=========================================== || || 16th September 2012 [late] || || 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 1096 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Please make contact via the LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ or e-mail wildlifenews@lnu.org, or contact the Editor to join up and contribute articles or reports. [Or cancel!] E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor Writes *** We are hoping for a good turn out at the LNU foray on 21st October. This is also the peak of the Orionid meteor shower. If you are out and about at night near that date, keep an eye on the heavens! [If skies are clear!] A walk around Ostler's Plantation on Friday showed some fungus species, a grisette, an amanita [rubescens?] a russula and a flush of what looked like a lactarius. We shall go back and have a good look. I am giving a plug to the new LNU bursary scheme as we are very keen to make an award this year. The article first appeared in Communiqué, but some readers may be unaware of the scheme. You do need to be an LNU member to be eligible. Roger *** Next LNU Event *** For LNU meetings see www.lnu.org/events.php See section 11 for full programme. 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 *** Want to boost your expertise? *** Why not apply for an LNU Bursary? There has been much reference to the sad demise of the teaching of taxonomy in our Universities, most recently in Mark Seaward's excellent talk to the LNU on 14 January. At the suggestion of longstanding LNU member Jane Ostler, the Executive Committee has agreed to award a bursary of up to £250 to any LNU member who wants to attend a course to improve their knowledge of a specific scientific class. To be eligible for consideration:- 1. The applicant must be a member of the LNU; 2. The additional knowledge so gained must be applied to the study of the class concerned in Lincolnshire; 3. The bursary can only be used for the cost of the course and associated equipment, not travel or subsistence costs. Applications for the bursary (which may not be awarded every year) should be made in writing to Executive Committee member Richard Chadd, richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk who holds the honorary post of Visiting Fellow in the Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences at Lincoln University, by 1 June 2013. Richard will then make a recommendation to the Executive Committee, who will have the final decision regarding an award. Editor adds: For ideas, see the Field Studies Council website: http://www.field-studies-council.org/ Also: http://www.bsbi.org.uk/training.html If anyone finds a website offering interesting-looking short courses in species identification, please let us know. *** Apple Days in Lincolnshire 2012 *** Take along your unknown apples for identification. It might be a lost local variety with a history. Information from the website of: East of England Apples and Orchards Project http://www.applesandorchards.org.uk/ Sat 6th October The Arts Centre, St. Mary's Street, Stamford Lincs PE9 7DL TBA A Stamford Community Orchard Group event Tel: 01780 764028 Free entry http://www.scog-web.org.uk/appleday2011.html Sun 7th October The Town Hall, Louth Road, Wragby Lincs LN8 5PH TBA Tel: 01673 818272 A Lincolnshire Organic Gardeners' Organisation event www.logo.org.uk *** Grantham Branch LWT *** Marion Ellis writes: Sunday 16 Sept 2.00pm Nature ramble in Syston Park near Grantham For further information ring John Chadwick 01476 561413 *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: Wed 26 September 2012: "Botswana" Malcolm Walpole takes us on an audio-visual adventure safari in the Okavango Delta and Kalahari desert, with wonderful photography of mammals, birds and landscapes. 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 *** Rocks and Fossils *** Helen Gamble writes: Saturday 22 September Newark Showground – Rock & Fossil Show 10 am to 5 p.m. Displays & Demonstrations Fun Fossil Activities Stands of local geological societies, geoconservation groups & quarry companies Talks by leading geologists about Britain's Beastly Past, Sensational Soft–Bodied Silurian Fossils, and the Geology of the East Midlands A chance to book on field trips– all being led on Sunday 23 September Field Trips to Ketton Quarry, Charnwood Forest or Ashover in Derbyshire Suitable for beginners in geology and additionally, in the case of Ketton, for families with children of secondary school age. *** Hare Coursing Season *** Operation Galileo The curse of illegal hare coursing could soon be with us again. To counter this annual problem, Lincolnshire Police have set up a new specialist unit which I hope all readers will want to support. See: http://www.lincs.police.uk/News-Centre/News-Releases-2012/Hare-Coursers-Warned-–-Lincolnshire-is-Geared-Up-to-Deal-with-You-.html http://www.lincs.police.uk/About/Departments/Local-Policing/Safety-Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ Rural and Wildlife Crime If you would like to play a more active part in the fight against crime you should consider joining Farm and Country Business Watch. It is free. You get regular intelligence and information on local crimes and concerns. http://www.lincs.police.uk/News-Centre/Campaigns/Farm-And-Country-Business-Watch/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 9/9 Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats 10/9 Nightjar, Sea View Farm. Bar-tailed Godwit, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Osprey, Garganey, 6 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Skua, Pomarine Skua, 40 Arctic Skuas, 2 Bonxies, past Gibraltar Point Osprey, Colsterworth Osprey, Donna Nook 3 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Ruddy Shelduck, Frampton Marsh Osprey, Alkborough Flats 11/9 Long-tailed Skua, 3 Bonxies, Saltfleet Caspian Gull, 7 Yellow-legged gulls, Gainsborough landfill Osprey, 4 Spoonbills, Whinchat, Gibraltar Point Osprey, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Donna Nook Osprey over Frampton 12/9 Night Heron over Fleet 4 Spoonbills. Little stint, Spotted Redshank, Osprey, Gibraltar Point Pectoral Sandpiper, 11 Curlew Sandpipers, Frampton Marsh Ferruginous Duck or hybrid, Barton-upon-Humber 13/9 Osprey, 27 Pink-footed Geese flew south, Donna Nook Spoonbill, Alkborough Flats Barred Warbler, 4 Spoonbills, ringtail Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point 14/9 4 Spoonbills, Gibraltar Point 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. WORLABY Jenny Haynes There is a resubmitted planning application for a wind turbine (67 metres to blade tip) at Worlaby in North Lincolnshire, close to Worlaby Carrs, a site renowned for sightings of uncommon birds. As far as I can make out it is identical to the one submitted in 2010 which was withdrawn. At that time, thanks to readers of the Wildnews Bulletin, many objections were submitted by those of you who know the area. If you did object last time then please do so again. The application ref. is: PA/2012/1011 and can be found on North Lincolnshire Council's website: www.planning.northlincs.gov.uk Many thanks *** 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. DEEPING LAKES Date: 13th September 2012 Time: 0930 – 1145 Weather: sunny and cool Observer: Ian Gordon BIRDS: Blackbird Blue Tit Cetti's Warbler (heard) Chaffinch Collared Dove Coot Cormorant Crow Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Black-backed Gull Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Geese Herring gull Little Egret Little Grebe Mallard Mute Swan Osprey (1045 – took a small fish from main lake and flew off westerly. Present for 5 minutes and continually mobbed by a group of 10-12 corvid). I have now seen a single Osprey successfully fish on the large lake twice in the last 4 weeks) Pochard Rook Sand Martin Sedge Warbler Shovelor Sparrowhawk Spotted Flycatcher Starling Swallow Tufted duck Willow Warbler Wood Pigeon BUTTERFLIES: Ringlet Painted Lady Red Admiral Small White ANIMALS: Grey Squirrel (3) Rabbit IMMINGHAM (Mayflower Woods, courtesy of ConocoPhillips) TA158 157 Saturday 8th September 2012 (12.00 - 23.30) LNU meeting (afternoon session plus moth/bat evening) attended by 11 people and led by Brian Hedley. Hot and sunny afternoon but temperature dropped away rapidly after 9pm. Bats comprised at least five common pipistrelles and two noctules, the former species enjoying the moth trap banquet! Other mammals included common shrew, fox and roe deer. Thirty-two bird species noted including hobby (one dashing low through the car park trying to catch the local house martin flock off-guard), at least two pairs of very vocal tawny owls, a skein of night-flying pink-footed geese heard overhead at 9.30pm, a willow tit and two treecreepers. Young smooth newt noted in new pond near car park plus several young common frogs around the site. Ten butterfly species recorded including brown argus, common blue and red admiral. Dragonfly/damselflies comprised emerald damselfly, southern hawker, migrant hawker, emperor, ruddy darter and common darter. About 26 moth species noted during course of afternoon and evening including silver Y, angle shades, snout, common marbled carpet, dingy footman, copper underwing, centre-barred sallow and single- dotted wave. A good list of beetles fowarded to me by Charlie Barnes as follows: An excellent find was a new vice-county (VC54) record in Kissophagus hederae (Nationally Notable B) - an ivy-boring beetle. Recorded at one other site in the whole of Lincolnshire, although it really should turn up more often given its foodplant! Supposedly the exit holes are distinctive, but I have yet to find out why... (Apionidae) Ceratapion carduorum (Apionidae) Eutrichapion vorax (Carabidae) Amara familiaris (Carabidae) Amara similata (Carabidae) Bembidion obtusum (Carabidae) Paradromius linearis (Carabidae) Poecilus cupreus (Chrysomelidae) Oulema melanopus (Chrysomelidae) Oulema rufocyanea (Coccinellidae) Adalia bipunctata (Coccinellidae) Coccinella septempunctata (Coccinellidae) Halyzia sedecimguttata (Coccinellidae) Propylea quattuordecimpunctata (Coccinellidae) Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata (Coccinellidae) Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata (Curculionidae) Kissophagus hederae (new for VC54) (Curculionidae) Sitona lineatus (Staphylinidae) Megalinus glabratus (Staphylinidae) Philonthus carbonarius (Staphylinidae) Philonthus cognatus (Staphylinidae) Quedius fuliginosus (Staphylinidae) Stenus cicindeloides (Staphylinidae) Xantholinus linearis Other invertebrates included common groundhopper, orb-web spider, forest bug, hawthorn shield bug, green shield bug and Dicranopalpus ramosus (a harvest man). Also several very large tiger slugs. A wide variety of plants were recorded including good amounts of agrimony and also three duckweed species (least, common and fat). Elm trees were a feature of the woodland belt near the car park. Several fungi species were also noted including some extremely large brackets on ash, up to 0.5m wide. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons Dead hedgehog 11/9 at Hawthorn Hill, TF 223563 approx. Myxomatosis has been noted in several rabbits recently. 2 Grey squirrels have been observed in the garden 12/9. One also seen at Canada Farm on 8th, TF 225534. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 06/09/2012 Marsh Harrier 5 Merlin 1 Peregrine 1 Spoonbill 5 Spotted Redshank 5 Wheatear 1 07/09/2012 Green Sandpiper 1 Greenshank 10 Marsh Harrier 1 Spoonbill 5 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 RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for August 2012 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh A good month for waders with peak counts of six Little Stints, 10 Curlew Sandpipers, eight Spotted Redshanks and five Wood Sandpipers. Black-tailed Godwits reached a record 5,700 (1st) and a Red-necked Phalarope (from 18th) was present for the latter half of the month. Other sightings included up to seven Garganey (19th), a male Ruddy Duck (1st- 20th) and adult Yellow- legged Gull (30th). A Redstart was seen on one date (24th), with Whinchat on two (23rd & 28th). Raptors included Osprey (23rd) and up to three Hobbies (28th), while the Black-necked Grebe remained throughout. Gibraltar Point NNR The highlight was a Greenish Warbler (28th). The sea produced two Sooty Shearwaters (11th & 12th) with Long-tailed Skua, four Pomarine Skuas and 39 Arctic Skuas (all on 27th). Great Skuas were seen on two dates and Black Terns on three. Waders included a Pectoral Sandpiper (from 29th), Little Stint, up to two Curlew Sandpiper, two Wood Sandpipers and up to 30,000 Knot. Spoonbills put on a good show with up to six seen during the month. Migrants passing through, generally from mid-month, included three Redstarts, at least three Pied Flycatchers and up to 10 Crossbills. Other sites Two Red-crested Pochards put on a show at Norton Disney Quarry (16th), a Honey Buzzard passed over Anwick Fen (12th) and an Osprey was at Sleaford Ballast Pit (23rd). A good count of seven Yellow-legged Gulls was made at Kirkby on Bain Pits (1st). Five Cetti's Warblers trapped at Marston STW during the month was also impressive. Whinchats were seen at Hungerton (13th) and Swanpool (21st). 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 W/E 14.09.12 BIRDS Max nos. avocet 2 bar tailed godwit 35 bittern blackbird 10 blackcap black headed gull 30 blue tit 10 bullfinch 5 Canada goose 63 carrion crow 13 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 6 chiffchaff 3 collared dove 4 common gull 40 coot 48 cormorant 10 curlew 11 dunlin 6 dunnock 4 gadwall 10 goldcrest goldeneye F golden plover 250 goldfinch 13 GC grebe 3 GS woodpecker 2 great tit 15 greenfinch 2 grey heron 7 greylag goose 103 herring gull 10 house martin 100 house sparrow 10 jackdaw 10 kestrel kingfisher lapwing 75+ long tailed tit 25 magpie 4 mallard 12 marsh harrier F meadow pipit 2 moorhen 8 mute swan 5 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pink footed goose 28 pochard 4 reed bunting 4 reed warbler 4 robin 3 rook 3 sand martin 30+ shelduck 6 shoveler 2 skylark 2 snipe 2 sparrowhawk starling 13 swallow 60+ tawny owl teal 3 tufted duck 11 water rail 2 wigeon willow tit 2 willow warbler 2 wood pigeon 130 wren 5 yellow wagtail 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ "Does nobody go to the Limewoods, The Limewoods fresh and green? No! Nobody goes to the limewoods, That's why nothing's ever seen!" Anon Can we have some reports, please? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 *** 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 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/ *** New Met Office Service *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20090727.html *** LNU Moths Gallery *** There is a moth page on the LNU Website, to promote the recording of moths across the county. http://www.lnu.org/ Also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/species/hawkmoths/index.php *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Help BBCT with Amazon *** The Bumblebee Conservation Trust have an association with Amazon which helps to raise money for Bumblebee Conservation without any cost to the purchaser. If you buy anything from Amazon click onto the site via Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Support us - Easy fund raising - Amazon. If you do this Amazon will donate 8% of the price paid to Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Link: http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/fundraising.html or try http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/products.html *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Natural England http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs. Wildlife Trust Website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Useful emergency numbers for wildlife crises. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ Lincs Environmental Records Centre The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk or for more general queries: info@lincsbiodiversity.org.uk The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) To learn more about the project or to find out how to get involved, please visit www.lincsmarshes.org.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk *** Interesting Weather radar website *** Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.co.uk/ RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk Bardney Limewoods www.limewoods.co.uk limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's Moths recorded in my garden 2011: www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/otherattractions.htm http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ Youtube video of visit to Rimac NR Colin Green. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=em-share_video_user *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 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 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 Recorder's Meeting & Annual Exhibition Note - watch for details of early start to give additional taling-time. Saturday, March 09, 2013 AGM & Presidential Address by Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find a copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Recent mailfails: none. *** A couple of interesting links *** 'Thousands Flee As Guatemalan Volcano Erupts' http://uk.news.yahoo.com/thousands-flee-guatemala-volcano-fire-204802611.html British Wildlife Photographer Awards http://uk.news.yahoo.com/photos/british-wildlife-photography-awards-slideshow/gannet-photo-1347277308.html ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/