=========================================== || || 23rd November 2022 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || || LNU Website: http://lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, events, news and requests - mostly local. 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert. 3. Wildlife reports around the county - contributions welcome... 4. NNRs, RSPB and LWT Reserves/Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe. 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR - Chambers Farm Wood. 6. Other Reserve Reports - links and highlights. 7. Sending in Bulletin Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information - recorders and specialists... 9. Notes about these wildlife reports. 10. Bulletin publicity policy. 11. Events Diary - what's on. 12. ...and finally. Mostly national/international wildlife stories. ============================================ Reports here are open. They are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union; the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Compare earlier years. Past Bulletins archive [text] from 2009: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. INFORMATION, EVENTS, NEWS AND REQUESTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: LNU members should by now have received copies of "Transactions" plus the supplement on the Herbarium project. We are a bit thin on individual reports this week, so please keep a lookout for interesting sightings: winter thrushes, golden plover, woodcock, waxwings and starling murmurations. Thanks. I have had a report of possible bird 'flu in local swan populations near Tattershall Bridge. If you come across possible cases, Defra advice to the general public is to leave corpses alone and report the findings - but that landowners should dispose of birds themselves. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain Also see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-63250606 LNU Meetings: updates for Indoor Meetings 2023 now available. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ Donna Nook: "Pup numbers at Donna Nook are climbing rapidly now!" Weekends can get very busy so we would advise you to visit mid-week. For correct and up to date information on visiting and for the weekly seal count please check the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website or the Donna Nook Warden pages on Facebook and Twitter. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook This week's links to Lincolnshire and wildlife-related news stories. I'm surprised not to have had more comments on this proposed project. It would have significant environmental impact. Given the economic climate, perhaps not likely to happen soon? Hunstanton to Skegness barrage and port plan revealed https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23136373.hunstanton-skegness-barrage-port-plan-revealed/ Centreport Website: https://www.centreport.uk/ Lincolnshire: Police dispersal order to tackle rising hare coursing https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-63694081 Lincolnshire and Doncaster councils awarded £6.7m for flood scheme https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-63635524 Spalding: Town centre area fenced off due to rat infestation https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-63701465 Cleethorpes: Consultation begins on plans for Pleasure Island site https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-63682760 Lincolnshire clay shooting ground expansion plans rejected https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-63704148 More links in "..and finally ..." at the end of the Bulletin. Please stay informed on current Co-19 and 'flu advice, adapting appropriately to future changes at indoor meetings and in the field. If you have any event postponements or changes please let us know. Thank you for all the interesting news links, wildlife events information and useful species reports. Please keep your information coming in. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk - note - my best address for emails. *** Please join the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union - click for form *** If you are not yet an LNU member please consider the possibility of joining? If you are a member, please remember to give the LNU a "plug " to others. https://lnu.org/join-the-lnu/ *** Weather Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#? 7 - 21 December "Confidence remains low for this period, although not unusually so. Conditions are expected to be more settled than of late, with the potential for higher pressure to develop. This is likely to bring drier and colder weather, with overnight frost and fog possible, especially in the north, while the south is more likely to remain under changeable conditions. Temperature likely to trend below average at times." *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** How to see the Geminid meteor shower 14-15th December https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/geminid-meteor-shower-uk-dates-how-to-see The path of comet ZTF - https://www.cometwatch.co.uk/bright-comets-of-2022/ https://www.cometwatch.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/comet-c2022-e3-ztf-finder-chart.jpg Winchcombe meteorite bolsters Earth water theory https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63631563 Cosmic Links... http://rogerparsons.info/cosmic.html *** Len Pick Trust Owl-box Camera *** https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project *** Hedgehog Links *** https://hedgehogcare.org.uk/ https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/ *** Bat Advice from Annette Falkner *** Annette writes: If you find a grounded bat please don't try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box. Remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail. Wear gloves or use a cloth to pick it up with. Phone us on 01775 766286. We'll do the rest. Bat reports are always welcome: details and Grid References please. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Area Groups webpage *** Please let me have your "plugs" for coming events. https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/area-groups *** Boston Area Group LWT *** Gill Walsh writes: Talk - Wildlife and History of The Fens by Geof Lee Thursday 8th December at 7.30pm Centenary Methodist Church Red Lion Street Boston PE21 6NY Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection. Refreshments will be served in the interval Non members welcome *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes: On Saturday 26th November 2022 you are invited to join us on a morning Bird walk in Cleethorpes Country Park with Graham Hicks. Please meet Graham at 8am in the car parking area Grid Ref. TA306066. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event however, donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For further information contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890. *** RSPB Grimsby Local Group *** The RSPB Grimsby website https://group.rspb.org.uk/grimsby/ The Group's next Trip is to RSPB Frampton Marsh on Sunday 27th November (This is a change from the previously published venue) by which time there will be huge numbers of ducks, geese and waders wintering on the reserve together with a healthy smattering of raptors and other species. There will be plenty to see. It is hoped that the new Visitor Centre will be open by that date, but even it is not, there will be toilet facilities. Travel to Frampton is by 'car share' so if you would like to go, contact Sally Prescott (sally.prescott142@btinternet.com or 01472 840142) to let her know that you would like a lift, or that you have a spare seat(s), and for more details of the meeting place and time. Please be sure to let Sally know you are going in case there are last minute changes to the arrangements. All the Group's activities are open to everybody - you do not need to belong to the RSPB, or to have attended Group Meetings to take part. Martin Francis Group Leader - RSPB Grimsby Local Group STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lyme Disease reminder https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/zoonoses-data-sheets/lyme-disease.pdf 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 - sign up. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Warnings - Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 16/11 Hen Harrier ringtail at Gull Farm, Deeping High Bank, Deeping St Nicholas Little Stint from East Hide, Frampton Marsh Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Great Northern Diver, 4 Little Gulls, Gibraltar Point Little Auk on East Fen Catchwater Drain between Stickney and Stickford Pallid Swift flew south over Sea View Farm car park, Mablethorpe Hooded Crow on beach, Short-eared Owl, Rimac Lapland Bunting, 15 Snow Buntings, Puffin, Velvet Scoter, 2 Little Gulls, Little Auk flew past Anderby Creek Great Northern Diver juv, Covenham reservoir Garganey juv at Rosper Road Pools, NNE of Immingham 17/11 Iceland Gull flew south past, Velvet Scoter, 40 Little Gulls, Gibraltar Point 300 Little Gulls, Osprey flew south past Huttoft Bank Sabine's Gull flew past Anderby Creek Sabine's Gull flew past, Pomarine Skua, Arctic Tern, 300 Little Gulls, Wolla Bank Short-eared Owl, Rimac 321 Little Gulls, 2 Velvet Scoters , Great Northern Diver, 8 Little Auks flew south past, Arctic Tern flew past, Sutton on Sea Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers 1 drk, juv Kittiwake, Black Redstart, Covenham Reservoir 45 Little Gulls, 2 Little Auks flew along Humber, Barton-upon-Humber Spotted Redshank from hide, Iceland Gull briefly, 2 Little Gulls, 5 Caspian Gulls, Novatis Ings, Pyewipe 18/11 Hen Harrier, Little Stint, Russian White-fronted Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Osprey flew over Frampton Marsh Little Auk offshore, Black-throated Diver, 5 Velvet Scoters, 2 Great Northern Divers, Russian White-fronted Goose, 183 Little Gulls, Arctic Tern, 15 Snow Buntings on beach at north end, Gibraltar Point Great Northern Diver juv in NW corner of Covenham reservoir Kittiwake, Toft Newton reservoir 20 Little Gulls, 4 Little Auk flew past Mablethorpe 19/11 2 Hen Harriers both ringtails over saltmarsh, Russian White-fronted Goose in field west of raptor viewpoint, Black-throated Diver at River Witham mouth, Frampton Marsh White-billed Diver on sea the flew south, 4 Little Auks, 2 Pomarine skuas, Velvet Scoter, Sooty Shearwater north, 3+ Little Gulls, Black-throated Diver on sea then flew south, Lapland Bunting flew south past, Short-eared Owl, 6 Snow Buntings on beach, Gibraltar Point 10 Little Gulls, 31 Little Auks flew past Huttoft Bank Black-throated Diver flew south past north end, Mablethorpe Sabine's Gull flew past , Iceland Gull, 66 Little Auks, 5 Velvet Soter, 50 Little Gulls, Great Northern Diver, 2 Snow Buntings, Chapel Point White-tailed Eagle by A155 1,5 mls east of Revesby Little Gull, Little Auk briefly, 2 Velvet Scoters in NE corner, Covenham reservoir Blue-winged Teal juv fem at Winter's Pond at end of Marsh Lane, south of East Halton Skitter - from track to Humber flood bank Great Northern Diver flew south past, 3 Little Auks past, Little Gull1w, East Halton 14 Snow Buntings, Goxhill Haven 20/11 6 Common Cranes, then flew off, Baston Fen Hen Harrier ringtail, Russian White-fronted Goose, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Frampton Marsh Velvet Scoter flew sough past, 10 Little Gulls, 6 Snow Buntings flew over, 12 Snow Buntings on beach at north end, Twite, male Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, Gibraltar Point Velvet Scoter flew south past Huttoft Car Terrace Velvet Scoter, 2 Little Auks flew south past Chapel Point Velvet Scoter fem/juv drk in NE corner, Great Northern Diver, Snow Bunting, Covenham reservoir Hen Harrier over field and woods north of Wroot Road, Epworth Hen Harrier male flew south past Marshchapel Blue-winged Teal juv fem at Winter's Pond at end of Marsh Lane, south of East Halton Skitter - from track to Humber flood bank 21/11 Lapland Bunting flew south over, Little Auk flew north, Hawfinch on West Dunes, 2 Hen Harriers 1 male, Gibraltar Point 2 Caspian Gulls on beach, 2w hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull, 2 Velvet Scoters, 3 Little Auks flew south past Mablethorpe Great Northern Diver juv off sailing club, Snow Bunting on east side, Covenham reservoir Blue-winged Teal juv fem at Winter's Pond at end of Marsh Lane, south of East Halton Skitter - from track to Humber flood bank 22/11 Hen Harrier ringtail, Frampton Marsh Little Auk, Mablethorpe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. WILDLIFE NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work and drop-in sessions. Roger died on 6th March 2009 at the age of 61. *** 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/ *** Links "not to be missed" *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Len Pick Trust Barn Owls - pair of owls now in residence. https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Lincs Bird Club: https://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk/site/index.php/sightings/latest-news Butterfly Conservation - Lincolnshire Branch: https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/ Which moth species might be on the wing tonight in your area? https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/whats-flying-tonight Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire by C. J. Manning, LNU Mammal Recorder. Download /print off. https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf VC54 North Lincolnshire Plant List - LNU Paul Kirby has produced a list of all the vascular plant & stonewort taxa with records on the MapMate botanical database for VC54, North Lincolnshire, at the end of January 2017. Download this on: https://lnu.org/specialists/vascular-plants/ Record Pool - recommended by Ashley Butterfield An easy way to record your amphibian and reptile species records. https://www.recordpool.org.uk/index.php ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. *** 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 welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY - The Green TF120694 R & A Parsons Small tortoiseshell butterfly hibernating on beam in bedroom. CARLTON Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 13/11/22 Raven flying back and forth, very vocal Flock of 60+ Linnets has been feeding in the field across the road, which held a crop of Ahiflower in the summer (the seeds are oil-bearing, used in pharmaceuticals). The crop re-grew after the rains came, flowered and presumably set seed. 20/11/22 Queen Wasp on the wing. 21/11/22 Song Thrush singing! 22/11/22 Coleby Lowfields 12/11/22 17.45: Barn Owl ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs and NATURE RESERVES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's policy on Coronavirus, Covid-19 includes details of LWT reserves and other advice and information: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/coronavirus Len Pick Trust Barn Owls https://www.lenpicktrust.org.uk/owl-project Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog: http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list RSPB Frampton Marsh: http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Visitor Leaflet - Natural England http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 16th – 22nd November 2022 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor, Owen Beaumont, Phil Hyde, Geoff Williams and Chris Atkin Daily news and wildlife sightings: Note: Sharp ground frost of -5.5 degrees centigrade and air frost of -0.25 degrees centigrade on the 21st. 161122 - Still a few red admirals on the wing during midday sunny spells. 23 brent geese, including 12 juveniles, on the foreshore south of Brickyard Lane. 260 sanderling and 320 dunlin on the foreshore between Crook Bank and MOD, 2 Mediterranean gull on the beach at Mablethorpe North End. Hooded crow with a pre-roost gathering of corvids north of Churchill Lane mid- afternoon. A morning seawatch from Saltfleet: 2 red-throated diver, 1 black-throated diver, 2 gannet and a movement of wildfowl including 1 pintail, 12 eider, 2 long-tailed duck and 2 red-breasted merganser. 171122 - At least 21 blackbirds and a single redwing between Sea View and Paradise wood, plus 2 woodcock. A probable dusky warbler seen near Brickyard Lane with a mixed tit flock. 200 each of blackbird and redwing moving south-west over the dunes. 18 little gull flew south over the dunes at Churchill Lane and a greenshank flew south along the foreshore, where 27 brent goose and 7 snow bunting were feeding. A busy day over the sea along the east coast, including good numbers of little auk, kittiwake and little gull locally. 3 woodcock between Brickyard Lane and Crook Bank, plus 2 woodcock between Sea View and Paradise Lagoon. 181122 - Notable presence of blackbirds still between Sea View and Paradise, 2 goldcrests and a blackcap at Sea View and 17 lapwing with 23 golden plover flying high SW. Paradise lagoon: 46 shoveler, 66 teal, 25 mallard, 4 gadwall and 7 wigeon. On the saltmarsh: 28 little egrets. On adjacent washlands to Elm House Farm: 300 wigeon. On the foreshore near Brickyard Lane were 310 dunlin, 5 snow bunting and 3 lapland bunting. 3 male eider flew north over the sea and 5 grey heron flew south. Short-eared owl at Paradise Lagoon. 300 blackbird and 50 redwing around Brickyard Lane, and a chiffchaff in the dunes. 201122 - 1 red admiral on the wing midday at Sea View. Dusk over the saltmarsh: 5 marsh harriers, 1 ringtail hen harrier being mobbed by a short-eared owl and 2 barn owls hunting nearby. Bullfinch near Sea View. 2 stonechat on the outer dune ridge south of Rimac and 2 still in the car park. A woodcock flew in-off the sea and landed in dune scrub. Green woodpecker heard in the dunes. 2 sparrowhawk, a short-eared owl and a barn owl seen between Rimac and Churchill Lane. 28 brent goose, including 16 juveniles, on the saltmarsh at Brickyard Lane. 211122 - 2 stock doves feeding with collared doves at Sea View. 2 water rail calling in the dunes near Churchill Lane in the evening. Good numbers of thrushes in the dunes around Brickyard Lane, including 50 redwing and 3 fieldfare going into roost in the evening. Chiffchaff at Brickyard Lane, and 2 Cetti’s warbler singing nearby. 221122 - Mix of at least 45 pipits and skylarks over the saltmarsh, 78 brent geese feeding on saltmarsh and 3 bullfinch and a grey wagtail near Sea View. Other Local Reserves 181122 - Donna Nook: Seal Count: Pups: 914, Cows: 1169, Bulls: 362 191122 – Donna Nook: A common darter on the wing in the warmth of the sun. Brent geese and lapwings out on the saltmarsh. Lapland bunting. 201122 - Donna Nook: A single fieldfare and 3 whooper swans flew over. Goldcrests moving through the sea buckthorn. Brent geese and lapwings out on the saltmarsh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR These cover a huge area. Records from them are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. Reports always welcome. The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Forestry Commission visitor advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch. https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Chambers Farm Wood - Butterfly Garden *** https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/chambers-farm-wood-butterfly-garden Lincolnshire Dormouse Group You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com Gemma Watkinson writes: Winter coppicing dates 2022-2023 Saturday 17th December Sunday 15th January Saturday 11 February Sunday 12th March Throughout the winter we meet at 10am at the Wood Centre at Chambers Farm Woods. We carry out coppicing in the woodland and box maintenance and cleaning, and always welcome new volunteers. Tools are provided. If anyone wants to know more, they can get in touch at 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. Many are also designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Links to "Other Reserves" are welcome. Coastal Wildlife of North East Lincolnshire https://www.discovernortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/ South Humber Heritage Trail, Alkborough Flats - LWT leaflet - downloadable https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/south_humber_heritage_trail_alkborough.pdf New haven for wildlife on shores of Humber Estuary in North East Lincolnshire https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2022/08/new-haven-for-wildlife-on-shores-of-humber-estuary-in-north-east-lincolnshire/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. SENDING IN BULLETIN REPORTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We aim to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders. The Bulletin is a 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! Please help us to help you. 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. It 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. CONTACTS AND USEFUL WEBSITES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTACTS LIST Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union *** LNU Website: http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist? LNU Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lincsnaturalists/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ On the LNU webpage on the Officers and Executive Committee you will see some new names. Several experienced naturalists have agreed to join, for which we are very appreciative. https://lnu.org/about/officers-executive/ *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** https://twitter.com/LincsWildlife *** Lincs Bird Club Website *** https://twitter.com/Lincsbirding LBC County Bird Recorder Phil Hyde - County Recorder, Lincs Bird Club recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** https://twitter.com/sirjosephbanks *** Lincolnshire Bat Group website *** http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** https://twitter.com/BC_Lincolnshire *** Lincsbirders *** https://twitter.com/lincsbirders *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** https://lincolnshirechalkstreams.org/events/ *** South Lincolnshire Flora Group *** https://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 *** The Wolds Fungi Group *** Contact Paul Nichol via email pnichol20@gmail.com *** Lincolnshire Dormouse Group *** Contact: lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME Wildlife Crime https://www.lincs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wc/wildlife-crime/ SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books are available on: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ Recording with "irecord" https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ irecord is recommended by the LNU as an appropriate platform for on-line recording. 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 Spiders, Pseudoscorpions, Harvestmen Imogen Wilde Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Email: Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk Amphibians and Reptiles Ashley Butterfield The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) Email: LearningOutdoors@btinternet.com Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Bat rescue instructions: If you find a grounded bat please don't try and release it. Put it in an escape proof box . Remember, a pipistrelle can get out of a hole the size of your thumb nail. Wear gloves or use a cloth to pick it up with, and phone us on 01775 766286. We'll do the rest. 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: 01383 669 124 Email: chris.r.dufeu@gmail.com Non-Marine Molluscs Alex Pickwell is the LNU Recorder for Non-marine Molluscs Email: mrapickwell@gmail.com 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 welcomed. USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS 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/ Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership newsletter: If you would like to keep up to date with the Partnership, follow the link below to subscribe to our newsletter or connect with us on social media. https://linktr.ee/GLNPnature Contact in case link does not work: Emily Todd: emily.todd@glnp.org.uk Natural England http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ InsideEcology - Online Magazine for Ecologists, Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals https://insideecology.com/ NHBS Should you need natural history equipment or books: https://www.nhbs.com/ NHM Final report on LoveLincsPlants This report along with previous progress reports can be viewed/ downloaded from the LNU website. https://lnu.org/lincolnshire-plants-past-and-future/ Collections Dataset - LNU "historic specimens" All of the LNU 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 LNU book For the Geologists... Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Suggestions for Geology news, events or useful links always welcome. BGS Geology Viewer https://geologyviewer.bgs.ac.uk/ Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 Geology - the Collection https://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/explore/geology Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/special-features/geology The Geology of Lincolnshire - downloadable LNU book BGS webpage: Earthquakes around the UK last 60 days http://www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/earthquakes/home.html BGS British geology maps - now free to explore on web http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. NOTES ABOUT THESE WILDLIFE REPORTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting. However, records are sent in by a variety of reporters; from complete beginners to professionals. They may vary in reliability and occasionally 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. BULLETIN 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. When sending in reports, e.g. unusual plants, please report any sensitive news directly to recorders. Not the Bulletin. We don't want to spoil things with untimely or unwise publicity. Thank you. 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. [Remember: Views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU EVENTS DIARY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events - Important updates *** We will post any changes to LNU events through the Bulletin; the LNU Twitter feed; LNU Facebook page and LNU meetings webpage. Please refer to the LNU website for details of any Zoom arrangements for watching online. LNU Meetings: updates for Indoor Meetings 2023. https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ Charlie Barnes writes: The changing nature of the Covid situation may mean alterations or cancellations at short notice, so check back regularly and keep an eye on Twitter and Facebook for updates. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails Last Week *** None. ....and finally... Antarctica penguins: How too much ice triggered population decline https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-australia-63700487 Tonga volcanic eruption reshaped Pacific seafloor https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63678177 Superbug fight 'needs farmers to reduce antibiotic use' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63666024 New pesticide position statement - Bumblebee Conservation Trust https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/new-pesticide-position-statement/ Plastic Pollution: Waste from across world found on remote British Island https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63484729 Young country diary: A bird in the hand https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/19/young-country-diary-a-bird-in-the-hand Country diary: Swimming with the starlings https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/22/country-diary-swimming-with-the-starlings Country diary: A white hart appears from behind the willows https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/21/country-diary-a-white-hart-appears-from-behind-the-willows ----------- ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/