There seems to be a glut of Norfolk Hawkers in the air at the moment and they are turning up in all sorts of locations. Photographing them the other day they presented themselves as easy targets. The Lesser Emperor, the location of which was disclosed to me by a man from Whitby ( ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ) proved much more of a challenge.
On our Black Hairstreak and Wood White Day last week we hit the jackpot. More Black Hairstreaks than I have seen in my entire life presented themselves to us in what was ‘eventually’ a good morning. We did however have to wait for the weather to change to bring them down from the tree tops to eye level.
Later in the day other species were perhaps keener to get on with things. We found this ménage à trois of Wood Whites getting somewhat stuck in.
I had a little information passed to me the other week from friend Andy relating to that most elusive of flying insects … The Large Heath. I had a always presumed this Northern Butterfly would be out of reach from Norfolk on a day tour. Not so. I did a reconnoitring visit last week when I saw and photographed several individuals; and we’ll be visiting the most southerly colony in Britain next year on tour. Watch this space for details.
When the opportunity presented itself to go a little South in the Broads on a tour the other day we lapped it up. The first summer male Red Footed Falcon at Haddiscoe was just the biz.
There’s nothing to beat a good butterfly and when we’re talking butterfly in Norfolk … it has to be the Swallowtail. Showing on several tours of late.
A few flyers from of late. Some large, some small. Hobby, Marsh Harrier, Green Hairstreak and Pied Flycatcher.
It was a cold day on the 6th June. Flaming … it was not. A drive to Lincolnshire on the quest for Marsh Fritillary almost seemed folly. For most of the journey it rained. Twice the sun shone; but for less than a minute.
My opening comment to my guests on arrival at the site was “This is going to be challenging” … and challenging it was. However, who knew Marsh Fritillaries were like buses. No sooner had one been found shivering in the undergrowth than several more popped into view.
From the treetops to the stratosphere. A rather fetching Black crowned Night Heron was tree hopping on the Ouses washes yesterday. As brazen as you like in bright sunshine; had it not read the books? A Purple Heron boldly flying over the reedbed meant we were on a two rare Heron day… and if you looked skyward a Spitfire was ‘grumbling’ above us as it cruised the clouds.
Possibly the scarcest butterfly in Norfolk; Small Blue.
Walking into a hide the other week we were surprised to see this Brow Long eared Bat hung up. Quite unconcerned at the comings and goings of all the bird watchers.
Letter From Norfolk 