============================================ || || 27th 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 *** I hope you spotted the announcement of the cancellation of the Bird Club Whisby talk on Tuesday. I posted it on the usual "Hub page" and will do the same for any further weather-related cancellations that I hear about. I advise you double check on relevant websites prior to any event that might be affected by snow, flood, fire or brimstone! http://www.rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Our store of last year's apples has proved very useful over the past week. They have provided a welcome feed for an army of hungry blackbirds and fieldfares, plus the usual residents, chaffinches in particular. I keep a careful eye on chaffinches, as they sometimes keep company with that most attractive of our winter garden visitors, the brambling. If you see a chaffinch that isn't, maybe it's a brambling! Get out the binoculars! Don't forget the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/?gclid=CNPWy6-Gg7UCFefMtAodV1YADw Drinking water is always in demand when the temperature drops to freezing. Keep topping up that bird bath with warm water. It is not a bad idea to tip away any water and ice that has been contaminated, replacing this with clean water. There are several surveys and petitions popping up that I know will be of interest to some readers. They are not everyone's cup of tea, nor do they have any endorsement from the LNU other than a general interest. It is up to individuals whether they take part/what view they take. 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. 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. *** Have you seen a Snow Flea? *** Charlie Barnes writes: Winter entomological bit for the bulletin: Boreus hyemalis or the 'snow flea' as it is commonly known is actually a member of the order Mecoptera, which includes the scorpion flies. The snow flea is very similar to a scorpion fly except for one difference – they can't fly! Snow fleas can be seen from October to April - with a covering of snow making them easy to spot as they jump around on the white surface. They seem to prefer sandy, heathy areas with moss – but as not many entomologists are active in the winter months they don't usually get noticed! For more information on the snow flea see Buglife's website for some photos. http://www.buglife.org.uk/discoverbugs/bugofthemonth/snowflea or http://flic.kr/p/dGEVpy Don't forget to let us know if you have seen one! *** Pushing the Boundaries - New Date *** Sent in by Andrew Chick. Pushing the Boundaries In association with and sponsored by the Lincolnshire Bird Club Lincoln - Friday 1st February 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/ *** Worlaby Carrs e-petition *** Jenny Haynes writes: Some of you may remember objecting to a proposed wind turbine at Worlaby Carrs some while ago. It's an area with a high population of short-eared owls and other species such as rough-legged buzzards and hen harriers are frequent visitors. There's now an e-petition on the government website to give the area some official protection as the Higher Level Countryside Stewardship Scheme runs out this year and the habitats will be under threat from cultivation. Please sign the e-petition, at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/43941 Thanks *** 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/ *** 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 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. *** 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 World-wide, 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 An update from Clare on the national wildlife crime unit funding issue: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/ncwu-2013.html#cr http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/338941-future-brighter-for-wildlife-crime-fighters *** 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. 18/1 41 Waxwings, Faldingworth 8 Waxwings, Grantham, Dunelm car park c20 Waxwings Dunston by B1188 nr Coleby turning 3 Tundra Bean Geese with 17 Greylag Geese, Whisby, on settlement lagoons Glaucous Gull, Lea Marsh 19/1 36 Waxwings, Far Ings at new visitor centre 6 Waxwings, Lea Road, railway bridge 41 Waxwings, Faldingworth 7 Short-eared Owls near Beckingham along upper Witham 20/1 11 Waxwings, Grantham, Dunelm car park Probable Cackling Canada Goose [form minima], Little Gull, 8 Long-tailed Ducks, Bonxie male and Hen Harrier, Freiston Shore Little Gull adult, 2 Bonxies, flew south past Gibraltar Point 21/1 22/1 c15 Waxwings, Nocton 11+ Waxwings, Greetwell quarry 18+ Waxwings, Grantham, Dunelm car park Shorelark, Gibraltar Point, saltings north of Greenshank Creek 6 Tundra Bean Geese, 2 Hen Harriers over Frampton Marsh. Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Bittern, Skegness garden Bittern, Boultham Mere 23/1 Waxwing, Scopwick near Digby turning 16 Waxwings, Bottesford, Holme Lane c20 Waxwings north of Langtoft 3 Waxwings, North Somercotes, Jubilee Road 40 waxwings s of Horncastle at Wood Enderby on village green 15 Waxwings between Tetney and Humberston near Bishopsthorpe Farm 9 Waxwings south of Grantham at Spittlegate Level at Environcom factory Lapland Bunting, 2 Snow Buntings, Twite, Gibraltar Point Waxwing, Coleby Glaucous Gull, 2 Caspian gulls, Gainsborough landfill site Smew redhead, Crowland, River Welland 24/1 5 Waxwings, Woodhall Spa, Horncastle Road 5 Waxwings, Gibraltar Point 40 Waxwings, Immingham, Carver Road @ Bert Boyden Day Centre 2 Scaup, Messingham Sand Quarry Glaucous Gull, 3 Caspian Gulls, Gainsborough landfill site Bittern, Deeping Lakes 2 Smew, Crowland north of bridge on River Welland Smew, Far Ings, Hotel Pit 25/1 3 Waxwings, Lincoln, Nettleham, Lodge Lane 50 Waxwings, Bottesford on St Peter's Avenue Black Redstart, Covenham Reservoir Hen Harrier, 6 Bewick's Swans, 20 Twite, 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. *** Blue tit numbers down? *** Roy Pearson writes: I noticed that one of the contributors to the 'Bulletin' mentioned the lack of Blue Tits in her garden. We are finding that Blue Tits are not only well down in numbers at our ringing sites in rural areas in South-east Lincs, but this is especially true of birds that hatched last year. Many of the Blue Tits we were catching before this cold spell were already ringed and checks revealed that most were three to four years old. Reading the Gibraltar Point 'Blog' this morning, I noticed that it also mentioned that many of the Blue Tits caught recently were already ringed and records showed they were also three to four years of age. With the BTO talking of a drop of some 20% in breeding birds last summer, we clearly have a problem here that may well become a disaster if the coming breeding season is not a success. *** 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. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 18.1.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Moles(3) actively making molehills throughout cold spell Bullfinches(2 pairs) eating buds on honeysuckle & Wild plum tree Carrion crow feeding on Grey squirrel roadkill Great spotted woodpecker enlarging hole in dead branch of Pear tree Great spotted woodpecker, juvenile, eating snow on Berberis Mallards (1 pair) on stream Pheasants(5 males) Red-legged partridge Sparrowhawk, male Stockdove with woodpigeons under feeder Tawny owl in Sycamore on verge 10am on 2 mornings Yellowhammers(1 pair) under feeder daily Brigg Road TA 106 036 Brown hare roadkill Brigg Road garden TA 114 022 Pheasant female Reed buntings(2) at bird feeder Caistor Wildlife Area TA 111 015 Kestrel DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve - TF187083 Observer: Ian Gordon Date: 24/01/2012 Time: 1415 – 1615 Weather: Very cold, dull. snow on the ground. Lakes partly frozen Birds: Bittern Blackbird Black-headed Gull Canada Goose Carrion Crow Coot Chaffinch Cormorant Fieldfare Gadwall Goldfinch Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Little Egret Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Redwing Rook Shelduck Shovelor Song Thrush Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon DUNHOLME TF026792 Phil Busby Week ending 25th January 2013 Back Gardens Robin (1) Blackbird (1) Long-tailed Tit (~8) morning patrol on 21st. Wood Pigeon (2) fat Starling (1) Robin (1) Dunnock (1) Flyovers Common Gull (numerous) Herring Gull (2) Crow (numerous) Its good to see a return of the small birds after a long period without any at all. DUNSTON - TF056624 Charlie Barnes 23/01/2013 Dead polecat/ferret (very pale) HALLTOFT END near BOSTON 20/01/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson Rough-legged Buzzard flying north over A52. HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 25/1/13 Long-tailed Tits 9 On fat ball and peanut feeders in my garden, 1.30 pm just outside Study window. HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 19/1 Redwings 2 Collared doves 2 Date: 20/1 Redwings 2 Date: 21/1 Pheasant 1 Greater spotted woodpecker 1 Wren 1 Redwings 2 Date: 22/1 Greater spotted woodpecker 1 Mistle thrush 2 Date: 24/1 Slug eggs 15 (in homemade compost sack on the top when I opened it to use; subsequently put on bird table) Date: 25/1 Great tits 2 Mistle thrush 1 LINCOLN A46 Lincoln Friday 25 January 1.40pm Jacquie Harrison Red kite flew across traffic MAREHAM ON THE HILL TF271676 Robert Walker 20/1/13 Goldfinches and Greenfinches Mixed flock of both approx. 40 on trees and at bird feeders at Telegraph House and farm. Snow conditions. Plus: Tree Sparrows 12 On hedgerow at same location. NOCTON RISE - TF043644 Jenny Wallace 25/01/2013 Stoat (with white tail) THEDDLETHORPE - Brickyard Lane John Cowell 23 Jan 2013 female blackcap on bird feeder. WADDINGTON Peter Wilson 0100 hrs 22nd January 2013 My wife and I had a really good viewing of a Tawny Owl in the early hours of this morning. I woke up to hear him hooting very close by, and being replied to by another owl. I got up to have a look and see if I could see him and there he was sat on a chimney about 80 - 100 yards away. Because of the snow everywhere and a nearby street light I was able to get a good view of him hooting away and woke my wife (who was a bit disgruntled at being woken up to look at an owl). She was every bit as mesmerised as me to stand and watch this owl from the bedroom window. He appeared to be quite big, and after about 5 minutes he took off to find another perch. All in all, a lovely experience. I identified him from his call by the way. WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 22/01/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson We visited the Ponds today and found them frozen-up, but there was a slight thaw and the drain at the side was flowing freely as was the River Steeping, some 100metres away. There was movement from and to the river with a couple of Mallard leaving the Ponds and joining some Teal on the river, whilst 14 Whooper Swans (a new record for the site) took off calling loudly and circled the Ponds before flying away. Approximately 100 Pink-footed Geese passed over heading N. Meanwhile two Cormorants flew over on several occasions and there were up to 200 Rooks and a similar number of Woodpigeons feeding in adjacent fields and probably half that number of Canada Geese. Four Snipe on the Ponds was an unusually large number. No winter thrushes other than Blackbirds were seen, these numbering about ten, while a very substantial mixed flock of small passerines was feeding on the banks. This flock included Reed Buntings, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, a few Yellowhammers and up to ten Tree Sparrows, a very unusual bird here, which I don't think was recorded until this year. A single Heron flew over and a Hare was seen on the bank at the side of the Ponds, which was a first for the site. WELLAND BANK – 1 mile north of Crowland water tower Date: 24/01/13 Time: 1345 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Very cold, dull, snow on the ground Birds: Smew (redheaded) – 2 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 19/1 6 Fieldfares in orchard, with blackbirds, feeding on thrown-out apples. Song thrush, Pied wagtail. 3 Brown hare in area. 20/1 6 Fieldfares in orchard, with blackbirds, feeding on thrown-out apples. Song thrush. 21/1 6 Fieldfares in orchard, with 24 blackbirds, feeding on thrown-out apples. Song thrush. 6 yellowhammers under bird feeder. 2 males. Regular raiding party on long-tailed tits - 8+ - on peanut feeders. They have a particular preference for cage-type anti-squirrel feeders. Gives a feeling of security perhaps. 25.1 Tawny owl back in its regular roost in the garden. [Trailcamera had detected no use of the owl box.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Dave Miller Coastal Action Zone Ranger Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust WAINFLEET FLATS Tues 22nd Jan Brent Goose about 3000 Grey Heron 1 ANDERBY CREEK Grey Plover on beach near Wolla Bank HUTTOFT PIT Brent Goose 8 Sparrowhawk 1 Water Rail 1 Wigeon 105 HUTTOFT MARSH Weds 23rd Jan Woodcock 1 HUTTOFT MARSH Thurs 24th Jan Barn Owl 1 Magpie 6 Meadow Pipit 1 Stonechat 1 Wren 1 At Gibraltar Point volunteer David Wright noticed thousands upon thousands of washed up starfish, a real bonanza for the gulls. Has anyone noticed this elsewhere this week? There were lots of sand mason worm tubes with the starfish. SKEGNESS BEACH Fri 25th Jan Ringed Plover Sanderling Oystercatcher 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 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 W/E 25.12.13 BIRDS Max nos. bittern 2 blackbird 40+ black-headed gull 10 blue tit 5 carrion crow 2 chaffinch 6 common buzzard common gull 3 coot 60+ cormorant curlew 15 dunnock 4 fieldfare 20 gadwall 6 goldeneye 6 golden plover 13 GBB gull GC grebe 2 great tit 4 grey heron greylag goose 55 herring gull house sparrow 10 kestrel 2 lapwing 55 LBB gull little grebe magpie 4 mallard 18 marsh harrier M moorhen 4 mute swan 4 pheasant 2 pochard 50 red crested pochard F redshank 6 redwing 2 reed bunting 2 robin 7 shelduck 6 shoveler 4 smew F snipe 2 song thrush sparrowhawk 2 starling C.5,000 teal 6 tufted duck 30 water rail waxwing 24 wigeon 40 willow tit wood pigeon 4 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 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. *** And Finally ... Are Mistle Thrushes Missing? http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21143664 The moment a dolphin that became entangled in a fishing line was freed by a diver in Hawaii: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21185265 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/