============================================= || || 26th November 2017 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://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..... ============================================ 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]. Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins back to Feb 2009: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin is being read by over 1000 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. Please use the "forward to a friend" link at the end of every LNU Bulletin and invite new readers to give it a try. We will really appreciate your help with this. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers' hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Editor writes... *** Donna Nook Grey Seal updates: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update Please try to avoid weekend visits if possible. Dress for cold and windy conditions. "Cold weather will become established in the coming days. Next week is looking wintry and the risk of snow could extend southwards. " https://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ LNU Meeting reminder: The LNU programme of indoor meetings on 25th November 2017: [Indoor meetings are held normally held in Lincoln in the Education building of Whisby Nature Park.] ‘Shining light on the ‘geological darkness’ of Lincolnshire’ by Dr Jonathan Larwood of Natural England. 2pm start. Note: There will be a ‘Natural history book sale’ at this meeting. Editor adds: It's not often we have a session on county Geology. Great! As usual I have included a selection of topical links for you. Most were sent in by readers, a few were chosen by me with particular individuals in mind. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Contaminated mustard gas soil to go from Roughton Moor http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-42002480 Microsculpture: Portraits of Insects http://www.discoverwildlife.com/gallery/microsculpture-portraits-insects? Blue Planet 2: How plastic is slowly killing our sea creatures, fish and birds http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/42030979/blue-planet-2-how-plastic-is-slowly-killing-our-sea-creatures-fish-and-birds "Sign up and receive tips and ideas for living single-use plastic-free!" https://www.mcsuk.org/plastic-challenge/ Fishing 'best argument for seagrass conservation' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42028699 Finland rolls out bread made from crushed crickets http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42101700 More topical links are below in "...and finally..." - don't forget to click. A full list of LNU Recorders is on the following link and in Communiqué. They will advise on species identification within their field of expertise. Photos for identification are often helpful, but please ask before sending. http://lnu.org/ Nick Tribe writes: A list of all the articles contained in Transactions (Transactions page) and a list of the Presidents (Officers page) is now available on the LNU website. Thank you for all the contributions this week - very welcome. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** 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/ *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** Aidan Neary, project officer of "Love Lincs Plants" is off on Paternity Leave as of this week. We congratulate him and Sophie on the arrival of their daughter. Meantime the planning and implementation of the project continues with the recruitment and appointment for two Education and Community Officer jobs at Whisby Education Centre and Gibraltar Point. Details may be seen on: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Jobs Nick Tribe adds: At this time of year we start planning our programme of the LNU Field Meetings. These take place across the county, often in places to which access is not readily available. Alongside this in January 2018 we shall be working out how the LNU can contribute to the overall collection strategy. We will explore how collecting effort can be linked to our Field Meetings and whether extra Meetings are possible. We will keep you informed via the Bulletin and Communiqué, and via our Twitter feed. Don't forget: You don't have to be a member to come along to our meetings - we hope non-members will become involved. https://twitter.com/lincswildlife?lang=en Editor writes: Project Partners - when you add LLP information to your website, blog or Twitter-feed please tell me and I'll update this section. Thanks. Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnu.org%2F Sir Joseph Banks Society http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Lincoln University School of Life Sciences blog https://lifesciences.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Twitter feed https://twitter.com/lincswildlife?lang=en *** November Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html AuroraWatch UK: action possible..... http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ [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.] 25th November 2017: ‘Shining light on the ‘geological darkness’ of Lincolnshire’ by Dr Jonathan Larwood of Natural England. 2pm start. *** Volunteer day with the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Friday 15th December 2017 – Belleau – Great Eau Will Bartle writes: Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group and Aby Fly Fishers - The day will involve maintaining the in stream vegetation to help keep the headwaters of the beautiful chalk stream, the Great Eau, flowing. Wader sizes are needed in advance so please contact the Monitoring Officer for the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Will Bartle before the day: William.bartle@lincolnshire.gov.uk or 01522 555780. Full directions and details can be found in the 'Events and Shows' section on the website; www.lincolnshirechalkstreams.org   *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ *** Local RSPB links: *** Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby S Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Horncastle and Woodhall Spa LWT *** Talk - WILDLIFE OF THE YORKSHIRE COAST An illustrated talk by Geof Lee. The meeting is in Banovallum House in Horncastle on Thursday, 30th November 2017 at 7.30 P.M. All welcome *** Barton Area Group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 2nd December 2017 local couple Ray and Helen Hume, together with their pupils will be performing an evening of songs and tunes with nature in mind. This will take place in St. Andrew's Methodist Church Hall, Cleethorpes and is to raise money for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. The concert starts at 7.30 pm, admission £5 (school children free.) For further information contact Ray 01472 320878. *** Louth LWT *** Ray Woodcock writes: Louth Area Group LWT Reminder: The next meeting be at 1930hrs on Friday 24 November 2017 in the Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, Louth when Michael Leach, the world-renowned wildlife photographer will enthrall us with his presentation entitled, ‘Poles Apart’. Entrance is £2.50 which includes refreshments. There is no charge for children who are most welcome. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ I have adapted RBA pager data/information for the Bulletin by eliminating or consolidating repeated messages. Note - I have been leaving out late reports to save myself going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important ones, indicating them with a " * ". 16/11 Great White Egret, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh Black Tern, Toft Newton Reservoir Bittern on Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point Red-necked Phalarope, Covenham reservoir 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese with 830 Dark-bellied Brent Geese between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, Donna Nook 17/11 Bittern flew over Jackson's Marsh, Water Pipit on scrape, ad male Hen Harrier over Fenland Lagoon, Gibraltar Point Hen Harier, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh Lapland Bunting, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, juv Hen Harrier, 33 Twite, Donna Nook Red-necked Phalarope, Purple Sandpiper on slipway by sailing club/ near pontoons, Covenham reservoir 18/11 Water Pipit* at south end, Donna Nook Red-necked Phalarope juv, Covenham reservoir Iceland Gull flew over Priory School, Spalding 19/11 4 Twite* between Stonebridge and Pye's Hall, Donna Nook Hen Harrier male flew north over Saltfleetby St Peter towards Donna Nook Long-eared Owl on island, Scaup as drk, Deeping Lakes 4 Shorelarks, 2+ Snow Buntings, 2+ Twite, near Brickyard Lane car park, Theddlethorpe St Helen Red-necked Phalarope, Covenham reservoir 2 Hawfinches at Kenwick Woods, Louth Firecrest in West Dunes, Gibraltar Point Hawfinch, Bourne Wood 2 Water Pipits over bottom car park, 2 Hen Harriers 1 male, Glossy Ibis flew over car park, Frampton Marsh 2 Firecrests in West Dunes, Iceland Gull flew south along beach, Gibraltar Point 20/11 Iceland Gull flew west over Saltfleetby St Peter 21/11 Hawfinch flew north over Tetney Marshes Red-necked Phalarope juv, Covenham Reservoir 22/11 Red-necked Phalarope juv, Shorelark briefly, Covenham Reservoir Little Stint juv, fem Common Scoter, Frampton Marsh 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. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. Hedgehog, brown hare, brown rat, fox, badger, otter, stoat, deer spp.... https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/mammals/ ROAD KILL Silvia Fowler 18.11.2017 TF302853 Mole roadkill on local lane CAT KILLS? Extend our small mammal knowledge by reporting cat-assisted records! Shrews, voles, mice, rats, rabbits, moles, weasels, bat spp.... https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2017/07/types-of-uk-mice/ *** 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 TF119694 R & A Parsons 16/11/2017 2m, 1f, Chaffinches 17/11 Dunnock Pied Wagtail Chaffinch m 19/11 Starling flock of 15+ GRANTHAM Grantham M. Ellis St. Catherine's Road SK918356 Monday 20/11/17 One a yew tree full of berries blue tits 4 coal tit1 thrushes 2 blackbirds 4 goldfinch 1 Just outside the window! HUTTOFT TF542785 Jane Ostler 18/11/17 Seashore. Frost overnight Max 8C Sunny BIRDS 35 Common Gulls round shallow pools. Later, attracted by parked cars and food possibilities moved to pullover area, joined by a common gull and three crows. On edge of waves a lesser black-backed gull and two juveniles. A pied wagtail on concreted area and a kestrel over dunes. FLOWERING PLANTS Along sides of path going north through dunes. The Sea Buckthorn still has plenty of berries. In flower: Ulex europaeus - Gorse, Picris echiodes - Bristly Oxtongue, Taraxacum vulgatum agg - Dandelion, Sonchus asper - Prickly Sowthistle. Also a single plant of a yellow crucifer closest in the key to Wild radish, but with the fruits not developed. LAND SNAILS Path sides in dunes - Garden Snail (Helix asper ) and a Banded Snail (Cernuella (=Helicella) viagata. STRAND LINE Here comparisons made with a visit made October 19, 2014. As then dominated by large quantities of Razor Shells (Ensis arcuator). The other main feature was numbers of large (to 9ins across) carapaces of the Edible Crab (Carcinus maenus) Only infrequent and smaller cases of this found before. On their shells were acorn barnacles Ballanus ballanoides and on one of these the black pits of a lichen (Arthopyrenia sp.). Some of the crab shells bore the tubes of the wor, Pomaceteros triquetris. In contrast to October 2014 there were few oyster shells and even less of their parasite the slipper shell. Tellins, scallops (Chlamys tigerina and C. varia) were in smaller numbers than before but cockles were more frequent. Dog whelks (Nucella lapillus) occasional as before. There were Common whelks (Baccinum undulatum) one of which bearing a heavy load of the acorn barnacle Ballanus crenatus. There was a fish skeleton 4ins long. No mussels or mermaid's purses. No seaweeds but small quantities of the Sea Mat Flustra foliacea. Pieces of wood bored by Wood Piddock (Xylophaga dorsalis) were occasional. KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 18/11/2017 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 2 Starling 3 Collared Dove 6 Dunnock 4 House Sparrow 25 Robin 1 Jackdaw 2 Blue Tit 1 Greenfinch 1 NETTLEHAM TF01357549 Su Colman 17/11/17 08:00 - 08:45 Female sparrowhawk sitting on a fence post at the end of the garden. She was fluffed up, sitting in the sun on this frosty morning. Sometimes she had a look around, but mostly just seemed to be enjoying the sunshine. RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 08.11.2017 Red Admiral 1 on Ivy Buzzard Tawny Owl heard at 10.30 pm Long-tailed Tits ca. 10 (TF302845) 11.11.2017 Red Admiral 1 Goldcrest 16.11.2017 100+ Canada Geese feeding in field (TF311850/TF312850 approx.) 17.11.2017 Spotted Woodpecker (a rare sight in my garden) 18.11.2017 Pheasant 2m (TF300853) 20.11.2017 Little Egret 3 (TF309850) 21.11.2017 3 Little Egrets foraging on muddy pasture behind my garden (the closest they have ever been) (TF309848) 22.11.2017 1 Little Egret foraging on muddy pasture, walking with a slight limp (TF309848). This bird stayed for an hour and returned later (identified by its slight limp) with 2 more Little Egrets; they all continued feeding among deep tractor tracks that had filled with water. Subsequently all three flew over to the Church Pond (TF309847; not seen there by me before). THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 08/11/17 Black-headed Gull x 55 Common Buzzard x 2 Dunnock x 2 Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Pied Wagtail x 1 Ring-necked Parakeet x 1 SE807006 Rook x 15 Stock dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 9 Wren x 1 Great Crested Newt x 1 under water trough 10/11/17 Blackbird x 15 Black-headed Gull x 25 Redwing x 25 Wood Pigeon x 2 Wren x 1 15/11/17 Grey Squirrel x 1 SE01004 19/11/17 Blackbird x 9 Black-headed Gull x 12 Coal Tit x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 3 Fieldfare x 5 Goldcrest x 2 Golden Plover x 16 Kestrel x 1 Lapwing x 19 Long-tailed Tit x 12 Redwing x 52 Sparrowhawk x 1 female Starling x 59 Wood Pigeon x 25 Wren x 1 Field Vole x1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Donna Nook seal updates: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook/weekly-update [Please try to avoid weekend visits if possible.] Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR Report follows. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Dormouse Group The Lincolnshire Dormouse Group meet monthly at Chambers Farm Woods. We always welcome visitors and new members. Dormice are legally protected and sensitive to disturbance; attending the group's meetings provides the opportunity to see dormice legally with licenced surveyors. If you are interested please email lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises 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, private reserves etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports 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 goes out on Thursdays or Fridays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: 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.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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://lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org 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 *** Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/lincolnshire-chalk-streams *** Lincsbirders *** http://www.lincsbirders.org/ 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://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/issues/crime STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** EasyTide *** http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Weather Underground *** https://www.wunderground.com/ *** Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service *** 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. *** Botany *** 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 Also see: http://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** Identifying Fungi *** App: http://rogersmushroomsapp.com/ BMS Checklist of names: http://www.fieldmycology.net/GBCHKLST/gbchklst.htm BMS Keys for Macrofungi http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/library/keys/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/ http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species *** How to Identify Bees *** http://www.bwars.com/ http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ 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 *** Lincolnshire Mammals *** 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. http://www.glnp.org.uk/our-publications/biodiversity/projects-and-reports.php *** 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 *** Confidential Bat Records *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@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 USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. *** 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/ *** 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 Phil Hyde - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk Contact 01507 528223 enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/t/tetneymarshes/ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk 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. For good advice for ALL nature-watchers see the RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ and BTO's pdf: 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://lnu.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Indoor Meetings 2017/8 Indoor meeting ‘Shining light on the ‘geological darkness’ of Lincolnshire’ – 25th November 2017 Indoor meeting – 20th January 2018 Recorders’ Meeting – 10th February 2018 Annual General Meeting – 3rd March 2018 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. inthu_22 - soft bounce - Requested mail action aborted quasarxxx9 - soft bounce - Requested mail action aborted If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, please let me know. Text copies of current and past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html ....and finally.....: UK water firms admit using divining rods to find leaks and pipes https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/21/uk-water-firms-admit-using-divining-rods-to-find-leaks-and-pipes Water divining is bunk. So why do myths continue to trump science? https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/22/water-divining-bunk-popular-myths-science-sally-le-page? Quiz: What are the oldest living things on Earth? http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NWVT6KrX43jzPhvwXm1ks4/quiz-what-are-the-oldest-living-things-on-earth Into the woods: The Japanese way to beat stress http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-41988626/into-the-woods-the-japanese-way-to-beat-stress 'Climate change is bad...it affects everything' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-41992630/climate-change-is-badit-affects-everything Birds and Climate Change - the Wildlife Trusts https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/events/2017/10/16/birds-and-climate-change The Basics of Climate Change - RSB https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/climate-change-evidence-causes/basics-of-climate-change/ Climate Change and biodiversity - NERC http://www.nerc.ac.uk/latest/publications/planetearth/autwin17-news/ Nasa forecast: Which cities will flood as ice melts? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41986163 Europe steps in to cover US shortfall in funding climate science http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42004328 Climate's magic rabbit: Pulling CO2 out of thin air http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41816332 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/