=========================================== || || 25th 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor Writes *** Clocks forward, folks - don't forget. It looks like we are in for some very warm spring weather, so insects will be active and reports of early sightings will be very welcome. I reported my first hedgehog road kill this week. Please do send your reports in to the Hibernation Survey to make sure Lincolnshire is on their map. It will be a good idea to post reports here too so they can be picked up by CJM as county records. You will see from the reports below that reptile and amphibian records are starting to come in too. I feel these groups are underreported, so please make a point of sending them in. And don't forget to let Annette Faulkner know of any bat activity. I have just checked the Save The Drift petition web page and see they are only 9 names short of their 1000 target. It is up to individuals whether or not they involve themselves with petitions and campaigns, but if you are in sympathy with this issue please get them to the target by adding your name ASAP. Thanks. www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/savethedrift Roger *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. Sunday, April 29, 2012 Little Haw Wood (Forestry Commission site) Southwest of Castle Bytham 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Moorhen Question *** Val Nuttall asks: Does anyone else have moorhens building high in mature trees? Each year they eschew the stream around my garden in favour of an ash covered in ivy. They have been sitting on the nest for at least a week now, taking turns to leave the nest to feed, then return, bearing a stick, to the mate. They each climb up the branches to the nest but fly down when they leave. Is this normal behaviour with moorhens? *** Action for Dormice *** Anne Goodall writes: 'Action for Dormice' day on 17th March was a great success. A good turnout of members completed the last coppicing session of the year and created a huge length of dead hedge into the bargain. Meanwhile, the Limewoods Wildlife Watch group, plus mums, dads, grandads and other helpers got garbed up and painted a huge pile of new dormouse nest boxes with a water-based wood treatment. Those completing a box wrote their names inside the lid to sponsor it, and will receive news of any dormice or other small mammals using their box. Later in the summer the group are also coming out to the wood to see where their boxes have been put and who knows, hopefully perhaps to meet a live dormouse. Star of the day though was Hector the horse, who has been working away, forwarding the tree-trunks from the first coppice coupe too big for us to handle. Look out for further news of the day in the Echo. Next month we shall be putting up the new boxes and starting the monthly box-checking. We shall also be putting nesting-tubes out into the hedges to monitor spread, and to the same end, starting a fur-clipping project, a simple, painless and temporary way to mark individual animals so that we can recognise them again, at least until they moult. The Dormouse Group now has its own Facebook page, so devotees can 'follow' what is happening. The link to find us is https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?id=512177600&tid=370025779698200&fre cId=false&skipClustering=true&qn=1332156887&success=2&failure=0&set=oa.3 70029419697836#!/groups/370025779698200/ *** "Save the Drift" petition still open - please sign *** Editor adds: When I last looked there were only 19 signatures needed to make the 1000 target. 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). Chris Manning sent in details of another worthy Petition to do with Air Ambulance services: See: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29349 *** 'Estuarine Elements - Humber' conference - 26th May *** Jenny Haynes writes about this: A day's conference looking at, discussing and learning about the impact of renewable energy on coastal environments, rising sea levels, flood protection, wildlife and the geology of the Humber Estuary. A variety of topics will be discussed throughout the day, delivered by professional speakers from within the region, these topics will include the impact of renewable energy on coastal environments, rising sea levels, flood protection, wildlife and the geology of this unique environment. The conference is being run by CPRE and will take place on Saturday 26th May at Water's Edge Visitor Centre, Barton on Humber, North Lincolnshire DN18 5JR. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Lunch and refreshments provided. Fee £10 payable on the day. Please contact Cath Farrell on 01652 633924 or e-mail cathfarrell@btconnect.com stating numbers of people and dietary and any other requirements by Friday 4th May 2012. *** 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 Branch - Butterfly Conservation *** Lesley Robinson writes: Spring Indoor Meeting - 31/03/12, 2pm for 2:30pm At Chambers Farm Wood education centre, Wragby (TF 148738) Speaker: Dave Wainwright (Project Officer for BC) Topic: "The North Yorkshire Moors and Morecambe Bay areas for butterflies" Dave is the project officer for these areas. Light refreshments will be available i.e. hot/cold drinks and biscuits. Any queries please contact Lesley Robinson, tel: 01724 845018 (branch secretary) *** Reminder - Hedgehog Survey *** 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 *** Mistletoe Records *** Anyone got any more reports before the trees break into leaf? *** Cruising in the Wash *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The Wash is an incredibly important place for birds and you can get a unique close up look at them on one of the South Lincs RSPB regular cruises. Starting at the Grand Sluice bridge Lock in Boston aboard the 50 seater Boston Belle, they are designed for both avid birders and those with a more casual or general interest in nature. In 2011 more than 100 species were seen, averaging 60 per cruise (which lasts 4/5 hours). The 2012 programme runs from April to October. For more information e-mail slincsbirdcruises@btinternet.com call the cruise hot line 07531495521 or visit www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2012 *** DEADLINE 30th APRIL It is time to start thinking of projects for the annual Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. Many Bulletin readers have been winners or runners-up over the years and the scheme is a very good thing and deserves our support. The deadline for submissions is 30th April 2012. The following website will remind you of what is involved. http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note: I am adapting my RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. 18/3 55+ Twite, Alkborough Flats 23/3 3 Short-eared owls and f Hen Harrier 1 ml SE of Holbeach St Johns. Red-throated Diver, Covenham Reservoir Common Crane south over Donna Nook 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. Kirton-in-Lindsey Amateur Gardeners, 21 March 2012 Slug Workshop, Chris du Feu SK99 Kirton-in-Lindsey Arion ater - the big black slug, specimen retained for eventual DNA analysis Arion distinctus - the pestilential garden slug Arion subfuscus - close relation of the big black slug but with bright yellow mucus which seems to act like (human) skin rejuvenating cream. Under-recorded. This is a new 10 km record. Deroceras panormitanum - I call this the racing slug because of its speed. Not recorded in the grid in the 1999 Atlas but I have two more recent records from the south of this 10km grid. Deroceras reticulatum - the 'Milk of magnesia' slug. (Try stroking it to find it why I refer to it by this name.) The common pest. Limax flavus - the yellow slug, as for D. panormitanum, not in the 1999 atlas but has been recorded since. Very commonly found by your good people. I have retained some for examination by the national expert who is looking at variation in appearance and will also do some DNA analysis to check they really are the yellow slug rather than the less common Irish yellow slug, Limax maculatus (but I am very sure they are the ordinary yellow slug). Tandonia budapestensis - the potato pest. Sadly a new 10 km record for this slowly-spreading and under-recorded pest with the most revoltingly sticky mucus. SK89 Northorpe Arion ater - the big black slug, specimen retained for eventual DNA analysis Arion distinctus - the pestilential garden slug Arion flagellus - the only species known only from Britain. I have retained these to grow them to full size. This is a new blob on the national distribution map. Deroceras reticulatum Limax flavus SE90 Scawby Helix aspersa - the big garden snail. *** 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. ANDERBY CREEK 21st March Dave Miller Goldcrest 1 Chiffchaff 1 singing Small Tortoiseshell 1 BOURNE to TOFT Ian Misselbrook Yesterday (17/03/2012) Weasel ran across the road between Bourne and Toft. TF075184. Unusually we have no frogs spawning in the pond. Two frogs spotted there but no spawning. Plenty of Smooth Newts so I guess the water quality is OK. Normally we would expect more than 20 frogs but the population does not seem to have recovered from the two harsh winters when we found several unfortunate animals trapped in the frozen ice as previously reported. BRACEBY TF015353 Marion Ellis 12 March 2012 Reed bunting feeding at the birdfeeders Goldcrest drinking at the fountain 19/3/12 Greater spotted woodpecker – pair – at feeder CAISTOR WOODBINE COTTAGE GR: TA111026 Wendy Handford Signs of spring Tree bumblebee 17.3.12 Goat willow catkins 20.3.12 Chiffchaff 21.3.12 (arrived on 20.3 last year!) Bird cherry buds fully burst 22.3.12 Wood forget-me-not 23.3.12 Cowslip 23.3.12 CALLAN'S LANE WOOD 20/3/12 Ian Misselbrook 1 Brimstone 1 Chiffchaff singing Primroses CHAMBERS FARM WOOD TF148738 Catherine Collop 17/03/2012 Chiffchaff calling briefly near picnic area car park. The first I've heard this year. CROWLE MOOR Mick Binnion 21/03/2012 The Green Tiger beetles are very active out hunting Orange Underwing in flight and sunning themselves Adders - 4 basking - 3 male/ 1 female -looking in good condition Buzzard Great Spotted Woodpecker Buff-tailed Bumblebee Red-tailed Bumblebee DODDINGTON PARK Lincoln M.Scott 18/03/12 Sunday 4 Bluetits 2 Blackbirds 2 Chaffinches 2 Collard Doves 2 Goldfinches 1 Robin 5 Woodpigeons Also the last week the frogs have been busy laying spawn all over the fish pond, more this time than last year. Will have to transfer some to a smaller pond so that some should then survive, from the fish. Also seen a pair of toads in the fish pond, not had them in before so could have toad spawn as well will keep an eye out for it. Doddington Park Lincoln M.Scott 21/Mar/2012 Update At 12 noon heard a cuckoo near where I live, don't know if this is early or not. Plus loads of ladybirds everywhere. And more frog spawn. FENTON SK846 767 Richard Fox 23rd March Common Buzzard (4) riding thermals directly above our house and garden Holly Blue FISKERTON FEN scrapes John Farmer 22/3/12 1 Wheatear HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 17th March Bats flying around the house - first time this year. Outside temperature 8 degrees C! LAUGHTON FOREST Toutoes End (North end) Richard Fox 19th March Buck Roe Deer bounded across ride within 25 metres gave our Border terrier no chance! LINCOLN - Garden John Farmer 21/3/12 1 Chiffchaff LINCOLN East of Allenby Road Industrial Estate, Lincoln TF003 714 Brian Hedley 20 March 2012 Small white 1 Comma 1 Grass Snake 1 adult 21 March 2012 Grass Snake 1 adult Small Tortoiseshell 4 Bee-fly Bombylius major 1 (nectaring at ground-ivy) Common carder bee Bombus pascuorum 1 Red-tailed bumblebee B.lapidarius 2 Early Bumblebee B.pratorum 1 Hairy-footed flower bee Anthophora plumipes 1 LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 17 March '12 goldfinch - 2 great tit - 2 SCOTTON COMMON Nature Reserve Richard Fox 19th March One female Adder basking on roadside verge Three small clumps of Frog Spawn in pond by main path through reserve SEACROFT MARSH SSSI 20th March J Nicholson Bullfinch 1 female TEMPLE WOOD 20/3/12 Ian Misselbrook 1 Comma Coltsfoot in flower – lots Primroses Early Violets Dog's Mercury 4 singing Chiffchaffs 2 (pair) of Nuthatches. Lapwings and curlew both calling from neighbouring Hawthorpe setaside. WILSFORD HEATH Richard Dawson 14th March 2012 8+ brown hares - very frisky: lots of Harry Hill style fights! The Drove Sleaford duck eggs laid on the dried up river bed before the borehole. Need a month or two's rain. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 21/3/2012 Dead hedgehog on road 8am. Dogdyke Road TF 213544 WRANGLE COMMON 18/03/2012 Roy and Kath Pearson A wet morning meant we did an afternoon count this week and it was highly productive with 42 species being counted. Heavy rain meant that the watercourses were higher than we had seen since last spring, though ducks were below their normal numbers with only Mallard (13) being recorded. Waders included Green Sandpiper (2), Snipe (1), Curlew (12) and three Lapwings that were displaying. Raptors were represented by singles of Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. A large count of Starlings (127) was interesting as there has been a roving flock of them in the area in the last few weeks, which is quite unusual as we normally only encounter them in the village, outside our count area. Several species were in song including the first Chiffchaff of the year and also Goldcrest - a pair of these birds is now probably breeding here. Mistle Thrushes (2) tend to be more in evidence at this time of year and Woodpigeons seem to have reached almost plague proportions with an estimated 400 seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 23rd March 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Peter & Janet Roworth Ponds now have good numbers of frog spawn clumps (27 in one near Churchill) and toad spawn strings, all showing a range in development. Water levels in the ponds are holding their own but we are yet again having another dry month despite the monthly rainfall figure being 55.4mm which sounds good but two heavy spells of rain on the 4th and 17th gave 52mm of this! It's the steady spell of rainfall we need. Interesting bird sightings include 21 Whooper Swans arriving at Rimac Lagoon late on Monday evening, 11 Snipe from the wet grassland near Rimac, 32 Twite near Sea View, and an occasional Short-eared Owl. Our first Spring migrants the Chiffchaff have arrived with 2 singing near Churchill on the 21st and one near Paradise on the 23rd. A comma was seen on the wing on the 23rd. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for February 2012 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/index.asp RSPB Frampton Marsh The juvenile Spoonbill remained until the beginning of the month (2nd). Waterbird numbers continued to impress with up to 18 Bewick's Swans, 23 Whooper Swans, five European White-fronted Geese, Black Brant (19th & 25th), up to nine Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2000 Dark- bellied Brent Geese. A record 357 Pintails were counted (12th) and three Scaups were present throughout. A probable Kumlien's Gull was seen (5th onwards) with two Iceland/Kumlien's Gulls seen together on one date (23rd). Waders included up to three Spotted Redshanks and 20 Ruffs. The first returning Avocets arrived (from 21st). A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen late in the month (26th). Twite peaked at 20 and Lapland Bunting two. RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore Woodcock were seen on three dates and a Water Rail on one (11th). Offshore there were three Little Auks and 25 Razorbills (10th), Pomarine Skua, Great Northern Diver and 10 Razorbills (13th) and Red-necked Grebe (18th) The Lagoon had three redhead Smew (12th), 1360 Wigeons and four Snow Buntings (13th) and Scaup (from 18th). A Black Brant was seen on the mudflats (22nd). A count of 380 Linnets on the arable areas (13th) was noteworthy. ALSO: Gibraltar Point NNR the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock also held up to 15 Pale-bellied birds and at least two Black Brants (21st). Crossbill (2nd) and Woodlark (23rd) were other notable sightings. Whisby Nature Park and North Hykeham Pits Highlights for Feb included Bittern (4th) Raven and two Smew (both 8th). The early signs of spring were also evident with the first returning Shelduck (8th) and Oystercatcher (17th), with other passage waders including three Dunlins (3rd-16th) and single Redshank (3rd-7th). Gulls included single Caspian (13th) and a Mediterranean (24th-29th). Single Peregrines were seen on three dates and up to two Little Egrets were present all month. Other birds of note included 12 Goosander (3rd-8th), three Water Rails (all month), Kingfisher (all month), wintering Chiffchaff (3rd), 14 Tree Sparrows (all month), 210 Greenfinchs (15th), 25 Goldfinchs (17th) and 54 Linnets (17th). Other sites Up to four Smew were seen at Baston-Langtoft Gravel Pits, with two males at Kirkby on Bain Gravel Pits. Also there was a Ring-necked Duck (4th), the Great White Egret continued to put in an appearance and a White Stork was most unseasonal. Up to three different Kumlien's/Icelands Gulls were present at Boston Tip. Two Cetti's Warblers and four Chiffchaff were wintering at Marston STW (23rd), while one or two Blackcaps were in Lincoln. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR Week ending 23.03.12 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 33 barn owl 2 blackbird 10 black headed gull 25 blue tit 18 bullfinch carrion crow 2 chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 6 collared dove 2 common gull 6 coot 70 cormorant 2 curlew 2 dunnock 6 gadwall 4 goldeneye 2 goldfinch 20 GBB gull 3 GC grebe 5 GS woodpecker great tit 12 greenfinch 2 greylag goose 20 herring gull 2 house sparrow 18 linnet 2 long - tailed tit 2 magpie 3 mallard 10 marsh harrier M+F moorhen 5 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 8 redshank reed bunting 2 robin 8 shelduck 16 short - eared owl 2 shoveler 12 siskin smew F sparrowhawk F teal 2 tree sparrow 2 tufted duck 20 water rail 2 willow tit wood pigeon 8 wren 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports from the following locations will now be posted here to give an overview of Limewoods ecology. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc...); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Adrian Royle's website for photos of species from the Limewoods. Photo site update :- Bardney Limewoods 2008 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157604757394558/ Bardney Limewoods 2009 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157616635241942/ Bardney Limewoods 2010 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157623488040369/ Bardney Limewoods 2011 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/sets/72157626361531988/ For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk] When sending in reports please follow Bulletin layout to save editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny macalpine@doddington.demon.co.uk *** Contacts List *** *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** Whisby's Bee and Wasp List *** Dr Michael Archer and Alan Phillips have put together an impressive list. Have a look and see how many species you recognise by name! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php?id=73 Also see: http://norwegica.wordpress.com/author/norwegica/ Could this be the year you learn to identify bees and wasps? *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** 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: None this week. Touch wood. *** Link(s) of the Week *** NASA's stunning history of The Moon. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/stunning-nasa-video-shows-how-the-moon-evolved-from-a-flaming-ball-of-fire.html Rejected male flies binge drink. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/jilted-fruit-flies-turn-to-alcohol.html ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/