============================================= || || 7th February 2016 || || 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. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 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.... *** My webserver has been running slowly this week, and it has proved difficult to send out my usual thank-yous. So thanks to all who sent in reports and are wondering what happened to my good manners! Quite a lot of readers managed to spot 'Nacreous clouds' this week. Memorable! Photographs and facts can be found on: https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/nacreous-clouds-over-britain/ The BTO's National Nest Box Week takes place from 14-21 February 2016, a chance to encourage birds to nest in your garden. Are you ready for it? http://www.bto.org/about-birds/nnbw I was interested to read the Operation Galileo Enforcement Update for February 2016. It is good to hear that hare-coursing is being well dealt with, though it continues to be a disturbing problem in my rural area. http://www.lincs.police.uk/news-campaigns/news/2016/operation-galileo-enforcement-update-february-2016/ On Saturday, February 13, the Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition takes place at Whisby Education Centre. Informal discussions and viewing of exhibits start at noon, with presentations starting at 2pm. This is the meeting where we hear about records and wildlife trends of 2015 . All are welcome - don't miss it. Details in Section 2 below. County Recorders are a very special breed! They combine fascination for their specialism with an orderly routine of data entry - adding to the many years of information gathered by their predecessors. Some have made this a lifetime's work. Perhaps you too might enjoy taking your skills and knowledge to a new level. If you are curious, come along to the Recorders meeting and see what it is all about. Recorders can help you learn more about the species they study, or you may decide to investigate a group no one else has looked at recently. If this is an idea that appeals, chat to members of the Exec Committee or to a few recorders and find out a bit more. Next Saturday is an ideal opportunity. Don't forget - The underlying purpose of the Bulletin is to get more people into the habit of gathering biological records in the hope that some of you will be the next generation of county recorders. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for February can be found on the following link: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html I do my best to include a selection of topical natural history links in each Bulletin and it is gratifying to find that a number of readers enjoy these. Local news of more general interest is also included. I confess I often have specific readers in mind when making my selections! If you would like to send in a link suggestion for "and finally". I will appreciate your help. Please keep the reports and news coming and tell others about the Bulletin. [A "forward to a friend" link is at the end of the Bulletin.] Roger p.s. Don't forget - the LNU welcomes the support of new members. See: http://www.lnu.org/join.php *** LNU Events - list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Saturday, 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. Non-members are very welcome to come along too. *** Sperm whale stranded on Hunstanton beach in Norfolk *** http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-35491621 *** Lincolnshire badgers to be moved after damaging river flood defences *** http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35493164 *** YWT's Spurn Development Project *** Many LNU/LWT/LBC members will know Spurn Point. http://www.ywt.org.uk/spurn-development-project [Thanks, Julia] *** Charity Bag Scam Alert - Lincolnshire *** https://www.lincolnshirealert.co.uk/da/137483/CHARITY_BAG_SCAM_ALERT_.html *** Lincoln Water Quality Volunteers *** Marie Taylor writes: Watercourses running through the urbanised area of Lincoln city are susceptible to sporadic pollution incidents and diffuse urban pollution. We want to increase the number of people who are able to assist the Environment Agency and the Witham Partnership to identify and resolve any problems, especially people who know the rivers and watercourses well and would recognise changes to them. The Lincolnshire Rivers Trust have secured funding from Natural England to purchase water quality testing equipment. The Environment Agency will provide some training on identifying pollution and making better reports to their incident hotline. This is an opportunity to become those “eyes and ears” on the ground helping to protect and improve the water landscape of Lincoln as part of a worldwide project called Freshwater Watch, where you have an opportunity to submit your results into an online database. https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.org/ What we need: · 15 volunteer groups based in Lincoln that have a connection to/or an interest in water quality to become better pollution incident reporters. · This support to be a part of the volunteer groups use or activities on or near the water. (e.g Canoe clubs, CRT boat operatives, walking clubs, boating groups, etc). If you interested or are aware of any groups that would be interested in this exciting addition to their use of the waterways in Lincoln please ask them to contact me. We would like to have this in place before the end of March. For more information or to volunteer, contact: Marie Taylor Project Officer Lincolnshire Rivers Trust Email: marie.taylor@lincsrivers.org.uk Phone: 07895423983 [Please Note I only work on a part time basis (Mon-Weds). ] Website: http://lincsrivers.co.uk/ *** Bat reminder *** Annette Faulkner writes: Could I ask readers to keep their eyes open and let me know of any bats they see flying, either during the day or at dusk, between now and mid March (when they emerge from hibernation)? Of course, if you find a grounded one please phone 01775 766286 as soon as you have securely boxed up the bat (wear gloves or use a cloth to scoop it up), and we will take it into care. *** Countdown to Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2016 *** The closing date for entries is 31st March 2016. If you know of any 'projects' which deserve recognition, please encourage them to submit an entry. It is an easy application process. For more information, see: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Scunthorpe Museum Society - New Horizons Mission to Pluto *** The Natural History and Geology Section, Scunthorpe Museum Society. Keith Scarrott writes: Next month, on Monday, 8th February, Paul Money visits us again to give his latest illustrated talk on the New Horizons Mission to Pluto. He has called his talk "Into the Darkness but Shining the Light" and will be showing the latest stunning images. The meeting will be held in the St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, opposite the Priory Hotel, starting at 7.15pm. ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. Contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098 for further details. Website to see our future programme - http://www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: Monday 15th February 7:30pm Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford Talk: On the edge of extinction with Dr David Sheppard David is an insect specialist and will describe some of the work that has been done to encourage threatened species to recover. This varies from management of specialist habitats, managing the insects themselves to managing the specialists involved in the project. [Thanks, George - email is down so will reply to your question later.] *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Wednesday 17th February "Twenty Years on the Humber" The recollections of LIONEL GROOBY, retired Humber Warden. A very interesting talk by a very entertaining speaker. All welcome, Trust membership not essential. Voluntary contributions welcome. Saturday 20th February An all-day field trip to Lower Derwent Valley, Bubwith Ings Expect three species of wintering Swans and other wildfowl Meet at NESS FARM, Far Ings for a 9am start, returning about 4pm. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear recommended. Bring a packed lunch. Car share can be arranged. Contact: Adrian White (01724 732152) for further details. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Lovely writes: On Monday 8th February 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting when excellent photographer Mike Pickwell will give an illustrated presentation - "A Journey through the Highlands & Islands of Scotland" showing the wildlife and the landscape. This takes place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2 all are welcome. There will be a Trust goods stall and raffle. Tea & coffee available. For further information ring Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. On Sunday 14th February 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting from Humberston Fitties. Meet leader Ray Hume at 9am in the far end car park near the Yacht Club. This 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 320878 *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson [Thanks, Richard] Lincoln Area Group Talk February 18th: Ospreys at Rutland Water by Tim Mackrill The Senior Reserve Officer at Rutland Water Nature Reserve looks at the successful return of one of our most iconic birds and the project which has made it happen. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Whoops! Ransomeware Strikes Lincoln *** Lincolnshire County Council's recent experience of "Ransomware" reminds us all of the importance of caution and good up-to-date anti-malware software. You can't be too careful. For the saga, see: Lincolnshire County Council hit by £1m malware demand http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35443434 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-35452880 Lincolnshire County Council 'will not pay cyber ransom' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35453801 Lincolnshire County Council computer systems restored http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35458992 Here is the Lincolnshire Police webpage about computer and internet safety. http://www.lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/computer-and-internet-safety/ Two helpful "Cybercrime" websites recommended by Lincolnshire Police are: https://www.getsafeonline.org/ http://www.cyberstreetwise.com/ For the lowdown on "Ransomeware" see: http://uk.norton.com/yoursecurityresource/detail.jsp?aid=rise_in_ransomware *** 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/ 28/1 Slavonian Grebe, Smew redhead, fem Scaup, Toft Newton reservoir Red-necked Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebes, Cleethorpes Country Park Red-necked Grebe flew past Frieston Shore Red-breasted Merganser ad drk, West Lake, Whisby NP 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese ads with c700 Pink-footed Geese on Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point Scaup 1w drk, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Glossy Ibis, Rawson's Bridge along Bargate Drain, north of Boston 29/1 Waxwing on Willingham Road, Fillingham, then killed by sparrowhawk. Scaup 1w drk, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 11 Whooper Swans, Slavonian Grebe at River Witham mouth, Frampton Marsh Red-necked Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebes, Cleethorpes Country Park Smew redhead, Boultham Mere 2 Slavonian Grebes, fem Scaup, Toft Newton Reservoir Slavonian Grebe, Hotel Pit, Far Ings 30/1 6 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Ringtail hen Harrier, Freiston Shore Slavonian Grebe, Hotel Pit, Far Ings Bittern, Red-necked Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebes, Cleethorpes Country Park 2 Slavonian Grebe at Tabb's Head, Scaup 1w drk, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owls, Willow Tree Fen Great White Egret, west of Fleet Hargate flew south over A17 Firecrest in garden, Dunston 31/1 Red-necked Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebes, Cleethorpes Country Park Slavonian Grebe, redhead fem Scaup, Toft Newton Reservoir 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese, Fiskerton Fen Red-breasted Merganser ad drk, West Lake, Whisby NP Slavonian Grebe, Hotel Pit, Far Ings 8 Bewick's Swans, Alderfen, Wroot Scaup 1w drk, 2 Spotted Redshank, m Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 1/2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Hen Harrier ringtail from Wash viewpoint, Hobby over old saltmarsh, Gibraltar Point Slavonian Grebe, Bittern, Hotel Pit, Far Ings Scaup 1w drk, 3 Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier ringtail, Frampton Marsh 2 Slavonian Grebes, Cleethorpes Country Park 2/2 Slavonian Grebe, Bittern, Hotel Pit, Far Ings Red-necked Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebes,drk Scaup, Cleethorpes Country Park Hen Harrier male from Wash viewpoint, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point 11 Bewick's Swans, Alderfen, Wroot Caspian Gull as, Norton Disney quarry, then flew north 3/2 2 Slavonian Grebes, Cleethorpes Country Park Bittern, Scaup 1w drk, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe, Hotel Pit, Far Ings Slavonian Grebe, Toft Newton Reservoir 2 Water Pipits i, 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Gibraltar Point 4/2 Smew, pit opposite gravel works entrance, Kirby on Bain GPs Scaup 1w drk, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier ringtail, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe, redhead fem Scaup, Toft Newton Reservoir Black Brant on Croft Marsh with 1500 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 3 ad Eurasian White-fronted Geese, 23 Water Pipit on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. Gorse Record: LINCOLN BYPASS Richard Fox 2nd February 2016 Between A46 and A15 roundabouts Gorse in flower Blackthorn in flower Roadkill: WRAGBY TF145775 31/1/16 Robert Walker Badger 1 roadkill On side of A158. *** Nacreous Clouds *** Clare Brady managed to photograph some Nacreous clouds this week. Well done! See: https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/gallery/photo-n-3837/ Other Lincolnshire contributions can be found on: https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/nacreous-clouds-over-britain/ Did anyone else spot them? See: Nacreous clouds: Your photos http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-35462395 Also see: https://twitter.com/search?q=nacreous+clouds HORKSTOW weather event 1 February 2015 Jenny Haynes Strange weather episode this afternoon. The wind, which had been blowing hard, suddenly dropped and for about five minutes it was completely still. Then it started blowing again with a vengeance. Like being in the eye of the storm. If I hadn't been in my garden I wouldn't have noticed it. Most noticeable was the lack of noise. *** 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. BARDNEY TF147708 23/1/16 Robert Walker [Thanks, Robert] Buzzard 1 on tree branch on roadside near old airfield. BOSTON Roy & Kath Pearson The annual RSPB Garden Birdwatch took place at the weekend and whilst I participated, the BTO Garden Birdwatch is of the greater importance to me as I do a count everyday I am at home - 28 in January. The maximum number of each species at any one time in the garden is recorded. Birds flying over, except for Sparrowhawks, are ignored. In total, 19 species were recorded, with Woodpigeon, Blackbird and Great Tit occurring in all 28 counts. Woodpigeon was the commonest species in the garden with a maximum count of 13 at once, either feeding on the lawn or sitting in the trees. Gulls are very common on the lawn, with Black-headed feeding on scraps on 14 days (max count 8 individuals), Herring Gull on 5 days and Common Gull once. Readers may note the absence of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Song Thrush, whilst Chaffinch was only recorded on two days. The number of days each species occurred in January (max 28), are given below. Blue Tit 27, Great Tit 28, Blackbird 28, Dunnock 21, Woodpigeon 28, Long-tailed Tit 17, Starling 9, Robin23, Magpie 11, House Sparrow 10, Wren 16, Collared Dove 18, Black-headed Gull 14, Sparrowhawk 2, Herring Gull 5, Common Gull 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Chaffinch 2, Redwing 1. CLEETHORPES COUNTRY PARK (Grid reference TA3006) 30/1/2016 Jon Drakes With reports of Slavonian and Red Necked Grebes being present, a visit to this location was in order. Species noted during a visit of a very blustery afternoon were as follows: Magpie Carrion Crow Black-headed Gull Mallard Slavonian Grebe 2 Moorhen Tufted Duck Red Necked Grebe 1 Blackbird A46 FALDINGWORTH Half mile north on sharp L/H bend Richard Fox 2nd February 2016 Fox foraging on grass verge next to road quite unconcerned at passing traffic HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. WETLAND RESERVE TF 331595 Garry Steele Monthly maximums and noteworthy ornithological sightings - January 2016:- Barn Owl - 1 Canada Goose - 3 Common Gull - 14 Cormorant - 5 Curlew - 84 Fieldfare - 66 Grey Heron - 1 Greylag Goose - 79 Jackdaw - c80 Mallard -33 Redshank -7 Shoveler - 1 Teal -75 Tufted Duck - 2 Wigeon - 6 Woodpigeon - 100+ HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes Sunday 31 January 2016 Here's the bird count in my garden undertaken for the RSPB garden bird count. Blue tit 8 Great tit 5 Chaffinch 16 Greenfinch 15 Goldfinch 17 Blackbird 4 Dunnock 3 Robin 1 Wood pigeon 1 Tree sparrow 5 Wren 1 Pheasant 2 Longtailed tit 2 Goldcrest 1 The Goldcrest was the first I'd seen this winter so it arrived at the right time! HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid reference TA3304) 30/1/2016 Jon Drakes Species noted during a quick visit to this location were: Mallard Black-headed Gull Little Egret 1 Lapwing >500 Shoveler Little Grebe 1 Oystercatcher Great Black Back Gull Brent Goose Magpie HUTTOFT Jane Pennington [Thanks, Jane.] TF511762 (my garden unless advised otherwise) 28/1/2016 Dunnock 1 Magpies 2 Robins 2 29/1/2016 Pheasant 1 31/1/2016 Barn owl 1 (flying around the field and then resting on the fence TF529777) Buzzard 1 (first time I've seen one around here - it was in the farmer's field and flew up and landed again once or twice - I wondered if it had caught some prey TF524766) Roe deer 2 (TF526772) 3/2/2016 Great tits 4 Ladybird 7-spot 1 (I was repotting some strawberry plants and it was hibernating in the compost) Magpie 1 Pheasant 1 Wren 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 30/1/2016 Jon Drakes Birds noted in my back garden whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch and the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch were: Robin 2 Collared Dove 10 Jackdaw 7 Blackbird 4 Dunnock 5 Chaffinch 3 Wren 1 House Sparrow 20 Starling 5 Tree Sparrow 2 Greenfinch 2 Woodpigeon 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1609) 30/1/2016 Tracey Smith and Mike Wilson Whilst carrying out the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, the following species were noted : Blackbird 11 Starling 25 House Sparrow 12 Goldfinch 13 Chaffinch 25 Greenfinch 3 Collared Dove 10 Woodpigeon 7 Dunnock 3 Robin 1 Blue Tit 2 Great Tit 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 31/1/2016 Jon Drakes The following were noted on a cold and overcast morning: Blackbird 4 House Sparrow 30 Collred Dove 2 Starling 15 Robin 2 Dunnock 4 Greenfinch 1 Wren 1 Chaffinch 3 Tree Sparrow 4 Woodpigeon 2 Great Tit 1 Black-headed Gull Magpie MARTIN BRIDGE TF242662 B1191 road 16/1/16 Robert Walker Buzzard 1 NETTLEHAM TF 01366 75495 Nettleham Su Colman & Mark Townsend 31 January 10.30 Kestrel sitting on a fence post at the bottom of the garden, hopped down and pulled a worm out of the ground and scoffed it. We are getting regular visits from this or another kestrel, it sits either on a fence post or in the tree, watching for prey or resting. I didn't know that kestrels ate large insects and worms til I saw them doing it. Last summer we watched a kestrel that perches on a window ledge at the RNLI accommodation at Spurn Point and hunts grass hoppers on the area known as the Parade Ground. 1 Feb 2016 14.20 A weasel in our small garden! Ran from cover at the base of a tree to a gap in the fence to next doors garden. NEW YORK, Old Fen Lane, TF231544 A. Parsons 30 Jan 2016 at 10.45hrs Fox adult THORNTON (near Horncastle) TF257677 3/3/16 Robert Walker Fieldfares 70+ on grass paddock next to Horncastle canal near Thornton Lodge Farm. also Song Thrush 1 same area. Seen by my wife, Dorothy. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 23/01/16 Little Egret x 2 SE8101 (Phil Lee) Red Kite x 1 over SE8101 (Phil Lee) 24/01/16 Blackbird x 3 Coot x 2 Fieldfare x 15 Moorhen x 2 Brown Rat x 1 (dead) 26/01/16 Rook x 300+ SE767053 (over) 27/01/16 Robin x 1 feeding by security light in back garden Starling 500+ murmuration SE747076 (most nights) 28/01/16 Long-eared Owl x 3 at roost, Owston Ferry Warping Drain 30/01/16 Barn Owl x 1 calling 23:45hrs THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow [Thanks, Steve.] 02/02/16 Common Gull x 3 Golden Plover x3 Grey Partridge x 4 Robin x 1 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 02:15hrs Rabbit x 1 03/02/16 Goosander x 2 males SK802991 Short-eared Owl x 1 SK797977 04/02/16 Blackbird x 7 Chaffinch x 15 Long-eared Owl x 6 at roost SK802992 Rook x 9 Song Thrush x 1 Starling x 29 Yellowhammer x 21 WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 30/01/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson Four Teal and six Mallard on the open water areas today. In the reeds was a Water Rail, whilst six Redshanks were the highest I have recorded since the 1970s. WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch totals: Roger Parsons 11.00-12.00hrs 30/01/2016 TF215534 Blackbird 15, 10m Fieldfare 2 Robin 1 Chaffinch 8, 4m Greenfinch 3, 1m Goldfinch 8 House Sparrow 7, 4m Tree Sparrow 2 Dunnock 0 Blue tit 3 Great tit 3 Wren 0 Woodpigeon 1 3/2/2016 m & f Great-spotted Woodpeckerd on nut feeders 8 Fieldfares, 20 Blackbirds in orchard Barn owl on Hurnbridge Road at 18.00 and 22.35 as I [not the owl] was going to and returning from an LNU Exec Committee meeting. WRANGLE COMMON 30/01/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson We did a count on the wet grassland. Birds counted were Teal (14), Mallard (20), Curlew (11), Snipe (3), JACK SNIPE (1), Greylag Geese (22), Canada Geese (27), Heron (1) and Meadow Pipit (1). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/gibraltar-point See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR notes 25th January to 3rd February 2016 [Thanks, Cliff] Contributors, Nigel Lound, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison January's weather summary - Continual waves of low pressure systems from the south west gave rain, some heavy at times, daily, from the 1st - 11th. Eventually the pattern settled when high pressure began to build which gave a spell of cold and drier weather once the last front had moved on. The 14th was particularly raw with rain and snow flurries occurred late in the day. Some wet snow had settled but had thawed by dusk. The daytime maximum temperature was 4.25°C. From the 11th - 21st ground frosts were daily falling to -6.25°C on the 21st (-3.25°C air). By the 22nd the high pressure was being displaced by more low pressure systems from the south west driven on by some particularly very strong breeze/near gale force south-westerlies giving at times unseasonal high daytime temperatures. A maximum of 15.25°C was recorded on the 27th. A gust of 61.0mph was noted on the 26th. The end of the month was unsettled with alternating cold and mild days.Total ppt for the month was 71.3mm (2.81in). Observations 25/01/16 - 150+Twite along with 50 Linnets and 17 Snow Buntings out from Brickyard Lane, where there were 14 Yellow Hammers and 10 Reed Buntings feeding in the outer dunes. Up to 8 Skylarks were present with a couple now in full song. 26/01/16 The Churchill Lane track to the beach remains one of the few areas left with buck- thorn berries, where the main concentration of birds is now to be found. 20+ Black- birds, 18 Redwings, 30 Chaffinches, 6 Bramblings and 3 Bullfinches were present. 28/01/16 55 Red-throated Diver, 18 Brent Geese and 5 Great-crested Grebe flew north at sea while 100 Common Scoter went south. Another 100 Common Scoter and a single female/ immature Velvet Scoter were on the sea south of Crook Bank. 17 Snow Bunting were just north of Crook Bank with 100 Linnet and 100 Twite. A single Bullfinch was around CB Car Park as was a Sparrowhawk. 13 Long-tailed Tit today and a single Goldcrest at Sear's Track. 12 Blackbird, 3 Redwing and a singing Mistle Thrush were the only thrushes seen. 29/01/16 Strong to gale force southwesterlies all morning with a gust of 61.0mph recorded at daybreak near Sea View. 56 Little Egrets in two flock 14 and 42 feeding tight in on the saltmarsh where it was relatively sheltered. 1200+ Pink feet over SV at 1520hrs to settle on mud flat nr Rimac, 2 Barnacle Geese picked out, then they all returned to the marshland grassland an hour later! Singles of Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl hunting between SV and Paradise. In the pasture field opposite Black Bridge were 3 Curlew feeding, 2 birds were normal plumage but the third was uniformly very dark brown from head to tail and even the under belly with no discernible feather pattern [it was getting towards dusk]. The only other colour was a small patch of white feathers on each thigh. Must have been some form of melanism? 30/01/16 2 Sparrowhawks, one at Crook Bank and one at Rimac. 38 Shoveler were on Paradise Pool with another 21 on Rimac Lagoon. A Barn Owl was perched up at Paradise and 7 Gadwall were on the Haven lagoon. On the beach out from Rimac were 28 Knot, 78 Oystercatcher, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Grey Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, 200 Dunlin and 138 Cormorant. 2 Red-throated Diver flew north and a drake Eider flew south. A check of the Freshwater Marsh and saltmarsh at Rimac revealed only 7 Snipe. 2 Water Pipit were on the Freshwater Marsh and a female type Stonechat was present. 31/01/16 19 Magpies over Sea View early morning and later around Rimac at least 30 were seen. The roost of Magpies further south at Brickyard Lane includes between 50-60 Magpies, whilst up to 20 can be seen in the fields and bushes towards Mablethorpe North End, so the number across the reserve exceeds 100. A single Goldcrest at Sea View and Merlin over saltmarsh. 01/02/16 Gale force winds continued with 37mph am and later 60.0 mph gust recorded. 28 Red- throated Diver flew north along with a single Guillemot and drake Goldeneye. A single Harbour Porpoise swam slowly north at 0802 about 200m offshore, out from Crook Bank dunes. 2 Little Grebes on Paradise pond 2 adult European Whitefronts were with approx 700 Pinkfeet at Elm House Farm. 02/02/16 With gale force winds again, 70+ Sanderling and 36 Dunlin were feeding close into the dunes, instead of out at the tide edge to avoid the sand blow. 03/02/16 The sea was again rather quiet but an Egyptian Goose north and Razorbill south made it worthwhile! The usual Common Scoter flock south of Crook Bank still numbered around 100 birds. 9 Red-throated Diver went north. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/far-ings See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NR Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2014/07/07/visit-dormouse-project Reports always welcome. These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually 'goes to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** Contacts List *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Website: http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ *** National Rural Crime Network *** Call for case studies as new website to tackle rural crime is launched. http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/National-Rural-Crime-Network.html See: http://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/ STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** Videos and photos - suggestions welcome *** Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ David sent in another fine video of a starling murmuration in January [2016] at Kirkby on Bain gravel pits - LWT's Hide Pit. https://flic.kr/p/BT6HMp Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 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 *** 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: Jonathan Gahan http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer jonathan.gahan@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 *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/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://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods 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, 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 ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. If you recognise any of these part-addresses, please let them know. geoff.copley - Soft Bounce - Hop count exceeded - possible mail loop margaret.fyfe - Soft Bounce - SMTP delivery not allowed robert.pitkin - Hard Bounce - The email address that you entered couldn't be found. And finally: Skegness sperm whale removal costs taxpayer £26,000 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35476211 Why do sperm whales wash up on beaches? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35399483 BTO Bird ID - Dunlin or Knot? https://youtu.be/4URaexb9uDw BTO Bird ID - Redwing and Fieldfare https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4hxUNvzmJU And finally: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/02/unknowable-magic-owls How do wading birds find food in mud? http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/how-do-wading-birds-find-food-mud? Are humans driving evolution in animals? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35462335 Spread of bee disease 'largely manmade' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35484763 How are birds in the UK coping after the warmest and wettest December on record? http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160120-how-the-weird-winter-weather-will-affect-our-birds Europe's recent summers were the 'warmest in 2,000 years' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35431375 Boosting food crop yields 'can protect biodiversity' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35427741 Polecats 'spreading across Britain' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35386042 A snapping shrimp can knock out its prey - without ever touching it http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160129-the-shrimp-that-has-turned-bubbles-into-a-lethal-weapon Could you have outrun tyrannosaurus rex? http://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/could-you-have-outrun-tyrannosaurus-rex-yes-say-researchers? Tuatara: Chester Zoo celebrate breeding 'living fossil' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-35462092 Oil Drilling in Gorilla Reserve https://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/images/stories/pdfs/VirungaStatement.pdf? Contributions to "And finally......" are always welcome. ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/