Swallowtails & Norfolk Hawker meet 09

[Fourwings]

With Christmas behind us its time to start thinking about plans for the coming Spring and Summer months including WAB meets.
After discussions with several WAB members at last years Priory Water meet we arrived at an idea to have a meet focused on two iconic insects from the Norfolk broads area, the Norfolk Hawker and the Swallowtail butterfly.

I spent some time in the area in late May and early June last year and was lucky enough to come away with decent images of both species.

Norfolk Hawker


Swallowtail


The timing for this is fairly crucial due to both species having restricted flight periods. The RSPB reserve at Strumpshaw fen is the best bet for seeing both species, I'd also look to including the superb Dragonfly reserve at Upton fen. Both these reserves are in the same area of Norfolk just east of Norwich.

Having consulted the calender for 2009 the best weekend for this looks likely to be June 13th/14th, this is smack in the middle of the flight period of both species.

At the moment I have no firm plans for this meet all I require is an idea of who's interested and of course your own ideas on it.

Steve.

[DavyG]

Hi Steve,

I seem to recall that conversation, great to see these meets are likely to take place.

Barring the unforeseen, Anita and I will definitely be there, the 13th/14th June sounds good to us.

Do you have dates in mind for the next Priory Water meet? That's got to be the number one for us again this year.

Dave

[tufftie]

Sounds okay for Ealine, Jez and me..plus a friend in Norwich whom I'm hoping will let us stay with her!

[Kayleigh]

DavyG Do you have dates in mind for the next Priory Water meet? That's got to be the number one for us again this year.

Yes, I am too waiting for the priory dates to come out..

[tufftie]

and before anyone else says it Elaine and I need plenty of time to get there you know?!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by tufftie

and before anyone else says it Elaine and I need plenty of time to get there you know?!

I got a satnav now you know..

[DavyG]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

I got a satnav now you know..

So this means you'll definitely make it for day two?

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by DavyG

So this means you'll definitely make it for day two?

Excuse me Davy we made if for half of day one..

[Wild-Woman]

Try stopping us!!
All being good, we'll be there. No weddings this coming year that will whack us in the pocket. (Unless our daughter jumps one on us of course).

[Hobjob]

Count me in

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

Count me in

Nice one David....

[Tormentil]

Baring unforeseen events etc., I should be ok for this.

[NickCantle]

Yep, I'm in!

[pressld2]

Sounds good to me too, Steve. Is this as well as Priory Water or instead of?

Dave P.

[Gill Catton]

I'm in with bells on!!!

(or without bells on because that would probably scare everything off!!)

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

With Christmas behind us its time to start thinking about plans for the coming Spring and Summer months including WAB meets.
After discussions with several WAB members at last years Priory Water meet we arrived at an idea to have a meet focused on two iconic insects from the Norfolk broads area, the Norfolk Hawker and the Swallowtail butterfly.

I spent some time in the area in late May and early June last year and was lucky enough to come away with decent images of both species.

Norfolk Hawker


Swallowtail


The timing for this is fairly crucial due to both species having restricted flight periods. The RSPB reserve at Strumpshaw fen is the best bet for seeing both species, I'd also look to including the superb Dragonfly reserve at Upton fen. Both these reserves are in the same area of Norfolk just east of Norwich.

Having consulted the calender for 2009 the best weekend for this looks likely to be June 13th/14th, this is smack in the middle of the flight period of both species.

At the moment I have no firm plans for this meet all I require is an idea of who's interested and of course your own ideas on it.

Steve.

Aww shucks - we will be coming back down from the Western Isles (all being well, fingers crossed, god willing etc etc.....)

Sooooooooo talking of the Priory - any ideas of when roughly Steve - what month so we can start jiggling the rota/shift patterns??

Pauline

[deer boy]

Originally Posted by tufftie

and before anyone else says it Elaine and I need plenty of time to get there you know?!

You've got 6 months from the look of it

[Fourwings]

Looks like this has the makings of a good meet.
On the subject of Priory Water, we are still undecided on whats happening yet,

Nick - do you know of any good campsites close to Strumpshaw?

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

I'm in with bells on!!!

(or without bells on because that would probably scare everything off!!)

Can't quite see you as a Morris dancer Gill

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Can't quite see you as a Morris dancer Gill

Yep. She's up for Strictly Come Morris Dancing next year!

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Nick - do you know of any good campsites close to Strumpshaw?

I've had a quick look with no success Steve, but I will email the staff there on Friday and see if I can get some decent recommendations

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

I've had a quick look with no success Steve, but I will email the staff there on Friday and see if I can get some decent recommendations

Thanks for that Nick, I had a quick look the other night but couldn't find anything within ten miles!
Theres no substitue for local knowledge.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Can't quite see you as a Morris dancer Gill

LOL!!
not exactly on my list of to do things!! Ha ha

[Ukwildlifeo]

I'd be interested in this - I should be driving by then hopefully

[Wild-Woman]

Great news- be pleased to meet you.