Castle Acre

Castle Acre © David Gill

Castle Acre in Norfolk has impressive remains of the medieval castle and bailey. Restoration is being undertaken on the keep to reverse the work that had been done in the 20th century.

Ladybird at Leiston Abbey

#StSecrets ladybird at Leiston Abbey #Suffolk pic.twitter.com/o1r3e1BArs
— David Gill (@davidwjgill) July 2, 2013

Ladybirds are few in number this year. Caroline Gill spotted one at Minsmere and I spotted one at Leiston Abbey while visting the Dig Venturers excavation.

Bittern at Minsmere

© David Gill

A single bittern emerged from the reed beds at Minsmere this afternoon. It disappeared and later reappeared further the pond.

Norfolk Hawker at Carlton Marshes

Norfolk Hawker at Carlton Marshes
© David Gill, 2013

Yesterday we spotted a Norfolk Hawker at Carlton Marshes. Note the distinctive green eyes and the 'yellowish triangle' on one of the abdomen segments.

Burnet Moths at Carlton Marshes

Burnet Moths at Carlton Marshes
© David Gill, 2013

Yesterday we spotted numerous pairs of Burnet moths in the meadow at Carlton Marshes.

Bitterns at Minsmere

Bittern at Minsmere
© David Gill, 2013

I was thrilled to see two separate bitterns at Minsmere this afternoon. We had heard them before ... but never caught sight of them.

Swansea over Oulton Broad

© David Gill

A pair of swans crossed above us at Oulton Broad.

Lizards at Minsmere

© David Gill

The (late) May sunshine brought out the lizards at Minsmere.

Arger Fen Bluebells

Arger Fen © David Gill

The carpets of bluebells in Arger Fen (owned by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust) were magnificent today. There was also a cuckoo calling out among the trees.

Norfolk Cranes

Cranes over the Broads © David Gill

It was a thrill to see nine cranes flying together over NWT reserve on the Norfolk Broads earlier this weekend.

Reeds in the sun

Minsmere © David Gill

The sun shone at Minsmere this afternoon. There was plenty to see especially some marsh harriers criss-crossing the reed-beds and two goldcrests. It began to feel like Spring had arrived.