=========================================== || || 13th May 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 1070 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 *** On Sunday we used the last of the apples in the apple shed in a marvellous apple crumble. Any that were past-it I threw out for the birds. I did not expect to have to do that in a frosty May. The new knowledge gained with the help of the Apple Day in Stamford last year has made us appreciate, use and enjoy our different varieties much more. Apple days 2012 for your diary: http://www.pipdesignassociates.co.uk/eeaop/images/pdfs/Apple_Days_2012.pdf http://www.scog-web.org.uk/Home.html Bardney Limewoods NNR - your records please. 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). See section 6 below. I visited Chambers Farm Woods this week in horrible weather. A walk in the woods is always a good thing, even when wet. Nothing unusual seen - plenty of the usual common species. Bluebells, cowslips, primroses, chiffchaffs, mistle thrush. When the sun comes out perhaps someone observant can find us some invertebrates? Or do some botany - there are interesting- looking trees and shrubs in flower. Mary Porter has sent in a report this week. Your reports too, please. Thanks. Roger *** Wildlife Trusts 100th *** Google 'Wildlife Trusts 100th anniversary' and you will find a surprising array of events and publications. To mark this occasion I am again posting inks to "Nature in Trust" for those of you who may not have enjoyed these before. See Lincolnshire's conservation 'family' in action. Familiar names - young faces - exciting times. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE06cD8lG4M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUB0-bvoCu4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ieAJNOkeo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj6a-YtcOXA *** Next LNU Event- all welcome *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. 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 Oxgang: "the area of land that could be ploughed by an ox in a day; one eighth of a carucate." [Wiktionary] "Roughton twelve oxgangs rateable to gelt, with three sokemen, and a half sokeman holding two carucates of land with three draught oxen; also fifteen acres of meadow land, a fishery worth 2s. yearly, and forty acres of woodland, containing pasturage in parts." "a berewick — "bere" (barley) land — of nine oxgangs, or some 225 acres, of meadow and wood, besides land in a score more parishes." Records of Woodhall Spa and Neighbourhood [Wiktionary] SALTFLEETBY-THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR Washout of razor clams and starfish during high spring tides During some of the high spring tides there is usually a washout of razor clams and starfish onto the beaches which attracts good numbers of gulls. The following notes were written by Cliff Morrison, one of the NNR’s volunteers. Very interesting. Over the past 6 months there have been more ‘wash-outs’ onto the beaches than usual of both razor clams (Ensis species) and the common starfish (Asterias rubens). These ‘wash-outs’ often correspond with high spring tides, which also result in more exposed intertidal areas at low water. This, linked with the seemed to be the never-ending period of strong NE winds we have experienced this year, will have caused significant tidal turbulence, which has no doubt contributed to the high mort- ality of both species. They can occur in very large numbers in the same areas in the sub-tidal muds and sands quite close to shore, but whilst it is not uncommon to see dense patches of razor clams washed-out, following the very cold snap in February, they were accompanied by particularly large numbers of mature starfish. Both species can be very long lived, with Ensis sp. up to 20 years and Asterias up to 10 years. Just last week, there was yet another ‘wash-out’ of razor clams towards the south end of the reserve, this time including many immature animals no more than a centimetre in length. Such a large bonanza of available food has particularly benefitted herring gulls, which literally appear overnight to take advantage of an easy feast. Herring gulls at the south end of the reserve currently number 3-500 birds, but peaked at 2,000 earlier in the year, with regular counts of 800-1200 birds. Surprisingly, despite regular scanning, no white winged gulls were seen. The most common species of Ensis on the reserve is E. siliqua, but in 1979, E. directus, a N. American species was found in the Rhine estuary and was presumed to have originated from bilge water from ships. Since then, this species has spread both north and south along the European seaboard before making the jump to UK waters in the south east. It is now spreading northwards and is very common in the Wash up to the Humber. *** Wildlife Workshops at Willow Tree Fen *** Alan Phillips sent in the following: An Introduction to Entomology - Monday 28 May, 10am - 4pm Bird Survey Techniques Course - Wednesday 30 May from 10am - 4pm Water vole and otter workshop - Friday 1 June, 10am – 4pm Further details: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/news/press-release.php?article=511 Editor adds: Do check out the website because you will need to contact the Trust and book a place. The workshops are free! *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Thursday 17th May 2012 we invite you to join us on an evening walk in Mausoleum Woods, Great Limber by kind permission of the Earl of Yarborough. Please meet walk leader Colin Rushby in the carpark off the A18, near The Little Brockelsby Care Home at 6.30 p.m.. (Grid ref: TA 133086.) Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. This is a free event but donations will be taken for the Trust. For further details please contact Colin Rushby - 01472 812667 On Saturday 19th May 2012 you are invited to join the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on a nature walk in Roxton Woods, Keelby with leader Mick Binnion. This walk is by kind permission of the Earl of Yarborough. Please meet in Roxton Lane, Keelby at 2.00pm. (Grid ref: TA 163110) Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. This is a free event but donations will be taken for the Trust. For further details please contact Mick Binnion - 077779899503. On Sunday 20th May 2012 we invite you to join us on a visit to Tetney Blow Wells Nature Reserve with reserve warden Clifford Jukes. Please meet by the church in Church Lane, Tetney (Grid ref: TA 316009) at 2pm for the 1.5 mile guided walk. Wellies or boots recommended especially if their has been recent rain. No dogs please. This is a free event but donations will be collected towards the Trust. For further information please contact Clifford Jukes - 01472 814887. *** Hedgehogs and other beasties *** Ian Nutwell writes: I read with interest the account of a butterfly by Emilie Bonnevay. It sounds to me like the one in question was probably Speckled Wood. The habitat would be right and it is early in the year for fritillaries. John Cowell, Theddlethorpe, writes: We have a large white goldfish in our pond, just about 1 ft long and today it has been swimming around with a small frog clamped onto the front of its head facing backwards, the frog is about 1½ins long. Is this normal behaviour? Editor replies: It is instinctive for a male frog to grip a female frog in what is coyly termed "amplexus" – Latin for an embrace. They will hang on doggedly [froggedly?] hoping for an opportunity to fertilise some frogspawn. So determined are they that they will cling on to almost anything available, including hapless fish like yours. Smaller fish can be killed by this I am told. I have found dead female frogs with males still clinging to them. So yes, it is not at all unusual. Except maybe in the ambitiousness of your little male frog. *** Mammal Society Hedgehog Tracking Tunnel Pilot Study 2012 *** Julia Smith sent in the following: With anecdotal evidence of a serious decline in hedgehogs, The Mammal Society is running a pilot study to test a new survey method to monitor hedgehog populations: the Footprint Tracking Tunnel Pilot. http://www.mammal.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=373&Itemid=415 *** Entomology - The Great Oil Beetle Hunt *** Records of oil beetles will help towards their conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan. If you think you've seen one, let us know! To get an idea of what you're looking for take a look at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyUmfao Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk Buglife's story of the Lincolnshire record: http://www.buglife.org.uk/News/Oil+beetles+rediscovered+in+Lincolnshire+after+28+years [Thanks to Charlie Barnes for mobilising Bulletin readers to look out for oil beetles. What's the next species hunt to be, Charlie?] *** Botany - Butterbur Hunt - reports please *** Paul Kirby requested reports of Butterbur, Petasites hybridus, for our current "species hunt". Your reports, please. [Thanks for starting us on this Paul. Have we come up with any new Butterbur locations yet?] *** 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 *** Save the Drift' campaign *** Mark Schofield sent me the following report. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust would like to thank you for your support of the 'Save the Drift' campaign. All 1042 of you who signed the petition have helped to raise awareness of the plight of Lincolnshire 's threatened wildlife in such an important location. Campaign Update: Summary: There will be no immediate closure Trailbikes are now unrestricted 6 month winter closure still in place LCC will review again in summer 2013 Your dated photographs of the site will be very helpful over the next two years - please send to info@lincstrust.co.uk with the e-mail title 'Save the Drift' More detail: Sadly, we have frustrating news to report. Lincolnshire County Council have decided that trailbikes and quadbikes are allowed to use The Drift SSSI nature reserve as a thoroughfare all year round without restriction at least until the summer of 2013. All types of motor vehicle will be able to use this stretch between May and October. A 6 month closure to all motor vehicles will nevertheless be in force between November and April this coming winter. Despite this campaign's failure to achieve an immediate, permanent, year-round exclusion of all recreational motor vehicles, the petition has succeeded in 'keeping the issue on the table' and LCC will be reviewing the current arrangement in summer 2013 based on evidence of any damage which results. The Planning and Regulation Committee for Lincolnshire County Council met on the 10th April and the issue of vehicular access to the Drift SSSI was discussed by councillors. The specific point addressed was an objection made by Natural England to a proposed change to the timing and type of closure. An excerpt from the Committee minutes: 70. DENTON TO SKILLINGTON, THE DRIFT/VIKING WAY – PROPOSED PROHIBITION OF DRIVING ORDER The Executive Director for Communities presented a report in connection with objections received against an Order prohibiting driving along a section of The Drift/Viking Way between Denton and Skillington. The report outlined the consultations, objections received and the comments of the Executive Director on the objections received. The Executive added that Councillor E R Chapman, local Division Councillor, and the Parish Council supported the recommendations detailed in the report. It was moved by Councillor T M Trollope- Bellow, seconded by Councillor N D Cooper and - RESOLVED (unanimous) That the objection be overruled and the Order as advertised be trialled for one year beginning in the Winter 2012/13 and brought back to the Committee for consideration in the Summer 2013. Once again, thank you for your interest in this issue and for taking the time to add your voice. It is through campaigns like these that public opinion can be collated efficiently and effectively. We succeeded in gaining coverage by both BBC Radio Lincolnshire and BBC Look North. We have found that online campaigns can be a powerful way of reminding our elected councillors that biodiversity matters! If you can, please help us to collect the evidence we need to protect the Drift in future. You can submit your dated photographs of the site over the next two years to info@lincstrust.co.uk with the e-mail title 'Save the Drift.' Mark Schofield www.lifeontheverge.org.uk [Thanks to Mark Schofield for alerting us to this Trust campaign. It does not seem a logical or satisfactory outcome. Keep us posted on developments, please.] Reminder from Editor: Views expressed by Bulletin contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 5/5 Little Gull, Covennham Reservoir 2 Black-winged Stilts, Scaup, Garganey, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Marston Sewage Works Short-eared Owl, Rimac 2 Little Gulls, Arctic Tern, North Hykeham, Apex Pit Hoopoe, Skegness, Burgh Road Ring Ouzel, Freiston Shore Hoopoe. Spalding 6/5 4 Curlew Sandpipers, Scaup, 2 Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owl and Bonxie, Frampton Marsh Black Tern, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 2 Ring Ouzels, 2 Garganey, Freiston Shore Hoopoe, Skegness, Burgh Road Red-rumped Swallow, Ingoldmells 7/5 Black-winged Stilt, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, 3 drk Garganey, 3 Little Gulls, Frampton Marsh 3 Short-eared owls, Whooper swan, Anwick Fen Temminck's Stint, Freiston Shore Curlew Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Freiston Shore Pale-bellied Brent Goose with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Short-eared owl, Donna Nook, Horseshoe Point Ring-nelcked-Duck, West Ashby, Shearman's Wath Scaup f, Barton-on-Humber Wood Sandpiper, Bardney Pits Jack Snipe, Rimac 8/5 2 Little Gulls, Huttoft Pit Short-eared owl near Cadney at Hibaldstow Bridge Osprey, Messingham Sand Quarry 2 Turtle Doves, 2 Ring Ouzels, New York, Haven Bank Caspian Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, Lincoln Tip Pallid Harrier, Theddlethorpe St Helen over Crook Bank Ring-necked Duck, West Ashby, Shearman's Wath Pallid Harrier, Gibraltar Point 9/5 Osprey, Grimsby over Pywipe Orprey, North Thoresby Curlew Sandpiper, Black-necked Grebe, 7 Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Garganey, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Dotterel with Ringed Plovers, south of Tetney 10/5 Alpine Swift, Huttoft Bank Little Stint, 8 Garganey, 2 Little Gulls Frampton Marsh Ring-necked Duck, West Ashby, Shearman's Wath Iceland Gull, Bonby Marsh 11/5 Osprey, Messingham Sand Quarry Red-rumped Swallow, Little Stint, 7 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 drk Garganey, Scaup, Little Gull, Black-winged Stilt, Black necked Grebe, Frampton Marsh Red-rumped Swallow, Gibraltar Point Pallid Harrier, Donna Nook Probably Pallid Harrier, Rimac Alpine Swift, Theddlethorpe St Helen 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. Roy Harvey - Grasby, writes: Morel On March 30th 2012, whilst weeding the garden, Linda found a few odd looking funguses growing amongst the flowers. Neither of us had previously seen anything like them so pictures were taken and forwarded to the Bulletin editor. We had a rapid reply from Roger to tell us that the fungus was a morel, one of the most prized of the edible fungi, and if we didn't want them to take them to his house! I decided to try eating one and after careful washing to remove the grit it was sliced, fried in butter and served on toast. Then came the big anticlimax - it had hardly any flavour at all! This was a big disappointment, so we decided to leave the remainder in the garden to see if they would set spores and hopefully, reappear next year. The part of our garden where the morel appeared had been pasture for a very long time - before being turned it into a flower bed about ten years ago, so a possible explanation for their appearance might lie with the compost that came with the flowers that are planted there. As a follow up to this, whilst walking yesterday in the Barnetby area we spotted another single morel. Perhaps the unusual weather we have experienced in the early part of this year has suited this rare fungi? Editor adds: Related link: http://www.finefoodspecialist.co.uk/divinity-cart/item/161w/Wild-Morels-Fresh/1.html Haxey, May 3rd. Chris du Feu Another collection of records from a slug workshop and the 'other side of the Trent' part of Lincolnshire. These are continuing to prove very productive though I must confess I have increased my fees for these events. I used to charge just the cost of travel (at cost rather than at extortionate rates per mile) and give the talk/workshop free. I have now increased this to cost of travel as before plus a speaker's fee of £100. However, I will waive the £100 entirely provided some slugs are brought by some attenders. It seems to be working well. I have not yet had to claim any £100 but the fear of paying me does help bring in the slugs. Arion ater agg., SK79 Westwoodside. Several specimens, some kept to grow to maturity for more certain identification. Arion distinctus, a garden slug, SE80 Owston ferry, SK79 Westwoodside & Haxey. Arion fasciatus, SK79 Haxey Arion intermedius, the 'hedgehog slug', SK79 Westwoodside. Arion subfuscus TA01 Wooton. This is a new 10 km record for this attractive species which I call the 'Yellow Stainer'. (Try stroking it and you will soon understand why.) Deroceras invadens (formerly D. panormitanum), SE80 Owston ferry, SK79 Westwoodside. Deroceras reticulatum - the 'netted slug' which I think would be better called the Milk of Magnesia slug (again stroke it to know why). SE80 Owston ferry, SK79 Westwoodside & Haxey and TA01 Wooton. Lehmannia valentiana the Spanish slug, SK79 Westwoodside. Limax flavus, the yellow slug, SK79 Westwoodside & Haxey. Limax maximus the leopard/tiger/great grey slug, TA01 Wooton. And one snail - Helix aspersa, the garden snail from SK79 Haxey. *** 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. BOAT TRIP IN THE WASH Geof Lee Sunday, May 6th 2012 from Fosdyke to Boston Deeps Highlights. Short eared owl - 1 Hen harrier - 1 Curlew - 20 Large flocks of the following :- Brent geese Shelducks Oystercatchers Black tailed godwit Dunlin All very restless - about to migrate ? Anchored on south side of Black Buoy Sand, where there was a large number of common seals - some came round the boat. I counted up to 250 and stopped - there were over 300 there. BARDNEY GARDEN Mary and Phil Porter 7th May Havoc caused by two pronged attacks from neighbours cats (one has TEN, the other 4 and then others have ones and twos) and sparrowhawks. Cat flinging itself at a hedge and knocking out a blackbird's nest at the front of a neighbours house. In our garden, we are used to magpie, jackdaw and sparrow hawk attacks and, sadly, accept it as nature, but this year both male and female sparrow hawk seem to have decided to hunt almost exclusively in our garden, taking two fledged blackbirds, two goldfinches off the feeders, a collared dove and a starling all in 24 hours, and those were the ones I spotted! They are flying through the garden every hour causing havoc with birds unable to feed for long without flying for cover. Both are often in the garden at the same time, so a bird might fly up to avoid one and the other one gets it. "Stumpy" ("cat attack" male blackbird - no tail) bravely bounced up and down shouting and screaming at the sparrow hawk while it plucked away at the still struggling goldfinch. If he doesn't learn to be a bit more cowardly soon he'll be next on the menu! Our new neighbours are building a house right next to ours and they are just putting the roofing trusses on. The builder reports the sparrow hawk whizzing right by his head through the timbers into our garden, where it took a blackbird! We've moved the feeders to nearer thick hedging and reduced the amount of food right down so that it empties quickly and the birds have to disperse more for food. We lost our song thrushes when the cats moved in and today a new one started singing nearby. "Don't do it!" I said. "We'd love to have you, but it's not safe!" BELTON PARK. NR. GRANTHAM. SK 9239. 06/05/2012. David Clarke. Blackbird 9 Blackcap 1 Blue Tit 14 Chaffinch 12 Carrion Crow 13 Coot 6 Great Tit 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Green Woodpecker 2 Greenfinch 3 Goldfinch 4 Jackdaw 42 Kestrel 2 Mallard 10 Mistle Thrush. 5 ( two adults feeding well developed young) Moorhen 2 Nuthatch 2 Pheasant 2 Rook 31 Willow Warbler 1 Wood Pigeon 11 Wren 3. Mammals. Fallow Deer 39 Rabbit 8. CAISTOR TA111 026 Wendy Handford Week beginning 06/05/12 All in garden. See fox with three cubs Fox raids 10 eggs from mallard's nest Young fieldmice leave nest in greenhouse Male and female pheasant under bird feeder Pair of jays Pair of yellowhammers Pair of jackdaws First sightings this year of: Orange tip butterfly St Mark's fly House martins Swallow Ribwort plantain Black sedge DEEPING LAKES Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve 6/05/2012 Dave Vandome Cuckoo and turtle dove calling, en-route to main bird hide. Cetti's warbler still there, in same area. DEEPING ST JAMES David Griffith Sunday 6/05/12 4.30pm A solitary Swift over the fields off Broadgate Lane, Deeping St James. FENTON SK846767 Richard Fox 6th May 2012 Holly Blue Swift (5) FENTON area SK8476 Richard Fox 7th May 2012 During stroll around local farmland tracks in the copious mud of: Badger Fox Roe Deer Stoat Weasel LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 12/05/2012 Jayne Knight 05/05 3 House Martins Juvenile Blackbird 10/05 3 Swifts Numbers still very down on Swallows and House Martins. LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 5 May '12 goldfinch - 4 MARTON SK842 820 Brian Hedley 10 May 2012 Moth trap in garden overnight Still very few moths around despite being fairly warm overnight. Hebrew Character 5 Lesser Swallow Prominent 1 Knot Grass 1 MESSINGHAM LWT RESERVE SE915 034 Brian Hedley 7 May 2012 Very good show of meadow saxifrage in flower plus a few patches of field mouse-ear. Common lizard 1 Common Toad 1 Common Frog 1 Cuckoo 1 Garden warbler 2 in song Reed warbler 15+ Buzzard 2 Pochard 2 pairs Common tern 2 Speckled wood 1 Longhorn moth Adela reaumurella 10 NETTLEHAM TF 005756 Brenda Edlington Rainfall for April 134mm Hedgehogs have been regularly coming for meat scraps etc. since the end of March. At least 3 individuals - 2 smaller ones together - surprised they survived the winter- and one fully grown. The new hedgehog hibernation box made by my husband was used in its first winter! RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler 07.05.12 Half a dozen Housemartins over the adjoining meadow in wet and windy weather. 08.05.12 Sunny & mild: 1 peacock butterfly, a few bumblebees and mining bees, numerous 7-spot ladybirds. 2 voles in bag of prunings stored for shredding. Forget-me-nots and Bluebells in flower, Red Campion coming into flower. 09.05.12 Grey heron flying over. 10.05.12 Tawny owl. Bat (seemed a bit larger than a pipistrelle). 11.05.12 First pair of Housemartins have claimed one of last year’s nest sites. RIGSBY WOOD 8th May 2012 Chris J Manning Brimstone & Small Tortoiseshell Good display of bluebells, Many still emerging WATERS EDGE Julie Ellison Waters' Edge 11/05/12 TA 030 231 Blackbird Blackcap Blue Tit Bullfinch Canada Geese Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler (several heard, 1 seen) Chaffinch Chiffchaff Collared Dove Common Tern Coot (with chicks) Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Greenfinch Greylag Geese (with chicks) House Martin House Sparrow Long-Tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Pied Wagtail Potchard Reed Bunting Reed Warbler Robin Sedge Warbler Starling Swallow Swift Tufted Duck Whitethroat Willow Warbler Woodpigeon Wren In flower: Black Medic Bluebells Celery-Leaved Buttercup Charlock Cowslip Fumitory WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. A & R Parsons 3rd and 4th May - Little egret seen in area. 6/5 Leveret on Hurnbridge Road Fungi: A. bisporus. Spp somewhat like A. bitorquis, working on it. Peziza spp. 8/5 3 sightings of common buzzards in area, 2 and 1. 9/5 Common shrew - cat kill WILLOW TREE FEN Nature Reserve 6/05/2012 Dave Vandome Cuckoo and turtle dove calling, near farm buildings. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 06/05/2012 Common Buzzard 1 Eider 25 Harrier 1 Little Tern 45 Peregrine 1 Ruff 1 Short-eared Owl 3 Turtle Dove 4 Wheatear 1 Whitethroat 23 Yellow Wagtail 5 07/05/2012 Common Buzzard 1 Crossbill 6 Marsh Harrier 1 Swallow 100 Turtle Dove 3 Chinese Water Deer 1 08/05/2012 Common Buzzard 6 Cuckoo 2 Greenshank 1 Pallid Harrier 1 Pied Flycatcher 1 Little Tern 5 Stonechat 1 Turtle Dove 3 Yellow Wagtail 21 09/05/2012 Cuckoo 1 Turtle Dove 2 Wheatear 1 Whitethroat 35 10/05/2012 House Martin 76 Ruff 1 Swallow 659 Swift 679 Turtle Dove 1 Yellow Wagtail 9 Painted Lady Butterfly 11/05/2012 Little Tern 100 Red Kite 1 Red-rumped Swallow 1 Redstart 1 Swallow Swift Turtle Dove 8 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 11th May 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth A week of sunshine and blustery showers with strong NEs early in the week veering to SWs by the 8th. A ground frost of -2.5°C was recorded on the 6th and 7th and daytime temperatures rose to a rather balmy 18.75°C on the 8th. The bird highlights of the week have been the sighting on the 8th of an immature Pallid Harrier (CM) and on the 11th an Alpine Swift which flew past Crook Bank (CM). The harrier has been illusive but has been seen over Donna Nook NNR, Rimac area at Saltfleetby NNR and Gibraltar Point NNR. Late evening on the 6th, a Phalarope sp was briefly seen (PR and JR) on the pool at Rimac before it moved to edge vegetation out of sight. A flock of 80+ Fieldfares flew over Crook Bank early in the week and later on the 8th 6 flew over Sea View. The change in wind direction in mid-week brought in a movement of Swifts, with a few House Martins and Sand Martins. Two Reed Warblers and several Sedge Warblers have been heard. Turtle Doves have been purring and there are c5 pairs in the Churchill- Crook Bank area. Willow Warblers seem to be down in numbers this year but Common Whitethroat remains as strong as normal with an estimated 35 pairs from Brickyard to the southern end of the NNR and probably as many again to the north. Whimbrel have been feeding on the saltmarsh with up to 20+ birds most days and a peak of c55 on 6th. Two Short- eared Owls have been seen over the dunes and saltmarsh from Rimac, and on late Friday afternoon, again from Rimac, a group of 17 Wheatears were actively feeding on the saltmarsh. Brief periods of sunshine and warmer days have brought out a few butterflies with sightings of speckled wood, orange tip, peacock, green-veined white and a single cinnabar moth. Two large red damselflies were seen near Churchill on the 10th. Common stork’s-bill, dove’s-foot cranes-bill, grey field-speedwell and dandelion are in flower on the dunes; cowslips remain a good show and hawthorn is in bud but ready for bursting which will give a fine display of flowers over the dunes. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for April 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 RSPB Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.asp RSPB Freiston Shore ALSO: Gibraltar Point NNR Whisby Nature Park 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 11.05.12 BIRDS Max. Numbers = avocet 55 bittern blackbird 15 blackcap 5 black headed gull 16 black - tailed godwit 12 blue tit 12 Canada goose 8 carrion crow 2 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 12 chiffchaff 6 collared dove 2 common gull 6 common tern 4 cuckoo coot 30+ cormorant 2 curlew 4 dunnock 6 gadwall 2 goldfinch 5 GC grebe 5 GS woodpecker great tit 6 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 20+ house martin 12 house sparrow 18 jackdaw 2 kestrel LBB gull 3 linnet 7 long - tailed tit 3 magpie 4 mallard 12 marsh harrier M+F meadow pipit 3 moorhen 7 mute swan 4 oystercatcher 4 pheasant 3 pied wagtail 2 pochard 8 reed warbler 18 redshank reed bunting 7 ringed plover 2 robin 10 sand martin 14 sedge warbler 8 shelduck 12 short - eared owl skylark 2 sparrowhawk F starling 5 swallow 50+ swift 20+ tawny owl tufted duck 10 water rail wheatear willow warbler 8 wood pigeon 5 wren 5 Other: orange tip and peacock butterflies pipistrelle bats (2) behind Ness End Centre ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ CHAMBERS FARM WOOD, NEAR WRAGBY. DAWN CHORUS WALK 6th May Mary Porter I arrived at 4am and one nightingale was singing well, in the scrub (sadly much reduced, someone did some clearing in there in the winter). However, although it was still singing later on for the public, it was much quieter and certainly not full throttle, like the stars at Whisby Nature Park! Other birds heard: one cuckoo, chiffchaff, blackcap, garden warbler, goldcrest, coal tit, song thrush, mistle thrush, robin, blackbird, wood pigeon ,blue tit, chaffinch, great spotted woodpecker drumming. It was VERY COLD, had to scrape the ice off the car when I left home and AGAIN when I left the woods about 6.30am. It was only later I realise I didn't hear a willow warbler! Perhaps they don't like the cold? For the second year running NO RODING WOODCOCK. very sad, it used to be the start of the show (after the nightingales, which have also declined). CHAMBERS FARM WOOD TF150739 Red walk and bird feeders 5th May Brenda and John Edlington Blackbird Blackcap Blue tit Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coal tit Collared dove Crow Goldfinch Great spotted woodpecker Great tit (many) Greenfinch Magpie Song thrush Sparrowhawk Tree sparrow Wren Heard a nightingale but no cuckoos ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk] When sending in reports please follow Bulletin layout to save editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny macalpine@doddington.demon.co.uk *** Contacts List *** *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact ashleybutterfield@btinternet.com tel. 07984 66 5847 *** Limestone Grassland Project *** Mark Schofield, Limestone Grassland Project Officer, mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information? Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** Butterfly Conservation Recorder *** Allan Binding asks contributors of butterfly records to the Bulletin to include their address or contact telephone or e-mail address and Grid Reference if possible. e-mail: allan.binding@ntlworld.com See: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/bfly/index.php *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** Whisby's Bee and Wasp List *** Dr Michael Archer and Alan Phillips have put together an impressive list. Have a look and see how many species you recognise by name! http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php?id=73 Also see: http://norwegica.wordpress.com/author/norwegica/ Could this be the year you learn to identify bees and wasps? *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** Hedgehog Survey *** http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning Email: chris@lincsdeer.info Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** New Met Office Service *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20090727.html *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Help BBCT with Amazon *** The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have an association with Amazon which helps to raise money for Bumblebee Conservation without any cost to the purchaser. If you buy anything from Amazon click onto the site via Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Support us - Easy fund raising - Amazon. If you do this Amazon will donate 8% of the price paid to Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Link: http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/fundraising.html or try http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/products.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, 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: jhignett *** Link(s) of the Week *** County at War. Upbeat wartime film about 1940s life in a rural market town. [Boston] http://vimeo.com/18044636 Parasitic Cuckoos story - BTO: http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking Osprey http://www.youtube.com/embed/nA3LtXnNIto?feature=player_embedded ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/