www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Yesterday I went to Strumpshaw Fen on the Norfolk broads in the hope of spotting a Swallowtail. Despite the reports of both Swallowtail and common blues I saw neither Just a few crazy Brimstones too busy for a photo shoot ! Lots of Damselflies who were happy to pose for me.

I managed to aquire a bite as soon as I walked into the reserve but thought nothing of it. Today I have half an arm very much bigger than the other arm! Just had to go & get some anti-histamines. I don't normally have too much of a problem with bites. Obviously the culprit didn't realise I was a 'Norfolk Gal' & am supposed to be immune to their bites!
Suppose it goes with the territory!

Angie

My wife will testify to the potency of the Norfolk mossies bites Ang...
We went to Catfield Fen one evening a few years ago after a trip to the coast. We were only there for about 30 minutes (I was taking the shots of swallowtail caterpillars used on this site). During this time she was savaged by the winged beasts and her legs were covered in large red wealds for days afterwards. Definitely a place for repellant... especially if visiting late in the day.
NB: For some reason, they left me alone... I'm obviously repellant enough without any chemical assistance

Trev

Hi Angie
My wife and I were at Strumpshaw the day before your visit with the same results - no swallowtails, no orchids, loads of damselflies - and we were well bitten too. However, by way of compensation, we did have brief flight views of a bittern and saw a 'food pass' between male and female marsh harrier.
Alex