============================================= || || 13th November 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 over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who might like to receive the Bulletin please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every Bulletin or send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Compare Previous Years. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins since Feb 2009 are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html 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, the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. 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.... *** Important Please do not use my alternative email address rogerp@enterprise.net as it seems to have technical problems and your emails will not get to me. aintree2@yahoo.co.uk is working OK. Welcome to this week's Bulletin. We hope everyone finds something useful, informative and entertaining. Please keep your contributions coming. I very much enjoyed "Islands" - the first episode of 'Planet Earth II ' on BBC 1 last Sunday: visually stunning, brilliantly presented by Sir David Attenborough, and packed with fascinating information. The 'gold standard' of natural history television. Would anyone like to send in comments on the next episodes? I was especially impressed by the footage of Gapapagos [Fernandina] snakes (Alsophis dorsalis) hunting Marine Iguanas. Nightmare vision of Dante's 'Hell'? See BBC i-Player: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02544td Epic moments from Planet Earth II http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20161108-the-most-epic-moments-from-planet-earth-i Also see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04dgbn4/p04dgb2y http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/10/28/planet-earth-ii-bbc-gives-natural-world-hollywood-blockbuster-tr/ Donna Nook Seal News: Avoid weekend visits if possible. Useful links: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/donna-nook/viewing-seals-donna-nook http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update Good News on Golden Eagles: Golden eagle numbers close to 'historic' levels http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-37924951 Harlequin Ladybird Survey: have you sent in a report yet? http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ From time to time we lose a reader or two. This is to be expected. People move away or find they don't have time to engage with the events, activities and information we provide. Readers are the best recruiters of new readers, so it will be very helpful if you would tell others about it, please. If we promoted your event, included your report, answered your question or entertained you, please help if you can. You can use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of each Bulletin to send a sample copy to someone who might enjoy it too. Roger rparsons@enterprise.net *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** LNU Events Diary *** For LNU meetings, see: http://www.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. Next meeting: 26th November 2016 Whisby Education Centre, 2pm “Riverflies” by Stuart Crofts Editor adds: There has been an increased interest in riverflies and their ecological importance. Don't miss this talk! *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indood Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk Keith Scarrott writes: EARTHQUAKES The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Our last indoor meeting for this year, on Monday, 14th November, will include an illustrated talk on "Earthquakes" by David Galloway of the British Geological Survey Seismology Unit at Edinburgh. David tells us that his talk will be about earthquakes in general: what, why. how, when, where they occur (both globally and here in the UK and around Scunthorpe), the damage they do (with some impressive images of the devastation they cause) and also some information on the work done at the Seismology Unit. Clearly we can learn a lot from David's talk. ALL ARE WELCOME to our meetings which are held in St Bernadette's Church Parish Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, starting at 7.15pm. (Opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road.) There is ample free parking at the Church. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are provided at the mid-talk break for a small charge. For further information contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A WILDLIFE WARDEN Monday 14th November - 7:30pm The Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford A talk by Kevin James, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust warden for mid-Lincolnshire. Find out about the variety of tasks that he has to deal with from habitat management to dealing with awkward visitors. With the Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Wednesday 16th November MEMBERS' PICTURES Up to 20 pictures on stick or CD in JPeg format. Please let us know if you are bringing slides. Contact: Keith Mitchell on 01652 632673 for details Meet at Ness Farm centre for an 7:30pm start. All welcome, refreshments available. Sunday 20th November A full day visit to RSPB FRAMPTON MARSH Wintering wildfowl, raptors and waders. Contact for details Leader: Vernon Chapman 01652 660957 bring warm clothing and suitable footwear and a packed lunch. Leaving Ness Farm car park at 09:00 Car share available. All welcome to join us. *** Boston Area Group LWT *** Geof Lee writes: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust - Boston Area Group THE WILDLIFE OF FLORIDA by Gill Walsh. Gill will show us the amazing array of wildlife she has seen on her many visits. The talk is in the schoolroom of the Centenary Methodist Church in Red Lion Street, Boston at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday, 10th November, 2016. Everyone welcome. For more info contact Brian Redman on 01205368475. *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 14th November 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting where Phil Porter, warden of Whisby Nature Reserve Lincoln, will be giving an illustrated talk "ALIEN PLANTS". This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2, all are welcome. There will be Trust goods stall, raffle and tea & coffee available. For further information please contact Jennie Redpath 01472 502858. MORNING BIRD WALK On Sunday 20th November 2016 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk in the Pyewipe area of Grimsby. Meet leader Ray Hume at the junction of Gilbey Road and Moody Lane TA258101 at 10am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations are welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume 01472 320878. *** Lincoln LWT *** Lincoln Area Group Talk CETACEANS OF THE WORLD Richard Davidson writes: November 17th: "Cetaceans of the World" Local naturalist Steve Lovell looks at the Whales and Dolphins of the world and describes some of his encounters with them. 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 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** November Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage for November will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Paul explains that two major meteor showers this month, the Northern Taurids [peak 12th] and the Leonids [peak 17th] are likely to be spoiled by moonlight. You might be lucky. Let us know if you are. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ 3/11 Lapland Bunting south over, Hawfinch over Visitor centre car park then flew south, Pomarine Skua flew south past, 3 Little Auks, Shorelark, 2 Lapland Buntings, 2 Twite, Gibraltar Point 1+ Little Auks, Barton-upon-Humber Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats Caspian Gull 2w, 2 Scaup, between Wroot and westwoodside Long-billed Dowitcher, Black-necked Grebe, 2 Hen Harriers, Frampton Marsh Black Brant, Long-tailed Duck flew past, Cleethorpes Leisure Centre Slavonian Grebe, Purple Sandpiper, Covenham reservoir 4/11 10 Shorelarks, Donna Nook Purple Sandpiper, Covenham reservoir 9 Waxwings flew north over Foxhills Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe Little Auk flew north past Huttoft Bank Western Purple Swamphen, Alkborough Flats 3 Shorelarks, 10 Twite, 7 Snow Buntings, 15 Scaup, 3 Long-eared Owls, Velvet Scoter, Hen Harrier, Tetney Marshes 2 Spotted Redshanks, fem Hen Harrier, over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh 5/11 9 Pomarine Skua adults south past, Waxwing briefly, Gibraltar Point 2 Little Auks flew north past Huttoft Point Slavonian Greve, Covenham reservoir 10 Shorelarks on beach, 3 Little Auks flew south, 7 Pomarine Skuas, Long-tailed Duck, Water Pipit on outmarsh, Donna Nook Glaucous Gull flew past, 3 Little Auks, 2 Pomarine Skua, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 13 Long-tailed Ducks, 17 Scaup, 4 Velvet Scoters, Sutton-on-Sea Glossy Ibis, Black-necked Grebe, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 6/11 2 Shorelarks, 2 Pomarine Skuas flew past, Water Pipit, 6 Twite, Donna Nook Pomarine Skua flew past Gibraltar Point 7/11 5 Little Auks, 3 flew north, one flew south, 1 killed by Great Black- backed Gull, 2 Storm Petrels, 44 Velvet Scoters, Great Northern Diver, Water Pipit, Long-tailed Duck, Green-winged Teal on Tennyson's Sands, 9 Little Auks flew past, Gibraltar Point 20 Waxwings at Visitor Centre, Far Ings 5 Waxwings flew south over dunes at Anderby Marsh, 2 Little Auks flew south, Scaup on sea, Anderby Creek 10 Little Auks flew past, Pomarine Skua, 8 Waxwings flew in off sea, 3 Snow Buntings on tideline, Black-throated Diver flew north, 2 Long- tailed Ducks, 5 Velvet Scoters, Huttoft Bank Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, 2 Common Scoters, Covenham reservoir Scaup juv, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park Grey Phalarope by lock gate at Haven, Water Pipit, 2 Short-eared Owls, Tetney Marshes 5 Little Auks flew east past, 17+ Long-tailed Ducks, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 2 Scaup, Cut End 8/11 Pallid Harrier juv, Grainthorpe Marsh - flew towards Horseshoe Point Water Pipit on north side, 2 Waxwings just north of, 36 Twite of saltmarsh, Saltfleet Haven, Short-eared Owl, Saltfleetby Cattle Egret in cattle field east of, Black-throated Diver, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Covenham reservoir Pallas's Warbler at north end, 10 Shorelarks, 5 Lapland Buntings, Water Pipit, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Waxwings flew north from Stonebridge, Donna Nook Lapland Bunting flew south over, Northern Bullfinch fem, Snow Bunting, Velvet Scoter, Gibraltar Point Long-billed Dowitcher juv, Black-necked Grebe, Frampton Marsh Waxwing on wires, Roughton, near Horncastle 2 Waxwings flew over Middle Rasen Scaup juv, Teal Lake, Whisby Nature Park 9/11 9 Waxwings at Newton, NW of Folkingham near water tower Hen Harriew male, Frampton Marsh 20 Waxwings in garden ar Swallow Farm south of Holbeach St Johns Waxwing east on Colsterworth by roundabout opposite services Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. Please visit the RBA website for updates/fuller details. Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. Rare Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ [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. HARLEQUIN LADYBIRDS Are Harlequin Ladybirds marching into your house? Why not record them? If you look at their distribution map there are quite a few Linconshire gaps. http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ ROADKILLS *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** "If it is worth observing, it is worth recording." 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. ALKBOROUGH FLATS (Grid reference SE8822 and SE8722) 6/11/2016 Jon Drakes and Mike Wilson A visit to Alkborough Flats to take part in Wader Quest's "Wader Conservation World Watch" found the following species present: Avocet 100 Barnacle Goose Approximately 200 Bearded Tit Black Tailed Godwit 5 Black-Headed Gull Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cormorant 5 Curlew 9 Dunlin 200 Fieldfare Grey Heron 1 Greylag Goose Hen Harrier One male hunting over reed beds - a fine sight indeed! Kestrel 2 Lapwing Little Egret 2 Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier 2 hunting over reed bed Peregrin Falcon One - swooped down over scrape scattering Dunlin and Avocets! Pheasant 4 Pink-footed Goose Redshank 37 Redwing Reed Bunting Ruff 1 Shelduck Shoveler Starling Stonechat 1 Teal Water Rail 1 Woodpigeon Wren No sign of the Western Purple Swamphen today. BINBROOK (EAST OF) TF 237943 Peter Crick 31.11.2016 Stoat crossing lane and foraging along verge BRADLEY WOODS - GRIMSBY (Grid reference TA2405) 5/11/2016 Jon Drakes with Louise Drakes, William Drakes and James Drakes A morning visit to Bradley Woods with members of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's Grimsby Turnstones Wildlife Watch group found the following species present: Blue Tit Chaffinch Great Tit Green Woodpecker Robin Woodpigeon Grey Squirrel COLSTERWORTH SK93/24 Jane Ostler 2016 With the first wintry weather this week (Nov6th +), time to look back over some natural history records sent to me over the year. BIRDS Spotted Flycatcher - one garden breeding site less this year. Turtle Dove - no records at all this year Stock Dove - very few sightings but one pair seen regularly in a garden (suspect sparrowhawk responsible for disappearance. Cuckoo - the nos of males calling were up this year and from at least three separate areas. House Martins - a masrtked increase in numbers on the new Wilson estate. Swallows Less successful breeding - , some nests abandoned in early summer. Swifts - all knows breeding sites occupied again. Arrived and left at dates similar to last year. Nightingales - possible increase in numbers at the one site known. BUTTERFLIES It has been a poor year for butterflies. Garden records reflected this .Lower numbers of Peacock Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. Comma turned up in gardens in about the same small numbers as previiously. Only one or two records of Holly Blue. Common Blue just one or two records as usual. Singletons only of Painted Lady, none early in the season. The usual plagues of Whites, particularly the Small White. Orange Tip were in smaller numbers. The number of Brimstones seen in the Spring was higher than average, but in spite of the mild autumn there were few sightings late in the year. Red Admiral seemed to make an autumn recovery. MOTHS Elephant Hawk Moth nnow breeds regularly in fuschia hanging baskets. Humming Bird Hawk Moth, always looked for, the last record on 31st October on Red Vaalerian. HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 3/11/2016 Fox 1 (ran through garden at 8 a.m.) Wren 1 4/11/2016 Blackbirds 6 (some days they're here, some days not) Robins 2 (one on each bird table) 7/11/2016 Blackbirds 6 Great spotted woodpecker 1 (banging his head on a weak bit of cladding on the side of the house - we really wondered what was going on!) Lacewing 1 (in greenhouse) Pheasant 1 89/11/2016 Chaffinch 1 Dunnock 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 5/11/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Collared Dove 10 House Sparrow 25 Robin 1 Chaffinch 1 Dunnock 6 Goldfinch 1 Greenfinch 1 Tree Sparrow 4 Blackbird 1 NEW WALTHAM TA 285046 Peter Crick 01.11.12 2 Wasp nests still active. One in compost heap, other in roof space WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 3/11/2016 Buzzard flew from tree in garden. Barn owl m in hedge and Tawny Owl in flight on Hurnbridge Road 9pm. 4/11/2016 2 Buzzards over/calling 10.30hrs WOOLSTHORPE LlINE SK917232 Jane Ostler 4th November 2016 Results of search for fungi before the first frost Collared Earth Star (Geastrum triplex), Blackening waxcap (Hygrocybe conica). Coprinus macrocephalus (found on horse dung), Wrinkled Crust (Phlebia radiata), Deer Shield (Pluteus cervinus) Tawny Grisette (Amanita fulva), Yellow Stainer (Agaricus xanthodermis) Oyster Mushroom (Pluteu ostreatus). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Dunes NNR Report 2nd November - 9th November 2016 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker & Cliff Morrison Weather and General notes for early November Bitterly cold near gale force winds from a northerly sector were recorded on the 5th - 7th when at times gale force gusts were noted. On the 5th a gust of 45.7mph and on the 6th 43.5mph recorded near Sea View. Shore Larks seen, up to 9 noted on the samphire beds during the week, where there were also a couple of Rock Pipits. Blackbird arrivals every day, amounting to several hundred across the area, with birds feeding on the hawthorn berries before heading south west Starlings were also arriving each day, mainly in flocks of 10-50, but these were all continuing NW. With the gales over the last 2 weekends, Little Auks had been recorded moving south along other parts of the coast, but with calmer weather afterwards, they were to be seen flying back north again close to shore. There were a few Red-throated divers over the see most days. Common Scoters were close inshore in the Mablethorpe North End area, with a single flock of over 350 birds on the sea. 2nd Whooper Swans 15 (3 imm) on Rimac lagoon which flew off, plus 18 Shoveler, later in afternoon 7 adults flew in and landed on Rimac lagoon, Common Snipe 7 flushed from saltmarsh and Starling 100+ feeding there, Marsh Harrier ?? hunting over the area 3 Stonechat at Rimac 3rd A single Little Auk was recorded off Brick Yard Lane area A Red-breasted Merganser was also noted flying north A small influx of Blackbirds with at least 60 birds counted between Sea View and Paradise mid-morning. On Paradise lagoon Shoveler 8, Teal 18 and 2 Shelduck, Blackcap ? at Sea View 4th 5 Whooper Swans south. 6th Good movements of Gannets were noted after the gales on the 6th Along Brickyard Lane to Rimac , a total of 6 Woodcock 3 Water Rail, 2 Brambling, 8 Rock Pipits, 1 Jack Snipe Also several tens of blackbirds and fieldfare moving through. Churchill Lane area 2 Little Owl , 1 Tawny Owl. 7th A late Garden Warbler was a surprise as it flitted about in shrubs near Sea View; Starlings on the saltmarsh were at least 700, a few Blackbirds still lingering about plus a single Fieldfare in the Sea View area 8th A Waxwing seen flying over the Brickyard Lane area with a further 10 Little Auk Lapwing 17 flew high, north and two skeins of Pink-footed Geese 260 flew NW over Sea View, Common Snipe 3 off the saltmarsh and Rimac lagoon had Teal 38, Shoveler 12, Mallard 9 and Wigeon 7 9th 200+ Pink-footed Geese south in the late afternoon Insects and Other Notes Sunny periods on 6, 7, and 8 Nov singles of Migrant Hawker and Common Darter with several bumblebees and lots of flies . ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article 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. Reports always welcome. 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 Reports welcomed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, 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 *** 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 copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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! You can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the LNU website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny. ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk http://lnu.org/publications.php LNU Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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 Related Website: http://lincs.police.uk/get-help-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ also see: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** E-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. 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 Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. When asking for help: Please give the the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcome. *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ *** 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 *** http://www.bwars.com/ 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 Recorder *** Chris Manning, Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. Mammal Atlas You can download and print off a hard copy or view it online. https://goo.gl/XIqRZg *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde 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 information and to submit records contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species. *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Sawflies, Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Dr. David Sheppard Willing to examine specimens or check photos (bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). d.a.sheppard@btinternet.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Non-Marine Molluscs *** Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: alex.pickwell@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group *** of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital:, writes: Contact 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. On the Weirfield website a reporting page can be used to send in badger reports. http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ *** Botanical Group in South Lincs *** Contact: Sarah Lambert, who writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership http://www.glnp.org.uk/ (of which LERC is a part) Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ Contact: Aidan Neary, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. See: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing *** 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 *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Contact: 01507 609740 *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams Contact: jonathan.gahan@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** 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/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 a few cases may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed 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 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. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or 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. 2016/17 Indoor Meetings - in preparation. Next meeting: 26th November 2016 Whisby Education Centre, 2pm “Riverflies” by Stuart Crofts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address', please let them know their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. johnth@ckery - soft bounce - SMTP error from remote mail server: Spam content found Christine Patten - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying -address cleaned If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally..... Note: If a link below does not work, please look at the URL. See if an extra http:// has crept in, and make the correction. Police probe cyber attack on Lincolnshire hospital IT system http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-37863949 Lincolnshire Police faces 'uncertain future', watchdog finds http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-37872647 Defence review to see dozens of sites close http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37902141 RAF fleet of Sentry aircraft grounded by electrical fault http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37897173 Boston flood barrier plan to go to public inquiry http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-37873334 Cosmic clue to UK coastal erosion http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37893804 WMO: Five hottest years on record have occurred since 2011 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37900400 Rise in atmospheric CO2 slowed by green vegetation http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37909361 Chemical clue to why seabirds eat plastic http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37926733 DNA clue to how dogs became our friends http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37913860 Scientists apply for GM wheat trial in UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37871601 Thousands of baby turtles released into Peruvian Amazon http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37832777 The world’s smallest known snake http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20161102-meet-the-worlds-smallest-snake Canada military probes mysterious Arctic pinging noise http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/37875609 Snowballs on the shore http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37889839 Norcia earthquake: Why multiple quakes are hitting Italy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37816711 The kind of morning that turns landscape into theatre https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/nov/03/the-kind-of-morning-that-turns-landscape-into-theatre Why protective parenting is key for the survival of tropical insects https://theconversation.com/why-protective-parenting-is-key-for-the-survival-of-tropical-insects-66347 Riverside encounter with an otter and her young https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/05/riverside-encounter-otter-young-country-diary Without birds, tropical forests won't bounce back from deforestation https://theconversation.com/without-birds-tropical-forests-wont-bounce-back-from-deforestation-68094 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/