+=========================================== || || 4th March 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 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Next LNU Event *** Editor Writes For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Saturday, March 10, 2012 AGM & Presidential Address Barrie Wilkinson's eagerly awaited Presidential Address. Hope to see you there. 2012 Field Meetings are listed in 11 below and are now up on the LNU Website. A very interesting-looking programme. http://www.lnu.org/events.php Roger p.s. Very interesting petition at end of Bulletin. *** LOOK OUT FOR BATS EARLY OUT OF HIBERNATION *** Annette Faulkner writes: Bats don't normally start emerging from hibernation until mid March, but we have already been getting records of bats seen flying at dusk, and more seriously of grounded bats (3 taken in last week, another in a house on Thursday night, awaiting taking into care at the time of writing). There is not enough for them to eat yet and all three that we have had were under- weight and very hungry. I would be most interested to hear other records of bats seen at dusk, as it will give us an idea of how general this is. But of most importance, if you find a grounded bat outside, or one turns up in your house, unless the bat is already flying strongly - in which case open a window and release it - please contain the bat in something like a shoe box with a secure lid (they're good at escaping) and call the Lincs Bat Helpline on 01775 766286. Use a cloth to scoop up the bat - it's best not to pick them up with your bare hands as occasionally they can nip you - and just put cloth plus bat in the box. All that's then needed is a milk bottle top full of water putting in the box and the bat will be perfectly OK until it's collected. We check them over, weigh them, feed them up, make sure they're flying strongly - and, assuming that's all that's wrong with them, a week or two later bring them back to go on their merry way. *** Rusty Click Beetle survey going ahead again this year *** Charlie Barnes writes: Elater ferrugineus, the Rusty Click Beetle, is classified as endangered in the UK, with records restricted to a few areas in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and London. Following on from last year, Deborah Harvey from Royal Holloway University of London is again running a nation-wide programme of "mark capture release" to help establish the true distribution and status of the species. Volunteers will be required to set traps in areas where there are old trees (preferably , but not necessarily, in a woodland with deciduous trees) and monitor traps on a regular basis. The beetle is very easy to identify and using the trap requires no special expertise. If you're interested in taking part, contact Charlie Barnes charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk for more information. *** LINCOLNSHIRE BIRD CLUB - Annual General Meeting *** Andrew Chick writes: Tuesday 20th March 2012 at The Admiral Rodney Hotel, Horncastle at 7.30pm Professor Ian Newton, Chair of the British Trust for Ornithology will be talking on Bird Migration. "Ian Newton is one of the most prolific ornithologists of the last 40 years and his fifth book The Migration Ecology of Birds deservedly won the BB/BTO Best Bird Book of the Year in 2008 (not the first time one of his books has been awarded that accolade)....." The talk is FREE to everyone and will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (members only). Andrew tells me Prof. Newton is a speaker not to be missed! *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: Wed 21 March 2012: "A wildflower walk in the Swiss Alps" Wendy and Geoff Handford - local wildlife enthusiasts Indoor meetings are held at Morton Village Hall, just north of Gainsborough, and begin at 7.30 pm. A (minimum) donation of £1.00 includes refreshments, and there is usually a raffle, bird food on sale, and other items for fundraising. People of all ages, Wildlife Trust members or not, are welcome. For more information, please ring Joy on 01427 628457 or E-mail Linda – L.Woodward@virgin.net *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 12th March 2012 we invite you to join us at our indoor meeting where herbalist, Debbie Lincoln will give an illustrated presentation on Hedgerow Medicine. She will trace the journey of medicinal plants from a 60,000 grave in modern Iraq to the green fields and hedgerows of Britain. Debbie will share history, folklore and modern uses of some of our wild plants. The meeting will be held in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2 and all are welcome. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle and tea and coffee will be available. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** Reminder - Hedgehog Survey *** Pat Morris is requesting help with a survey of dates of hedgehog emergence from hibernation. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16597723 If willing to help, please register with the project on http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** More Mistletoe-related Records *** Kev Wilson writes: Sykes Farm, Gibraltar Point Mistletoe just noted in orchard at Sykes Farm TF555583 There are two very small sprigs on an apple tree so probably only just got established over the last couple of years. *** Hedgelaying Course - The Friends of Lea Park *** Jenni Hignett, Habitats Officer - Trent Vale Landscape Partnership, writes: An Introduction to Hedgelaying Saturday 10th March 10 – 3:30 Gainsborough Golf Course Booking is essential, please contact John Greenaway on 01427 612820 Free of charge as funded by Trent Vale Landscape Partnership *** 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 RSPBs 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 email slincsbirdcruises@btinternet.com call the cruise hot line 07531495521 or visit www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2012 *** February is a good 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 this year is 30th April 2012. The following website will remind you of what is involved. http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Water vole and otter workshops in the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes *** Elizabeth Biott writes: Introduction to water voles and otters Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, near Skegness Sunday 11 March 2012 (9.30am - 12.30pm) A half day workshop providing the opportunity for enthusiastic beginners in the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes area to learn about water voles and otters and how to identify and spot the signs of these species when out and about in the countryside. The workshop will explain the importance of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes for these species and how participants can help to build up a picture of where these species are in the grazing marshes area. For information on the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project visit www.lincsmarshes.org.uk The workshop will be led by Chris Manning, Mammal Recorder for Lincolnshire, and will include indoor presentations and an outdoor walk to look for signs of water vole and otter. Tea and coffee will be provided. There is no charge for this workshop but places are limited and must be booked in advance by calling the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Headquarters on 01507 526667. Further information will be provided after bookings have been made. Surveying for water voles and otters Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board, Manby Sunday 25 March 2012 (9.30am – 4.00pm) The aim of this full day workshop is to train interested landowners and residents in the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes area in survey methods for water voles and otters so that waterways within the area can be searched and monitored. The workshop will be led by Chris Manning, Mammal Recorder for Lincolnshire, and is aimed at beginners. It will start with presentations on water vole and otter ecology, identification and survey methods and will be followed by a site visit to practice survey skills. This workshop will provide all the information needed to become a water vole and otter surveyor so that attendees can contribute to a programme of surveys which will help monitor these species in the grazing marshes area. For information on the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project visit www.lincsmarshes.org.uk Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There is no charge for this workshop but places are limited and must be booked in advance by calling the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Headquarters on 01507 526667. Please book by 16 March 2012 for catering purposes. Further information will be provided after bookings have been made. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 23/2 11 Tundra Bean Geese, 8 Bewick's Swans, Whooper Swan, Wroot 2 Iceland Gull, Frampton Marsh White Stork, 2 Red Kites, Kirkby on Bain landfill site Woodlark, Gibraltar Point 3 Smew, Baston Langtoft gravel pits 24/2 Iceland Gull, 2+ Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits White Stork, Kirkby on Bain landfill site Rough-legged Buzzard, Claythorpe, between Withern and Aby Woodlark, Theddlethorpe 25/2 Smew redhead, Bittern, Far Ings White Stork, Kirkby on Bain landfill site 2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 4 Smew, Baston Langtoft gravel pits 2 Iceland Gull, Black Brant, Frampton Marsh 45 Tundra Bean Geese, = Eurasian White-fronted goose, Read's Island 26/2 2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 50+ Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Coast LNR 3 Short-eared owls, 4 Whooper swans, Dorrington Fen 2 Scaup, 5 Twite, Eurasian White-fronted Goose, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 27/2 White Stork, 2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain 10 Tundra Bean Geese, Wroot 28/2 5 Tundra Bean Geese, Wroot Smew redhead, Far Ings Hen harrier, Alkborough Flats Mediterranean Gull, Whisby Nature Park 2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits, White Stork in field, Yellow-legged gull on tip. 29/2 2 Smew, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 60+ Snow Buntings, 10+ Twite, Cleethorpes Coast LNR 2 Glaucous Gulls, Gainsborough landfill site Harbour porpoise swam up River Trent at midday 1/3 2/3 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. Marion Ellis writes: noticed a wren feeding at our bird seed feeder. Is this common? Caroline Steel I have had a report from a non-expert of a dipper on the stream at Greetwell Hollow nature reserve (approx. SK 998 724) on 27 February. It could be an off-course black-bellied dipper. Have there been any other records in the county and does anyone have views as to whether this should be treated as a ‘true’ record? Reply to: CSteel@lincstrust.co.uk A Great Start to March Denis Jones writes March 1st sunny morning call for a trip to the Kirkby on Bain area to search out White Stork and 2 Smews seen in area over last few weeks. Good start sat in Conservatory having Breakfast and watching birds on the apple tree feeders when at same time 6 Redpolls and 2 Goldfinches landed on trays fixed to Nyger Seed feeders, 2 Coal Tits on peanuts and 2 Long Tail Tits on fat cake. Not bad for a garden in the uphill area of Lincoln. The Redpolls have turned up for the last 3 years at this time and have been around everyday for the last month. Arrived Kirkby on Bain and saw number of birders observing the pit opposite the entrance to Riverslea Farm, Great views of the White Stork stood in the centre of the pit which remained for some time, also 3 very vocal Oystercatchers on the pit edge. Crossed road to observe Riverslea Pit with masses of gulls on pit but in a clear area good view of male Smew and male Goldeneye swimming together, a pleasing start to the day. The female Smew had been seen earlier. Onto hide at LWT Kirkby on Bain Pit, present 2 Buzzards, a pair of Oystercatchers, 2 pairs Gt Crested Grebes, Shelducks, Shovelers, Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall etc. Onto Woods Around Kinema in the Woods I had heard Nuthatches were about, walk around no success but did observe 2 Goldcrests. On way home decided to call at LWT Fiskerton Fen, numerous Reed Buntings, Wigeon, Cormorants, 3 more Oystercatchers on grass bank amongst the geese and the grand finale for the day a Snipe sat on a rock outside the hide. Glorious weather and feeling Spring is here *** 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. BASTON FEN NR 01.03 2012 John Redshaw Mute Swan 35 (on adjacent farmland) Whooper Swan 5 Teal 110 Redshank 4 Buzzard 1 Chaffinch 45 Greenfinch 16 Yellowhammer 12 Reed Bunting 8 BLACKTOFT SANDS (just over the border) Mel Thorn 01/03/2012 AM Mute swan Greylag Canada Goose Wigeon Pochard Teal Tufted Duck Gadwall Mallard Shelduck Coot Moorhen Cormorant Water Rail Little Grebe Great-crested Grebe Lapwing Curlew Redshank Snipe Golden Plover Chaffinch Goldfinch Blue Tit Great Tit Long-tailed Tit Tree Sparrow Wren Blackbird Fieldfare Robin Skylark Reed Bunting Wood Pigeon Collared Dove Stock Dove Crow Magpie Black-headed Gull Herring Gull Pheasant Marsh Harrier BRACEBY Marion Ellis Friday 24 Feb Braceby TF015353 4 buzzards wheeling above Skylark heard singing just outside the village, at its usual spot. FAR INGS Mel Thorn 01/03/2012 PM Mute Swan Greylag White-fronted Goose Mallard Teal Shoveler Tufted Duck Pochard Gadwall Goldeneye Wigeon Coot Moorhen Heron Cormorant Great-crested Grebe Dunlin Curlew Redshank Lapwing Tree Sparrow Blue Tit Great Tit Reed Bunting Wren Robin Blackbird Chaffinch Siskin Wood Pigeon Magpie Crow Collared Dove Kestrel Sparrow Hawk Black-headed Gull Common Gull FRAMPTON/WITHAM MOUTH Mel Thorn 24/02/2012 Little Grebe Great Crested Grebe Cormorant Little Egret Mute Swan Whooper Swan White-fronted Goose Greylag Goose Brent Goose Pale-bellied Brent Black Brant Canada Goose Barnacle Goose Teal Mallard Pintail Shoveler Gadwall Wigeon Tufted Duck Scaup Pochard Shelduck Goldeneye Kestrel Merlin Grey partridge Pheasant Moorhen Coot Lapwing Golden Plover Grey Plover Oystercatcher Avocet Spotted Redshank Redshank Greenshank Curlew Bar-tailed Godwit Black-tailed Godwit Ruddy Turnstone Dunlin Knot Ruff Snipe Black-headed Gull Guillemot Common Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Wood Pigeon Skylark Magpie Crow Great Tit Blackbird Mistle Thrush Meadow pipit Starling Reed Bunting Greenfinch Goldfinch Tree Sparrow Dunnock FRAMPTON Mel Thorn 26/02/2012 Little Grebe Great Crested Grebe Cormorant Little Egret Mute Swan Whooper Swan Pink-footed Goose White-fronted Goose Greylag Brent Goose Canada Goose Barnacle Goose Teal Mallard Pintail Shoveler Gadwall Wigeon Tufted Duck Scaup Pochard Shelduck Goldeneye Common Gull Kestrel Peregrine Pheasant Moorhen Coot Lapwing Golden Plover Spotted Redshank Redshank Curlew Bar-tailed Godwit Black-tailed Godwit Dunlin Ruff Black-headed Gull Herring Gull Iceland Gull Great Black-backed Gull Stock Dove Woodpigeon Barn owl Little Owl Skylark Magpie Rook Crow Blackbird Rock Pipit Meadow Pipit Starling Lapland Bunting Reed Bunting Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch Linnet Twite Tree Sparrow GIBRALTAR POINT Mel Thorn 28/09/2012 Black-throated Diver Canada Goose Greylag Brent Goose Tufted Duck Mallard Shelduck Shoveler Goldeneye Teal Pintail Coot Moorhen Little Grebe Little Egret Cormorant Oyster Catcher Knot Redshank Curlew Common Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Black-headed Gull Pheasant Red-legged partridge Lapwing Sparrow Hawk Hen Harrier Robin Blackbird Redwing Meadow pipit Skylark Tree Creeper Long-tailed Tit Great Tit Blue Tit Goldcrest Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch Twite Great-spotted Woodpecker Short-eared Owl Stock Dove Wood Pigeon Magpie Crow Rook Jackdaw Starling HAGNABY FEN E.A. WETLAND RESERVE TF 342597 Garry Steele Noteworthy ornithological sightings & maximums, February 2012 Black-headed Gull 145+ Canada Goose 10 Common Gull 100+ Common Snipe 18 Curlew 133 Egyptian Goose 1 Greylag Goose 23 Grey Heron 3 Lapwing 100+ Little Egret 2 Mallard 79 Redshank 3 Shoveler 4 Teal 108 Wigeon 63 Woodpigeon 380+ HARTSHOLME/SWANHOLME Mel Thorn 29/02/2012 Mute Swan Canada Goose Greylag Red-crested Pochard Pochard Tufted Duck Mallard Goosander Shoveler Wigeon Gadwall Coot Moorhen Crested Grebe Little Egret (7 roosting in bush on the Heron island) Heron Cormorant Black-headed Gull Dunnock Robin Wren Blackbird Long-tailed Tit Great Tit Blue Tit Siskin Wood Pigeon Magpie Crow Rook Jackdaw Jay Starling MARTON SK842 820 Brian Hedley 25 February 2012 Tree Bumblebee 2 queens White-tailed Bumblebee 1 queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee 1 queen 28 February 2012 Wood mouse 1 Moth trap (15w actinic lamp) in garden produced: Dark chestnut 2 March moth Dotted border 1 Early Grey 1 Shoulder Stripe 1 1 March 2012 Peacock 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 Tree Bumblebee 2 queens Red-tailed Bumblebee 1 queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee 1 queen Honeybee 1 Zebra spider 4 (on garage wall) Micromoth: Agonopterix heracliana 1 At least 4 common buzzards high on thermals. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 27.02.12 Frog in garden pond – may have hibernated there. Bumblebee queen, 2 honey bees on hellebores, plenty of 7-spot ladybirds active in garden, lacewings getting active. 29.02.12 *** First Bat of the season. *** Tawny owls (m & f) calling at dusk; appeared to be approaching each other followed by flapping sounds, presumably mating. 01.03.12 Numerous honey bees on heather. More bumblebee queens (Bombus terrestris) about. 2 robins feeding together. House sparrows mating. Blue tits claiming nest box. 02.03.12 Sparrowhawk hunting unsuccessfully around bird feeders. (More luck 3 days ago as indicated by a pile of feathers on the ground, uniformly brown & grey, probably of a dunnock). REEPHAM Catherine Wilson 1st March 2012 I have a small tub of crocus outside my conservatory. At one point there were two honey bees, one bumble bee and a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly feeding on them together. SCOTHERN GARDEN CENTRE Catherine Wilson 27/2/12 Whilst walking round the Garden Centre, I noticed a large bumblebee (I am pretty sure it was Bombus terrestris) feeding on the white heather for sale there. SLEAFORD 23.02.12 Richard Dawson Brimstone butterfly on wing. Toad stirring WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 26/2 Marsh Harrier - Castle Dyke Bank 2 Tawny owls calling in area 5.30am Bombus leucorum queen in garden and again on 1/3/2012. WILKSBY TF 282628 Garry Steele 01 March 2012 Pair of Lapwings in breeding territory, with male performing aerial song flight and display. WILLOWTREE FEN NR 01.03.2012 John Redshaw R. Glen.... Wigeon 85 Teal 14 Tufted Duck 16 On flooded fields.... Greylag Goose 2 Wigeon 100 Mallard 16 Teal 30 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 24/02/2012 Crossbill 1 Goldeneye 1 Lapwing 493 Pintail 2 Woodlark 1 25/02/2012 Brambling 1 Siskin 1 26/02/2012 Short-eared Owl 2 White-fronted Goose 2 27/02/2012 Avocet 8 Black Brant 1 Brent Goose 600 Goldcrest 4 Pale-bellied Brent Goose 6 Redwing 8 28/02/2012 Lapwing 80 Marsh Harrier 1 Merlin 2 Short-eared Owl 1 Woodcock 1 29/02/2012 Grey Heron 1 Siskin 1 SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=41 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 2nd March 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Peter & Janet Roworth The recent spring like weather has encouraged plenty of bird song and apart from the usual garden birds, both Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting have been heard. Two peacock and one small tortoiseshell butterflies have been seen and quite a number of large Bombus sp. Two common toads were seen near Churchill and one near Sea View, but no common newts. Other observations during the week included 2 Short-eared Owls flushed from the dunes north of Sea View, a fine looking male Brambling made a brief visit to a feeding station on the 2nd, a single Peregrine over the saltmarsh, 37 Barnacle Geese flying NW, fast and low over the dunes on the 2nd and a good count of 80 Red-throated Divers both on and over the sea on Friday afternoon. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for December 2011 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore ALSO: Gibraltar Point NNR Whisby Nature Park and North Hykeham Pits Other sites 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 Sorry. No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. *** 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. Saturday, March 10, 2012 AGM & Presidential Address Barrie Wilkinson's eagerly awaited Presidential Address. Fixed Point Photography For better or for worse? Recording changes on Lincolnshire's nature reserves 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: included felicity baxter - rejecting banned content gp clifford - account disabled *** Link(s) of the Week - The Drift *** http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1685493 Editor writes - I have received details of an interesting petition from Cheryl Aggett. See what you make of it. Lots more information if you click on the link. I have signed it, only 64th to do so, so support is needed. I noted a number of familiar LNU names amongst the signatures. Cheryl writes: Online petition for Sewstern Lane Please consider signing an online petition which aims to build support for a permanent, year-round closure to all motor vehicles (only) which are currently damaging the green lane called the Drift (Sewstern Lane) between the A607 and Saltby Airfield. Precious local wildlife is disappearing from the local landscape and access for other users has become very difficult due to high levels of rutting and fly-tipping. The local authority has set a deadline of Friday March 9th for objections to the current situation which has allowed the damage to occur. The link to the online petition is here [lots more information] www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/savethedrift There is also a Facebook Page which can be viewed here www.facebook.com/savethedrift (if you are on Facebook). ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/