============================================ || || 6th November 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 1006 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 *** Please raise a glass with me this weekend to celebrate passing the 1000 reader mark for the Wildnews Bulletin. And on my birthday - 2nd November. If you would like to read an account of how the idea came about, see: http://www.lnu.org/bulletin_history.php It was Dave Bromwich, a past-President of the LNU, who sparked off the idea. Steve Grey showed how it might be made possible. Dave's vision was of dozens of reporters feeding in information to county recorders by e-mail, and here we are with exactly that, though we could do with a few more active participants! Fortunately a core of regular contributors keeps the news interesting, and a huge thank you goes out to all of them. We should remember the support we received from the late Roger Goy, who fed in information gathered in his unique way, week on week. He would have been very pleased indeed. Behind the scenes County Recorders continue to work away, building up a bank of information on Lincolnshire species. We hope that by contributing to the Bulletin, many more people will learn about identification and recording, an area where "Citizen Scientists" have made a significant contribution over the years. To put faces to the names of contributors and recorders, come along to one of the LNU meetings. There are some good ones coming up. The Recorders Meeting is very informative, which reminds me to remind you to send in any outstanding 2011 data to recorders for the end of the year. You are welcome to do this directly or via the Bulletin. See: http://www.lnu.org/recorders.php 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, November 26, 2011 Lincolnshire Peregrines Andrew Chick, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Bird Club will speak on these fascinating birds. Editor adds: great subject, great speaker - don't miss it! *** Dead Otters *** Chris J Manning – Mammal Recorder - writes: Two dead otters killing in Road Traffic Accidents last week, one at Little Cawthorpe, the other at Bourne via Bob Sheppard, also reports of a third caught in fishing line, the body wasn't recovered and its hoped it escaped. To date this year 8 road causalities, 5 killed in fyke nets, but pleasing several photographic records mostly via trail cameras. *** Fungus links *** Ken Rowland's fungus page on the LWT website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/fungi/index.php Wild About Britain http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fungi Fungi World http://www.fungiworld.co.uk/ BMS Edible and Poisonous Fungi - important to read http://www.nifg.org.uk/edible_fungi.htm CABI/BMS Database and checklist http://www.fieldmycology.net/ British Fungi - keys http://www.fieldmycology.net/GBCHKLST/key.asp?KeyID=8 British Mycological Society http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/ Mushroom Pickers' Code http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/mycology/conservation/code-of-picking/ *** Seal Season Reminder *** Readers of the Bulletin are urged to respect and support the advice and policy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in relation to access to seal breeding areas: to stay behind the fence in the viewing area and not to venture out onto the beach. By respecting Trust guidelines you reinforce their work to protect seals during the pupping season and ensure the safety of the visitors. Your good example throws into sharp relief the arrogance of those who choose to act otherwise and it might just shame them into more compliant behaviour. Maybe. See the Trust webpage: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php *** Weather Links - Be Prepared *** Looking at last year's diary I was reminded of the November snow and ice between 24 November and 5th December Useful weather pages will keep you informed about severe weather. I tend to use the following weather links: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_warnings.html http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ http://www.wunderground.com/global/UK.html *** Tides and Flooding Risks *** If you are off to the coast it is a good idea to check tide information first. An excellent site that will give you free basic tide information is: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Flood Warnings are available of the Environment Agency website: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ *** Azolla filiculoides on the River Witham *** Charlie Barnes writes: Azolla filiculoides or floating water fern is an invasive non-native species which forms dense mats on the surface of the water. It deprives other plants and animals of light and oxygen, clogs up waterways and create difficulties for boats and angling. Azolla filiculoides was originally brought over from North America as an ornamental pond plant, but having escaped into the wild it is now causing serious problems. Readers may have noticed that the River Witham at Bardney has been taken over by the weed in the last few weeks – see http://flickr.com/photo.gne?id=6291579457 – standing on the bridge at Bardney, one could look either direction and see no open water at all. However, along with Azolla filiculoides came a natural grazer, the weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus. The weevil itself was recorded in the wild in the 1920s and is effective at controlling the spread of the weed. Although the weevil can occur naturally alongside Azolla filiculoides, populations are being boosted by efforts from the Environment Agency and others in an attempt to combat the weed. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/133740.aspx. Editor adds: We noted a significant accumulation of Azolla last week, on the Witham at Anton's Gowt, in the Maud Foster drain and this week at Short Ferry near Bardney. Entertaining attempts were being made to deal with it using little harvesting boats. It was being allowed to flow through the locks into the navigable drains, where it is also very dense. Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 14th November we hold our indoor meeting and the subject will be Snipedales Country Park and Nature Reserve by James Forrester, assistant warden who will be giving an illustrated talk on the area. The meeting will be held at Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. There will be Trust Goods for sale, raffle and refreshments available. Admission is £2 and all are welcome. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath 01472 *** Gainsborough LWT Area Group *** Dave Stockley writes: Wed 16 November 2011: Derbyshire Wildlife Speaker Paul Hobson - an internationally recognised wildlife photographer, winning numerous awards. Come and join us for some stunning pictures. *** Boston LWT Area Group *** Friday, 9th December at 7.30 pm 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 17th November at 7.30pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston. "Madagascar" by Michael Webster. Members £2,non-members £3-50.children half price. ILLUSTRATED TALK Thursday 15th December at 7.30pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "Neil's Favourites" by local photographer Neil Smith. Members £2, non-members £3-50, children half price. *** Gibraltar Point Event *** Meet the Urban Birder. Talk and book signing by David Lindo, 2.00pm-4.00pm, on Sunday 20 November at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve. David will give a talk on 'The Urban Birder Adventures' and will be signing his new book 'The Urban Birder'. Tickets, £10 per person including refreshments, are available from Gibraltar Point - please call 01754 898057 *** Insect Exhibition *** Sent in by Alan Phillips Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Entomological Society's Insect Exhibition which will be held on Saturday 19th November at Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, NG25 0QF Entrance Free See: http://www.danes-insects.org.uk/ Editor adds: If anyone goes if would be useful to have a review. *** Harlequin Ladybirds *** In the past week I have seen several Harlequin ladybirds. This is the time of year they creep into buildings to hibernate. Please keep looking for and reporting them. http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 26/10 Richard's Pipit, over Mablethorpe Spoonbill, 16 Yellow-browed Warblers, Gibraltar Point Hawfinch, Whisby Nature Park 4 Red-crested Pochards, Apex Pits, North Hykeham 5 Yellow-legged Gulls at Lincoln Tip. North Hykeham 27/10 Black Brant and 2 Pale-bellied Brent with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Firecrest, 2 Twite, Donna Nook Jack Snipe, Marston Black Redstart, Short-eared Owl, North Killingholme Haven 28/10 Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Far Ings Great Grey Shrike, Boston, Cut End Black-necked Grebe, Thurlby Sand Pits Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Pale- bellied Brent, also 3 Ruddy Shelduck, Richard's Pipit, 2+ Lapland Bunting, 6+ Snow Bunting, 7 Whooper Swan, 5 Twite, Donna Nook 2 Short-eared Owls, Grainthorpe Haven Short-eared Owl, Nocton Fen Hen Harrier, 11 Short-eared Owls, Worlaby Carrs 29/10 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Firecrests, Donna Nook Hen Harrier, male, Nocton Fen Black-necked Grebe, Thurlby Sand Pits Great Grey Shrike, Wroot Great Grey Shrike, Boston, Cut End 30/10 Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Far Ings Great Grey Shrike, 2 Purple sandpiper, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese plus 2 Ruddy Shelduck, Donna Nook Spoonbill, Hawfinch, 7 Little Gulls, Gibraltar Point 12 Short-eared Owls, Worlaby Carrs Nordic Jackdaw, Willingham by Stow Hen Harrier, [NOT Pallid] south of Louth A16 Burwell at Buckland 5 Short-eared Owls, Dunsby Fen 2 Lapland Bunting, 2 Short-eared owls, Hen Harrier, Grainsthorpe Haven 31/10 Lesser Yellowlegs, Alkborough Flats Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Bittern, Far Ings Buzzard [not Rough-legged] Worlaby Carrs 1/11/11 7 Short-eared Owls, Worlaby Carrs Short-eared Owl, Wroot Little Auk past Skegness, 2 Snow Buntings. Lesser Yellowlegs, Alkborough Flats Great Grey Shrike, NE of Boston Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Far Ings 3/11/11 Twite, Alkborough Flats Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Far Ings Great Grey Shrike, Frampton Marsh Caspian Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls, North Hykeham, Millennium Green 2 Ruddy Shelducks, Freiston Shore Lesser Yellowlegs, Alkborough Flats 4/11 Lesser Yellowlegs, Alkborough Flats Shorelark, Gibraltar Point Caspian Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, North Hykeham, Millennium Green Yellow-browed Warbler, Saltfleetby NNR 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. THEDDLETHORPE John Cowell writes on 29th Oct: A male Bullfinch in the Theddlethorpe Dunes Buckthorn thicket, yesterday morning, Friday 28th. I don't suppose it is rare but, I thought, unusual. FAR INGS NNR Carol Massen 29 October Hobby. At approximately 2pm landed on hut on the reeds near the visitor centre. It only stayed a few minutes and flew off towards the Humber Bridge. We knew it was a raptor but didn't know what it was at the time but it had distinctive facial moustache and brown speckles on breast. It was about the size of a sparrow hawk but was definitely not that. The books seem to point to this being a hobby. Are we right? *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming, We rely on you to send in your observations and We welcome information from all readers, be they beginners or professionals. Thanks. CARLTON LE MOOR LAND SK909580 Jeremy Hutchinson 29-30 October 2011 Red Admiral (1) Peacock (1) 28th October 2011 Bassingham Fen SK941 585 Polecat (roadkill) LACEBY BECK 04/11/2011 Mick Binnion Blackbird 13 Blue Tit 4 Carrion Crow 4 Chaffinch 1 Collared Dove 2 Firecrest 1 Goldfinch 1 Great Tit 4 Greenfinch 1 Hedge Sparrow/ Dunnock 2 House Sparrow 6 Jackdaw 19 Linnet 10 Long Tailed Tit 10 Magpie 1 Pheasant 21 Redwing 4 Robin 1 Rook 27 Songthrush 1 Wood Pigeon 6 Wren 1 Grey Squirrel 3 Plants unusually in flower for November Hogweed Large Bindweed Herb Robert Red Campion SEACROFT MARSH SSSI David Norfolk 30th Oct Canada Geese 45 Little Egret 1 BH Gull 7 Common Gull 1 LBB Gull 1 GBB Gull 3 Rock Pipit 2 Greenfinch 4 Richard Doan 2nd Nov Wigeon 11 flying S Gannet 25 Oystercatcher 3 Sanderling 1 Bar-tailed Godwit 2 Redshank 4 Green Woodpecker 1 Skylark 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Goldfinch 1 SEAWATCH Humberston Fitties Dick Lorand Single porpoise heading into the river about 200 metres off shore. Seawatch from Winthorpe Tower 4th Nov Dave Miller Alas no cetaceans but I did see: Little Gull 6 Great Crested Grebe 3 Black-throated Diver 1 Sabine's Gull 1 TATTERSHALL THORPE CARR Ray Halstead 28.10.2011 Phragmidium violaceum Rhytisma acerinum Xylaria hypoxylon Daldinia concentrica Bjerkandera adusta Auricularia auricula-judae Fomes fomentarius (on Betula and Fraxinus) Piptoporus betulinus Hypholoma fasciculare Mycena galericulata Hypoxylon multiforme Stereum rugosum Stereum hirsutum Mycena inclinata Xylaria polymorpha Ganoderma australe Collybia butyracea Scleroderma citrinum Mycena vitilis Collybia fusipes Postia tephroleuca Polyporus durus Mycena galopus var candida Mycena filopes Phallus impudicus Marasmius epiphyllus Daedaleopsis confragosa (on Fraxinus instead of the usual Salix) Hebeloma crustuliniforme Psathyrella prona Coprinus micaceus Collybia dryophila WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 29/10/11 Brown hare disturbed by local shoot. 11.30am. Curlew calling 8am Tawny owl in nest box. 30/10 - caught sight of the tawny owl flying up to the next box. They are so secretive I have not seen this happen before. 3/11 Several toads about hinting 6.30pm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 25/10/2011 Black Redstart 1 Woodlark Yellow-browed Warbler 26/10/2011 Hen Harrier 1 Lapland Bunting 1 Merlin 1 Peregrine 1 Spoonbill 1 Yellow-browed Warbler 1 27/10/2011 Blackcap 2 Brambling 4 Fieldfare 2 Firecrest 1 Goldcrest 3 House Martin 2 Redwing 19 Sparrowhawk 1 Spoonbill 1 Swallow 3 Water Rail 2 28/10/2011 Firecrest 2 Greenshank 1 Ruff 4 Sandwich Tern 1 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 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Peter Roworth. Week ending: 4th November 2011. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Peter & Janet Roworth. A few red admirals and small tortoiseshells on 2nd Nov and also common darter dragonflies and large bumblebees all active in the mild sunshine. On the 31st Oct 12 Whooper Swans and a skein of 120 Pink-footed Geese flew south. Also observations of note include 3 Woodcocks in the dunes with a scattering of Fieldfares and Blackbirds in the scrub, a single Ringtail Hen Harrier over the marsh, c 200 Carrion Crows on the fore- shore and a tawny owl calling near coastguard cottage. Usual mix of waders but 18 Golden Plover, in a tight flock, at rest were a nice sight. Of the mammals, roe deer are looking well in their winter coats and foxes are beginning their rather eerie mating howls which can at times seem to echo and sound from all directions! RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for Sept 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 Birds of prey included Osprey (9th), Honey Buzzard (14th) and regular Merlin, Peregrine and Marsh Harriers. Waders included up to 11 Little Stints, eight Curlew Sandpipers, Jack Snipe, Wood Sandpiper and a Pectoral Sandpiper (from 28th). While Ruff peaked at a record 142 (11th). The first Lapland Bunting of winter was seen at the end of the month (26th), other passerines included up to four Whinchats (9th), five Wheatears and two Stonechats (from 16th). RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore The highlight of the month was a very obliging Long-billed Dowitcher (26th onwards), there were also peaks of 30 Greenshanks, nine Curlew Sandpipers (11th) and five Little Stints (25th). Offshore 20 Arctic Skuas and a Manx Shearwater (10th), were followed by five Manx Shearwaters and three Black Terns the following day and a Pomarine Skua (15th). A single Osprey was noted (15th). Twelve Brent Geese (10th) were early to return this year. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Chambers Farm Wood contact - Mary Porter Mary.porter@forestry.gsi.gov.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, November 26, 2011 Lincolnshire Peregrines Andrew Chick, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Bird Club will speak on these fascinating birds. 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..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** 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 nicola@sparling - spamassassin-ed colin_moths - spamassassin-ed *** Link of the week *** Bitten by the Bug Sent in by Alan Phillips Series of Radio 4 programmes in which Brett Westwood explores the UK's natural history societies: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01612rw ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/