============================================ || || 6th January 2021 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: || http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - including Chambers Wood Farm 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..... don't miss the links... ============================================ 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 from Feb 2009 - new layout http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Information, hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Editor writes... *** Welcome to 2021. In the face of the new "Covid Lockdown" I intend keeping up the decorations to Candlemas to extend Yuletide cheerfulness. 2nd Feb was a traditional date for taking them down. https://www.tudorsociety.com/christmas-decorations-twelfth-night-and-candlemas/ I had an interesting response to Alan Lazenby's observations on tree sparrows last week. Stuart Britton was kind enough to tell me about an article in a Ringers Newsletter about the BTO's "Retrapping Adults for Survival" scheme. Page 20. Well worth a click. www.bto.org/sites/default/files/publications/life-cycle-spring-2018.pdf We look forward to your contributions this year. Please send in your reports via the Bulletin or to the appropriate LNU recorder[s] if you prefer: https://lnu.org/specialists/ [If unsure on this, see section 7. "Sending in Reports - contributors please read!"] To email me please use the recommended address: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Weather Forecast: 10 - 19 Jan "...past Wednesday, as this high pressure develops to the southwest of the UK, mobile and cyclonic northwesterly flows bring unsettled conditions with outbreaks of rain and, at times, strong winds as well as occasional colder temperatures." https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Heads Up for Big Garden Birdwatch 2021 Friday 29 and Sunday 31 January Your reminder may already be winging its way to you. "You can participate in the Birdwatch anytime between Friday 29 and Sunday 31 January. Simply spend an hour counting the birds in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park. Then tell us what you saw. " https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ Here is a selection of links from topical local to national and international news stories and articles sent in by fellow-readers. There should be something to interest everyone. More links in "...and finally..." Happy Birthday Isaac Newton: Life, Facts, Discoveries And The Truth About The Apple https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/isaac-newton-facts-biography-why-famous-who-discovered-gravity-scientific-revolution/ Friskney's swearing parrots to gain 'discrete' aviary https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55489140 Councillor fined for driving during Zoom meeting https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55547120 Bird charity warns of harm from new wind farm - RSPB https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55509225 Lincolnshire’s winners in the New Year Honours 2021 list https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2020/12/lincolnshires-winners-in-the-new-year-honours-2021-list/ New Year Honours 2021: Windmill restorer and flood fighter awarded https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55488586 Look ahead 2021: Trips to Mars and the Arctic https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-55369012 New Year Plant Hunt guide | BBC Wildlife Magazine https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/watch-wildlife/new-year-plant-hunt-what-and-when-it-is-how-to-take-part-and-which-species-to-look-out-for/ Nectar and Pollen Throughout the Year https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/nectar-and-pollen-throughout-the-year/ Wildlife success stories of 2020 | BBC Wildlife Magazine https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/wildlife-success-stories/ 'The year city-dwellers needed my photos of country life' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-55415496 'Pebble power' proves social media hit for Withernsea poet https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-55413269 The Secret Power of Trees - BBC sounds https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b01p7fgv Attenborough's "A Perfect Planet" - episode 1.1 - Volcanos - on BBC iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p08xc2lh/a-perfect-planet The best science long reads of 2020 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55057858 To help us find some more readers, please try the "forward to a friend" link at the end of the Bulletin. You can also direct people to: https://lnu.org/publications/wildnews-bulletin/ Tip: If possible avoid forwarding on your individual Bulletin to others. Best to use the secure "Forward to a Friend" link at the end of each issue, please. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - this is my best address for emails please. *** Covid Noticeboard - Lincolnshire has gone to Tier 4 *** Covid-19-related information: Please stay aware of updated government advice and adapt your personal precautions accordingly as the measures "evolve". See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Covid: 'No question' restrictions will be tightened, says Boris Johnson https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55529640 NHS Lincolnshire: Covid-19 vaccine roll out extended in Lincolnshire, as part of biggest NHS immunisation programme https://lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine-roll-out-extended-in-lincolnshire-as-part-of-biggest-nhs-immunisation-programme/ NHS About Coronavirus [COVID-19] https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 "All LNU meetings are cancelled" policy continues. When eventually judged safe, we will announce any plans for resumption of LNU events through the Bulletin, the LNU Twitter feed and LNU meetings webpages. https://lnu.org/meetings/ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Events/activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants RSPB: map for which reserves and facilities you can access. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ Forestry England’s coronavirus guidance: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide Please let us know of any local Covid-related deveopments readers might need to hear about. Wildlife organisations wishing me to publicise any alterations or new guidelines are welcome to get in touch with updates for the Bulletin. ends.... *** Bird Flu Watch *** The latest DEFRA advice update is worth a read: How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu also - specifically in wild birds: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#wild-birds-in-england *** Zoom Talk offered by RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** "Wildlife of a Working Forest" - A Zoom talk by Mike Read Martin Francis writes: 'Following the success of our previous Zoom talks, the RSPB Grimsby Local Group has arranged another illustrated talk which will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 25th January. This time, Author, Tour Leader and acclaimed Free-lance Photographer Mike Read will focus on his ‘local patch’, The New Forest, which is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife species with many rarities. The talk is open to everybody. You don't need to belong to the RSPB, or have attended Group Meetings. And don't be put off by Zoom. It is easy to use, you don't need any special equipment like a camera or microphone - just an internet connection, and we may able to offer help if you request it. To find out the arrangements for getting a link to the talk, please email Martin Francis at martin.francis2@ntlworld.com before 8pm on Friday 22nd January, and please state that you have seen the information in the LNU Bulletin Martin Francis Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group' *** Moth Night 2021 Dates for the diary *** Planning ahead: Moth Night 2021 takes place over the three nights of 8th - 10th July. The theme for the 2021 event is Reedbeds & Wetlands. Please let us know if you are planning anything. Live on line perhaps? *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes area group LWT cancellation *** Carolyn Davis writes: Due to the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Area group LWT have taken the decision to cancel the rest of their indoor and outdoor meetings up to and including April 2021. *** South Lincs RSPB Social Group Cruise programme *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group announce that , due to the current pandemic and general uncertainty, they are unable to offer any more information or proposed sailing dates about a 2021 Cruise programme. However the Group can announce that the Boat Owners have decided that the “Boston Belle” will not be available for the foreseeable future for ANY cruises. It will however be replaced by a smaller boat with a smaller capacity [compared to the Boston Belle]. Please keep checking the website where we will publish further information when we have it. https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire/ *** STAYING SAFE *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Road works and hold-ups. https://roadworks.org/ Met Office Severe Warnings https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up if at risk http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx Lyme Disease https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ *** January Night Sky *** Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' webpage will be found on: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html NOTE that due to COVID 19 the 2021 edition of Night Scenes will only be available as a pdf or kindle and produced in 2 parts covering 6 months each. http://www.astrospace.co.uk/nightscenes/ns-current.html Meteor Shower Guide 2021 https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/best-meteor-showers-in-2021/ A beginner’s guide to meteor showers https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/a-beginners-guide-to-meteor-showers/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Note - you will see a White-tailed Eagle reported over Kirkby-on-Bain Pits on 4th January: "probable White-tailed Eagle flew south over Kirkby on Bain GPs. A copy of subsequent report from Matt Cook as Dunsby Wood was sent to me by Ian Misselbrook and also Phil Hyde the Lincs Bird Club recorder who has confirmed that it is the eagle and probably one of the satellite tagged birds from the Roy Dennis foundation. What a fine way to start a New Year. 30/12 4 Long-eared Owls at Main Lake in gully from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Short-eared Owl, 3 Hen Harriers 1 male, Frampton Marsh Red-necked Grebe, Turnstone, Common Scoter fem/juv drk, Covenham reservoir Grey Phalarope 1w in wet fields near corral Freiston Shore Great White Egret, Fiskerton Fen Scaup 1w drk on Winter's Pond, Short-eared Owl, 2 water pipits, East Halton Skitter Short-eared Owl near Corringham Great White Egret, Denton reservoir 31/12 4 Long-eared Owls at Main Lake in gully from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Water Pipit, Snow Bunting flew south, 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, 2 Bewick's Swans on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Iceland Gull at river mouth, Rimac Long-tailed Duck in sea, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe 1/1/2021 1w drk on Main Lake, Tallington Lakes 2 Long-eared Owls at Main Lake in gully from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 3 Short-eared Owls, Deeping High Bank NE of Deeping St Nicholas 2 Water Pipits flew over road east of reserve, Baston Fen 2 Smew both as drks, Baston + Langtoft Pits 2 Hen Harrier 1 male on saltmarsh, Short-eared Owl, Smew, Frampton Marsh White-fronted Goose, Slavonian Grebe, 2 Great Northern Divers, Freiston Shore 2 Snow Buntings, Great Northern Diver, flew south, Hen Harrier, Hawfinch, Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point 3 Velvet Scoters on sea, 5 Snow Buntings on beach near Brickyard Lane, Black-throated Diver, Long-tailed Duck, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Tundra Bean Goose with Pink-footed Geese, 3+ Russian White-fronted Geese, Short-eared Owl, Huttoft Pit 2 Hen Harriers, Lea Marsh 9 Snow Buntings on beach, Cleethorpes 2/1 Long-eared Owl at Main Lake in gully from track to hide, Scaup 1w drk at Main Lake, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 3 Short-eared Owls, Deeping High Bank NE of Deeping St Nicholas Great Northern Diver, Hen Harrier, Gibraltar Point 5 Snow Buntings, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Iceland Gull ad, Rimac 2 Little Stints in sheep field, Green-winger Teal on Trent estuary at Trent Falls, Alkborough Flats 3/1 4 Long-eared Owls at Main Lake in gully from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 3 Short-eared Owls, Deeping High Bank near Gull Farm NE of Deeping St Nicholas Scaup 1w drk at Main Lake, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, over saltmarsh, Bewick's Swan on reedbed, Frampton Marsh Red-necked Grebe, Freiston Shore Iceland Gull ad flew east over Saltfleetby St Peter Bittern, Fiskerton Fen Great White Egret, towards Hatfield Moors from Idle Bank Road, NE of Wroot 4/1 Water Pipit, Baston Fen Scaup drk at Main Lake, Long-eared Owl still in gully, Deeping Lakes Deeping St James Hen Harrier, Dunston Fen White-fronted Goose 1w, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, 12 Long- tailed Ducks, Great Northern Diver, Freiston Shore Caspian Gull 3w at Festival Car Park, Skegness probable White-tailed Eagle flew south over Kirkby on Bain GPs Bittern, Fiskerton Fen scrambled message of Little Gull along River Nene at Sutton Bridge 5/1 Scaup 1w drk at Main Lake, 4 Long-eared Owls at Main Lake in gully from track to hide, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 3 Great White Egrets between Crowland Bridge and Deeping Lakes, Deeping High Bank, Deeping St Nicholas Great Northern Diver juv at east end of Main Lake, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point Slavonian Grebe, Freiston Shore 6.1 Great Northern Diver juv on Main Lake, 1w Scaup drk, 2 Long-eared Owls in gully, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James 2 Great White Egrets at Deeping High Bank near River, Deeping St Nicholas Long-tailed Duck fem/1w drk, on sea at south end, Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work and drop-in sessions at the Queen in the West pub! http://www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire/content/articles/2005/08/30/nature_sightings_feature.shtml Useful Hedgehog Links https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ http://caddingtonhedgehogs.blogspot.com/ https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Bird Club - latest sightings: https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch - latest sightings: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/lincolnshire-latest-sightings BTO tracked cuckoos: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/cuckoo-tracking-project ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. None reported this week. Chris Manning writes: It would be helpful if readers would continue to report otter road kills and sightings to help build up relevant data. Carcases may be sent to: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/otter-project [Alas our local EA team no longer support the project by paying for transport.] Potential Bovine TB Hotspot Area - Lincolnshire Wolds "If you find a dead badger or wild deer carcase within the PHA, please report this to the Animal and Plant Health Agency [APHA] via the Defra Rural Services Helpline 03000 200301. They will need the following details: 1. The location of the carcase to assess whether it falls within the PHA and in order to find it, if it’s suitable for collection. This could be an OS grid reference, longitude-latitude co-ordinates, the what3words address (tapping on the exact square where the carcase is located), a postcode or enough detail to precisely locate the carcase 2. Whenever possible an assessment of the condition of the carcase because decomposing or extensively damaged carcases are not suitable for post mortem examination." *** Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important *** Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ Chris Manning writes: Please remember to use grid refs, If a recorder doesn't, it not only adds work but must invariably loose accuracy. DON'T FORGET - TIME FLIES! Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. Include the time too if relevant - e.g. for Bat records. *** 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. BARDNEY - The Green TF120694 R & A Parsons 1/1/2021 Carrion Crow 1 Jackdaw - 10+ Magpie 2 Black-headed Gull 12+ based in the church Starling 20+ House Sparrow 10 Wren Robin 1+ Dunnock m + f Blue tit Blackbird f Collared Dove 3 Wood Pigeon 3 BARDNEY GARDEN TF 117 701 Mary and Phil Porter 6th January 2020 All the usual suspects in the garden this week. There is definitely a pecking order at the sunflower heart feeder. First up in the morning are the blue and great tits, who feed on it, virtually in the dark, just before dawn. Next are the chaffinches, then the goldfinches, then the house sparrows. Once the “sparrow gang” get going they really take it over and birds have to “duck and dive” to get a look in. When the female great-spotted woodpecker arrives, she chases everybody else off, including another female great spotted woodpecker. Then the sparrow-hawk clears the whole garden and the cycle gradually builds up again. The sparrow-hawk doesn’t seem to be as successful as she should be, given the sheer numbers of small birds, unless the amount of little bodies flitting about is distracting her. The big news on the feeders today has been a flock of at least 18 long-tailed tits, again on the sunflower hearts. I counted that many, and there were others making their way through the trees and hedges. Bird calls this week include a great tit calling, two robins singing, two collared doves calling (and mating) and one wood pigeon calling. It constantly amazes me how blackbirds like to have a good bath in the evening, just when it is almost dark, and even in very frosty, icy weather. BOSTON GARDEN (TF326426) December 2020 Kathleen Pearson I was able to do the BTO Garden BirdWatch on all 31 days in December. As 22 species were recorded, it looks impressive, yet overall numbers of most species were low, with only two in double figures - Woodpigeon 14 and House Sparrow 11. Of great concern amongst other birds was that never more than a single Greenfinch was seen and Goldfinches never exceeded three, with none occurring later than 9th December. Gulls, however were in good numbers. Species were:- Blue Tit 4, Woodpigeon 14, House Sparrow 11, Wren 2, Dunnock 2, Greenfinch 1, Great Tit 2, Blackbird 2, Magpie 2, Collared Dove 2, Robin 2, Chaffinch 1, Goldfinch 3, Common Gull 1, Black-headed Gull 5, Herring Gull 4, Carrion Crow 3, Starling 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Coal Tit 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Long-tailed Tit 3. Three grey squirrels have joined us in the garden. CALLAN'S LANE WOOD Callan’s Lane Wood TF103281 - Highlights 5th January 2021 Ian Misselbrook At least 4 Common Crossbills 9 Lesser Redpolls 3 Siskins 4 Bullfinches C 75 Pink-footed Geese flying west mid-morning 5 Marsh Tits C 30 Redwings C 20 fieldfares c 50 Blackbirds – high number most appear to be the drab continental birds 2 Red Kites 3 Buzzards 2 Nuthatches also 85 Fallow Deer NETTLEHAM TF009753 20/12/2020 Brenda Edlington Kingfisher Little egret Grey wagtail All seen at the same time by (or in) the Beck NETTLEHAM TF006753 28/12/2020 Brenda Edlington Kingfisher The 4th sighting in 9 days NETTLEHAM TF 005756 30/12/2020 Brenda Edlington The garden rainfall for December was 104.5 mm (just over 4 ins) with a total of 590.5mm (23 ¼ ins) for the year. December was the wettest month. November was very dry with only 19mm – less than an inch but the driest month was May with 11mm (less than ½ in.) My sister near Grantham had a total of 670mm (26.4in) for the year. The last hedgehog seen on the trail camera was on 18th December and all the hedge- hogs seen have been a good size. Last winter the last one was seen on 2nd January. Sparrowhawks are still regular visitors with piles of feathers with yellow wing bars found – they seem to have a penchant for goldfinches. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 24/12/20 Blackbird x 2 Bullfinch x 4 Carrion Crow x 2 Fieldfare x 38 Robin x 1 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 31/12/20 Blackbird x 9 Blue Tit x 3 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 8 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 112 Goldfinch x 2 Great Tit 2 Greenfinch x 4 Redwing x 18 Robin x 2 Siskin x 1 Wood Pigeon x 3 Wren x 1 Fox x 1 SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 05.01.21 Blackbird x 7 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Greenfinch x 2 Robin x 1 Tree Sparrow x 15 Wood Pigeon x 2 Wren x 1 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 14/12/20 Pink-footed Goose x 130 north over Thurnholmes 15/12/20 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 52 in fields around Thurnholmes Chaffinch x 12 Fieldfare x 138 Great-spotted Woodpecker x 1 Kestrel x 3 Mallard x 4 over Moorhen x 4 Mute Swan x 6 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Pied Wagtail x 1 Robin x 1 Starling x 220 Tree Sparrow x 54 Wood Pigeon x 5 Yellowhammer x 12 16/12/20 Barn Owl x 1 SE828014 21/12/20 Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 25 Carrion Crow x 4 Fieldfare x 128 Golden Plover x 12 over Mute Swan x 6 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Redwing x 85 Robin x 1 Starling x 250 22/12/20 Cormorant x 6 Pink-footed Goose x 180 North West over Thurnholmes 23/12/20 Weasel x 1 27/12/20 Barn Owl x 1 28/12/20 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 1 Black-headed gull x 12 Brambling x 1 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Coot x 1 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Cormorant x 8 sat on pylons across Owston Ferry Warping Drain Fieldfare x 164 Kestrel x 1 Moorhen x 4 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Mute Swan x 2 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Redwing x 46 Wren x 1 29/12/20 Blackbird x 12 Cormorant x 8 Tawny Owl x 2 calling 23:00hrs Woodcock x 1 30/12/20 Blackbird x 6 Black-headed Gull x 35 Blue Tit x 3 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 2 Fieldfare x 56 Golden Plover x 2 over Greylag Goose x 15 over Heron x 1 over Kestrel x 1 Magpie x 2 Mute Swan x 4 Owston Ferry Warping Drain Redwing x 12 Robin x 2 Starling x 30 Stock Dove x 1 Tree Sparrow x 12 Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 8 THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 01.01.21 Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 57 Blue Tit x 2 Brambling x 1 Carrion Crow x 4 Chaffinch x 8 Cormorant x 4 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 112 Goldfinch x 4 Greylag Goose x 25 over Lapwing x 39 over Lesser Redpoll x 8 Redwing x 18 Robin x 3 Starling x 7 Tawny Owl x 1 calling 01:00hrs Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Yellowhammer x 6 02.01.21 Blackbird x 7 Black-headed Gull x 35 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 6 Common Buzzard x 1 SE864115 Cormorant x 6 on pylons over Owston Ferry Warping Drain Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 51 Kestrel x 3 Little Egret x 1 Bagsby Lane, Owston Ferry SE813009 Merlin x 1 SK805998 Mute Swan x 11 in arable fields SE833025 03.01.21 Blackbird x 4 Black-headed Gull x 31 Blue Tit x 2 Chaffinch x 6 Fieldfare x 72 Goldfinch x 4 Greylag Goose x 27 over Lesser Black-backed Gull x 2 over Lesser Redpoll x 12 Magpie x 1 Redwing x 19 Robin x 2 04.01.21 Barn Owl x 1 01:00hrs Blackbird x 12 Black-headed Gull x 52 Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 1 Chaffinch x 12 Dunnock x 4 Fieldfare x 135  Greenfinch x 4 Kestrel x 1 Pied Wagtail x 7 Redwing x 9 Robin x 3 Tree Sparrow x 9 Wood Pigeon x 4 Wren x 1 WOOLSTHORPE WITH COLSTERWORTH Jane Ostler January 1st – 5th 2021 BIRDS In order to get a better idea of the diversity of birds in Lincolnshire the Lincolnshire Bird Club launched a project of recording for the 1st of January. In my own area I asked people to let me know of anything seen on lst January. The response was limited from gardens but included targeted areas of River Witham, small woods, the Nature Trail and hedgerows known to be good for birds. The 48 species recorded included English partridge, Tree sparrows, Tree Creepers Coal Tit, Marsh/Willow Tit, Pied and Grey Wagtail, Little Egret and Heron, Greater Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker. The Garden records included a photo of seven Long-tailed Tits on a bird feeder. However there was a marked absence of Finches and a general presence of Wood Pigeons . Not a single Song Thrush recorded any where. Lapwings and Golden Plovers no longer seem to visit the fields. For all of us who took part, mostly beginners in bird identification, the project gave purpose to a dull cold day in virtual lockdown. More importantly it raised numerous questions which can focus our attention in the weeks to come. E.g. Has anyone seen a Little Owl? The Lincs Bird Club is going to choose a day for recording birds in summer too. MAMMALS Cherry stones under a hedge had neat holes in them. Some were empty of the kernels, some with fragments left. Examination under the microscope showed neat tooth marks suggesting Wood Mice. FLOWERING PLANTS Two areas recorded each year for plants in flower are my own garden and the waysides along the oldest part of Woolsthorpe, centred on Newton Way. The diversity of plant in the latter area is less this year, probably influenced by the snow in December. In the garden cultivated plants are similar except for the exceptionally early flowering of Winter Aconites in December. There has been too much weeding this year .The earliest Bees will miss the White and Red Dead Nettles but will have any number of early flowering garden species grown particularly for them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. COASTAL NNRs and Nature Reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Reserves: https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/far-ings https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/gibraltar-point ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RSPB Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore are listed as Open. https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/coronavirus/reserve-reboot/ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of which LWT reserves are open and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus 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 https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report  30th December 2020 – 5th January 2021. Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor and Owen Beaumont. Daily news and wildlife sightings: 231220 - Merlin hunting fit and low over saltmarsh, 17 little egrets feeding nearby. 241220 - Goldeneye on paradise lagoon and a common scoter on the Eau nearby. 251220 - On wet pasture Elm House Farm were 8 Canada geese, 1 greylag, 4 curlew, 5 common gulls, 26 black-headed gulls, 12 rooks and minimum counts of 400 lapwing, 130 redshank, 1200 golden plover and 70 starling. 261221 - 3 female velvet scoter on the sea near Crook Bank. Small movement of wildfowl offshore including 190 common scoter, 19 red-throated diver, 80 teal and 20 wigeon. A male merlin was on the foreshore near Brickyard Lane. 271220 - Elm House Farm 6 European white-fronts with 2500 pink-feet and a nice mix of lapwing, curlew and redshank. Three bullfinches at Sea View and a male gadwall on Paradise lagoon. 281220 - Black cap at Sea View [per Phil Hyde]. 301220 - Two flocks 22 and 39 Fieldfare flying over dunes near Paradise. 311220 - Paradise lagoon almost 100% frozen due to harsh overnight frost and on the only small area of open water were 97 shoveler, 35 fieldfare over area. On roadside pasture field at Elm House farm c1500 pink-feet, 2 whitefronts and a barnacle goose. Adult Iceland gull at the haven mouth out from Rimac. Female long-tailed duck close inshore with a female common scoter, as was a velvet scoter. 632 dark-bellied brent goose at Saltfleet Haven, including 79 juveniles. 010121 - Fieldfare 59 over dunes and 2 bullfinch near Sea View. Owen Beaumont recorded 68 bird species around the NNR today. Divers moving north offshore with 70+ red-throated and singles of great northern and black-throated. 3 velvet scoter offshore and the female long-tailed duck again. 5 snow bunting were on the beach out from Brickyard Lane. 021221 - Adult Iceland gull out from Saltfleet Haven. A typically vocal green woodpecker was in the dunes at Rimac. 030121 - Male hen harrier hunting over saltmarsh and female sparrowhawk taking prey at Sea View. 1 Iceland Gull, 1 peregrine feeding on oystercatcher , 148 curlew, 12 ringed plover, c 300 dunlin, c 80 Sanderling, 27 oystercatcher, all in Saltfleet Haven area of NNR 040121 – 1 female sparrowhawk , 1 tawny owl, 2 water rail heard, 2 woodcock and 1 great spotted woodpecker. 050121 - Of note on Paradise lagoon single little grebe and 4 male gadwall. 6 Skeins pink foot goose leaving Theddlethorpe foreshore Total c 3500 and 2 marsh harrier. 22 little egret feeding on the saltmarsh and a male marsh harrier over. Donna Nook Total number of pups born to date: 2,214. Last pup born on the 22nd December. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Forestry Commission advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. See: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html The Hazel Dormouse https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/cy/node/35 Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via 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. LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on the Coronavirus, Covid-19 plus details of any LWT reserves which are now open and the related advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Recorders and improve the quality and quantity of reports 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! 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.] Bulletin mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually goes out on Wednesdays/Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given on the website. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ LNU Bursaries: Why not apply for one? The LNU offers bursaries for natural history courses, or for identification materials (e.g. books or online resources) to help recording in any group of plants, animals or fungi in Lincolnshire. The upper limit is £300. You do not need to be a member of the LNU to apply, but it would help. The LNU would, however, expect you to put your newly facilitated skills into practice and derive some Lincolnshire records. If you would like to apply for a bursary for an FSC [or similar] course, or to buy books to help you, please contact Richard Chadd on: richard.chadd@environment-agency.gov.uk *** Love Lincs Plants *** Events and activities for Love Lincs Plants remain suspended until further notice. Love Lincs Plants Twitter feed - active... https://twitter.com/LoveLincsPlants LLP Project Partners and related links: Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union LNU Twitter feed https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? Natural History Museum Twitter feed https://twitter.com/nhm_botany?lang=en Sir Joseph Banks Society Dr Anke Timmermann FLS discusses Joseph Banks’ florilegium https://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/ Lincoln University School of Life Sciences https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lifesciences/ *** Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" *** All of of the specimens that have been processed and digitised to date can now be viewed here: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/lincs-plants *** The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons - downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-flora-of-lincolnshire-e-joan-gibbons.pdf *** VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List *** Paul Kirby has produced a list which details all the vascular plant and stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. You can download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ ends.... *** CONTACTS LIST *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk LBC County Bird Recorder Phil Hyde - County Recorder, Lincs Bird Club recorder_south@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: Lincolnshire Police Advice on Hare Coursing https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/ Rural Crime News https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/ ends.... SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Useful identification links: Butterfly guide to part of Europe including Britain - free to download https://assets.vlinderstichting.nl/docs/0b095bc2-0387-4785-9f7e-5f7a987b3468.pdf Fungi Families/Types Identity Parade https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/ British wasp guide: how to identify common species https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/insects-invertebrates/british-wasp-guide-how-to-identify-common-species-lifecycle-and-why-wasps-sting-in-autumn/ NatureSpot on Ladybirds https://www.naturespot.org.uk/taxonomy/term/19357 Naturespot on Spiders https://www.naturespot.org.uk/taxonomy/term/19515 Naturespot on Beetles https://www.naturespot.org.uk/beetles Identifying British bugs - an online identification guide https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/gallery/heteroptera/Pentatomoidea/pentatomoidea.html LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ 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. *** 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. *** 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) Contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com Please have a look at https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php for an easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. Or you can send any records to Ashley Butterfield (Lincolnshire Amphibian and Reptile Recorder) at LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Please include Species, Date, Time, Location, numbers as a minimum (Other useful information includes Temperature and Weather conditions.) *** 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 (of which LERC is a part) http://www.glnp.org.uk/ Contact: charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards have now been cancelled for 2020 and will resume in 2021, all being well. *** Field Studies Council *** Bringing Environmental Understanding to All https://www.field-studies-council.org/ *** InsideEcology *** Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ *** NHBS *** Should you need natural history equipment or books, a good place to start is: https://www.nhbs.com/ For the geologists... *** Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group *** https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 *** British geology maps - now free to explore on web *** http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ *** UKGE - Geological Supplies *** https://www.ukge.com/ *** The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable book *** https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/the-geology-of-lincolnshire-h-h-swinnerton-and-p-e-kent.pdf *** British Geological Survey at Keyworth *** https://www.bgs.ac.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 instances may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed please 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. *** Codes of Conduct *** BMS Code of Conduct for Responsible Collecting of Fungi https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/mycology/conservation/code-conduct RSPB's birdwatchers' code https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ [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 https://lnu.org/meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important message for LNU members *** Précis of Nick Tribe's announcement on future events - full text in 7th Oct Bulletin. http://rogerparsons.info/bulletin2020oct07.txt As the Covid 19 risk remains high the Executive has taken the decision to cancel the first two meetings and (hopefully) postpone the AGM to July/August/September 2021. i.e. January 16th joint talk with Lincolnshire Bird Club February 27th Recorders’ meeting March 27th AGM The Executive will explore dates in the summer for the AGM. ...If a delayed AGM is not possible, the Executive is happy to remain in post until March 2022. We have considered alternatives such as an online AGM, but none appear to be workable. We hope to publish a summary of the accounts in the Spring 2021 Communiqué and should be able to update members on the delayed AGM at that time. Any queries about the accounts can be sent to Chris Manning. The Executive continues to be active via email and telephone and is monitoring the situation with an eye on the 2021 field meeting programme. As with the AGM, the Union may be able to run some field meetings in 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Richard Chadd or Nick Tribe." LNU Officers & Executive https://lnu.org/about/officers-executive/ Richard Davidson says of the Whisby Workshops: "All are cancelled for this year. I am hoping to run them this time next year if at all possible, but that depends on whether something approaching normal life has returned by then." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** None last week. ....and finally... Readers have a wide range of interests which I try to reflect in the news and information given in the Bulletin. Please help with suggestions for future links. How mass vaccinations halted a killer virus in 1950s Glasgow - history https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-55495972 Belching in a good way: How livestock could learn from Orkney sheep https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-5085627 Dead whale 'being moved from Withernsea beach this week' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-55533097 Sheringham: Dead whale found washed up on Norfolk beach https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-55558732 Islanders help rescue orca stranded on Orkney beach https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-55559943 Why crows and ravens are the smartest birds in the world https://www.zmescience.com/science/7-brainy-reasons-why-crows-and-ravens-are-smartest-birds-in-the-world-0952352/ Record year for Scottish wildcat captive breeding https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-55364554 In Poznan, Poland, eight clams get to decide if people in the city get water or not https://www.zmescience.com/science/poznan-mussel-water-plants-892524/ Revisited: Otters, badgers and orcas – can the pandemic help rewild Britain? https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2020/dec/29/revisited-otters-badgers-and-orcas-can-the-pandemic-help-rewild-britain-podcast ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/