18th June 2025 - midday sun

Today was a heatwave and my thermometer registered 30 degrees in Mulbarton, Norfolk.

Waves of glorious perfume filled my nostrils from an unknown plant nearby as I walked, the first time I've experienced such smells in the middle of the meadow grass.

As I passed the woodland there were bouncing flashes of white as the rabbits retreated back into the safety of the trees.

Meadow Brown Butterflies were everywhere on the Common. If you stand still and look around, the meadow and hedgerows are teaming with life.

Meadow Salsify have exploded into life (also known as Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon which is wonderful). Last week, I spotted only one but this week they are everywhere I look.

The trees on the South side of the Common are currently home to Green Finches and Coal Tits, though I haven't yet seen them, only heard their songs.

The sun was almost unbearable but my desire to visit the Pond on the North side of the Common meant I pushed on. There was a Blackbird sounding the alarm as I walked past, his chunky repetitive notes punctuated by explosive flutey crescendo.

I tried in vain to take a good photograph of a Meadow Brown but they are flighty and fast creatures who were very aware of my presence, in contrast to the bees who couldn't care less about me being there. There were also lots of crickets today in the long grass, that I also failed to spot but enjoyed listening to.

Meadow Brown Butterfly, Mulbarton Common, Norfolk