Painted lady butterfly on yellow wild flowers

May Wildlife Highlights

Discover Conservation Officer Sophie’s May wildlife highlights, including nesting birds, rare sightings, butterflies and more.

Bird news:

  • Common Terns – nesting on the rafts on Overton Lake, approximately 12 nests at the moment
  • Great Crested Grebe – on Overton Lake have chicks – little black & white spotty ones, riding on the backs of the adults
  • Mandarin Duck – spotted on Ham Mere, from Teal Hide
  • Nightingale – been vocal both from Bluebell Wood and occasionally near Ham Mere
  • Common Sandpiper – at Thorpe Meadows and a couple of locations at Ferry Meadows
  • Grey Wagtail – had 4 young around Bluebell Wood

Other sightings:

  • Smooth Newts – really liking the pond in the World Garden, near the Visitor Centre. Stand and have a watch for them surfacing for air next time you’re passing
  • Green Hairstreak Butterfly – found in the usual spot near Lynch Bridge, and also a new location near the Gunwade Lake viewing platform
  • Roe Deer – the little herd around Ferry Meadows now has 2 fawns
  • Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly – a species that is rapidly expanding its range, was spotted on Ham Mere this week
  • Painted Lady Butterfly – a migrant species, that numbers vary year on year. This year seems to be a very good year, so keep an eye out for them around the Park

If you spot any exciting sightings during your next visit, pop into the Visitor Centre and let our team know, or email us at visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

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