============================================ || || 17th March 2013 || || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. News from the Lincolnshire Coast 5. News from Far Ings NNR 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Bulletin is being read by 1090 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. LNU Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. Please make contact via the LNU Website: http://www.lnu.org/ or e-mail wildlifenews@lnu.org or contact the Editor to join up and contribute articles or reports. [Or cancel!] E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor Writes *** The launch of the annual Lincolnshire Environmental Awards took place last Thursday, 14th March. A number of Bulletin readers have been past runners-up for the award and a few have been category winners. The scheme has been running now for 20 years, with the stalwart, enthusiastic support of Prof. David Bellamy. If you are associated with a project deserving the recognition the Award scheme brings, you should start thinking about your entry over the next few weeks - as the deadline is 30th April. The application process is simple and straightforward. The Lincolnshire Environmental Award website link is: http://lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ As we approach the nesting season we ask everyone to be careful about your reports, especially in relation to birds likely to be of interest to the "egg robber". This activity ought to be a thing of the past, but misguided people still do rob nests and steal eggs. If you suspect that egg thieves are in action, ring the Police and report it, asking for an incident number to make sure the report is properly recorded. Use the 101 number unless other factors make the situation an emergency. http://lincs.police.uk/ For emergencies on Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserves see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/contacts.php Remember, in times of financial pressure the Police, like any organisation, will tend to prioritise their work more tightly. They will give weight to those crimes that are visible and command a lot of public sympathy. We can help them to prioritise and deal with wildlife crime by making sure it is reported promptly and accurately. As far as sensitive bird reports are concerned, please send any nest- related or territorial information to the appropriate bird recorder rather than the Bulletin. Birds of prey in particular. 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 Thanks. Roger *** Most Visited Bulletin Links *** MailChimp, through which the Bulletin is mailed out, keeps a record of the links in the bulletin that are clicked, a measure of reader interest. The results are interesting. The top links clicked last week were: South Lincs RSPB LNU Gibraltar Point Observatory blog Met Office Forestry Commission - Chalara BBC - Wild Insect Pollinators Flickr - Les Binn's page Lincs Wildlife Trust - Gib Point reserve page Flickr - Bardney Limewoods iSpot *** Next LNU Event - reminder *** For LNU meetings see section 11 for full programme. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co. and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** Oil Beetles - The Hunt Continues *** Charlie Barnes writes: Until last year oil beetles hadn't been seen in Lincolnshire for decades, but with your help we found them! The Black oil beetle was rediscovered in Lincolnshire in April 2012 near Grantham - easily recognised by its large size (up to 3 cm) and shortened wing cases, they can be found from March to June in meadows and coastal grassland. For the third year running, Buglife are promoting a national survey for our species of oil beetle, although only two of them (the Black oil beetle and the Violet oil beetle) have ever been seen in Lincolnshire. They seek out bare ground to dig burrows in which the females lay their eggs and can often be found on footpaths where the soil has been compacted by walkers. Once the eggs hatch, the larva lay in wait on flowers where they hitch a ride on an unsuspecting bee. They get carried to the bee's nest where they disembark and proceed to eat the store of pollen and nectar and the bee's eggs. Records of oil beetles will help towards their conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan - if you think you've seen one, let us know! Charlie Barnes County Recorder for Beetles charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk *** Beekeeping *** Every UK club or society can give an insight into our "national character". Beekeeping is no exception. The sight of beekeepers in action always fascinates people. If you like observing how things work behind the scenes I have two recommendations. On 6th April there is the annual auction of bees and equipment at the County Showground. Here you can watch the selling off of a most astounding selection of bee things, from bees and beehives to goodness knows what! It is a fine old-fashioned country occasion where the local beekeepers, and many from out of county, meet to renew friendships and try to find a bargain. If you are thinking of starting beekeeping, just turn up and have a look. It is good idea to take along a price list from a supplier of bee equipment to give you a guide price. Members attending the AGM may be interested to know where they can obtain the useful pollen guide or flowering calendar I discussed. We are fortunate to have a beekeeping supermarket in the county. [I am glad I am not writing that on 1st April! It is true.] Thorne, formerly based in Wragby, has now moved to Rand. There are things there for non-beekeepers, like honey, beeswax products and books. They have an excellent online catalogue on their website. Information on both the auction and Thorne's can be found on the beekeeping page of my website. http://www.rogerparsons.info/bees.html *** Sightings on the Beach? *** Lincs Wildlife Trust Coastal Ranger, Dave Miller, requests information on unusual sightings on the beach. He writes: We often get things washed up where we would like to find more information. There are often massed wash-ups of starfish and sunstars; porpoises and even sunfish last year. I would really like to record occurrences like these, so if you see anything while visiting the coast could you please send details to me at: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk Editor adds: Or you can post them in the Bulletin to encourage others. For coastal reserve locations see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/map.php *** Marine Conservation Zones *** Helen Craven - Marine Planning Officer - writes: Please would you be able to put the following in the next bulletin, hopefully some of your subscribers will respond to the consultation. A Defra consultation is currently open on the designation of Marine Conservation Zones. Of the original 127 sites identified and recommended by a stakeholder process, only 31 have been put forward for designation this year. Even these sites aren't guaranteed to become reality. For the remaining 96 including the four in Lincolnshire, the future is uncertain. There is no timetable for their designation. The consultation is open until the end of March, and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust are encouraging people to respond to show their support for Marine Conservation Zones, so please take this opportunity to have your say. Further details on the consultation and how to respond can be found on The Wildlife Trusts website: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/haveyoursay. If possible we would encourage you to send a personal response, rather than the form, as Defra are likely to consider this more, however any response would be much appreciated. *** An opportunity to sit in the dark for an hour! *** Why not support WWF's Earth Hour? If you're not taking part then make sure you sign up today. It's easy, simply sign up on their website, unless you are on their mailing list, in which case you should have had their e-mails. Then switch off your lights for one hour at 8.30pm on 23rd March. http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/ *** Why birds may be ignoring your feeders *** Stuart Britton writes: "There are several reasons why birds stop visiting your garden feeders: Are the feeders away from cover? - they will be wary of straying to far from it in case of predators. Make sure the food is relatively fresh and that the feeders are clean. Natural food sources may still be plentiful in the area. Is there a new predator (Cat!) nearby? Most likely - Nature happens and there are no obvious reasons why birds chose not to visit your garden" Factsheet on care of sick or injured animals, see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/contacts.php *** Siskins about? *** Stuart adds: Have other readers seen an influx of Siskins into their gardens? Occasionally they occur in large numbers but not every year. By ringing the birds I get a far more accurate assessment of exactly how many there are. In 2002 I started ringing in a garden adjacent to Osgodby Wood and ringed 47 Siskins in that year. None appeared in the next three years and only 34 in 2006 with none again in 2007. In 2008 I ringed an incredible 312 different individuals between February and April including one originally ringed in Norway and then back down to single figures for the next three years. Last year there were none but on February 7th this year I caught two and up to yesterday I have already ringed 114 and caught a bird which was ringed elsewhere. I await to see how long they hang around this year. http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/siskin/index.aspx *** Only a Collared Dove *** The record for a plover in Dunholme last Bulletin was down to a senior moment and should have read Collared Dove. I did not spot it in editing. Pleaase make a mental correction. Sorry. *** Plug for Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes events 2013 *** Rachael Clark writes: They are not all on the website yet as separate events, but some are, along with the downloadable list. http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/news-and-events/category/events http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/conservation/article.php?id=27 *** Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** Gainsborough Area LWT *** Dave Stockley writes: "Wildlife Gardening" Wed 20 March 2013: (Sales stall: plants) Wildlife Gardening - Mary Porter As well as telling us which plants are good all-rounders for insects in the garden, Mary will explain why a little bit of untidiness can be a great benefit if we want to attract a good cross section of wildlife. For more information, please ring Joy on 01427 628457 or E-mail Linda ? woodentops@darter.plus.com *** LWT Grantham Branch *** Marion Ellis writes: Fri 12 April 7.30pm Barkston & Syston Village Hall The Wildlife Trusts' Film "100 Years of Nature Conservation" *** Bird Club Talk and AGM 19th March *** Andrew Chick writes: Lincolnshire Bird Club Annual General Meeting Tuesday 19 March 2013 at The Admiral Rodney Hotel, Horncastle at 7.30pm Dr Mark Avery (former RSPB's Conservation Director) 25 Years in Nature Conservation The talk is FREE to everyone and will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (members only) Mark Avery is a scientist by training and a naturalist by inclination. He writes about and comments on environmental issues. Mark worked for the RSPB for 25 years until standing down in April 2011 to go freelance. He was the RSPB's Conservation Director for nearly 13 years. LBC Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/ *** WHISBY BIOBLITZ Friday, July 12 + Saturday 13 July *** 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. Event details below in section 11. Watch the NEW Bioblitz website for updates. http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/national-bioblitz/midlands/lincolnshire-bioblitz.html *** S Lincs RSPB Meetings *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: 21st March at 730pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "The RSPB in Eastern England" by Paul Forecast Members £2, non-members £3-50. all welcome 25th April at 730pm Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston "Lands End to The Highlands, in search of butterflies", by Geoff Adams Members £2, non-members £3-50, all welcome BOSTON BELLE Wash Cruises 2013 The South Lincs RSPB have announced details of their Wash Birdwatching Cruises aboard The Boston Belle for 2013. Each cruise starts at Boston's Sluice Bridge Marina and lasts 4 to 5 hours. During 2012 over 100 different bird species, averaging about 60 per individual cruise, were seen. Sightings included plovers, turnstone, dunlin, knot, redshank, godwits, egret, eider, harriers, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and kingfisher. Seals are also seen on most cruises. There is a programme of 12 cruises for 2013 starting 20th April and finishing 12th October. RSPB members and non-members are welcome. Full details including revised booking arrangements for 2013, can be found at: http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk *** Lincoln RSPB *** See: http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** The Ornithology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Keith Scarrott writes: Meeting on Monday, 18th March, 2013, starting at 7.15pm. Dr. Robert Armstrong will be giving an illustrated talk entitled "Japan in Winter - A Birding Extravaganza". Dr Armstrong has been a keen birder right from his early days in Scunthorpe. A former John Leggott Sixth Form College pupil, he is now a Research Fellow in Inorganic Chemistry at St Andrews University still keeping up his lifelong birding hobby. Meeting in North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BD. Car park at rear. ALL VERY WELCOME. No admission fee but donation bowl provided. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 8/3 18 Waxwings, Seacroft, Sea Front Road 9/3 14 Waxwings, Grimsby, Hereford Avenue Kumlien's Gull, juv Glaucous Gull, Gainsborough landfill Site 2 juv Hen Harriers, Saltfleetby All Saints, betw Back Street and Mar Dyke east Black Redstart, Frampton Marsh Long-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes on island 10/3 2 Waxwings, Woodhall Spa, by trading estate Smew redhead, Freiston Shore on reservoir Bittern, Boultham Mere Iceland Gull with 6 Herring Gulls, east over Saltfleetby All Saints betw Back Street and Mar Dyke east 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese on River Welland 11/3 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Whisby Quarry silt lagoons 2 Caspian Gulls, North Hykeham 12/3 Smew redhead, Freiston Shore on lagoon 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Whisby, by Scotland's Farm entrance Kumlien's Gull, juv Iceland Gull, Gainsborough landfill Site Great Northern Diver, Far Ings, Hotel Pit 2 Bitterns. Boultham Mere 13/3 20 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Way 45 Waxwings, Healing, between Radcliffe Road and Nicholson Road 2 f Scaup, Messingham Sand Quarry + otter Long-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes on island Male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 14/3 65 Waxwings, Healing, between Radcliffe Road and Nicholson Road Woodlark, Donna Nook 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Whisby, by Scotland's Farm entrance Male Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Spoonbill, 4 White-fronted Geese, Frampton Marsh Great Northern Diver, Far Ings, Hotel Pit American Wigeon, Fiskerton Fen Glaucous Gull, Saltfleet, off Churchill flew towards The Haven Note: I am adapting my RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Strongly recommended. [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. CAISTOR Wendy Handford Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 8.3.13 PanSTARRS comet seen 13.3.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Stoat emerging from bramble thicket 8.30 am Kestrel regularly feeding on insects in lawn and meadow Mistlethrushes (2) feeding on lawn Pheasants, 1 cock with 4 hens Red-legged partridges (2) Songthrushes (3) in full song Knotgrass leaf beetle (new on Caistor wildlife list) 1st Pulmonaria Hundon Manor Farm TA 116 024 Jackdaws using new owl box North Street garden TA 118 015 Goldcrest hits window. Recovers after 45 mins Grimsby Road garden TA 120 014 Normanby Road garden TA 113 096 Goldfinches and siskins, mixed flock of 60+ on Alders Pheasant, 1 cock with 3 hens daily Redpoll visiting feeder Reed bunting visiting feeder, 1st time seen Honeybees on crocuses *** 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. ANDERBY CREEK – Winter Thrush Survey Dave Miller 13th March Blackbird 3 Canada Goose 23 Crow 5 Chaffinch 1 Common Gull 7 Coot 1 Herring Gull 4 Lapwing 6 Magpie 2 Mallard 6 Merlin 1 Starling 51 Teal 2 Wren 1 BRACEBY TF015353 M. Ellis 1 Mar Badger on verge late evening south of Braceby 6 Mar Sparrowhawk feeding on woodpigeon in field beside house 6 Mar An animal that looked like a polecat ran across A15 just south of Silk Willoughby 9.15pm CALLAN'S LANE WOOD TF0626 18th Feb 2013 Vin Fleming Scarlet elf cup – Sarcoscypha austriaca – found by Bob Lamin growing on a moss-covered log over a small stream/ditch with subsequent identification to species by me. This seems to be the first record of this species for Lincs and the first record of either of the two elf cup species (S. austriaca & S. coccinea) from S Lincs (info kindly provided by Ray Halstead). Of course, some of the older records of S. coccinea might have been of S austriaca – they are distinguishable only microscopically and the species were only split in the 1980s. DEEPING LAKES LWT Reserve TF187083 Date – 15/03/2013 Time – 0845 – 1115 Weather – Breezy, cool, clouding over Observer – Ian Gordon Birds: Barn Owl Blackbird Black-headed Gull Bullfinch Canada Goose Chaffinch Common Gull Coot Cormorant Crow Dunnock Gadwall Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Black-backed Gull Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Greylag Goose Grey Heron Kingfisher (Heard) Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pochard Robin Rook Teal Treecreeper Tufted Duck Wigeon Wood Pigeon Wren Others: Grey Squirrel (1) EDENHAM Ian Misselbrook 10/03/2013 TF063215 Stoat ran across the road GAUTBY Sunday 3 March 2012 Field West of Gautby Jacquie Harrison and John Margetts Sunday 3 March 2012 Flock of fieldfares with at least one redwing still here HOLYWELL LAKE 10/03/2013 WeBS Holywell Lake Ian Misselbrook 5 Little Grebes 3 Mute Swans 28 Canada Geese 2 Greylag Geese 89 Mallard 2 Wigeon 14 Gadwall 7 Teal 24 Tufted Duck 4 Pochard 28 Coot 8 Moorhens 5 Black-headed Gulls 1 Cormorant 1 Sparrowhawk HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 7/3/13 FROGS 17 First frenzied 'activity' in my town garden pond, plus first of this years frogspawn has appeared. Some years I can expect between 15 to 20 'clumps'. 8/3/13 By next morning there was a total of 5 lots of frogspawn, in the following days the weather has turned colder and the pond frozen so we wait to see.... HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 12/3/13 MISTLE THRUSH 1 First sighting in my town garden, on branches of walnut tree overhanging rear garden. SPARROWHAWK 1 Another appearance over hedgerow at rear of garden. HUTTOFT Jacquie Harrison and John Margetts Sunday 3 March 2012 Field by pumping station- c5pm Whooper swans - 27 including juveniles also Huttoft Bank approach Barn owl hunting successfully. HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date:13/3 Pheasant 1 Date: 14/3 Chaffinch 2 Great tit 2 Date 15/3 Wrens 2 HUTTOFT PIT WeBS Dave Miller 11th March 2013 Bearded Tit 1 Black-headed Gull 2 Common Gull 2 Coot 7 Gadwall 8 Magpie 1 Mallard 4 Pheasant 2 Pochard 5 Starling 75 Tufted Duck 6 Whooper Swan 25 (plus another 10 or so feeding in the field) Wigeon 72 Woodpigeon 94 LINCOLN SK972739 W/E 16/03/2013 Jayne Knight 10/03 Female Siskin on sunflower hearts feeder. Not afraid to defend her perch against the hooligan Goldfinches. 13/03 7-spot Ladybird moving about in leaf rosette of a Foxglove Spiders: Single specimens of Amaurobious fenestralis and Clubonia brevipes both found in kitchen during last month. MARTIN VILLAGE GARDEN Helen Whittle 8/3/2013 Common (daily) visitors are pheasant, blackbird, sparrow, tree sparrow, dunnock, coal tit, great tit, blue tit, chaffinch, goldfinch, collared dove, wood pigeon, starling, jackdaw, robin, wren Frequent (weekly but not daily): long tailed tit, song thrush, greater spotter woodpecker Infrequent irregular (this week but not every): sparrow hawk First time: redpoll Note: tree sparrows have just reappeared. used to be very common and numerous here but we hardly saw any last year beside one nesting pair. SEACROFT MARSH beach Dave Miller 12th March Nine cuttlefish "bones" found. SKIPPINGDALE ESTATE, SCUNTHORPE SE 876 132 Friday 08/03/13 (about 17:00) Julie Ellison Pied Wagtail 20+ Flew over car park, some landing on the shop roofs, some in the north eastern-corner of the car park. Blackbird 1 male on grass verge WATERS' EDGE, BARTON TA 033 231 14/03/13 Julie Ellison Birds: Blackbird Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Canada Geese Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coot Curlew 5 Dunnock Gadwall (9 pairs + 1 male) Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Tit Greenfinch (heard, not seen) Greylag House Sparrow Long-Tailed Tit (including a pair building a nest) Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher 6 Redshank 6 Robin Song Thrush 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Stock Dove 3 Teal 1 Tufted Duck (26 on the Visitor Centre pond + 2 elsewhere) Wood Pigeon Wren 2 Wild plants in flower: Coltsfoot Mammals: Grey Squirrel 1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A. Parsons 11/3/2013 Barn owl on tree next to garden - 5.30am 12/3/2013 Tawny owl calling 13/4 f Sparrowhawk over garden 3.30pm. 14/3 m Marsh Harrier crossing fen N to S 9am. Badgers active in garden overnight - one large adult on caught on trailcam. Lots of scrapes and "nosings". 15/3 Mole m adult - dead Tawny owl roosting in garden ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs including RSPB Wash Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006059.aspx Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. Note - author is on holiday for a few weeks, so may not be updated much for that period. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending 15th March 2013. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth By the end of the week the near gale force NE-E winds have veered around to the west and we have lost the bitterly cold conditions with frequent snow flurries. On the 11th a gust of 45mph was recorded on the top of Quarry Hill near Rimac. The WeBS along the NNR sections was carried out on the 12th and 13th. Weather conditions were far from ideal and numbers of birds counted are assumed to be lower than expected. Observations included Shelduck 47, Cormorant 54, Herring Gull 478, Common Gull 53, Oyster- catcher 53, Ringed Plover 86, Dunlin 320, Curlew 316, Grey Plover 31, Sanderling 68, Knot 48, Turnstone 4, Redshank 74 and Twite 55. There were brief snatches of Meadow Pipits in song. Several Woodcock were seen during the week, generally of birds flying out of ditch sides or areas of willow scrub. Ninety Lapwing flew NW over Sea View on the 14th. An imm Glaucous Gull was seen amongst the gull roost near Churchill by Cliff Morrison, also on the 14th; the bird was seen to fly N to the Haven area where it was seen some 30 minutes later by PR and JR. Three Barn Owls have been hunting in daylight hours over the dunes and up to 5 Hen Harriers observed in the area. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx Reports for January 2012. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh Wild swans continued to be present on and off with up to 48 Whooper (19th) and nine Bewick's (9th). A Black Brant was seen on one date (15th), but four European White-fronted Geese were regular. Wigeon and Teal numbers remained high with up to 1,579 and 1,071 respectively (2nd). 160 Shoveler (16th) and 80 Pintail (27th) were also noteworthy. The long staying Red-crested Pochard remained (until 23rd). 10,000 Golden Plover (16th) attracted the regular attention of a pair of Peregrines. Other birds of prey featuring included up to four Marsh Harriers, two Hen Harriers, two Merlin and two Barn Owls. A Jack Snipe was seen on one date (4th) with up to two Spotted Redshanks on several. Up to 57 Twite were on the Saltmarsh (27th) with up to seven Bramblings brightening up the bird feeders during the month. RSPB Freiston Shore Wigeon numbers reached an impressed 2,800 (15th), on which date there were also 3,200 Dark-bellied Brent geese, 114 Pintails, 97 Shovelers and a Red-throated Diver on the sea. Also offshore were single Guillemots (11th & 24th) with a Razorbill also on the former date. Seven Scaup were seen on two dates (23rd & 24th) with Water Rail and 13 Twites on just one (16th). Gibraltar Point NNR A Black Brant was seen on one date (9th). On the sea an unseasonal Sooty Shearwater (7th) was the highlight, but there was a good supporting cast of Great Northern Diver (11th), up to 150 Red-throated Divers (16th), Shag (1st) and 70 Common Scoters (9th). Purple Sandpiper (3rd) and Green Sandpiper (16th) were seen on one date, with Jack Snipe on two (7th & 16th) and Woodcock on three dates, with a peak of eight (16th). Two Short-eared Owls (3rd & 16th) provided the bird of prey highlights. A Shore Lark (4th), Water Pipits (7th and two on 16th), Coal Tit (7th) and up to two Bearded Tits helped provide variety. Waxwing numbers declined from the high Dec/Jan maxima, with a peak of three (20th). Up to 45 Corn Buntings (3rd) and 24 Snow Buntings (17th) contrasted with just one Lapland Bunting (20th). Other sites Presumably the same Black Brant as at Gibralter Point was seen at Croft Marsh, Skegness (11th & 22nd). A drake Smew was reported at Kirkby on Bain (8th). Bitterns were seen at a number of sites including Anwick Fen, Lessingham Mill, Deeping High Bank, North Hykeham Pits, Willow Tree Fen and Whisby NP suggesting an upturn in the fortunes of this species. A Whimbrel at Holbeach Marsh (27th) was a good winter record. Two Long- eared Owls were seen at Deeping Lakes with up to five Short-eared Owls at Beckingham (16th). Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were seen at Willow Tree Fen (17th) and Hartsholme CP (from 23rd). A wintering Cetti's Warbler remained at Marston STW. Waxwing numbers were lower than before, but nevertheless impressive, with peak counts of 140 in Lincoln (11th), 56 in Witham St Hughs (3rd), 38 in Stamford (25th), 37 in Navenby (22nd), 28 in Bourne (15th) and 22 in Skegness (20th & 26th). John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1083404.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 15.03.13 BIRDS Max. nos. Avocet 2 blackbird 20+ black-headed gull 30 blue tit 7 Canada goose 4 carrion crow 3 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 8 collared dove 2 common buzzard common gull 20 coot 60 cormorant 2 curlew 2 dunnock 4 gadwall 6 goldfinch 5 GC grebe 3 great northern diver (Hotel Pit) great tit 4 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 22 herring gull 4 house sparrow 7 kestrel lapwing 7 little grebe magpie 3 mallard 20 marsh harrier M + F moorhen 6 mute swan 6 pheasant 2 pochard 15 redshank 6 reed bunting 2 robin 10 shelduck 4 shoveler 2 snipe 2 song thrush sparrowhawk starling C.2,000 tawny owl teal 41 tufted duck 15 water rail 2 wigeon 6 willow tit wood pigeon 6 wren 6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006846.aspx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) For the Limewoods, see: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/about/conservation/bardney-limewoods-nnr/ and Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** iSpot *** The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website: http://www.ispot.org.uk/node/275032 A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives This is a project run by The Open University as part of Open Air Laboratories (OPAL), where you can "Learn more about wildlife, share your interest with a friendly community and get help identifying what you have seen." The project is essentially in the business of helping people learn how to identify the wildlife they encounter, and encouraging them to get involved in biological recording. *** Contacts List *** *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: I have recently agreed to take on the roles of Regional Co- ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). I will be organising a few field meetings to hunt for spiders and other arachnids in due course, but if any LNU members wish to get in touch in the meantime then please contact me on my e-mail address: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** 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 *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** OTTERS *** Readers are reminded that all dead Otters should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. *** Hedgehog Survey *** Not yet sure if this will extend to the current autumn/winter. http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink reports also of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejred7fen@tiscali.co.uk *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in reports. *** Lincs Bird Club *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorders County Bird Recorder, covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Badley recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk for John Clarkson Bird Club Website: http://www.lnu.org/ www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** Other Useful Websites *** Key links are now being posted on the LNU website. http://www.lnu.org/ This should save space in the Bulletin, Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Natural England http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" Lincolnshire Environmental Awards http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ Lincs Environmental Records Centre Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) To learn more about the project or to find out how to get involved, please visit http://www.lincsmarshes.org.uk/ Hartsholme Country park. To learn more about the park or to get in involved at the park please visit http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/visitor-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/hartsholme-country-park/ contact Park Rangers at hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation http://www.lnu.org/ www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk *** Interesting Weather radar website *** Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.co.uk/ RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: http://www.lnu.org/ www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.lnu.org/ www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Bardney Limewoods Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk EasyTide Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx TWO - The Weather Outlook Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Joan Gunson's Moths recorded in my garden 2011: http://www.lnu.org/ www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p015pqyz Les Binns: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoheathen/sets/ Leslie Hebden http://www.flickr.com/photos/13718295@N07/ Mike Binnion writes: Common Butterflies http://www.grimsbywildlife.co.uk/ Youtube videos by Colin Green. Little Scrubbs Meadon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqCJLrTQmg&feature=relmfu Greetwell Hollow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmzLFrbjFU&feature=plcp Rimac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=plcp *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union: info@lnu.org Gibraltar Point: gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk Far Ings: farings@lincstrust.co.uk Whisby Nature Park: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk NEW Syke's Farm: lwt@sykesfarm.org.uk Lincs. Trust HQ: The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust main e-mail address: info@lincstrust.co.uk Lincolnshire FWAG: lincoln@fwag.org.uk Hartsholme Country Park: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk If you would like your e-mail listed here, please let me know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in certain cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Biological Recorders at the Lincs. Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will sometimes withhold precise details of the location of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. We ask that you respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report to national networks. Make a point of explaining site sensitivity and any restrictions on access. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Sunday, April 28, 2013 Field Meeting Broughton Far Wood SSSI and adjacent Clapgate Pits Reserve (Courtesy of John Clegg & Co and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) East of Scunthorpe 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park on verge of B1208 at SE961 109 just under 1km east of junction with B1207, NW of Wressle. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 19, 2013 Field Meeting Hills and Hollows Quarry, Harrowby (Courtesy of Londonthorpe and Harrowby Parish Council) Just east of Grantham. 13.00 start on site. Two limited space parking spots on road verges at SK928351 and SK937353. The western parking spot along Coldharbour Lane has fairly steep path up to site (follow path north then east to site). From the eastern parking spot (on a bend of Turnor Road) follow path west direct to site. Meet up at SE corner of site for 1pm. NB. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub, broadleaved woodland. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk Saturday, May 25, 2013 Meeting with Lincs Geodiversity Group Welton-le-Wold Quarry SSSI West of Louth 10.30-15.30 (bring lunch) Park at TF281879 (LN11 0QT) Site to be sign-posted off the A631 west of Louth. Habitats: Woodland, grassland, scrub. Leader: Helen Gamble 07958 805213 helen.gamble@lincolnshire.gov.uk Guide available from info@lnu.org Saturday, June 08, 2013 Field Meeting - With evening moth/bat element Allington Meadows SSSI (Courtesy of Bill Cragg) Northwest of Grantham 12.00 for 13.00 start and then 9pm start for evening session. Car parking at SK871399 about half way along minor road between Allington and Gonerby Moor junction of A1. Habitats: Hay meadows, hedges, ponds and Foston Beck. Leader: Barry Johnson barryjohnson131@gmail.com Sunday, June 30, 2013 Field Meeting Brampton Farmland (Courtesy of R and A Brownlow) Northwest of Saxilby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take track to east side of A156 (between Torksey and Marton) immediately north of where the road crosses a large drain. Follow the track which runs parallel with the drain and then take first track on left to small car park at SK842808. Habitats: Arable, grassland, ponds, drains, broadleaved woodland and vegetated sandhills. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, July 12, 2013 Bioblitz Event + Saturday 13 July Whisby Nature Park Southwest of Lincoln Use main car park (£1 fee applicable, 10am-4pm period) located at SK910662. Bioblitz "nerve centre" will be the Education Centre (not main visitor centre) and will open from 10am each day. Come and go when you like and see what species you can add. A range of experts will be around the site both days. Evening moth trapping and bat recording starting from about 9pm on Friday night, depending on weather. Event includes evening moth element. Habitats: Wide variety including woodland, grassland, brownfield habitats, lakes, ditches and marsh. Contacts: Phil Porter 01522 500676 whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk and Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, August 04, 2013 Field Meeting Middlemarsh Farm (Courtesy of J and S Dodsworth) Southwest of Skegness 12.00 for 13.00 start. Take minor road southwards situated about half way between the Burgh bypass and Skegness. Private track to the farm is on left about 1.25km from main road. Keep on track for about 1km and park in farm yard at TF528632. Habitats: Pasture, wetland recreation area, ditches and some arable. Leaders: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, September 07, 2013 Field Visit - With evening moth/bat element Byrons Lodge and Farm, North Somercotes, (Courtesy of B and L Libell) 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening moth/bat session starting at 7.30pm. Park along driveway to Byrons Lodge at TF415973 (postcode LN11 7LL) or on minor road verge nearby. Take Jubilee Road off the A1031 and then turn left onto Bank End road. Then take first right and Byrons Lodge is about 150m along on right. NB. Owner has stipulated no children for this one. Habitats: Pasture, pond, young woodland and various drains. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 13, 2013 Fungus Foray Snipe Dales Country Park - Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust East of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use the Country Park car park (£1 fee) TF330 682 which is well signposted from the A158 Skegness- -Lincoln road and from the B1195 Horncastle--Spilsby road. Some steep slopes present. Habitats: Grassland, marsh and mixed woodland. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you hear of anyone bemoaning the lack of a Bulletin, please refer them to the Bulletin Portal where they will find a copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html If you are having difficulties with spam folders etc. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. Latest Mailfails. Please update your profile if necessary or you could be deleted from the mailing list. *** And Finally ... for the boys! FLIGHT RADAR FOR AVIATION FANS. Every day, we see planes in the sky, sometimes very high, with or without con-trails. And we ask ourselves questions… What type of plane, airbus A320,330,350? Boeing..or other. Where does it come from...where is it going... what altitude...what speed... what company etc. You can see all this information instantly... on YOUR screen. Click on the link: http://www.flightradar24.com/ Some tricks: On the map you will see all the planes in the air. To view your region or town, you can zoom in by tapping with your mouse. Click on an aeroplane, and on the left screen you will get all the info...airline, type, speed, altitude in real time ... re calculated, every 10 seconds. On some, you can also click on 'view from the cockpit'. Hope you enjoy the experience. ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/