Strumpshaw and Lakenheath

A few pictorial images from our Norfolk trip. At Strumpshaw this morning, the poppies were irresistable against the barley field and blue sky and even the nettles looked great backlit by the sun. A Hare popped out while we were admiring the poppies but I wasn't tall enough to get the whole animal (see Phil's Blog for whole animal).
In the afternoon we revisited Lakenheath and were amazed at the difference from the cold windy Saturday visit. We had lots of views of Bitterns, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. A am impressed by the Bittern's camouflage - the legs exactly mimic a diagonal reed in my photo.

Swallowtail Butterflies

A wonderful experience today watching a dozen or more Swallowtail butterflies on Strumpshaw Fen. The warm sunshine brought them out and they fed on the brambles and irises, rested on the reeds and flew up in fighting groups. Disappointed not to get better flight pictures - will have to have another go.

Acle

Just four pictures from Acle where we have been staying for the last two nights. It has a thatched church - a real find in my childhood days of I-Spy

More from Strumpshaw

A few other species from Strumpshaw. The Black-headed gulls were busy nesting while the Lapwings defended their territories and the Arctic Terns fished.


Not very sharp but I am pleased to add cuckoo to my photographed species.

Marsh Harriers at Strumpshaw

A few pictures of the Marsh Harriers at Strumpshaw Fen this morning. It was still very windy though quite bright with a few sunny intervals so a bit better for bird photography. With the wind, there were not many insects around - was hoping for the Swallowtail butterflies.

Lakenheath

Very windy, cool and some rain at lakenheath so not ideal bird photography conditions so was please to come away with one or two shots that I like including my first ever photo of a Bittern. Not the sharpest image but shows the golden plumage and green legs. The Sand Martin is also a first and I am also happy with the Heron, Whitethroat and Reed Bunting.

Burwash Time Again

Visited Burwash Manor Farm for the first time this year to try hand at the Dragons. Lots of Emperors around as well as Azure Damselflies. Delighted to get a pair of sparring Emperors complete with water droplets (1/2500th second) but they were only small part of the frame unfortunately. There seemed to be an abundance of Male Azure damselflies so that when a coupled pair were attempting to lay in the water, they were constantly 'bombed' by batallions of males.

Greenwich

Took the infrared camera on a visit to Greenwich today - the light was very harsh but one or two worked quite well. The panorama above shows part of Olympic village being constructed in the distance (click to view larger).

Beneficial Visitors to the Garden

Mrs Tiggiwinkle (or perhaps Mister) wandered across the lawn this morning. Always glad to see one in the garden as they help keep down the slug. The Lacewing is also welcome as both the adults and larvae feed on greenfly.

Iris Time in the Beren

The irises in Tinch and John's garden in Toft are at their best at the moment - such a profusion of shapes and colours.

A robin helping keep the irises caterpillar free and enjoying a statue to perch on.