=========================================== || || 29th 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 seem to be frozen at the 1065 reader mark. It would be good to jolly this along a bit. If you know of anyone who would find the Bulletin of interest, please tell them about it and direct them to: http://www.lnu.org/ April showers continue. The contrast with earlier spring- like weather may well produce unexpected observations. The most obvious signs could be amongst the insect species. The National Beekeeping Unit sent a warning to beekeepers to heft their hives to check stocks have adequate food to tide them over the wet spell. A strong stock can run out of food and starve in these conditions. If this is true of a colonial species like the honeybee, it is probably true of other insects that depend on nectar or pollen for their food or brood-rearing. From bugs and beetles, moths and butterflies to bees and wasps, keep your eyes open and note any response when the Sun eventually breaks through the clouds. Your records, please. Roger *** Next LNU Event- all welcome *** 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 Note - as far as I know this meeting is STILL ON. If the forecast should force a cancellation I will send out an e-mail AND post a note on. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Assuming we have electricity by then! *** What about the Weather! *** Anne Goodall writes: A meteorological note! In the first the weeks of April, the total rainfall recorded in my garden - 86mm - has comfortably outstripped the combined total for the first three months of 2012 - 81.4mm. A lot more to come yet this month, according to the forecast! *** Sir Joseph Banks Society Lecture - 10th May 2012 *** Paul Scott sent the following information. Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society, was fascinated by all branches of science including the geology of his lands in Lincolnshire. Hugh Torrens, respected Professor of Geology at Keele University, has agreed to give this year's Sir Joseph Banks Society Lecture. The subject is "The History of Lincolnshire's Geology". The Lecture will be held at Horncastle College at 7.30pm on Thursday evening, 10th May. It will cover the formation of the landscape we know today and the fossilised evidence of the history our county. Professor Torrens, winner of the History of Geology Award in 2000, has written many books. These include not only his favourite subject, Palaeontology, but also subjects as diverse as industrial archaeology and 20th Century engineering. A man after Sir Joseph's heart. The Annual Sir Joseph Lecture will be given in the Robinson Hall. Entry is free and everybody is welcome. For more information see: Sir Joseph Banks Society – www.joseph-banks.org.uk or contact Paul.scott@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 5th May you are invited to join us on a morning Warbler Walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with bird expert Ray Hume. Please meet in the carpark (Grid ref: TA 307066) at 8am. The first part of the walk is wheelchair friendly and it could last up to 3 hours if the weather is good. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. This is a free event but donations wll be taken for the Trust. For further details please contact Ray Hume - 01472 320878 *** Cuckoos and other beasties *** Lionel Grooby reports he heard his first cuckoo of the year at Scotton Common on 21st April. Note - see Cuckoo videos at end in "Link of the Week." David Cressey reports: Saltfleet 26 April 16.00 hrs. First cuckoo arrived this afternoon. *** Entomology - The Great Oil Beetle Hunt *** Records of oil beetles will help towards their conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan. If you think you've seen one, let us know! If you would be interested in looking for oil beetles in your area you can either get in touch for more information or just take a camera with you when out walking and snap anything that's big and black! To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk Note from Editor - a colony of Oil Beetles was found near Grantham as a result of this "heads up". Can we find more? *** Botany - Next Plant Hunt - Butterbur *** Paul Kirby suggested the Butterbur, Petasites hybridus, for our current "species hunt". Your reports, please. Paul wrote: See: 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. Paul recommends we look at the photo of the female flower. Also: He has sent me a good picture of a male inflorescence plus a fine botanical illustration by Ross Craig that you may find useful. Please e-mail me if you would like a copy: rparsons@enterprise.net *** 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'S NOT TOO LATE! Time is running out if you want to submit a project for the annual Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. I am told they have started to trickle in. 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. 21/4 Great Grey Shrike, Short-eared Owl, Nocton Fen Ring Ouzel m,, Stantons Pits Hobby, Caistor Iceland Gull, Brigg 3 possible Spoonbills ne Winterton, over Roxby Carrs 4 Nightingales male singing Whisby Nature Park Black-winged Stilt, Jack Snipe, Scaup, Frampton Marsh 22/4 Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh 24/4 Short-eared Owl, Marston Sewage Works White Wagtail, Frampton Marsh, plus 10 Arctic Terns, Little Gull 25/4 Little tern, Covenham Reservoir plus 45 Arctic Terns, 21 Little Gulls 11 Ring Ouzels, Gibraltar Point 3 Arctic Terns through Messingham Sand Quarry Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh 26/4 Bonxie, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits and landfill Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh 2 Little Gulls, Messingham Sand Quarry + 2 Arctic Terns Sandwich Tern, North Hykeham, through Apex pits plus on Millennium Green: 2 Little Gull, 10 Arctic Tern, 2 Yellow-legged Gull 27/4 Bufflehead fem Louth, Covenham Reservoir Bonxie, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits and landfill Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh plus Scaup, Wimbrel and Turtle Dove Ring ouzel male, Donna Nook Ring-necked Duck, West Ashby. Shearman's Wath pit 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. Red Kite Jenna Poole Red kite seen at bends just south of Haltham, roughly TF249628. Seen 14.4.12 and 21.4.12 *** Get to know your Molluscs *** Chris du Feu sent in this report. Mollusc records, Gainsborough, 22 April 2012, SK8188 Last weekend, Ben Rowson from the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, visited the area as part of his work in preparation for the publication of a new and much needed guide to British slugs. Much of the work is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Ben is curator of terrestrial molluscs at the museum. Most of the visit was on Nottinghamshire but we did have one quick foray into a brownfield site in Carr Lane. Not very productive for slugs; rather better for snails. The full list is below. Of particular note is Cernuella virgata, a new 10km record and a species typical of sandy land – plenty of sand on this site, much of it from demolished buildings, but how the species arrived is not so clear. There has been some development in taxonomy and the slug formerly known as Deroceras panormitanum is now known not to be the same as the European species of that name. It has now been called Deroceras invadens. This is the first individual, therefore, to be recorded since the name change. All earlier records of D. panormitanum will be, of course, regarded as this species. Slugs Arion ater Arion distinctus Arion silvaticus Arion subfuscus Deroceras invadens Deroceras reticulatum Snails Aegopinella nitudila Arianta arbustorum Candidula intersecta Cepaea hortensis Cepaea nemoralis Cernuella virgata Helix aspersa Monacha cantiana Oxychilus cellarius Trichia hispida Trichia striolata Over recent years I have collected a number of specimens, mostly of the large black and red slugs (Arion ater and Arion rufus), which have been brought to me when I have given talks about slugs. Whether these are, in fact, two species or merely varieties of the same species is still an open question. Ben has taken all this collection with him for extraction of DNA in the hope to throwing more light on the identity and distributions of these two slugs (and of the other large Arion ater lookalikes). He is very grateful to all in the county who have contributed to this collection over the years. Thanks to all of you have endured my workshops. [Editor adds: Enjoyed mine a lot and would do it again!] *** 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 MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson SK909580 21/4/2012 First Swallows arrived Barn Owl hunting 12.15 (p.m.), presumably because heavy rain made hunting impossible overnight. Recently fledged (but fully grown) Song Thrushes in garden, the earliest I can recall. Pair Buzzards nesting in mature oak 200m from garden. General note: I have heard lots of Chiffchaffs this year, but hardly a Willow Warbler. A week ago we were in the northernmost part of the Yorkshire Dales, where there were lots of the latter, but few Chiffchaffs. FENTON SK844767 Richard Fox 21st April 2012 Orange Tip (2 x m) Swallow (4) FENTON SK844772 Richard Fox 26th April 2012 Common Whitethroat claiming territory Shelduck investigating temporary pond in farmer's field GREETWELL HOLLOW NR Colin Green 21 April 2012 Visited Greetwell Hollow NR in search of Green Hairstreak butterfly. Very wet underfoot and cool wind with a little sun at times. Nothing seen though not sure where they normally are. Interesting solitary bee seen on path near quarry walls (golden hairs round edge of body and a little smaller than Apis melifera). Single Small Tortoiseshell in lovely condition in grass absorbing what little warmth there was from sun. A single white flying but unable to i/d for certain. Green Woodpecker heard repeatedly, Kestrel and one Sand Martin seen. No Little Owl. HORNCASLE – A153 TF 263702 Garry Steele 22 April 2012 Hedgehog 1; dead, road casualty SALTFLEET David Cressey 26 April 16.00 hrs. First cuckoo arrived this afternoon. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 21/4 Yellowhammer m Stockdove pair out feeding - have eggs hatched? 2 common buzzards calling in area. Many skylarks singing. Kestrel carrying prey over Hurnbridge Road. TF2153. 22/4 Pair of Swallows now making regular visits to nest site. Dead grass snake on road verge, about 10mm thick and maybe 40-50cm. Road kill probably. TF2153. Barn owl hunting verge, Hurnbridge Road TF2153. 26/4 Possible sighting of cuckoo on Hurnbridge Road near Hawthorn Hill cross roads. 27/4 Arctic tern flock of 12 over Hurnbridge Road heading NE. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Week ending 27th April 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Peter & Janet Roworth A week of sunshine and showers continued with a further 29.5mm of rainfall recorded. Some heavy showers were very much localised, catching only parts of the NNR. Spring migrants still pass through in a spasmodic fashion with the occasional House Martin, Swallow and Swift over the dunes. A Hobby was seen over Rimac on the 26th and Cuckoo heard near Churchill earlier in the week. There were 25 Wheatears on the saltmarsh on the 27th. Passage of Whimbrel has been quite good with groups of birds seen either on the saltmarsh, flying over, or feeding in adjacent pasture; c100 birds observed in the week. We have been looking for any colour ringed Whimbrel, because two of us (PCR &JR) were actively involved in observing colour ringed birds in the Lower Derwent Valley NNR near York during the last few years. Natural England's Senior Reserve Manager Craig Ralston there, his site staff and volunteers have been carrying out a Whimbrel colour ringing programme for some years and readers may like to look at the following blog site for an update http://ldvnnr.blogspot.co.uk/ The slight increase in midday temperatures on the 26th brought out a few peacock butterflies, green-veined whites and the first orange tips. Common scurvy grass is flowering on the saltmarsh and a few sea thrift flowers are beginning to show. Cuckoo flower is present in the freshwater marsh and there is a good display of cowslips at Rimac. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for March 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 Whooper Swans peaked at 76 (14th) with just one Bewick's (21st). White-fronted Geese dwindled to just two, with a Black Brant being seen on one date (3rd). A single Scaup remained (until 10th). Two Goshawks were seen flying south over the reserve (28th). Avocets increased to 24 (31st) with up to 22 Ruffs (28th) and one Greenshank (6th). A 2nd winter Iceland Gull (14th) was also recorded at Boston Tip. Other sightings included Water Pipit (21st), Up to 30 Twite (14th), but just one Lapland Bunting (2nd). The first Wheatear was late this year (21st). RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore No reserve report. ALSO: Gibraltar Point NNR The highlight was three Glossy Ibis reported flying south (9th). Raptors included Rough-legged Buzzard (3rd) and Red Kite (24th), the same day as a fly-over Crane. Migrants were very late to arrive, with two Wheatears and four White Wagtails (24th), followed by Chiffchaff and up to two Black Redstarts (from 25th). Lapland Buntings were seen on two dates (3rd and 28th), while Avocets peaked at 64 (29th). Two Treecreepers were seen at the end of the month (29th). Whisby Nature Park March traditionally brought the first summer migrants with Chiffchaff (13th), Sand Martin (19th), Blackcap (26th and early this year) and two Willow Warblers (29th). Gull sightings included up to four Yellow-legged Gulls, three Mediterranean Gulls and a single Caspian Gull (21st). Other birds of note included 45 Whooper Swans west (25th) and a single Peregrine (26th). Other sites A Garganey was at Denton Reservoir (19th), further South Lincs first migrants sightings included a Little Ringed Plover at Blackmoor Bridge (20th) and Swallow at Sloothby (28th). Red- crested Pochards were seen at Swanholme Lakes and up to four at Baston Fen. Bittern (23rd) and Crane (28th) were good finds at this site. The White Stork at Kirkby Pits remained until the beginning of the month (3rd), while the two Smew stayed a little longer (until 19th). Two Caspian Gulls were at Kirkby Pits (1st) and Iceland and Kumlien's Gulls were seen at Boston Tip (14th and 16th). A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Sloothby (27th). 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 27.04.12 BIRDS Max. Numbers = arctic tern 88 avocet 37 blackbird 14 blackcap 4 black headed gull 15 black tern (25th) blue tit 1 bullfinch Canada goose 14 carrion crow 2 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 9 collared dove 2 common buzzard common gull 8 common tern 2 coot 50 cormorant 2 curlew 31 dunnock 6 gadwall 6 goldfinch 8 GC grebe 5 GS woodpecker great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 55 house martin 6 house sparrow 17 kestrel linnet 6 long - tailed tit 4 magpie 4 mallard 12 marsh harrier M+F mistle thrush moorhen 7 mute swan 5 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 3 pied wagtail 2 pochard 4 reed warbler 2 redshank 2 redstart M reed bunting 6 robin 9 sand martin 14 sedge warbler 3 shelduck 25 short-eared owl shoveler 2 sparrowhawk F starling 2 swallow 24 tawny owl teal 12 tufted duck 20 water rail willow warbler 5 wood pigeon 10 wren 6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: *** Link(s) of the Week *** We can expect to see/hear cuckoos about soon. Cuckoo parasitism videos: Cuckoo chick throws out host's egg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrY2lkxBhGU BBC Natural World video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CduoC59fLHc&feature=related Amazing video Male Sea Horse give birth at The Deep http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsHCqrrU-Gk ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/