============================================= || || 1st March 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. Please send this URL to friends who might join the Bulletin mailing list: 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.... *** The AGM of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union takes place next Saturday, March 07, 2015 - 2pm start - and we hope to see a good turn-out. The Presidential address by Nick Tribe is: "Aspects of Dragonfly Recording in Lincolnshire". The well known landscape ecologist and historian Oliver Rackham died on February 12th. Obituaries can be found at: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/20/oliver-rackham http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11417959/Professor-Oliver-Rackham -historical-ecologist-obituary.html A big thank you to everyone who has given the Bulletin a "plug". Please keep spreading the word and sending in your records. Feel free to send this webpage link to friends who might like to join the Bulletin mailing list: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php I have managed to achieve a much improved broadband speed, so it is less time consuming to create 'hotlinks' in the Bulletin. There are quite few this week and I hope you find these worth reading. Don't forget to send in any you think will interest readers, including links for "And Finally... Thanks. Roger *** LNU Events - guests are welcome *** Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Saturday, March 07, 2015 AGM Followed by the Presidential address by Nick Tribe: "Aspects of Dragonfly Recording in Lincolnshire". Guests are welcome at our meetings. *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2015 *** Do you know any environmental projects that deserve recognition? The deadline for entries in the Lincolnshire Environmental Award 2015 is 31 March 2015. To learn more, visit the website: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Opportunity to cuddle a tiger slug *** Chris du Feu nominates biological recording for the WATO@50 series http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02kcbcg *** Lincolnshire farmers urged to tackle grey partridge decline *** http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-31584454 *** Eel Protection Too Costly *** Drainage boss calls eel protection scheme 'too costly' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-31566178 *** Seal 'cannibal' death theory *** Caution urged on Norfolk seal pup 'cannibal' death theory http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-31535600 *** Face to Face with 11 Amazing Beetles *** http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150205-face-to-face-with-a-beetle *** Reminder - Ray Halstead - Recorder - Fungi *** Request: No records or queries for now, please. *** Toad Patrol - sleaford *** Martin Thompson After last year's succesfull Toad watch patrol on White Cross Lane near Sleaford planning is well under way for this year's Toad patrol volunteers needed. If you would like to help check out the White Cross Lane toad volunteer page on FB or email martin Thompson at trekkathompson@yahoo.co.uk or call 01529413446 Editor adds: Anyone running similar campaigns is welcome to send in something for the Bulletin. *** More Useful Links *** Julia Smith has sent in the following links. Garden Wildlife Health site http://www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/ The Record Pool collects data on herpetofauna http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ 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 that common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK angela.digges@clara.co.uk with any specific questions. Ashley's contact details are: learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 *** Find that Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following website to help you find grid references. http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project practical days *** Will Bartle writes: Have some free time and looking for a new challenge? Why not help preserve one of England's rarest natural habitats. The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project is looking for enthusiastic and willing volunteers to help maintain and improve chalk streams throughout February and March, at Laceby, Welton-le-Wold and Ashby- cum-Fenby in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Volunteers will be involved in the practical conservation of the chalk streams and their banks, helping to provide and improve the habitats of local wildlife including trout, otters and water voles. No experience is needed, but you must be physically fit and confident when working near or in water. Safety training will be provided to volunteers in the sessions. Give a helping hand to a local habitat on: Saturday 7 March - 10am - 3pm - Laceby Village, North East Lincolnshire. The work will be on the footpath, near the bridge as you come into the village past the Mini garage. Please park in the pub car park (Nags Head) and walk down. Saturday 14 March 10am - 3pm - Welton-le-Wold To sign up contact: William.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service on 01507 609740. For more details/to find out more about the Chalk Streams of Lincolnshire, visit: http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams?ref=hl *** WEA Butterfly Course *** Kay Raby writes: A butterfly course which we hope to run at Sutton-on-Sea (numbers permitting) BUTTERFLIES ON MY MIND a 5 week course at the Methodist Church Rooms, Station Road, Sutton-on-Sea starting Monday March 2nd 10 am - 12.30 pm. Organised by Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea W.E.A. with Tutor Graham Beaumont Information from Kay Raby - Branch Secretary. Enrolment necessary by February 23 RD but payment not required before the first class. Some people with low household income can get it free. Contact by e-mail as below Or telephone 01507 442077 Kay Raby kay.raby@live.co.uk kay.raby@mypostoffice.co.uk *** Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section, Scunthorpe Museum Society. At our next meeting, on Monday, 9th March, we Imogen Wilde, Regional Co-ordinator and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS), coming to give us an illustrated presentation all about "Spiders". We will be introduced to the fascinating and often misunderstood world of spiders. We will be learning about the variety, behaviour, importance and, yes, THE BEAUTY OF SPIDERS. Imogen issues the challenge to COME ALONG IF YOU DARE! We meet, as usual, in: St. Bernadette's Parish Centre (DN16 2RS) which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, 7.15pm start. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are provided for a small charge during mid-talk break. The Church has ample free parking. For more details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** LWT Alford & Mablethorpe branch events - note 9th, not 19th! *** Natalie and George Rutter write: March - Monday 9th at The Half Moon, West St, Alford at 7.30pm The work of the Wildlife Police with PC Nick Willey. Wildlife is under constant pressure from a variety of causes and Nick will describe the types of problems they have to deal with. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: Morning Bird Walk - Cleethorpes On Sunday 8th March 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting from the Cleethorpes Discovery Centre with Ray Hume. The walk starts at 9am and will last between 90 minutes and 2 hours depending on the weather. All are welcome and is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars. For further details ring Ray Hume 01472 320878. Lincolnshire Chalk Streams On Monday 9th March 2015 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their latest indoor meeting where Ruth Craig will give an illustrated talk about the Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Project including video footage of otters. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2, all are welcome. Trust goods stall, raffle, tea and coffee available. For further information ring Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ On Thursday 12th March 2015 we invite you to join us at our indoor meeting for a presentation by Danny Green called Land of Fire and Ice. This will take place at Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road Lincoln in the Robert Hardy Building. Start 7.30pm. RSPB members £3.00 Non members £4.00 *** South Lincs RSPB *** Members and non-members welcome. 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/ 20/02 Long-eared Owl on island from hide, Deeping Lakes Black Brant in corner of realignment with c1,200 Brent Geese and Pale-bellied Brent Goose, also 3 Lapland Buntings and 30 Twite, Donna Nook Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Iceland Gull imm on shingle, then flew south, 10 Twite, 18+ Snow Buntings, Rimac 21/02 Black-throated Diver, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Rough-legged Buzzard, Holbeach Marsh 22/2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Barton-upon-Humber Spotted Redshank, male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Great Grey Shrike, Auboun 6 Snow Buntings, Gibraltar Point 23/2 Great Grey Shrike, Marlborough Fen NE of Bassingham Water Pipit on Fenland Lagoon, Gibraltar Point 24/2 Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 40+ Twite, Horse Shoe Point 25/2 Iceland Gull, Grimsby Docks Hen Harrier, Mareham on the Hill, near Horncastle Black Brant with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Croft Marsh, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 26/2 4 Waxwings, roadside bushes on Aylmer Ave, Gibraltar Point 27/2 Long-eared Owl on island from hide, Deeping Lakes Note: I am adapting my RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. Bird Alert website: 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. Roger died on 6th March 2009 aged 6. He would have been delighted to see the flow of reports coming in every week via the Bulletin. Editor's request for identification help: Can anyone help, please? [Chris du Feu says "Not Slugs Eggs"!] We were in parkland recently with the local Watch group and we saw what looked like small irregular clumps of ice crystals scattered randomly on an old stump. It was too warm for ice so we looked more carefully. On closer observation they wobbled like jellies, and we speculated that they could be eggs of some kind, mollusc perhaps. The clumps were of varied size but a typical diameter would be 15mm. I brought one home for a closer look and it seemed to resemble frog spawn, a mass of globular spheres of colourless jelly, each say 1mm in diameter, some with what looked like a nucleus, others without such a feature. They Did not hatch and eventually coagulated into a blob! Does any of this sound familiar? I can send you a photo should you wish. 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. GORSE LOCATION REPORT Ashbyville, South East Scunthorpe. Grid reference SE916080 to 920080?. (Last reference estimated as I did not go to the end of the line of bushes.) Keith Scarrott, Sunday, 15th February, 2015. Long line of gorse bushes, some with a few flowers by edge of marshy area. I suspect that many are destined for uprooting as there is a lot of building going on nearby. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Jereny Hutchinson Carlton le Moorland 17/2/15 Peacock butterfly on the wing/basking in the warm sunshine. Colours were vivid, so wondering whether freshly emerged? APLEY. John Hiscox, February 24th 2015 Great Grey Shrike. Probably seen about a fortnight ago, too. Little Egret (2) seen most days during January and February near Apley Beck. No sightings for a week or so, though there was one with a Grey Heron on farmland by the Witham at Stixwould yesterday (23rd.) BLYBOROUGH Peter Morrell Blyborough SK 9435 9583 Barn owl hunting 21:2526.02.15 CAISTOR Wendy Handford (WH) Reports from contributors to Caistor records Week beginning 20.2.15 Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 WH Field voles 2 seen while cutting meadow 25.2.15 Fox catches juv rabbit 20.2.15 Fox walking on path through long grass 23.2.15 Blue tits using nesting box 20.2.15 Buzzard mobbed by 12 crows 24.2.15 Goldcrests in Spruce wood 24.2.15 Great spotted woodpecker in orchard 21.2.15 Green woodpecker calling 20.2.15 Sparrowhawk m flying over lawn 23.2.15 Tawny owl calling 1pm 20.2.15 Centipede active on stones 20.2.15 Lacewings 10s in wooden garage 20.2.15 Phytomyza hellebori. The leaves on our Stinking hellebore plants have similar markings to those shown in the latest Communique, suggesting that they may have contained the larvae of this fly. I have sent specimens off to John Flynn for identification. He will let me know the species that hatches out from the pupae he has found in the leaves. First flowers Celandine 20.2.15 Hairy bittercress 21.2.15 Pulmonaria 24.2.15 Alder cup fungi 5 20.2.15 Hundon Manor Farm TA 116 024 P Robinson 20.2.15 Badger Brown hares 3 Moles, 6 Barnowl using nesting box Barnowl using hole in oak Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 B Jacob Oystercatchers 2 flying over 21.2.15 Stockdoves arrive prior to nesting 21.2.15 DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve Date: 020/02/2015 Time: 0910 to 1205 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, cold Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Coot Cormorant Gadwall Goldeneye Goldfinch Goosander Great-crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Long-eared Owl Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pink-footed Goose Pochard Reed Bunting Robin Rook Shelduck Shovelor Teal Treecreeper Tufted Duck White-fronted Goose Wigeon Woodpigeon Mammals: Common Seal (River Welland adjacent to Reserve) Grey Squirrel DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve Date: 25/02/2015 Time: 1355 to 1620 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Cloudy, cool Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Goose Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Greylag Goose Grey Heron Jay Kestrel Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Little Grebe Magpie Mallard Mistle Thrush Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pheasant Pink-footed Goose Pochard Redwing Robin Rook Shovelor Song Thrush Sparrowhawk Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Mammals: Rabbit DODDINGTONPeter Morrell Doddington SK9129 6941 23.02.15 Badger road kill. HEALING R Julier 24th Feb 2015 TA214106 Garden Little egret disturbed at 7am from the dyke alongside the garden. TA210112 Oldfleet drain A pair of Roe deer venture out of the copse alongside the drain at dusk, present from late November 2014 and every occasion I have visited since. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington Huttoft TF512763 (my garden) 13/2/2015 Blue tits 2 (in and out of a bird box) 15/2/2015 Great spotted woodpecker 1 TF576767 Vinca major in flower 18/2/2015 Greenfinch - 10-12 - TF515768 Sparrowhawk 1 TF515766 NORTON DISNEY Jeremy Hutchinson Norton Disney 19/2/15 Large flock of starlings (many thousands) preparing to roost in (I suspect) Stapleford Woods, the part which in in Lincs. Up to 2 years ago there was a large roost in Newark industrial estate (which is about 4 miles to the south), but for reasons which are not clear to me there was none last year, so I presume they've moved. KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK846754 22.02.2105 Alison Brownlow Characteristic holes and mounds of Minotaur beetle burrows on the sandy rides in the wood. LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 27/02/2015 Jayne Knight 19/02/15 1745hrs Went out to compost bin and Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock and Wren all singing heartily. 20/02/15 Very excited House Sparrow chirring heard from feeders, there were 10, both M & F, the most I have had in the garden for some years. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF 309 847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 19.02.15 Tawny Owl (heard) 20.02.15 2 Robins - seem to be 'an item' 21.02.15 Grey Heron by stream (TF 311 847) 25.02.15 Moorhen near Raithby Springs Buzzard TABS HEAD TF397391 Robert Walker 15/2/15 Along with a visit to RSPB Frampton Marsh, a long walk out along the Haven bank to the confluence of the rivers Witham and Welland at 'Tabs Head' at just after high tide (14.50 hrs), revealed approx. 500 Oystercatchers 'parading' in lines along the waters edge of the Welland. An amazing sight ! On the walk back we had another highlight of 4 Corn Buntings on the top branches of a hawthorn bush. On the journey down to Frampton we also saw:- SCRIVELSBY TF265670 Buzzard 1 and at MOORBY TF288643 Buzzard 2 Sat in the same tree. and on the return journey - CARRINGTON TF312542 Buzzard 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 21/02/15 Goosander x 2 males 1 female 22/02/15 Fieldfare x 29 Grey Partridge x 2 Kestrel x 3 Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 24/02/15 Barn Owl x 1 Kestrel x 2 Fox x 1 25/02/15 Little Owl x 1 Mute Swan x 2 Tufted Duck x 1 pair 26/02/15 Blackbird x 3 Coot x 1 Grey Partridge x 2 Kestrel x 1 Lapwing x 37 Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Robin x 3 Tree Sparrow x 17 WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 23/02/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson The water levels are now exceptionally high and the paths very slippery. Very few birds present, with the only ones of interest being twelve Teal and a Sparrowhawk. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons w/e Max numbers: barn owl in area blackbird 20+ blue tit 8 carrion crow 4+ chaffinch 8 collared dove 2 common buzzard 2 in area dunnock 8 goldfinch 20 great spotted woodpecker 2 great tit 6 house sparrow 8 jackdaw 5 kestrel 2 long tailed tit 6 magpie 4 mistle thrush pheasant 12 2m robin 8 song thrush sparrowhawk m + f starling 8 tawny owls calling wood pigeon 50 wren 8 Grey squirrel Mole signs 4+ pairs of lapwings displaying in area Regular little egret in area WILLOUGHTON Peter Morrell Willoughton SK931931 25.02.15 2 common frogs in amplexus in my pond. WRANGLE COMMON 23/02/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson A BirdTrack count today yielded twenty-nine species. The land was very waterlogged and there were many water-birds present. Counting was difficult owing to undulating ground, but minimum counts were Canada Geese (70), Grey-lag (80), Curlew (42), Mute Swan (4), Mallard (140), Teal (30), Coot (1) and Moorhen (1). Two raptors were present - Buzzard (1) and Kestrel (1). The large winter flock of passerines numbered approx seventy birds, but were only seen at extreme range and individual species could not be distinguished. Five Roe Deer were present. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 January 2014 RSPB Frampton Marsh RSPB Freiston Shore Gibraltar Point NNR Other sites John Badley [Assisted by Colin Jennings] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR Report 19th-26th February 2015 Contributors: Nigel Lound, Peter Roworth, Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison This week experienced the highest spring tide cycle of the year over the weekend and also variable weather, with nightly frosts and cool days until 25th, when the overnight temperatures rose to 5.5°C and peak daytime temperatures of 11.5°C being recorded, before cooling down again on 26th. Total recorded rainfall for the month to date 35.3mm. Strong ebbing currents during the spring tide cycle led to feeding groups of up to 400 Herring Gulls feeding over the sea about a kilometre out, where there presumably shoals of fish. Cormorants were much in evidence early on in the week, with a record peak of 317 on 20th, declining rapidly to around 20 by the 26th. Red-throated Divers were also moving/repositioning on the falling tides, with a maximum of 15N on 21st. Gert-crested Grebes, peaking at 34 in the previous week, declined to 17 on the sea on 20th.A single Common Scoter was notable, where very few have been records this year. Waders during the week included up to 120 Sanderling, 80+ Dunlin, 50 Redshanks and 30 Knot, numbers all declining as the sands dried out, although the 400+ winte- roosting Curlews have remained steady and could be seen feeding in the local fields. The first individual Lesser-blacked Gulls of the year were seen on 20th and 25th. At the northern end of the NNR at Paradise Pools and along the wetlands of the R. Eau, good numbers of wildfowl and waders have been in evidence, with 37 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 120 Teal and 80+ Wigeon being recorded. 37 Pink-footed Geese north on 26th. The annual national Beached Bird Monitoring Scheme yielded no dead birds along the high tide line, which was heartening and no doubt reflected the mild winter. The last day that the 3 Shore Larks were seen was on the 19th, whilst up to 15 Snow Buntings were seen feeding either with the Twite flocks, or singly. Twite numbers, always difficult to estimate, varied from none present up to 130+, occasionally all feeding together, but often in 2 separate equal flocks. Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers are still to be seen feeding along the dune edges, whilst 10 singing Skylarks over the developing dunes is noteworthy. Birds of prey have been well represented during the week, although in low numbers, with single Merlins, ring-tail Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl and Short-eared Owls being recorded, whilst there were 2 Kestrels seen and a pair of Little Owls seem to have territory. On calm and sunny days, singing birds have been much in evidence, with Dunnocks, Robins, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blue Tits, Great Tits, a Yellow Hammer, Green Finches, Green Woodpecker, Great-spotted Woodpecker and Little Owl all been recorded. Other birds of note included a long-staying Stonechat, 2 Goldcrests and a Grey Wagtail at the sewage works at Saltfleet Haven. Finally, the birds of the week, 2 Ravens, were seen to fly west high on 20th. Only 1 was heard calling. The first record was of 2 seen last autumn, again, where only 1 of the birds was heard. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. News from Far Ings NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Far Ings News 20.02.15 Birds Max numbers: barn owl bearded tit 4 bittern 4 blackbird 40+ black-headed gull 50+ blue tit 7 canada goose 30 carrion crow 4 Cetti's warbler chaffinch 8 chiffchaff 2 common buzzard 2 common gull 20+ coot 70 cormorant 6 curlew 4 dunlin 6 dunnock 6 gadwall 15 goldeneye 2 goldfinch 4 great crested grebe 2 great tit 6 grey heron greylag goose 60 herring gull house sparrow 10 kestrel kingfisher 2 lapwing 12 linnet 2 long tailed tit 6 magpie 4 mallard 12 marsh harrier 2 mistle thrush moorhen 6 mute swan 6 pheasant 2 pochard 6 redshank 2 reed bunting 4 robin 10 snipe song thrush sparrowhawk starling 300+ stonechat tufted duck 19 water rail 2wigeon 6 willow tit wood pigeon 4 wren 7 Far Ings News 27.02.15 Birds of note. bearded tit 4 bittern 3 common buzzard Cetti's warbler goosander marsh harrier M redshank 25 ringed plover snipe 21 treecreeper wigeon 16 Also: otter 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 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: 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 website to help you find grid references. http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 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 *** Report Ash Dieback in Lincolnshire *** Link for Chalara fraxinea reports: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara *** 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 *** 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 No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** 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 *** Secretary - Robert Carr secretary@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Membership Secretary - Mike Harrison: michael@michaelharrison1.wanadoo.co.uk 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 *** 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/ Still includes SSSI Information and "Nature on the Map" *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.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/ *** Coastal Grazing Marshes *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project has 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 www.lincswolds.org.uk http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Ruth Craig ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk 01507 609740 For help with chalk stream management, volunteering opportunities and educational activities on the chalk stream please visit the website http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership is working to promote enhancement and re-creation of an iconic fenland landscape and its wildlife within our highly productive and important farmlands. To learn more about the partnership please visit our website at http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ or contact the project officer at slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** 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 *** 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/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://www.lincolnshire-butterflies.org.uk/index.html *** Tornado and Storm Research Organisation *** http://www.torro.org.uk Contact Ian Loxley on colarain@tiscali.co.uk Interesting Weather radar website Noel Loxley recommends the following interesting website. http://www.raintoday.co.uk/ Hedgehog Street survey http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ For 2014 survey, see: http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/hibernation-survey.html Lincsbirders - Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group Some great photos. http://www.lincsbirders.org/ Bardney Limewoods - the Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** Grow-your-own Mistletoe *** http://www.mistle.co.uk/ Readers websites and videos - superb work well worth browsing through. If anyone else is putting work like this on the web, please let us know. Joan Gunson's Moths recorded 2013: http:www.flickr.com/photos/angleshades Alan Dale's Bugs and Weeds http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/ Les Binns: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecoheathen/sets/ Leslie Hebden http://www.flickr.com/photos/13718295@N07/ Youtube videos by Colin Green. Little Scrubbs Meadow in July 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqCJLrTQmg&feature=relmfu Greetwell Hollow in May 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmzLFrbjFU&feature=plcp Rimac in June 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02O5JJoilQ&feature=plcp Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - January 2014 - excellent video by David Robinson http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ The Wonderful Witham - Lincolnshire Rivers Trust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fp9bKSwaBE#t=969 University of Lincoln plus Siren FM - "Nightingales" made possible by Grahame Hopwood at Whisby http://www.sirenonline.co.uk/archives/8926 BBC Radio 4 Tweet of the day: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s6xyk *** Other Useful E-mail Addresses *** New 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! If anybody would like to join us, please get in touch with me at sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com 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 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. 2015 Indoor meetings: Saturday, March 07, 2015 AGM Followed by the Presidential address by Nick Tribe: "Aspects of Dragonfly Recording in Lincolnshire". 2016 Field Meetings. Sunday, April 26, 2015 Little Haw Wood -(Courtesy of Forestry Commission) Southwest of Castle Bytham, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park in turning area off track near west end of Clipsham Wood at SK9703 1705. Take minor road between Clipsham and Castle Bytham to reach Clipsham Wood. NB. There is about a 800m walk to Little Haw Wood from the parking spot. Habitats: Mixed Woodland. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, May 31, 2015 Fulsby Wood SSSI - (Private) (Courtesy of Tumby Estate) South of Horncastle 10am to 4pm. Park in Tumby saw mill car park at TF254602 (PE22 7TD) which is on north side of A155 between Coningsby and Mareham le Fen. Leader will be at car park for 10am and then again for 1pm for afternoon only attendees. Habitats: Ancient woodland Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Friday, June 05, 2015 Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) (multi-organizational Bioblitz event with evening moth sessions) South of Wragby Evening session on Friday from 9pm, then all day recording on Saturday and Sunday. Evening session on Saturday starting at 9pm. Times TBC. Use both car parks near to Wood Centre at TF147739 (LN8 5JR) Toilets available on site. Habitats: Various woodland types, pasture, scrub and ponds. Contacts: Anne Goodall 01526 398182 anne.goodall@esl-lincoln.co.uk and Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Saturday, June 06, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Sunday, June 07, 2015 Bioblitz - Chambers Farm Wood (Courtesy of Forestry Commission) See 5 June above Saturday, June 27, 2015 Poplar Farm, Low Hameringham (Courtesy of Tony Smith) South of Horncastle, 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 21.15. Use farmyard for parking at TF305662 Habitats: Various grassland types, marsh, chalk stream Leader: Mark Schofield 07825 970930 mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk 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 15, 2015 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. Road verge parking alongside Carr Dyke near western end of the Delph at approx.TF114 620. 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 text copy. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html If you are having difficulties with spam folders et. please make sure you "Whitelist" my address as given in the Bulletin. A "hard bounce" usually results in you being automatically deleted from the mailing list. Latest Mailfails - see notes above. Bulletin bouncing from: caroline.amphlett - soft bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying k.skingle - soft bounce - Over quota - permanent fatal errors *** And finally...... Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Dogs kill sheep in 'horrific' sheep worrying attacks http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-31503639 Old Age Pussycats (OAPs) offered 'retirement home' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-31517333 Spalding unveils Jimi Hendrix blue plaque http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-31557062 Southampton couple celebrate underwater photography success http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-31565314 Rats 'not main cause of Black Death' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31588671 Kew Gardens unveils science strategy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31555497 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/