NOTES FROM NORFOLK

 I spent a few days in Norfolk with my sister during half term, visiting a number of well known bird and butterfly sites With the hottest day of our holiday predicted on Tuesday, we headed straight for Strumpshaw Fen hoping to see some of the recently emerged Swallowtail butterflies. I've only managed to glimpse this species from a distance before, so was hopeful to see something slightly closer. In fact, in the end we didn't  need to go further than the visitor centre where a single swallowtail was nectaring on the flowers nearby. I was pleased to be able to photograph one at last, and pleased we didn't have to walk the length of  the reserve to find one, particularly as my sister was using crutches to support a recently broken ankle!

In the afternoon we visited Ranworth Broad where we had distant views of ospreys,  which were nesting on the opposite side of the broad, then after returning to our accommodation for something to eat, we went out again at dusk to Kelling Heath where a conveniently situated car park allows visitors to  hear and see nightjars. I had no idea what the 'churring' sounded like, but a couple of locals who were familiar with the site,  pointed it out as soon as they could hear it. Initially the sound was distant but eventually moved closer and finally we were able to peer round into a clearing in an area of heathland just off the car park and saw three nightjars, albeit briefly,  black shapes flying around in front of us. A lifer for me and worth waiting for. 

Next morning I looked out of one of the upstairs window on to an area of rough ground in front of our cottage and was  thrilled to see a barn owl hunting, the first I'd seen this year. After quickly dressing, I was soon out  of the door and standing at the edge of the field. The owl was still there and as I had my camera pointed towards it, the owl began to head in my direction, finally diving down into the long grass about ten metres ahead of me. After a few minutes, it reappeared with a mouse in its claws and flew off into the direction of some trees. It didn't return so I made a point of looking out a dusk but without success. The following morning,  it was  back in the same area, though sadly didn't  come close enough for photos again. 

 

Next day we took a wildlife trip from Martham Broad; our guide was knowledgeable and interesting, and he pointed out the numerous species of  bird we could see from the boat, which included marsh harriers, hobby, great crested grebe, cuckoo, cranes, as well as more common species. A couple of grey  herons gave really close views perched on top of markers. 

marsh harrier

grey heron

We spent our third day exploring Titchwell Marsh, where I was hoping in particular to see bearded tits in the reeds and sanderlings on the beach. We didn't see any bearded tits  from the usual section of the path but from the hide we eventually saw some juveniles which appeared at the front of the reeds, but no handsome male this time!  I left my sister to enjoy her lunch on one of the benches overlooking the freshmarsh, where a family of redshanks was feeding whilst I made my way down to the dunes which led on the beach.  The tide was far out, but I  walked out towards a rocky area where a large group of small birds had just flown in. They turned out to be the sanderlings I was hoping for and I watched them all busily poking about amongst the seaweed for what ever treats they might find, noting the wide variation in their plumage.  Amongst them  was an oyster catcher and a couple of turnstones which was nice to see. 

I noticed several painted lady butterflies fly past me on the beach, and found two of three nectaring on thistles back on the reserve. It seems this is the beginning of a large influx!

painted lady butterflies