Swallowtails 2011

andy brown · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011, 10:45 AM

Hi,

We (the wife and I) have planned a trip to Norfolk for swallowtails for week commencing 13th June, I noticed that they are already emerging. Can someone please advise if it would be prudent to change date and go week commencing 16th May (the only other time I can make) or hang on and hope for the best. I have never seen them before and want to make the best use of holiday!, I think I have done all my homework on where to go and find them, however if someone can give more specific data or even meet up while there that would be even better.

Thanks in advance

Andy

Anzu · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011, 11:19 AM

Hiya Andy!

I have been volunteering every Monday at the Strumpshaw Fen reserve and I am also signed up to help the RSPB with the swallowtail transects this year. I am determined to see my first Swallowtail so I have been checking each time I go in how many sightings there have been. There were a couple of sightings last week.

When I pop in again this Monday (9th) I could check to see how many sightings there have been again and send you a message when I get home?

pammosley · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011, 02:36 PM

Could you make them hang around till July please

htcdude · #4 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011, 02:37 PM

September would be better! I've just booked week away there!

Nige

david156 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011, 05:49 PM

A couple reported earlier in the week at Wheatfen (oppisite side of the river to strumpshaw) but it is very early. Also had a report that none were seen at How hill today.

I managed some shots at How Hill on 30th June last year.

I'll have to post a link to my flickr site as I can't upload them to this site at the moment!

Swallowtail - Papilio machaon | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Swallowtail - Papilio machaon | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Cheers David

Anzu · #6 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011, 11:07 PM

Awesome photos

andy brown · #7 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 06:01 PM

Hi Anzu,

Just wondering what the results were today, we can get the B&B for Sat/Sun/Mon this weekend if it will be worth changing from mid June

Many Thanks

Andy

Anzu · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 08:10 PM

There have been constant sightings and I chatted with a guy today who saw one today, but I can't guarantee that going later wouldn't be better. They certainly have appeared early this spring like everything else seems to have. I'd feel bad if you went to early and didn't see one, but they are about.