============================================= || || 4th March 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... *** In view of the continuing wintry weather, the Executive Committee of the LNU has taken the decision to postpone and reschedule this year's AGM of Saturday 3rd March. Please help us the spread the word of this cancellation. The new date for the AGM will be: 7th April 2018. The AGM will be followed by the Presidential Address by Richard Jefferson on ‘The natural history & ecology of grasses in Lincolnshire’. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/2018-03-03/ Lincolnshire Environmental Awards. Are you applying? Deadline for applications: Saturday 31 March 2018 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/awards We expect to swap to "fibre" on 6th March. I am told it may be a few days "settling in!" Hopefully all will be back in action in time for the Bulletin of the 11th, though perhaps a bit later than usual that week. Acknowledgement of your contributions may be slower too. Please bear with me. As usual I have included a selection of topical links. Most were sent in by readers. Suggestions for interesting links are always welcome. See: Snow in Lincolnshire: Latest updates http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-lincolnshire-43170150 Post-Brexit farm payments to be used to help the environment http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43206357 Police drone finds man in ditch in Lincolnshire http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43188849 Hare coursing: Lincolnshire Police's fight with blood sport http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-lincolnshire-43172519/hare-coursing-lincolnshire-police-s-fight-with-blood-sport Lighting appears on 'path to nowhere' in North Hykeham http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43142087 Heckington Windmill: Volunteer dies in 'tragic accident' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-43197129 Disease-resistant English elms planted in Sheffield http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-43111560 New clues to decline of bees and other pollinators http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43200277 Pesticides put bees at risk, European watchdog confirms http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43226205 Thank you for all your contributions this week - something for everyone. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk *** 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/ Swinn Wood LWT Reserve – Sunday 29th April 2018 Greetwell Hollow LWT Reserve – Sunday 27th May 2018 Shearman’s Wath / West Ashby Pits – Saturday 23rd June 2018 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 Next meeting: 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 *** 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/ *** Bulletin Bookshelf - free in return for an LNU donation *** I am having a weed of my "library" and for starters offer 2 books that may be of interest to some readers – free if you donate £5-10 -ish per book to LNU. Both titles can be “Googled”. [I will be starting with unusual stuff and get on to birds and botany later!] Terrestrial Acari of the British Isles. Volume One. Evans, Sheals and Macfarlane. 1961. Hard cover. Dust jacket. Good condition. Est Value £10-25 Evolution in the Genus Drosophila. Patterson and Stone. 1952. First printing. 1952. Hard cover. Fair condition. Est Value £10-25 Contact Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk [I can bring them along to the LNU AGM if you are interested.] *** Love Lincs Plants - Updates *** Here is the first of hopefully many opportunities for Bulletin Readers to become involved in the Love Lincs Plants project. Aidan Neary - LoveLincsPlants Project Officer writes: Spaces available on 2 free plant identification and herbarium collection training sessions at Whisby Education Centre led by Fred Rumsey and Kath Costello from the Natural History Museum. Session 1 (over 35s): Thursday 22nd March 2018. 10am to 4pm – 4 places left Session 2 (18-35 year olds): Friday 23rd March 10am to 4pm. – 7 places left The main focus of the session will be on plant collection, pressing and drying techniques as well plant identification tips. An excellent opportunity to get involved with the creation of our new Lincolnshire herbarium (#LoveLincsPlants). To book on please ask interested trainee to send an email to: Aidan Neary aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? 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/ *** Whisby Natural History Workshops - diaries out! *** Richard Davidson writes: I've just finished the summer program for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Lincoln Group which includes the workshops at Whisby this summer: At Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln, in the Lafarge Education Building from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Free of charge. Refreshments included. Places are limited due to the number of microscopes available. I've got two bookings already. Find out more about the various subjects from our local experts. 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 *** Bryophyte meeting *** Snipe Dales, Lincolnshire – Saturday 17th March 2018 We will be meeting to record Lincolnshire's bryophytes again, the last time before the main LNU program starts. This month's destination is Snipe Dales, a semi-natural wet valley system. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/snipe-dales Parking and the meeting location is in the reserve car park which is signposted from B1195 Horncastle-Spilsby road (TF330682). Meeting time is 10AM. There is a small charge for the car park apparently. We are interested in rumours of Sphagnum and a 1972 record of Fountain Apple-moss (one of two post-1930 records for this species in Lincolnshire). We plan to stay out most of the day so please bring warm/dry clothes and a packed lunch. Anyone is welcome for part or all of the day. Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can make contact if there are any last-minute changes due to weather (steven.heathcote@gmail.com). Reports from previous meetings can now be found on the following website: https://lincsbryology.wordpress.com/ *** March Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html *** Star Gazing Lincs – Saltfleetby – Saturday 10th March 2018 *** East Lincolnshire Astronomy Club presents Star Gazing Lincs Saturday 10th March 2018 2pm to 10pm at Marshlands Community Hall, Saltfleetby Louth LN11 7SS A free public event to celebrate Astronomy in Lincolnshire with observing, talks and activities for budding star gazers. Discover the night sky whatever the weather in the planetarium with three presentations over the afternoon, 2:15pm, 3:15pm and 4:15pm. Evening session, special guest speaker, Paul Money FRAS. See real rocks from space with meteorite collector Michelle Clark. Kids activities with space enthusiast Cosmic Carol. Safe solar observing in the afternoon and see the wonders of the night sky using club member's telescopes during the evening (weather dependent). Northern Optics trade stand Lincolnshire astronomy societies attending. Pre-book places in the planetarium or lectures at #Stargazinglincs For further information www.lincsastro.org *** 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 *** Investigating Tree Archaeology conference *** John Birbeck writes: The Programme for our Investigating Tree Archaeology conference is now online and can be downloaded by following this link https://www.ukeconet.org/tree_archaeology.html The conference, taking place this May (16/17) has a packed programme of presentations and a field visit to a local timber-framed building. Topics include: dendrochronology, worked and working trees, palaeoecology, vernacular buildings, woodland management and documentary evidence, and evidence of wood-use in prehistory. An early bird discount on bookings runs to the end of March; and there is a special rate for local volunteers. The event is already booking up so if you are thinking of attending please book soon. *** Reminder: “Beachclean” – Anderby Creek *** Dave Miller writes: Saturday 3rd March 2018 10am Beach Clean at Anderby Creek: as part of the Great British Spring Clean we will be running a beach clean and litter survey at Anderby Creek. Meet in the car park at 10am, bags and litter pickers will be provided. For this event we are trialing the use of hessian coffee sacks rather than bin bags to try and reduce our plastic footprint. *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project – Practical Day*** Will Bartle writes: Friday 9th March 2018 – Owmby Practical day with the LCSP Volunteer Group - The day will involve maintaining the in stream and bankside vegetation to help keep the chalk stream flowing. Wader sizes are needed in advance so please contact the Monitoring Officer for the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project Will Bartle. 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/ Keith Scarrott writes: The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. On Monday, 12th March next we have the very welcome return of our well- known local ornithologist Graham Catley to give us an illustrated talk that he has entitled"Fifty Years of Lincolnshire Birding". Graham's lifelong love of birding has taken him far and wide but he has devoted most of his time to studying and photographing the birds in our Lincolnshire county. The high quality of his photography is well-known and has been used in some pres- tigious magazines. Graham is unique to our area and is giving us a unique talk. Don't miss it! Our meetings are held in the St. Bernadette's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincs., DN16 2RS, which is opposite the Priory Hotel on Ashby Road. Our meetings start at 7.15pm and ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but adonation bowl is provided. Light refreshments are available at the mid-talk break for a small charge. There is a large free car park at the church. For further details contact Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098. *** Local RSPB links: *** Grimsby & District RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/grimsby Please note there has been a change of speaker at the March meeting on the 19th. Graham Catley, (ornithological consultant, photographer and serious local patch birder), will now give an illustrated talk about the birds of Vancouver Island and Western British Columbia" 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/ *** Barton Area Group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group *** Grimsby & Cleethorpes LWT *** www.grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk Carolyn Davis writes: On Monday 12th March 2018 the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust invite you to their next indoor meeting where farmers Neville and Maureen Turner will be speaking about the history and work of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall and starts at 7.30pm. There will be a Trust goods stall, raffle and tea & coffee available. Admission £3, all are welcome. For further details contact Jennie Redpath - 01472 502858. *** Horncastle & Woodhall Spa area group LWT *** https://www.facebook.com/hwsag/ *** Lincoln LWT *** Richard Davidson writes: Lincoln Area Group Talk March 15th:  The World of the Red Fox Dr Carl Soulsbury (senior science lecturer for the school of Life Sciences at Lincoln University) looks at the Red Fox in Britain and elsewhere, a subject he has studied for many years.  Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm.     Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** Louth area group LWT *** http://lwt-lag.org.uk/ *** LWT Area Groups *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/area-groups *** 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. 21/2 Hen Harrier fem over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier ringtail over saltmarsh, Rimac 65+ Russian White-fronted Geese at Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby St Clement Hawfinch in garden, Normanby Mealy Redpoll on garden feeder, Park Road, Willingham by Stow 3 Snow Buntings*, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret*, Deeping High Bank north of Deeping Lake 22/2 c60 Snow Buntings in dunes, Cleethorpes Great White Egret by River Till, Sturton-by-Stow Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank north of Deeping Lakes, Long-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes Siberian Chiffchaff at sewage works, Manby Flashes 23/2 Long-eared Owl, Deeping Lakes Bewick's Swan with 118 Whooper Swans in field north of Huttoft Bank pit 23 Russian White-fronted Geese at Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby St Clement Hen Harrier ad male over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh 24/2 Bewick's Swan ad with Whooper Swans, Huttoft Pit Water Pipit in flight over Jackson's Marsh, Gibraltar Point 20+ Twite on saltmarsh, Freiston Shore Red-necked Grebe at river mouth, Frampton Marsh Siberian Chiffchaff, near entrance, Marston sewage works 25/2 Scaup 1w drk, Boultham Mere Siberian Chiffchaff, near entrance, Marston sewage works 2 Snow Buntings on beach, Mablethorpe Great White Egret, Deeping High Bank west of Crowland Bridge 26/2 Bewick's Swan ad with 108 Whooper Swans, in field just north of Huttoft Bank Pit Smew drk, 3 Slavonian Grebes, Barton-upon-Humber [clay] pits Scaup 1w drk, Boultham Mere Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point 27/2 Hen Harrier ringtail over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh Hen Harrier male, Gibraltar Point 28/2 2 Scaup, ad fem on Apex Pit, 1w drk at Mill Green, North Hykeham pits 2 Water Pipits, Gibraltar Point 25 Bewick's Swans flew over Grantham 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. A note on Bird Ringing from Stuart Britton: Like myself, many Bulletin readers contribute to the BTO and/or RSPB Garden Bird Surveys. This gives us a rough estimate of how many birds are using our garden feeders. I have been ringing in my Market Rasen garden for many years and the results always surprise me. Since January 1st this year to 27th February I have caught 203 birds of 17 different species in a single 9 metre mist net. Of these, 58 have been different Blue Tits and 79 were different Goldfinches! The most remarkable fact is that I have only re-trapped 1 of the Blue Tits and none of the Goldfinches. You may well find in your garden that a lot of the birds are part of a constant stream of birds passing through rather than the same ones coming back regularly. ROAD KILLS? Every drive is a transect! Reports welcome. BLANKNEY HEATH Peter Wilson Road Kill 23rd Feb 2018 TF034 589 1 hare ( possibly one of those I saw last week) SOUTHERY WOOD B1190 - south side TF133684 R & A Parsons 25/02/2018 Dead adult badger noted at 10.15 hrs Hedgehog numbers 'down by half', warn wildlife groups http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766 Your sightings and roadkill records please. *** 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. BARDNEY The Green TF119694 R & A Parsons 26/2/2018 2 Pied Wagtails. The regular male bird has at last found a friend. 1/2/2019 Fieldfare in garden - after mealworms. The closed bird ring we found on 16-Feb-2018 on the Water Rail Way was from a Barn Owl nestling, male, ringed on on 20-Jun-2014 near Bardney. Barn Owl Trust says: "A typical lifespan for a wild adult Barn Owl is 4 years although the British longevity record is 15 years. However, most Barn Owls die young. Of those that fledge, approximately 70% die in their first year." BARDNEY Bardney Garden Grid ref TF 117 701 Mary and Phil Porter 1st March 2018 Birds being fed in the snowy conditions, approximate numbers: Goldfinch x6 Greenfinch x6 Chaffinch x12 Male siskin x1 Fieldfare x2 one later found dead in snow Blackbirds x7 Mistle thrush x2 Starlings x6 Bluetit x1 (numbers suddenly down) Great tit x1 (numbers suddenly down) Robins x3 (numbers suddenly down) Long tailed tits x4 House sparrows x10 Tree sparrows x2 Male sparrowhawk x1 Stock dove x2 Collared dove x2 Wood pigeon x2 Jackdaw x1 Dunnock x3 Not observed since the snow, but were regular: wren and great spotted woodpecker Sunday 25th February Treecreeper x1 BLANKNEY HEATH Peter Wilson Blankney Heath 16th Feb. 2018 TF032 589 80+ Fieldfares flying around settling in trees and fields. TF034 589 2 hares running along grass verge TF026 587 1 hare on grass verge BOSTON (South by A16) 28/02/2018 Kathleen Pearson At least eight Fieldfares together in the garden in the hedge behind the Holly (with few berries still present). The male Blackcap is still visiting the Mahonia. BOSTON (South by A16) 01/03/2018 Kathleen Pearson The cold weather brought an unusual Redwing into the garden today. GRANTHAM CANAL, HARLAXTON SK887337-890339 Jane Ostler 23rd February,2018 Still,Cloudy 4C. MAMMALS Plenty of evidence of badgers in mud slides down banks. A squirrel, high in a sycamore tree, apparently eating green buds. Along the path sides numerous diggings where squirrels had been searching for acorns we saw them burying in the autumn. BIRDS Two pairs of mallards only on the water, blanketed over with duckweed. Two robins together. Great Tit belling and Dunnock heard. A single Blackbird feeding amongst leaf mould. A buzzard circling high overhead.  A song thrush's anvil. INVERTEBRATES Four kinds of snails on the thrush's anvil - Garden Snail, White lipped and Dark lipped banded snails and the smaller Discus rotundus. Interestingly on the remains of one Dark-lipped banded snail a second membrane sealing the opening had been made - extra protection against the cold, but not against thrushes. FLOWERING PLANTS Only Lesser Celandine in flower. There is neither alder nor hazel along this stretch. Horse chestnut buds were fattening and going sticky. The surviving flowers from December, like those of herb robert, had all disappeared. There were numerous new leaves of Wild Arum, only one group of which were spotted. The duckweed has remained on the surface throughout the winter, unlike the Lesser Duckweed on my pond which goes down to the bottom in resting form and reappeared again in the first week of February. It is now trapped in the ice all day. HORKSTOW 26 February 2018 Jenny Haynes Goldfinches have been the most numerous birds in my garden this winter and yesterday they had formed a flock of about forty. At one time they were all perched on the very top of the ash trees around my garden singing their heads off. Are they migrants getting ready to depart? HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 22/2/2018 Blue tits 2 Chaffinch 2 Self heal in flower 26/2/2018 Song thrush 1 Sparrowhawk 2 27/2/2018 Great tits 2 NETTLEHAM TF008752 Brenda Edlington 22/2/2018 Little egret and grey wagtail in beck between Church Lane and Vicarage Lane. Grey wagtail seen several times. Kingfisher spotted there too by someone else last week. NETTLEHAM TF005756 Brenda Edlington 28/1/2018 Garden birdwatch Blackbird 2 Black headed gull 1 Blue tit 3 Chaffinch 3 Coal tit 1 Collared dove 2 Dunnock 1 Goldfinch 5 Great tit 1 Greenfinch 3 House sparrow 4 Long tailed tit 2 Sparrowhawk 1 Wood pigeon 2 Wren 1 Total number of species about the same as other years but total number of birds more than 20 fewer than the last 2 years. There are noticeably fewer birds around in the garden this winter, especially goldfinches. Sparrowhawk recently seen under an apple tree dismembering a goldfinch. NETTLEHAM TF01357549 Su Colman 28 February 2018 Through the day All this weather has brought more birds into our small garden. At one point yesterday there were 20+ blackbirds, then 30+ starlings, 20+ goldfinches, 6 chaffinches and two blue tits. A treat was a greenfinch - haven't seen them for ages, but the most surprising was a redwing that came into the hedge briefly and three fieldfares in the rowan. The best bit - a fieldfare came to the extended window ledge where we put out dried fruit and was just the other side of the glass, probably 75cm away. NETTLEHAM David and Isobel Smith 01/03/2018 11.00 Fieldfare - 12 within village in Hawthorn tree.  RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 unless otherwise stated Silvia Fowler 25.02.2018 Buzzard flying low over house; rarely seen this close 26.02.2018 Buzzard low over roof again Magpie 2 Pheasant 7 28.02.2018 Great Tit calling in spite of the snow (10-15 cm) and low temperatures (0/-4 C) SLEAFORD TF069451 [My garden] Diane Maltby 28/02/2018 Feeling sad – I haven’t seen a song thrush in the garden for several years, though I have spotted them very occasionally in the nearby lane. Today I noticed a bird lying dead in the snow at the top of the garden – a song thrush. I wondered if it was the result of a cat attack, but there were no visible marks. I think more likely it flew into the  shed or the greenhouse & was stunned, then froze to death on the ground, because of the way its wings were stretched out.   Before the cold snap started the frogs were getting active in the pond. I hope they’ve been able to take cover again.   Other sightings – difficult to put quantities because our garden adjoins 5 others and they’re constantly back and forwards: Greenfinch x 4 Goldfinch x 2 [ often have 6 visiting] Chaffinch x at least 2 males Robin Magpie Collared dove x 2 Woodpigeon Blackbirds both male & female – up to 10 at any one time. Dunnock House sparrow x 4 Starling x2 Blue tit x 2   The song thrush was the only unusual sighting. SOUTHERY- High Thorpe Road Garden next to village hall. R. Parsons TF136668 23/2/2018 Muntjac buck in garden. 09.30hrs. SOUTHERY on River Witham from Water Rail Way R & A Parsons 25/02/2018 15 Goosanders, 3 females - all flew south at approx 10am. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 22/02/18 Barn Owl x 1 Thurnholmes, x 1 SE808002 Dunnock x 3 Robin x 1 Rook x 51 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:10hrs Tree Sparrow x 8 Wren x 1 23/02/18 Common Buzzard x 2 Sparrowhawk x 1 male flying fast and low scattering 7 Tree Sparrows 28/02/18 Blackbird x 1 sat with Chaffinch x 1 in stables out of snow, both flew out and fed together in stable yard where horses had disturbed snow. Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Great Tit x 2 Yellowhammer x 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 21st February – 28th February 2018. Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker & Nige Lound Daily Notes and Wildlife Sightings The high pressure drifted gradually east bringing the influence of very strong, cold winds from an easterly sector to the UK. A gust of 28.3mph was recorded on the 24th and 27.4mph on the 27th but the winds have been a constant 15 – 20mph all week. Snow flurries first observed early on the 26th and snow grains lying on the ground and the max day-time temperature was 2.5°C. Same trend continued during the 27th with more snow showers, some settling of light snow, interspersed with sunny spells but remaining bitterly cold. 210218 – 21 little egrets in meadow near Sea View. Over the sea were 96 red- throated diver, 57 great-crested grebe, 4 guillemot, an adult gannet and 40 common scoter. A ringtail hen harrier was over Rimac saltmarsh. 202 brent geese were at the Haven lagoon with only 2 young birds and 6 ruff were nearby. At least 65 white- fronted geese were at Elm House and of the 500 or so pinkfeet with them, 2 were seen to be sporting neck rings. Both were ringed in Iceland on 240717 and this is the first sighting since ringing. 220218 – 4 tufted ducks, 17 teal and 19 shoveler on Paradise lagoon, 33 redwing with 3 fieldfare near Sea View. 230218 – 17 pink-footed geese and 7 European white-fronts over marshland. Over the sea were 109 red-throated diver, 2 great-crested grebe, 4 common scoter and singles of brent goose and shelduck. 50 fieldfare and 20 redwing were in a field at Rimac. 513 brent geese were on the Haven lagoon with only 4 youngsters and 30 twite dropped in here albeit very briefly. At Elm House Farm were 23 white-fronted geese, 200 wigeon, 2 shoveler and 221 golden plover 240218 – Immature peregrine falcon on the outer beach near Saltfleet Haven. With the bitterly cold weather over the weekend the garden bird count on Churchill Lane was as follows: 13 blackbird, 11 chaffinch, 5 dunnock, 7 great tit, 6 blue tit, 4 long-tail tit, 2 robin, 4 house sparrow, 2 wood pigeon, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 1 pheasant, 1 collared dove plus 1 muntjac. 250218 – 5 fieldfare near Sea View. Rimac to Churchill Lane, 2 stonechat, 2 hen harrier, 1 marsh harrier, 2 barn owl, c 600 pink foot geese roosting. 260218 – recent spell of cold weather having an effect on birdlife with the majority of birds being seen at nearby feeding stations where for example at Sea View: house sparrows have been up to 12, with 4 robins, 4 dunnocks, 3 chaffinches, 5 blackbirds and a similar number of blue and great tits. On the saltmarsh redshank have reached up to 26 birds, several meadow pipits and skylarks of which one was in brief song in between sunny spells and snow showers driven by a brisk easterly. The lagoon had 14 mallard and on the outer beach 60+ oystercatchers were huddled in a group facing the elements. Despite the strong easterly wind the sea was very quiet today with nothing of note seen. 4 drake pintail and 10 shoveler were on Paradise pool whilst nearby on the Haven lagoon were a black-tailed godwit and 502 brent geese of which only 9 were youngsters. 122 golden plover and 3 fieldfare were on Elm House Farm. Another 20 golden plover flew south over the dunes at BYL. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ *** 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 2018 Annual General Meeting – 3rd March 2018 https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ 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. 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..... How humans echolocate 'like bats' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43173613 Seychelles protects an area 'as big as Britain' in Indian Ocean http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-4315468 Are you suffering from galanthomania? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-43174324/are-you-suffering-from-galanthomania Country diary: a kind of heaven in avian form https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/20/country-diary-a-kind-of-heaven-in-avian-form Country diary: with luck and help, the chequered skipper will rise again https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/23/country-diary-chequered-skipper-ashton-northamptonshire Country diary: a strange magic in the dell of the valley of the elves https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/26/country-diary-dell-valley-elves-elveden-suffolk Country diary: cock of the bird table https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/28/country-diary-cock-chaffinch-feeding-wenlock-edge-shropshire Ancient Britons 'replaced' by newcomers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43115485 Should we burn or bury waste plastic? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43120041 France to let wolf population grow despite farmers' fears http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43122088 Wildlife secrets of Nigeria's last wilderness http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42993333 Arctic stronghold of world's seeds reaches one million mark http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43171939 Mutation 'gives bats edge over deadly viruses' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43155827 Frisbee the seal returns to North Sea after RSPCA care http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-norfolk-43148550/frisbee-the-seal-returns-to-north-sea-after-rspca-care ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week! Hopefully!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/