Swallowtail Butterflies Bucket Tick

Swallowtail

Swallowtail

Swallowtail

Rest stop

Strumpshaw Fen

Coma

Peacock

Brimstone

Will I ever see a Swallowtail Butterfly? Britains largest and most beautiful has eluded me for many years as I never go to Norfolk in the summer. When passing through Norwich on Sunday I remembered we were close to Strumpshaw Fen where these mythical butterflies are reported to be seen. So after seeing the Lesser Grey Shrike without any trouble we decided to take a detour on the way home on the hope of seeing one.

The reserve was packed with cars giving the impression there was something good to be seen (actually didn't see that many people) and following a tip off from a very helpful gentleman we made a short walk away from the actual reserve to a wooded track. After heading down the track it opened up to a couple of meadows either side of a stunning house.

As soon as we reached the meadow a Swallowtail came into view, it was just an amazing sight. The butterfly has a wingspan of 9cm and stunning black & yellow markings. The swallowtail is now limited to the Norfolk Broads. It's good to read they are doing well thanks to management of conservation organisations. Other butterflies recorded were Peacock, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Coma & Brimstone. 

Before leaving we grabbed a quick drink at the visitor centre where 1st Bird of Day was recognised at the reserve warden which was highly amusing before we set off on the long journey home.