============================================ || || 20th January 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 *** Enthusiasm is contagious. Paul Waring's talk on 12th gave the audience a fascinating insight into the methodology of researching marsh moth and other scarce local species. "Constant vigilance" seems to be the mantra, because adult moths can easily be missed, especially if the population falls below a critical threshold. Identifying caterpillars is a vital aspect of his painstaking data collection. Then comes the testing and evaluation of methods for conserving endangered species. The history of local land management is another factor to discover, as it can account for changes, both positive and negative. Data collection needs to be thorough, taking into account records of associated species, which means Botany too! Good data can throw up interesting counterintuitive and intriguing questions and possibilities. I think Paul would like to see every Lincolnshire Naturalist hone up their moth identification skills and get full records in to Colin Smith. Why not follow his advice and look out for species he mentioned, such as "Four Spotted"? See: UK Moths http://ukmoths.org.uk/ Butterfly Conservation: http://butterfly-conservation.org/ If you have not yet stocked your library with LNU reference publications on moths, I see there are still some available. See: http://lnu.org/publications.php Winter Bulletins tend to be a bit Bird-dominated, so birders could be thinking about how to use their transferable skills come springtime. Insects have lots of potential. Plants too. 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 - watch for details of early start to give us all additional talking-time. *** Pushing the Boundaries *** Sent in by Andrew Chick. Pushing the Boundaries In association with and sponsored by the Lincolnshire Bird Club Lincoln - Tuesday 22nd January 2013 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm) At Whisby Education Centre All welcome: FREE "One of the most inspiring events I have ever seen" is how attendees, coming from all over Europe and North America, summed up the first Arctic Gullfest in April 2012. This evening brings together the hosts of that event. Martin Garner, will talk about pushing the boundaries of birding over the last 12 months, some of which have been kept off the Birding Frontiers website, especially for this tour. Birding architects Tormod and his wife Elin will talk about their family move to Varanger, in Arctic Norway. They combine pioneering architecture and conservation while engaging ordinary local people- pushing the boundaries in how people and nature work better together. It promises to be a highly entertaining and inspiring evening- not to be missed! For more details see http://birdingfrontiers.com/pushing-the-boundaries-tour/ *** Plantlife Report for Natural England *** Plantlife has been asked to produce a report for Natural England concerning the monitoring and management of priority vascular plant species. To help with this task they have compiled a short survey to be filled in by those directly involved in the monitoring and management of these species. The survey is quite short and should not take long to complete. To fill in the survey visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CP6VGMF by mid-February. If you are not sure whether the plants you survey are "priority species" say so when you fill in the form!" *** Interesting AONB Job *** I have been sent information about a Lincolnshire Wolds Heritage Officer job opportunity based in the AONB office in Louth and employed by Heritage Lincolnshire. The advert has gone live and the link is: http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/job/4562870/lincolnshire-wolds-heritage-officer/ *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Wed 23 January 2013 (extra meeting): The Wildlife Trust - 100 years of Nature Conservation A specially commissioned DVD celebrating The Wildlife Trusts, their formation and work. Sir David Attenborough and others take us on the journey, featuring an interview with Lincolnshire's own Ted Smith OBE. 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 *** GIBRALTAR POINT WILDLIFE WATCH MEETING *** Dave Miller writes: Forthcoming events: Sat 26th Jan Wildlife Watch – for young nature explorers aged 9 and above: tree identification and health issues, let's see if we can identify our trees without leaves, and of course check out our ash trees to see how healthy they are. Meet at Gib Visitor Centre 10am. *** Grantham Group LWT *** Next meeting Fri 8th Feb 7.30 Barkston & Syston Village Hall The Wildlife of Cota Donana/Extremadura (Spain) Peter & Carole Leigh *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 28th January 2013 we you to a presentation of two films:- "100 years of Nature Conservation in Britain" and "The North Sea - a Living Sea". This will be held at Whitgift Film Theatre, Grimsby. Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. Admission £2. All are welcome. For further information please contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858 *** FSC Biodiversity Fellows taxonomic training courses *** [This] year at least 70 taxonomic training courses will be run on a range of difficult plant and animal groups and will be led by national and regional experts. Day courses will be free of charge to those biodiversity fellows who wish to attend whilst longer residential courses within the programme may be available at a discount of 50% of the published price. To qualify for these rates and to attend FSC biodiversity fellows courses participants must first register via the website and fill in the online form. http://www.field-studies-council.org/bio.fell Editor adds: You may be eligible for an LNU bursary towards the cost of residential courses - contact a member of the Executive Committee for further information. *** 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. Outline/provisional programme Whisby, based at Education Centre and covering the reserve. Friday 12th July 10.00am start 5.00pm a lull, or shut down 9.00pm mothing/bats etc. until whenever depending on conditions Saturday 13th July 10.00am start 4.00pm finish Pencil this in your new diary and watch for updates. Bioblitz Website: 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. *** National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) *** Clare Sterling sent in the following Badger Trust information: Badger Trust is very concerned that problems with funding may result in Britain's National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) being axed. The NWCU is a national police unit that gathers intelligence on wildlife crime and provides analytical and investigative support to police services. For further information outlining their work in greater detail, go to the following link: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/wildlife-crime-unit-faces-extinction-over-funding-crisis-8437875.html Worldwide, wildlife crime is increasing with appalling acts of persecution taking place, often on a highly organised basis. The species involved include big game poached for the illegal ivory and rhino horn trade, the smuggling of amphibians, the illegal bird trade, raptor persecution and much more. We work closely with the NWCU in our work against all forms of persecution involving badgers and sadly, instances of badger baiting and other cruel acts are becoming increasingly prevalent DEFRA have agreed their share of the funding but the Home Office has yet to sign off the £136,000 required to ensure the survival of the NWCU, whose funding expires on 31st March 2013. We cannot allow this to happen and are writing to you to ask you to take two actions. Firstly, please sign the e-petition which has been set up and which asks the Home Office to continue their funding of the National Wildlife Crime Unit. You will find it at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/43978 Circulate this e-mail to all your contacts to ask them to do likewise. The petition has already attracted nearly 1,800 signatures but we know that with your prompt support, many more can be generated within a very short timescale. Secondly, write to your MP asking for their support. You can do this very easily by going to the following site: http://www.writetothem.com/ An Early Day motion 603 was raised in Parliament and was signed by 110 MPs. If you wish to check whether your MP supported the EDM, have a look at http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/603 *** Derbyshire Water Vole Survey Bid *** Julia Smith sent in the following: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust are looking to gather support for a funding bid to repeat the county wide water vole survey. They have set up a survey monkey online survey and are asking that people spend approx.. 2 minutes of their time filling it in to show their support for the project. Please access the survey (link below) https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/derbyshirewatervoles Responses by 25th Jan please. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 12/1 14 Waxwings, Sandy Lane, Woodhall Spa 13 Waxwings, Horncastle Road, Woodhall Spa 12 Waxwings, Grantham, Aldi Waxwing, Nocton Heath road @ Blowholme Lane junction 5 Scaup past Theddlethorpe 80+ Twite, 15 Snow Buntings, male Hen Harrier, Cleethorpes Coast LNR Spoonbill, 2 male Hen Harriers, 4, Scaup Frampton Marsh 6 Short-eared Owls, Worlaby Carrs Great Northern Diver, Scunthorpe, Ashbyville Lake Glaucous Gull, Gainaborough landfill Smew, adult drk, Kirkby on Bain, Riverslea pit Iceland Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Barton-upon-Humber east of Bonby in field 13/1 c 30 Waxwings, Woodhall Spa between Bainland Country Park and Sandy Lane 22 Waxwings, Nocton B1188 junction from Railway bridge 10 Waxwings, Grantham, between Aldi and Dunelm by railway 2 Bitterns, Boultham Mere Ring-necked Duck, West Ashby. Shearman's Wath, private land Great Northern Diver, Scunthorpe, Ashbyville Lake Smew, adult drk, Kirkby on Bain, Riverslea pit Dark-breasted Barn Owl, Croft Marsh Lapland Bunting south over Heath's Meadow Lapland bunting, Snow bunting and Purple Sandpiper, Gibraltar Point Richardson's Goose, form hutchinsii, flew off with 12 Canada Geese, Frampton Marsh 6 Scaup, 2 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, 13 Twite, Frampton Marsh 14/1 8 Waxwings, Skegness, Briar Way briefly, then flew south Bittern, Boultham Mere Great Northern Diver, Scunthorpe, Ashbyville Lake Common Scoter drk, 4 Scaup, Bittern, Messingham Sand Quarry 15/1 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Whisby, on settlement lagoons Smew, adult drk, Kirkby on Bain, Riverslea pit 3 Short-eared owls, Tetney Marshes in bushes inland of sea wall, 6 Twite in stubble field 16/1 29 Waxwings, Cleethorpes Country Park 9 Waxwings, Far Ings 17/1 6 Waxwings, Boultham Mere near Pike Drain 31 Waxwings, Woodhall Spa, trees along Horncastle Road 9 Waxwings, Grantham, nr Aldi by car wash 5 Waxwings SW of Lincoln, at Witham St Hugh's by Hedge Lane opposite Cargill's offices Smew redhead, Far Ings 3 Tundra Bean Geese with 17 Greylag Geese, Whisby, on settlement lagoons Kumlien's Gull, Gainsborough landfill site 4 Scaup, Messingham Sand Quarry 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. OSGODBY Stuart Britton writes: I visited a garden feeding site at Osgodby this morning. The temperature was 0 with an inch covering of frozen snow There were five individual Robins feeding together with no confrontation. I can only assume it is a survival strategy, they temper their aggression in order to feed in harsh conditions. HUMBER BANK North Lincs - Humber Bank Alice Nunn writes: Recently I've noticed 2 things:- Last week commencing 7th Jan, I too was aware of a lot more birdsong during daylight hours in garden & around Winterton. There has been a lot of roosting starling activities at Far Ings. I don't know whether I caught it at its maximum or not, but on Friday 11 around 4.00 for around 20 mins hundreds of starlings came in in wheeling flocks. Maybe not Gretna or Somerset Levels, but worth seeing. I was sitting in my car in Ness Farm CP until it got interesting then I got out & took pictures. I was told of this a few days earlier and my informant got good views from the Ness Hide. *** 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. BARDNEY and area Bardney allotments Mary Porter 16.1.13 Starling being chased in slow motion by a sparrow hawk in thick freezing fog. I've never seen a sparrow hawk hunting so slowly! Neither seemed able to see where they were going. I don't know how it ended as they were quickly swallowed up in the fog. Bardney garden Mary and Phil Porter 16.1.13 Same foggy day as above, a barn owl flew over the bird feeders at about 8.15am. About 10am a kestrel flew through in a vague attempt at the birds on the feeders, but it didn't have the right technique for chasing as flapped in a very un-kestrel- like manner back into the fog. Bardney garden all week, starting Tuesday 15th January Mary and Phil Porter 5 bramblings with mixed flock of finches and sparrows. 2 males, 3 females Approx. 6 fieldfares at least 12 blackbirds One tree sparrow 10 house sparrows approx. 8 starlings blue tits, great tits one rat upside down on a feeder, then fell off Road between Horncastle and Bardney near Waddingworth 17.1.13 Mary Porter On one trip, all between the space of one mile: 2 kestrels (separately) perched on trees looking down One buzzard on a post, looking down. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Week beginning 11.1.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Fox crosses in snow 3.30pm Woodmice(3) in shed Bullfinches(2) eating buds of Flowering cherry Jay under birdfeeder daily Kestrel seen most days Siskins(50 approx.) in Alder Type of Leafhopper active in leaf litter Type of Rove beetle active in moss Old nestbox dismantled – contained bird skeletons(2), Garden snails(5), 2-spot ladybirds(8) & several larvae New nestbox investigated by Blue tit DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 12/01/2012 Time: 0900 – 1040 Weather: Hazy sunshine and cold Birds: Barn Owl (hunting dyke near entrance) Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Canada Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Greater Black-backed Gull Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull House Sparrow Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mistle Thrush Mute Swan Pochard Robin Rook Shoveler Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon Other: Muntjac tracks in the mud FENTON SK844 772 9th January 2013 Richard Fox Bullfinch (pr) Gt. Sp Woodpecker drumming Snowdrops showing well HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 13/1 Ladybird 1 (hibernating in leek - have left leek to flower!) Date: 16/1 Song thrush 2 Longtailed tits 10 Great tits 2 Date 17/1 Greater spotted woodpecker 1 (but came morning and afternoon) Collared doves 2 Great tits 2 Dunnocks 2 (we usually have one, invariably chased by the robin; now there are 2 and the robin is miffed) Date 18/1 Redwings 2 Chaffinch 1 Collared doves 2 (one collecting twigs!) Wren 1 Great tits 2 Dunnocks 2 Rat 1 Starlings 6 LINCOLN SK937685 (Doddington Road) 9th January 2013 Richard Fox Little Egret on drain near to the Swanholme PH NETTLEHAM TF 005756 Brenda Edlington w/c 13/01/13 The snow has brought many more birds into the garden Highlights Blackbirds 15 Brambling 1 Fieldfare 2 Goldfinch 7 Greenfinch 6 Sparrowhawk 1M Yellowhammers 11 19 different species in all, but only single blue tit, great tit, coal tit and long tailed tit. The fieldfares have been feeding on crab apple Red Sentinel. bright red crabs that hold on well into the winter. The yellowhammers came down to seed spread on the lawn. The sparrowhawk landed on an evergreen bush but no birds broke cover and he went away empty-footed. 31/12/2012 A single tree sparrow in the garden-the only record for the year 9 collared doves on the lawn – in the first half of the year never saw more than 2 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 12/1/2012 Woodmouse [dead] - trapped inside car. [Note: a different car to trailcam record of 10/1] 13/1/2013 Trailcam records: In field south of garden, walking along fence line. 02.44hrs Muntjac deer 04.06 hrs Badger We noted unusual digging under trees within garden so trailcam now set up to observe that tonight. 15/1 Magpies only on trailcam. Single Fieldfare in orchard, with blackbirds, feeding on thrown-out apples 16/1 Tawny owls calling 5.30am 4 Fieldfares in orchard with blackbirds. 18/1 2 Fieldfares in orchard, with blackbirds, feeding on thrown-out apples ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ COASTAL ACTION ZONE RANGER'S REPORTS ANDERBY CREEK 16TH Jan Dave Miller BTO Winter Thrush Survey The field here was looking great with lots of ground-feeding golden plover, lapwing, fieldfare, redwing and starling. Barn Owl 1 Blackbird 3 Black-headed Gull 1 Crow 7 Common gull 30 Cormorant 1 juv Dunnock 3 Fieldfare 23 Golden plover ca300 GBB Gull 4 Herring Gull 13 Lapwing ca100 Magpie 1 Meadow Pipit 56 Redwing 65 Robin 2 Sanderling 3 Skylark 3 Sparrowhawk 1 Starling 50 Woodpigeon 12 HUTTOFT PIT 12th Jan Dave Miller BTO WeBS Blackbird 2 Black-headed Gull 6 Common Gull 4 Coot 2 Greylag Goose 2 Kestrel 1 Mallard 4 Moorhen 1 Wigeon 14 Woodpigeon 2 SANDILANDS PIT 16th Jan Dave Miller Blue Tit 2 Linnet 1 Redwing 8 Reed Bunting 9 Tree Sparrow 1 Wren 2 GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=22 Kev Wilson writes: 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 this week. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore Reports for November 2012 follow. 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 W/E 18.12.12 BIRDS Max nos. bittern blackbird 60+ black-headed gull 20 blue tit 5 bullfinch carrion crow 5 chaffinch 6 common gull 4 coot 60+ cormorant curlew 5 dunnock 4 gadwall 6 goldeneye 4 goldeneye 6 golden plover 6 goldfinch 4 GC grebe 2 great tit 4 grey heron greylag goose 15 herring gull house sparrow 12 kestrel lapwing 60 long-tailed tit 6 magpie 4 mallard 14 marsh harrier M moorhen 4 mute swan 4 pheasant 2 pochard 6 redshank redwing 3 reed bunting 4 robin 7 shelduck 6 shoveler 4 song thrush sparrowhawk starling C.6,000 teal 6 tufted duck 10 warer rail waxwing 92 willow tit wood pigeon 6 wren 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 cHAMBERS FARM WOOD Brenda Edlington TF 148738 Red route 30/12/2012 Very quiet birdwise though several dogs about Blue tit Chaffinch Coal tit Great tit Long tailed tit ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. *** And Finally ... *** Tank Is Safe! *** You may recall the sad story of the stolen Labrador, Tank, in last week's Bulletin. The Farm and Country Business team write: We are pleased to confirm that Tank, the stolen Labrador, has been reunited with his owner after a kind member of the public saw the appeal and took him to a local vet. We are how ever still looking for the stolen van possibly within the Gainsborough area. A silver Transit van, registration WGO7 XZO. Police are appealing for anyone sees this van anywhere, to call them immediately on Tel. on 101, quoting incident number 412 7th Jan 2013. Editor adds: I felt really bad about this crime and am very pleased to hear the news that Tank and his owner have been reunited. But not as pleased as they are, I feel sure. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/ Note: the links below allow you to unsubscribe, send a copy of the Bulletin to a friend or modify your profile/change your e-mail address. N.B. Each reader sees only their own address.