black kite 1964
Well-known member
Managed to get some shots of Hummingbird Hawk Months at the weekend, but in Cambs. Very fast shutter speed required.
Hi Laura. I'm afraid it is getting a little late for Swallowtails now. At least one was seen at Strumpshaw yesterday but I was there all day and didn't see one, so I can't say they are 'almost guaranteed'. Having said that, Strumpshaw is a brilliant place for butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, so you should find plenty of other species to keep you entertained and you never know, you could be lucky with a late Swallowtail.I think Swallowtails are almost guaranteed at Strumpshaw?
Hi Laura. I'm afraid it is getting a little late for Swallowtails now. At least one was seen at Strumpshaw yesterday but I was there all day and didn't see one, so I can't say they are 'almost guaranteed'. Having said that, Strumpshaw is a brilliant place for butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, so you should find plenty of other species to keep you entertained and you never know, you could be lucky with a late Swallowtail.
I don't know very much about public transport here, so hopefully someone else can suggest other sites which you can get to.
Ron
There is sometimes a small second brood in August but, once again, it is not guaranteed.Are they between broods, or is that is for the summer do you think?
Hi Laura. I've just remembered that there is a small reserve in Brundall itself called Brundall Church Fen Local Nature Reserve. I have never been there but it should be worth a look. Try googling the name.
Ron
My parents have hummingbird hawk moths almost daily in their garden recently, including yesterday. My mother said she has never seen so many. I really ought to spend the day in their garden!!!:eek!:
They are so lucky!! Where do they live and how many have they seen at one time? If I were you I'd def pop round there for a cup of tea when the moths are there. I can't think of many things better than a nice cuppa whilst watching HHMs!
Still on the subject of moths I forgot to mention that I saw my first ever Five-spot Burnet at Lopham Fen on Sunday.
Changing the subject to butterflies, there were two Purple Hairstreaks high up in the oaks along Brand's Lane just north of Long Stratton (TM 195944) today, and these are hopefully a precursor to higher counts here later in the summer.
any info on the possible purple emperor at felbrigg hall on sunday
Just been informed of a newly emerged swallowtail seen at the weekend at Hickling, so it's quite likely that the broods will merge again - although strumpshaw may well have a gap.
Laura, I'd recommend a trip by train to either great yarmouth or Berney arms for breydon water. Berney is a request stop and not all trains stop there, but you can get off at berney and walk on to yarmouth (5 miles) for the return. Good for general wildlife, and you might be in time to catch the first of the next brood wall browns around berney. Essex skipper is common along the sea wall at the moment. The sea front in yarmouth has small heath in the dunes.
If you are in norwich at any point then mousehold heath is not far from the railway station and has purple hairstreaks, small copper and white admiral. (although wa are not common.) You can also bus out to the north norfolk coast from norwich, which will give you other options.
Not sure about public transport but winterton will give you dark green fritillary, small heath, forester and at some point grayling (although not flying at the moment, they should be out any day now.)