Synergy at Reedham

A few shots from a terrific gig at the Humpty Dumpty brewery last night: a total full house that stayed until the end, dancing and singing along with the choruses!

The International Space Station

Last night the ISS drifted over Norfolk through a nearly cloudless sky: at magnitude -3.8 it was incredibly bright, despite the twilight. There are just a few more passes before the end of July. so take a look before this amazing space station is 'de-orbited'

 

Even more butterflies - including some scarce ones!

Having seen my earlier post, old friend Paul drove all the way across from Derby to join Linda and me in a run down to Westleton Heath and Dunwich Forest. In just a couple of hours we found the following (asterisk means photographed!)

White Letter Hairstreak *
Purple Hairstreak
Small Heath *
Meadow Brown
Small Copper *
Grayling *
Gatekeeper *
Dark Green Fritillary
Silver-washed Fritillary *
Large White
Small White *
Comma *
Peacock
White Admiral *
Red Admiral *
Small Skipper
Speckled Wood
Ringlet *
Silver-studded Blue *
Common Blue *
Holly Blue *

Not a bad haul!

Minsmere RSPB reserve

Brian and I drove down to Minsmere to look for the long-staying Red-backed Shrike: it had departed overnight! There were enough interesting species to make the trip worthwhile, however: Kittiwakes, Common & Sandwich Terns, a pair of dozy Spoonbills and a good selection of waders: I don't recall seeing Knots at Minsmere before.

Finally some decent butterflies!

Following a visit to Minsmere, Brian and I took a walk across Westleton Heath, near the 'quarry'. The warm weather had brought out a terrific variety of butterflies, many of which were feeding on the gorgeous purple heather. We managed to find two slightly tatty Silver-studded Blues, as well as Grayling, Purple Hairstreak, Small Heath and seven other species: a herd of Red Deer and a juvenile Dartford Warbler were bonuses!

Insectivorous plants: update

The lack of insects and unseasonal weather has held our collection of carnivorous plants back a week or two, but they are beginning to approach their best again. I never cease to be amazed that so many species are hardy enough to survive the UK climate!

Blondie gets a new partner!

Our resident near-white Buzzard appeared over the garden calling and displaying with a new mate today - the previous female being brown with a very dark chest band. A Red Kite passed low overhead at the same time: the first for a week or two.

Norfolk Antiques Fair and Garden Show

These two excellent events are held side by side at the Norfolk Showground: a single ticket gives admission to both. We visited the Garden Show yesterday and the Antiques Fair today.

Highlight of the Garden Show for me was the terrific display of insectivorous plants by 'Predator Plants' of Rackheath: I bought a good selection of new Drosera species to add to the already large collection. Linda managed to fill the back of the car with herbaceous perennials, and coffee and hot doughnuts were a naughty treat!

The Antiques Fair was well-attended by dealers and browsers: one surprise was a menage of Oystercatchers that were totally oblivious to the crowds! We didn't spend much - we've nearly run out of space in our small bungalow -  but managed to pass an enjoyable couple of hours.