============================================= || || 1st April 2018 || || 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 really need 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** "The Easter period is looking chilly with showers or more persistent spells of rain. It could be cold enough for snow at times, especially in the north." [The Weather Outlook] Last throw of winter? An urgent plea to you all: Please will you do your best to help us to recruit a few more readers by using the "forward to a friend" link at the end of each Bulletin. Thank you. Also, please note the number of failed email addresses in "12. ..and finally ..." You might know someone who has been affected. Please tell them they can re-register. Reminder: The new date for the LNU AGM is now: 7th April 2018. This will be followed by the Presidential Address by Richard Jefferson: ‘The natural history & ecology of grasses in Lincolnshire’. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/2018-03-03/ As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Coastguard warns public over basking seal 999 calls [Not an "April Fool spoof"!] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-43554255 Arctic walrus spotted in North Ronaldsay and Sanday [Not an "April Fool spoof"!] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-43343246 'Radical change' needed on countryside http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43475030 Stephen Hawking's ashes to be interred near Sir Isaac Newton's grave http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-43472054 Thank you for all your contributions this week. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** Barn Owl Nest Box Webcam - Mortality *** One of the owls occupying the box has died - the resident female. Reason as yet unknown. More later. http://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project/4593449091 *** LNU Events Diary *** LNU events are listed below in section 11. For LNU meetings, see: https://lnu.org/meetings/ [Note: 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.] Field Meetings 2018 - details on: https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Next meeting: Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 29th April 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-04-29/ Access courtesy of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at wood entrance which is at TF421777. Nearest postcode: LN13 0ED which is east of the wood. NB. Very restricted parking so please car share where possible. Likely need for reverse parking along entrance track (first in, last out policy). Verges near entrance are Roadside Nature Reserves so please no parking on them, especially if arriving earlier than 12.00. Nearest public toilets in Alford town centre. Habitats: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com *** 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 *** LoveLincsPlants Website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/lovelincsplants Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Sir Joseph Banks Society http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/news-events/lincolnshire-plants-project/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences blog https://lifesciences.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2016/09/30/heritage-lottery-funding-to-safeguard-lincolnshire-plants/ *** Whisby Natural History Workshops *** At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Mining Bees - June 2nd - David Shepherd Hoverflies - July 28th - Phil Porter & David Denman Ground Beetles - August 11th - Alan Lazenby Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com *** April Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html ***Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival *** Saturday 19 May to Sunday 3 June 2018. Check out the website for further information and to download the brochure: www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk/ *** Faith and the Environment Conference 2018: Climate Change and the Coast *** Revd Leslie Batty writes: The conference will consider the significance of climate change in relation to sea-level rise and storm surges and their impacts on our coastal county, wider society and economy, and also globally, through increased flooding and erosion. There will also be consideration of how, as people of faith, we might respond as we seek to love the planet and its people. Date: Saturday, 12th May 2018 (10am–4.30pm) Venue: St Giles’ Church, Lamb Gardens, Lincoln LN2 4EJ. (Parking is available and it is close to bus route 5 from the new Lincoln Transport Hub). Speakers from Lincoln University, Environment Agency, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Lincoln School of Theology and others. The conference is open to those of all faiths and none. There will be opportunity to network with one another and attend a variety of stalls. For more information and tickets, please follow one of these links: https://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news/looking-ahead-faith-and-the-environment-2018 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faith-the-environment-conference-2018-climate-change-and-the-coast-tickets-43403275365 *** Nettleham Woodland Trust - Recorders [and records] wanted *** Nettleham Woodland Trust seeks Recorders for Ashing Lane Nature Reserve Do you live near Dunholme and want to help us with recording other species? If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact the Acting Secretary, Su Colman, by email s+nwt@smmjv.com *** Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. *** Section Secretary needed. With the approaching retirement of the current secretary in October this year, the "section" is looking for a successor. The role would suit a person with good organisational skills to carry out the usual tasks of running a voluntary group. For more information contact Keith Scarrott who can explain what is involved. Tel: 01724 762098 *** Scunthorpe Museum Society Natural History and Geology Section *** http://scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk/ Kerith Scarrot writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. On Monday, 9th April next we have our last indoor meeting before the summer field visits and until we meet again on September 10th. At this April meeting we have a visit by Andy Jayes, BSc, who is a marine biologist, to give us an illustrated talk entitled "Selwick Sea Safari". Andy will describe "A Photographic Rock Pool Safari of North Yorkshire", focusing on the zonation of the shoreline at Selwick Bay, Flamborough. The meeting will be held in the St. Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road, starting at 7.15pm. ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR MEETINGS.  There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. There will be a mid-talk break during which light refreshments are available for a small charge. There is a large, free car park in the church grounds. For further information contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Local RSPB links: ****** https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby Martin Francis writes: The RSPB Grimsby Local Group's next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday 16th April at Holy Trinity Parish Hall (formerly called Corpus Christi Community Centre), corner of Machray Place, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes DN35 7AE. Sarah Aitken will give an illustrated talk about "Birds of RSPB Bempton Cliffs" There will also be refreshments and a raffle. Entry is £4, payable at the door. The Group's next trip is to RSPB Titchwell, calling in at Hunstanton on the way, on Sunday 22nd April, leaving Millman's Coach depot in Wilton Road, Humberston at 7.30am and returning by about 6.30pm. The cost is £20 per head. Booking is essential All are welcome. You don't have to be a member of the RSPB to attend this talk, or to go on the trip. For more information, or to book the trip, please contact Martin Francis (Group ]Leader) at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com (preferred) or on (01472) 883436 S Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** LWT Reserves: *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves *** LWT Area Groups *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/area-groups *** Alford & Mablethorpe Branch LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT-Alford-Mablethorpe-Area-Group-175413729474673/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 31st March 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invites you to join them on morning bird walk in Weelsby Woods with Ray Hume. Meet Ray in the car park, Grid ref TA283080 nearest post code DN32 9RU at 7am. 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 07814 840682. *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Louth area group LWT *** http://lwt-lag.org.uk/ *** 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/historical reports to save going back to re-do entries. From now on I shall squeeze in important reports, marking them with a * to indicate their lateness. 21/3 Ring-necked Duck, Red-necked Grebe, Little Gull, Bagmoor, near Thealby opposite Craig Kirwin Transport - view only from road Spoonbill on scrape, Frampton Marsh Snowy Owl, Hen Harrier from Sea Wall, Sea Lane, Friskney 2 Scaup, 1 drk, Red-necked Grebe on Sailing Pit, Barton-upon-Humber [Clay] pits Long-tailed Duck, Baston Langtoft gravel pits Hen Harrier, west end of Deeping High Bank Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes Jack Snipe*, White Wagtail*, Manby Flaches White Wagtail*, Manby Middlegate "6 Shorelarks on Wednesday [sic] North Cotes disused airfield. Keep to public rights of way [present in Tetney/North Cotes area since 1st December 2017." 22/3 Snowy Owl fem by shore, Friskney, view from Sea Lane car park at end Black Redstart, male Saltfleetby St Peter 3 Crossbills in beach car park, ad male Hen Harrier from Wash Viewpoint, Gibraltar Point 23/3 2 Spoonbills*, Alkborough Flats 2 Short-eared Owls, Gibraltar Point Hen Harrier fem between Freiston Shore and Butterwick Marsh Long-tailed Duck ad fem on pit on north side, 10 Whooper Swans on nearby fields, Baston Langtoft pits 24/3 Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point 2 Scaup fems, Tallington Lakes, small pit near Barholm Road Long-tailed Duck ad fem on Wader Pit, Baston Langtoft pits Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh 2 Salvonian Grebes, pit 25, Barrow Haven at Humber Bridge Water Ski Club, Red-necked Grebe, Sailing Pit, 2 Scaup 5 Whooper Swans on pit 25, Barton-upon-Humber pits 10 Hawfinches, Shearwater Road W of Hartsholme Lake, Lincoln 25/3 Scaup drk, Deeping Lakes Long-tailed Duck ad fem on Wader Pit, 32 Whooper Swans - later flew north, Baston Langtoft pits Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Sailing Pit, Barton-upon-Humber 25/3 Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, sailing pit, Barton-upon-Humber [CLAY] pits Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Hawfinches, Hartsholme Country Park, Lincoln Kittiwake ad, south end, Baston Langtoft pits Black Redstart fem +1w male, along Anthony's Bank, Humberston Fitties 10 Hawfinches, Mallard Close, Lincoln 3 Hen Harriers, 2 males, Frampton Marsh 26/3 2 Shorelarks, North Cotes disused airfield 3 Short-eared Owls, Frampton Marsh 9+ Hawfinches, St Helen's Churchyard, East Keal Possible Kumlien's Gull, Cut End, River Witham mouth, SE of Boston - since identified from photos as a Herring Gull. 2 White Egrets, South Ferriby, flew inland Long-tailed Duck as fem on Wader Pit, Baston Langtoft pits Water Pipit flew over Jackson's Marsh, Hen Harrier ad male* over saltmarsh, Short-eared Owl, Gibraltar Point 27/3 Caspian Gull at Middlemarsh Wetlands, west of Skegness 2 Iceland Gulls, ad + 2w, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Slavonian Grebe, Frampton Marsh Long-tailed Duck as fem Wader Pit, Baston Langtoft pits White Stork [ringed], Baston Fen Ring-necked Duck drk, Red-necked Grebe, Bagmoor WSW of Winterton 5 Hawfinches, St Helen's Churchyard, East Keal 28/3 White Stork [ringed - presumed escape], Baston Fen Spotted Redshank, Frampton Marsh Ring-necked Duck drk, Red-necked Grebe, Bagmoor WSW of Winterton Iceland Gull, Kirkby-on-Bain gravel pits Long-tailed Duck as fem Wader Pit, Baston Langtoft pits Mealy Redpoll in garden on Wigsley Road, Lincoln 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. Dead Badger opposite OMEX entrance, Henry Lane, Bardney R & A Parsons 26/3/2018 TFTF146706 Blyton SK 85718 95487 Peter Morrell 22.3.18 Badger roadkill on A159 Laughton Road. Fir Park, Market Rasen  TF 09201 97052 Peter Morrell 25.03.18 Badger roadkill on A46 Redbourne Mere SK 96185 98592 Peter Morrell 28.2.18 Badger roadkill on A15. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in their observations and we welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. DON'T FORGET - TIME FLIES! Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. ANDERBY MARSH 20th March 2018 Dave Miller Blackbird 2 Black-headed gull 3 Canada Goose 3 Crow 9 Chaffinch 1 Common Gull 5 Curlew 9 Dunnock 1 Gadwall 2 Golden Plover 2 Goldfinch 4 Great Black-backed Gull 2 Great tit 1 Jackdaw 2 Kestrel 1 Lapwing 7 Magpie 19 Mallard 4 Moorhen 4 Pheasant 1 Reed Bunting 3 Scaup 1 male in breeding plumage Starling 53 Teal 19 Woodpigeon 8 Brown Hare 4 Shelduck 2 21st March 2018 Weasel 1 21st March 2018 Shag 1 in breeding plumage with crest 23rd March 2018 Sparrowhawk 1 female 23rd March 2018 RAF WAINFLEET 21st March 2018 Snowy Owl!! BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 23/3/2018 Grey squirrel Self-heal in flower? Small tortoiseshell 2 26/3/2018 one in garden and one on Church Lane. 7-spot Ladybird on Holly bush. No activity noted from 2017 feral bee colony in our chimney. Henry Lane - road to Baumber TF164703 Barn owl at 13.15 hrs. - perched on roadside hedge. BOSTON (South by A16) 22/03/2018 Kathleen Pearson Spotted a small bird in the garden this morning that I had only ever seen when abroad, but it was sufficiently close to the house to get a good view of a Black Redstart. It would seem possible that the recent easterly winds had brought it in. BOSTON (SOUTH BY A16) 28/03/2018 Kathleen Pearson First Siskins (2 females) of the year feeding in garden today. CLEETHORPES TA 300069 Peter Crick Sunday 25th March 2018 Lovely warm and sunny morning brought out: 1 x Brimstone. (my first of the year) 1 x Large Bumble Bee Queen Wasps x 2 Ladybird 5 spot Flies - various Ants - very active in sunshine CALCETHORPE A631 TF240 892 Richard Fox 21.03.2018 Stoat ran across road in front of car (made it!) DEEPING LAKES Venue: Deeping Lakes LT Nature Reserve Date: 14/03/2018 & 21/03/2018 Time: PM/AM Observer: Ian Gordon Weather : Sunny periods, mild, breezy Birds: Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaff Common Gull Coot Cormorant Dunnock Egyptian Goose Gadwall Goldeneye Goosander Great black-backed Gull Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Green Woodpecker Greenfinch Grey Heron Greylag Goose Herring Gull Jackdaw Jay Kingfisher Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Grebe Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pintail Pochard Redwing Reed Bunting Robin Rook Scaup Shelduck Shoveler Song Thrush Teal Tufted Duck Whooper Swan Wigeon Wren Yellow-legged Gull Deeping High Bank 21/03/2018 Marsh Harrier Hen Harrier (Ring-tail) Baston/Langtoft Gravel Pits 21/03/2018 Long-tailed Duck Shelduck Ringed Plover Raven HARROWBY SETTLEMENTS SK940354 Jane Ostler Week beginning 23rd March 2018 Both frog and toad spawn in garden pond and common newts swimming amongst them. A hedgehog out on evening 26th March Both fieldfare and redwing have visited gardens. First bumble bees are Bombus terrestris (buff tailed) HORKSTOW Jenny Haynes 20 March 2018 Brown Hare in area - details sent to Mammal Recorder. Birds in my garden this week include: Goldfinch - 30+ Chaffinch - 30+ Greenfinch - 8 Blue tit - 10 Great tit - 10 Long tailed tit - 3 Blackbird - 8 Robin - 2 Wren - 2 Dunnock - 4 Woodpigeon - 3 Pheasant - 1 Brambling - 2 Siskin - 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 Tree sparrow - 1 HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762  20/3/2018 Starlings 2 - checking out bird boxes that are too small for them 21/3/2018 Muntjac 3 - in field next to my garden 22/3/2018 Collared doves 2  23/2/2018 Blue tits 2 Bombus terrestris 1 - on hellebores Ladybirds 7-spot 2   Harlequin 1 24/3/2018 Starlings 2 - they seem to have found their usual hole in an old apple tree 25/3/2018 Small tortoiseshell 1 26/3/2018 Bees - several of unknown type as too quick for me Small tortoiseshell 2 Song thrush 1 Woodmouse 1 27/2/2018 Wren HUTTOFT PIT Wetland Bird survey 18th March 2018 Dave Miller on a very cold morning, some of the water was frozen. Blackbird 3 Black-headed Gull 5 Blue Tit 2 Canada Goose 2 Crow 1 Common Gull 16 Great Black-backed Gull 7 Grey Heron 1 Herring Gull 3 Magpie 4 Mallard 7 Meadow Pipit 1 Mute Swan 15 including 10 juveniles. Pheasant 1 Sparrowhawk 1 male. Starling 30 Teal 9 Whooper Swan 1 Wigeon 225 Woodpigeon 6 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 24/3/18 Jon Drakes Species recorded whilst carrying out the weekly Garden Bird Watch for the BTO in our back garden were: Blackbird 3 Collared Dove 10 Dunnock 5 House Sparrow 15 Robin 2 Starling 10 Woodpigeon 15 Chaffinch 1 Goldfinch 2 Jackdaw 1 KEELBY (Grid reference TA1610) 25/3/2018 Jon Drakes Bird species recorded in our Keelby garden on a warm and sunny day were: Sparrowhawk Chaffinch House Sparrow Robin Collared Dove Woodpigeon Jackdaw Great Tit Starling Blue Tit Goldfinch Dunnock Blackbird Greenfinch KETTLETHORPE Kettlethorpe SK 848 749 Alison Brownlow 25.03.2018 Frog spawn 27.03.2018 Toad spawn in same pond as the frog spawn Grey Heron visiting! NETTLEHAM S. Colman TF01267560 Nettleham 22/03/18 11:35 Male brimstone butterfly - first seen this year TF01297557 Nettleham 22/03/18 11:50 Buff tailed bumblebee on the path NETTLEHAM TF01357549 Su Colman 26 March 2018 Found on a whitebeam twig after pollarding the tree recently - a leaf in the crook of twigs, with silk attachments - a brood of about 80 Vapourer moth  eggs - determined by REL Davidson.  Twig plus cargo returned to the tree and tied on. About 30 more similar eggs found on a lid leaning near the tree.  Hopefully we might have plenty of Vapourer moths this year! PASTURE WHARF - Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (Grid reference TA0423) 25/3/2018 Jon Drakes An evening visit to this location found the following species present: Black-Headed Gull Blue Tit Canada Goose Carrion Crow Coot Gadwall Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Grebe Greylag Goose Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Pochard Robin Shelduck Slavonian Grebe Teal Tufted Duck RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 21.03.2018 Buff-tailed Bumblebee, first of the season Tawny Owl m calling ca. 14:00 hrs 23.03.2018 7-Spot Ladybird Common Frog croaking in pond (high-pitched f, I think) 24.03.2018 7-Spot Ladybird Red-tailed Bumblebee (first this season, appeared very weak and disorientated) Buff-tailed Bumblebee Wasp queen in bedroom 26.03.2018 7-Spot Ladybird (have seen more this spring than in the last 2-3 years) Brimstone butterfly (first this season) Common Frog x 2 Quite a few Bumblebees on the wing on a fine spring day 27.03.2018 2 Common Frogs in amplexus, accidentally disturbed; no spawn seen next day Hedgehog hiding below shed ca. 10:30 pm; my dog led me to him. 28.03.2018 A/the (?) solitary Common Gull is still seen almost daily, feeding on earthworms in pasture (TF309848 and adjoining squares), now for the fourth year in succession. SOUTHERY WOOD Lincolnshire Limewoods NNR R & A Parsons 23/3/2018 In Flower - just: Lesser Celandine Wood Anemone Dog's Mercury Mistle Thrush singing. Vegetative - not yet in flower Wild Arum Bluebell SOUTHERY- High Thorpe R & A Parsons TF136668 26/03/2018 Queen bumblebees of the following species. Bombus lapidarius - Red-tailed bumblebee x 2 Bombus terrestris Buff-tailed bumblebee x 2 Bombus lucorum White-tailed bumblebee x 1 Honeybees working and collecting cream-coloured pollen. SPENDLUFFE MEADOWS 22nd March 2018 Dave Miller Blackbird 17 Blue tit 7 Buzzard 1 Crow 2 Chaffinch 5 Goldfinch 5 Great tit 3 Greenfinch 2 House sparrow 15 Jackdaw 2 Linnet 3 Magpie 4 Pied Wagtail 1 Robin 2 Woodpigeon 3 Wren 1 Small tortoiseshell 1 Muntjac 3 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 15/03/18 Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 12 Dunnock x 2 Great Tit x 2 Mallard x 2 on flooded paddocks Song Thrush x 1 19/03/18 Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Coot x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Cormorant x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 59 SK803998 with 212 Starlings Goldfinch x 17 Kestrel x 2 Little Egret x 1 SK788993 Mallard x 4 on flooded paddocks Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Robin x 1 Song Thrush x 1 Stock dove x 2 Tree Sparrow x 12 Tufted Duck x 2males 1 female, Owston Ferry Warping Drain Wood Pigeon x 9 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 1 28/03/18 Blackbird x 3 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 3 Goosander x 3 males 1 female, Owston Ferry Warping Drain Heron x 1 over Thurnholmes Kestrel x 3 Lapwing x 2 display calling 01:15hrs Magpie x 2 Moorhen x 1 Oystercatcher x 1 over Thurnholmes Pied Wagtail x 2 Stock Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 6 Yellowhammer x 1 TORTOISESHELL WOOD SK963199 Jane Ostler 24th March 2018 On a dull afternoon wood was devoid of birdsong and plants flowering seem about a week behind last year' PLANTS In flower - dog's mercury, primrose, hazel, early dog violet (reichenbachiana) Leaves of elder and honeysuckle fully out. Wood anemone leaves just through AMPHIBIANS In pond common newts and frog spawn BIRDS Coal and longtailed tits, blackcap (male)green woodpecker.robin MAMMALS Dead fallow deer. New molehills. Evidence of rabbit and fox. Hares in adjacent fields. WILLINGHAM WOODS (Dog Kennel Wood) TF144 874 Richard Fox Goldcrest pr. Long Tailed Tit pr. all feeding in Oak tree by footpath Buzzard calling overhead Roe Deer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 15th – 27th March 2018 Contributors: - Matt Blissett, Nige Lounds, John Walker, Peter & Janet Roworth Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings: 15th         8 shorelark and a jack snipe Brickyard Lane beach 16th         10 fieldfare, 4 redwing and 3 song thrush at Sea View 21st         2 yellowhammer were in song at Crook Bank, plus there were singles of bullfinch, great-spotted woodpecker and a southbound kittiwake. A 1st winter Caspian gull on Brickyard Lane beach. 22nd        short-eared owl in dunes south of Crook Bank 23rd        16 tufted duck, 8 shoveler on Paradise lagoon, 12 fieldfare and 2 redwing (and another 12 in a separate flock) near Sea View, 6 common snipe flew off hide tide line on saltmarsh and a single marsh harrier over. Over the sea were 2 common scoter, 2 Brent geese, a red-throated diver and a male velvet scoter. A pair of shoveler and a black-tailed godwit were on fields south of Crook Bank. 24th         mistle thrush in song and 2 tree sparrows near Sea View, 2 avocets on Rimac lagoon, 18 ringed plover near Saltfleet Haven 25th         A very large flock of least 2000+ starlings has been feeding on the grassland at Elm House Farm; 13 tufted duck, 2 coot, 15 black-headed gulls and 3 lesser black-backed gulls on Paradise lagoon with a male yellowhammer singing nearby, tawny owling calling and single pied wagtail near Sea View. A single common toad was active in the ponds near Sea View. No frogs spawn on reserve yet but has been recorded in garden at Grainthorpe. 26th         55 redshank on the mud near Black Bridge, 13 tufted ducks, 3 gadwall, 2 mallard, 7 teal, 6 shoveler and 6 coot on Paradise lagoon and nearby 3 grey herons flying over, single great spotted woodpecker drumming and a pair of yellowhammers in horn scrub, single marsh harrier over outer dunes of saltmarsh, 2 avocets on Rimac lagoon and 2 female bramblings, single siskin and male yellowhammer near Sea View. 11 pied wagtails, 4 ringed plovers on foreshore and 2 common buzzards displaying over Theddlethorpe, 2 barn owls hunting and single little owl seen. Bumble bees active in warm sunshine. 27th         9 red-throated diver flew north at sea and 6 fieldfare were at Rimac. BE AWARE – DON’T TOUCH Strange white & waxy lumps have washed up on the beach. This has now been confirmed as PETROLEUM WAX, but advice remains the same – don’t touch and don’t let your dog eat it! LWT staff are working to remove this pollution from the reserve.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 https://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 A list of all the articles contained in Transactions (Transactions page) and a list of the Presidents (Officers page) is also available on the LNU website. 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 InsideEcology: Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ British geology maps now free to explore on web http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** 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 Webpages: Hare coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ Wildlife Crime 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/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. Field Meetings 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 29th April 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/field-meetings/2018-04-29/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve, Northwest of Alford Access courtesy of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at wood entrance which is at TF421777. Nearest postcode: LN13 0ED which is east of the wood. NB. Very restricted parking so please car share where possible. Likely need for reverse parking along entrance track (first in, last out policy). Verges near entrance are Roadside Nature Reserves so please no parking on them, especially if arriving earlier than 12.00. Nearest public toilets in Alford town centre. Habitats: Ancient woodland with ponds and ditches. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Greetwell Hollow LWT Reserve – Sunday 27th May 2018 Greetwell Hollow LWT Reserve, (partly a geological SSSI) Eastern edge of Lincoln Access courtesy of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at TF001717 which is roadside parking in far north-eastern corner of Allenby Road Industrial Estate, Lincoln. Nearest postcode: LN3 4PH. There is a short section of path north to the Hollow through rough grassland/scrub via a ‘gate’ in fence and by crossing Greetwell Road. NB. Some steep slopes, marshy areas, a fairly busy road to cross plus high levels of public usage. Nearest ‘public’ toilets in McDonalds just to north in Carlton Shopping Centre car park or Tescos nearby. Habitats: Calcareous grassland, scrub, stream, marsh, wet woodland, pond, rocks. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Shearman’s Wath / West Ashby Pits – Saturday 23rd June 2018 Shearman’s Wath next to West Ashby Pits. North of Horncastle A private site with access courtesy of Mike Harrison. Afternoon and evening moth/bat session. 12.00 for 13.00 start and then again from 21.00 for evening session. Meet and park on wide roadside verge at TF252719 (just east of River Bain bridge) which is located on minor road which joins the A158 and A153 north of Horncastle. Nearest postcode: LN9 5PP (which takes you slightly NE of meeting spot). NB. Some steep slopes and deep water areas. No mains available for moth traps. Nearest public toilets are in Horncastle town centre. Habitats: Lakes, ponds, marsh, grassland, scrub Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com South Ormsby Estate – Saturday 7th July 2018 Raithby Beck Wood – Saturday 4th August 2018 Sutton Bridge area – Sunday 2nd September 2018 Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 14th October 2018 Whisby Natural History Workshops In partnership with the Lincolnshire Naturalists Union. At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Prior booking essential via Richard Davidson on 01522 525725 or Email rel.davidson@btinternet.com Find out more about the various subjects from our local experts. Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available. Mining Bees - June 2nd - David Shepherd Hoverflies - July 28th - Phil Porter & David Denman Ground Beetles - August 11th - Alan Lazenby Plant Galls - September 8th - Jan Rousseau Bryophytes - October 6th - Steven Heathcote. Fungi - November 3rd - Ray Halstead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. brydeb - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. donna.ulyatt - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. ifor.grasby - hard bounce - address cleaned - account has been disabled or discontinued. For some reason a number of Bulletin email addresses have failed recently. These have now been "cleaned" by Mailchimp. This failure has already been signalled in "Mailfails" but I have put an "edited" version of some of these addresses here, in the hope that some readers will recognise and advise the owners of this issue. If they wish they can re-register via the LNU website. https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ Please help if you can. theresa 919 – hard bounce Kevin Gunthorpe – hard bounc P W Barb – hard bounce melvyn birkett - hard bounce ajpscott - hard bounce barriet williams - hard bounce knight twitcher - hard bounce kristopher dutheridge - hard bounce lindsay wright - hard bounce mar dunmc - hard bounce iain m anderson - hard bounce john francis jones - hard bounce k avey - hard bounce nj atkin - hard bounce peter mills - hard bounce special k - hard bounce bry deb - hard bounce donna ulyatt - hard bounce ifor grasby - hard bounce 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..... Lincolnshire: Country diary: the unexpected effects of road-builders' changes to landscape https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/26/country-diary-the-unexpected-effects-of-road-builders-changes-to-landscape Hedgehog numbers 'down by half', warn wildlife groups http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766 Photo of Jesse James bought on eBay could be worth millions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43473357 Whales in mass stranding on Western Australia beach http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-43519439 How effective are earthquake early warning systems? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43432625 Mount Etna is 'sliding towards the sea' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43522169 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/