I was desperate to get back to Strumpshaw Fen in June to try and see a swallowtail, our largest native butterfly (and also one of our rarest), but other things kept getting in the way.
It was July 1st before I finally found an hour to pop back but it was already mid afternoon and I was in such a rush, checking I had a card in my camera, a hat, suncream, water etc that it was only when I arrived I realised that I didn’t have any cash. Of course, there are no card facilities there so I couldn’t muster the entrance fee. Argh. I was even more disappointed when a visitor told me he’d seen THREE swallowtails earlier.
I dashed five minutes down the road to Brundall to use the cashpoint but by the time I got back it was 3.45ish and had clouded over a little bit. There were still some butterflies about but sadly no swallowtails (although I’m told there might be a second flush in August so all might not be lost if I can get back again).
While disappointed, I had a lovely hour or so wandering the peaceful meadow and walking a bit of the trail. I was so intent on looking for butterflies that I didn’t realise the dragonfly above was practically sitting next to me. It stuck around just long enough for me to take its photo (I said thank you, don’t worry). In fact, I saw quite a few dragonflies and damselflies about.
Another favourite was also flying so I came home happy enough.
As always, I’ve joined Darren’s My Sunday Photo link up. Please click on the camera below to see what other people have taken.
Wishing you a happy and healthy week ahead.
After The Rain 
Hi Tara, what a great name for a place, Strumpshaw Fen! You must have been really kicking yourself when you realised you didn’t have the cash on you (car ashtrays make the perfect place to stash cash!). I am sure that your politeness to Mr. Dragonfly will pay off and next time the Swallowtails will be flocking for a photo!
xx
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I was so cross! Thankfully the cashpoint wasn’t that far away but still I think I’ll take your advice and stash some in the car.
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Sorry you didn’t get to see a swallowtail, but you still captured some fantastic photos. I’ve noticed dragonflies don’t tend to fly off when you put a camera near them – unlike butterflies!
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Thank you. Yes, dragonflies seems really interested in what you’re doing.
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Grrrr! Maybe RSPB membership and then you can check out Minsmere and Titchwell too? I love the picture of the sailing boat #MySundayPhoto
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That’s what the lady in the reception said too!
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It’s so annoying when you forget things! We see quite a few swallow tails here, such lovely creatures! Some great close-up shots here, so hard to capture insects!
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Right, that’s it. I’m moving in with you. Hehe.
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It’s a shame you didn’t manage to see the swallows but your dragonfly picture is lovely. I hope you manage to see them in August x
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Thank you. I’m keeping my fingers crossed (not while taking the photo!).
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The name of the place is fascinating and I enjoyed the photos. I’d love to visit.
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Thanks, Carol. It is a fabulous place, that’s for sure.
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These are wonderful photos, the detail you achieve is incredible
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Thank you, Fiona.
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Really loved the photos, it looks a wonderful place to visit
Thank you for linking up
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Thanks for hosting, Darren.
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Oh no how disappointing. I love the picture with the sail just peaking over the trees. it reminds me of many happy holidays on the Broads #MySundayPhoto
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What a lovely, happy memory. So pleased you like it.
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I know you didn’t get the photo you wanted, but the ones you did get were absolutely beautiful #MMBC
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Thank you. I was grateful to the dragonfly.
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What a shame you didn’t manage to see the swallowtails but I love your dragonfly shots. So detailed 🙂
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Thanks, Louise. Hopefully I’ll see one one day 🙂
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Shame you didn’t see the Swallowtails but the photos you have look amazing – I just love that view over the gate. Beautiful view. #MMBC
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Thank you. Yes, I was disappointed but not too much.
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That is a fabulous picture of a dragonfly. I have never had any success photographing them myself, im too slow. #mysundayphoto
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