Norfolk - May 2022

 Jayne and I had a few days in Norfolk last week and managed to visit a few sites to add several birds and insects to this year's Year List.

The first addition was Garden Warbler (152), which was singing in the garden of our accommodation. The next were Great White Egret (153)  and Bearded Tit (154) that were found at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen. The last species was Swift (155), which was added back home, before we went away.

Whilst at Strumpshaw, we also added a few new damsel and dragonfly species: Banded Demoiselle, Red-eyed Damselfly, Scarce Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly and Norfolk Hawker. Several Common Lizards were also seen here, as were a couple of Painted Lady butterflies.

Scarce Chaser

Hairy Dragonfly

Unfortunately, we didn't manage to see Swallowtail butterflies at Strumpshaw this year, as the rain began. We did, however, drive across to Horsey Windpump, and, as we got there, the sun came out and we got fantastic views of one in the garden, along with another 2 or 3 in the nearby fields and path. Norfolk Hawkers were also seen here.

Swallowtail

The last few species seen were added in the dunes at Heacham, where we saw a Common Blue Butterfly and a new moth, a Marbled Clover.

Marbled Clover