============================================ || || 21st April 2013 || || 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 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. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. 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 *** I often wonder what people expect when they subscribe to the Wildnews Bulletin. I think everyone knows it will contain a lot of natural history information, but some are surprised at how many organisations tap into the Bulletin network. Most members of the LNU and other specialist groups understand the importance of county biological recording, but for some, such as beginners, the idea of sending in reports can be daunting. The interesting part of the Bulletin is the information sent in by readers and the part that everyone can play in sharing their information on county natural history. The more you can send in, the more useful the Bulletin becomes. Please send me something, an observation, a question, news of an event, a good website for "And finally...". All contributions always very welcome. When readers unsubscribe, most get in touch to say thank you and to explain their reasons for stopping - usually a move out of county. They often ask if I know of similar bulletins where they are going, but I have never yet come across one. Perhaps blogs are a more common alternative these days? I would like to know. If you come across a similar scheme, please tell us. Heads up for the Lyrid meteor shower from 19th to 25th April, best between 21st and 22nd April.Paul Money's Night Scenes 2013 says view before dawn, so why not get up early and catch this with the dawn chorus? And don't forget there is a Partial Lunar Eclipse on 25th April just as the full moon comes up. Roger *** Sand Dunes near Horncastle! *** Editor writes: Dry conditions and high winds last week blew a lot of soil into the air from bare fields, causing quite a "brown out" in some places. Driving from Thornton to the A153, I was astounded to find the road partly covered with blown sand, building itself into small dunes at Grid Ref TF 262681. *** Next LNU Event - reminder - all welcome *** For LNU meetings see section 11 for full programme. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co. and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Free Pond and Pond Life Workshop - Saturday 27 April *** Rachel Shaw writes: We have places available on our free Ponds and Pond Life workshop on Saturday 27 April 2013 (10.00am—3.30pm) at the Rimac classroom, Saltfleetby—Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve. The workshop is to learn about ponds and the wildlife that lives in them. There will be information on how to create and manage your own wildlife pond including which plants to use and which are best avoided. There will also be a chance for some pond dipping to look at some aquatic animals up close and a walk to visit the natterjack pools on the reserve. Cold drinks will be provided, please bring your own hot drinks and a packed lunch. There is no charge but places must be booked in advance by calling the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Headquarters on 01507 526667. Further information will be provided after bookings have been made. The workshop is part of the Discovering the Natural Environment events in the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. For information on the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project visit www.lincsmarshes.org.uk *** Beetle to Watch For *** Charlie Barnes writes: Elater ferrugineus, the Rusty Click Beetle, is classified as endangered in the UK, with records restricted to a few areas in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and London. Surveying involves using a pheromone baited trap to attract the beetle, mark it using ink and releasing. Following the poor summer in 2012, it is hoped to repeat the survey in 2013. We didn’t get any positive reports of Elater ferrugineus in Lincolnshire during the previous round of surveys – will 2013 be the year? Volunteers will be required to monitor traps set to attract the beetle. If you're interested in taking part, contact Charlie Barnes for more information. charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk *** Toad Numbers *** Nigel Sardeson May I pick the brains of your amphibian experts please? I have noticed an abundance of spawning toads in ponds recently (Potterhanworth) and many flat road toads presumably reflecting a large moving population. However there appear to be very few frogs about, I presume many were killed in the cold weather, are toads filling their niche? Editor adds: My take on it is that the late spring has delayed and possibly compressed the timing of the usual toad migration, so that it is more noticeable. You would not expect bad weather to create higher numbers of migrating toads but the delayed spring may well have had an impact on frog mortality. Your question should stimulate some interesting answers. Roger *** Redpolls *** Stuart Britton writes: Just a couple of observations relating to Jayne Knight's Redpolls on her feeders. Both Common or Mealy Redpoll (Carduelis flammea) and Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis cabaret) are similar in size and are very difficult to differentiate in the field. Despite the name, Common Redpoll are far less common than Lesser. In fact, in Lincolnshire last year 570 Lesser Redpoll were ringed as opposed to 2 Common Redpoll! By the law of average I would suggest that Jayne's were Lesser Redpoll. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - Reminder! *** If you are associated with a project deserving the recognition the Award scheme brings, you should start thinking about your entry over the next few weeks - as the deadline is 30th April. The application process is simple and straightforward. The Lincolnshire Environmental Award website link is: http://lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Oil Beetles - The Hunt Continues - Reminder *** For the third year running, Buglife are promoting a national survey for our species of oil beetle, although only two of them (the Black oil beetle and the Violet oil beetle) have ever been seen in Lincolnshire. See: http://www.buglife.org.uk/getinvolved/surveys/Oil+Beetle+Hunt/Oil+Beetle+Hunt+-+The+Fab+Four.htm Records of oil beetles will help towards their conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan - if you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk *** Report Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** WHISBY BIOBLITZ Friday, July 12 + Saturday 13 July *** Charlie Barnes writes: Watch the NEW Bioblitz website for updates. http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/national-bioblitz/midlands/lincolnshire-bioblitz.html *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: Wed 24 April 2013: (Sales stall: books and magazines) AGM followed by Idle Valley Nature Reserve -? A warden's perspective Come and find out lots more about this very important conservation area that has walks and a Visitor Centre just a stone's throw away in Retford! For more information, please ring Joy on 01427 628457 or E-mail Linda ? woodentops@darter.plus.com *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Sunday 21st April 2013 we invite you to join us to walk with the wardens in Tetney Blow Wells nature reserve looking for wildlife including cowslips. Please park and meet outside the church in Church Lane, Tetney at 2pm. Please wear suitable clothing and stout shoes or boots. This is a free event but donations for the Trust will be welcomed. For further details contact Clifford Jukes - 01472 814887. On Saturday 27th April 2013 we invite you to join us on our annual walk around Bradley and Dixon Woods just south of Grimsby, where we will be looking at the spring flowers and for other wildlife with Mick Binnion. Please meet in the parking area at 2pm. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** RSPB Lincoln *** See: http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** S Lincs RSPB Meeting *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: 25th April at 730pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "Lands End to The Highlands, in search of butterflies", by Geoff Adams Members £2, non-members £3-50, all welcome. See: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** BOSTON BELLE Wash Cruises 2013 *** The South Lincs RSPB have announced details of their Wash Birdwatching Cruises aboard The Boston Belle for 2013. Each cruise starts at Boston's Sluice Bridge Marina and lasts 4 to 5 hours. During 2012 over 100 different bird species, averaging about 60 per individual cruise, were seen. Sightings included plovers, turnstone, dunlin, knot, redshank, godwits, egret, eider, harriers, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and kingfisher. Seals are also seen on most cruises. There is a programme of 12 cruises for 2013 starting 20th April and finishing 12th October. RSPB members and non-members are welcome. Full details including revised booking arrangements for 2013, can be found at: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Birds Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 13/4 4 Garganey, Marston sewage works Water Pipit, Baston/Langtoft gravel pits Lesser Scaup, Freiston Shore, lagoon Sandwich Tern, Whisby Nature Park the North Hykeham pits Nightingale, singing in Oakwood 4 Garganey at Marston sewage works 1+ Black redstart, Rimac Black Redstart, Saltfleetby NNR derelict building w of track to Cloves Bridge Hawfinch south over West Dunes, Gibraltar Point, landed in plantation 2 Ring Ouzels, Black Redstart, 3000+ Redwings flew south, Gibraltar Point 4 Waxwings, Thurlby, Witham St Hugh's 14/4 Green-winged Teal, Kirkby on Bain pits, Riverslea pit Osprey over Messingham Sand Quarry also 2 f Scaup and White-fronted Goose Lesser Scaup, Freiston Shore, lagoon Glaucous Gull flew into wash, Gibraltar Ponit, also Firecrest, Sykes farm, 2 Ring Ouzels, Black Redstart, White Wagtail, Hen Harrier 15/4 Green-winged Teal, Water Pipit, Kirkby on Bain pits, Riverslea pit 4 Waxwings, Thurlby, Witham St Hugh's Black Redstart, Freiston Shore, Welland Trail 2 Ospreys, Frampton Marsh Black Redstart, 2 Ring Ouzels, Jack Snipe, Whimbrel, Grashopper Warbler, Donna Nook Ring Ouzel, Appleby Carrs 2 Whimbrel, Marton, flew north along River Trent Firecrest, White Wagtail, Huttoft Bank Ring Ouzel m Gibraltar Point at plantation, 18 Waxwings flew south, 3 Whimbrel Firecrest, Sykes Farm. 16/4 Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate w of A15 Green-winged Teal, Water Pipit, Kirkby on Bain pits, Riverslea pit 5 Firecrests, Gibraltar Point Syles Farm (1) and East Dunes Black Redstart, Grantham, Carnoustie Close 17/4 Long-billed Dowitcher, male Hen Harrier, 12+ Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough flats - use new car park, Whitton road Firecrest, White Wagtail, Donna Nook Firecrest, Female Redstart, Gibraltar Point, Sykes Farm Iceland Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Elsham Wold Industrial Estate in field west of A15 Glaucous Gull, Bonby Carrs 18/4 Glaucous Gull, male Blue-headed Wagtail, Barton-upon-Humber Firecrest, male Whinchat, Donna Nook Redstart male, Gibraltar Point, Sykes Farm Arctic Tern, Boultham Mere Green-winged Teal, Water Pipit, Kirkby on Bain pits, Riverslea pit 19/4 Redstart, Cleethorpes, Carr Lane Arctic Tern, Boultham Mere 2 Firecrests, Gibraltar Point 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. 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. NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE Alice Nunn SCUNTHORPE Hot on the heels (or antennae??) of last week's Brimstone I can report my first Comma of the year in the garden of Lindsey Lodge Scunthorpe around midday on Wed 10th April. Again I would have expected to see a few more by now. WINTERTON Bumble bees are beginning to turn up in my Winterton garden. My young cat caught a rather large & splendid specimen of a red tailed sp today. I rescued it, I hope. Question. Can Bumble bees sting? Editor adds: People do get stung by bumblebees, but usually by accidentally putting their hand on one, as described is last week's Bulletin. It is rare for people to be attacked by bumblebees but a notable exception to this is the Tree Bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum, which can be a bit confrontational. See: http://www.bwars.com/index.php?q=content/bombus-hypnorum-mapping-project *** 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 Alford Garden TF454754 David Sheppard The two water traps have produced the usual variety of midges (Sciaridae, Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae), small flies, particularly Sphaeroceridae and Heleomyzidae, with some larger species. New arrivals was one leafhopper on 10th, Aphid on 14th, a fall of Blossom beetles (Meligethes) on 15th and 16th, a couple of gall wasps on 17th and a steady number of solitary bees (Andrena), yet to be identified. Pollenia rudis (Cluster fly) 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, & 12th to 16th. Dasyphora cyanella 6th, 10th, 13th Muscina stabulans 6th Tephrochlamys rufiventris 7th, 10th, 12th. Sepsis violaceus 13th Sepsis fulgens 14th Lonchoptera furcata 14th Eristalis pertinax (Drone Fly) 14th. Other sightings in the garden are: Brimstone butterfly 13th Peacock butterfly 14th Bombus terrestris (Buff-tailed bumblebee) 15th Bombylius major (Bee fly) 18th ANDERBY CREEK 19th April Dave Miller Buzzard Goldfinch 3 Grey Heron 1 Grey Plover 26 Little Egret 1 Marsh Harrier 3 – 2 females and a male Reed Bunting 2 Skylark 1 Swallow 2 Swift 1 Peacock 4 BASTON to KATE'S BRIDGE David Griffith 17/4/2013 Had to swerve to avoid a lovely if suicidal Barn owl this morning at about 5.05am. It was sitting eating road kill on the white line at the side of the road near the Waterside garden centre turn off on the A15 between Baston and Kate's bridge. BIRDS WOOD SE73-00-. David Sheppard 16. April 2013 Peacock butterfly Bombus terrestris (Buff-tailed bumblebee) Bombylius major (Bee fly) BOSTON 14/04/2013 Kath Pearson First records for the year in the garden of Swallow and also two butterflies Brimstone and Peacock. BOSTON 16.04/2013 Kath Pearson Whilst doing the BTO Garden BirdWatch today, I had the first record of a Redpoll in the garden since 2004. Also in the garden was the first warbler of the summer. Unfortunately as it didn't sing I could not tell if it was a Willow Warbler or a Chiffchaff. BRACEBY TF015353 Marion Ellis Mon. 15th April Peacock [butterfly] Many ladybirds Stoat BRANT BROUGHTON My garden SK917541 Carol Paterson 15 April 2013 Female blackbird collecting very small worms Chiffchaff CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 12.4.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Blackcap, 1st sighting in garden Blue tits nesting in new bird box 2013 first sightings: Buff-tailed bumblebee, queen visiting Anemone Blanda Common carder bee, queen visiting Pulmonaria 2 spot ladybird landed on hand Wireworm (larva of Click beetle) amongst rhubarb roots 2013 first flowers of: Common dog violet Cowslip Marsh marigold Thale cress Wood forget-me-not Brigg Road garden TA 113 020 Jackdaws enlarging hole in dovecote Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Swallow arrived 13th April Toads active from 13th April North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 Frogspawn hatches out Leopard slug White-tailed bumblebee, queen visiting Chionodoxas CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jeremy Hutchinson 13/4/2013 Buzzard Butterflies: Brimstone, Peacock (several) Bee Flies feeding on Pulmonaria blooms Frog spawn has appeared in our garden pond over the last few days, about 3 weeks later than usual CHAPEL 6 MARSHES 19th April Dave Miller Chiffchaff singing DEEPING LAKES David Griffith 13/04/2013 Sand Martin x10-20 Swallow x5 Common tern (1 possibly 2) Oystercatcher x4 Lesser black backed gull x5 Shoveler x2 Chiffchaff x2 Redwing x40 (heading south east) DIGBY CORNER LWT TF087550 w/e 19/04/2013 Chris Lunn Birds (present): Pheasant Woodpigeon Blackbird Goldfinch Blue Tit Chaffinch Great Tit Dunnock Long-tailed Tit Robin Chiffchaff (x2 singing) (15th Apr) Blackcap (16th Apr) Swallow (flying over, 16th Apr) Butterflies: Peacock Comma Other Insects: Large Bee-fly Bombylius major DUNHOLME TF026792 Phil Busby Week ending 19th April 2013 Rear Gardens Gold Finch (12+) Wood Pigeon (2) Pied Wagtail (1) Starling (4+) Blackbird (2) On Pond Mallard Ducks (4) Lots of Frog spawn on pond and there are Newts about in the garden but species not identified yet. FENTON SK844 772 Richard Fox 12th April Brimstone Peacock Blue Tit prospecting for nest site in tree Chiffchaff warming up its 'song' Great Spotted w/pecker drumming Green w/pecker calling small party of mixed Thrushes incl. Redwing and Fieldfare Swallow 4 FIR HILL QUARRY TF 361829 David Sheppard 12 April 2013 Several shoots of Dogs Mercury 'scorched' with leaves bright blue. Does anyone know what caused this? HEALING, NE LINCS. TA218098 Alan Phillips 13 April 2013 Bombus hypnorum x2 queens Bombus terrestris x3 queens Bombus lapidaries x1 queen All on winter-flowering heather along with honeybee workers in garden. HORNCASTLE TF263694 Phil Ward 13 April 2013 Bombus hypnorum A queen trapped in polytunnel HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 15/4/13 Tadpoles (several hundreds from 12 'clumps' of spawn) Mass emergence of this years tadpoles, in my garden pond, from the frogspawn I reported in the 16th March 'Bulletin'. They have survived the recent cold spell. HUTTOFT PIT 14th April Dave Miller – Wetland Bird Survey Blackbird 21 Canada Goose 3 Crow 1 Common Gull 2 Coot 7 Cormorant 1 Great Crested Grebe 1 Great Tit 1 Greylag Goose 17 Herring Gull 2 House Sparrow 4 Kestrel 1 Lapwing 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Little Grebe 1 Magpie 3 Mallard 11 Marsh Harrier 1 male Meadow Pipit 2 Moorhen 1 Oystercatcher 2 Pheasant 2 Pink-footed Goose 1 Redwing ca 50 Reed Bunting 3 Teal 8 Wren 2 HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 13/4 Bee 1 (on Chionodoxa luciliae_Glory of the Snow) Date: 14/4 Redwing 24 Song thrush 1 Date: 15/4 Peacock butterfly 1 Small tortoiseshell butterfly 1 Chaffinch 2 Dor beetle (in porch) Date: 17/4 Redwing 20 Collared dove 2 Date: 19/4 Greater spotted woodpecker 2 LANGHOLM WOOD SK74-97- David Sheppard 16.iv.2013 Peacock butterfly Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindella campestris) Bombus pascuorum (Brown carder bee) Bombus lucorum (White-tailed bumblebee) Chiff-chaff and Willow warbler calling. LEGBOURNE WOOD TF37-83-. David Sheppard 12 April 2013 Bombus hypnorum (Tree bee) queen in hibernation cell beneath bark of decaying log. Coltsfoot and primrose in flower. MARTON SK842820 13 April 2013 Brian Hedley Wildlife in garden area included: Peacock 1 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Bee Fly 1 (sunning itself on garage wall) Buff-tailed bumblebee (Queen) 1 Red-tailed bumblebee (Queen)1 Tawny (?) Mining bee 1 Honeybee Clouded Drab moth 1 Hebrew Chaarcter moth 1 Diurnea flagella (micromoth) 1 Brown House moth 1 Siskin 2 (on niger seed) Swallow 1 circling around low Buzzard 2 drifting over MUCKTON WOOD TF38-81-. David Sheppard 12 April 2013 Comma butterfly Primrose, Wood Anemone, Lesser Celandine in flower Chiff-chaff calling. SKEGNESS TF 568617 Robert Walker 14/4/13 Comma butterfly 1 Seen on Seacroft dunes on a sunny Sunday morning. SPILSBY Spilsby garden Robinson trap 125 mv Joan Gunson First trapping of the year: 15/4/13 Clouded Drab 1 Hebrew Character 4 Common Quaker 2 Red Chestnut 1 Alucita hexadactyla (Twenty-plume Moth) 17/4 Clouded Drab 1 Hebrew Character 6 Common Quaker 2 Early Grey 4 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla (Beautiful Plume) 18/4 Hebrew Character 16 Clouded Drab 2 Small Quaker 1 Common Quaker 1 Early Grey 1 Grey Shoulder-knot 1 WALCOTT TF127569 w/e 19/04/2013 Chris Lunn Birds (max. seen at any one time): Brambling, 1 (13th Apr), male in spring plumage, flew in for few mins only - under feeders Blue Tit 2 Woodpigeon Dunnock 2 Chaffinch 2 Blackbird 3 Robin 3 Goldfinch 3 Barn Owl 1 (flying over most mornings) Jackdaw 2 Stockdove 1 Greenfinch 6 Starling 4 House Sparrow 2 Tree Sparrow 7 Long-tailed Tit 1 Great Tit 1 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Siskin 4 Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell (14th Apr) Peacock (15th Apr) WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 12 and 13/4/2013 Peacock butterfly 15/4/2012 2 swallows on wires by washhouse nest site. 15/4, 16/4, 17/4 Swallows overnighting inside at nest site. 17/4/2013 - 07.15hrs Pair of Mistle thrushes on lawn - collecting feathers and taking them up into a tall pine tree. 15/4 and 18/4 Reed bunting m under seed feeder. A. Parsons 13/4 Common toad, 2, 22.00 hrs after rain. One destined to become a road kill that night. 16/4 The 2 swallows that turned up on Sunday spent last night in the outhouse! That is not their usual pattern. They usually stake their claim and then go off and do some feeding for a few days, perhaps a week. 19/4 4 buzzards circling over our house at 3.30pm. Mistle thrushes very active in garden. WILLOUGHBY Hoplands Wood SSSI TF457717 Carol Paterson 16 April 2013 Bombus terrestris queen Comma WILLOWTREE FEN NR 14.4.2013 John Redshaw Shelduck - 4; Wigeon - 320; Gadwall - 15; Teal - 45; Garganey - 1; Mallard - 28; Shoveler - 10; Tufted Duck - 11; Coot - 14; Moorhen - 9; Lapwing - 12; Swallow - 3; Sand Martin - 6; Fieldfare - 3; Chiffchaff - 1 RIVER WITHAM David Fogg 11/4/2013 My three children canoed from Torksey Lock to the Brayford on Thursday 11th. On the way they came across four fox, one mink and one roe deer, all apparently drowned in the canal. Presumably once they'd jumped in it was impossible for them to get out again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006059.aspx Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. Note - author is on holiday for a few weeks, so may not be updated much for that period. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 19th April 2013 John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth The winds swung round from the east to come from a southerly sector but were still fresh and blustery reaching 40 mph+ on the 18th. Temperatures have been considerably higher this week with a maximum of 21.25°C on the 14th making it feel a pleasant day out of the wind. Counts from the WeBS included Knot 186, Dunlin 118, Bar-tailed Godwit 19, Sanderling 18, Grey Plover 5, Ringed Plover 21, Oystercatcher 19, Curlew 34, Common Snipe 3, Peregrine 1 and Skylark 33. Winter thrushes continued to fly over up to the 14th with small flocks of 25+ Redwing and Fieldfare and a few Blackbirds. Starlings reached 100+ on the 13th. A fine looking male Brambling visited the bird table near Sea View on the 15th. On the 13th a Green Sandpiper was heard and seen over Paradise Ponds where there were also 12 Little Egrets. Also on the 13th there were a pair of Wheatears and 50 Curlew over the dunes near Rimac. During the week a small number of Swallows were seen, a Red Kite drifted south on the 14th; a male Blackcap, Willow Warbler 1, Wheatear 2, Chiffchaff 3 and Water Rail heard on the 15th; a male Hen Harrier flew over the salt marsh on the 18th and up to 3 Marsh Harriers have been seen in the area during the week. A single Cuckoo flew north on the 17th, 3 Yellow Wagtails were seen on the Sea View washlands on 18th, and 11 Whimbrel over Sea View on the 19th. Common toads are now vocal and active with some spawn seen; natterjack toads were heard calling on the 15th. A few more bumble bees have been in flight in sheltered areas, a peacock butterfly was on the wing at Sea View on 15th and 2 small tortoiseshell butterflies were seen on the 19th. Plants coming into flower on the dunes include cowslip, field wood-rush, field mouse-ear, ground-ivy, and common stork’s-bill. The white flowers of common scurvygrass are providing the first touch of colour to the salt marsh. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx Reports for March 2012. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh The highlight of the month was an all too brief fly over by a White-tailed Eagle (19th). More regular were four European White-fronted Geese all month, along with up to 50 Whooper Swans (19th). Spoonbills were seen on several dates, with up to three present (21st). Returning avocets like most summer visitors were late, but rapidly increased up to 48 (29th). Spotted Redshanks were seen on two dates, with Jack Snipe on one. The few migrants that did arrive were Black Redstart (9th), Wheatear (15th), Sand Martin (19th) and Chiffchaff (22nd). A Bearded Tit (31st) was also probably passing through. Other sightings included four Snow Buntings (4th), Red Kite and Bullfinch (17th), Water Pipit (24th) and up to 30 Twite (29th). RSPB Freiston Shore A first-winter drake Lesser Scaup (19th onwards) on the lagoon was only about the fourth Lincolnshire record and unsurprisingly a first for the reserve. A redhead Smew (form 10th) added variety. Other sightings included seven Scaup and Kittiwake (13th), Slavonian Grebe (16th), Red Kite (17th) and up to 15 Avocets (24th) Gibraltar Point NNR A first-winter Caspian Gull (25th & 26th) was a good site record. A Black Brant was in with the Dark-bellied Brent Geese (4th), as was a Pale-bellied Brent Goose (17th) but both were only seen on one date. Bearded Tits were seen on two dates (3rd & 14th). A peak of 4000 Golden Plovers (3rd) contrasted with just one Jack Snipe (11th), although up to nine Woodcock were also reported. Up to two Stonechats (14th & 15th) could well have been migrants as there have been none wintering in recent years, but these were the only potential spring migrants in an unusually quiet March. Other sites Three Bean Geese at Whisby Quarry (11th onwards) were also seen at Whisby Nature Park, while a redhead Smew at Langtoft Fen (16th) was more fleeting visitor. The White-tailed Eagle at Frampton Marsh was also seen over Kirton Marsh (19th and 20th). Three Cranes were reported flying over Hartsholme Park (21st). A pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers here were more regular. At least two Caspian Gulls were at North Hykeham Pits (from 6th) with a Long-eared Owl lingering at Deeping Lakes. Despite the cold weather up to four Cetti’s Warblers persisted at Marston STW, where up to six Twite were very good inland record. The first Chiffchaffs were at Swanpool (19th) and Marston STW (23rd). Waxwing sightings decreased, but there were still up to 27 in Lincoln (2nd), 39 at Beckingham (22nd) and 20 in Skegness. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1083404.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 19.04.13 BIRDS Max nos. Avocet 18 bittern blackbird 30+ blackcap black-headed gull 40+ blue tit 8 bullfinch canada goose 6 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler 2 chaffinch 10 chiffchaff 5 collared dove 2 common gull 12 coot 50+ cormorant 2 curlew 2 dunnock 4 gadwall 4 goldeneye F goldfinch 4 GC grebe 7 GS woodpecker great tit 8 greenfinch greylag goose 20 herring gull house martin 15 house sparrow 10 little ringed plover long tailed tit 4 magpie 4 mallard 10 marsh harrier 2 merlin moorhen 7 mute swan 6 oystercatcher 2 pheasant 2 pied wagtail 2 pochard 8 redshank 6 reed bunting 3 robin 8 sand martin 200+ shelduck 6 shoveler 8 snipe song thrush 2 sparrowhawk starling 50 swallow 30+ teal 10 tufted duck 12 water rail 2 wigeon 8 willow warbler 3 wood pigeon 6 wren 6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.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 *** 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 *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** Hedgehog Survey *** Not yet sure if this will extend to the current autumn/winter. http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com 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 *** 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 Environmental Records Centre Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.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.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ Hartsholme Country park. To learn more about the park or to get in involved at the park please visit http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/visitor-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/hartsholme-country-park/ contact Park Rangers at hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.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 S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Bardney Limewoods Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://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/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p015pqyz Les Binns: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoheathen/sets/ Leslie Hebden http://www.flickr.com/photos/13718295@N07/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies 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 Hartsholme Country Park: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 19, 2013 Field Meeting Hills and Hollows Quarry, Harrowby (Courtesy of Londonthorpe and Harrowby Parish Council) Just east of Grantham. 13.00 start on site. Two limited space parking spots on road verges at SK928351 and SK937353. The western parking spot along Coldharbour Lane has fairly steep path up to site (follow path north then east to site). From the eastern parking spot (on a bend of Turnor Road) follow path west direct to site. Meet up at SE corner of site for 1pm. NB. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub, broadleaved woodland. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk Saturday, May 25, 2013 Meeting with Lincs Geodiversity Group Welton-le-Wold Quarry SSSI West of Louth 10.30-15.30 (bring lunch) Park at TF281879 (LN11 0QT) Site to be sign-posted off the A631 west of Louth. Habitats: Woodland, grassland, scrub. Leader: Helen Gamble 07958 805213 helen.gamble@lincolnshire.gov.uk Guide available from info@lnu.org Saturday, June 08, 2013 Field Meeting - With evening moth/bat element Allington Meadows SSSI (Courtesy of Bill Cragg) Northwest of Grantham 12.00 for 13.00 start and then 9pm start for evening session. Car parking at SK871399 about half way along minor road between Allington and Gonerby Moor junction of A1. Habitats: Hay meadows, hedges, ponds and Foston Beck. Leader: Barry Johnson barryjohnson131@gmail.com Sunday, June 30, 2013 Field Meeting Brampton Farmland (Courtesy of R and A Brownlow) Northwest of Saxilby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take track to east side of A156 (between Torksey and Marton) immediately north of where the road crosses a large drain. Follow the track which runs parallel with the drain and then take first track on left to small car park at SK842808. Habitats: Arable, grassland, ponds, drains, broadleaved woodland and vegetated sandhills. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, July 12, 2013 Bioblitz Event + Saturday 13 July Whisby Nature Park Southwest of Lincoln Use main car park (£1 fee applicable, 10am-4pm period) located at SK910662. Bioblitz "nerve centre" will be the Education Centre (not main visitor centre) and will open from 10am each day. Come and go when you like and see what species you can add. A range of experts will be around the site both days. Evening moth trapping and bat recording starting from about 9pm on Friday night, depending on weather. Event includes evening moth element. Habitats: Wide variety including woodland, grassland, brownfield habitats, lakes, ditches and marsh. Contacts: Phil Porter 01522 500676 whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk and Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, August 04, 2013 Field Meeting Middlemarsh Farm (Courtesy of J and S Dodsworth) Southwest of Skegness 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road southwards situated about half way between the Burgh bypass and Skegness. Private track to the farm is on left about 1.25km from main road. Keep on track for about 1km and park in farm yard at TF528632. Habitats: Pasture, wetland recreation area, ditches and some arable. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, September 07, 2013 Field Visit - With evening moth/bat element Byrons Lodge and Farm, North Somercotes, (Courtesy of B and L Libell) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening moth/bat session starting at 7.30pm. Park along driveway to Byrons Lodge at TF415973 (postcode LN11 7LL) or on minor road verge nearby. Take Jubilee Road off the A1031 and then turn left onto Bank End road. Then take first right and Byrons Lodge is about 150m along on right. NB. Owner has stipulated no children for this one. Habitats: Pasture, pond, young woodland and various drains. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 13, 2013 Fungus Foray Snipe Dales Country Park - Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust East of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use the Country Park car park (£1 fee) TF330 682 which is well signposted from the A158 Skegness- -Lincoln road and from the B1195 Horncastle--Spilsby road. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Grassland, marsh and 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 If you are having difficulties with spam folders etc. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. Latest Mailfails. Please update your profile if necessary or you could be deleted from the mailing list. Ruth.Simons - soft bounce lake22uk - hard bounce *** And Finally ... New Idea - doodle.com - for easy scheduling - FREE!. Helps you to agree on a date for an event or meeting. Each paticipant ticks the date boxes and you reach a consensus. http://doodle.com/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/