Sunday 24 June 2012

Sunday 24th June - Orchids & Insects Day

After the Nightjar & owl session last night that finished just after 11PM, a later start was in order. Despite some heavy showers there was a reasonable selection of moths for the group to have a look through, 18 species & 32 moths. The highlights of the moths were 2 Privet Hawk,  Elephant Hawk,Poplar Kitten, Scorched Wing, Shoulder-striped Wainscot &Light Emerald. Tree Sparrow & Marsh Tit were also noted from the garden feeders whilst looking through the moths.


We then headed over to a local woodland where Greater Butterfly orchid was still in flower & Willow warbler, Blackcap & Bullfinch were all heard.


The weather worsened & some very heavy showers, resorted to an hours tea-break with a short Norfolk slideshow of wildlife thrown in. 


The weather improved a little but ensured our "insect" day was not easy! We visited some nearby heathland in the afternoon, here we witnessed a wonderful spread 1000's of orchids, Heath Spotted & Southern Marsh being by far the most numerous. We searched for dragonflies & located 2 female Keeled Skimmers (image below), 1 Common Darter, Common Blue & Large Red Damselfly were all noted, plus single Meadow Brown & 2 Common Blue butterflies. Plus Yellowhammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel & Sparrowhawk.


Roll on summer...................




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