Jayne and I have just had a few days away in London and Norfolk. Whilst there we enjoyed a mixture of sightseeing, theatre and wildlife watching.
Two new bird species were seen: Ring-necked Parakeet and Red-crested Pochard. The parakeets were seen (and heard!) all around, whilst the pochard was seen in Kew Gardens.
Whilst at Hampton Court Palace we also spotted a new hoverfly species: Merodon equestris and our first Banded Demoiselle damselflies of 2021.
Whilst in Norfolk, we went to RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, hoping to see Swallowtail butterflies and Norfolk Hawker dragonflies. Unfortunately, due to the cold May, both species were yet to emerge. Thankfully, the Marsh Harriers were a lot more cooperative, as were 2 Cuckoos (heard and seen), pinging Bearded Tits , a reeling Grasshopper Warbler and a Grass Snake.
Other insects seen here were: Variable Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly (1), Scarce Chaser (4) and Hairy Dragonfly (5+ seen, including a resting male).
Don't think you can count the Red-crested Pochard at Kew as they are pinioned collection birds as can be seen in your photo. There are quite a few free-flying birds in the London area- Regents Park probably as good as any.
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