Wishing you the very best for 2016. ============================================= || || 27th December 2015 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || ============================================ 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 1100 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who would like to receive the Bulletin please send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past 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 hope you have had a good Christmas. All the best for 2016. Thank you for the many interesting contributions this year. Full moon, Planets and Meteors: Did you enjoy the Christmas Full Moon? This was the first time a full moon has "fallen" on Christmas Day since 1977. http://astronomynow.com/2015/12/18/see-a-rare-full-moon-on-christmas-day/ Paul Money's helpful astronomy guide, Night Scenes 2016, tells us that January is THE month for spotting planets. You should have enjoyed the 'dance' of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus over the past few months. You may even have spotted Comet Catalina. Things are about to get even better. To quote Paul Money, the 31st January, is "A good night to attempt an all-night "Planet-thon"! Heads up for the Quadrantid Meteor shower on 3rd/4th January. Seeing conditions should be good - cloud permitting. See: http://www.popastro.com/meteor/activity/activity.php?id_pag=243 Auroras: If you have signed up with Aurorawatch UK you will get their alerts for possible Auroras. An amber alert went out last Sunday, for example. See: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ See: Northern Lights: Your pictures of the Aurora Borealis http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35149429 New readers wanted! Please keep the reports and news coming and please keep on telling people about the Bulletin. Remind them that it's free and suggest they give it a try. Here is the URL of the easy-to-use sign-up page to copy and paste and send on: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Mailchimp issues: If you have experienced any difficulties with the last 2 Bulletins, please would you let me know? Two readers reported problems. I have recently upgraded to Windows 10 and have issues with txt documents since, which could possible show up in Mailchimp. e.g. I noticed the LNU link was mis-copied last week. Roger p.s. Don't forget: 12. ...and finally... with links like: Conservationists choose their 12 trees of Christmas http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35126134 Runaway reindeer that escaped from Tesco event recovering http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-35150870 Newton's apple pips sent to Tim Peake on ISS http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35133236 *** LNU Events - list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php 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. Saturday, January 16, 2016 Bird monitoring and windfarms John Clarkson, Lincolnshire Bird Club North Lincolnshire County Recorder *** GWCT 2016 Farmland Bird ID Days announced *** “17 more dates across the country throughout January and February 2016. Places are very limited so you are advised to book online now - tickets are only £10 each.” http://www.gwct.org.uk/ *** The Peregrines of Louth – published last week *** Bob Sheppard writes: Would you be kind enough to mention Geoff Mullett's excellent book in your newsletter, please? I recommend this very inexpensive book which tells a tale of woe that ended in triumph? http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23505 *** Be Bat-Aware! *** Annette Faulkner writes on 18th: Two bat calls yesterday, both local to us, both pipistrelle sp. The first was an emaciated female that died in my hand; the second arrived this morning, and apart from weighing and measuring I haven’t checked him/her over yet as too wound up, but a good two grams underweight for its size.... If you find a grounded bat PLEASE don't leave it where it's found, thinking "nature will take its course". It will, but it'll take several days to do it. Meanwhile the bat can fall prey to predation, injuries become infected or other horrors overtake them. For all their tiny size they're tough little beasts and take a long time to die. Scoop them up in a cloth or wear gloves, put them in an escape-proof box and phone the Lincs Bat Group's Helpline. 01775 766286 *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2016 *** Plerase remind your contacts.... The closing date for entries is 31st March 2016. If you know of any 'projects' which deserve recognition, please encourage them to submit an entry. It is an easy application process. For more information, see: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Saturday 2nd January 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a winter bird walk starting from the Humberston Fitties car park near the Yacht Club. Meet leader Ray Hume at 9.00am and please bring binoculars and wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information ring Ray Hume 01472 320878. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ [Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....."] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird 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/ 18/12 Sandwich Tern, Gibraltar Point Short-eared Owl, 60 Twite, Donna Nook 19/12 Waxwing, Gibraltar Point 38 Snow Buntings, behind Blundell Park football ground, Cleethorpes Hen Harrier ringtail, Alkborough Flats Scaup 1w drk, 2 Hen Harriers, 1m, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Gooseman's Fields, Grimsby Scaup fem, Teal Lake, Whisby 20/12 35 Snow Buntings, behind Blundell Park football ground, Cleethorpes Hen Harrier ringtail, Alkborough Flats 5 Bewick's Swans in field, Wroot 22/12 Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, Long-tailed duck offshore, Gibraltar Point 23/12 2 Hen Harriers 1 male, Scaup 1w drk, Water Pipit at Marsh Farm reservoir, Frampton Marsh Great White Egret flew along River wWitham, towards Bardney, Fiskerton Fen Water Pipit, ringtail Han Harrier, Gibraltar Point Rough-legged Buzzard reported SE of sleaford, NW of Donington, near Helpringham Fen Hen Harrier ringtail, Marston sewage works Scaup fem, Teal Lake, Whisby 50 Twite, Water Pipit, Pale-bellied Brant, Tetney Marshes Hen Harrier, Alkborough Flats 24/12 1+ Water Pipit flew over Jackson's Marsh, Spotted Redshank on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Water Pipit, Marsh Farm reservoir, Frampton Marsh 2 Snow Buntings along tide line, Freiston Shore Great White Egret flew from Nocton Fen and appeared to land near Bardney Bridge Scaup fem, Teal Lake, Whisby 25/12 Short-eared Owl, Gooseman's Fields, Grimsby Hen Harrier male from Wash Viewpoint, Gibraltar Poiny Note: I am adapting 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. [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 location Brigg Road TA 108 033 Wendy Handford 23.12.15 Open roadside verge. Two plants, one with many flowers, other with a few flowers *** 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 Week beginning 17.12.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Rabbits digging new burrow with four entrances in hedgebank Housesparrows, (seldom seen in garden), small flock in dense Holly bush 22.12.15 Jay 17.12.15 Redwings 12 feeding on apples 24.12.15 Woodpigeon eggshells 6 in coniferous wood Bluebottle on outside of window 17.12.15 Common wasp queen active in kitchen 18.12.15 Greenbottles 3 on Aspen trunk 19.12.15 Winter gnats, clouds under deciduous. Temp 14.5. 19.12.15 Green alkanet with flowers 19.12.15 Red campion with flowers 19.12.15 Fungi this week Common jellyspot on conifer stump Giant puffball, now mid-brown and split so shedding spores Glistening inkcaps 10 on dead Ash Shaggy parasols 2 under Norway spruce Sulphur tuft cluster on buried Alder stump Hundon Manor Farm ponds TA 112 026 Grey herons 2 at side of pond 19.12.15 Grey heron at side of pond 20.12.15 Ben Jacob Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Winter moth 17.11.15 Hawthorn buds bursting 19.12.15 CLEETHORPES FORESHORE (tide line 500metres off Meridian Line) TA 329069 17.12.2015 Peter Crick While birdwatching along tide line, 10.45hrs Large Bumble Bee. Flying in from the sea, crossing dunes to landward (witnessed) Weather overcast, 12 C. COLD HARBOUR FARM N. E. of Binbrook. TF 231952 20.12.2015 Peter Crick Stoat/Weasel Very small specimen. The quickest of glimpses as it came out of grass verge and quickly retreated giving alarm call. Dark colouration, no visible white or black tip to tail. First impression - Weasel, but not 100% ID HUTTOFT Jane PenningtonTF511762 (my garden unless advised otherwise) Date 16/12/2015 Collared doves 2Sparrow hawk (on branch - just stared as we walked slowly past - TF520765) Date 17/12/2015 Blackbirds 12, Chaffinch 2 (pair), Crows 2 (in pond - never expected to see that) Robins 2, Mistle thrush 2 (in rowan), Pheasant 1,Woodpigeon 4, Wren 1 Date 20/12/2015 Early morning walk via Sea Lane and Jolly Common Lane Barn owl 1 (beautiful sight of barn owl flying low around TF518777) Tawny owl 1 (flew from one side of the road to the other TF524777) Swans 50 approx (TF532782 - wasn't sure at first but watched 2 more swans fly over and land close to the others in the field on the way back) Sparrow hawk 1 TF517766 Date 21/12/2015 Robin 1 (eating from an apple that had mostly been devoured by blackbirds) Date 22/12/2015 Woodmouse 1 Date 23/12/2015 Chaffinch 6 (eating rowan berries while the thrush wasn't around) NEW WALTHAM. TA 285046 22.12.2015 Peter Crick SnowDrops in flower, others green shoots well evident. Daffodils - green shoots well evident, some at 100mm + Summer Honeysuckle still in flower Geraniums - still flowering, and with many flower buds Green Alkanet - still multiple flowers and buds. Daisies - several NORTH ELKINGTON Entrance to Grange Farm. TF 279908 20.12.2015 Peter Crick Horse-chestnut - Sticky Buds showing well STIXWOULD STATION - north on WATER RAIL WAY towards BARDNEY R & A Parsons 20/12/2015 am TF151656 2 Long-eared owls in scrub by "delph" Active Badger sett and badger tracks. TETNEY BLOW WELLS. TA 325007 19.12.2015 Peter Crick Daisies WADDINGTON Peter Wilson Waddington 20th December 2015 Just seen snowdrops in flower in Waddington Churchyard. Last year my records show they first appeared there in flower on 26th December. I used to keep a record years ago of when the snowdrops flowered and it used to be mid February and then they started getting earlier each year. I also have Hellebores and Winter flowering jasmine in bloom, they have been flowering now for about two weeks. Have sighted about 30 Fieldfares on two separate occasions in the last two weeks at TF013589 which is in the Navenby Heath area. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons Garden Snowdrops up and open, Winter Jasmine and Aconite. 19/12/2015 Japanese Knotweed on west side of Hurnbridge Road -TF221532 - noted earlier in the year, now died back. Azolla filiculoides - roadside Drain in in this location thick with Azolla. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs and S Lincs Highlights including RSPB Wash Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 and DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/donna-nook/viewing-seals-donna-nook ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. WILDLIFE NEWS Week ending ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. FAR INGS NNR See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in 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 re-editing: 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.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 or from the website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php 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 *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING 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 Website: http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ *** National Rural Crime Network *** Call for case studies as new website to tackle rural crime is launched. http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/National-Rural-Crime-Network.html See: http://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/ STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** 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 AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Videos Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ Why not join in the RSB survey of Starling murmurations: http://www.rsb.org.uk/get-involved/biologyweek/starling-survey 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 in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** 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. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 Ashley Butterfield, LNU Reptile and Amphibian Recorder, adds: The recordpool is a joint ARGUK and ARC Trust project that aims to collect herpetofauna data from the uk that might not otherwise be recorded and make it available for conservation purposes. As such you will have access to your own records at full resolution and other records at a lower resolution. You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK with any specific questions. angela.digges@clara.co.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 *** 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 *** 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 ejohnredshaw@gmail.com *** 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 badger reports. Botanical Group in South Lincs Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.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 Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, 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/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Mark Schofield writes: Always consider the provenance and sustainable sourcing of seed. Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. Bee-friendly gardeners should refer to their A-Z suppliers list which can be found here: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing Advice: www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Ruth Craig http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** RSPB local webpages *** 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/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 some 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 Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , 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 sometimes withhold precise details 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. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. 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. 2016 Indoor meetings Saturday, January 16, 2016 Bird monitoring and windfarms John Clarkson, Lincolnshire Bird Club North Lincolnshire County Recorder Saturday, February 13, 2016 Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders and view exhibits including a demonstration of online recording software ‘Living Record’ and a discussion on online recording starting at 12.30; the overview starts at 2pm as in previous years. Saturday, March 05, 2016 AGM & Presidential Address AGM, Followed by the Presidential Address by Mark Schofield “Better Connected - Can our road networks serve as super- highways for wildlife?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If your Bulletin did not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. gandd - Soft Bounce - delivery failed - mailbox unavailable. And finally: Booze calculator: What's your drinking nationality? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30500372 Met office says 2016 'very likely' to be warmest on record http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35121340 Frankincense and myrrh: Modern day story of the gifts of Christmas http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35168799 White storks study aims to re-introduce breeding in UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-35135551 Lincolnshire Parrots use Tools to grind sea shells http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2015/12/15/tool-using-parrots-use-pebbles-to-grind-seashells/ Crows' tool time captured on camera http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35159872 Lincoln County Hospital norovirus outbreak hits nine wards http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35150981 Twyford Wood ravers charged with violent disorder http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35177435 Lincoln Cathedral drone flight man cautioned http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35172244 Badger cull 'met government targets' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35121632 GM insect trials urged for UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35113332 Bacteria that resist 'last antibiotic' in UK - the antibiotic apocalypse http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35153795 Mountain goat gets help from the skies http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34956068 US wild bee numbers decline as land is converted for biofuel http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35153196 Scientists find 'key to long-lasting colour' in bird feathers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-35145663 Growing parasite threat to finches made famous by Darwin http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35114681 How Noise Pollution is changing Animal Behaviour http://theconversation.com/how-noise-pollution-is-changing-animal-behaviour-52339 Human water use 'greater than thought' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35082422 What is the biggest star in the universe? http://theconversation.com/what-is-the-biggest-star-in-the-universe-52026 Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/