============================================ || || 26th 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.... *** As we approach the end of January we have had little winter weather, other than a few frosty nights. The ground is saturated with recent rain. Reading through reports, there are some early signs of spring. It looks as if we may be in for some more unwelcome weather across the UK. So far Lincolnshire seems relatively unaffected, but with fields saturated and watercourses brimming, we need to be aware of changes. If you are not signed up for alerts, maybe you should be. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails High Tides are increasing in height as we approach the end of this month, with highest on 31st and 1-3 February. This could bring a Trent aegir, but only with 2 stars. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/37905.aspx http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/2014_Trent_Aegir_Predictions.pdf I expect by now most readers have registered with the Environment Agency free flood warning service. If not it might be worth doing so. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx Helen Mark did an excellent "Open Country" this week, with a good interview with LWT's Dave Bromwich. You can read about this on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03qflhk/Open_Country_Lincolnshire_Aviation_Heritage/ I could not find a link to listen to it again. Let me know if you find one, please. Thanks to all who have sent in reports, questions and news of events. 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. *** Albino Fieldfare - the sequel *** Readers may recall my report of an apparent "albino" Fieldfare on Christmas Day - photographed and sent to the County Bird Recorder [S Lincs]. I, and all who commented, thought it an impressive bird. Experience suggested Blackbird, but a few factors supported the Fieldfare alternative, not least its clear preference for the company of the Fieldfare flock. On 18th January, Trevor Lee emailed me to say: Just a little note to say we have an all white (presumed) Fieldfare at Marston today. It must surely be your bird. It was only seen twice and both times very briefly, and is with a flock of Fieldfare so it may turn out to be one after all! Editor adds: No doubt Joseph Banks would have shot it and settled the matter! *** Missing Winter Thrushes? *** John Cowell, Theddlethorpe, writes: Could I ask if there has been a shortage of Redwings & Fieldfares in the Lincolnshire Coastal strip this year? There are so many berries still on the bushes & trees and I have only seen a handful of Redwings and one group of Fieldfares (near Louth) this year. I know I am not out like the 'pros' watching everything, but I expect to see a few groups from time to time? Thanks *** 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 *** 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. 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 17/01 Great White Egret, North Cotes at Thoresby Bridge Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 18/01 Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe NE of Aisby 2 Scaup, Kirkby-on-Bain, Riverslea pit Snow Bunting, Red-crested Pochard, Frampton Marsh 10 Shorelarks, Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes on saltmarsh 1+ Short-eared Owl, Dorrington Fen Iceland Gull, Grimsby Fish Docks 19/01 10 Shorelarks, 50+ Snow Buntings, Saltfleetby/ Theddlethorpe Dunes near Brickyard Lane Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe NE of Aisby Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park Great Northern Diver, Freiston Shore Hen Harrier male, 40 Twite, Horseshoe Point Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point 20/01 2 Long-tailed Ducks, Covenham Reservoir Black-throated Diver, Cleethorpes Country Park 2 Bewick's Swans, with 37 Whooper Swans, Kirton Marsh, fields off Sandholme Lane 2 Long-eared Owls, Deeping Lakes Great Northern Diver on lagoon, Freiston Shore Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe NE of Aisby 22/01 2 Smew, Deeping Lakes Iceland Gull, Grimsby Fish Dock Great Northern Diver, Freiston Shore 23/01 Iceland Gull, Stallingborough along foreshore Great Northern Diver, Freiston Shore on main lagoon 24/01 Great Grey Shrike, Culverthorpe NE of Aisby Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point 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. GORSE SK 859 720 John Robinson 13/01/14 Large gorse bush in full flower, another bush with fewer flowers alongside cycle track at SK 859 720 on 13/01/14 GORSE Walesby TF 135 925 20/01/2014 J. Freeman. Viking Way from Mill Farm, Walesby, up to Normanby. Clump of bushes on the south-facing slope of a field of unimproved grassland, plus a small number of bushes scattered about the field. Approximately 12 of the bushes in the clump are in flower. GORSE SK938198 Jane Ostler 2 bushes on central reservation of Al . One in full flower. Wendy Handford (WH) GORSE locations: A46 Swallow TF 184 040 one bush with abundant flowers, another with a few. LORDS & LADIES TA 111 026. Plain leaves LORDS & LADIES TF 304 851 Silvia Fowler 22.01.14 Several more plants emerging foot of hedgerow, about 12 cm high, all green (no spots) TF 299 858 Silvia Fowler 22.01.14 Several clumps emerging, foot of hedgerow, 10-12 cm high, all green (no spots) *** 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) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 17.1.14 Brigg Road garden TA 113 020 J Foster Wren in wall-vent Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Foxes nightly Muntjac 17th Jan Mustelid identified from video as a feral ferret 19th Jan Rooks 2 breaking birch twigs Songthrush 17th Jan Leopard slug 18th Jan Plume moth in leafpile 20th Jan Common daisy Field scabious Ragged robin White deadnettle Turkeytail on birch Hundon Manor Farm ponds TA 112 026 P Robinson Mute swan 18th Jan CHERRY WILLINGHAM Margaret Roe 20th January 2014 TF 033720 Cherry Willingham, in trees at the Junction of Church Lane and Fiskerton Road. Flock of about 40 Redwing. DEEPING HIGH BANK R & K Heath 24/1/14 Buzzards 2 Fieldfare c100 Goosander 2 Kestrel 3 DEEPING LAKES R & K Heath 24/1/14 Bullfinches 4 Goldeneye 6 Mandrian Duck 1 R H Smew 1 DUNHOLME TF026792 Phil Busby Week ending 24th January 2014 Rear Gardens This week has seen a small influx of small birds. My resident pair of Blackbirds have returned and being a bit feisty over other bird species namely a pair of Dunnocks using the same battle space. The Dunnocks performed a spirited courtship display on the lawn with the puffed up male bouncing around the more slender female while she foraged for food. I had previously cut my lawn and I believe the shorter grass entices the smaller birds to look for insects and worms. Any comment? A patrol of Tits has started again inspecting the trees in an orderly fashion about mid morning on a fine day. Great Tits and Blue Tits were present. On the Dunholme Pond the Moorhen is still with us but still as lonely as before. FENTON SK846 767 Richard Fox 9th January 2014 Smooth newts and water boatmen very active in garden pond. FENTON SK844 772 Richard Fox 19th January 2014 Mixed flock of finches/buntings and Tree Sparrow c. 30 Reed Bunting c. 10 Greenfinch c. 20 Chaffinch c. 15 Tree Sparrow Pr. Bullfinch Brambling Great Tit 5 Blue Tit 4 Great Sp. Woodpecker drumming FILLINGHAM B1398 opp The Castle Richard Fox 22nd January 2014 Kestrel HUTTOFT BANK PITS 18/01/2014 Dave Miller – Wetland Bird Survey Bearded Tit 1 Black-headed Gull 17 Crow 2 Common Gull 36 Coot 1 Curlew 1 Gadwall 15 Kestrel 1 Lapwing 10 Little Egret 1 Long-tailed Tit 1 Magpie 1 Mallard 3 Oystercatcher 1 Sanderling 10 Sparrowhawk 1 Stock Dove 1 Whooper Swan 59 Wigeon 3 Wren 1 HUTTOFT TF512 763 (my garden) Jane Pennington Date: 17/1/2014 Chaffinch 2 (pair) Great tits 4 Robin 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Starlings 6 Robin: I keep gammon rind with fat attached that I cook during the year to hang from branches for the tits. The robin has taken to flying up and trying to feed from this. How common is this behaviour? Besides the expected snowdrops ready to burst into flower, I have flowering self-heal in the garden and one very early yellow crocus. INGHAM Road to Stow Richard Fox 22nd January 2014 Kestrel KETTLETHORPE Churchyard Richard Fox 9th January 2014 Snowdrops in full bloom A single primrose in flower (another not far off) LINCOLN - Bailgate SK976718 Imogen Wilde 22/1/14 Golden Plover. Dead on pavement, wound in neck. Seen c8.45am on school run, no longer there at 10am. [Photo available] LINCOLN - SWANHOLME LAKES Denis Jones 22 Jan 2014 A pleasant afternoon walk around Swanholme Lakes, sightings inc. Goosander 12 M + 10 F Wigeon 100+ Shovelers 6 Gt Crested Grebes 4 Red Crested Pochard 1 M + 1 F 2 Grey Herons Good numbers of Coot, Gadwall, Tufted, Mallard, Gulls RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH Silvia Fowler TF 303 846 15.01.14 Hazel in flower TF 322 856 15.01.14 Kestrel hovering alongside A16 RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 20.01.14 (frosty but sunny and calm) Great Tit calling Song Thrush in song at 16.45 hrs 18-23.01.14 Sparrowhawk visiting daily THURNHOLMES (SK79767 98400) and surrounding area Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 18/01/14 Blackbird x 1 Black Headed Gull x 32 Dunnock x 2 Golden Plover x 17 Mallard x 4 Rook x 29 Tree Sparrow x 29 Smooth Newt x 1 in brick pile 10/01/14 Blue Tit x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Golden Plover x 39 Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 1male, 1 female Rook x 12 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 1.15am Tree Sparrow x 29 Wren x 1 22/01/14 Short Tailed Field Vole x 1 23/01/14 Low Melwood Claypits Coot x 22 Mallard x 13 Moorhen x 1 Tufted Duck x 3 TORTOISESHELL WOOD SSSI SK963198 Jane Ostler 19/1/14 Mild (Maximum 7C) Very wet underfoot. ANIMALS Moles, new molehills bringing yellow clay to surface as moles seek highest ground. Hares, absent in usual northern edge field. Just one at eastern edge. Deer - just two fallow on northern edge Bank Vole and Wood Mouse - evidence of both in bitten hazel nuts. Fieldfare feeding on last of hawthorn berries Blackbird, pheasant, robin Tree Creeper on ash tree Blue Tits were most numerous small passerines Red Kite circling over Porter's Lodge Meadows Buzzard flying over woods PLANTS Ivy berries still ripening, very few rose hips, most of haws gone. Black bryony berries hung in ropes Hazel- most bushes with catkins out. One with female flowers FUNGI Orange Mosscap (Mycena fibula) 0n grass path Clustered Bonnet (Mycena inclinata) on fallen decorticate oak Common inkcap (Coprinus atramentarius) - on ride Hairy Curtain Crus (Stereum hirsutum) on fallen decaying oak Bleeding oak crust (Stereum gausapatum ) on fallen decaying oak Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) new brackets emerging Witches butter (Exidua glandulosa) on decaying oak Cramp Balls - new fruit bodies on fallen ash Dacrymyces deliquescens - on stile WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 20/01/2014 Roy and Kath Pearson Buzzard x 2 Water Rail WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 20/01/2014 Small flock of Fieldfares back in orchard. 22/01/2014 Now orchard occupied by good numbers of blackbirds. 23/01/2014 Probable adult roe deer crossing B1192 at TF 215575. 21.30hrs. 24/01 A. Parsons Little Egret at TF 257555 WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH Jane Ostler 1-7 January 2014 SK92/22 There were ten species of wild plants in flower along a prescribed route. A mixture of plants surviving from the autumn and annuals seeded since, they were spiny sow thistle, creeping thistle, groundsel, chickweed, shepherd's purse, white deadnettle, ground ivy, common speedwell, pineapple weed and ivy-leaved speedwell. Over the last ten years the highest no has been 15 and the lowest 2 (after snow). Garden llth January SK922224 Labrinth spider Tergenaria gigantea (=dueliica) Peacock Butterfly - sunning on wall Buff-tailed Bee - queen feeding on stinking Hellebore House Sparrows - have pecked off most of Oregon Grape flowers Wren - only one roosting in cleaned out bird box Goldfinches - only two at nyger seed Bullfinches - six traveling from one garden to next Goldcrest - on larch tree Above garden buzzard and kite circling, and sparrowhawk, always with us Earlier in storms a sparrow seen sheltering under woodpigeons wing whilst in flight, a dog fox 'screaming' from Stamford Road area. Common Jelly Spot Fungus Dacrymyces deliquescens - on wooden sculpture Hairy Curtain Crust Stereum hirsutum - in log pile Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor in log pile Velvet Shank Flammulina velutiipes - from tree stump ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: 24th January 2014 John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Peter & Janet Roworth A week of mixed weather with several daily frosts falling to a ground temperature of -7.0°C and air -3.25°C on the 21st when we had freezing fog which lingered for most of the day. Rainfall has fallen most days and with an accumulation of 64.2mm this is becoming the wettest January since 2008. Interesting counts from the two WeBS sections on the 18th included Bar-tailed Godwit 28, Common Scoter 60, Cormorant 32, Curlew 409, Dunlin 182, Eider 2, Grey Plover 7, Great Crested Grebe 7, Knot 99, Mallard 42, Oystercatcher 25, Redshank 91, Sanderling 53, Shelduck 47, Teal 66, Wigeon 60, Herring Gull 427, Carrion Crow 211, Hen Harrier 1 and Peregrine Falcon 1. During the week several Fieldfares have been seen flying over the reserve, the most being 25 on the 24th. Occasional Song Thrush, Redwing, Blackbird, Reed Buntings and Long-tailed Tits have been amongst the buckthorn scrub. The small flock of Bullfinches near Sea View have been seen again this week. A Red-necked Grebe in developing summer plumage was seen on the sea on the 20th and a fine male Pintail amongst the Wigeon on Rimac lagoon was a pleasant find on the 24th. 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. 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. Beaver filmed in the wild on Devon farm http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-25822883 ---------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/