Norfolk Butterflies and Moths (1 Viewer)

[HarassedDad]

Silver-studded reported from cornwall yesterday - so ours could be out sometime in the next fortnight. White admiral pupae have been seen so not long for them either - first week in june could be hectic - if it isn't a washout.

 

[Paul Woolnough]

Stoke Ferry Overflow Channel

Common blue, small heath and these

 

[NickPomiankowski]

Wall Butterflies

Not sure if this is of interest or if the county recorder reads these posts but I saw 2 Wall butterflies during a week-end stay in north norfolk:

14/5 - one at Holkham Fresh Marsh from the viewing area off the A149
15/5 - one at Titchwell RSPB near the saltmarsh area

Nick

 

[HarassedDad]

It is, I do and thanks.
Large Skipper reported flying today. And a report of peacock caterpillars, which is good news after last years crash.
Not had a lot of reports of small copper - anyone seen many?

 

[tootsietim]

I think I saw a small heath today along on the bank leading from Gypsy lane to Brancaster golf course. Unfortunately, in the stiff westerly wind, it was in and out of sight too quickly to be certain. Also a wall brown, speckled wood, small white and large white.

 

[James Emerson]

Small Coppers

Not had a lot of reports of small copper - anyone seen many?

The only ones I've seen this year were three at Roydon Common along the western track (TF67 22) on 1st May.

 

[Robert S J Smith]

Saw a Small Copper at Holme on Thursday along with Wall Brown, Small Heath, Common & Holly Blue and 4 Cinnabar moth.

Y'day opposite the pay hut at Holme a Green Hairstreak was sun bathing on some Japanese Rose.

Rob.

 

[Happisbirder]

Only seen one Small Copper myself; at Crostwight Heath - TG 344 300 - on May 2nd.

James

 

[Jabberwocky]

Saw one Small Copper on the 6th at Buckenham Tofts. TL842955.

 

[Tideliner]

Small copper yesterday at the Swanton Novers raptor watchpoint and a couple a few weeks ago at Stiffkey. Still no common blues at Swanton yet !

 

[Happisbirder]

A wander for butterflies around East Ruston Common was kind of curtailed by the ferocious wind and all I saw were 2 Small Heath...

James

 

[firstreesjohn]

Where have all the butterflies gone ?

Horrified today to walk through Haveringland forestry and see ONE BUTTERFLY !

A Large White.

2 small moths and a couple of dragons.

It was warm and (mostly) quite sheltered from the strong wind.

 

[Tideliner]

First large skipper at Swanton Novers today. 2 weeks before the previous early date.

 

[Picathartes]

Plenty of butterflies at Holme on Saturday, but in less windy conditions. Good numbers of Common Blues and Small Heath, plus a few Brown Argus and Wall Brown and one Green Hairstreak.

Yet to make a trip out to see Grizzled Skippers - am I still in time and is Stoke Ferry Cut-off Channel the best bet? Any tips would be gratefully received.

 

[HarassedDad]

Yes, still flying as of last wednesday. Either the cut-off channel or Foulden Common (tf7500) are your best bet - hopefully less wind than today - I was tetrad bashing and in eight tetrads I only managed single whites in three and nothing in the other five.
Yesterday at Barton Broad we had a single swallowtail, but it zipped past on the wind too fast for many to see it.

 

[Picathartes]

Thanks for confirming position on Grizzled Skippers. Planning a trip out tomorrow - hopefully winds will have abated.

 

[Picathartes]

Foulden Common

Spent couple of hours on the common yesterday. Common Blues most notable on the wing as well as day-flying moths including; Mother Shipton, Burnet Companion, Latticed Heath and Common Heath.

Personally saw one Grizzled Skipper, although another observer had 7-8 sightings of at least two. Other butterflies observed included a Brown Argus and a female Brimstone which I tried my best to turn into a Large White as it flew past! Heard report of a Small Copper onsite too.

No sign of any Dingy Skippers, nor apparently at Stoke Ferry where an observer had picked up 9 Grizzleds after a lengthy search. My understanding is that Dingy Skippers usually peak during first week of June however unclear whether this has been impacted by the current dry conditions?

 

[HarassedDad]

Yes Dingy's seem to have gone over already, which is surprising. I don't think the draught helped.

In other news there was a broad-bordered bee hawk in my garden this evening. Presumably just in off, so keep an eye out if you're about the east coast this weekend.

 

[tootsietim]

Open garden at Oulton Hall, near Aylsham today. 2 male large skippers and a single red admiral.

 

[jimbob]

Strumpshaw Fen today held 3 Swallowtail (2 in and around the garden and 1 on the reserve) Brimstone, Large White, Orange Tip, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell.
Cheers,
Jim.