============================================ || || 27th March 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 935 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 *** British Summer Time begins this weekend. Don't forget! A reader has raised the issue of reptile safety in our reporting. Does anyone know if reptile collecting is a real problem area for us, or just a potential risk? I recall a media correspondence about adders some time ago of the "kill 'em all" variety, something else we can do without. Can I ask that for any species that might be endangered by reporting, readers send reports directly to recorders, please, just in case? e.g. Bird nesting sites. Orchid sites. Thanks. Roger *** 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 *** Cloud Appreciation Society *** Ian Loxley writes: An item for your events calendar please, On 7th April 2011, it is the launch of the Coastal Country Park (CCP), by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. This runs from Chapel St Leonards to Sandilands along the Lincolnshire coast line. The launch location will be the Cloud Bar and car park near the beach at Anderby Cree. There will be a series of short presentations during the event, which will run from 3pm-9pm. Cloud Appreciation Society Founder, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Cloud Appreciation Society Photo Gallery Editor, Ian Loxley, Astronomer Paul Money, and Rangers from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England will be among the attendees. For more information please contact The Coastal Country Park events Officer on Email info@lincstrust.co.uk Tel 01507 526667. *** 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? *** BTO 'Birding in Lincs & Notts' Conference *** Andrew Chick writes: The upcoming BTO 'Birding in Lincs & Notts' Conference will take place on April 16, 2011 at Riseholme College Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN2 2LG. The first BTO conference in the area, this exciting event will combine talks and updates from national BTO surveys such as Bird Atlas 2007-11 and the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) as well as fascinating insights into local RSPB Reserves, all you need to know about nesting and nest boxes, birds of prey in the area and what you might find in a ringers' mist net. This event represents a great way of meeting your local BTO Regional Representative, BTO staff from our headquarters in Thetford and BTO members and volunteers. There will also be stalls and displays from local bird clubs and conservation organisations and a first class raffle – how can you afford not to come! Conference tickets are great value, at only £14.00 per person which includes tea, coffee & biscuits and a buffet lunch so book soon to avoid disappointment! For more information and to book a place, please follow the link below: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/Articles/BTO_in_Lincs_&_Notts_Conference.pdf *** 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. *** Grantham Area Group of the LWT *** Barkston & Syston Village Hall 7.30 p.m. Fri 8th April Churchyard Nature Reserves God's Acre Project at St. Swithun's Long Bennington Gordon Scott *** Alkborough Flats Event *** Sarah Killick writes: Please Note - Booking is essential for all events, call 01724 721269 to book your place. 12th April - 10am Family fun on the farm A brilliant morning out for all the family. See the newly born spring lambs, cows and calves. Learn what farm life is all about! Please wear suitable clothing and wellies. Cost: £2/child ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 19/11 2 Long-tailed Ducks, Barton upon Humber Rough-legged Buzzard, Theddlethorpe All saints plus 85 Whooper Swans flew east. 40 Whooper Swans NW over Grainthorpe. Black Redstart, Barton upon Humber, Waters Edge 60 Whooper Swan, Toft Newton reservoir. 20 Whooper Swan over Lincoln 20/3 8 Taiga Bean Geese, 8 Short-eared owls, Worlaby Carrs 2 Smew, Baston. Langtoft pits Firecrest, Far Ings Black Redstart, Chowder Ness Farm 60 Waxwings, Grantham, Kenilworth Road Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Red Kite, Grantham, Belton golf course 21/3 Great White Egret, Mamby Flashes m Hen Harrier, Tetney Marshes 3 Smew, Baston. Langtoft pits Firecrest, Far Ings 50+ Waxwings, Lincoln, Deacon Road 23+ Waxwings, Humberston Rough-legged Buzzard, South Ferriby Black Redstart, Barton upon Humber Lapland Bunting, Gibraltar Point 22/3 Firecrest, Far Ings 23/3 c50 Waxwings, Lincoln, Bishops Road 32 Smew, Baston. Langtoft pits Hen Harrier, Cranwell 24/3 14 Whooper Swan, Torksey Island, River Trent. 8 Shorelarks, Gibraltar Point 25/3 Short-eared owl, Nocton Fen Hen Harrier, Cranwell 19 Whooper Swan, Messingham Sand Quarry 12 Waxwings over North Sea Lane, Humberston 30+ Waxwings, Grantham. Kenilworth Road Lapland Bunting, Frampton Marsh 15 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Road 26/3 60+ Waxwings, Lincoln, south on Doddington roundabout. 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. John Walker writes on: A group of 5 of us were watching over the Burwell and Legbourne woods yesterday [22nd March 2011] for raptors, and for 10 minutes at around 1130 hrs in warm sunshine we watched a noctule bat hawking up to 200 feet over Legbourne. Two of us watched it through 30x telescopes and had clear views. *** 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. ARNOLD'S MEADOW Arnolds Meadow Nature Reserve Spalding K J Seaton 25-03-2011 Between 100 & 200 Common Toad's mating in Mere, Pond & Moat at reserve. BARLINGS ABBEY (TF090736) 21/3/11 Liz Fleuty 2 buzzards BOOTHBY GREAT WOOD. SK9531. 20/03/2011. David Clarke. Blackbird 3 Blue Tit 6 Buzzard 2 Chaffinch 7 Chiffchaff 2 Coal Tit 2 Carrion Crow 2 Great Tit 4 Jay 1 Magpie 1 Pheasant 7 Robin 3 Red Kite 1 Wood Pigeon 32 Wren 4. Mammals. Fallow Deer 9 Grey Squirrel 2 Brown Hare 2. Flowers. Coltsfoot Primrose. BRANSTON, VALLEY ESTATE w/c 21/3/2011 Janis Wright 10 jackdaws seen in the grounds of the local infant school. 3 separate sighting of a brimstone - first butterfly seen this year. Lots of 7 spot ladybirds found in pampas grass as I was tidying it up for the spring. BURTON by Lincoln 956746 Gordon Hickmore After several days of inactivity and noisy discussion nest building at the Burton Rookery began on Sat 26th Feb. following 2 days of bright warm weather. This was 2 days earlier than 2010. Just one nest remains from the 42 counted last year, built late in the season by a young pair on a sapling well below the main rookery. It has been reoccupied and with a head start, it is becoming a fortress. Walnut twigs are much in favour taken from the tree in my garden. Today 21st march, I have counted 36 nests so the cold winter may have taken its toll on the colony. During the cold spell, 6-8 wrens occupied the swallows' nest under the eve of the house. It has been in constant us over the winter and only now has it been vacated. 6 hares observed in the fields and on Sunday morning, 4 foxes. CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK909580 Jeremy Hutchinson Saturday 19th March 2011 Bullfinch (male) Brimstone Chiffchaff singing (first in 2011 for me) DAWSON CITY 23/03/11 Mick Binnion Great Diving Beetle crawling about on the pasture. It must have been flying during the night and misjudged a landing or got disorientated near the Hebrideans' water supply. FISKERTON (TF060731) 21/3/11 Liz Fleuty 2 brimstones, c30 lapwings, numerous skylarks HARTSHOLME CP & SWANHOLME LNR, LINCOLN SK94 69 Brian Hedley 20 March 2011 Masses of frog spawn and at least 20 frogs in woodland drain Chiffchaff 3 in song Jay 6 Siskin 5 Red-crested Pochard pair Wigeon 60 Goosander 3m 7 redheads Sparrowhawk 2 Green woodpecker 1 HEIGHINGTON, Millstream Road. John Nickson. Sat. 19th March 2011 18:55 Just as it was getting dark as I was looking for the moon. Bat. Expect it was a Pipistrelle. Flying up and down the row of houses. KIRKBY ON BAIN PITS Jacquie Harrison and John Margetts Sunday 20 March 4.30pm Great white egret feeding successfully on gravel pit where the conveyer belt is in background. Excellent views from roadside. Can only assume it is the one that has been seen here off and on for some time now. LEGBOURNE WOOD LNR John Walker. Friday 25th Marsh 2011 Brimstone, small tortoiseshell, peacock and comma, (brimstone feeding on flowering primrose) great spotted woodpecker drumming. MARTON SK842 820 Brian Hedley 23 March 2011 Moth-trap (MV bulb over Skinner trap) out in garden overnight produced: Oak Beauty 1 Pine Beauty 1 Early Grey 3 Red Chestnut 1 Double-striped Pug 1 Twenty Plumed Moth 1 Common Quaker 8 Twin-spotted Quaker 1 Small Quaker 1 Clouded Drab 19 Hebrew Character 23 Diurnea fagella 1 24 March 2011 Brimstone 2m Small tortoiseshell 2 Peacock 1 Red-tailed Bumblebee White-tailed Bumblebee Both chiffchaff and reed bunting noted in garden. Red Kite circling over village and then drifted high to west. MORKERY WOOD R & K Heath 25/03/11 An early comma seen. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 24.3.11: At least 12 frogs spawning in garden pond, 10 days later than last year. House sparrows collecting nesting material. Robins, blackbirds, tits and thrushes very vocal. Dog violet and lesser celandine in flower. 4 skylarks singing. Dead badger on verge along a lane. SEACROFT Seacroft Marsh SSSI Monday 14th March 2011 John Nicholson Ringed Plover 7 Seacroft lagoon Shore Lark 16 Seacroft lagoon Tuesday 22nd March 2011 Dave Miller Oystercatcher 31 Pied Wagtail 2 SCOTHERN - VIKING WAY PATH Sunday 13 March Jacquie Harrison and John Margetts Barn Owl hunting in daylight House Sparrows - good size colony in hedges on main road Willow Warbler - first of year - good views. As elsewhere, many fewer chaffinches than previous years. SPILSBY TF407 660 Joan Gunson 125 MV Robinson Trap in garden 20.3.11 9 Clouded Drab 17 Common Quaker 1 Dotted Border NFY 2 Early Grey 1 Grey Shoulder-knot NFY 14 Hebrew Character 2 Small Quaker NFY 23.3.11 20 Clouded Drab 19 Common Quaker 7 Early Grey 31 Hebrew Character 3 Small Quaker 24.3.11 11 Clouded Drab 8 Common Quaker 1 Diurnea fagella NFY 6 Early Grey 1 Grey Shoulder-knot 17 Hebrew Character 1 Oak Beauty NFY 1 Small Quaker Butterflies seen in garden this week: Brimstone Peacock Small Tortoiseshell Frogs very active, with large amounts of frog-spawn in garden pond. TIMBERLAND FEN D & C Robinson We saw a Short Eared Owl on Friday 20th p.m., at more or less the same spot as we saw one a few weeks ago. About 3/4 mile from Timberland on Timberland Fen road heading towards River Witham. It was sitting on the drain bank and gliding over field. WATER RAIL WAY (WASHINGBOROUGH) TF043714 17/3/11 Liz Fleuty Lunchtime (1:15pm) barn owl VERNATTS NATURE RESERVE 24.03.11 Mick Todd During a midday walk around the reserve I noticed lesser celandine, common dog violet and cowslips in flower, there were brimstone, peacock and small white butterflies on the wing. A chiffchaff was observed singing in the hawthorn, with blue, great and longtailed tits working the hedgerows  and a green woodpecker could be heard yaffleing near by (probably in the cemetery). A few toads could be seen and heard in the pit, but their numbers still seem quite low, 2 pairs of mating grassnakes were seen along with 4 others basking in the sunshine. Hopefully there will be plenty more days like this! WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 19/3 Much skylark activity in area. Also reed buntings. 20/3 Harlequin ladybird in house [H a spectabilia] 21/3 Short-tailed vole Common shrew Both disturbed by strimming. Woodmouse evidence - cache of opened plum stones in a hedgehog box. Characteristic toothmarks. f Redstart, Canada Farm, private land. Brimstone [A. Parsons] 22/3 Peacock butterfly [A. Parsons] WRANGLE COMMON 24/03/2011 Roy and Kath Pearson The recent dry weather has resulted in the wader grounds drying out so little was to be seen today except two Oystercatchers and the usual Curlew flock.  It was generally quiet on the bird front, though Bramblings are moving through in fair numbers and we recorded twelve.  This may not seem much to those living in wooded parts of the county, but our total of fourteen this month is unprece- dented. Amongst the butterflies we recorded good numbers of Peacocks, along with Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone and a Comma. A Pipistrelle put in an appearance at dusk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 John Walker. 25 March 2011 Several large bumblebees and ladybirds and 3 peacocks,   2 small tortoiseshells. Dozens of common toads spawning but no frogs seen. Migrant birds, 2 wheatears, 3 siskins, 3 chiffchaffs, 7 fieldfares,  also a party of 34 jackdaws seen rising up to c1500 ft and flying off north east over the sea. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore John Badley February 2011. RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp No report yet. RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp No report yet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 26.03.11 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bearded tit 2 bittern blackbird 20+ black headed gull 100+ black redstart blue tit 11 bullfinch 2 canada goose 8 carrion crow 4 chaffinch 11 chiffchaff 5 collared dove 2 common buzzard common gull 6 coot 60+ cormorant 2 curlew 2 dunnock 6 firecrest gadwall 2 goldeneye 12 goldfinch 12 greenfinch 4 GC grebe 4 great tit 8 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 22+ herring gull house sparrow 20 linnet little grebe 2 long tailed tit 8 magpie 10 mallard 20 marsh harrier F moorhen 20 mute swan 4 pheasant 2 pochard 10 red crested pochard red kite redshank 3 reed bunting 10 robin 10 sand martin 5 shelduck 12 shoveler 2 siskin skylark song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 20 tawny owl teal 2 treecreeper 3 tree sparrow 4 tufted duck 30 water rail 2 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 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/ SOUTHREY WOOD TF133685 C Smith 21/3/2011 Moths to Actinic light Chestnut 6 Clouded Drab 8 Common Quaker 10 Dotted Border 6 Early Grey 4 Engrailed 3 Hebrew Character 6 March Moth 2 Oak Beauty 12 Pale Brindled Beauty 1 Satellite 6 Shoulder Stripe 2 Small Brindled Beauty 13 Small Quaker 52 Twin-spotted Quaker 8 Tortricodes alternella 6 Anne Goodall writes: Spring is really here at last. First grass snake March 7th, common lizards a week later, both now in high numbers; current record for the number of (different) grass snakes seen in one day is held by Adrian with 23. The management work over this winter has created lots of new wood piles for basking, with much of the wood transported to bulk up the existing sites, and it's worth checking all of them. Mowing the meadows has also created half a dozen big grass heaps which will hope- fully attract grass snakes to lay. First chiffchaff 19th, as reported last week, a few more the next day and everywhere within 48 hers, but no more migrants yet. First roding woodcock heard on 18th, now regular at dusk in most of the woods. First celandines in flower on 20th, wood anemones and early dog-violets on 22nd. First hedgehog seen on 21st. Much less welcome, first queen hornet on 25th! The dormouse group working party on 19th made very good progress with coppicing the first coupe. Unfortunately we lost two sessions to bad weather in mid-winter, but there is an extra session on Sunday April 3rd, 10.00-15.00 when we hope to get as close as possible to finishing - both coppicing and boxes, which need to go back up this month ready to start checking in May. Chambers Farm Wood 20-26 March 2011 Adrian Royle More Chiffchaffs arriving through the week the best day being Friday 25th with 11 birds heard. As the Spring migrants are arriving still lots of winter visitors about. At least 20 Brambling seen today 26th, plus Redpoll and loads of Siskins, hard to say how many but they were certainly making a lot of noise. Several Woodcocks seen through the week. Four species of butterfly seen regularly; Comma max 10 on 22nd, Peacock max 6 on 22nd and 25th, Brimstone max 6 on 22nd, plus a single Small Tortoiseshell seen regularly in the Garden. Also an Orange Underwing moth seen on the main ride on 24th. Toads emerged in numbers as expected peaking on 24th but not a great number as seen in recent years. Also Palmate and Common Newts seen in the Butterfly Garden pond, about 12 seen there. Flies are starting to show, the first Bee Flies Bombylius major were seen early in the week, I saw 2 on the 24th, also a big hairy fly Tachina ursina seen in exactly the same place as one seen last year. I believe this is a very under recorded species (uncommon/rare) so if anybody wants more info about it do get in touch. Brown Hares had a very busy day on the 24th, 2 pairs were seen chasing and boxing in the woods. No Roe Deer this week but several Muntjac seen although numbers were thinned out a little Thursday night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: none *** Sub-atomic Particles *** For those of you who have lost track of the latest thinking in sub-atomic physics, here are two links to divert you, one serious, one light-hearted: http://www.friesian.com/particle.htm http://www.particlezoo.net/ The first has a wide-ranging section on the philosophy of science. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/