Caught in the rain - 28th and 29th May 2014

Its been tough going for the last 2-3 days, with drizzle, a stiff east wind and sometims heavy rain conspiring to make the location of wildlife difficult. The avian highlight was a nice male Black Redstart along the entrance track on Thursday evening (29th), the moth highlight was a Yellow-faced Bell, whilst the non-moth invertebrate highlight was the fabulously named Downlooker Snipefly Rhagio scolopaceus, a large scorpion-fly-like fly which sweeps its long front legs far in front of it as it works its way across the vegetation, pausing to tilt forwards every few seconds. New plants in flower included Sea Bindweed, Haresfoot and Rough Clover, Marsh and Southern Marsh Orchid, Fool's Watercress, Privet, Meadow Vetchling, Biting Stonecrop, Bristly Oxtongu, Marsh Thiste and Viper's Bugloss, whilst Hogweed and Bristly Oxtongue were in flower for the first time since January. 

Downlooker Snipefly Rhagio scolopaceus, Holme Marsh, 28th May 2014

Yellow-faced Bell, Notocelia cynosbatella, Holme Marsh 28th May 2014

Southern Marsh Orchid, Hunstanton, 29th May 2014

Marsh Thistle, Holme NWT, 29th May 2014