============================================= || || 15th November 2015 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. News from the Lincolnshire Coast 5. News from Far Ings NNR 6. News from Bardney Limewoods NNR 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin is being read by 1100 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who would like to receive the Bulletin please send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** We have had a good number of new readers sign up this month. welcome. We hope you find the Bulletin informative and useful. You can make it even more so by making the occasional report. See section "7" below. Failed emails. One of the downsides of using mobile broadband are the occasional failure of emails because of the 'bad reputation' of some service providers. I have had a few such failures this week - so thanks here to Cliff Morrison for his report for Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR. Very interesting. I notice quite a few "Flew South" reports in this week's bird reports - which I think we can interpret without difficulty. Watch I would like to slip in a thank you to the many people, most of them Bulletin readers, who have given so much help to get the Coningsby Wildlife Watch group going. I renewed my Watch Leader's first aid certificate recently, which reminded me it is 3 years since we launched the club. How time flies. Lincolnshire hosts a good number of active Watch groups and this is one of the ways in which we can bring along the next generation of naturalists. I expect you can recall the kind folks who kindled your original interest in natural history, the gift of a lifetime. It is a process that continues. See: http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/ Seals Follow the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust posts of seal news on: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update If possible, try to avoid weekend visits and the huge crowds. Rob Scott emailed to say: Donna Nook NNR Seal count, 7th November 2015: bulls 234, cows 288, pups 120 I went up there this week and it was the familiar spectacular experience. Starlings Speaking of spectacular experiences, why not join in the RSB survey of Starling murmurations, as reported on Autumnwatch? http://www.rsb.org.uk/get-involved/biologyweek/starling-survey Environmental Awards The launch for Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2016 took place on Thursday, 12th. The closing date for entries is 31st March 2016 and the finalists will be invited to present their entries to the panel of judges, led by Professor David Bellamy, on Thursday 26 May 2016. If you know of any 'projects' which deserve recognition, please encourage them to submit an entry. I can think of several excellent local initiatives which really should give it a go. Why not try? For more information, see: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ The Cosmos Remember to watch out [cloud permitting] for 2 meteor showers, the Northern Taurids [peak 12th] and the Leonids [peak 17/18th]. http://popastro.com/meteor/reference/meteorshowers/index.php The recent display by the moon and planets this week has been wonderful. http://www.astronomy.co.uk/skytonight Please tell people about the Bulletin and suggest they give it a try. It's free! Here is the URL of the sign-up page: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Thanks for the many interesting contributions this week. It is always good to hear from readers. Please keep the reports coming. Roger p.s. Don't forget: 12. ...and finally... Your suggestions for interesting links are always very welcome. *** LNU Events - list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. *** Bats: records and crises *** Annette Faulkner reminds us: If you find a grounded bat PLEASE don't leave it where it's found, thinking "nature will take its course". For all their tiny size they are tough little beasts and take a long time to die. Scoop them up in a cloth or wear gloves, put them in an escape-proof box and phone 01775 766286, the Lincs Bat Group's Helpline number. *** Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Entomological Society *** DaNES INSECT SHOW. Brackenhurst Campus - Nottingham Trent University. On A612 just south of Southwell NG25 0QF. November 21st, 11am-4.30pm DaNES' main annual event, with a large number of exhibits by both organisations and individuals - informative displays, demonstrations, hands-on activities, live insects and sales stalls. There will also be a series of interesting talks throughout the day. Plenty to see, do and buy, and a café for refreshments. Access and WC is suitable for wheelchairs. There is free parking for those with cars and, for those without, the Nottm-Southwell bus stops outside. ENTRANCE IS FREE Depending on weather, there may be a moth watch afterwards. Contact Dave Budworth on 01283 215188 *** Can you contribute towards a book on ancient woodland? *** Derek Niemann wrote to Chris Manning: You may well know that during the decades after WW2, Britain managed to destroy more than a third of its ancient woodlands. But do you have any direct memories from this period? Did you know a wood that was grubbed up for farming, or cut down and replanted with conifers? Were you a farmer or forester? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at derek@niemann.plus.com or ring me on 01767 692603. [Derek is a writer and editor, doing a fortnightly nature diary column for the Guardian and features for BBC Wildlife.] *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Next events: Wednesday 18th November "Members Pictures" Up to 20 pictures on Stick, CD or slides on any subject. A selection of pictures taken by members throughout he year. Starts at 7:30pm At Ness Farm Old Centre. Saturday 21st November "A walk between New Holland and Barrow" A half-day walk to view the winter waders and wildfowl. Contact; Alex Cawley (07722 555302) for details Ness Farm at 9am. Everybody welcome to come along. *** Lincoln LWT *** Lincoln Area Group Talk November 19th: Ancient Woodland - History, Industry and Crafts by Professor Ian Rotherham (Sheffield Hallam University) Looking at the history of our ancient woodlands and how their management in the past has shaped what they are today. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincoln RSPB *** http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** South Lincs RSPB *** http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ [Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....."] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 5/11 Pallid Harrier juv over Old Saltmarsh and East Dunes, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland Water Pipit on Fenland Lagoon, ringtail Hen Harrier, Jack Snipe, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier, Donna Nook 6/11 Pallid Harrier juv from Lill's hut, Hen Harrier male, 2 Bean Geese flew over, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owls, Butterwick Marsh Pallid Swift between Wolla Bank and Chapel Six Marshes. Flew south. 7/11 Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Pallid Harrier, 3 Hen Harriers 1 male, 2 Water Pipits on Tennyson's Sands, Spotted Redshank, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland 8/11 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, Short-eared Owl near Mill hill, Pallid Harrier juv, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier male, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Yellow-browed Warbler in hedge near visitor centre, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier male, Alkborough Flats Shorelark, Lapland Bunting, Cleethorpes Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland Housemartin, Rimac Hen Harrier ringtail NE of Boston, ESE of Wrangle Short-eared Owl, Donna Nook 9/11 Possible Bean Goose with 1000 Pink-footed Geese, Spotted Redshank male, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 3 Lapland Bunting, 2 Tundra Bean Geese, 2 Hen Harrier 1 male, Water Pipit, Jack Snipe, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Gibraltar Point Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland Common Crane, by Marsh Farm, Croft Marsh Water Pipit in SW corner of realighment, Hen Harrier juv, 20 Twite, Donna Nook 10/11 2 Spotted Redshanks on Tennyson's Sands, 876 Siskin flew south, 3 Velvet Scoters flew south, 2 Scaup, 3 Black-throated Divers, Housemartin flew south over plantation, Short-eared Owl over old saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point Lapland Bunting on saltmarsh, 2 Water Pipits on freshwater marsh, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Saltfleetby Osprey flew south over car park, Rimac Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland 11/11 Eurasian White-fronted Goose on Tennyson's Sands, Spotted Redshank, 3 Snow Buntings flew south over, Water Pipit over plantation towards Jackaon's Marsh, Gibraltar Point 30+ Twite, Frampton Marsh slavonian Grebe on flashes opposite airfield, viewed from sea wall, North Cotes Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland 12/11 Twite on beach at Chowder Ness, Far Ings Water Pipit, Donna Nook Lapland Bunting, 50+ Twite, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck f/1w Deeping High Bank, Crowland 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese with Canada Geese on Croft Marsh. Gibraltar Point Swallow, Alkborough 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. ROADKILLS - don't forget your name and date! CAISTOR Wendy Handford Lucy's Lane Caistor TA 118 013 Field vole, dead in snicket 11.11.15 *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. CAISTOR Week beginning 5.11.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road wildlife garden TA 111 026 Grey squirrel burying acorn 7.11.15. Trailcam Rabbits 4 eating fallen pears 6.11.15. Trailcam Long-tailed tits 20+ in Silver birches 8.11.15 Pheasants 1m, 3f in rough grass area 8.11.15 Common toad, adult male, between clay pots 7.11.15 7 spot ladybird in conservatory 5.11.15 Green lacewings, 10+ in timber shed 7.11.15 Fungi this week Coral spot extensive on dead Silver birch branches Elder whitewash Oak crust on dead Oak branches Shaggy parasols 10s in Norway spruce wood Tawny funnels 100s in Norway spruce wood Variable oysterling on dead Goat willow branches Wendy Handford Southdale Caistor TA 115 012 Grey squirrel crossing road 7.11.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road verge TA 101 037 Kestrel hovering 6 and 10.11.15 Wendy Handford Brigg Road verge near Clixby TA 095 050 Kestrel hovering 10.11.15 Ben Jacob Nettleton Lodge Game Farm TA 090 012 Fungi from last week Clouded funnel My cat's been sick in the grass, Mucilago crustacea, a slimemould. New on Caistor list Galerina sp HORKSTOW 12 November There was a Comma butterfly in my garden this morning, enjoying the sunshine. Jenny Haynes HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF512763 (my garden unless otherwise stated) Date 8/11/2015 Blackbird 1 Rabbit 1 Date 10/11/2015 Tawny owl 1 (heard 6 p.m. Date 11/11/2015 Wren 1 12/11/2015 Fox 1 (Looking out of the bedroom window at 8.10 a.m. and a fox ran across the garden and back out over the ditch into the farmer's field!) NEW WALTHAM. TA 287046 Garden sightings Peter Crick 05.11.2015 - 11.11.2015 Wasps seen everyday on ivy flower heads In answer to Roy Harvey's question in LNU Wildnews Bulletin 08.11.2015 regarding worms in cabbages:- I have also found worms in cabbages frequently, they tend to be found in the outer leaves about 3-4cm from the main stalk. Not experienced any damage to cabbage, only by small grey slugs that sometimes locate there as well. More found in Autumn and winter cabbages than summer. I also have several water butts that have loose wooden coverings, mainly to prevent birds from coming to harm and also prevent water loss by evaporation. When moving the wood coverings I have found collections of worms between the wood on most of the butts. How/why do they collect there? Coverings are a metre plus from soil level. Highest one yet was when replacing a pane of glass in greenhouse roof I found a worm tucked between the glass and the roof bar. All seem to be the same species of worm. Dark red/maroon 5 - 10cm long. Not compost worms or brandlings. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 08.11.2015 Blackbirds returning to the garden, possibly some from the continent Mistle Thrush Songthrush Wren Harlequin Ladybird 10.11.2015 Queen Wasp at window Red Admiral on the wing in blustery, but mild weather (15C) 7-Spot Ladybird 12.11.2015 2 Robins in skirmish 2 Greenfinches and a Bluetit feeding on sunflowers growing in the garden Bluetit entering and emerging from nest box around 9am Pigeon nest, probably the Collared Doves’, now visible in leafless ash tree Green Shieldbug Harlequin Ladybird Butterflies: Red Admiral 1, Comma 1 (in good condition, first one I've seen this year!) Buff-tailed Bumblebee White-tailed Bumblebee Drone Flies in good numbers THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 06/11/15 Grey Partridge x 16 Wood/Y N Mouse x 2 07/11/15 Black Headed Gull x 170 Common Buzzard x 1 Fieldfare x 61 Golden Plover x 230 Little Owl x 1 Starling x 65 08/11/15 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 4 09/11/15 Common Buzzard x 1 Lapwing x 52 Red Legged Partridge x 1 11/11/15 Short Eared Owl x 1 SK801991 fresh mole hills SK796994 12/11/15 Black Headed Gull x 75 Common Buzzard x 1 Fieldfare x 135 Golden Plover x 54 Grey Partridge x 11 Merlin x 1 SK804998 Mute Swan x 4 adults, 1 young Owston Ferry Warping Drain WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 11/11/2015 Queen wasps and bumblebees on the wing. 9/11/2015 2 Egyptian Geese at TF 213555 6 Little Egrets on Hurnbridge Drain TF 214543. 2pm [RP] and 2.30pm [A&RP] Photo taken. 11/11/2015 @ 10.30hrs Group of 6 Little Egrets seen on field at TF 222542. Then flew south along a drain To Great Beats Farm TF222532. Likely these are the same group noted on 9th. Shortly afterwards 2 more Little Egrets were seen in territorial display on the dyke bank at TF 222543. One of these was driven off to TF 222544 So we have a possible 8 Little Egrets in the area. A fem. Marsh Harrier was quartering field in TF2253. Good sized Fieldfare flocks about. WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH SK92 Jaqne Ostler Garden The remarkably mild November started on 1st with 18C in the sunshine. Brimstone, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood Butterflies out. November 12th is another exceptional day with the thermometer in the south facing part of garden registering 21C at 1p.m. Honey Bees on the ivy flowers, a bufftailed queen bee on the cosmos, a single harlequin ladybird out and about and a red admiral butterfly emerged from hibernation and feeding . Garden anemones corms planted last month have come through and one is in flower. Other garden plants like caeanothus and Cornus are flowering unseasonally but so are the weeds I like to keep going for invertebrates - white deadnettle, groundsel and herb robert. Less birds than this time last year, but then they have planty to feed on in the hedgerows. They have left our autumn raspberries alone and we shall be picking some for tea. A great spotted woodpecker is a regular on the telegraph pole. An adult hedgehog is still moving about between me and the neighbours. The weather has meant plenty of entertainent with fungi - particularly the colourful waxcaps on the lawn. It has been the best autumn colour in leaves that I can remember. WRANGLE COMMON 10/11/2015 Roy and Kath Pearson Mammals seen today were two Roe Deer and a Muntjac. A total of twenty- seven bird species was recorded, but apart from large groups of Rooks, Jackdaws and Woodpigeons all were in low numbers, with the hedgerows quite empty and no birds at all were counted on the seed areas. The wetland areas are still very low on water and only six Mallard, four Coot and three Moorhen were seen, whilst there was a total absence of waders. Two Buzzards and a Kestrel represented the raptors. Four Redwings and a Song Thrush were counted, but only eleven Blackbirds were seen - quite a low catch for this time of year. Apart from six Yellowhammers and four Goldfinches, there were no finches or buntings present, which is very unusual. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Lincolnshire Coast NNRs and S Lincs Highlights including RSPB Wash Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 and DONNA NOOK http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/donna-nook/viewing-seals-donna-nook ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE NNR. WILDLIFE NEWS Week ending 4-11 November 2015 Contributors: Nigel Lound, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison A generally very mild wet week with strong winds from the south west has meant that immigration from the east has been at a low level, although there was an increase in Redwings and Blackbirds on the 8th and 2 Woodcock on 10th. Siskins have been present most days with a peak of 24 south on 6th. The wintering flock of Twite and Linnets on the samphire beds have now built up to 4-500 birds, with Linnet numbers slightly exceeding Twite. Inevitably, such numbers have attracted predators, with single Merlins being recorded on 5th, 6th and 10th and Sparrow Hawks most days. Surprisingly, apart from single Snow Bunting records the previous week, no more have yet been recorded, although double figures of Reed Buntings and Yellow Hammers are to be seen feeding in the grass on the outer dunes. Apart from the finches and buntings, the shore has been the main focus of attention during the week, with a wintering flock of about 600 Pink- footed Geese roosting on the outer beach and to be seen flighting south west inland at around 8am most mornings, returning at around 4pm. On the 10th, there was also a southerly movement of Pink-feets flighting down towards Norfolk, with over 700 birds being counted in 12 skeins. Whooper Swans have also been recorded, both on the pools on the marsh at Rimac and moving south and south west on several days, with peaks of 23 and 54 on 6th, 9th and 10th. 75 Shelduck were in the Rimac area on 9th, when 9 Shoveler were also noted flying south. A couple of Chiffchaffs are still to be found along the dunes, but more interesting was a single House Martin on 8th, a Wheatear at Saltfleet Haven on 6th and an Osprey south (via Birdguides) on 10th. The mild weather, with temperatures up to 18C have allowed insects to remain on the wing, being particularly attracted to ivy flowers, where 2 species of wasp and 3 species of bumble bee and several fly species have been recorded. Also noted have been 2 Ruddy Darters and 1 Migrant Hawker. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. FAR INGS NNR See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/publications/limewoods-walks/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Wood (please detail specific area when reporting e.g. Ivy Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow etc.); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood, Wickenby Wood. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) 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 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. Identifying the Fungi: http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys 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 *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). 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 *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejohnredshaw@gmail.com *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group Update *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in badger reports. Botanical Group in South Lincs Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Mark Schofield writes: Always consider the provenance and sustainable sourcing of seed. Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. Bee-friendly gardeners should refer to their A-Z suppliers list which can be found here: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing Advice: www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Ruth Craig http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer ruth.craig@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** RSPB local webpages *** http://www.rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in some cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold precise details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 2016 Indoor meetings saturday 15th January 2016 To be announced. Keep an eye on the LNU Website. Saturday, February 13, 2016 Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition Overview and highlights of the past years recording provided by the county recorders. Arrive at 12 noon for a chance to catch up with recorders and view exhibits including a demonstration of online recording software ‘Living Record’ and a discussion on online recording starting at 12.30; the overview starts at 2pm as in previous years. Saturday, March 05, 2016 AGM & Presidential Address AGM, Followed by the Presidential Address by Mark Schofield “Better Connected - Can our road networks serve as super- highways for wildlife?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If your Bulletin did not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. derek crunkhorn - Hard Bounce - Recipient overquota Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. Enjoy the Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ Richmond deer 'put off mating' by photographers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34733640 HS2 route Cubbington pear is 2015 'Tree of the Year' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34749065 The gloomy Arctic seed bank that's key to future crops http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34658200 A great cause to stop Supermarkets wasting food....... https://wastenotuk.com/ ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/