Where to find Swallowtail Butterfly, Norfolk (1 Viewer)

[jackied]

I'm on holiday in Norfolk next week and I would like to see some Butterflies that I don't get in my area. Are the Swallowtails on the wing yet? and where is the best place to look for them?. Any info on other insects that I could find down there, which I don't get in my region (Midlands), would be appreciated.
Jackie

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Hi Jackie. The first Swallowtails on the wing have been reported in the past week. The best places to see them are Strumpshaw Fen, Hickling, Wheatfen and How Hill. You stand the best chance of seeing them when the weather is warm and sunny. It might be worth keeping an eye on this thread to see the latest reports:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=137034&page=22

For dragonflies and damselflies have a look at this thread:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=140035&page=9

Ron

 

[jackied]

Thanks Ron
Jackie

 

[Geoff Brown]

Usually see them in the garden next to the RSPB Strumpshaw reserve entrance. The owner even has a sign in the garden inviting you to look but not to disturb.

 

[ben_lewis]

We have planted a nectar garden behind the reception hide at Strumpshaw, the Swallowtails are really liking them this year so it would be a good place to start, they are also being seen along lackford run too on Hawthorns. The Swallowtails are so early that many of their nectar plants have yet to emerge, hopefully this will not have any negative impacts on the butterflies population.
Norfolk Hawkers have started to emerge as well as Scarce chasers and red eyed damselflies, not sure if you get any of these up there?

If you do go to 'the guys garden' please don't loiter for too long, last year a photographer spent 2 whole days in his garden photographing Swallowtails, taking thousands of images, this is taking the mic a bit, as were the people who set up a picnic mat on his lawn and had a big lunch, just remember its someone's garden.

Other than that I hope you have a good week, we have some showers here finally (!) so that bodes well for more emergence and more foodplants to find the beasties on.

 

[Steve Babbs]

'The guy' (a well known Broads expert) is very friendly, but two days is taking the p***! If anyone goes it'd be good to know how you do. I planning nipping up, as I haven't seen them for several years, but last year I duffed the timing, a few were out but they were tricky.

Cheers

 

[jackied]

I went to Hickling Broad in the end and saw half a dozen swallowtails, plus plenty of Marsh Harriers and a Hobby. Whilst in Norfolk I also saw plenty of Wall Brown Butterflies, which I don't get in my area.
Jackie

 

[Steve Babbs]

Did anyone try today? I'm thinking of going tomorrow.

 

[mickg]

Just back from a boating trip on the broads. There were several Swallowtails on the wing.
Horsey Mere was the best place for us. Only saw one land however, did manage a photo which I'll post when I get the chance.

Hope you got lucky yourself.

Mick

 

[Steve Babbs]

Several on the reserve and on the sweet williams today. One was in perfect nic, but some were looking a bit tatty. So anyone thinking of going would probably be best off doing it soon.

 

[Penny Clarke]

I had a mint Swallowtail yesterday on the Sweet Williams in the garden. See details/account on my blog: http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.com/2011/06/near-perfect-day.html

Enjoy your holiday Jackie and I hope you get to see some swallowtails!

Best Wishes Penny:girl: