============================================= || || 5th July 2015 || || 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 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 webpage link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php 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.... *** Lots of interesting records this week. Don't miss the link to Silvia Fowler's poppy photos. I am delighted to report that the local grass snakes are in residence in the compost heap again. Two have been seen basking together so far. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/grass-snake http://www.arkive.org/grass-snake/natrix-natrix/videos.html Black Ant flying days are said to take place during the first part of July, though recent research debunks this myth and suggests it is all down to warm weather. You may well observe this activity due tothe heat wave this week. Your observations, please. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2014/july/survey-debunks-myth-of-flying-ant-day132280.html http://www.bwars.com/index.php?q=ant/formicidae/formicinae/lasius-niger http://www.arkive.org/small-black-ant/lasius-niger/video-08a.html I shall flag up a few coming events here - more information below. Richard Davidson has asked me to report that the 'Bugs workshop' on the 4th of August has only 3 places left. The 'Spiders workshop' still has 9 places left. Please contact Richard by email if you are interested. There are some evening walks with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust area groups on 9th July at Woodhall Spa Airfield and Whisby Nature Park. The LNU Field Meeting on 11th July is at Thorne Beehives at Rand. This company has been making and supplying beekeeping equipment for many years and on their new site they have set out to be wildlife- friendly and encourage biodiversity. What will we find? Eloise Markwick [Heritage Lincolnshire] has sent in information about Introduction to Landscape Archaeology workshop on 22nd July. The Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation has events on 25th and 26th July. "Riverfly Volunteers" training days will take place on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July 2015 at Sudbrooke. If there are any events being arranged for National Whale and Dolphin Watch 25th July – 2nd August please let me know and I will give them a 'plug'. Thank you for the contributions - very much appreciated. Please keep them coming. If you know someone who might like to receive the Bulletin, please send them this link and suggest they sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Don't forget to have a look at: 12. ...and finally..... Roger *** LNU Events - full 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 2015 Field Meetings. Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Saturday, July 11, 2015 Thorne (Beehives) Ltd Rand West of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF106787 (LN8 5NJ) which is off minor lane northwards off A158 (about 500m on right past Rand Farm Park entrance). Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, wildflower meadows, gardens, ponds and lakes. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk *** Improve your Invertebrate Identification skills. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) 2015 Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union are listed below in section 11. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. Richard adds: the Bugs workshop on the 4th of August has only 3 places left. The Spiders workshop still has 9 places left. The Grasses workshop this coming Saturday has 22 people scheduled to attend with 5 more on the reserve list. Scroll down for more information below in section 11. Events Diary. *** Reminder - Ray Halstead - Recorder - Fungi *** Request: No records or queries for now, please. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: Thursday 9th July 7:15pm Visit to Woodhall Spa Airfield The entrance is on the B1192 between Tattershall and Woodhall Spa marked by large metal gates with brick pillars. This large area has only recently come into the Trust's ownership and Dave Bromwich, Head of Reserves, will show us what there is at present and how the Trust aims to provide a variety of habitats. Possible sightings include Glow worms and Nightjars. *** LWT Lincoln Area Group *** Richard Davidson writes: Summer Evening Walk at Whisby Nature Park - 9th July. Meet outside the warden's office at 7.00pm. Our leader for the evening is Jan Rousseau. Looking and listening for Summer wildlife. *** Introduction to Landscape Archaeology workshop *** Eloise Markwick - Heritage Lincolnshire - writes: Introduction to Landscape Archaeology Day Layers of History is a new community archaeology project which gives everyone the opportunity to learn, discover and explore Lincolnshire´s historic landscapes. We are piloting project activities and we are pleased to announce a `taster´ workshop. Wednesday 22nd July 9.30 - 16.30 Donington on Bain Village Hall Introduction to Landscape Archaeology Day Join us for an introduction to Landscape Archaeology. In the morning we will be looking at maps and aerial photography to research historic sites. In the afternoon we will carry out a survey of the medieval earthworks at Biscathopre using basic measured survey techniques. No previous experience required. The workshop is free but places are limited. Contact Eloise to reserve your place by phone: 01529 461499 or by email: eloise.markwick@heritagelincolnshire.org Bring your own lunch and suitable outdoor clothes. The afternoon activity requires moderate fitness and mobility, involving climbing over stiles and walking on uneven ground. *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** Note their new website: http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Lesley Robinson, Branch Secretary, writes: Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation Moth Night Saturday 25th July Chambers Farm Wood Education Centre (TF147740) 9:30pm to late See and identify the amazing variety of moths in the Limewoods Please wear warm clothing and bring a torch Open Day and AGM Sunday 26th July Chambers Farm Wood Education Centre (TF147740) 11am to 1pm walk in the Limewoods. Your opportunity to see White Admirals and other butterflies at close quarters. Light refreshments available in the education centre. 3pm AGM of the Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** Members and non-members welcome. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Programme of events and booking of Wash Trips. *** Mermaid's Purses - request for records. *** Dave Miller writes: If anyone is visiting the coast could they please look out for mermaid's purses. Take a picture and send to me, with location, at: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk *** 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 ....."] *** NHM 'Orchid Observers' Project on Zooniverse *** Photograph orchids to support climate change research. Orchid Observers is a new project bringing together photography, biological recording and the online analysis of museum specimens to better understand the effects that climate change is having on flowering times of UK orchid populations. http://www.orchidobservers.org *** Volunteers needed to help with Riverfly Survey *** Clare Sterling writes: Fiona McKenna, Project Officer for the Lincolnshire Rivers Trust has asked me to pass on the details of some riverfly training days they are running. Their project will follow the standardised methods set out by the national Riverfly Partnership. http://www.riverflies.org/ They are currently looking for volunteers who can dedicate one hour a month to collect invertebrate samples in a local watercourse within the Barlings Eau catchment. If you live nearby and are interested please get in touch! Full training will be provided by a very experienced Riverfly trainer and full kit will be provided free of charge. Training days will take place on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July 2015 at Sudbrooke (near Nettleham) Village Hall. Please contact Project Officer Fiona McKenna: lincsrivers@gmail.com or phone 07895423983" Website: http://lincsrivers.co.uk/ *** National Whale and Dolphin Watch *** The National Whale and Dolphin Watch takes place from 25th July – 2nd August. You don’t need to have any experience to get involved. You can join organised watches or set up your own with some guidance from the team at Sea Watch Foundation. To find out more please visit: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw Sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises can easily be submitted online at www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/sightingsform/ You can also find out more information about the work of the charity and download species fact files too. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 26/6 2 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, 2 spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point 2 Yellow-legged Gulls 1as + 1s, pig fields Spalford, Notts/Lincs 27/6 3 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Squacco Heron main pit, then flew from Riverslea pit, Kirkby-upon-Bain Pits 28/6 2 Spoonbills on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Little Bittern, west end of Reserve pit, Kirkby-upon-Bain Pits Osprey, Ryhall at River Gwash Trout Farm, Stamford 29/6 4 Wood sandpipers, Manby Flashes 4 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 30/6 Garganey, Turtle Dove, Wood Sandpiper, 5 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 1/7 2 Turtle Dove, Wood Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh 2/7 Spoonbill flew towards Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Wood Sandpiper, 6 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 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: 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 LOCATIONS: please give full information on each individual Gorse record: the location [with grid ref], your name, the date, and any habitat notes of interest. The stage of flowering is a key observation, from plants with no flowers through the range to plants in full flowering. ROAD KILLS: HIBALDSTOW SE 9769 0212 Peter Morrel 26.06.15 Hedgehog road kill on the B1206. GREETWELL SE 9427 0406 Peter Morrel 27.06.15 Hedgehog road kill on the B1398. FILLINGHAM SK 9563 8454 Peter Morrel 01.07.15 Hedgehog road kill on B1398. Clare Brady writes: Two dead, one living deer. Three deer on the way to work this morning, two however were dead on the side of the road. DALDERBY Clare Brady 26/6/15 On A153 DALDERBY Small dead Muntjac deer A158 Nr SNIPE DALEs turning Clare Brady 26/6/15 Dead Fallow deer in the grass, could clearly see spots and it was a good size. Then turned off at Hagworthingham to go through Harrington and there was a full grown Muntjac deer waiting to cross the road. Luckily it decided to go back into the field. HIGH TOYNTON TF299698 A158 Robert Walker 28/6/15 Fallow deer 1 roadkill This large animal lay just off the verge down in a hollow in the hedge bottom. POPPIES Raithby/Tathwell area Silvia Fowler writes: I'd like to share with other readers a vast expanse of field poppies that has turned up in a nearby field. Time may be of the essence as when I went back to take some photos today, I noticed that manure was being dumped at one end... This field has lain fallow since last autumn while the local electricity network was being replaced. The ground is almost pure chalk, and the poppies must have responded to the disturbance caused by heavy machinery. Directions, for anyone interested: From the A16 Louth bypass, take A153 (Horncastle). Pass the turning to Raithby on right and take the next turning LEFT to Tathwell. After about 250 metres there is a farm track on your left and the poppy field starts just opposite this point (TF315841) in a south-easterly direction, mostly obscured by the hedgerow, though glimpses of red are visible. Note: Silvia says she does not know who owns the area so please do not assume permission has been given to go on to the area. She sent us the following link to 3 photos. https://onedrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=4c722ab73a09d973&page=self&resid=4C722AB73A09D973!1357&parId=4C722AB73A09D973!107&authkey=!AiBEl0YQxGJdQSA&Bpub=SDX.SkyDrive&Bsrc=Share *** 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. BOSTON (South by A16) 29/06/2015 Roy & Kath Pearson A flock of over a dozen gulls circled the garden this morning, but the highest numbers on the lawn at one time - the criterion for a Garden Birdwatch count - were: Black-headed Gull (3), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2) and Herring Gull (1). The Herring Gull and one of the Lesser Black-backs were caught and ringed, the Herring Gull being only the second to be ringed in the garden, the previous one being on Boxing Day 1978. A male Blackcap has returned to the garden after an absence of several weeks. BOSTON Boston TF 34727 42845 Julia Jaques 01/07/15 Hedgehog regularly visiting garden for meal worms. Gently lifted lid of hedgehog house and there he was. Never found him in residence before. CAISTOR Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 26.6.15 Wendy Handford (WH) Brigg Road farmland TA 106 036 Kestrel hovering over field margin 26.6.15 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Bat and 4 rabbits in rough grass area 10.45pm. Trailcam Owl pellet under Silver birch just 4metres from house 27.6.15 Songthrush nest with 4 young in Cotoneaster on wall of house 26.6.15 Sparrowhawk m chasing Greenfinch 30.6.15 Spotted flycatcher 1.7.15 Wrens, 4 juveniles fledge from nest in Honeysuckle 26.6.14 Common blue damselfly, first 2015 sighting, 27.6.15 Meadow brown, first 2015 sighting, 29.6.15 Red-tailed bumblebee on Cranesbills 30.6.15 Small copper, first 2015 sighting 27.6.15 Speckled wood, pair on Alder, 27.6.15 Yellow meadow ants, 2 nests between paving slabs 30.6.15 First flowers this week Alder buckthorn, Broad-leaved bellflower, Field scabious, Goosegrass, Meadow cranesbill, Great mullein - new species, Nipplewort, Yellow loosestrife Hundon Manor Farm TA 112 026 WH Marsh thistles 29.6.15 Wold View derelict land used as carpark TA 120 013 WH 1.7.15 Field vole dead Biting stonecrop Red valerian Jenny Foster Brigg Road garden TA 113 020 Cinnabar moth on Common ragwort 26.6.15 Ben Jacob Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 From last week - Oak-roller weevil on Oak leaves. Kindly ID'd by Charlie Barnes. New on Caistor list Kingfisher 28.6.15 Common lizards basking 27.6.15 Wendy Collins Shieling farm TA 106 027 Evidence of Raspberry beetle on Raspberry flowers 26.6.15 Other WH Cleethorpes Howlett Road, TA 313077 Dog fox strolling along footpath 8pm 1.7.15 There were no signs of the usually abundant Southern marsh orchids in the reserve along the marine walk. HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Sunday 28 June 2015 Skipper spotted in my garden. Unfortunately, unable to say if small, large or Essex! We also saw several frogs and a toad in different parts of the garden over the weekend. Unusual to see more than one at any one time. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden unless stated otherwise) Date 26/6/15 Goldfinch 3 Red admiral butterflies 2 Wrens 3 Date 27/6/15 TF545768 Cinnabar Moth 1 (My first! Flying across a footpath at 6.30am) Ringlet 1 (in same area) Date 28/6/15 Bats 3 or 4 (around 10pm) Blackbirds 5 Collared dove 1 Great spotted woodpecker 1 (smaller than what I usually see, so I thought it was a young one and then my neighbour said he had an adult and fledgling on his gate. The one I saw flew from the oak to the bird table and off again) Red admiral 1 Song thrush 1 Wren 1 Date 29/6/15 Blackbird 1 (in raised bed for strawberries :-( ) Date 30/6/15 Painted lady butterfly 1 (Another first for me. It was resting in the lane) Red Admiral 1 Shrew 1 (dead in lane, presume killed by a cat) Song thrush 1 Date 1/7/15 Painted lady butterfly 1 (in same area as yesterday) Date 2/7/15 Large white butterfly 1 Meadow brown butterfly 1 I have also noticed the male robin chasing his youngsters away in the last couple of days. I haven't seen the female and wonder if this means another brood. LOW HAMERINGHAM TF304664 27 June 2015 LNU field meeting led by Mark Schofield and Brian Hedley including afternoon and evening bat/moth recording sessions. Attended by 21 people. Over 180 plant species were noted including many associated with marshy and calcareous soils. They included pyramidal orchid, bee orchid, brown sedge, crested hair-grass, small scabious, hoary plantain, fen bedstraw, lesser water-parsnip, dwarf thistle, devil's-bit scabious, downy oat- grass, bristle club-rush, water avens, fairy flax and salad burnet. Thirty-six bird species included calling quail plus barn owl, tawny owl, buzzard and tree sparrow. A bullhead was noted in the stream and several brown hares were seen. Common pipistrelle bats were frequent around the farm buildings and roadside hedges. Soprano pipistrelle bats were also noted Six butterfly species were noted including common blue, red admiral and frequent meadow browns. Over 60 moth species were recorded including silver Y, twin-spot carpet, beautiful golden Y, plain golden Y, rivulet and frequent ghost swifts displaying over the pasture and road verges. Other invertebrates included water scorpion, a variety of flies and beetles and the ground-ivy gall (caused by the gall wasp Liposthenes glechomae). RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler June Rainfall: Another dry month with rainfall amounting to only 29mm. Furthermore, the first 6 months of this year have only produced 210mm. That compares with 380mm in 2014, 250mm in 2013, 386mm in 2012 and 170mm in 2011 (the driest year I've recorded so far). Clearly, the local flora has to be very adaptable. 25.06.2015 Bombus hypnorum worker (though, apparently no nest in the abandoned bluetit box this year) 28.06.2015 Chiffchaff still calling daily House Martin nest No. 4 raided during night, feathers on ground below Headless body of a young blackbird; presumably cat kill Brimstone Moth Yellow Balsam in brook (TF310847). This may have been introduced when the church pond was renovated 5-6 years ago, but it has now spread down the brook. 28.06.2015 Sightings on a walk to Tathwell: Small patch of Bee Orchid (5 plants), not noticed here previously (TF312844) Common Blue butterfly (TF312844) Large expanse of Field Poppies in fallow field (TF3184/3183); Field Pansies in same field Badger skull (TF316840) House Martins x 6-8 in air; 2 nests visible from road (TF321834) Red-legged Partridge (TF321841) Skylark x 6 (TF3184/3284) Yellowhammer x 4 (TF3184/3284) Elder and Hogweed in full flower in local hedgerows, rich scent 29.06.2015 Common Toad, medium-sized Long-tailed Tit x 12 Starling x ca. 20 (TF308849) Red-legged Partridge (TF315840) 30.06.2015 Wasp Beetle Mullein Moth caterpillars 01.07.2015 Small Toad found in compost of a seed module - a snug fit, but cool and moist. Lesser Stag Beetle, heavily parasitized, in compost bin Woundwort Shieldbug Butterflies: Gatekeeper x 1 (first this year), Red Admiral x 1 02.07.2015 Hawthorn Shieldbug First few Hoverflies of the season House Martins: In spite of earlier indications, there has been no rebuilding of the 2 collapsed nests, and the 2 that I suspect were predated, have not been fully repaired and are only occasionally used for roosting. Only 1 active nest remains of 5 started this spring. I fear for the survival of this little colony. SWINSTEAD VALLEY/SWAYFIELD DRIFT Swinsted Valley and Swayfield Drift TF0022 27 June 2015 Ian and Sue Misselbrook 1 Common Lizard 1 Fox 1 Brown Hare 5 Meadow Brown 6 spikes pyramid orchids Lady's Bedstaw Pignut Meadow Cranesbill spectacular Wild Roses. THORNTON TF 257678 Robert Walker 29/6/15 Oystercatchers 4 In grass paddock amongst Highland cattle near farm just off 'Woodhall Spa Trail' We regularly see, what we presume are these same birds fly, noisily, over our garden in Horncastle. also Stoat 1 Near same location, it ran across the path in front of us. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 25/06/15 Moths on security light; Brown Silver-line x 1 (no bracken within a mile) Middle-barred Minor x 1 Snout x 1 White Ermine x 1 26/06/15 Blackbird x 1 Chiffchaff x 1 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 3 Pied Wagtail x 2 Sparrowhawk x 1 female Swallow x 2 Red Admiral x 1 Bee Moth x 2 males Setaceous Hebrew Character x 1 Wood carpet x 1 27/06/15 Nest boxes; Kestrel x 4 chicks rung Swallow x 3 chicks rung Tree Sparrow x 5 chicks rung Blackbird x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Grey Partridge x 2 Magpie x 2 Moorhen x 1 with 4 young Pied Wagtail x 2 feeding young in nest in log store Robin x 1 Stock Dove x 2 Whitethroat x 1 Wood Pigeon x 4 Ringlet x 1 28/06/15 Common Pipistrelle x 2 Noctule x 1 Bee Moth x 3 males 1 female Garden Carpet x 1 30/06/15 MV moth trapping 11.00pm - 1.00am Bright-line Brown-eye x 2 Brimstone x 1 Buff Ermine x 1 male Cinnabar x 1 Common Carpet x 1 Common Emerald x 1 Common Wainscot x 3 Dark Arches x 2 Drinker x 3 males Elephant Hawk Moth x 3 Fan-foot x 1 Flame x 3 Grey/Dark Dagger? x 1 Marbled Minor x 5 Riband Wave x 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character x 3 Small Magpie x 1 Snout x 6 01/07/15 Blackbird x 1 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 2 Kestrel x 1 Swallow x 3 Tree Sparrow x 3 Yellowhammer x 1 Meadow Brown x 2 Azure Damselfly x 2 02/07/15 Common Buzzard x 1 Little Owl x 1 calling and being mobbed by Blackbird and 4 Tree Sparrows, early morning Small Tortoiseshell x 7 Blue-tailed Damselfly x 1 Garden Carpet x 1 Swallowtail x 1 WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons w/o 29th - swallow chicks starting to look over the edge of their nest. 29/6/2015 Large adult f grass snake basking on top of compost heap. 10am. Butterflies: Orange Tip m, Red Admiral Bat spp - echolocating @ 40KHz 11.30hrs, 2 locations in garden. common shrew adult. 1/7/2015 2 adult grass snakes basking on top of compost heap mid am. Hummingbird hawk moth. 2/7/2015 Marsh Harrier hunting in fen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Lincolnshire bird sightings Pending. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gibraltar Point News. Reports always welcome. It wopuld be great if a Gib "regular" could let us have a contribution from time to time. GIBRALTAR POINT NNR Robert Walker 21/6/15 Grass Snakes 1 seen swimming in 'Mill' pond near 'Beach' car park. also 1 seen later swimming across to small island on Tennyson's Sands where there were nesting birds. See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 and DONNA NOOK ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. Theddlethorpe Dunes John Cowell June 30th 10am The turtle dove is still calling every day, I wonder if that means he has failed to find a mate this spring? Also: Between Saltfleetby & Manby a Red Kite flew across the main road in front of me. Today at 10.30 am Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 26th June - 2nd July 2015 Contributors: Peter Roworth, Janet Roworth, John Walker, Rob Scott The weather during June was quite varied and for the majority of the month temperatures were unseasonably low. However the weather pattern fell into three main periods: The first week was fresh with sunshine and showers but did have one very hot day (5th) when the heat and humidity generated rumbles of thunder but no major rainfall. The temperature of 25°C on the 5th then rapidly fell to give fresh conditions again. From the 8th - 15th the winds were on-shore from a northerly sector giving low cloud with some sunny breaks but temperatures struggled to reach the late teens (16.25°C on the 11th). From the 16th the wind direction veered more westerly from north but then settled to a south westerly air flow. Fresh and sunny days followed with the occasional shower but a short spell of rain on the 22nd gave 9.9mm of ppt. However, these winds were being influenced by extremely high temperatures from Spain and Portugal which by the end of the month gave daytime highs in the mid-twenties. A maximum of 23.75°C was recorded on the 30th but, of note, inland temperatures soared to the late twenties and 30°C was recorded in SE England. Winds were generally light to fresh for the month but a south westerly gust of 46.1mph was observed on the 2nd June, force 5 NNE on the 13th and force 5 SW on the 21st. Total rainfall for the month was 37.1mm. Notable sightings on the NNR this month have included... Flowers: yellow rattle, meadowsweet, lots of pyramidal orchids, lady's bedstraw, marsh helleborine, scarlet pimpernel, restharrow, figwort, eyebright, common centaury, agrimony and common valerian. Dragonflies: emperor, four spot chaser and ruddy darter. Damselflies: large red, blue common, blue tailed and azure-ovipositing on ponds at Rimac. Butterflies: meadow brown, wall brown, ringlet, large skipper, small skippers which are now on the wing, small heath, orange tip, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, common blue and painted lady. Also, cinnabar (caterpillars feeding on ragwort plants) and 6 spot burnet moths. Birds: marsh harrier, barn owl, little owl, sandwich tern, curlew, turtle dove, lesser whitethroat, whitethroat, blackcap, willow warbler, chiff- chaff, grasshopper warbler, cuckoo, water rail. On 29th June 10 lapwing were in flight over Sea View. On 1st July 14 swifts, in small groups, were also over Sea View as well as an adult and juv. great spotted wood- peckers, which are seen regularly in the Sea View area. A single hornet was seen on the NNR this week (unusual to see one along the coastal habitat. More often found inland including at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust sites at Muckton and Legbourne Woods). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News W/E 03.07.15 Birds: avocet bearded tit 3 bittern blackbird 16 blackcap 12 black headed gull 40+ blue tit 12 canada goose 20 carrion crow 10 Cetti's warbler 4 chaffinch 11 chiffchaff 11 collared dove 2 common gull 4 common tern 7 coot 35 cormorant 4 cuckoo curlew 2 dunnock 10 gadwall 3 garden warbler goldfinch 20+ GC grebe GS woodpecker great tit 10 greenfinch 4 grey heron 2 greylag goose 120 grey wagtail herring gull 3 house martin 22 house sparrow 12 jackdaw 6 kestrel kingfisher 4 lapwing 73 LBB gull 15 linnet 3 little grebe little ringed plover long tailed tit 16 magpie 20 mallard 38 marsh harrier 3 moorhen 4 mute swan 11 oystercatcher 2 peregrine pheasant pied wagtail 3 pochard 6 reed bunting 21 reed warbler 20+ robin 8 sand martin 10 sedge warbler 7 shelduck 8 song thrush 3 starling 50+ swallow 50+ swift 40+ teal treecreeper 3 tufted duck 27 water rail whitethroat 10 willow warbler 6 wood pigeon 33 Wren 23 Other: hummingbird hawk moth emperor dragonfly See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Limewoods are notable for the few reports we receive for the Bulletin, so you can help by sending in sightings if you visit. Two good links about the Limewoods are: 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 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 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. 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 *** 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 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** 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 The LNU is now represented on the popular iSpot website. A full list of the organisations, recording schemes and societies represented is here: http://www.ispot.org.uk/representatives *** 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 *** 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: 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 *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** 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/ *** 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. *** 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 badger reports. 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 *** 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/ *** 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 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 2015 Field Meetings. Saturday, July 11, 2015 Thorne (Beehives) Ltd Rand West of Wragby 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF106787 (LN8 5NJ) which is off minor lane northwards off A158 (about 500m on right past Rand Farm Park entrance). Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, wildflower meadows, gardens, ponds and lakes. Leader: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, August 8, 2015 [Changed from 15th August.] White House Farm, Branston Fen (Courtesy of Peter Lundgren) SE of Lincoln, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.30. Park in farmyard at TF085705 (LN3 5UP) which is at end of North Causeway found off the B1190 at Branston Booths. Habitats: Grassland, ditches, arable. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 06, 2015 Metheringham Delph East of Metheringham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Parking arrangements still to be finalised. Take minor road off B1189 between Metheringham Habitats: Grassland, river, ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, October 11, 2015 Fungus Foray - TBC TBC - see Wildnews Bulletin, website or contact a member of the Executive Committee for further details. Also see: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Lincoln Area Group) Workshops, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union July 4th: Grasses Workshop Interested in Plants but would like to know more in particular about Grasses? Come along and find out more with local expert Tim Harvey. August 1st: Bug Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Bugs? Come along and find out more with local expert David Sheppard. September 19th: Spider Workshop Interested in Invertebrates but would like to know more in particular about Spiders? Come along and find out more with local expert Imogen Wilde. All workshops will be held in the Lafarge Education Building at Whisby Nature Park from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. They are free of charge and refreshments are included. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. Limited to 20 participants. Booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** A text copy of past Bulletins will be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails - see notes above. jeff goodley - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying maria phipps - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying viv hartwell - soft bounce - Over quota - permanent fatal errors k.skingles - soft bounce - Over quota - permanent fatal errors redpoll dircon - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Call for more protection for seagrass meadows http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33244000 Will animals of the future only be safe in captivity? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33286942 Madagascar's lemurs cling to survival http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33096260 Sir David Attenborough talks clean energy with President Obama http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33303042 World's smelliest plant blooms in Edinburgh http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33303580 Last Vulcan bomber tours UK with series of flypasts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-33292944 Close encounter with Grizzly Bear - and more.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/must_see/33323309 The lion: A victim of its own power? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33315873 Lincolnshire pair sells Tornado fighter jet on Gumtree http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-33262593 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/