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

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen

Jayne and I had a few hours at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk, on Sunday. We went in search of Swallowtail butterflies, and Norfolk Hawker dragonflies, and got great views (but no photos) of both species. The Swallowtails were newly emerged, and we saw 6 in total, including 2 pairs in courtship or territorial fights.

As well as these insects, we also saw several Banded Demoiselles, Azure Damselflies, Hairy Dragonflies (new species for us, but unfortunately, no photos), Broad-bodied and Four-spotted Chasers. A Ruby-tailed Wasp sp was seen in the Reception garden, and several Red Admiral , Brimstone and Green-veined White butterflies were also seen.

Banded Demoiselle (male)

Birdwise, we saw Marsh Harrier, Hobby (one hunting from the Reception hide), Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler (singing in the car park), Moorhen and Coot.

Finally, a Water Vole was seen on the pond by the Reception Hide.

Year List update:
158 – Garden Warbler
159 - Hobby

Swallowtail Caterpillar

Back in June I visited the RSPB's Strumpshaw Fen reserve to look at, amongst other things, the Swallowtail butterfly (click here to see how I got on). At the time, it said that the caterpillar of this species could be seen feeding on the Milk Parsley plants in July and August, so as we were in the area, we decided to have a look.

We did manage to spot one caterpillar, but it was quite distant, and I only managed a very mediocre shot. Here's the original and a heavily cropped version.

Swallowtail caterpillar

Whilst searching for the caterpillars, we also saw several species of dragon and damselfly, namely Migrant and Brown Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common and  Ruddy Darter. The hawkers wouldn't sit still, so I couldn't get a photograph, but the Darters played ball, and I got a couple of decent photos.

First up the Common Darter. Here's a photo of an immature male that was soaking up the sun on the boardwalk. See the British Dragonfly Society's website here for more details about this species.

Common Darter

Ruddy Darters were also present in good numbers, and I managed to get this shot of a male. Note how red the body and eyes are compared to the Common Darter, and the obvious narrow waist. More details here.

Ruddy Darter

Walking back to the centre, we spotted a Speckled Bush-cricket - a new species for me. I think this is a youngster. More details here. 

Speckled Bush-cricket

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen

I've been keen to see Swallowtail butterflies and Norfolk Hawker dragonflies for several years now, but both species have a very restricted range in Britain, being restricted to just a few sites in East Anglia. So, with a free day, and a reasonable weather forecast, I drove down to one of these sites, RSPB Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, to try and catch up with these 2 species.  Although it was slightly overcast when we (Jayne and I) arrived we still managed to see both species and get a few photos.

The Norfolk Hawkers were quite easy to see, patrolling the numerous dykes that crisscross the reserve. We managed to find one that was close to the path, and kept returning to a favourite perch time and time again. I got a few photos, which I've cropped down. Note the green eyes- gorgeous!

Norfolk Hawker

The Swallowtails were much more difficult to see, and we very nearly came away empty handed! As I said, the weather wasn't great, a bit too overcast for this species, but thankfully, the staff at the reserve spotted this individual fly into the reeds, just before we left! The butterfly was about 10 metres away from the reception hide, but I managed to get a few shots, one of which I've cropped. Quite pleased with the outcome.

Swallowtail

Whilst looking for the insects we came across 4 Common Lizards that were sat on the boardwalk. They were very easy to approach and we managed to get shots of this pristine individual and a less than pristine one! I think the second picture shows an individual that has lost its tail after being attacked by a predator.

Common Lizard

Common Lizard

As well as the insects we also managed to see several Marsh Harriers hunting over the reedbeds, hear Cetti's Warblers and see this stunning Bee Orchid (1 of at least 6 present near the reception).

Bee Orchid

Afterwards we went for a short drive to Thorpe St Andrew for some lunch, and saw a pair of Banded Demoiselle damselflies and a family party of Egyptian Goose (year tick) on the river.

Banded Demoiselle (female)

On the drive home we saw a Hobby (year tick) flying by the A17. Not a bad day!

Year List update:-
140 - Egyptian Goose
141 - Hobby