Signs of Spring

A cold, wet Norfolk.  Not a great greeting on our return from Italy nor was the virus I picked up which left me hacking and coughing and lacking get up and go.  Then spring broke through, gloriously.  No time to waste.  No time to feel sorry for myself.  Time to get out and explore.

Where to first?  Where will we see the most diversity?  Always a difficult choice but let’s start in the ancient woodland at Foxley.  Very soggy underfoot thanks to our ‘moist’ climate of late but worth the muddy boots to see the vast swathes of native Bluebells.  Butterflies appeared, not many but enough to lift the spirits, spring has sprung.  Then over to Wiveton Downs for more of the same but no mud!

When the butterflies you see are those that emerged from pupa you know spring has really started. Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) on Bluebell, Wiveton Downs April 29th

Back from a winter in Africa the Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) is ready to play hide & seek. Titchwell May 5th

Reed Warbler

Some butterflies like this Peacock (Aglais io) spend winter as adults in a state of dormancy so can be forgiven for being a bit worn around the edges. Foxley Wood

A trip to Titchwell Marsh was on the list.  Lovely to see the return of spring migrants but at the same time sad to see the departure of those waders that breed in more northern climes.

Male Reed Buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus), now resplendent in their summer finery, marked their territories

The tiny Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) is having a good spring being the most numerous seen in my garden. This is a fresh female at Wiveton

This Gadwall (Mareca strepera) choose a dark and secretive pool at Titchwell for lunch……

……Whilst the Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) preferred a sunny spot to eat it’s Sallow seeds

A fine few days and more to come.