============================================ || || 19th January 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.... *** I would very much like to boost our readership, which seems to have reached an equilibrium just above the 1000 reader mark. New readers seem to join at about the same rate as people resign. If we are to recruit new readers we need your help, please. Do you know of anyone who has yet to give the Bulletin a try? You can use the link at the bottom of each Bulletin to "forward a friend". There is time yet for cold weather, but you may have noticed catkins, shoots growing and buds swelling. Reports of early wildlife events will be welcome. The winter richness of bird life dominates reports at this time of year, but I hope this will soon give way to reports of other animal groups. If you can identify birds you can identify other species. 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. *** Roosting in Birdboxes *** M. Ellis writes: Re birds roosting in nestboxes. Wrens roost in the box used by our tree sparrows in the summer, and also in the house martins' nests under the eaves. *** Offer of Tree Guards *** 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. *** Damage to SSSIs *** Peter Roworth writes: You may be interested to know that Natural England has recently fined some off roaders for damaging a SSSI in the Peak District. Although not Lincolnshire it does send out a good message and I wondered if your readers would be interested in the following link on Natural England's website? http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/about_us/news/2014/150114.aspx *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely On Monday 13th January 2014 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust hold their evening meeting at Grimsby Town Hall where local herbalist Emma Warrener will talk about the historic, culinary and economic use of medicinal plants found in our local area. She will be telling us how to harvest them and use them for our well being. The talk will start at 7.30pm. Admission £2 - all are welcome. Trust goods stall, raffle and tea/coffee available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858 *** 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. *** 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. 16th January 2014 at 7-30pm illustrated TALK Sam Newsom Music Centre, Boston WILDLIFE OF THE NENE WASHES AND THE CORNCRAKE by Charlie Kitchen Members £2,non-members £3-50. 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.southlincsrspb.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/ 10/01/2014 9-11 Hen Harrier m, Grainthorpe Haven Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 11/01/2014 Iceland Gull, Grimsby Fish Docks Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore Long-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 6 Snow Buntings, Hen Harrier, 2 Scaup, Frampton Marsh Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe just NE of Aisby 10 Shorelarks, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, beach near Brickyard Lane car park 2 Long-tailed Ducks, Covenham Reservoir 60 Snow Buntings, Theddlethorpe - Crook Bank 12/01/2014 Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe just NE of Aisby 6 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore Great Grey Shrike, SSW of Broughton by A15 @ M180 exit Bittern, Boultham Mere Hen Harrier, Marston Sewage Works 10 Shorelarks, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, beach near Brickyard Lane car park Glaucous Gull, Stallingborough power station Hen Harrier m, Gibraltar Point 13/01/2014 Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe just NE of Aisby 6 Snow Buntings, Frampton Marsh Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore 14/01/2014 Hen Harrier ringtail, Marston Sewage Works Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe just NE of Aisby 21 Snow Buntings, ad Mediterranean Gull, Cleethorpes Coast Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore 15/01/2014 Iceland Gull east of Elsham, in field West of A15 northbound layby. Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe just NE of Aisby 5 Snow Buntings, 4 White-fronted geese, Frampton Marsh c80 Snow Buntings, c20 Twite, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe, beach near Brickyard Lane car park Lesser Whitethroat, Tetney, in garden Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point Black-throated Diver, Short-eared Owl, Cleethorpes Country Park 16/01/2014 Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Ancaster, Woodland waters Smew redhead, 2 Scaup, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits, NE pit Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe just NE of Aisby Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 17/01/2014 Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore 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. A Buckle, S Smith Gorse - in flower - A180 - Great Coats - interchange eastbound 10-1-14 Gorse in flower Grimsby riverhead office block gardens 10-1-14 Gorse records. Recorder - Jackie Freeman. 5/1/14 Linwood Warren SSSI TF 133 877 Bushes in pond area - 4 in flower, several in bud. Bushes near entrance - no flowers 12/1/14 Walesby TF 135 925 Large area of gorse on the south facing slope of a field of unimproved grassland (this field is known locally as 'The Goss') A few flowers on 18 of the bushes. A week ago there were only 7 in flower. 9/1/14 Walesby - Footpath between Mill Farm and Otby. 2 bushes on side of beck, no flowers. NETTLEHAM "Old S Bend" on A46 SK996749 Su Colman & Mark Townsend 14.25 12/1/14 Gorse (Ulex sp.) patch around the electricity pole - no flowers today *** 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. CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) New Gorse location: Brigg Road TA 108 033 3 bushes, no flowers Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 11.1.14 Brigg Road farmland TA 106 036 Kestrel 11th Jan Brigg Road garden TA 113 020 J Foster Bullfinch 12th Jan 1st Snowdrops Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Blackbird fatal window-strike Sparrowhawk m 12th Jan Common wasp in house 12th Jan Fungus gnats 2 11th Jan Lacewings 25 in shed 12th Jan Winter gnats 10 12th Jan Hazel catkins 11th Jan Scarlet elfcup 12th Jan Hundon Manor Farm ponds TA 112 026 P Robinson Coots 4 12th Jan Mallards 2 12th Jan North Kelsey Road TA 116 015 A Wish Blackbirds, Great tits, Robins singing CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carton le Moorland Jeremy Hutchinson 11 January 2014 3 Goldcrests Buzzard (causing panic amongst Mallard on pond, even though flying over leisurely) 12 January Song thrush singing early morning Small party Long-tailed Tits GS Woodpecker (1) DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve TF187083 Date: 11/01//20134Observer: Ian Gordon Time: 0930- 1200 Weather: Sunny, cold, breezy Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Carrion Crow Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Corn Bunting Dunnock Gadwall Goldeneye Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Kestrel Lapwing Little Grebe Long-eared Owl Mallard Magpie Moorhen Mute Swan Pheasant Pink-footed Goose Reed Bunting Robin Rook Siskin Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren Yellowhammer Mammals: Grey Squirrel FAR INGS A Buckle S Smith 12-1-14 Spurge Laurel in flower Far Ings - TA-00858-22933 LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 18/01/2014 Jayne Knight 12/01/14 Blackbird heard singing, 11-o-clockish, while in the Beaumont Fee/City Hall Car Park. NETTLEHAM SK996746 Su Colman & Mark Townsend 14.30 12/1/14 Hazel Catkins (Corylus avellana) NETTLEHAM (The Jitty Footpath) SK996757 Su Colman & Mark Townsend 14.00 12/1/14 Elder - first leaves (Sambucus nigra) RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 13.01.14 Sparrowhawk (juv, probably male) targeting my bird feeders, sitting on fence for a long time, turning his neck nearly 360 degrees 15.01.14 Sparrowhawk again, but no signs of any success so far Wren Rabbit 16.01.14 LORDS & LADIES starting to emerge in my garden, only green so far TF 311 850 (approx) 11.01.14 Buzzard soaring STICKFORD TF 357603 13/01/14 Garry Steele First returning Great Crested Newt seen in my garden wildlife pond today. THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 10/01/14 Barn Owl x 1 Chaffinch x 3 Heron x 1 Fox x 1 Short Tailed Field Vole x 2 13/01/14 Barn Owl x 1 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 11.30pm 17/01/14 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 2 Blue Tit x 3 Chaffinch x 3 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 25 Robin x 1 Starling x 29 WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 14/01/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson Water Rail WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons Little Egret at TF217550 on 10/01/2014 Botany: 11/01/2014 Hazel catkins out. Snowdrops up - showing white but not yet open. Winter aconite shoots coming up. Red campion in flower. 16/01/2014 Little Egret on Castle Dyke Bank [TF 24 52] 17/01/2014 Song thrush WRANGLE COMMON 11/01/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson Green Sandpiper (2) Curlew (c50) Water Rail (1) Roe Deer (4) Fox (1) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Reserve partly open at time of writing. 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: 17th January 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth Although there was a keen frost of -7.75°C (ground) and -3.0°C (air) on the 12th, the remainder of the week has been relatively mild with daytime temperatures rising to 10.5°C on the 16th. Eighty plus Snow Buntings were seen near Crook Bank on the 11th and nearby on the edge of the buckthorn Yellowhammers (20+) and Reed Buntings (10+) occurred. A herd of 28 Whooper Swans have been on winter rape fields near Saltfleetby during the week and have been flying over Sea View most evenings to roost. Bullfinches returned to N of Sea View with 8 seen in buckthorn bushes on the 13th, the male birds looking very striking against the orange berries. The mild temperatures have encouraged some bird song including Great Tits, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Dunnock and Robin. Several flocks of Lapwing have been observed over the reserve with 60 and 80 south on the 13th and 90 north on the 16th. Occasional Woodcock have been roding over the dunes, 120 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Churchill on the 14th and on the same day 2 Green Sandpipers were disturbed from a nearby ditch. Usually Barn Owls hunt over the reserve at this time of year but JW reports that he has not seen one for several weeks. Looking back to this time last year, readers may be interested to know that snow was lying up to a depth of 100mm and the ground temperature recorded on the 17th was -12.0°C. RSPB RESERVES http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx SOUTH LINCS HIGHLIGHTS South Lincolnshire Monthly Bird Highlights Reports for December 2013 John Badley Recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Assisted by Colin Jennings RSPB Frampton Marsh Numbers of wildfowl remained high, with up to 20 Whooper Swans roosting overnight throughout, 2000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 350 Pink-footed Geese and 2000 Wigeon. Waders were also numerous with up to 1500 Golden Plovers and 700 Lapwings, accompanied by up to 20 Ruff (14th). Regularly seen were two Scaup and up to 10 Snow Buntings, but fly-overs included Lapland Bunting (11th) and Glossy Ibis (17th). Mediterranean Gull (9th), Water Pipit (13th) and Woodcock (23rd) were only seen on single dates with Jack Snipe (8th & 10th) on two. Disappointingly Twite was also only seen on one date (13th). Gibraltar Point NNR The highlight at the end of a very good autumn was a Hume’s Warbler (1st- 3rd) but the last migrant was a swallow (15th). A Crane flew over (1st), but didn’t linger. Wildfowl included a count of 1600 Pink-footed Geese (1st) and Black-throated Diver (15th), while waders were represented by 3300 Golden Plovers (1st) and Woodcock (22nd). Water Pipits were seen on two dates (7th & 13th) with six Snow Bunting on one date (1st). Other sites Herds of Bewick’s and Whooper Swans were seen at both Branston Fen and Nocton Fen, with Whooper Swans also seen at Pinchbeck Slipe (Spalding) and Willow Tree Fen. The usual two Red-crested Pochards remained at Swanholme Lakes. A nice duo of Long-tailed Duck (7th & 14th ) and Scaup (11th) visited Kirkby Pits. Brief encounters included a Ring-necked Parakeet at Lincoln (4th) and Glaucous Gull at Deeping High Bank (5th). Great Grey Shrikes were at Bassingham Fen (7th-15th) and Culverthorpe Lakes (21st). Two Cetti’s Warblers were wintering at Marston STW (12th). A Glossy Ibis at Deeping Lakes (31st) was a fine end to the year. 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. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Not yet sure if this will extend the next year. Have a look. 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 etc. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. Latest Mailfails - see notes above. No mailfails this week. *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Cockroach Burrows Into Sleeping Man's Ear http://news.sky.com/story/1193182/cockroach-burrows-into-sleeping-mans-ear Oldest evidence of sex in flowering plants http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25674745 'Unique' bird migration discovered http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25661650 Hypnotic wind map captures Earth's heavenly currents http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/12/19/earth_wind_maps/ also see: http://earth.nullschool.net/ Yorkshire tyre-fire Visible from space http://uk.news.yahoo.com/video/playlist/fighting-fires/ ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/