============================================= || || 9th 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.... *** Lincolnshire has escaped the stormy weather and flooding that has affected the south-west recently. A real winter may yet be on the way, but the general picture is more of the same. If you are not signed up for Met Office alerts, you should be. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails See The Weather Outlook for useful forecasting for your local area. http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ Thanks to everyone who has sent in reports, questions, news of events etc. Please keep your contributions coming, including Gorse and Lords & Ladies records. Charlie Barnes has put out a call for records of Broom Seed Beetles. Please help with records if you can. I hope many of you will be able to come along to the Recorders' Meeting next Saturday - 15th February. All very welcome. See note below. Please keep sending those "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. 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. Note: This is one of those LNU meetings where you can arrive at 12 noon to chat to recorders and exchange information. You are welcome to bring a "packup" and have lunch before the meeting starts officially at 2pm. The meeting is a very important occasion for us and is open to everyone. 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. *** The hunt for Bruchidius villosus, the broom seed beetle *** Charlie Barnes, County recorder for beetles, writes: Now is a great time to search for Bruchidius villosus, the broom seed beetle. The beetle feeds within the seed pods of broom, Cytisus sp., the larva eating the individual seeds from the inside out. Having pupated within the seed, the adults then eat there way out but remain inside the seed pod until it bursts open. As some seed pods of broom remain "un-burst" over winter it's possible to find the adults now - select a few firm and bumpy seed pods and gently split them open. If you're lucky you should find an adult beetle or two. Look for small black "seeds" - the broom seeds themselves are normally brown.The adults should be drowsy for a few moments, but will quickly arose once disturbed! There's an excellent write up and videos of the life-cycle of Bruchidius villosus, the broom seed beetle, and the weevil Exapion fuscirostre which also feeds on broom, at http://www.kerbtier.de/Pages/Themenseiten/enGinsterkaefer.html Despite broom being widespread over Lincolnshire, there are only 5 records of Bruchidius villosus, the broom seed beetle in the database. Can you add a dot to the map? *** 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. *** Structured species surveillance in Greater Lincolnshire *** Charlie Barnes writes: Natural England and the Environment Agency have asked the Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership to look into the feasibility of forming a network of volunteers to undertake structured species surveillance throughout Greater Lincolnshire. This is part of a national programme, with pilot networks already being tested in Norfolk and Greater Manchester. The aim of the structured surveillance programme is to provide Defra with the information necessary to monitor change in habitats and associated species and inform future management of sites by monitoring using standard methodology. A good example of a current structured species surveillance programme is the network of butterfly transects run by the UKBMS. In order to gather the views and interest for undertaking a structured surveillance programme in Greater Lincolnshire, a short questionnaire has been devised: http://goo.gl/6bYXO7. Those who currently undertake biological recording in Greater Lincolnshire, as well as those who don't, are welcome to respond - please feel free to get in touch if you would like express any views that the questionnaire doesn't specifically ask for or to discuss the idea in more detail. To allow us to report back, the deadline for comment is the 28 February, although responses after this date will still be read and views taken into account in any follow up work. Charlie Barnes Information Officer, Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership 01507 528381 charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk Editor adds: This is an initiative Bulletin readers should be supporting. Please have a look at the questionnaire and help if you can. *** 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 More information: http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/infopage.html?Id=343 Petition: http://www.avaaz.org/save_britains_barn_owls ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 01/02 5 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh Waxwing in West Dunes, Gibraltar Point Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park Great Grey Shrike SW of Culverthorpe NE of Aisby Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore 2 Smew redheads, Deeping Lakes Hen Harrier juv, Marston Sewage Works 02/02 2 Scaup, 2 Smew, 1 drk, Riverslea Pit, Kirkby on Bain Gravel Pits 2 Smew redheads, Deeping Lakes Hen Harrier male, Branston Fen 5 Snow Buntings, 2 Scaup, 4 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Frampton Marsh 03/02 30+ Snow Buntings, Cleethorpes, outer dunes east of boating lake Glaucous gull, North Hykeham, commuting between Butterley's Pit and Millennium Green Smew redhead, Deeping Lakes Slavonian Grebe, Gibraltar Point 6 Shorelarks, 80+ Snow Buntings, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe dunes north of Brickyard Lane car park Little Stint, Snow Bunting, Scaup, Frampton Marsh Smew drk, Kirkby on Bain Gravel Pits 04/02 9 Shorelarks, 50+ Snow Buntings, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe dunes north of Brickyard Lane car park Hen Harrier, 7 s past, Slavonian Grebe past, Great Northern Diver, Gibraltar Point Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Snow Bunting on strand line, Freiston Shore Hen Harrier ringtail, Dunsby Fen Great Grey Shrike SW of Culverthorpe NE of Aisby 05/02 Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 2 Smew, 1 drk, Kirkby on Bain Gravel Pits Glossy Ibis, Cleethorpes, by drain on Anderson Bank Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Little Gull Gibraltar Point 06/02 2 Smew, 1 drk, 2 Scaup, Kirkby on Bain Gravel Pits Spoonbill, Grainthorpe Haven Hen Harrier, Marston Sewage Works Slavonian grebe offshore, 4 Little Gulls south past Gibraltar Point Smew redhead, Deeping Lakes 07/01 Smew redhead, Deeping Lakes 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. BASSINGHAM SK903596 Robert Walker 2/2/14 Gorse 3 bushes on dyke bank of Clay lane, approx. 25% out in flower. *** 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. CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND SK902587 Robert Walker 2/2/14 Yellowhammers 8+ On roadside hedgerow also Lapwings 100+ flying over arable fields DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve TF187083 Date: 01/02//2014 Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 0930- 1200 Weather: Sunny, cold, breezy Birds: Blackbird Blue Tit Bullfinch Buzzard (7 in the air at once - shows how well they are doing in this area) Cananda Goose Carrion Crow Coot Cormorant Dunnock Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye Great Tit Grey Heron Greylag Goose Magpie Mallard Mute Swan Pochard Red Kite Red-crested Pochard Reed Bunting Robin Rook Skylark Smew(Red-head) Starling Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wren Mammals: Grey Squirrel DUNHOLME TF026792 Phil Busby Week ending 7th February 2014 Rear Gardens The small birds have not made much of an appearance this period. I had a single Great Tit appear at the weekend at the same time as a single Wren. The Wren was sitting on the wooden fence spending a long time looking backwards and forwards along the line of the fence as if waiting for bus. Unfortunately he had just missed the No 3. I have been woken at night with bird song at 3 and 4 in the morning as if it was dawn but much too early. I think all night street lights must affect their body clock. Has anyone else noticed this? Dunholme Pond. Today I saw that my solitary Moorhen has at last found a mate and the two are reunited. Also they have been joined by a mating pair of Mallard ducks. They seemed to have come a long way as they slept on the bank all day on the day they arrived. Flyovers. I have noticed a lot of undetermined specie of Sea Gulls flying over recently. Possibly brought from the coast by storm conditions. FERRIBY Humber Bank, Ferriby SE-99883-22526 A Buckle, S Smith 2-2-14 Whitlowgrass in flower HUTTOFT TR515769 Jane Pennington Date: 2/2/14 Barn owl 1 (in flight 4pm) LOUTH OS 3486 C Byatt 30 Jan 14 Heron - 1 (sitting atop a roof) NORTON DISNEY SK891590 Robert Walker 2/2/14 Fieldfares 12+ In tree on east side of village RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 22.01.14 Dunnock in song. 24.01.-07.02.14 Sparrowhawk (probably juv. male), still visiting daily; taking mostly tits. 27.01.14 About 30 Fieldfares over meadow adjoining garden, TF 309 848. 01.02.14 About 60 Fieldfares, TF 309 848. STAPLEFORD SK887576 Robert Walker 2/2/14 Kestrel 1 Buzzard 2 Over fields next to River Witham and Stapleford church THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 02/02/14 Black Headed Gull x 15 Blue Tit x 4 Chaffinch x 1 Dunnock x 1 Golden Plover x 2 Goosander x 5 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Greenfinch x 7 Kestrel x 1 male, 1 female Mallard x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Robin x 1 Rook x 17 Tree Sparrow x 31 Wren x 1 03/02/14 Blackbird x4 Chaffinch x 15 Green finch x 12 Grey Partridge x 5 Kestrel x 1 male, 2 females ( 1 female with Wood Mouse ) Marsh Harrier x 1 female Owston Ferry Warping Drain Red Legged Partridge x 5 Robin x 2 acting territorially Tree Sparrow x 51 04/02/14 Low Melwood Claypits Coot x 14 Little Grebe x 2 Mallard x 2 Tufted Duck x 20 06/02/14 Kingfisher x 1 07/02/14 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 5 Kestrel x 2 males 1 female Skylark x 1 singing high Brown Hare x 2 Hazel catkins well out WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 1/2/2014 2 Buzzards being mobbed by Crows - 11.00hrs. Little Egret on Castle Dyke Bank TF 237533 2/2/2014 Adult Brown Rat and Magpie in a confrontation on the round for some minutes - 11.30hrs. Both "having a go"! 3/2/2014 2 Little Egrets, Glebe Farm, Hurnbridge Road, TF 217550. 1.45pm. 5/2 Very large finch flock along Hurnbridge Road. TF 2153 WRANGLE COMMON 04/02/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson We did a BTO BirdTrack count today, which produced 31 Species. The geese have returned after an absence of several weeks and we counted 44 Greylags and 18 Canada. We were told this had built-up from a total of five last week. A pair of Mute Swans was seen well away from their usual territory. Other waterbirds seen were singles of Grey Heron, Curlew, Moorhen and Little Egret and 2 Cormorants, 2 Coots and 23 Mallards. Raptors were Buzzard and Kestrel. We recorded an unusually large number of Magpies (13). Winter thrushes were noticeably absent and we saw only 4 Blackbirds. A Bullfinch was a very good record. Skylarks were in song. Two Roe Deer were observed very close to some houses. They gave good views and seemed very tame. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 7th February 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Weather notes for January - this was a cold and wet month with 89.7mm (3.53") of rainfall from 25 rain days (>0.1mm in 24hrs) making it the third wettest January since 1996 when records were first kept at the NNR base (2004 112.00mm and 2008 104.5mm). Day time temperatures barely reached double figures rising to 11.25°C on the 6th. Thirteen ground frosts were recorded falling to -7.75°C on the 12th and 5 air frosts falling to -3.25°C on the 21st. Winds were characteristically from the SE-SW sector during the month except for true easterlies on the 29th and 30th. Freezing fog was observed on the 21st. Throughout the reserve in any sheltered areas of scrub, particularly sea buckthorn which still retains berries, there have been passing mixed flocks of small numbers of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Reed Bunting and occasional Bullfinch. There has been an increase in Blackbirds around the berry laden sea buckthorn between Crook Bank and Brickyard with up to 20+ birds on the 6th. Several Woodcock have been disturbed from the dunes and in the more open areas Meadow Pipits have been foraging for food amongst the short vegetation. On the 6th a Peregrine Falcon was seen to fly in from the beach and rise rapidly over the Churchill area before stooping at high speed in pursuit of a mixed flock of corvids. The attack was unsuccessful and the falcon flew off northwards. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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 *** 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. None this week. *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Presenter sees his own tapeworm http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25969675 Severn Bore surges along river - 1st Feb http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25996441 Volcano Sinabung: Deadly eruption - 1st Feb http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26000359 A little fly round from RAF Coningsby: http://www.youtube.com/embed/sjvgC1cKQGA ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/