============================================= || || 2nd February 2014 || || 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 1096 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. A Sign-up Form can now be found on: http://eepurl.com/zmFMT Past 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 contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** Sadly I may not be able to make two very interesting-looking RSPB talks this month. I am extremely cheesed off to be missing these. 13th February 2014 on a 'Gambian Spectacular' by Mike Wilkes and February 20th - 'Trinidad and Tobago' by Steve Keightley. You will understand my disappointment when I tell you that I was introduced to bird watching by ornithologist, Richard ffrench, author of "A guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago." I also worked in The Gambia in the 1980s and had several year's worth of outstanding birding there. It would be some consolation to know some Bulletin readers were going along to enjoy what will no doubt be two excellent RSPB presentations. Feel free to torment me about what I have missed. My favourite Gambian bird has to be the Ground Hornbill, but it is a hard choice. As for Trinidad birds, I would choose the stunning combination of egrets and Scarlet Ibis in Caroni mangrove swamp. There is the possibility of winter turning up this month. If you are not yet signed up for Met Office alerts, maybe you should be. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails Thanks to everyone who has sent in reports, questions, news of events etc. Please keep your contributions coming, including Gorse and Lords & Ladies records. Also "And finally..." suggestions. Roger *** LNU Events *** 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. The programme of indoor meetings starts next month. To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Next Meeting: Saturday, February 15, 2014 Recorders’ Meeting Meet LNU recorders, hear news of species reported in 2013, get help with identification. Everyone is welcome at LNU meetings, but of course it is always good to have new members sign up and become involved in our work. You can do this via the LNU website: http://lnu.org/join.php *** Coastal Reserve Closures *** Please refer to the relevant blogs or websites to make sure that coastal reserves are open for business. Most are, at least partly. Check the LWT website and blogs for updates on reserve restrictions: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Should there be any hint of further flooding problems on any reserve please stay away and allow the staff and volunteers to deal with any remedial work. Alkborough Flats update from Anna Moody: It is unlikely that Alkborough Flats will re-open until the middle to the end of February. We're working hard to rectify the damage and make the site accessible again but due to the nature of the damage that was caused, this is going to take time. Editor adds: If any Reserve Wardens need to pass on information re reserve access or ask for help from Bulletin readers please do not hesitate to contact me. *** Tree Guards - Free to a Good Home! *** Rodge Brownlow writes: We have a quantity of Tubex type tree guards that have been used once but would stand further use. Sizes are 90 cm, 75 cm and 60 cm - all would require stakes and ties. All free - collection from Sturton by Stow Tel 01427 788623 if you are interested. *** Fox Question *** Noel Loxley, Barrow upon Humber, asks: We have had a few visits from a pair of foxes (dog and vixen) appearing in the garden around eight in the morning that wander past the conservatory from next doors adjoining garden and amble up the drive. Is there anyone I can contact locally who is knowledgeable re. these creatures and could advise possible reasons for this fairly recent addition to our wildlife sightings. Only a matter of a couple of weeks. She (the vixen) has been calling recently in the wood and fields across the road late at night. We are in a very rural environment and have never before observed (what I thought) might be this out of character daytime behaviour around properties. Maybe looking for a new den? *** Dead Golden Plover *** Stuart Britton writes: I was very interested to read Imogen Wilde's report of a dead Golden Plover in Bailgate with a neck wound. In view of the City location and proximity to the Cathedral could it be that the local Peregrines dropped one of their kills? Analysis of prey remains at nest sites have revealed over 100 different species, many of these are nocturnal migrants so this bird might fit the bill. *** Coastal Bird Recording *** Alison Lloyd writes: I own some land in Saltfleetby, which is part of the Coastal Grazing Marshes Project, and am just wondering if any subscribers to this bulletin would be interested in recording the bird life on these fields? Please get in touch if you think this would be possible. Alison Lloyd 07725 224295 *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 10th February 2014 at the latest Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust indoor meeting, local wildlife and landscape photographer Mike Pickwell will give an illustrated talk -"A year of Nature photography." This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall at 7.30pm. Admission £2, all are welcome. There will be Trust goods stall, raffle and tea/coffee available. For further details please contact chair person Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. On Wednesday 12th February 2014 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a guided winter 1 -2 mile walk around Tetney Blow Wells Nature Reserve with the wardens. Meet at St.Peter & St. Paul's church in Church Lane Tetney at 1.30pm. No dogs please. Walking boots or wellies recommended and please wear suitable clothing. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. Tea and cake may be available in the church afterwards for a small fee but no muddy boots. To book a place and for further information please contact warden Clifford Jukes - 01472 814887 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section. *** Keith Scarrott writes: Second meeting for 2014 on Monday, 10th February, starting at 7.15pm. Graham Catley, local Professional Ornithologist and Photographer will be giving an illustrated talk on "The Birds of Laughton Forest". Graham has given us thorough insights into bird populations in various areas in past excellent talks. Come and learn about Laughton Forest's birds. The meeting takes place in the upper room of the North Lincolnshire Museum on Oswald Road in Scunthorpe. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no admission charge but a donation bowl is provided. There is free parking behind the museum and on Oswald Road. For further details please contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Hedgehog Street survey *** http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ for 2014 survey details, see: http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html *** Wash Cruises 2014 - not to be missed *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB ( www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire ) has announced the dates for their 2014 series of Birdwatching Cruises into The Wash estuary and River Welland. During 2013 over 105 species were seen, averaging 64 per cruise, and each cruise is manned by experienced Spotters. Apart from birds, basking seals are also regularly seen. Each cruise departs from Boston's Grand Sluice lock and lasts between four and five hours. Everybody is welcome. RSPB members £17-50 (under 16 £9-50). Non members £20 (£10-50) Booking via The South Holland (Spalding) ticket agency is essential 01775-764777 or online www.southhollandcentre.co.uk where full details can be found. 14 cruises have been arranged for 2014 starting 25th April, with various sailing times every month, and concluding on 16th October. *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ Maureen Staples writes: RSPB indoor meeting at Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln on Thursday 13th February 2014 on a 'Gambian Spectacular ' by Mike Wilkes. Start 7.30pm, RSPB members £3.00 Non members £4.00 *** South Lincs RSPB *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: Forthcoming dates for the 2013/2014 programme of Events. Members and non-members welcome. ILLUSTRATED TALK at Boston's Sam Newsom Music Centre February 20th at 7-30pm "Trinidad and Tobago" by Steve Keightley, featuring the wildlife of these Caribbean Islands RSPB members £2 non-members £3-50. ILLUSTRATED TALK at Boston's Sam Newsom Music Centre March 20th at 7-30pm "Puffin around Shetland" by Richard Ashby, highlighting Spring migrants RSPB members £2 non-members £3-50 FREE GUIDED WALK at Boston Cemetery (meet in Crematorium car park) April 5th at 10am Looking for Spring migrants and wild flowers ILLUSTRATED TALK at Boston's Sam Newsom Music Centre April 24th at 7-30pm "Montana USA" by Alan Knight, featuring the wildlife of The Rockies, prairies and Yellowstone Park RSPB members £2 non-members £3-50 *** S Lincs RSPB *** http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Barn Owl Trust - with Avaaz.org *** Julia Smith, Annette Faulkner and Garry Steele have Suggested the following Barn Owl Trust petition may be of interest to Bulletin readers: Save Britain's Barn Owls Barn owls, a majestic icon of the British countryside, are dying off in their thousands. A changing climate and habitat loss is part of the picture, but Britain's barn owls are also being killed by powerful rat poisons being used on farms across the country. When owls eat poisoned rodents, they ingest toxins which can cause internal bleeding. Although not all die as a direct result, experts believe the poisons affect their ability to hunt and breed. 8 in 10 barn owls have been found to have these poisons in their bloodstreams, but there is a glimmer of hope for this beautiful predator. The government is reviewing how such poisons are used. Let's flood the minister responsible for the review with demands to impose stricter controls on these powerful poisons, restricting where and how they are used and throwing a lifeline to our owls. Sign here to stop barn owls dying, and help protect one of the best-loved symbols of Britain's wildlife. http://www.avaaz.org/save_britains_barn_owls More information: http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/infopage.html?Id=343 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 25/01 Great Northern Diver, Freiston Shore on lagoon 4 White-fronted Geese, 2 Hen Harriers, 2 Bewick's Swans, 30 Whooper Swans, 7,000 Golden Plovers, 2 Scaup, 5 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh 3 Scaup, Kirkby on Bain gravel pits, Riverslea pit 13 Shorelarks near Brickyard lane, 110+ Snow Buntings near Churchill lane car park, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe dunes Waxwing west dunes, Juv m Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 26/01 Great Northern Diver, Freiston Shore on lagoon 2 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh Iceland Gull, Grimsby Fish Docks, North Quay Waxwing west dunes, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl Gibraltar Point Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe 27/01 Great Grey Shrike, Butterwick Hale by M180 E of J3. 2 Long-tailed Ducks, Covenham Reservoir Glaucous Gull juv, NW of Pyewipe on sea wall by Stallingborough power station 2 Smew redheads, Deeping Lakes Glaucous Gull juv, North Hykeham, Millennium Green then to Teal Lake Bittern, Far Ings, from Ness Lake hide Bittern, Boultham Mere Slavonian Grebe offshore, Gibraltar Point 5 Snow Buntings, 2 Scaup, Frampton Marsh and Rough-legged Buzzard reported over saltmarsh 28/01 Hen Harrier m, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier juv, Marston Sewage Works 29/01 Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 10 Shorelarks near Brickyard lane, near Churchill lane car park, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe dunes 5 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh 30/01 Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 31/01 Waxwing in West Dunes, 2 Little Gulls and Skua spp flew South, Gibraltar Point Smew redhead, Deeping Lakes south of Brickyard lane car park, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe dunes 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. GORSE and Lords and Ladies - reports please Gorse - Is it in flower? If it is, are there abundant flowers or just a few? http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/gorse http://www.plantlife.org.uk/wild_plants/plant_species/gorse/ Lords and Ladies - reports please. Are the leaves spotted or not? http://www.plantlife.org.uk/wild_plants/plant_species/lords-and-ladies http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/lords-and-ladies Reports may be sent in via the Bulletin. Please separate them from your main report so I can include them here. Many thanks. *** 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. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve TF187083 Date: 23/01//2014 Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 1530 - 1545 Weather: Heavy rain and hail, windy, cold: Birds: Smew ( Redhead) 20/01/2014 PM (reported by Bob Titman) Long-eared Owl Mandarin Duck 29/01/2014 AM (reported by Brian Stone) Willow Tit Venue: Vine House Farm - Deeping St. Nicholas Date: 25/01/2014 Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 0900 - 1200 Weather: Heavy rain, windy, cold (for a change) Birds: Barn Owl Black-headed Gull Blackbird Blue Tit Brambling Chaffinch Collared Dove Corn Bunting Goldfinch Greenfinch Great Black-backed Gull Great Tit Herring Gull House Sparrow Lapwing Linnet Magpie Pheasant Pied Wagtail Pochard Robin Sparrowhawk Stock Dove Tree Sparrow Woodpigeon Wren Yellowhammer Mammals: Muntjac Deer Venue - Crowland-Cloot Drove Date: 26/01/2014 Observer: Ian Gordon Time:1145 - 1225 Weather: Sunny, breezy, mild Birds: Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Coot Crow Fieldfare Great Tit Green Woodpecker Linnet Mistle Thrush Pied Wagtail (White) Reed Bunting Rook Sparrowhawk Starling Wood Pigeon FENTON SK844 772 Richard Fox 29th January 2014 Green Woodpecker 'yaffling' Herd of 50 Mute Swan on oilseed rape field Woodcock flushed by my Border Terrier NOCTON RISE, B1188 TF0465 Charlie Barnes Polecat/ferret dead on road POTTERHANWORTH HEATH, B1178 TF0164 Charlie Barnes 26 January 2014 Brown rat POTTERHANWORTH HEATH, B1178 TF0365 Charlie Barnes 26 January 2014 Brown rat THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Steve Hiner and Paul Snow 25/01/14 Goosander x 4 26/01/14 Blackbird x 1 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 15 Kestrel x 1 Starling x 35 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 1.15am Fox x 2 fighting making a big commotion 6.00am 31/01/14 Barn Owl x 1 along river bank, Owston Ferry - Kelfield Blackbird x 1 Black Headed Gull x 39 Chaffinch x 15 Dunnock x 2 Greenfinch x 31 Kestrel x 1 female showing interest on pole mounted nest box in my paddock Lesser Black Backed Gull x 12 Tree Sparrow x 39 Fox x 1 Short Tailed Field Vole x 1 Wood Mouse x 1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 27/01 estimated 40-50 Blackbirds feeding on windfall apples. A few Fieldfares - 5-6. 28/01 Tawny owls calling in garden - 6am. 28/01 Little Egret - Glebe Farm, Hurnbridge Road, TF 217550. 10.30am. 30/01 Brown rat adult - 11.05hrs - foraging happily in orchard. Barn owl hunting along drain - Glebe Farm, Hurnbridge Road, TF 217550. 07.30am. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs and S Lincs Highlights including RSPB Wash Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1006059.aspx Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/1006128.aspx Week ending: 31st January 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth A large mixed feeding flock of corvids has been seen during the week between Churchill and Crook Bank which included Jackdaws 260, Rooks 170 and Carrion Crows 130. There has also been a roost flock of 53 Magpies. Up to 30 Blackbirds, 30 Redwings, 15 Reed Buntings and 4 Woodcock occurred in the same area. Elsewhere on the reserve a fine male Hen Harrier quartered the saltmarsh and 3 male Bullfinches were seen near Sea View on the 28th and another two near Brickyard. Five Long-tailed Tits were at Sea View on 31st. A skein of 24 Pink- footed geese flew North on the 24th and 24 Lapwing flew high over Sea View on the 31st. Snow Buntings were reported to have reached 100+ and Shore Larks up to 13 during the week. A pair of Roe Deer have been seen on the saltmarsh. A brief sea watch on the 24th yielded a single Great-crested Grebe on the sea, 3 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Divers, 5 Teal flying north and 16 Cormorants. In local gardens aconites and snowdrops are coming into flower and there are hazel catkins. RSPB RESERVES http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx SOUTH LINCS HIGHLIGHTS South Lincolnshire Monthly Bird Highlights Reports for John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley Assisted by Colin Jennings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/nnr/1083404.aspx http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News - no report this week See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire using modern Information and Communication Technology. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Sundays. Please e-mail in your contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save reediting: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** Contacts List *** WILDLIFE CRIME *** 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 http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ *** Report Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara STAYING SAFE *** 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/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. 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. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful - especially if you are encouraging young people to have a go - e.g. Wildlife Watch group members. "They suggest the species in your area that best match what you have found." http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys 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. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: 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 *** 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 *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Grow-you-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ *** 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.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/hartsholmecp contact Park Rangers at hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk Tornado and Storm Research Organisation http://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/ Hedgehog Street survey http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ for 2014 survey, see: http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html RSPB Contact Details RSPB Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://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/ Lincsbirders - Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ 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 Readers websites and videos: Joan Gunson's Moths recorded 2013: http: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 Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - excellent video by David Robinson http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ BBC Radio 4 Tweet of the day: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s6xyk *** 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 http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Indoor Winter Meetings: Saturday, February 15, 2014 Recorders’ Meeting Saturday, March 08, 2014 AGM and Presidential Address by Ian Macalpine-Leny ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 et. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. Latest Mailfails - see notes above. mail@katjaskupcakes.co.uk - soft bounce *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Helen Mark did an excellent "Open Country" on 25th January with a good interview of LWT's Dave Bromwich. You can hear this on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03qflhk Boulder smashes through Italian farm http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25975251 Horse chestnut tree pest spread http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25878202 Record number of birds at Slimbridge http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-25918056 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/