============================================ || || 13th 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 1017 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 *** Welcome to new readers. Quite a few have signed up recently. We hope you will us help to record Lincolnshire's wildlife, something the LNU has been doing for over 100 years. Most of our loyal contributors are busy people and there is a network of LNU county recorders processing information. All of us are volunteers, so we welcome all the help you can give. It may be that biological recording is just the project you have been waiting for. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU Recorder contacts: http://www.lnu.org/recorders.php If you are thinking of the Bulletin as just "a useful free read", you have missed the point! It is free, but the deal is - YOU contribute something over the course of a year. e.g. ask for help identifying something; send in a report or observation; ask a question; attend an event; tell someone about the Bulletin; join the LNU. Whatever your ability or circumstances, please do whatever you can to help. Don't just read the Bulletin. Please play a part in the LNU's work. Thanks. Roger *** 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. *** 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. *** Seal News *** Rob Lidstone-Scott writes: Seal counts 5 Nov: Males 206, Females 277, Pups 143 Total reserve pup count to date is 162 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 *** 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 *** Tides: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Flood Warnings:: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ *** Waxwing Alert *** Reports of Waxwings are coming in. This striking bird is one of our most beautiful winter visitors. They can be very loyal to a feeding site and tolerate watching humans surprisingly well. They are worth making an effort to see and photograph, so please pass on your sightings. http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/waxwing/ http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/waxwing.asp *** 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 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 17th November at 7.30 p.m. Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston. "Madagascar" by Michael Webster. Members £2, non-members £3-50.children half price. ILLUSTRATED TALK Thursday 15th December at 7.30 p.m. Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "Neil's Favourites" by local photographer Neil Smith. Members £2, non-members £3-50, children half price. *** 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 *** 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 report. *** 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/ *** 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 *** Free to Good Home! *** Richard Fox writes: British Wildlife magazine Vol. 12 issue 3 (Feb 2001) to Vol. 22 issue 3 (Feb 2011). 61 issues of this informative magazine available. British Wildlife magazine Vol. 12 issue 3 (Feb 2001) to Vol. 22 issue 3 (Feb 2011). Mutual arrangements as to collection/delivery. Contact: Editor who will put you in touch with Richard. Editor adds: It would be a very good things to encourage such recycling so that past publications get a second spell of readership. You might like to consider supporting "Don't Dump That" by promoting your back issues there too. http://www.dontdumpthat.com/forum/welcome.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 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 2 Hen Harriers, Saltfleetby 5/11 Lesser Yellowlegs, Alkborough Flats, plus 11 Whooper Swans over Red-breasted Merganser, Baston Langtoft GPs Lapland Bunting, 13 Twite, 2 Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owl, 34 Whooper Swans flew south, Donna Nook, Pye's Hall Spoonbill, Gibraltar Point 6/11 Great Grey Shrike, Frampton Marsh 68 Pink-footed Geese, Baston Langtoft GPs Bittern, Messingham Sand Quarry Ferruginous Duck, Far Ings Lapland Bunting, Hen Harrier, 15 Short-eared Owls, Worlaby Carrs Black Redstart, Gibraltar Point 3 Velvet Scoter past Donna Nook, + 4 Scaup 7/11 Grey Plover, Stamford Lesser Yellowlegs, 17 Whooper Swans, Alkborough Flats Ferruginous Duck, Far Ings 8/11 13 Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Coast Great Grey Shrike, Donna Nook Shorelark, Snow Buntings, Gibraltar Point 2 Hen Harriers, Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Grainthorpe Haven Lapland Bunting, 2 Mealy Redpolls, Donna Nook 2 Lapland Buntings, Rimac Black Brant, Frampton Marsh Great Grey Shrike, Cut End 6 Waxwings, Rimac 9/11 Little Gull, 2 velvet Scoters, Trusthorpe Male Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Nocton Fen Snow Bunting, Toft Newton reservoir 2 Slavonian Grebes of Gibraltar Point 7 Waxwings, Bonby Carrs Lesser Whitethroat, Donna Nook 10/11 12+ Short-eared Owls, Hen Harrier, Worlaby Carrs Pallas' Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Donna Nook Lapland Bunting, 2w8 Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Coast 2 Waxwings, Cleethorpes Country Park 3 Waxwings, Beacon Hill 9 Waxwings South over Gibraltar Point 8 Tundra Bean Geese over North Killingholme Haven 11/11 Great White Egret, Great Grey Shrike, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 10 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Frampton Marsh Short-eared owl over Sutton 12/11 2 Waxwings over Gibraltar Point, also Short-eared Owl 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Donna Nook, also Black Brant, 7 Lapland Buntings, 44 White-fronted Geese, 2 Hen Harriers. 15 White-fronted Geese. Saltfleet 7 White-fronted Geese, Marston 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. STAMFORD Max Winslow. With regard to the otter found caught in a fishing line on the Welland at Stamford, the body could not be found but it is believed to have drowned. Happily, since that sad event I have found a fresh spraint up stream at Tinwell pumping station Stamford. p.s. I forgot to report a Humming Bird Hawk Moth feeding on Lavender in Stamford on 14th. October. *** 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 D Griffith 06/11/11 11.30am-3.30pm Bullfinch x6 Redwing x2 Shoveler x25+ Gadwall x20+ Teal x20+ Sparrowhawk Buzzard Whooper swan x22 Green woodpecker x4 Greylag goose x100+ Mute swan x30+ Wigeon x30+ Pochard x30+ Tufted duck x50+ Mallard x50+ Black headed gull x50+ Lesser black backed gull x3 Great black backed gull Kestrel Pied wagtail Great tit x8 Blue tit x5 Chaffinch x8 Greenfinch x6 Grey heron x4 Little grebe x2 Great crested grebe x6 Moorhen x4 Coot x60+ Starling x20 Goldfinch x10 DUNHOLME Ian Dunn 06.11.11 Reasby bridge end of Ashing Lane, Dunholme Watching flock of fieldfares in an ash tree, when they took flight and a single Great Grey Shrike landed in their place. Had a real good look through the field glasses as viewing conditions were ideal. Long been an ambition to see a shrike, (about 45 years long actually!), so I was a happy man. THEDDLETHORPE DUNES - Brickyard Lane John Cowell Weds Nov 9th & again Friday 11th November 2011 Single WOODCOCK in different locations. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons Fungus species: Blewits - in grass Lepista nuda [Wood Blewit] and Lepista saeva [Field Blewit] Parasols - in grass Lepiota rhacodes var. hortensis and Lepiota friesii Lepiota cristata under pines One unidentified tiny Lepiota. Agarics - in grass A. campestris A. bitorquis Pholiota squarrosa on old apple tree. [Base and from a "hole".] 6/11 19 Long-tailed tits through 12 noon. Also 7 Goldfinches. WRANGLE COMMON 02/11/2011 Roy and Kath Pearson Water levels are unbelievably low and no waders were counted. However thirty-five species for a one hour count was quite rewarding. Black-headed Gull 2 Blue Tit 3 Chaffinch 4 Coot 2 Feral Pigeon 4 Goldcrest 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Grey Partridge 7 Jay 1 Long-tailed Tit 4 Mallard 6 Mistle Thrush 1 Pheasant 14 Redwing 1 Robin 3 Skylark 2 Tree Sparrow 5 Wren 3 Blackbird 30 Carrion Crow 2 Common Gull 1 Dunnock 1 Fieldfare 1 Goldfinch 17 Greenfinch 1 Jackdaw 19 Kestrel 1 Magpie 5 Meadow Pipit 2 Mute Swan 2 Pied Wagtail 1 Reed Bunting 1 Rook 12 Stock Dove 1 Woodpigeon c50 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 01/11/2011 Blackcap 1 Brambling 1 Goldcrest 2 Golden Plover 1200 Guillemot 2 Marsh Harrier 1 Redpoll 29 Ruff 1 Siskin 50 Swallow 4 Tree Sparrow 32 Whooper Swan 13 02/11/2011 Golden Plover 800 House Sparrow 1 03/11/2011 Marsh Harrier 1 Pink-footed Goose 57 Rock Pipit 4 Siskin 14 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 11th November 2011. A large bumblebee with a buff rear was feeding on second growth buddleia flowers in a garden near Churchill Lane on the 9th and on the 10th a hawker sp dragonfly flew fast over Sea View Lane. The 8th saw a good fall of migrants including hundreds of Blackbirds, Redwings, Song Thrushes and Robins with a few Goldcrests, Bramblings, Siskins, Redpolls, Chaffinches and Greenfinches. Other sightings during the week have included a flock of c80 Twite, 6 Waxwings and singles of Little Egret, Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon and Tawny Owl. 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 Editor writes: a BIG thank you again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 04.11.11 BIRDS Max. Numbers = bittern blackbird 30+ blackcap black headed gull 50+ black-tailed godwit 4 blue tit 8 bullfinch 2 carrion crow 2 chaffinch 4 common gull 50+ coot 60+ cormorant 2 curlew 4 dunnock 3 ferruginous duck M fieldfare 70+ gadwall 12 goldcrest goldeneye golden plover 30+ goldfinch 4 GBB gull GC grebe 2 great tit 4 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 100+ GS woodpecker house sparrow 12 kestrel lapwing 55 little grebe long tailed tit 5 magpie 4 mallard 15 moorhen 10 mute swan 8 pheasant pied wagtail 2 pochard 8 redshank redwing 30+ reed bunting 2 robin 5 shoveler 2 scaup F sparrowhawk starling 1000+ tufted duck 12 water rail willow tit 2 wood pigeon 3 wren 5 Week ending: 11.11.11 BIRDS Max. Numbers = blackbird 20 black headed gull 40+ black-tailed godwit 4 blue tit 7 bullfinch carrion crow 6 chaffinch 4 common gull 70+ coot 110 cormorant curlew 2 dunlin 6 dunnock 3 ferruginous duck M fieldfare 10 gadwall 16 goldeneye golden plover 200+ goldfinch 2 GBB gull GC grebe 4 great tit 4 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 30 GS woodpecker house sparrow 12 kestrel lapwing 40 little grebe long tailed tit 4 magpie 7 mallard 20 mistle thrush moorhen 10 mute swan 4 pheasant 5 pied wagtail 2 pochard 35 redshank 4 redwing 3 reed bunting 2 robin 4 shelduck 4 shoveler 2 scaup F sparrowhawk starling 50 teal 9 tufted duck 23 water rail wigeon 16 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 10 wren 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 stephen.johnson - spamassassin-ed *** Link of the week *** Really Good Idea! Sue Mitchell and Mick Binnion from the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Group have launched a kids page-specifically aimed at beginners and starting on waterfowl. http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/waterfowlwatch.htm or http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/