From Norfolk, Back to Chalkhills.

For four days I managed to get away with Pen to Norfolk. This is the first time for over 3 years that we have managed to get away for a proper break together. Despite it being a break together I did manage a few wildlife visits and Pen was quite happy to come along to a few sites with me. On the way up a short visit to Strumpshaw didn't produce what I was hoping for as the Swallowtail season had really come to an end. The Norfolk Hawkers also didn't perform for me with only a few distant glimpses. However, Scarce Chasers were very evident with males showing all along the river.

Male Scarce Chaser.

A decent visit to Titchwell resulted in good sightings of Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits.

Avocet Chicks that kept chasing each other.

Adult Avocet.

Sedge warbler.

Black-tailed Godwits.

Black-tailed Godwit.

Swallows.

Being back home now I was on the patch today hoping for my first Chalkhill Blue of the year. Not long after arriving on site I was delighted to see a fabulous fresh male fly past. With the temperature being cool and with overcast conditions the butterfly was not too active and I managed to get some pleasing shots of this beautiful butterfly.

Male Chalkhill Blue.

Male Chalkhill Blue.

Following this I headed over to Abbotts Wood where I was hoping for a sighting of Purple Hairstreak. I was pleased to see good numbers of them, but as usual they stayed well up in the trees. A couple of good views of White Admiral and a very smart Comma posing on Wood Spurge made the trip well worth while.

Comma on Wood Spurge.

Comma under-side.

Comma on Wood Spurge.