============================================ || || 10th February 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 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 *** I hope that readers will come along to the Recorders Meeting at Whisby this month. [16th - see below.] Everyone is welcome and it is the opportunity to tap into a huge reserve of LNU knowledge and experience. If you are of a "taxonomic" nature, you may discover the project you have been looking for, a new group of living things to learn about - a lifetime's work? Capable amateurs have made a huge contribution to identification and recording. This is your chance to meet recorders, learn what they are doing and explore possibilities for your own research. Come early, say 12.30pm, if you need extra time for an informal chat. You could bring a pack-up to keep you going. Roger *** Next LNU Event - reminder *** For LNU meetings 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. ALL VERY WELCOME. Saturday, February 16, 2013 Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition Note - early start at 12.20 p.m. to give us all additional talking-time. You are welcome to bring your sandwiches etc. Editor adds: a Recorders Meeting is for everyone interested, it is not just for the recorders! This is an opportunity to hear about reports from the previous year and to meet and discuss your areas of interest with LNU county experts. *** Call for help with research *** Henrietta Pringle writes: Imperial College London and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust are running a project investigating the impacts of biomass crops on farmland birds, and are looking for volunteers to help with nest finding. The main aim of the project is to determine the breeding success of lapwings in biomass and arable crops, so the research team will be looking for a number of nests across a range of (already selected) sites in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. This project is now in its third year, so the aim is to build on previous years' data by monitoring nests until hatching and where possible, observing chick movements. Some invertebrate sampling in the fields would also be carried out. Ideally I would be looking for people who could make a regular commitment over the peak field season of late March to June, but help on a more ad-hoc basis would also be appreciated, with a minimum of 2-3 hours per session. Not only would volunteers be working in close proximity to these species and their normally unobserved nests, but they would also be actively contributing to a vital area of research during this time of rapid biomass expansion. Training would be given, and any help would be acknowledged in the final thesis and any papers that result from the project. For more information, please contact me at henrietta.pringle09@imperial.ac.uk *** Biological Recording *** Julia Smith writes: In case it is of interest to any of your members This year's NFBR conference, 'Biological Recording from the Local Perspective' is being held at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College, Poole, Dorset on the 18th -¬ 19th April 2013. The full program can be found at: http://www.nfbr.org.uk/wiki/index.php5?title=Conference *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: Gainsborough Area LWT Wed 20 February 2013, with mystery parcel sales stall: An evening with Feathered Friends ? Annette Mackenzie Local member Annette will talk to us about owls and bring along a couple for us to see. 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 ? woodentops@darter.plus.com *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT On Monday 11th February 2013 we invite you to join us at our next meeting where Mark Schofield will giving an illustrated talk on gardening with wildlife in mind. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30 p.m.. Admission £2. All are welcome. For further details please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** WHISBY BIOBLITZ *** Charlie Barnes writes: Bioblitz = intensive survey and identification of species in an area. All welcome from beginners to experienced naturalists. Experts will be on hand to help with identification and recording. Watch the NEW Bioblitz website for updates. http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/national-bioblitz/midlands/lincolnshire-bioblitz.html *** S Lincs RSPB Boston *** Thursday 21st February at 7-30pm South Lincs RSPB Talk at Sam Newsam Centre, Boston The RSPB in Eastern England by Paul Forecast Members £2, non-members £3-50. All welcome. * Can I have the next details please, Jeremy? March and April. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 1/2 6 Waxwings, Louth, Boar's Head car park White-tailed eagle reported over Sutton-on-Sea Glaucous Gull, Caspian gull, Gainsborough landfill site 3 Bitterns, Boultham Mere, in reedbeds 2/2 Long-billed Dowitcher, Alkborough Flats. Use new car park off Whitton Road. Richardson's Canada Goose [form hutchinsii], 2 Eurasian White- fronted Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, f Red-crested Pochard, Frampton Marsh 4 Snow Buntings, 100+ Twite, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, Brickyard Lane Great Northern Diver, Ashbyville Lakes Bittern, Haverholme Priory between Holdingham Mill & Leasingham 3/2 26 Waxwings, Bourne, Sainsbury's car park 50 Waxwings, SW of North Hykeham, Witham St Hugh's 9 Waxwings, North Hykeham, Fen Lane by football pitch 2 Waxwings, 3 Snow Buntings, Purple sandpiper, Gibraltar Point Caspian Gull, west of Winterton, Thealby Lane, Bagmoor Richardson's Canada Goose [form hutchinsii], 2 Eurasian White- fronted Geese, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Hen Harriers 1m, f Red-crested Pochard, Frampton Marsh 4/2 10 Waxwings, Sleaford, by railway station 2 Waxwings, Shorelark, Gibraltar Point 23 Waxwings, Bourne, Sainsbury's car park Richardson's Canada Goose [form hutchinsii], Frampton Marsh Great Northern Diver, Ashbyville Lakes 5/2 2 Waxwings, Gibraltar Point 6/2 4 Ross's Geese, with 10 Barnacle Geese, north of Sutton Bridge at Guy's Head in field Bittern, Deeping High Bank 7/2 18 Waxwings, SW of North Hykeham, Witham St Hugh's opposite Robins Crescent 11 Waxwings, Skegness, on power line on Drummond Road Sooty Shearwater north past Gibraltar Point Great Northern Diver, Ashbyville Lakes Richardson's Canada Goose [form hutchinsii], male Hen Harrier, 5 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Frampton Marsh Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck, Messingham Sand Quarry Glaucous gull, 3 Caspian Gulls, Gainsborough landfill site 8/2 8 Waxwings, Beckingham. High Street 20 Waxwings, Scunthorpe off B1501 Grange Lane South @ Frederick Gough School Waxwing, Lincoln, Croft St behind Baptist church 24 Waxwings, Scunthorpe, in central Park near Tata Steel memorial Black Brant with 480 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck, Messingham Sand Quarry hen Harrier, hybrid Black Brant x Dark-bellied Brent goose, Gibraltar Point Smew, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits 9/2 106 Waxwings, Lincoln, Croft St behind Baptist church 31 Waxwings, Stamford, Empringham Road opp Malcolm Sargeant School American Wigeon drk, Fiskerton Fen Richardson's Canada Goose [form hutchinsii], with Canada Geese, Frampton Marsh 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. White Squirrels An informal report came from Wragby this week of a white squirrel which has been seen for several months. Has anyone else seen one? http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/surrey/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8362000/8362833.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/surrey/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8344000/8344582.stm *** 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. BURGH LE MARSH TF505656 Robert Walker 3/2/13 BARN OWL 1 KESTREL 2 1600 hrs. All were in an area over fields near A158 new relief road. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 1.2.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Badger 6.30 p.m. Bank voles (2) under bird feeder at 4.30 p.m. Common shrews (2) active in shed Fox footprints in snow Common buzzard feeding 7.50 am Mallards (2) Siskins (10) in Alder Sparrowhawk catches Woodpigeon 8.30am Treecreeper on Alder Caterpillar, green 12mm, under Bittercress and grass Millepede, active in leaf litter Annual meadow grass Celandine, 1st flower 7.2.13 Red dead-nettle Brigg Road garden TA 112 022 Moorhens (16) North Street gardens TA 118 015 Goldfinches (26) House sparrows (40) Tawny owl A46, Cabourne TA 140 018 Barn owl at 7pm Tawny owl at 9.45pm Aconites Hazel catkins Snowdrops COLSTERWORTH SK93/24 Jane Ostler Dog Fox heard calling late evening 27.1.13 Little Egret in flooded fields alongside River Witham, three were here last year 27.1.13 3 Reed Buntings at garden feeder 26.1.13 DALDERBY TF248663 Robert Walker 1/2/13 BUZZARDS 2 Seen over fields near hamlet. DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 04/02/2013 Time: 0845 – 1100 Weather: Very windy, cold and sunny Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Goose Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Crow Gadwall Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Meadow Pippit Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Red Crested Pochard Robin Rook Shoveler Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon Others: Grey Squirrel Venue: Deeping Lakes Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 07/02/2013 Time: 0930 – 1130 Weather: Cold and sunny Birds: Wildfowl numbers and species significantly reduced from Monday (04/02) visit. With the drop in the wind more smaller birds about. In addition to Monday's sightings the following additional birds were seen: Bullfinch Fieldfare Kestrel Redwing Reed Bunting Siskin Tree Creeper Wren Others: Fox (dog) HAGWORTHINGHAM TF344696 Robert Walker 3/2/13 BADGER 1 Fresh roadkill victim on A158 near west end of village. 0930hrs. HORNCASTLE TF257677 Robert Walker 2/2/13 Fieldfares 30+ Redwing 1 Kestrel 1 In an area near '50 Acre' road on the 'Spa Trail'. HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 26/1/13 Fieldfare 1 1st. sighting in my town garden. Eating Honeysuckle berries on trellis near back door. Appeared to have damaged right eye. Video clip taken. HUTTOFT (my garden) Jane Pennington Date: 8/2 Greater spotted woodpecker 1 LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 09/02/2013 Jayne Knight 26/01 Woodpigeons mating on roof opposite. 03/02 Was delighted to observe a Wren foraging in the honeysuckle. So glad it made it through the hard weather. 07/02 0655 Blackbird singing. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 Silvia Fowler Re Bluetits: I too have seen fewer bluetits than in previous years. Although there was nesting and feeding activity at our nest box, the weather was cold, wet and windy and I didn't actually see any fledglings in the garden subsequently. When I cleared out the tit box in December, I found 2 dead chicks inside. Great Tits seem to be fairly abundant, but I've also noticed fewer Long-tailed tits. Coaltit numbers seem unchanged. 21-27.01.13 3 Stockdoves and a Moorhen (unusually), a songthrush, also 5 robins and 12 blackbirds, numerous chaffinches and house sparrows, jackdaws, woodpigeons, 2 collared doves, pheasants and various tit species seen daily in front garden attracted by a lot of bird food I put out in the recent harsh weather. Hardly any Greenfinches, though; they are very much down in numbers compared to 2-3 years ago. 01.02.13 First Blackbird song around 15.45 hrs; very faint and tentative, but unmistakable and recorded on video. Not heard since. Winter aconites and snowdrops are out. Robins very vocal. 03.02.13 2 Common Buzzards circling over local area. 07.02.13 Black-headed and Common Gulls, Stockdoves, Jackdaws, Rooks and Pheasants all feeding together in meadow around sheep troughs. TATTERSHALL BRIDGE TF 195564 approx. R & A Parsons 3/2/2013 m & f Goosander moving downstream along east bank D & C Robinson report seeing up to 7 near Dogdyke at the River Bain entrance to the Witham. WATERS' EDGE, BARTON TA 033 231 04/02/13 Julie Ellison Birds Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Canada Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Coot Curlew (1 overflying east to west) Gadwall Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Tit Lesser Redpoll Long-Tailed Duck Long-Tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Mealy Redpoll (feeding on Alder with Goldfinches) Moorhen Mute Swan Redshank Robin Shoveller (4+ pairs) Siskin (flock of 11 feeding on Alder, with 2 Goldfinches) Tufted Duck Wood Pigeon Plants in flower Hazel RIVER WELLAND Venue: River Welland Bank between Crowland Water Tower and Cowbit Pumping Station Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 207/02/2013 Time: 0900 – 0930 Weather: Sunny and cold Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Canada Goose Coot Cormorant Goosander – 8 (4 drakes) Great Crested Grebe Grey Heron Lapwing Little Egret Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Rook Shelduck Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon WINTERTON, CEMETERY RD, (my garden), SE 932 186 Julie Ellison 14/01/13 Red Valerian: small cluster of new flowers, some open. Wed 16/01/13 Yellowhammer: loose flock of about 60. They seemed to come into the garden to feed in relays of about 20-25 birds, while the others stay high in the sycamore and, closer and lower, in an overhanging Cotoneaster. Smaller flocks of 20-40 are regular when the temperature is at or below freezing, and there are often about 20 waiting in the sycamore from before dawn. Jay I first saw them in my garden on the 14/01/13. They have now become regular visitors, usually 2 at a time, but up to 4. Reed Bunting Usually 1 male, but up to 3 males, and occasionally 1 female. Regular visitors whenever the temperature falls below freezing. Stock Dove Regular but random visitors to the garden Mostly just one, but sometimes a pair. Keep themselves to themselves, not usually mixing with other pigeons. WINTERTON, PARK ST, B1207 SE 937 181 Sat 13/01/13 Julie Ellison Grey Wagtail 1 Working it's way along the edge of the water in the drain on the east of the road, at almost dusk. Wed 16/01/13 about 15:40 Redwing 1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 4/2/2013 2 Little Egrets, Hurnbridge Road TF217551 approx. 7/2 - Castle Dyke Bank TF 250518 approx. 3 Common Buzzards 9/2 Badger confirmed by trailcam videos at 00.52 hrs, 01.48 hrs, 01.50 hrs and 03.35 hrs. Previous records in garden only confirmed by a latrine. WILSFORD 31/1/13 Richard Dawson "Large" bat flew right in front of my nose at 07:45am. Vanished as quick as it arrived, so no chance of a proper look I'm afraid. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler 3 hares out in snow 26.1.13 Red Kite came down into garden but not during Garden Birdwatch! Fieldfare (1) feeding on apples in garden along with ..... 20 Blackbirds 25.1.13 5 Greenfinches splashing in spring-fed stream 1.2.13 1 Frog, male active in pond 1 Frog, large female discovered behind tubs where she had returned after being flushed from there in January by torrential rain. Peacock Butterfly out in mild but dull weather (max. 13C) 29.1.13 Winter gnats above snow 26.1.13 and in sun 1.2.13 Eristalsis tenax hoverfly sunning on window ledge 1.2.13 2 Lesser Celandines in flower, streamside 1.2.13 1 Violet (reichenbachiana) in flower on verge 1.2.13 Hazels and Alders shedding pollen WOOLSTHORPE VERGE NR SK91/24 Jane Ostler Stoat out in gale force winds 30.1.13 9 English Partridge from field on N-facing side 30.1.13 + Ball of moss I collected when snow still on ground contained the following, two tiny wolf spiders, over 20 mites, two chalcid wasps , a ground beetle (1mm long), 20 fly larvae, 1 nematoceran adult fly, 6 pupal cases attached by sticky threads and 1 bristle tail. I haven't got round to identifying the moss yet. WRANGLE COMMON 07/02/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson Up to 80 Curlews feeding on wet grassland; flying out to the Wash at night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/nr/reserve.php?mapref=22 Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory team is now doing a blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ 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 No report received this week. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for December 2012. [Not November as wrongly posted previously!] John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh A record 2,500 Wigeon were present (20th), along with 800 Teal (21st), a peak of six Scaup (28th) and two Goosanders (9th). Two European White-fronted Geese (20th) joined regular flocks of 600 Pink-footed and 1,500 Dark-bellied Brent Geese. A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen on just one date (5th), but up to four Merlins and three Peregrines were more regular. Waxwings were seen on several dates with a peak of 30 (17th), while up to 1,500 Fieldfares (5th) and 8,000 Golden Plovers (23rd) created quite a spectacle. Two Bearded Tits remained from November (until 3rd) and up to 32 Twite and 30 Lesser Redpolls were also seen. RSPB Freiston Shore A Black Brant (5th) was seen with two Pale-bellied Brent Geese among up to 820 Dark-bellied Brent Geese. Other waterbirds included up to 1,700 Wigeon (12th), 5,500 Knots, 1,800 Black-tailed Godwits and 1,650 Oyster- catchers (16th) with 7,000 Golden Plovers (21st). In contrast just one Spotted Redshank was recorded (9th). Up to 20 Waxwings were also seen (9th). Gibraltar Point NNR Single Bittern and Shag (2nd) got the New Year off to a nice start. Offshore 250 Common and two Velvet Scoter were seen (9th). Wader numbers were generally good with up to 16,000 Golden Plovers (23rd), 8,000 Knot (16th) and 5,500 Oystercatchers (16th). Diversity was provided by a Grey Phalarope (9th), Purple Sandpiper (16th – 17th) and up to four Woodcock (16th). A Cetti's Warbler present throughout could be heard, but not always seen. A Shore Lark was also seen, but only on one date (16th). Waxwings continued to feature with up to 124 recorded (16th). Snow Buntings were also in good numbers with up to 58 (2nd), along with up to two Lapland Buntings (16th). A single Water Pipit was in residence, a Chiffchaff, seen on two dates, may also have been, but two Bearded Tits were only seen on one date (4th). At the year's end a Rough-legged Buzzard gave good views on the saltmarsh (from 27th). Other sites A Black Brant was at Friskney (10th) and a Ring-necked Duck re-appeared at Kirkby Pits (21st). Up to 22 Goosanders took up residence at Swanholme Lakes (7th), joining the resident two Red-crested Pochard there. A Bittern was seen at Blackmore Bridge briefly (21st). Kirkby Pits hosted a gull convention with Caspian, Glaucous and Yellow-legged Gulls (27th). A Caspian Gull was also seen at Skegness (21st). Four Cetti's Warblers look set for the winter at Marston STW. Waxwings increased further with sightings from many widespread locations, the highest counts were 300 at Witham St Hughs (26th), 110 in Lincoln (3rd) and 60 in Boston (26th). 60 Lesser Redpolls at Swanpool (30th & 31st) high- lighted it's been quite a good winter for this species too. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=67 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News No report received this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 No report this week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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 *** The British Myriapod & Isopod Group *** Imogen Wilde writes: The British Myriapod & Isopod Group (BMIG) will be having their Annual Field Meeting and AGM in Lincolnshire this year. The dates are Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th April 2013, and the group will be based at Scamblesby, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire is relatively under-recorded for myriapods and isopods and this will be a good location for exploring under- worked areas, such as the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Limewoods, heaths near Market Rasen and Woodhall Spa and also coastal dunes. The AGM will be held on the evening of Friday 12 April. If you would like further information and a booking form for accommodation then please contact Imogen Wilde: imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk. All LNU members are very welcome, whether staying with the group in Scamblesby or making their own accommodation arrangements. *** 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 *** 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 *** 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 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 Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrsp.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 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. Indoor meetings: Saturday, January 12, 2013 NOTE ALTERATION TO DATE GIVEN PREVIOUSLY. 12th, NOT 19th. The Marsh Moth Paul Waring will talk on his work on the Marsh Moth (Athetis palustris) in Lincolnshire, as well as other work around the county including Ancaster and the Bardney Limewoods. 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 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. "Hard bounce" thomas.brannigan "soft bounces" dawalker ibirch nrowbottom *** And Finally ... Osprey in Action: http://www.youtube.com/embed/nA3LtXnNIto?feature=player_embedded Martin Mere Beavers - more http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/dont-miss-at-wwt-wetland-centres/wwt-webcams/martin-mere-beavers/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/