None Too Shoddy

 An away day today to the wilds of Suffolk and Norfolk in the affable company of my brother David and Alan Shorrock. While the weather was somewhat dreary to begin with it's fair to say that the wildlife spotting was anything but and a selection of goodies were enjoyed throughout the day.

Roller.

We began in the Brecks where we joined quite a crowd of other birders near Icklingham in Suffolk where a Roller has been paying court to a succession of admirers. Our target was on view when we arrived and though the sky was grey and the bird distant it was still an absolute cracker. I watched it as it perched on wires occasionally making brief hunting forays from its lofty perch. At one point it attracted the unwelcome attention of an aggressive Mistle Thrush but the bird seemed unfazed and carried on going about its business. After about half an hour we left the bird and its fan club to it and headed off for a brief visit to nearby Lackford Lakes. Sadly the reported Glossy Ibis did not oblige us with a view though we had checked more in hope than expectation.

Black-winged Stilts.

From here we made the trip to Hickling Broad where the weather was beginning to show a few signs of getting brighter. While our primary target was the Swallowtail butterflies and Norfolk Hawkers for which the broads are known we spent the early part of our visit birding. Highlight was  a pair of Black-winged Stilts which showed rather distantly from the nearest viewing platform. Record shots were taken of these elegant though rare visitors, these were my fourth record in the UK (though I never count the long staying bird at Titchwell.). A good supporting cast of waders were also noted with an adult Curlew Sandpiper perhaps the best. Others seen included Ruff, Spotted Redshank and a Grey Plover that Shozzer found. Marsh Harriers and Hobbies were also seen during our visit but we didn't see the Collared Pratincole that had been seen on and off over the last few days.

Painted Lady and Speckled Woods.

By now the sun was putting in an appearance and we turned our attentions to insects. I'd caught a brief flight view of a Swallowtail but really wanted to see more. Norfolk Hawkers showed first with quite a few hunting in sheltered spots though they were very active and none settled when we were watching. Several Ruddy Darters, my first of the year did settle and so too did a Four-spotted Chaser while David saw a Black-tailed Skimmer. For the second day in a row I saw Variable Damselflies, this species often seems to favour the same sites as Norfolk Hawkers - maybe I should go back and check Wicksteed!

Variable Damselfly and Ruddy Darter.

Butterflies were also responding to the heat and it was Painted Ladies that were the first stars of the show, at least four were nectaring on bramble blossom, encouraging after last year's disastrous showing. Sharing those same flowers were Red Admirals and Small Tortoiseshells as well as some Meadow Browns. By now the sun was feeling warm and the headline act finally put in some stunning performances as several Swallowtails arrived to feed on the same brambles. Of all the British species this is surely the most magnificent and I thoroughly enjoyed watching what were only my second UK ones. Having taken a great many pictures we decided to call it a day and head for home, one thing's for sure, the next trip is going to have quite a lot to live up to!

Just wow, Swallowtails.