=========================================== || || 24th June 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 1077 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 *** We are past the longest day and on the first steps towards autumn! Hopefully the wet year will lead on to an excellent Fungus season. The LNU fungus foray is in October, but there will be many others run by the LWT and a variety of local groups. Please use the Bulletin for publicity. Meantime we can concentrate on the impact of an odd year as far as weather is concerned. Please send in reports of anything notable - plants, insects, birds, sightings you feel may represent a trend. If you are not a contributor, maybe now is the time to do your bit. You must have seen something worth reporting! My initial impressions are: hedgehogs road kills down, tree bumblebees bees on the increase, wasp numbers low but quite a few queens seen foraging, few cuckoos heard, owl numbers down, marsh harrier numbers up, brown hare numbers up, orange tip butterflies up, speckled wood numbers down. There seem to be lots of mosquitoes. Roger *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. 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 Editor adds: Nicholas Watts is a leader in farmland conservation and the recipient of several conservation awards. See: http://fwagadmin.hubspace.co/awards.htm Also: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/2011/10/20/silver-lapwing-vine-house-farm http://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/about-vine-house-farm.aspx *** Glow Worms *** Stuart Britton writes: I have been looking at the distribution of glow worms in Lincolnshire on http://www.glowworms.org.uk/ and was astonished to find that the only comparatively recent records for the whole of the county were at Chambers Farm Wood in 2002 and Birchwood Country Park in 2005! I know they have been found annually at Chambers Farm Wood since then and at Linwood Warren in 2009. Now is the time of year to look for them glowing (weather permitting!) and I hope readers can have a look around at suitable/traditional sites so we can have a more accurate record of Glow worms (Lampyris noctiluca) in the county. To this end I will be leading a walk at Chambers Farm Wood on Friday 29th June at 10pm. If anyone would like to book a place or for further details contact Hannah Darcell on 07789 942599 *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 30th June 2012 we invite you to join us on a visit and nature walk to the woodlands and ponds of Scawby Park at Scawby near Brigg. We shall be looking for Margaton Lilly, Enclampane, Monkshood and many other interesting flowers and beautiful trees. Please park and meet walk leader Mark Tyszka at 2pm in the woodyard.. (Grid Ref: SE 970053) Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. This is a free event but donations will be collected for the Trust. For further information please contact Mark Tyszka - 01469 560678 *** Butterfly Conservation Plug *** Quite a few LNU readers are also members of Butterfly Conservation. The BC website is an interesting one and, like the LNU, they say that non-members are welcome on all of their field trips. Have a look at their website: http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/ They have a moth night at Chambers Farm Wood planned for Saturday 28th July and an Open Day at Chambers farm Wood on 29th. See their events page. Keep those butterfly records coming in to Allan Binding: allan.binding@ntlworld.com And moth records to Colin Smith: csmith668@btinternet.com *** Bird Club Plug *** The Bird Club website is outstanding and well worth a visit. Of particular interest is the Grantham Peregrine project. http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/ Bird club recorders are: North Lincolnshire: John Clarkson recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk South Lincolnshire: John Badley recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Starlings and other Beasties *** CARLTON LE MOORLAND SK 909 2581 Jeremy Hutchinson 18th June 2012 I am pleased to report that a pair of Tree Sparrows has nested successfully in a nestbox on a hedgerow tree on my allotment. This evening (18th June) I saw a Starling with an abnormal beak in our garden. Both mandibles are (I guess) at least half as long again as normal, but the top one is curved like a Tree- creeper's resulting in a distinct gap between the two. One evening about a week ago we both heard a dreadful commotion, clearly made by a bird, but unlike anything we'd heard before. The mystery was solved a few seconds later when one of our local Barn Owls appeared over the garden en route for their nest box nearby whilst being mobbed/attacked by a male Kestrel. After another 50 yards they both appeared to land on the road, which was just out of sight) before flying off on their separate ways shortly after. I seem to recall having read of an incident where a Kestrel did this and robbed the Owl of its prey. I do not know whether this happened in this instance, but it would not surprise me if this were so because the Owl usually has a prey item when it returns 'home'. I saw another odd thing a few days ago in grass which had been cut for silage a few days earlier. Apart from attracting up to 5 Herons on several occasions, on two mornings last week there was what looked like a whirlpool of birds about 150m away from the road. I had to stop to have a good look because I didn't understand what I was looking at. It transpired to be a group of 40+ Starlings feeding on the ground, with a considerable (couldn't count them) Swallows flying above and around them in a roughly circular movement, presumably catching insects which had been disturbed. Editor adds: I have seen this kind of frenzy is response to "flying ants". With the odd weather we can expect to see odd or unusual timing in such natural events. I have noted unusual numbers of ant nests in the garden this year. Regarding starling beak deformities, see: http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw/about/background/projects/bgbw/results/types Your comments, please. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 15/6 Quail singing, Langtoft Quail singing, Saltfeetby St Clement 16/6 Short-eared Owl, Anwick Fen Whooper Swan, Fiskerton Fen 17/8 Black Kite east over Lincoln 18/6 Caspian Gull, 7 Yellow-legged Gulls, Lincoln Tip 19/6 10 Crossbills over Marton over Trent Port 19 Crossbills SW of Barton upon Humber Quail singing, Toft Newton 20/6 Probable Common Rosefinch heard over Gibraltar Point also 22 Little Gulls 2 Quails m singing, Withcall Caspian Gull, 12 Yellow-legged Gulls, Lincoln Tip Rose-coloured Starling, Frampton Marsh also Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Black-necked Grebe, 3+ Little Gulls Short-eared Owl, Tetney Marshes 21/6 4 Sandwich Terns over Horncastle, Crowders Rose-coloured Starling, Frampton Marsh 14 Yellow-legged Gulls, Lincoln Tip 22/6 Rose-coloured Starling, Frampton Marsh Kite spp over New Waltham 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. WHISBY May highlights for Whisby NP and North Hykeham Pits. The highlights for May included the third record of Little Tern (3rd), 21 Arctic Terns (3rd-5th), single Black Tern (3rd-4th) and 5 Little Gulls (3rd-5th). A light passage of waders included Dunlin (11th), Snipe (21st and 29th) and Common Sandpipers (24th and 27th). Worryingly, Hobbies were recorded on just three dates whilst there was just a single Cuckoo record (15th). However, Nightingales appear to be having a good year with at least 14 singing males recorded by the end of the month. A pair of Goldeneye till 11th was a late record. Grahame Hopwood Whisby Nature Reserve *** 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. BOSTON Geof Lee My back garden Sunday, June 17th 2012 A male lesser stag beetle stunned itself flying into the back of my caravan. I took lots of photos. Later it flew off. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning Hundon Farm TA 113 022 Grey heron Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Three new Mole runs Goldfinches drumming on niger feeder 5 House martins investigating nesting sites Anthill of Yellow meadow ants Clary Rough chervil Valerian Brigg Road garden TA 114 022 Swallows nesting in outbuilding Tree creeper Grimsby Road TA118 012 Hedgehog (adult, roadkill) Caistor bypass verge TA 107 000 Meadow cranesbill HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) Jane Pennington Date: 18/6 Nemophora degeerella 4 Date: 20/6 Peacock butterfly 1 Date: 21/6 Blackbird fledglings 3 Robin fledglings 2 I've just had confirmation from Colin Smith that some moths I saw on Monday were Nemophora degeerella. SNITTERBY CARR TF018 946 LNU meeting to Bridge Farm (courtesy of Patty Phillips) led by Brian Hedley and attended by 11 people. 17 June 2012 Mainly overcast with occasional brief sunny spells. About 180 plant species noted including southern marsh orchid, greater spearwort and common valerian. 31 bird species noted including turtle dove, yellow wagtail and tree sparrow. Smooth newt, common toad and common frog all noted. Four damselfly species: azure, common blue, blue-tailed and banded agrion. Only two butterfly species: common blue and large skipper. Range of moths noted including cinnabar, garden carpet, large yellow underwing, middle-barred minor, common carpet, drinker (caterpillar), yellowshell, silver ground carpet, silver Y, Eucosma cana, Nemophora degeerella, Pammene aurana and timothy tortrix. Good list of bees, wasps and ants compiled by Alan Phillips: Bees: Bombus terrestris Bombus pascuorum Bombus pratorum Bombus hortorum Bombus lucorum s.l. Bombus lapidarius Bombus rupestris Andrena haemorrhoa Andrena carantonica Andrena nigroaenea Andrena chrysosceles Andrena semilaevis Lasioglossum villosulum Sphecodes ephippius Sphecodes monilicornis Nomada ruficornis Wasps: Ancistrocerus oviventris Trypoxylon attenuatum Ectemnius continuus Ants: Lasius niger s.l. Lasius flavus Myrmica rubra Myrmica scabrinodis Beetles included the spectacular longhorn Agapanthia villosoviridescens (awaiting full list from Charlie Barnes) Hoverflies: Volucella bombylans (both white and red-tailed forms) and Volucella pellucens TATTERSHALL TF218583 A. Parsons 15 June 2012 Tree bumblebee Bombus hypnorum Occupying bird box 10' up on side of house. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 16/6/12 Muntjac crossing road 10.45 hrs west to east at TF 216535 between Oil seed rape fields. Disappeared down wheeling. 17/6/12 Cuckoo heard and seen flying from TF 216533 to TF 213535. 19/6/12 Cuckoo heard at TF216534 and TF2253 Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies. 21/6 at 5.15pm Dogdyke Road Oystercatcher flying alongside my car. 21/6 A. Parsons TF216534 B. lapidarius Queen rescued from outbuilding. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 received. 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 22nd June 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth The week started with some warm sunny days before returning to the familiar pattern of showers, several bouts of heavy rain with some thunder, and strong winds. Swifts are always associated with unsettled stormy weather and this week there has been a noticeable movement of these birds feeding over the reserve. A single Red Kite flew north over Paradise on the 16th and a fine looking Hobby has been hunting over the dunes and saltmarsh between Sea View and Churchill. Resident warblers are now in song again indicating second broods on the way, and Cuckoos are still calling. Young Starlings have increased in number during the week and one flock reached in excess of 1000 birds as they rose off the saltmarsh and wheeled around over the dunes in their fluid shoal-like shape. It does raise the question where have all these young birds come from and where do they go? Another flock of birds on the move were 48 Shelduck going south along the tide line on the 18th. When the sun was shining there were good numbers of small heath and common blue butterflies, with large skippers and the occasional green hairstreak, orange tip, small copper and speckled wood. Many azure damselflies and four-spotted chasers have also been seen. Interesting plants now in flower include marsh bedstraw, marsh cinquefoil, bog pimpernel, twayblade, ladies bedstraw, fairy flax, tubular water dropwort, hemlock, bittersweet, bee orchid and pyramidal orchid. This year's display of southern marsh orchids is not as concentrated as in the past but they are well scattered and there are some fine flower spikes. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for May 2012 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh A summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe added a splash of colour (10th-27th), good numbers of Garganey were seen, with up to eight throughout the month, along with the last Goldeneye (6th) and Scaup (16th). The Black-winged Stilt from April was present on and off (until 18th) and a pair were seen on one date (5th). Waders were in plentiful supply with peak counts of six Little Stints, four Temminck's Stints, an amazing 25 Curlew Sandpipers, 10 Wood Sandpipers and 29 Ruff. Little Gulls were a feature of the month's end with up to 15 first summer birds. Black Terns were seen on three dates and Mediterranean Gulls on two. Red- rumped Swallows were also seen on two dates (two on 11th and 15th), with Osprey on one (27th). RSPB Freiston Shore Passage waders included 29 Ruff (1st), two Green Sandpipers, five Greenshank and 89 Whimbrel (6th),Temminck's Stint (7th) and Curlew Sandpipers (12th and 16th-18th). A pair of Garganey were seen early in the month (6th). Up to two Ring Ouzels were seen (5th & 6th), a Red-rumped Swallow was seen briefly over the grassland (18th), while a Mediterranean Gull visited the seabird colony (30th). Gibraltar Point NNR The star of a good passage of birds of prey was a juvenile Pallid Harrier (8th), with Montagu's Harrier (15th) and Honey Buzzard (16th) also seen. Cranes flew over on two dates (two on 15th & 27th). A Temminck's Stint was present mid-month (20th-27th), along with single Little Stint, up to two Curlew Sandpipers and two Wood Sandpipers. A Glaucous Gull was seen (18th) and up to four Little Gulls and two Mediterranean Gulls were seen during the month. Golden Orioles were seen and/or heard on four dates. Other notable migrants included Red-rumped Swallow (11th), Nightjar (15th), a male Red-backed Shrike (19th) and a Common Rosefinch (29th) Other sites The Ring-necked Duck was still at West Ashby Pits intermitantly (until 11th at least), a Quail was at Baston Fen (16th). Great White Egret was reported at Holbeach (19th), Slavonian Grebe at Kirkby Pits (1st), a Red-footed Falcon was a Sleaford (22nd), Caspian Gull and Yellow-legged Gulls at North Hykeham Pits (8th). Black Terns were at several sites with a peak of seven at Thurlby Pits (27th). A Bee-eater was reported at Tydd Gote (19th) and Hoopoes was in a garden in Spalding (3rd) and Skegness (3nd to 6th), with a Red-rumped Swallow was at Ingoldmells (5th). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 22.06.12 BIRDS Max nos. avocet 10 bearded tit 3 blackbird 10 blackcap 8 black headed gull 40+ blue tit 11 Canada goose 25 carrion crow 6 chaffinch 12 chiffchaff 5 collared dove 4 common gull 3 common tern 8 coot 20+ cormorant dunnock 6 gadwall 2 goldfinch 4 GC grebe 5 great tit 7 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 155 herring gull 4 house martin 18 house sparrow 10 kestrel 2 LBB gull 10 lesser whitethroat linnet 2 long - tailed tit 4 magpie 4 mallard 12 marsh harrier M moorhen 4 mute swan 5 oystercatcher 5 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 6 reed bunting 12 reed warbler 12 robin 4 sedge warbler 6 shelduck 8 shoveler 2 sparrowhawk F starling 7 swallow 40+ swift 30+ tawny owl 3 tufted duck 14 turtle dove water rail whitethroat 10 willow warbler 8 wood pigeon 8 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) 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 and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ No reports. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also 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 or try http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/products.html *** 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/ Youtube video of visit to Rimac NR Colin Green. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=em-share_video_user *** 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, 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: Skutter - mailbox unavailable - deleted *** Link(s) of the Week *** "Take the Bus" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFdt11WF2mE ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/