=========================================== || || 8th April 2012 || || 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 1065 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are also 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 *** We have quite a few projects running, like the Click Beetle, Oil Beetle, Butterbur and Hedgehog surveys. Please keep LNU recorders in the loop when sending records to another agency. If you copy them in they can avoid possible duplicates. It would be good if all readers were doing something for the common effort to record Lincolnshire species, though I could hardly handle it if an extra 1000 sent in reports every week! If everyone who is not a "regular" reported something this year, that would be great. 1000 records? See what you can do. It's a small price to pay for 52 free weekly Bulletins. You might get hooked and eventually become a county recorder! On a personal note, I have been building a website for some years now with the help and encouragement of web wizard and Bulletin founding father, Steve Gray. I added a new page this week, thanks to John Redshaw, on the life and work of naturalist Martin Lister, a friend of John Ray. This may be of interest to some readers. See: http://rogerparsons.info/lister.html Roger *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. Sunday, April 29, 2012 Little Haw Wood (Forestry Commission site) Southwest of Castle Bytham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Moorhens and other beasties *** Chris Manning writes: A moorhen is nesting in a tree on the lake at Hubbard's Hills (31st March), it is easy to photograph and as it is over the water unlikely to get disturbed. From recall it has nested in this tree before, the normal nesting sites would probably be overrun by the local ducks. Hedgehogs To date only 2x records of hedgehogs this year (11th & 21st March), if anyone has forwarded records for the Hedgehog Survey can they cc to me please? *** Bird Mimics *** David Griffith writes: We have a Starling near us (Deeping St James) that mimics water dripping. I thought we had a leak somewhere until I realised it was coming from the direction of the trees. I have also heard Starlings mimicking Curlews on Holy Island in Northumbria. *** Botany - Next Plant Hunt - Butterbur *** Paul Kirby has suggested the Butterbur, Petasites hybridus, for our next "species hunt". Your reports, please. Paul writes: Early in the season, when the plants first come into flower, it is necessary to look at the details of the florets and this may at first seem quite confusing. The best photos I have found - and they are, to put it mildly, superb - are in Rogier van Vugt's Daisy family Photo gallery. http://www.pbase.com/rogiervanvugt/daisy_family_compositae In row 13 there are correctly labelled sharp close ups of both male & female flowers. Later in early summer (late May) it becomes very easy to spot the females and this can be done from 50 metres away or at 70mph! After the leaves have expanded the female heads elongate and project above the leaves while the males die down & shrivel away. *** Oil Beetle Hunt *** Charlie Barnes writes: Oil beetles haven't been seen in Lincolnshire for decades, but it doesn't mean they're not still here! The Black oil beetle is the most likely to rediscovered in Lincolnshire. It is easily recognised by it's large size (up to 3 cm) and shortened wing cases, they can be found from March to June in meadows and coastal grassland. Records of oil beetles will help towards their conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan. If you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 16th April we hold our AGM at 7.00pm, followed by our indoor meeting at 7.30 pm, where Anthony Hurd, Marine Conservation Assistant of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, will be speaking about what the Wildlife Trusts' North Sea Project is doing to achieve living seas. Find out more about the fascinating species and habitats to be found in our coastal waters. This will take place at in Grimsby Town Hall. Admission £2. Trust goods stall, raffle, tea/coffee available. For further information please contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** April Wash Cruise on Mystere - a few places left *** Steve Keightley writes: I have a couple of places left on a birding trip out into The Wash on board Mystere, 21st April 2012. Depart Sluice Bridge Boston at 0900. It is an 8 hr trip and as usual will be a having a good look around for birds and other wildlife. The cost is £37.50 per person. See photos from last years trips on my website http://www.yellowbellybirdphotography.co.uk Cick on the Mystere tab at top of page. *** Cruising in the Wash *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The Wash is an incredibly important place for birds and you can get a unique close up look at them on one of the South Lincs RSPB regular cruises. Starting at the Grand Sluice bridge Lock in Boston aboard the 50 seater Boston Belle, they are designed for both avid birders and those with a more casual or general interest in nature. In 2011 more than 100 species were seen, averaging 60 per cruise (which lasts 4/5 hours). The 2012 programme runs from April to October. For more information e-mail slincsbirdcruises@btinternet.com call the cruise hot line 07531495521 or visit www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2012 *** DEADLINE 30th APRIL It is time to start thinking of projects for the annual Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. Many Bulletin readers have been winners or runners-up over the years and the scheme is a very good thing and deserves our support. The deadline for submissions is 30th April 2012. The following website will remind you of what is involved. http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 4/4 Thayer's Gull, Brigg, east of Elsham Yellow Wagtail, 2 Little Ringer Plovers, Frampton Marsh 5/4 Thayer's Gull, Brigg, east of Elsham 6/4 Thayer's Gull, Brigg, east of Elsham Black Redstart, Cleethorpes Black Redstart, Donna Nook Sacred Ibis. Spalding 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. *** Butterbur Records for Paul Kirby *** Alice Nunn writes: A quick record of Butterbur (the native sort) for Paul Kirby. I need look no further than my back garden in Winterton N Lincs where I have a thriving patch which is now coming into flower. The leaves, when they fully appear are HUGE. They must like it here as they are often bigger than ones seen in ditches etc. by the roadside. The part of garden where they grow is quite damp & it was once a farmyard. I suspect this plant has been growing there all along. I've no idea what sex the flowers are. I have to say it is a somewhat invasive plant and we have made a structural barrier involving stones & polythene etc. to stop it taking over the entire garden. I don't use any herbicides. I keep this plant because the leaves are definitely "archi- tectural" and more importantly seem to be a very good source of nectar etc. for emergent bumblebees and other insects at this time of year. [Specific location and address passed to Paul Kirby] Catherine Collop writes: 25+ plants seen 01/04/2012 flowering in disturbed ground on the edge of Donington on Bain TF232830. Possibly all female flowers. Didn't know what they were until reading the Bulletin this morning! Jenna Poole writes: Butterbur on roadside entering Dalderby from Horncastle; on the right. TF250662 Flowering now (24th, 31st March 2012) also seen the last two years (everyone's probably seen it). No other details as I've only observed it from the car window! Ray Halstead writes: I note the request for records of Butterbur, Petasites hybridus. Here in Middle Rasen (TF0889) we find them at various places along the river Rase. One clump on the western edge of the village extends up the river bank and along the edge of the road and usually numbers over 200 flower spikes though this number has been considerably reduced over the last two years possibly due to the cold winters and dry springs, this year there are about forty flower spikes showing. Garry Steele writes: In response to the request for Butterbur records in the last Bulletin, over the last week I have seen it growing in the following two places (not for the first time at either - but you are reminded again of its presence whenever you suddenly spot it in flower) River Lymn, Stockwith Mill, Hagworthingham TF 358 704 River Bain, Coningsby TF 228 586 Interesting name for this plant that apparently derives from its usage in times past when its large leaves were used for wrapping butter. 'Bearing' the butter perhaps?! *** 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. BENNIWORTH HAVEN LOW POND TF229824 Catherine Collop 01/04/2012 Grass snake basking amongst brambles BOSTON CREMATORIUM 28 March 2012 Janet and Jeff Farley 3 adult Roe Deer A buck with a very nice set of antlers, another with antlers erupting, and a female. BOSTON - WITHAM COUNTRY PARK 28 March 2012 Janet and Jeff Farley 1 Chiffchaff, singing BROCKLESBY Mistletoe record 'The Nursery' woodland plantation, 1km south of Brocklesby. TA 141100 Garry Steele 21 March 2012 Growing In plenty on Poplar. DENTON RESERVOIR SK8733. 01/04/2012. David Clarke. Blackbird 6 Blue Tit 7 Black Headed Gull 7 Canada Goose 3 Carrion Crow 11 Chaffiinch 10 Chiffchaff 4 Collard Dove 3 Coot 12 Corn Bunting 50+ on nearby set-aside. Dunnock 4 Great Tit 8 Great Crested Grebe 4 Greenfinch 3 Green Woodpecker 2 Greylag Goose 4 Jackdaw 11 Kestrel 1 Mallard 6 Mute Swan 4 Pied Wagtail 2 Pheasant 3 Reed Bunting 2 Robin 4 Tree Creeper 1 Tufted Duck 19 Willow Tit 1 Wood Pigeon 7 Wren 2. Butterflies. Comma 2 Peacock 1 Small White 1 Botany. Cowslip Daisy Ground Ivy Lesser Celandine HAGANBY FEN E.A. WETLAND RESERVE TF 342597 Garry Steele Noteworthy ornithological sightings & maximums, March 2012 Black-headed Gull 70+ Common Gull c40 Common Snipe 3 Curlew 136 Egyptian Goose 1 Gadwall 1 Green Sandpiper 1 Grey Partridge 2 Lapwing 16 (including 2 pairs displaying) Little Egret 2 Mallard 40 Oystercatcher 1 Redshank 3 Shelduck 4 Shoveler 5 Sparrowhawk 2 Teal 90 Tufted Duck 5 Wigeon 69 HIGH DYKE - Barkston Heath David Feld 28/3/2012 curlew on the airfield HUTTOFT Jane Pennington 01/04/2012 Moorhen 1 Walking around my garden. Not an April Fool! LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 07/04/2012 Jayne Knight 06/04 Two Mistle Thrushes dashing about the local gardens, one seeing the other off. But once the defender ceases the chase the trespasser flies back and sits close that bird. Much chattering as all this occurs. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 01.04.12 Blackthorn in flower. Grey Heron over meadow behind house. Vole in compost bin 03.04.12 Juvenile Collared Dove accompanied by adult bird. 05.04.12 Approx. 350 Fieldfare feeding in meadow. 2 Buzzards over meadow Brown hare in meadow. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 1/4/12 Bee fly - Bombylius major - 3pm [AP] Treecreeper 3pm [RP] Stockdove Short-eared owl, 9.30hrs hunting along dyke, 10,00hrs being mobbed by crows. [R&AP] TF2153 3/4/12 Tawny owl calling in garden 5.30am ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/birds/index.php http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lwt/seals/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/index.php Katherine Bocock No report yet. SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx No report yet. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for February 2012 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 The juvenile Spoonbill remained until the beginning of the month (2nd). Waterbird numbers continued to impress with up to 18 Bewick's Swans, 23 Whooper Swans, five European White-fronted Geese, Black Brant (19th & 25th), up to nine Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2000 Dark- bellied Brent Geese. A record 357 Pintails were counted (12th) and three Scaups were present throughout. A probable Kumlien's Gull was seen (5th onwards) with two Iceland/Kumlien's Gulls seen together on one date (23rd). Waders included up to three Spotted Redshanks and 20 Ruffs. The first returning Avocets arrived (from 21st). A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen late in the month (26th). Twite peaked at 20 and Lapland Bunting two. RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore Woodcock were seen on three dates and a Water Rail on one (11th). Offshore there were three Little Auks and 25 Razorbills (10th), Pomarine Skua, Great Northern Diver and 10 Razorbills (13th) and Red-necked Grebe (18th) The Lagoon had three redhead Smew (12th), 1360 Wigeons and four Snow Buntings (13th) and Scaup (from 18th). A Black Brant was seen on the mudflats (22nd). A count of 380 Linnets on the arable areas (13th) was noteworthy. ALSO: Gibraltar Point NNR the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock also held up to 15 Pale-bellied birds and at least two Black Brants (21st). Crossbill (2nd) and Woodlark (23rd) were other notable sightings. Whisby Nature Park and North Hykeham Pits Highlights for Feb included Bittern (4th) Raven and two Smew (both 8th). The early signs of spring were also evident with the first returning Shelduck (8th) and Oystercatcher (17th), with other passage waders including three Dunlins (3rd-16th) and single Redshank (3rd-7th). Gulls included single Caspian (13th) and a Mediterranean (24th-29th). Single Peregrines were seen on three dates and up to two Little Egrets were present all month. Other birds of note included 12 Goosander (3rd-8th), three Water Rails (all month), Kingfisher (all month), wintering Chiffchaff (3rd), 14 Tree Sparrows (all month), 210 Greenfinchs (15th), 25 Goldfinchs (17th) and 54 Linnets (17th). Other sites Up to four Smew were seen at Baston-Langtoft Gravel Pits, with two males at Kirkby on Bain Gravel Pits. Also there was a Ring-necked Duck (4th), the Great White Egret continued to put in an appearance and a White Stork was most unseasonal. Up to three different Kumlien's/Icelands Gulls were present at Boston Tip. Two Cetti's Warblers and four Chiffchaff were wintering at Marston STW (23rd), while one or two Blackcaps were in Lincoln. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 06.04.12 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 6 blackbird 13 blackcap 5 black headed gull 15 blue tit 11 bullfinch 2 canada goose 2 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 16 collared dove 2 common gull 4 coot 32 cormorant curlew 6 dunnock 6 gadwall 6 goldfinch 4 GC grebe 7 GS woodpecker great tit 4 grey heron greylag goose 8 grey partridge M+F house sparrow 10 long - tailed tit 8 magpie 4 mallard 9 marsh harrier M+2F moorhen 5 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 3 pied wagtail 2 pochard 6 redshank 2 reed bunting 6 robin 9 sand martin 4 shelduck 14 shoveler 2 snipe sparrowhawk F starling 6 tawny owl teal 14 tree sparrow 2 tufted duck 16 water rail 2 wood pigeon 5 wren 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc....); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Adrian Royle's website for photos of species from the Limewoods. Photo site update :- Bardney Limewoods 2008 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157604757394558/ Bardney Limewoods 2009 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Bardney Limewoods 2010 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157623488040369/ Bardney Limewoods 2011 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157626361531988/ For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. *** Hedgehog Survey *** http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** 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. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** 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 *** 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 *** Help BBCT with Amazon *** The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have an association with Amazon which helps to raise money for Bumblebee Conservation without any cost to the purchaser. If you buy anything from Amazon click onto the site via Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Support us - Easy fund raising - Amazon. If you do this Amazon will donate 8% of the price paid to Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Link: http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/fundraising.html *** Wash Estuary Project Contacts *** Jeff Goodley - Wash Estuary Project Officer jeff.goodley@washestuary.org.uk Vivien Hartwell - Wash Biodiversity viv.hartwell@washestuary.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Natural England http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs. Wildlife Trust Website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ Lincs Environmental Records Centre The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk or for more general queries: info@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk *** Interesting Weather radar website *** Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.co.uk/ RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk Bardney Limewoods www.limewoods.co.uk limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's Moths recorded in my garden 2011: www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Sunday, April 29, 2012 Little Haw Wood (Forestry Commission site) Southwest of Castle Bytham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 27, 2012 Oxgangs House Springs, Nettleton Top (Courtesy of Rachel Gibbons) South of Caistor 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road south from Nettleton Top (road from Nettleton to Claxby) take first track on right side and park to side of track at first bend at TF113 979. NB. Steep slopes present so stout footwear recommended. Habitats: Spring, marsh, pasture and possibly some arable Leader: Richard Chadd 07990 564519 richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk Sunday, June 17, 2012 Bridge Farm, Snitterby Carr (Courtesy of Patty Phillips) Northwest of Market Rasen 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in yard of Bridge Farm at TF0187 9469 (DN21 4UU). Take minor road which connects A631 and B1205 on west side of River Ancholme. Follow Snitterby Carr Lane to end and turn right before river. Habitats: River Ancholme, ponds, ditches, pasture and arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 01, 2012 Farmland at Baston Fen (Courtesy of Nicholas Watts) Southeast of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road from Baston to Pode Hole. Park at TF1433 1598 on south side of road, opposite track to Home Farm (about 1km east of road which goes through Langtoft Gravel Pits). A meeting to particularly look for arable 'weeds'. Habitats: Arable and ditches Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, July 15, 2012 Joint Meeting with British Dragonfly Society Private Blow well site at Holton Grange (Courtesy of Mike Jex) South of Holton le Clay 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park near lake at TA298 009. Take Station Road off A16 towards Tetney, then take track on right just past dismantled railway crossing. Follow track for about 500m then take track on left towards lake. Habitats: Wooded blow well, lake, ponds, ditches, pasture and arable. Waithe Beck nearby. Leader(s): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com and Chris Manning chris@lincsdeer.info Sunday, August 19, 2012 Elsea Park Meadows (Courtesy of Elsea Park Community Trust) South of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet in small car parking area at TF0968 1876 which is just off the A151 south of Bourne (about 400m west of junction with A15). Habitats: Meadows, woodland edge, ponds and ditches Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, September 08, 2012 Mayflower Woods (Courtesy of ConocoPhillips) This event is on Saturday. Northwest of Immingham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening moth/bat session starting at 7.30pm. Meet in car park at TA1593 1579. Take A160 off from A180, straight on past roundabout and then right turn at crossroads (with petrol station). Follow lane for about 450m, car park on left side. Habitats: Woodlands, grassland, ponds and stream. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 21, 2012 Fungus Foray Rigsby Wood LWT Reserve. West of Alford 12.00 for 13.00 start. Turn north towards South Thoresby at the Miles Cross Hill crossroads on the A1104 road half way between Ulceby Cross and Alford. After 2 km, the wood will be seen set back from the road on the right. Park along roadside at TF419 761. 150m walk along field edge to wood. 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: kay.raby hancock-barry graham.downs xsargent *** Link(s) of the Week *** Can you really grasp "Scale"? Try: http://htwins.net/scale2/scale2.swf?bordercolor=white I enjoyed it. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/