Strumpshaw on a Windy Day

 We spent a very windy day at Strumpshaw Fen so there were not a lot of birds to see. The Heron came obligingly near and the birds on the feeders in the woodland kept us happy for a while in the afternoon. It was good to photograph March Tit and Nuthatch along with more common species.

Mixed Bag from Strumpshaw Fen

 A few more images from last week's trip to Strumpshaw Fen. There was a large flock of fieldfares and Redwing feeding on the berries and also 3 Waxwings, which we failed to locate. The Snipe and Gulls were more cooperative and the mammals came up trumps with good views of Chinese Water Deer, Otters and Rats

Strumpshaw Fen

 The Kingfishers at Strumpshaw put on a great show today remaining in view for 90 mins. Quite a bit of preening took place and a few dives for fish. I failed to capture any of the action - they are just so fast in diving and returning to the perch.

Swallowtails

 We had gone to Strumpshaw on Monday hoping to see the Swallowtails as the afternoon was forecast to be the best weather of the 3 days that I am spending in Norfolk. No Swallowtails then despite the bright sunshine - too cold and windy. Yesterday was much stiller and a bit warmer. Still no sightings in the morning but, just as we were about to leave, rumour had it that they had arrived in the cottage garden area. Two beautiful freshly emerged butterflies entertained us for about an hour before the sun went in and the wind picked up.

More Images from Strumpshaw

 A few more images from Strumpshaw Fen -there were several Egrets on the Fen, the Shoveller and Shelduck have similar markings, the Black-headed Gull has a very large dinner and the goslings were particularly cute.

There were very few Dragonflies around. I did find this Hairy resting up in a shady sheltered copse. There were Blue-tailed Damselflies, Azure Damselflies and large Red Damselflies

Strumpshaw Fen

 The Marsh Harriers were performing well doing lots of food passes but at a distance. The fish were going down well with the Great Crested Grebes and Terns.

 This Pheasant was very tame and not very good at balancing on the fence.