Society Illustrated Lecture by Prof Mark Seaward. Emeritus Professor of Environmental Biology at Bradford University and Honorary Professor of Lincoln University. For those who have not heard Prof Seaward speak, this is an event "Not to be missed". His knowledge and zest for learning is something to be experienced. His contribution to the work of the LNU over the years has been very considerable indeed. *** Seal News *** Rob Lidstone-Scott wrote on 27/11: Seal counts: 27 November 2011 13:10 Bulls: 335 Cows: 969 Pups: 1140 John Walker writes on 28/11/2011 With the storm force NW winds in Scotland on Sunday a huge surge tide came down the North Sea with water overtopping much of the foredunes and causing havoc at Donna Nook and the seal colony. It's one of the highest tides I've seen in 31 years living at Coastguard Cottage. John adds: According to the Environment Agency stats the surge was 1.2m above the spring high tide and the spring high was a big tide without the surge. See the Trust webpage: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/index.php#380 Monday 28 November Beach and viewing area closed to all visitors An unusually high tide has washed away part of the fence and damaged the path. Seals are spread throughout the public viewing area, pups have become separated from their mothers and some pups have been washed out to sea. The viewing area is currently closed to all visitors. The distressed seals need peace and quiet in order for mothers to relocate their pups. In addition, with seals within the public viewing area, public safety cannot be guaranteed. Editor adds: I hear there have been sightseers ignoring Trust advice/ causing unwelcome issues, as has sometimes happened in previous years. Please stay away from Donna Nook until we get Trust confirmation that responsible visitors are welcome once more. *** Total Lunar Eclipse 10th December *** The Moon rises in eclipse 15.51 hrs, with end of totality at 16.18 hrs. Final end of penumbral eclipse: 17.31 hrs. [Info Paul Money's Nightscenes] Look out for it. *** Identifying Wildfowl *** Can you distinguish a Bean Goose from a White-fronted Goose? Here are some useful Wildfowl identification links: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/families/swans.aspx *** Getting out and about! *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/index.php http://www.rspb.org.uk/nearyou/index.aspx?c=lincolnshire http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/welney/ http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/Wildlife-in-Norfolk/Reserves.aspx http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/cycling/routes/391/the-water-rail-way http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Viking+Way *** Waxwings *** See: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/waxwing/ http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/waxwing.asp *** Great Grey Shrike Alert *** See: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greatgreyshrike/ http://birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=12207 *** Boston LWT Area Group *** Friday, 9th December at 7.30 p.m. SNIPE DALES NATURE RESERVE AND COUNTRY PARK James Forrester, the Assistant Warden, wil give us an illustrated talk on the Park, his work and the wildlife to be found there. The meeting will be held in the church hall of the Centenary Methodist Church in Red Lion Street, Boston - all welcome. Refreshments will be served. There will be a leaving collection. For more information, contact Brian Redman, tel. 01205 351406 *** South Lincs RSPB *** ILLUSTRATED TALK Thursday 15th December at 7.30 p.m. Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "Neil's Favourites" by local photographer Neil Smith. Members £2, non-members £3-50, children half price. *** Harlequin Ladybird Reports *** See: http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ *** Help Butterfly Conservation *** Peter Cawdell writes: The Lincolnshire Echo (now weekly Thursdays) are giving away £20,000 to up to 200 local charities - we at Lincs Butterfly Conservation are one. Coupons will be printed in this week's edition & every Thursday until Dec. 22nd. (some bonus coupons). The more coupons we collect the greater our share of the money! Please can you collect as many as possible (also forwarding this e-mail, or texting/communicating to your friends, family & anyone you know who takes or can beg/borrow copies of the Echo) to cut out the coupons and send to either myself at: Peter Cawdell 49 Tower Crescent, Lincoln. LN25QF or Derek Fox 'Lisheen', Barlings Lane, Langworth, Lincoln. LN35DA. Thank you. Peter Cawdell, Lincs Butterfly Conservation Peter adds: The final coupon will be printed in the Echo out 15th Dec. and the final date for the Echo to receive them is 22nd Dec. so anyone posting them to us should allow for the Xmas post. It might be worth getting most to us well before the closing date to be on the safe side. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 my 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. 26/11 9 Tundra Bean Geese, over Tetney Hen Harrier over Toby's Hill 3 Hen Harriers, Short-eared owl, Nocton Fen Little Auk past Donna Nook, also Black-throated Diver 7 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, 12 Whooper, 2 Bewick's Swans, Wroot 20 Eurasian White-fronted Geese with Pink-footed Geese between Winterton and Winteringham 21 Tundra Bean Geese, Worlaby, 5 flew towards Saxby 27/11 2 Tundra Bean Geese, 11 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Messingham Sand Quarry Hen Harrier, 12 Short-eared owls, Worlaby Carrs 4 Bewick's Swans, 3 Hen Harrier, 3 Short-eared owls, Nocton Fen 100 Tundra Bean Geese, Wainfleet St Mary Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point 8 Tundra Bean Geese, Westwoodside 28/11 Spoonbill, Black Redstart, 2 Short-eared Owls, Gibraltar Point 100+ Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Coast NNR Lapland Bunting, 80+ Snow Buntings, 4 Whooper Swans, Cleethorpes to Humberston 21 probable Whooper Swans over Theddlethorpe 2 Lapland buntings, m Hen Harrier, 22 Eurasian White- fronted Geese, 54 Tundra Bean Geese, Wainfleet St Mary Barnacle Goose, 2000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Pale- Bellied Brent, Friskney 10 Bewick's Swans, m Hen Harrier, Nocton Fen 4 Tundra Bean Geese, 4 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Langtoft Scaup, with Tufted Ducks, Deeping High Bank 5 Short-eared Owls, Dunsby Fen 29/11 2 Velvet Scoter, Great Northern Diver, Arctic Skua by, Gibraltar Point 30/11 Great White Egret, over Kirkby on Bain pits Bittern. Messingham Sand Quarry 50 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, over Saltfleetby/ Theddlethorpe NNR Common Scoter, Covenham Reservoir 31 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Huttoft Pit Great Grey Shrike W of Wilsford 1/12 Black Redstart, Gibraltar Point Black-necked Grebe, Thurlby gravel pits 5 Hen Harriers, 4 Short-eared Owls, 6 Bewick's Swans, Nocton Fen 2/12 7 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Wroot 80 Snow Buntings, Donna Nook 2 Hen Harriers, 4+ Short-eared Owls, Dunsby Fen 2 Lapland Buntings, 200 Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Black-necked Grebe, Thurlby Gravel Pit 25 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Spoonbill, 8 Lapland Buntings, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret, over Kirkby on Bain pits 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. Strongly recommended. [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. LACEBY BECK 28/11/2011 Mick Binnion The first Little Egret has taken up residence for the winter. MAYFLOWER WOOD Killingholme 01/12/2011 Mick Binnion Roe Deer 4 Sparrowhawk 2 Candlesnuff Field Mushroom Shaggy Pholiota on Ash Tawny Funnel Cap *** 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. DEEPING LAKES NATURE RESERVE David Griffith 28/11/2011 10am Fieldfare x40+ Redwing x8 Pied wagtail Reed bunting x2 Sparrowhawk Kestrel Buzzard Grey heron x4 Lapwing x12 Blackbird x8 Long tailed tit x20 Green woodpecker x4 Bullfinch x2 Little egret Teal x5 Greylag goose x90 Mute swan x42 Gadwall x6 Goosander (male) Shoveler x 4 Shelduck x2 Wigeon x50+ Goldeneye x5 Coot x60 Mallard x50 Tufted duck x70 Pochard x30 Black headed gull x50 Great crested grebe x5 Blue tit x10 Great tit x3 Greenfinch x2 Wren x4 Barnacle goose Canada goose 1+8 hybrids Moorhen x6 Chaffinch x4 Magpie x2 HECKINGTON 27.11.11 Mick Todd While my daughter was having a riding lesson at Millview a shorteared owl was put up from the corner of the adjacent field and could seen for several minutes battling against strong winds. NETTLEHAM Stephen and Julia Hart 26/11/11 Female Sparrow Hawk sitting on hedge for 15 minutes outside our kitchen window - 4 metres from us, marvellous sight. No other birds visible! PINCHBECK 28.11.11 Mick Todd As I left the field where I was working shortly before 4.30pm a buzzard could be seen flying over the field and landing in the hawthorn trees alongside the old railway line. PINCHBECK 29.11.11 Mick Todd In our trial plots of greens, several species of plants flowering, they include:- red dead nettle, stinging nettle, grounsel, chickweed and shepherd's purse. A sparrowhawk was observed chasing a blackbird in the hawthorn bushes and a kestrel was seen sitting on wires over the field. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 28/11/2011 - first convincing ground frost of the winter. 29/11/2011 Buzzard, Kestrel 2, Tawny owl 2. WRANGLE COMMON 28/11/2011 Roy and Kath Pearson The highlight of today's count was a female Merlin. This flew across a field and stooped at a Pheasant. I can't think it would have been big enough to take such a bird, but maybe it was a conditioned reflex to stoop, or perhaps it felt that by flushing the bird, other smaller prey might have been startled into taking flight out of the grass. If so, it was to be disappointed. Three waders were counted - a Green Sandpiper, a Woodcock and eleven Curlews, so the flock is back, if in smaller numbers than is usual. A Kingfisher was a nice sighting, but passerines were in small numbers, with the exception of Blackbirds (19). Only one Redwing was seen and no Fieldfares. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 No report yet SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx No report yet RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for OCTOBER 2011 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp RSPB Frampton Marsh Passage waders included Pectoral Sandpiper (until 9th), Jack Snipe, up to two Curlew Sandpipers and four Little Stints. Up to 50 Ruffs were also still in residence (6th). The Long-billed Dowitcher from Freiston put in a brief appearance (4th). First autumn/winter records included Water Pipit (23rd) and Twite (from 23rd). Unusual sightings included two Cranes (23rd) and a Spoonbill (24th). A single Red Kite was seen (1st) with more regular raptor sightings of up to two Marsh Harriers, four Hen Harriers, three Merlins and a Peregrine. A Great Grey Shrike was along the Haven (from 31st). Winter swans started to increase with up to four Bewick's and 26 Whoopers on the Reedbed. Brent Geese increased to 1,100 by the end of the month. RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore The Long-billed Dowitcher from September remained until 4th. Although the winds were generally not favourable Arctic Skuas were seen on three dates. Also offshore were single Puffin and Razorbill and six Common Scoter (24th) with a Velvet Scoter (25th). Just one Short-eared Owl was seen (23rd), but two Barn Owls and Merlin were more regular. Also: Gibraltar Point NNR A Pectoral Sandpiper stayed at least four days (7th to 10th), Jack Snipe (8th & 9th) and up to 44,000 Knots were recorded at high tide. A Spoonbill was seen on two dates (27th & 30th). Red-breasted Flycatcher, two Yellow-browed Warblers, Firecrest, Ring Ouzel and three Bean Geese (13th), with Great Grey Shrike, Lapland Bunting and Long-eared Owl (14th), A much sought after trio of Pallas's Warbler, two Yellow-browed Warblers and Firecrest (25th). Black Redstarts were seen on two dates (25th & 29th), but Redstart on just one (12th). Passage finches late in the month included good numbers of Bullfinches along with a Hawfinch (30th). A Rough-legged Buzzard (26th) put in a brief appearance. The sea was very quiet, with four Velvet Scoters (13th) and Little Gull (30th) the highlights. Whisby Nature Park and North Hykeham Pits The highlights during the month were a Hawfinch (27th), a Reserve first, a brief juvenile ringtail Harrier, either Montagu's or Pallid (4th) and a Red Kite (23rd). Four Red-crested Pochards (27th) and peak counts of four Little Egret (4th) and 15 Tree Sparrows (25th) were supplemented by the first returning winter migrants, with 30 Redwings (8th), Woodcock (14th), two Goldeneye and 30 Fieldfare (both 24th). A single Swallow and Chiffchaff (both 12th) were the last of the summer migrants. Other sites The highlights from other sites in the south of the county included a Ring-necked Duck at Kirkby on Bain Pits, Black-necked Grebe and Mandarin at Thurlby Sand Pit, a Gannet inland over Gonerby Moor (29th), Sabine's Gull at Skegness (24th), Osprey at Fulbeck (1st), an American Golden Plover at Anwick Fen (18th), Great Grey Shrike at Haverholme Park (29th), Cetti's Warbler at Marston STW (28th), and Yellow-browed Warbler at Sutton Bridge (11th). John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Week ending 02.12.11 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern blackbird 26 black headed gull 55 blue tit 6 bullfinch carrion crow 2 chaffinch 5 common gull 50+ coot 106 cormorant curlew 4 dunnock 3 gadwall 40 goldeneye GBB gull GC grebe 4 great tit 5 greenfinch grey heron greylag goose 10 GS woodpecker house sparrow 20 kestrel lapwing 100 little grebe long tailed tit 3 magpie 4 mallard 22 marsh harrier F moorhen 12 mute swan 8 pheasant 2 pochard 22 redshank 8 redwing 15 reed bunting 2 robin 7 shelduck 20 shoveler 22 smew M song thrush sparrowhawk F starling 100+ teal 18 tufted duck 25 water rail wigeon 18 willow tit wood pigeon 30 wren 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Photo site update :- Bardney Limewoods 2008 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157604757394558/ Bardney Limewoods 2009 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Bardney Limewoods 2010 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157623488040369/ Bardney Limewoods 2011 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157626361531988/ Reports needed, please. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny macalpine@doddington.demon.co.uk *** Contacts List *** *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 *** 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 *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.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 *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk 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 *** Wash Estuary Project Contacts *** Jeff Goodley - Wash Estuary Project Officer jeff.goodley@washestuary.org.uk Vivien Hartwell - Wash Biodiversity viv.hartwell@washestuary.org.uk *** 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: john.badley@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 recorded in my garden 2011: www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies 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 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Saturday, January 14, 2012 Joseph Banks, James Edward Smith and the Linnean Society Illustrated Lecture by Prof Mark Seaward. Emeritus Professor of Environmental Biology at Bradford University and Honorary Professor of Lincoln University. Saturday, February 11, 2012 Recorders Meeting Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bee Photographs *** Requesting photos: Can anyone help me with photos to illustrate a paper, please? I am hoping to use readers' photos of honeybees and other pollinating species "in action", and will be grateful if you will also permit me to use them in an LNU Powerpoint presentation. This will make it much more interesting than if I use my own or "borrowed" photos. [Yours will be acknowledged.] The flower species being worked is as important as the species working it for pollen or nectar, but if you can't identify the flower or pollinator involved, please don't worry. [Best warn me if you are going to e-mail something huge.] I would also welcome observations of particular associations you may make over the course of next year, e.g. specific wild flowers and their pollinators. Comments and anecdotes are welcome too. I will also welcome reports of wild/feral honeybee colonies in trees, walls etc. Note them now and then see how they are surviving next Spring. For more bee information see: http://rogerparsons.info/bees.html Thanks. Roger. *** 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: included johnklejna - spamassassin-ed bakes - mailbox full stourton-mark - over quota *** Scrap Metal petition! *** Several readers have kindly drawn my attention to the following petition, details circulated by Lincolnshire Police. Thank you. If interested, have a look and see if you wish to sign it. http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406 *** Links of the Week *** Thanks to all who sent in the following interesting links. Birds Flocking: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yahooeditorspicks/galleries/72157628004533911/ Beer Commercial: The producers of this beer commercial borrowed a small 150 seat cinema playing a popular film, and filled 148 of its seats with rough-looking, tattooed bikers, leaving only two free seats in the middle of the theatre. They then allowed theatre management to sell tickets for the last pair of tickets to several young couples. What would you do? Watch till the end ..... http://www.theinspiration.com/2011/09/carlsberg-stunt-in-cinema/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/