============================================ || || 12th February 2017 || || 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 Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to 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: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** There should be something to interest everyone in this week's Bulletin. The annual Recorders' Meeting at Whisby is always a good occasion. Also note: National Next Box Week, a bryophyte recording day, a penumbral lunar eclipse, World Pangolin Day, Lincolnshire Chalk Streams volunteer days and the 2017 Birdwatching Wash Cruises. There are lots of talks and walks too and all are very welcome to attend, members or not. The BTO's National Nest Box Week takes place each year from 14-21 February. This is a timely reminder to put up a box or two to make up for the loss of natural nesting sites. Visit: https://www.bto.org/about-birds/nnbw Come along to the LNU Recorders' Meeting on 11th if you would like to learn more of what was seen in the county in 2016. You are also welcome to attend a Bryophyte recording day at Woodhall Spa Airfield on 26th February - see note from Steven Heathcote below. Whether ill or healthy, you can take part in Flusurvey - Epidemiology is Biological Recording too. Lincolnshire has quite poor coverage. https://flusurvey.org.uk/en/ A few interesting links are posted here - more at the end of the Bulletin. The Role of Local Authorities in Safeguarding Wildlife on Local Highways http://www.publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/events/HE03-PPE?ss=em&tg=1a Boosting water table can curb climate risks, says study http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38861385 How birds of a feather evolved together http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38810066 New 'super yield' GM wheat trial gets go-ahead http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38814837 Rare 'lava firehose' from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38825330 Thanks to all who sent in reports and other contributions. Excellent. If you have events or activities that need a 'plug', please let me know. 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/ *** TWO Weather Forecast - for your postcode *** http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** February Night Sky *** Look out for Mars and Venus in February. Jupiter and Saturn will also be visible. There is a "penumbral" eclipse of the moon on 11th which coincides with some high spring tides on 11th, 12th and 13th. Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events and "Whisby Workshops 2017 " are listed below in section 11. 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. Saturday, February 11, 2017 Recorders’ Meeting & Annual Exhibition Whisby Education Centre, 12 noon 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; the overview starts at 2pm as in previous years. *** Bryophyte recording at Woodhall Spa Airfield *** Steven Heathcote writes: Sunday 26th February. Bryophyte meeting at Woodhall Spa Airfield (with the Midlands Bryology Group). The aim is to cover as much of the reserve as we can recording bryophyte species. All abilities welcome. Likely to be slow- moving so wrap up warm! Meet in the reserve car park at 10am - see the Wildlife Trust website for location details. Please bring a packed lunch if you intend to stay all day. If you plan to attend it would useful if you can let Steven know via email (Steven.heathcote@gmail.com) in case there are last minute changes due to weather. *** World Pangolin Day - 3rd Saturday in February *** The SIXTH annual World Pangolin Day will be celebrated on 18 February 2017! http://www.pangolins.org/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards - pass the word on...*** The closing date for entries is Thursday 31 March 2017 Why not enter your project? http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The "Len Pick Trust's Owl Camera" is back. *** No action yet. I have not seen an owl since the first few days of operation. Keep visiting. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams - Volunteer Days Feb/Mar *** Will Bartle writes We've got a couple of volunteer days coming up in Feb/March. Sunday 12th February 2017 – Churn Head Springs (near Tealby) Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The day will involve removing the invasive species snowberry from the headwaters of the River Rase at Churn Head Springs. Starts at 10am. Sunday 12th March 2017 - Thorganby Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The group will be working on a previous river restoration site to help maintain part of the Waithe beck near Thorganby. Work will include in-stream and bank work to maintain flow and improve the habitat for wildlife. Both days will also include a 'stream dip' to look at the important invertebrates that form such an important part of the delicate ecosystem. Full details can be found on the LCSP webpage and Facebook pages: http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering https://www.facebook.com/LincolnshireChalkStreams Please contact Will Bartle (Monitoring officer) for more details: william.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone 01522 555783. *** Bird Watching Cruises 2017 *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The RSPB South Lincs Group will once again be running birdwatching and seal spotting cruises aboard the famous Boston Belle running from Bostons Grand Sluice,up the river Witham,into The Wash and up the river Welland. During 2016 over 100 bird species were seen, averaging about 64 per cruise. Highlights included kingfisher, godwits,turnstone, dunlin, knot ,marsh harrier, peregrine, terns, buzzard, gannet and eider. Cruises run from May until October and full details, including ticket arrangements are at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Indoor Meetings *** www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk Keith Scarrott writes: Important - please note change. Keith Scarrott The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Owing to family illness James Carter has had to cancel his visit for his talk on weird and wonderful plants on Monday,13th February next. Instead we have a visit by Steve Lovell, specialist on Gardening, Horticulture, Natural History and Travel, to give his talk entitled "Lincolnshire - A Naturalist's Paradise". Steve's brief for his talk is: "Deer, seals, birds of prey, insects and amphibians. Lincolnshire has an amazing, diverse range of living creatures within its boundaries at various times of the year." ALL ARE WELCOME AT OUR MEETINGS which take place in St Bernadette's Church Parish Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, opposite the Priory Hotel, starting at 7.15pm. There is ample free parking at the Church. There is no entry charge for the meeting but a donation bowl is provided .For a small charge light refreshments are provided at the mid-talk break. For further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. ***Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT*** George Rutter writes: Talk: Woodland Conservation Monday 13th February - 7:30pm The Half Moon Hotel, West Street, Alford Roy Harris will talk about the woodland management work including the introduction of woodland flowers and Royal fern at Snipe Dales Country Park. Snipe Dales Country Park is losing its commercial plantation of pine trees and is being restored to native woodland. The area has lost any of the usual woodland ground flora and Roy has been experimenting how to reintroduce native plants onto the site which has involved collecting seed from other sites. He is now in a position to be able to expand the area that can be covered. He has also been involved in work on the Royal fern which was reduced to one site in Lincolnshire. [With the Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group] Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Wednesday 15th February "Wildlife in Western Canada" A talk by Adrian White Meet at Ness Farm for a 7:30pm start All welcome Refreshments available Sunday 19th February A visit to "Bubwith Ings" Swans, Geese and Ducks will feature Meet at Ness Farm car park for a 9am start Contact; Adrian White (01724 732152) for details. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. All welcome, Trust membership not necessary. *** Grantham Branch LWT *** Marion Ellis writes: SWIFTS illustrated talk by Dick Newell Friday 10th February 7.30pm Barkston & Syston Village Hall A607 *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 13th February 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them at their next indoor meeting where Western Medical Herbalist Emma Warrener will give an illustrated presentation: "Inflammation - the root of most modern health issues." This will take place at Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £2. all are welcome. Trust goods stall, raffle and tea/coffee available. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. On Saturday 25th February 2017 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to join them on a morning bird walk starting from Cleethorpes Discovery Centre. Meet walk leader Ray Hume at the Discovery Centre on Kings Road, Cleethorpes at 8am. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event but donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further details contact Ray Hume - 01472 320878. *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk February 16th: The Rare Breeds Survival Trust Lincolnshire farmers Neville & Maureen Turner will update us on the work of the RBST conserving rare breeds of domestic livestock, including cattle, sheep and pigs. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshment *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2016 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** February Meeting and Trip of RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** Martin Francis writes: The next meeting of the Grimsby RSPB Group is at 7.30pm on Monday 20th February at Corpus Christi Community Centre, corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Graham Catley will give us a talk about "Alkborough Flats". There will also be an opportunity to sign up for the Group's coach trip to the Attenborough Reserve in Nottinghamshire on Sunday 26th February as well as refreshments, a raffle, and a quiz. Entry is £3, payable at the door. The cost of the coach trip is £20 per person. All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB. For more information, contact Martin Francis (Group Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 We look forward to seeing you at the meeting, or on the trip, or both! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. However, I have squeezed a few important ones in this week, indicating them with a " * ]". 1/2 17 Waxwings off Mill Lane at Hebden Moor Way, North Hykeham* Ring-necked Duck on pit north of footpath opposite recycling centre, Kirkby on Bain Long-tailed Duck, Great White Egret on River Welland, Great Grey Shrike on rough ground behind far bank, 3 Short-eared Owls, Deeping High Bank White-billed Diver on River Witham near Kirkstead Bridge, later south of Tattershall Bridge 45 Russian White-fronted Geese in entrance, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh 2/2 2 Waxwings by A1031 NW of Grainsgate, Grainthorpe Great Grey Shrike in field by Four Mile Bar Bridge, Deeping High Bank, + Long-tailed Duck* Hen Harrier by visitor centre car park, Gibraltar Point 4 Scaup, 1 ad drk, at sailing pit, Barton-upon-Humber Scaup on lagoon, Freiston Shore 8 Tundra Bean Geese, 12+ Russian White-fronted Geese, male Hen Harrier, between Queen's Bridge Farm and Elmhouse Farm, Skidbrooke White-billed Diver on River Witham near Dogdyke, then flew south 7 Shorelarks, juv Glaucous Gull, Tundra Bean Goose near Stonebridge, Donna Nook* Slavonian Grebe, Lapland Bunting at Cleethorpes Country Park* 3/2 32 Waxwings in layby at Bishopbridge west of Market Rasen* Scaup 1w drk upstream of Crowland Bridge, Great White Egret on River Welland, Great Grey Shrike by Four Mile Bar Bridge, Deeping High Bank Long-tailed Duck, Deeping Lakes 2 Hen Harriers, Gibraltar Point Tundra Bean Goose on realignment, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Donna Nook Hen Harrier, Donna Nook, then flew to Grainthorpe Marsh 5 Tundra Bean Geese flew over Elm House farm towards Rimac, Short-eared Owl, Saltfleetby St Clement Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpe Country Park 4/2 12 Shorelarks between Stonebridge and RAF tower, later 22 Shorelarks, 16 Lapland Buntings, 10 Twite, Tundra Bean Goose flew over, Donna Nook 5 Russian White-fronted Geese at Willow Tree Fen Great Grey Shrike in field by Four Mile Bar Bridge, 6 Short-eared Owls, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank 9 Tundra Bean Geese, Saltfleetby St Clements 5/2 2 Scaup both drks, Cove Farm gravel pits north of Westwoodside 9 Shorelarks, 18 Lapland Buntings south end near RAF tower, Donna Nook Great Grey Shrike in field by Four Mile Bar Bridge, Deeping High Bank 6/2 2 Waxwings, by Lincs Coop Funeral Services on Trusthorpe Road, + 10+ Velvet Scoters offshore, Trusthorpe* 2 Waxwings at Riverview, Long Bennington* Glaucous Gull juv on beach, Crook Bank, Saltfleetby Great Grey Shrike in field by Four Mile Bar Bridge, Deeping High Bank Scaup, Deeping Lakes 2 Scaup both drks, Cove Farm gravel pits north of Westwoodside Hen Harrier ringtail near Willow Farm, Blankney Fen 2 Taiga Bean Geese, 28 Russian White-fronted Geese, Willow Tree Fen 7/2 8 Waxwings opposite Seacroft holiday Park, Trusthorpe Road, Trusthorpe 21+ Waxwings at Mill Moor estate, North Hykeham Long-tailed Duck, west of Crowland Bridge, Short-eared Owl by River Welland, Deeping High Bank Long-tailed Duck on boating lake, Mablethorpe 2 Scaup both drks, Cove Farm gravel pits north of Westwoodside Short-eared Owl, male Hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh* Scaup, Apex Pit, North Hykeham* 8/2 7 Waxwings at Hebdon Moor Way, North Hykeham 30 Waxwings at First Avenue, off Laceby Road, Grimsby 5 Short-eared Owls, north of car park, Howden's Pullover, Donna Nook 11 Bewick's Swans at Thorne Bank, Wroot 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. Jerry Gunner writes: Last Thursday, February 2, 2017, I was buzzed in the garden by a wasp. Not a queen disturbed from her place of hibernation but a regular small irritant at an autumn picnic kind of wasp. I thought that was strange. Saturday the 4th saw us driving up to Kirton in Lindsey for a concert by way of the road that runs parallel to the A15. Going through Hemswell we say two small hedgehogs mooching around at the side of the road. They were dead in the middle of the road when we came back but a rat was in attendance on the corpses. On the Sunday morning I took the dogs out as the sun was rising and amongst the other bird noises I heard at least four woodpeckers drumming. In the evening I moved my garden bird-list number up to 71 with a good sighting of a woodcock in the paddock. On the Monday there was a bedraggled baby collared dove on the driveway. At first I thought it was just wet and was sitting in the sunshine trying to dry out but it never seemed to get dry and the last I saw of it was hiding in a bush. I put some food down for it but don't know if it ate any. Yesterday, Tuesday the 8th, I noticed a blue tit exploring an old nest hole in the roof of my wife's office. MURMURATIONS Carolyn Walton writes: During the month of January 2017 I have been aware of wonderful displays at dusk of starlings at Messingham pits. This occurred at approximately 16.00hrs. Now that the days are getting longer I don't know if this is still happening. Our readers will be interested. ROADKILLS - "Dead, but worth recording!" Every drive is a transect! Roadkill Records always welcome. BURGH LE MARSH Robert Walker 5/2/17 Badger 1 roadkill By the side of bypass road A158 WAXWINGS - your reports of Waxwing sightings please. *** 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. BARDNEY The Green TF120694 R & A Parsons 3/2/2017 Snowdrops in in St Lawrence's churchyard. 2+ Goldfinches on niger feeder. Regulars include blue and great tits, starlings, blackbird, robin, black-headed gull, chaffinch, jackdaw, collared dove, woodpigeon and wren. 6/2/2017 Tawny owl calling in churchyard, 06.30hrs. [AP] BOSTON (South by A16) January 2017 Kathleen Pearson The BTO Garden BirdWatch was done on all 31 days in January. Twenty-four species were recorded in the garden. Of particular interest with single days were Coal Tit, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush and Jackdaw. One amazing count was a single flock of 31 Goldfinches together in the Silver Birch. The birds counted follow, with the first number being the number of days seen in the month and the second number in brackets representing the highest total seen together. Robin 31(2), Woodpigeon 31(12), Magpie 15(2), Chaffinch 22(3), Greenfinch 31(8), Blue Tit 30(2), Blackbird 31(12), Black-headed Gull 5(4), Great Tit, 29(3), Collared Dove 31(5), Goldfinch 31(31), Dunnock 26(2), Wren 17(2), Starling 26(11), Coal Tit 1(1), Sparrowhawk 1(1), Long-tailed Tit 27(6), House Sparrow 15(5), Song Thrush 5(1), Redwing 2(1), Great Spotted Woodpecker 1(1), Mistle Thrush 1(1), Herring Gull 2(1) and Jackdaw 1(1). BRANSTON Alan Lazenby Branston TF0266 3 Marsh Harriers next to Windmill Meadow housing development 2/2/2017 viewed whilst waiting at Rd. works traffic lights DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 03 and 06/02/17 Time: 1000 - 1300 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny, frosty, very cold Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Buzzard Canada Goose CarrionCrow Chaffinch Coot Cormorant Egyptian Goose Gadwall Goldcrest Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Green Woodpecker Greylag Goose Grey Heron Herring Gull Jackdaw Kestrel Lapwing Little Egret Little GrebLong-eared owl Long-tailed Duck Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Mistle Thrush Moorhen Mute Swan Pheasant Pied Wagtail Pintail Pochard Red-crested Pochard Redwing Robin Rook Scaup Shoveler Snipe Sparrowhawk Stonechat Teal White-fronted Goose Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren Mammals: Grey Squirrel Muntjac Deer Otter (seen by another observer) Deeping High Bank 5,6.7?02/17 Cloudy to sunny periods, fairly cold Observer: Ian Gordon Birds: Barn Owl Buzzard Chiffchaf Cormorant Fieldfare Goosander Great Grey Shrike Great White Egret Green Woodpecker Grey Heron Kestrel Little Grebe Long-tailed Duck Mallard Meadow Pippit Mute Swan Reed Bunting Scaup Stonechat Short-eared Owl Tufted Duck Whooper swans Woodpigeon Mammals: Roe Deer HAREBY TF338657 Robert Walker 28/1/17 Snowdrops and Aconites both in flower in churchyard. HORNCASTLE My garden TF261691 Robert Walker 27/1/17 Snowdrops in flower HORNCASTLE Robert Walker 2/2/17 Walk on 'Woodhall Spa Trail' revealed: Tree Sparrows 8 at TF254675 also Pied Wagtails 12 + on arable field at TF243664 METHERINGHAM DELPH Alan Lazenby Metheringham Delph Blankney Fen TF1262 31/1/2017 3 Marsh Harriers, earliest seen here, usually arrive end of Feb. HUMBERSTON FITTIES (Grid referene TA3304) 04/02/2017 Jon Drakes, Louise Drakes and William Drakes A visit to the Humberston Fitties with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's Grimsby and Cleethorpes Turnstones Watch Group found the following species recorded on the pools and surrounding salt marsh: Black-Headed Gull Brent Goose Large numbers seen out on the foreshore Buzzard Carrion Crow Dunnock Grey Heron Hen Harrier A Ring tailed bird was seen hunting over the salt marsh Herring Gull Kestrel Lapwing Linnet Little Egret Little Grebe Magpie Oystercatcher Pied Wagtail Redshank Shelduck Short Eared Owl Seen perched on a wooden post adjacent to one of the pools before hunting over salt marsh Shoveler Skylark Several seen and also heard to be in fine song Teal Wigeon Woodpigeon HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden) 2/2/2017 Wasp 1 (I was surprised by a tapping on the window! This was a warm day.) 4/2/2017 Song thrush 1 (good to see and hear again) Starlings 2 5/2/2017 Dunnocks 2 Song thrush 1 Wren 1 6/2/2017 Tawny owl 1 (calling 5 a.m.) 8/2/2017 Song thrush 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 04/02/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly BTO Garden Birdwatch in our back garden : Blackbird 3 Collared Dove 7 Starling 12 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow 10 Chaffinch 2 Tree Sparrow 2 Goldfinch 1 Woodpigeon 1 Rook 3 Greenfinch 1 Robin 1 Wren 1 Blue Tit 1 Black-headed Gull 2 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 05/02/2017 Jon Drakes Noted whilst on a late afternoon walk around fields and woodland to the North of the village were: Blackbird Blue Tit 17 - flock seen feeding along a Hawthorn hedge Bullfinch 3 Buzzard 1 Carrion Crow Chaffinch Collared Dove Dunnock Fieldfare 16 Goldfinch 3 Great Tit 15 - flock seen feeding along a Hawthorn hedge House Sparrow Jay 1 Kestrel 1 Long-tailed Tit 6 Magpie Mistle Thrush 5 Nuthatch 1 Pheasant 2 Robin Song Thrush 1 Starling Woodpigeon Yellowhammer 1 LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 11/02/2017 Jayne Knight 06/02 and 08/02 Goldcrest observed again working through the evergreen Honeysuckle. 07/02 4 Bluetits all acting possessively around the peanut feeder. Also M&F pair of Great Tits fetching nuts together 08/02 Pholcus phalangioides Spiders overwintering in kitchen again. Not only a couple of adults but young one made web between window handle and sill. STAINBY SK89/23 Jane Ostler 24 January 2017 MAMMALS Verges adjacent with county boundary, Lincs This is where a dead otter was found last year, the first record for this area. Stoat crossing road Wood mouse, under board with nesting material Field voles, runs in long grass New molehills Rabbit above ground in day Squirrel - evidence from cones found in grass WALESBY, LINCOLNSHIRE Grid Ref TF133 924* Records from our garden for the week ended Sunday 05 February 2017 Carol Massen (We have a rural garden of just under a quarter of an acre. There are 2 log piles - one with a camera, a pond, several bird boxes - 3 with cameras and a 'small mammal box' with camera.) Numbers indicate maximum sightings of a species at any one time Blackbird 5 Blue Tit 3 Bullfinch 2 (both male) Chaffinch 7 Coal Tit 1 Collared Dove 3 Dunnock 2 Goldfinch 5 Great Tit 1 Greenfinch 5 House Sparrow 5 Jackdaw 2 Long Tailed Tit 9 Pheasant 5 Robin 2 Song Thrush 1 Tree Sparrow 1 Wood Pigeon 3 Wren 2 (one ringed) Grey Squirrel 2 Bank Vole 2 Wood Mouse 1 Shrew 1 Rat 1 3 bird boxes have roosting blue tits WILDMORE FEN November 1984 - January 2017. R Parsons From now on reports will be for Castle Dyke Bank, Canada Lane and Canada Farm area, TF120694, unless otherwise stated. WILLOW TREE FEN Willow Tree Fen Pode Hole - Spalding 07/02/17 1313 - 1445 Sunny. mild Observer: Ian Gordon Birds: Bean Goose Coot Gadwall Goosander Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Pied Wagtail Pink-footed Goose Shelduck Shoveler Stonechat White-fronted Goose Wigeon WINCEBY TF326677 area Robert Walker 28/1/17 Kestrels 2 Within approx 400yds of each other on roadside cables. WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK92/24 Jane Ostler Week begining 3rd February Hazel catkins with both male and female flowers out at Woolsthorpe Manor Alder, male catkins out In garden:- Honey bees out after 1p.m. (temp 10C) and again on two days in sunshine, feeding on winter honeysuckle and winter crocuses. Hoverfly Eristalsis tenax sunning on windowsill Wood mouse found in bucket in shed Pair of song thrushes regular visitors , using stone in garden as anvil Blue tits visiting nest boxes. Blackbird in full song and robin starting nest building. Pair of fledgings, collared doves. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 1st February – 8th February 2017 Contributors: Peter and Janet Roworth, Nigel Lound & John Walker General Notes and Weather Observations Weather notes for January - Alternating high and low pressure systems gave unsettled weather during the first half of the month. During this time some days were cold and raw, others fresh and sunny. There was an unseasonal mild day on the 8th when day- time temperatures reached 10.5°C. Winds increased to moderate-fresh breezes, WSW veering WNW and on the 11th a gust of 43.9mph was recorded. Rainfall was showery but a long spell of light rain on the 15th gave 5.4mm of precipitation in 24hrs. Snow fell briefly for twenty minutes during the morning of the 13th, settling to <10mm before thawing later in the day. On the 16th a high pressure system was becoming established and settled over the UK for eleven days giving many days of cloudy, dull and cold weather. Frosts were frequent falling to -8.5°C (ground) on the 22nd and 27th with air minimum -3.75°C on the 22nd. The 26th was a particularly cold raw day as the high pressure gradually drifted east allowing bitterly cold south-westerly’s to penetrate from Western Europe. On this day although the minima were -0.5°C (ground) and -0.25°C (air) the daytime temperature only reached 1.25°C. By the 28th low pressure systems were moving east giving unsettled weather, cloudy with occasional showers and a slight increase in temperatures. The month ended with an evening of light to moderate rain giving 5.7mm in 24hrs. Rainfall total for the month was 35.5mm (1.4 inches). Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings 2nd Curlew 25, Shoveler 50+, Tufted duck 3, Wigeon 7 and Stock dove 7 on Paradise lagoon. On winter rape field near Swallowgate, Saltfleetby were mute swan 11, whooper swan 52 [8 immature] and a single black swan. A Barnacle Goose was on Joe House’s field, at least 2 Tree Sparrow were at Brick Yard Lane and a Merlin was sat on the beach out from Brick Yard Lane. A Goldcrest was in song at Rimac and a ringtail Hen Harrier flew south over the saltmarsh mid-morning. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was at the Haven with 127 Dark- bellied Brents. 3rd On the nearby grassland at Elm House were Short-Eared owl 1, Stonechat 2, Stock dove 8, Skylark 9+ [several in song], Pink-Footed geese 130+, European white-fronted goose 9, Bean goose 5 and a male Hen harrier [count JW/NL] In the Rimac area were a Jack Snipe, 3 Lapland Bunting, 25 Fieldfare, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, a pair of Stonechat and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. 4th Lapwing 90 flying SE high over Sea View, Little Grebe 3 on Great Eau nr Sea View On Elm House Farm Pink Foot Goose 120 White Front Goose 17 Bean Goose 9 and Whooper Swan 9. 5th Pair of bullfinches is at Sea View 6th A juvenile Glaucous Gull was on the beach at Crook Bank. 34 Velvet Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver and a Great-crested Grebe were offshore. A Marsh Harrier flew south early afternoon. 3 Short Eared Owls on Elm House Farm 7th 2 Little owls calling 1 Barn Owl in flight 1 grey and 1 brown Hen Harrier 2 Woodcocks and Water Rails. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 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. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html LWT Lincolnshire Limewoods http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - LNRs etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HAGNABY LOCK FEN E.A. Wetland Reserve TF 331595 Garry Steele Noteworthy ornithological sightings and Monthly maximums - January 2017 Black-headed Gull - 45 Common Gull - 2 Cormorant - 3 Gadwall - 3 Greylag Goose - 48 Lapwing - 110 Little Egret - 1 Mallard - 71 Mute Swan - 5 Rook - 100 Sparrowhawk - 1 Teal - 16 Wigeon - 29 Woodpigeon - 80 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: old.museum@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 LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** 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 *** 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's Back Garden : Might your project qualify? *** The HLF want to encourage applications for funding from all champions of natural heritage, particularly small, local and community groups with projects that help raise awareness of the wildlife and nature to be found close to home. See: https://www.hlf.org.uk/about-us/news-features/lincolnshires-back-garden *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk Contact: 01522 555780 [New Number} *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams Contact: Ruth Craig Ruth.Craig@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. See the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's advice: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking-part/health/bwc.pdf [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. 2017 Indoor Meetings Saturday, February 11, 2017 Recorders’ Meeting & Annual Exhibition Whisby Education Centre, 12 noon 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; the overview starts at 2pm as in previous years. Saturday, March 04, 2017 AGM & Presidential Address by Annette Faulkner “The Fens revisited. An update” Whisby Education Centre, 2pm *** The Whisby Workshops 2017 *** Richard Davidson - Programme Secretary - writes: The workshops are free to participants as all overhead costs are split between the Lincoln Area Group and the LNU. [Refreshments are also provided.] The aim is not to turn people into experts in an afternoon, but to cascade knowledge and enthusiasm for particular subjects so that participants can go away better equipped to follow them up on their own and also to encourage interest in a broader range of subjects both entomological and botanical. On most of them there has been time inside learning generally about the subject and looking at specimens followed by time outside in the field following this up. The workshops lined up for 2017 are Bees, Flies/ Diptera, Pond Dipping and Odonata. We're very grateful to the various experts who've fronted the workshops for being willing to give up their time and share their knowledge. We couldn't do all this without them. Also to the LNU for being willing to enter into this partnership. In the future we could broaden things to include mammals, birds and many other natural history topics. The dates of the workshops for next year are now finalized. Bees (David Sheppard) on the 3rd of June, Flies/ Diptera on the 15th of July, Pond Dipping on the 22nd of July (Richard Chadd) Odonata (Nick Tribe and Richard Chadd) on the 29th of July. Contact Richard Davidson on: rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** Field Studies Council courses 2017 *** The latest programme of the FSC lists an impressive range of interesting courses in some wonderful places. Note the partner organisations. Strongly recommended. http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/natural-history.aspx LNU Bursaries: The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses. The upper limit is £250. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Bryophyte Surveys *** Steven Heathcote writes: Bryophyte surveys around Lincolnshire. I have been carrying out some bryophyte surveys at a range of Lincolnshire sites as part of the British Bryological Society's Ecology Group project . See: http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/activities/brecog/brecog.html The survey involves a series of small quadrats in different bryophyte habitats. I'm visiting a wide range of sites across the county. If anyone would like to join me in 2017 then please drop me an email and I will let you know when I plan a visit. steven.heathcote@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If you recognise the owner of a 'part-address' below, please let them know that their their Bulletin has 'bounced' this week. If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally..... Gurning, dunting and skipping http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/features/in-pictures-38814093/38814093 Boston dog pooper scooper evaders to be fined £100 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38825792 Flood-hit Tadcaster bridge opens to reunite town http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-38852930 Jellyfish wash up 'like wallpaper' on Australian beach http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-38836362 Our changing attitudes to chimpanzees http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38830223 Drilling into heart of Iceland volcano complete http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38833023 Viewpoint: The trouble with diesel http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38814297 China's new Vertical Forest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1rZXuIpyhU The week in wildlife – in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2017/feb/03/the-week-in-wildlife-in-pictures European Tree of the Year 2017 – vote for your favourite tree https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2017/feb/02/european-tree-of-the-year-2017-vote-for-your-favourite-tree The traditional cures threatening Myanmar’s wildlife – in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2017/feb/01/the-traditional-cures-threatening-myanmars-wildlife-in-pictures The public urinal that turns pee into compost – video http://www.newsbelow.co.uk/the-public-urinal-that-turns-pee-into-compost-video/ ‘Tinder for orangutans’: Dutch zoo to let female choose mate on a tablet https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/31/tinder-for-orangutans-dutch-zoo-to-let-female-choose-mate-on-a-tablet Don't panic: the northern lights won't be turning off anytime soon https://theconversation.com/dont-panic-the-northern-lights-wont-be-turning-off-anytime-soon-72436 Hedgehogs now a rare garden sight as British populations continue to decline https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/06/hedgehogs-now-a-rare-garden-sight-as-british-populations-continue-to-decline Waxwings and spruce are Kinder trespassers https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/06/waxwings-spruce-kinder-trespassers-country-diary There's nothing dull about dunnocks https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/08/nothing-dull-about-dunnocks-country-diary 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. ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/