Swallowtail info

[markho]

Hi
I will be going to Suffolk for a week at the end of May staying near RSPB Minsmere . I have never seen a Swallow tail butterfly . Is there any where in Suffolk I could go that would give me a good chance of seeing one. Also would they be around at that time of year.
Thanks .

[james bennet]

Hi there, I'm sure a more knowledgeable butterfly bod will come along in a sec, but in the meantime I thought I'd share my limited knowledge! As far as I know, swallowtails are confined to the norfolk broads now, where they can be locally numerous in suitable areas of wetland. Occasional individuals are sometimes seen elsewhere in Britain; these are probably escapees from butterfly farms. The very occasional migrant will also cross from the continent; these are usually seen on chalk downland in kent and dorset.

[markho]

Thanks James

I don't mind a trip to Norfolk if I've got a chance of seeing one.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by markho

Thanks James

I don't mind a trip to Norfolk if I've got a chance of seeing one.

Strumpshaw Fen + Hickling Broad are 2 places to try- in a good year they should be on the wing late May; though numbers may not be high as last year was a poor season.

[RobinP]

I last saw some at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire. Mind you, it was a long time ago.

[markho]

Hi

Thanks guys , I've been to both those places before and never seen them . So I'll give it another try .

Mark

[harasseddad]

Hi, Just found this thread. You have a fairly reasonable chance of Swallowtail at the end of May. From Minsmere the two closest sites would be either Strumshaw or the Ted Ellis reserve at Wheatfen. They actually face each other across the river but it's 20 miles to get from one to t'other since the nearest bridge is Norwich!

Other good sites are How Hill and our reserve at Catfield Fen (Butterfly Conservation - Norfolk Branch)

If you drop me an email before you leave I can let you know what's been seen: recorder@norfolkbutterflies.co.uk

As always, all sightings gratefully received.
Andy Brazil
Norfolk County Butterfly Recorder

[markho]

Thanks thats absolutely brilliant information Andy .
And I will certainly drop you a line before we leave.

Thanks

Mark