three counties butterflies

- July 15, 2023

A few weeks ago when the weather was warm and sunny I made a few trips looking for the summer butterflies in Norfolk, Northampton and Cambridgeshire.

Our Norfolk trip was to Strumpshaw Fen where for the past few years we have tried, to spot the beautiful but elusive swallowtail but only managed short glimpses due to cloudy or windy conditions or being too early or too late in the season! However on 16 June this year the weather and flight window seemed perfect so we were very hopeful of success this time.

On arrival we checked in and immediately saw a group of people with telescopes at the reception hide where they had spotted a bittern amongst the reeds, Someone kindly offered us the use of their telescope where we had a quick sighting before it disappeared into the reeds again.

We then made for the area known as the 'Doctors garden' where swallowtails are most often seen nectaring and several people standing in the area told us they had just had a close up of one on nearby flowers which was encouraging so we decided to wait for a while. It wasnt long before a swallowtail was seen at the top of the garden nectaring on flowers near the house but it refused to come any nearer. We watched it fly over the house roof and it was then joined by a second one We were able to take zoomed in photos and watch it clearly through binoculars for a good 10 minutes.

We then decided to walk round the reserve and see if we could spot any others - which we briefly did as one flew across the path in front of us then disappeared. Back to the garden again and the swallowtail was still putting in appearance on the distant flowers but again didnt move any closer. We had to make to do with that but at least it was more successful than previous years.

My next visit was to Brampton wood to find silver washed fritillaries, white admirals and possibly purple hairstreaks and a purple emperor. I walked down to the Glade where I had previously seen purple hairstreaks but none were to seen. Back along the main ride I soon saw several SWF flying up and down together with many of the summer butterflies, meadow browns, ringets, small skippers etc. Sadly I only saw one of my target species that day.

small skipper

silver washed fritillary

Fermyn Woods was apparently the Go To place for Purple Emperors this year so following internet instructions I made my way there and parked in the entrance of Fermyn woods opposite the Glider Airfield. A number of cars were already there which was a good sign.. I was told it was a mile walk to Lady Wood where they hung out but could see the initial sunny skies were starting to cloud over. There were numerous butterflies along the route which came out by a wheatfield and hedgerow so I was a bit unsure as to whether I may have missed the turning, I could see a couple in front of me so walked briskly and caught them up- Yes I was in the right area, walk 100 yards and turn left which I duly did and met others also looking ( unsucessfully it turned out) for the Purple Emperor. I walked up and down and did spot something flying at the tree tops but not close enough to determine colour or size.

I eventually decided the now cloudy skies would not encourage them to fly so made my way back towards the car. I met with a group of of other butterfly spotters who were talking about when and where they had see them and as I looked about I suddenly saw a large butterfly circle the top of a tree and fly fast high over our heads across the ride. I pointed out to the others who immediately said they were 95% certain it was the Emperor. So not a true sighting but nevertheless I decided it was a tick for the year.