A quick update to say that the swallowtail butterflies have well and truly emerged and are showing well from various places around the fen. The most reliable place is the nectar garden just by reception; a combination of dames violet full of nectar and full sun has almost guaranteed sightings. A swallowtail was present for at least five hours on the nectar garden on Saturday and Sunday. Other swallowtails have been seen along Sandy Wall, along the Meadow Trail, riverbank near Tower Hide and along the Lackford Run too. The butterflies are emerging from the fen in good weather conditions and are firstly in search of nectar, then a mate and finally returning to the fen habitat to find the rare milk parsley to lay their eggs on.
With the weather looking good all week, this will be the best week to come and see the butterflies while in their best condition.
Other sightings have included numerous scarce chasers, Norfolk hawkers and the osprey is still about too, so plenty to see here!
A fuller update to come at the end of the week.