Quite an overcast start to the day with some heavy showers and a gentle westerly wind. In the past few days, the first Mute Swan cygnets have been seen around the reserve.

Mute Swan Cygnets – photo by Seamus Griffin

Much quieter moth traps this morning with 16 Cinnabar, 5 White Ermine, 2 Small Elephant Hawk, 3 Small Square Spot, 3 Mottled Rustic, 2 Fern, 1 Flame Shoulder, 1 Large Elephant, 1 Small Umber, 1 Privet Hawk, 1 Angle Shades, 1 Straw Dot and 1 lovely Poplar Grey! The Lesser Banded Longhorn moths are still active on the Privet bushes in the dunes, I had at least 10 individuals today. There have been a few Drinker Moth caterpillars on the move and a few Garden Tiger caterpillars on the paths too.

Poplar Grey

Still generally quiet for butterflies however, I had my first couple of Meadow Brown of the year! One in the dunes and one on the path to the car park hide. I also had Common Blue, Small Heath, Brimstone and Brown Argus. The first Peacock butterfly caterpillars have emerged in the last couple of days with some just off the main path to the Obs. There has been a Four Spot Chaser Dragonfly around and the usual Large Red Damselflies around the pond.

Peacock Butterfly Caterpillars

Shannon Clifford – Assistant Warden

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS FROM RARE BIRD ALERT

Norfolk Night Heron ad Mundesley till 11.45am at mill pond viewable from footpath then flew off south along River Mun c52.8760,1.4386

Norfolk Night Heron ad Mundesley still 11.37am at mill pond viewable from footpath tho mobile c52.8760,1.4386

Norfolk Night Heron ad Mundesley till 11.28am at mill pond viewable from footpath then flew inland (for 3rd day) c52.8760,1.4386

Norfolk Night Heron ad Mundesley still at mill pond viewable from footpath at 9.49am (for 3rd day). Approach with caution c52.8760,1.4386

Norfolk Marsh Warbler singing Weybourne still west of Beach Road in reedbed SW of beach car park at 7.06am +showing well c52.9473,1.1387. Park at 52.9485,1.1398