============================================ || || 24th 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 *** A hedgehog out in this weather is a hungry hedgehog. If you see one in your garden you might want to consider putting out some appropriate food. e.g. Cat food or specific hedgehog food. See: http://lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/contacts.php This is a very useful factsheet and is worth printing off and keeping in a safe place for emergencies. As our winter visitors depart, the next shift of migrants will be arriving. These will probably be held back by the late wintry weather, but you may well note sandmartins and the occasional early swallow. Thanks. Roger *** Egg robbers - security needed *** 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 *** Garden Bird Survey *** The Lincolnshire Bird Club Garden Bird Survey record sheets went out to all LNU members with the AGM mailing. Your help with these will be very much appreciated. For more information, see: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/information/garden_bird_survey.htm I strongly recommend that contributors who report lots of quite common "garden regulars" have a go at the survey in order to put together a useful wider picture across the county. You can then refocus your Bulletin reports on particular species of interest. e.g. species showing unusual changes in numbers or seasonality. *** 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 - Reminder *** 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 *** 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 - reminder *** 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. *** 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 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** Ruth Snelson writes: Our website is up and running with no problems. www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Amazing photograph of Earth, The Sun and comet Pan-STARRS *** http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/pickoftheweek/Panstarrs_Mar09_13.jpg *** Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** LWT Grantham Branch *** Marion Ellis writes: Fri 12 April 7.30pm Barkston & Syston Village Hall The Wildlife Trusts' Film "100 Years of Nature Conservation" *** 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: 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/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** The scheme has been running now for 21 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 15/3 4 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, m Hen Harrier, Jack Snipe, Wheatear, Frampton Marsh American Wigeon, with 500 Wigeon, Fiskerton Fen 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Whisby, by Scotland's Farm entrance, with Greylags. 16/3 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Whisby, by Scotland's Farm entrance, with Greylags. Slavonian Grebe near Boston, River Witham mouth Hen Harrier m flew west over Saltfleetby St Peter 17/3 20 Waxwings, Skegness, Beacon Way 2 Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Lincoln, Hartsholme Park Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2 m Hen Harriers, Gibraltar Point 3 Tundra Bean Geese, Whisby, by Scotland's Farm entrance, with Greylags. American Wigeon, with 500 Wigeon, Fiskerton Fen, 38 Whooper Swans flew NW Smew redhead, Freiston Shore. Red Kite flew along sea bank. 18/3 50+ Waxwings, Messingham, Brigg Road 28 Whooper Swans, Huttoft Pit 19/3 98 Whooper Swans flew N over Fulbeck 100+ Whooper Swans flew NW over Bardney 12 Whooper Swans flew NW over Bourne South Fen Rough-legged Buzzard reported 2 miles ESE of Caistor at Rothwell Lesser Scaup drk reported Freiston Shore Scaup drk, redhead Smew, Freiston Shore White-tailed Eagle, 50 Whooper Swans, $ Eurasian White- fronted Geese, f Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh White-tailed Eagle near Frampton flew NE over Kirton Marsh into the Wash 20/3 2 Twite, 28 Whooper Swan, Marston Sewage Works Red-crested Pochard, redhead Smew, Freiston Shore American Wigeon, Fiskerton Fen Caspian Gull, Gainsborough Landfill site 21/3 Bittern, Boultham Mere American Wigeon, Fiskerton Fen 3 Common Cranes over Hartsholme Country Park Willow Warbler, Marston Sewage Works 22/3 Lesser Scaup, Smew redhead, Freiston Shore, on lagoon 39 Waxwings, Beckingham by bus shelter Caspian Gull, North Hykeham, Millennium Green White Wagtail, Whisby Nature Park Hen Harrier ringtail over Worlaby Carrs 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. Cliff Morrison writes: Our house backs onto the dunes at the Theddlethorpe end of the reserve and we have a garden surrounded by tall trees, including conifers, protecting us from the worst of the north and easterly blasts. This year they have been a great blessing, since almost all of the winds have been off the sea. The winds have brought up large quantities of the bryazoan animal, greater horn wrack (Flustra foliacea) up the beach, along with small quantities at least 2 species of seaweed bladder wracks. The high spring tides around the 12th March consolidated all of this seaweed along the whole length of the reserve dune edge and it is now up to 5 metres wide in some areas 0.5 metres deep. Unusually, for the time of year, there are lots of cuttlefish bones, both large and small, spread throughout the tide-rack. Having researched, it appears that cuttlefish winter in deeper waters before coming closer to shore to breed and lay eggs during the spring, after which they die. At this time, I can only conclude that the stormy weather has resulted in increased pre-breeding mortality. I was also surprised to find out that the annual fishing landings in the UK for cuttlefish has been unto 30,000 tons over the past 10 years, so they are quite common, particularly in the English Channel. What I have also found in the tide-rack have been many hatched whelk egg bundles and more interestingly, a couple of dozen 'mermaid purses', which is the common collective name for ray and dogfish egg cases. Some years ago, it was not uncommon to find these cases along our beaches, but now it is a rare even, certainly here at Theddlethorpe. Having checked the Shark Trust website, I find that they are currently undertaking a survey of egg cases found on beaches as one means of assessing species distribution. There is also an Egg case Identification Key that can be downloaded, along with a request to enter data onto the site. Having keyed out the 2 types of egg cases I found, one is definitely that of the Thornback Ray, whilst the other probably originates from the Undulate Ray, but could possibly from the Spotted Ray. Having spoken with a member of the Trust, who felt that the latter was possibly the most likely in the N. Sea, so I'm sending my samples for final confirmation. They also said that they had very few records for any species from Lincolnshire, so they would be pleased to gather as much information as possible. The Shark Trust have carried out much important conservation work, both nationally and internationally since they were incorporated, particularly in respect of responsible ray fishing in UK seas and shark finning at an international level. The high tides also finally stripped the last of the samphire seeds and twite, as mentioned by John above, are now dispersing. This morning, 21st March, there were actually 6 perched in willow trees in our garden, the first I've seen here in 30 years. Some of the twite were in full song, very uplifting hear on such a cold, if sunny day, but also an indication that they will soon be heading for their Pennine breeding areas. For much of this winter, there has been a flock of about 55 goldfinches, that have frequented the southern end of the reserve, rough grassland around the gas plant and in the late afternoon, our garden. So many cheerfully calling birds certainly make the cold cloudy days more pleasant. The attraction of the garden is, of course, the ample supply of niger seed. I carry out the BTO thrush surveys in 3 squares, which include the gas plant and dunes south of Churchill Lane. Thrushes have been extremely thin on the ground this year, including blackbirds, which have often been in single figures in each square. The exception has been garden, where we feed a wide range of food. Blackbird numbers have been in double figures for the past couple of months, but as John points out, most male blackbirds have now left for the continent. Of the 16 blackbirds in the garden this morning, only 3 were males. John also mentions starlings, which also roost in our large conifers in the autumn as they first arrive and again in March/early April, as they gather before migrating eastwards. Last week, there were over 300 each evening, but less than 50 this week, so they too have been leaving. These starlings do not take from our feeders or ground food at all, but feed in the local grass fields whilst they are here and simply use our roosting facilities. Over the weekend, Friday 15th through Monday 18th 0400hrs, I jointly undertake a MarineLife cetacean/bird survey on a DFDS vessel out of Immingham to Cuxhaven and back. On the Sunday morning return journey, as the ship turned westward away from the Dutch Friesian coast, the latitude was exactly the same as that of Theddlethorpe. There was a steady visible migration of lapwings and passerines battling low over the water against a strong SE wind. I speculated that these were birds that had had left Lincolnshire the previous evening, possibly even from Theddlethorpe and even our garden. Species included blackbirds, song thrushes, chaffinches, starlings, a couple of wood pigeons, a robin and skylark. Several of the very tired starling parties landed on the bridge deck and were of great interest to lesser black-backed gulls. See Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe report below. *** 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 15.3.13 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Rabbits (3) feeding in open on lawn at 1pm Long-tailed fieldmice (2) in garage Buzzard feeding around molehills in lawn Sparrowhawk takes Tree sparrow from feeder Wireworm active in flower bed soil Hundon Manor Farm ponds TA 112 026 Coot (4) Moorhen (2) Tufted duck (6) All these birds aggressively interacting on pond Brigg Road garden TA 113 020 Common frogs (2) in pond Tench active in pond Sparrowhawk, female, catches Blackbird Caistor Wildlife Area TA 111 015 Barn owl regularly flying over adjacent field Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Stoat Common buzzard North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 Frogs spawn 1st this year Coal tits (3) courtship display in Elder Songthrush singing, breaking snails Sparrowhawk, male, catches Blackbird FENTON/LAUGHTERTON SK847761 (nominal) Richard Fox 18th March 2013 c. 80 Bewick Swans flying north wonderful sight but no camera! HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 20/3/13 Here in my town garden we have seen an increase in visiting birds this week. This was Wednesday's sightings on and around the feeders :- Siskin 5 Greenfinch 3 Goldfinch 1 Chaffinch 1m + 1f Coal Tit 1 Longtailed Tit 1 Blue Tit 2 Great Tit 2 House Sparrow 12 Starling 1 Dunnock 2 Robin 1 Blackbirds 1m + 1f Collared Doves 2 Wood Pigeon 2 Feral Pigeon 2 HORNCASTLE TF261691 Robert Walker 21/3/13 9.00pm Thursday On path in rear garden, adult, full grown hedgehog. First appearance of the year, if only the weather was better! HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) JANE PENNINGTON Date: 16/3 toads 3 - run over on a road in the village Date: 17/3 chaffinch Date: 19/3 wrens 2 Date: 21/3 owl 1 hooting SHORT FERRY (near intake works) TF091 718 15th March Steve Green Mink ran across the road Having never seen one before, I've now seen two in six months. Is this a sign of increasing numbers? WORLABY Jenny Haynes 15 March 2013 A barn owl flew along a ditch beside the road level with my car. This was about 5.45pm. Beautiful sight. Barn owls have been sighted in this area for many years but I've not seen one so close before. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A. Parsons 16/3 Whooper Swan NW over towards Tattershall 19/3 2 Tawny owls calling 5.15am 19/3 woodmouse - dead WRANGLE COMMON 19/03/2013 Roy and Kath Pearson A one hour walk today revealed two aspects of interesting behaviour. Firstly, the Buzzards seemed to be amusing themselves by repeatedly diving on the Curlew flock (c80 birds), causing mass hysteria. Secondly, twenty Snipe were again on the wet clover field and when disturbed flew-off in a tight group. I have never observed this behaviour before this winter. Usually when I disturb Snipe, they tend to fly-off as individuals in all directions, but these birds lift-off together and maintain a tight cohesive flock in the air. Teal numbers have now reached fifty birds and an Oystercatcher was very vocal on a prospective breeding ground, but no Lapwings were seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 22nd March 2013. John Walker, Roger Briggs, Steve Hall, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Cliff Morrison sent in the following: Although there has been the occasional short spell of weak sunshine the weather has remained cold. A sharp ground frost of -7.0°C was recorded on the 19th. Days are now blessed with an utterance of some bird song notably from Robin, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Woodpigeon and some territorial displays. A pair of Great-spotted Woodpeckers have been regularly seen and heard around Sea View. A fine male Hen Harrier was seen hunting over the marsh at Rimac on the 18th and at least 2 Water Rails have been squealing in that area during the week. On the 19th a few redwings were present, but soon passed through, whilst on the 20th, about 80 pink-footed geese flew north in the early morning, a typical time for birds leaving Norfolk at dawn. The Sea View Washland continues to attract up to 40+ Wigeon, 35 Teal, 60+ Curlew and 24 Redshank. A water vole swam across a ditch near Rimac on the 18th. John Walker adds: THEDDLETHORPE, John Walker 17 to 21 Mar 13. Snowdrops still in flower and a few crocus emerging and the odd elder and hawthorn in sheltered dune hollows breaking into leaf, indicating the cold air and ground temper- atures. Bumblebees, bluebottles and house flies emerged on my SW-facing wall on Tues and Thurs afternoons in the strong sunshine, even though temperatures did not exceed 6.0c. Birdsong has been strong on those days, with great and blue tits, blackbird, robin, wren, bullfinch, skylark, reed bunting, yellowhammer, red legged partridge, woodpigeon and collared dove all noted singing and great spotted woodpeckers drumming in trees near my house. A few siskins and c80 twite are still wintering here but blackbird numbers are declining as males begin to return to mainland Europe. A murmuration of c 300 starlings in local trees was one of the largest gatherings I've seen this winter, illustrating how steeply this species has declined over the past 30 years (about 75% I recall a roost in Saltfleet of c 40000 in the early 1980s). At least 4 barn owls have been seen daytime feeding in the local area, and rooks are attending their very battered nests with jackdaws inspecting tree holes and chimneys. No doubt spring weather will arrive, but not this month if the 10 day forecast is correct. RSPB WASH Reserves - Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx Reports for February 2012. John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Grahame Hopwood and Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites 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 22.03.13 BIRDS Max. nos. Avocet 6 barn owl blackbird 20+ black-headed gull 30+ blue tit 8 Canada goose 8 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 8 collared dove 2 common gull 20 coot 50 cormorant 2 curlew 8 dunnock 7 gadwall 2 goldcrest goldeneye 4 goldfinch 5 GC grebe 3 GS woodpecker great tit 4 greenfinch 2 grey heron greylag goose 50 herring gull house sparrow 15 kestrel long tailed tit 6 magpie 3 mallard 12 marsh harrier F moorhen 6 mute swan 6 oystercatcher 2 peregrine pheasant 2 pochard 12 redshank 6 reed bunting 2 robin 8 shelduck 7 shoveler 4 song thrush 2 sparrowhawk 2 starling C.3,000 teal 4 tufted duck 16 water rail 2 wigeon 30 willow tit wood pigeon 4 wren 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ... Thanks to Julia Smith Derby Cathedral peregrines: http://www.derby.gov.uk/apps/peregrines/webcam3.asp Lincolnshire Bird Club Peregrine Project: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/pegcam.html ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/