============================================ || || 11th November 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 1090 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 *** The next issue of The Lincolnshire Naturalist will be winging its way to LNU members over the next few days. It comes by hand where practicable to reduce postage costs, so arrival time may vary a bit. Thanks to Phil Porter for all his work as Editor. Not an easy task. Members will notice it is a double publication, as it incorporates Barrie Wilkinson's unique President's Address, illustrating habitat change he has recorded on Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserves over many years. The mailing includes a copy of the new LNU membership/ recording leaflet which we hope you will pass on to a kindred spirit to boost membership. The latest copy of the LNU Communiqué is also included. Almost 1100 readers take the Bulletin. Less than 10% are regular contributors. This is disappointing, as the hope is that people new to recording will give it a try and help us expand our knowledge of Lincolnshire's wildlife. It should be obvious from the Bulletins what we are after. Regulars who send in reports include some of the busiest people in the county, yet somehow they manage to get me something most weeks. Massive thanks to them all. Without their support the Bulletin would be far less interesting and useful. As we enter the grey seal breeding season it will be good to have updates, please. Remember - try to avoid weekend visits when visitor numbers are often high. To check tides before you go, see: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/ To check weather, see: http://www.wunderground.com/ For seal news see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/index.php Latest seal numbers: Donna Nook seal numbers for Monday 5 November: 202 bulls, 278 cows, 108 pups I was interested to note in a report below that the "BTO Winter Thrush Survey count now makes it obligatory to record food which the birds are taking", the very point I was trying to make last week. If you spot a bird feeding and can identify what it is eating, you could have two records for the price of one! With that in mind, why not see if you can achieve this with some of our notable winter visitors, e.g. Redwing, Fieldfare and Waxwing. For those of you with apple trees in the garden, you may be able to discern a preference for particular apple varieties! Please keep those comments and reports coming. Roger *** Next LNU Event *** 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, November 24, 2012 Buglife's 'Stepping Stones' Project Buglife's (The Invertebrate Conservation Trust) 'Stepping Stones' project on brownfield sites in Lincolnshire and beyond, plus a review of other work by the Trust. By Clare Dinham of Buglife *** Chalara In Lincolnshire? *** Chalara dieback is caused by a fungus called Chalara fraxinea. If you think you have seen Chalara signs, please report it. Urgent now, as leaves will soon be off the trees completely. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara Think about your own biosecurity contribution. A minor but worthwhile measure against the spread of Chalara spores would be to clean footwear between visits to woodland. That lost link to the news story of Chalara in Horncastle: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-20139055 On Monday, 5th, this story went national with Simon Ellis' threat to sue the government for failing to deal adequately with a Chalara outbreak in a Horncastle nursery. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20201708 *** Tree Planting *** Sturton By Stow Jubilee Wood, on Saturday November 17th from 9.00am at the Parish Field down Bransby Road off Tillbridge Road. Parishioners are going to plant 1350 trees. If you would like to help you will be most welcome, please bring spade and lump hammer. Due to the Chalara threat we have eliminated ash from the planting and have increased other species with a total of 14 different kinds to be planted. Further details from Rodge 01427 788623 or David 01427 787517 Members Free, Visitors suggested donation £2 *** Waxwings *** The Waxwing is one of our most striking winter visitors, spectacular in appearance, relaxed when being observed, therefore relatively easy to photograph successfully. They are remarkably "site loyal", so a flock may stay in one location for a surprising length of time. They are definitely a species to target and get to know well. There are lots of reports this week across the county, so keep your eyes open. Should you wish to track down a local flock, I may have more detailed information to help you find it - just ask. For useful webpages, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPqqri2OuRw [A year ago!] http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/waxwing/index.aspx http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/waxwing.htm http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob10480.htm http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=124001 http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/waxwing.asp *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 12th November 2012 we invite you to join us at our next indoor meeting - "Life in the Wash" a power point presentation by Geoff Lee. This will be held at Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2. There will be a Trust goods stall and raffle and tea and coffee will be available. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858 *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: Wed 21 November 2012: A Digital Year – Geoff Trinder From the garden to Japan and orchids to owls, come and see what one of our favourite speakers and photographers has been up to recently! Indoor meetings are held at Morton Village Hall (just north of Gainsborough), and begin at 7.30 p.m.. A (minimum) donation of £1.00 includes refreshments, and there is usually a raffle, bird food available if pre- ordered (tel: 01427 613128) 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 *** Report those Harlequin Ladybirds *** This is a good time of year for trying to "spot" these! For help distinguishing and identifying Harlequins and other ladybirds, or submitting a Harlequin report, see: http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ *** Police and Crime Commissioner Elections *** You will have received information about the forthcoming PCC election on 15th November and may have an opportunity to speak with candidates before then. It will be interesting to see how seriously wildlife and rural crime issues are being addressed. Why not ask? More information: www.choosemypcc.org.uk *** Ransomeware - a new hacking worry? *** 'Ransomware' is one of the fastest-growing areas of cybercrime. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/hackers--blackmail--users-of-illicit-websites-with-new-cyber-attack.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 3/11 m Hen Harrier, Saltfleetby, Sea View. Bluethroat, 3 Short-eared Owls, Hen Harrier, Waxwing, Gibraltar Point Short-eared Owl, Baston Fen 35 Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes Coast Water Pipit, Baston Langtoft pit. 4/11 Purple Sandpiper, Covenham Reservoir Great Grey Shrike, Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart, 11 Crossbills, Gibraltar Point 5/11 Waxwing, Ring Ouzel, Hen Harrier, c 100 Twite, Theddlethorpe St Helen Waxwing, Rimac 8 Waxwings, Toft Newton reservoir 9 Waxwings, Ring Ouzel, Gibraltar Point 5 Waxwings, Far Ings, Chowder Ness. Ring Ouzel, Sea View Farm 6/11 10 Waxwings, Epworth 3 Waxwings, Gibraltar Point 30 Waxwings, Barton-upon-Humber 16 Waxwings, Market Rasen 7/11 7 Waxwings, Dunsby Hen Harrier m, Waxwing, Lapland Bunting, 3 Short-eared owls, Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher, Alkborough Flats Unconf. Rough-legged Buzzard, South Ferriby 9 Waxwings, Far Ings visitor centre car park 8 Waxwings over Londonthorpe Wood Waxwing, Mablethorpe, Quebec Road 9 Waxwings Barton-upon-Humber, Far Ings Road 8/11 5 Snow Buntings. Cleethorpes Coast Woodlark flew south, 4 Crossbills, 2 Water Pipits, Gibraltar Point 2 Snow Buntings, c 150 Twite, Saltfleetby/ Theddlethorpe Waxwing, Dunsby 2 Waxwings, Barton-upon-Humber, Far Ings Road Waxwing north over Donna Nook 9/11 14 Waxwings, Crowle, Eastoft 5 Snow Buntings, c 150 Twite, Saltfleetby/ Theddlethorpe Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Strongly recommended. [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. Whisby Nature Park Phil Porter Received 6th November 2012 The onset of colder weather has narrowed the focus of recording right down at Whisby and the following October sightings have been dominated by birds, providing one or two highlights without indicating an exceptional month. However the few items of other wildlife interest have included excellent records. The black-headed gull population has started to swell around the larger bodies of water east of Whisby with around a thousand by the end of the month. Up to 5 of the now-obligatory Caspian gulls, up to 7 yellow-legged gulls, a Mediterranean gull and modest numbers of the more expected species have accompanied them. The future of gulls in general in Lincoln is now in doubt with the appearance of the domestic rubbish incinerator nearby. The lure of a safe roost on Apex Pit may retain some numbers but the loss of 'scavenging rights' is bound to have some repercussions. Will black-headed gulls continue to breed at Whisby? And if they don't will that affect common terns breeding? It is strange to be able to anticipate such a reduction in bird recording without being outraged by the cause of it. One of the highlights was an immature male garganey which arrived in September almost made it through to month's end but finally departed on the 27th, having been 'out of sight' for much of its stay. This is a significantly late date for the departure of garganey, which, uniquely among our regular wildfowl, winter in Africa where huge numbers gather in the Rift Valley lakes for example. A red kite was reported in mid-month and we get a few of these every year now. An adult peregrine perched briefly on one of the electricity pylons in the first week. Sparrowhawks are currently taking advantage of moderate gatherings of starlings which roost in the reeds of Grebe Lake. These are providing spectacles of formation-flying as about 5,000 gather at about 4.30 each evening, and a couple of sparrowhawks, not noted for crepuscular activity, cut through them for a last-minute meal. Our starling roost is usually short-lived however, for reasons that seem rather obscure, and rarely last until Christmas. It was surprising to note banded demoiselles as late as the first week in October, but there were two records. They seem to wander fairly regularly to Whisby from their headquarters on the Witham during the summer but this is far and away the latest record we have had from Whisby. Some significant plant records have come to light recently as a result of checking out the bird islands in Grebe Lake prior to their winter flooding. A lot of free seeding annuals and special- ised perennials grow luxuriantly in the guano left over from the gull colonies and the seeds are attractive to wintering dabbling ducks as the flood proceeds. Significant specialists were marsh and golden dock, and, trifid bur-marigold, which is merely local in distribution, and the genuinely important nodding bur- marigold, described as rare and decreasing in The Flora of Lincolnshire. These are plants requiring seasonal inundation. Another unfamiliar plant discovered at the time seems to be Conyza floribunda which has no common name but belongs to a group of non- native 'Canadian fleabanes' of the daisy family. The interest is somewhat academic but so many non-native plants are now considered noteworthy in the environment that we just go with the flow. We are not yet sure of its status in the county. An even more extreme example, one plant only, was growing nearby. The closely related Guizotia abyssinica, better known as nyger seed. Some grains had obviously passed unaltered through a gold finch and been distributed as it drank or bathed on the island shore. It has large yellow flowers resembling a garden marigold. Finally, there were also a few examples of water-pepper, a type of dock which has not been recorded at Whisby before. The leaves, when chewed, are disappointing initially but then deliver a peppery kick of some intensity, which is a very useful identifi- cation feature! *** 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 experts. Thanks. ALFORD TF154758 John Bland 4/11/2012 Green Woodpecker (female) This bird has been a regular in gardens and at roadsides since July. BARTON ON HUMBER List of Wildlife Seen at Waters' Edge Reserve, Barton Week ending Friday 02/11/2012 Julie Ellison Birds: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Goose Carrion Crow Collared Dove Coot Curlew 8 Dunnock Feral Pigeon Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe 2 Great Tit Greenfinch Grey Heron Long-Tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Red Shank 49 Robin Shoveler 4 Starling Teal 8 Tufted Duck Wood Pigeon Wren Wild Plants in Flower: Bristly Oxtongue Common Ragwort Cut-Leafed Cranesbill Hedge Bindweed Ragwort Red Clover Ribwort Plantain Vipers Bugloss Other: Domestic Cat Grey Squirrel List of Wildlife Seen at Waters' Edge Country Park, Barton Week ending Friday 09/11/2012 Julie Ellison Birds: Blackbird (some eating Hawthorn berries) Black-Headed Gull Canada Geese (35 - 40) Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coal Tit Collared Dove Common Redshank Coot Cormorant (1) Curlew (50-60 flew west over wood, in two groups, within sight of each other) Gadwall (2 pairs) Goldfinch Great Tit Grey Heron (2) Long-Tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Mistle Thrush (eating Hawthorn berries) Moorhen Mute Swan (2) Pochard (1) Robin Teal Tufted Duck Wood Pigeon Wren Wild Plant in Flower: Black Medic Bramble Bristly Oxtongue Campion (White) Clover (Red) Clover (White) Cut-leafed Cranesbill Daisy Dandelion Ragwort Thistle (Creeping) Other: Domestic Cat Grey Squirrel (4 - all in one tree at one point) Weasel BOURNE WOODS TF0710 28 October 2012 Vin Fleming Fungus foray for Friends of Bourne Woods yielded 41+ species (more collected but the rest either beyond my competence / time available to process them). Highlights included Rhodotus palmatus (wrinkled peach) - 4 specimens collected* Otidea onotica (hare's ear) Geastrum striatum (striate earthstar) – 1 specimen on usual coppice stool Amanita citrina var citrina (false death cap) BRACEBY Braceby TF015353 Marion Ellis on 4/11/2012 Usually in the autumn we are plagued with cluster flies that emerge from the loft and want to get out through the landing window. At the same time ladybirds come in from outdoors and settle in clumps right up by the ceiling to overwinter. This autumn many fewer cluster flies and no ladybirds at all. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 9.11.12 Hundon Farm TA 113 022 Grey squirrel collecting Hawthorn berries Carrion crow feeding on dead Grey squirrel Coots, 2 adults and 2 juveniles Grey heron Moorhens, 3, feeding on grassland Mute swans, 4 Brigg Road garden TA 114 022 Brambling, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 2 Jays, 2 Brigg Road wildlife garden A 111 026 Jay feeding on seed under birdfeeder Pheasants 5 male & 1 female in meadow Wren working over rockery and guttering Still in flower, just: Annual meadow grass Betony Borage Bristly oxtongue (new to Caistor list) Bugle Cat-mint Catsear Common mousear Creeping buttercup Daisy Dandelion Feverfew Groundsel Hairy bittercress Harebell Hedge woundwort Herb robert Hogweed heads, 4, with many insects feeding Honeysuckle Nipplewort Petty spurge Ragweed Red campion Red dead nettle Selfheal Small-flowered cranesbill Smooth sow thistle Sweet chamomile Tutsan White campion White clover White dead nettle Fungi Bay polypore on Cherry stump Blue roundhead on coniferous needle litter Candlesnuff on stacked Hawthorn branches Common jellyspot on fallen Ash Common rustgill on buried conifer stump Coral spot on Silver birch twigs Cushion bracket on Cherry stump Dog stinkhorn in leaf litter of Alder and Hawthorn Elder whitewash on Elder False chanterelle on coniferous needle litter Jew's ears on Elder King Alfred's cakes on fallen Ash Stinking parasol amongst Ground elder Turkeytail on fallen Ash DEEPING LAKES NATURE RESERVE D Griffith 05/11/12 (am) notable highlights Buzzard x2 Red kite x2 Marsh harrier (juvenile) Goldcrest x2 Goldeneye x4 06/11/12 (11.40am) Fields off Towngate, nr Linchfield Rd junction, Deeping St James Fieldfare c30 DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 09/11/12 Time: 1400 – 1545 Weather: Sunny periods, breezy and cool. Birds Blackbird Black-headed Gull Chaffinch Collared Dove Cormorant Coot Crow Fieldfare Gadwall Goldfinch Greater Black-backed Gull Great Crested Grebe: Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Geese Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Grebe Little Egret Long-tailed Tit (heard) Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Redwing Rook Shoveler Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon Others: Grey Squirrel (2) DOLE WOOD (LWT RESERVE) TF0916 2 November 2012 Vin Fleming Rhodotus palmatus* (wrinkled peach) – one fruitbody on dying elm (targeted search based on finding the species at Bourne Woods) *NB – this distinctive species seems to be fruiting in a few places at the moment (I am aware of other records near Bourne) and is typically found on elm – worth checking out any dead / dying elms readers may be aware of. Good pictures available via Google images (but the cap doesn't always have the wrinkled network on the cap shown in most photos) DOLE WOOD (LWT RESERVE) TF0916 30 September 2012 Vin Fleming Fungus foray for LWT Limited range of finds (c20 species) in rather dry conditions but including : Geastrum striatum (striate earthstar) – 1 specimen Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak fungus) Scleroderma areolatum (earthball) WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 4/11/12 2 Tawny owls calling. 6am. 2 buzzards flying east across the fen, calling. 7am. 5 and 6/11 Jays heard in evergreen oaks in garden. 6/11 4 buzzards interacting over river bank 9am. 7/11 Barn owl seen along road. 8/11 Jay seen on bird table 8.40am. 9/11 Buzzard over garden 3.30pm. WRANGLE COMMON 04/11/2012 Roy and Kath Pearson Despite atrocious conditions, we did a count this morning having not done a BirdTrack count for some time, though a BTO Winter Thrush Survey count was done last week and picked-up some of the Fieldfares and Redwings coming in. This count makes it obligatory to record food which the birds are taking - in every instance hawthorn berries. Most of the thrushes had gone through by today and we only found 22 blackbirds and 3 Redwings. The Mute Swans that have been with us since the breeding season (2 adults and 6 cygnets which are now as big as their parents) are still with us and 7 Whooper Swans flew over - a new record. Species of interest included singles of Buzzard, Kingfisher and Little Egret, plus five Snipe, this being the highest count this autumn. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 this week. SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES 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: 9th November 2012. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth A cool start to the week with ground and air frosts recorded, the lowest ground temperature being -5.5°C on the 6th. A few Blackbirds remain feeding off the berry bearing shrubs, occasionally Goldcrests have been heard and several skeins of Pink-feet were seen flying SW over the dunes. Highlights for the week have included a fine male Hen Harrier seen hunting over the saltmarsh on the 3rd; Twite feeding amongst the samphire beds near Brickyard reached c150 by the end of the week and 9 Snow Buntings were there on the 8th. Scanning over the area of water on the saltmarsh from Rimac on the 8th produced 18 Teal, 38 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Whooper Swans and a single Red-Crested Pochard. A Merlin was seen to catch and eat a Goldfinch at Rimac on the 8th and another 5 Whoopers flew SW over Churchill on the 9th. A pipistrelle bat was flying around buildings at Sea View on the 9th. This is noteworthy because only 5 have been seen all year in that area. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for September 2012 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/far_ings/index.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News The Great Scrapes project: Lionel Grooby writes Click the link and then the slideshow button and then sit back and enjoy! http://www.flickr.com/photos/88797009@N02/sets/72157631894155823/ 1. First photos taken from the old North Scrape hide in early September. Not much to see except high & dry vegetation and invading scrub. 2. Area then mown and cleared by Far Ings & TocH volunteers. The old North and South Scrapes bird hides were also dismantled and removed. 3. The heavy plant arrives from Contractors J. E Spence & Sons. (17/09/12) 4. The excavator clears willows with a ferocious flail to gain access onto the scrapes. 5. The digger removes the eastern boundary hedgerow and scrub to create a new vista taking in Ness Pit. 6. The bulldozer lowers and shapes the terrain, shoving the topsoil into Target Lake. 7. Sluices are installed: one allowing water to flow in from Ness Pit and another on the west side of the area to allow it to drain into Target Lake (from which eels will migrate from into the Scrapes next spring). 8. Water starts to flow in and flood the two lowered and enlarged scrape areas. 9. Two substantial islands are created, utilising the removed earth, in Target Lake; the northern one being covered with 75 tonnes of gravel for nesting common terns. A ramp is made up to the site for the new hide. 10. All this work was achieved by one digger and one bulldozer and one remarkably skilled and hardworking driver moving between the two machines - Nick Holmes from Burgh le Marsh. (07/10/12). 11. But now the truth can be told.....Lionel had in fact taken charge of the digger to speed the job up and to make sure that the islands were done right.....(Ahem). 12. Far Ings vols and Gilleards (Contractors) erect a splendid new bird hide on an elevated position overlooking a marvellous new, near and distant, vista to the east and, through the rear windows, the Target Lake islands. (17/10/12). 13. In sepia November, the new Scrapes remain lifeless But come next spring the area will be verdant and vibrant with wildlife and the cacophony of photographers squabbling over the best seats in the bird hide. Mark my words! Thanks to all the usual Far Ings volunteer suspects. Extra special thanks to: Biffa, The Environment Agency and the North East Lindsey Drainage Board for funding the project. Janet Mellor (Grant - Finder Extraordinaire). Roger Wardle Consultant & Genius at technical design - with a true passion for changing landscapes for the benefit of wildlife. Darren Scott (North East Lindsey Drainage Board) for all his practical help and commonsense advice. And most of all, to Nick Holmes of J. E.Spence & Sons, for a good job well done. Far Ings News W/E 09.11.12 BIRDS Max nos. bar - tailed godwit 4 bittern blackbird 12 black headed gull 50+ blue tit 8 carrion crow 5 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 7 coal tit collared dove 4 common gull 6 coot 90+ cormorant 4 curlew 2 dunlin 6 dunnock 3 fieldfare 6 gadwall 7 goldeneye 4 goldfinch 11 GC grebe 3 GS woodpecker great tit 5 greenfinch 2 grey heron 2 greylag goose 60+ herring gull house sparrow 12 kestrel kingfisher lapwing 9 little grebe 3 long tailed tit 4 magpie 3 mallard 18 marsh harrier M moorhen 6 mute swan 12 pheasant 2 pink footed goose 43 pochard 4 redshank 3 redwing 30 reed bunting 2 robin 4 shelduck 4 shoveler 2 siskin 30 sparrowhawk starling 600+ teal 24 tufted duck 28 twite 2 (4th) water rail 2 wawing 9 (6th) wigeon 2 willow tit 2 wood pigeon 8 wren 8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** iSpot *** The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website: http://www.ispot.org.uk/node/275032 A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives This is a project run by The Open University as part of Open Air Laboratories (OPAL), where you can "Learn more about wildlife, share your interest with a friendly community and get help identifying what you have seen." The project is essentially in the business of helping people learn how to identify the wildlife they encounter, and encouraging them to get involved in biological recording. *** 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 *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: I have recently agreed to take on the roles of Regional Co- ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). I will be organising a few field meetings to hunt for spiders and other arachnids in due course, but if any LNU members wish to get in touch in the meantime then please contact me on my e-mail address: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** 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/ *** 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 E-mail: chris@lincsdeer.info Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** Met Office E-mail 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/about-us/guide-to-emails *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: http://www.lnu.org/ www.lincsbirdclub.co.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 The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) To learn more about the project or to find out how to get involved, please visit http://www.lnu.org/ www.lincsmarshes.org.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation http://www.lnu.org/ 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: http://www.lnu.org/ www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.lnu.org/ 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 http://www.lnu.org/ 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. http://www.lnu.org/ 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: http://www.lnu.org/ www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ Youtube videos by Colin Green. Little Scrubbs Meadon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqCJLrTQmg&feature=relmfu Greetwell Hollow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmzLFrbjFU&feature=plcp Rimac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=plcp *** 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. Indoor meetings: Saturday, November 24, 2012 Buglife's 'Stepping Stones' Project Buglife's (The Invertebrate Conservation Trust) 'Stepping Stones' project on brownfield sites in Lincolnshire and beyond, plus a review of other work by the Trust. By Clare Dinham of Buglife Saturday, January 19, 2013 Talk - details to follow Saturday, February 16, 2013 Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition Note - watch for details of early start to give us all additional talking-time. Saturday, March 09, 2013 AGM & Presidential Address by Roger Parsons Subject: The Ecology of Pollination and Pollinators ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Enterprise mailfails: Mostly due to bad reputation of "3" IP address? Mainly affects my thankyous/replies to e-mails. If I have not replied or said thank you - I did - but my reply was blocked! This issue should not affect the Mailchimp mailing. If you are having difficulties with spam folders etc. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. *** And Finally ... Paul Money has won a "Space Oscar" at the Sir Arthur Clarke for Lifetime Achievement in Astronomy. Many readers will have enjoyed Paul Money's popular Starnights around the county. Paul's contribution to the appreciation and understanding of astronomy is outstanding. This recognition of his work is well deserved. http://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/local/local-astronomer-wins-space-oscar-1-4447328 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/ Note: the links below allow you to unsubscribe, send a copy of the Bulletin to a friend or modify your profile/change your e-mail address. N.B. Each reader sees only their own address.