Monday 18th.May 2009

On a tip from John/Go Wild in Kent , I headed off to a wooded site , hoping to see for the very first time for me , Lesser Butterfly Orchid . On the way , the rain 'that would pass through by 0900' according to the weather forecasters , was still coming down like stair rods . By the time I arrived on site , it was easing off , but the sloping site was like a black run on a ski slope , and had to be treated carefully . Never having been to the site before I started wandering about , and within a few minutes , saw , what I hoped was a Lesser Butterfly Orchid . As it happened , it was close to a Lady (front left and a Fly Orchid (small , just left and forward of the white Lesser Butterfly Orchid) . I got a glass out , and had a look at the throat of the flower , and sure enough , the two pollinia were parallel and close together , it was truly a Lesser . I would like to think how many flowers I have looked at over the years , and the pollinia have been at an angle to each other , making each one a Greater Butterfly Orchid . Apart from that , the plants are very , very similar . I was then able to wander around and see what else was about . The Early Purples were well passed their sell by date , but were most numerous with a count of 53 . Lady came second with 28 , and lots of headless plants , probably the rabbits . Just 3 Fly Orchids were found , one well gone over , and loads of Common Twayblades , growing tall in the woodland situation . Another interesting plant found was Houndstongue , a member of the Borage family . I have seen it once before up on Mt.Caburn , near Glynde in Sussex , whilst looking for Burnt Tip Orchids . The book says it is found on grassy places and dunes , but there is a rarer relation Green Houndstongue , that is found in woods and shady places . Although near a busy road , Blackcap , Chiffchaff , and Great and Blue Tit were all singing . Just two butterflies were seen , a male and female Green Veined White . Once again , he had intentions and she told him where to put them , and off he flew . On an Ash log , lying on the ground , was this fungi , going by the name of Dryad's Saddle or Scaly Polypore-Polyporus squamosus , the size of a dinner plate as the 35mm. film cannister shows . I made my way back to the car , a happy person , thanks to John .

I had to make a pick up in Canterbury at three o'clock , so with time to spare , I headed for Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey . For those who know the site , not the best of places on a windy day like today , but I just slowly made my way along the track , and the best thing I can do is to list what I came across .

One of a pair of Redshank with 3 young , that I only got glimpses of in the long grass .
Little Egret dashing about , looking for lunch .
One of many Lapwing facing into the strong wind .
Oystercatcher on nest .
Most ditches were ablaze with Common Water Crowfoot .
On the track , a Meadow Pipit posed for a shot .

Returning down the track , a pair of Grey Partridge , came towards me . I turned off the engine and waited . They came so far , then stopped . I got lots of shots , then decided to break the impass . I started the car and moved up to where they were on the trackside . He , on the right ,

and she , on the left , just sat and let me take shots , until a car coming in meant I had to move .

A Pied Wagtail , busily chasing after insects .

An early view of one of Warren's roast dinners of the future .

Sorry Warren , couldn't resist this one .

A young Rabbit had found shelter .

Good numbers of Yellow Wagtails along the track .One of three Red Legged Partridges seen .
Full bird list was , BH.Gull ,Pheasant ,Redshank , Cuckoo , Yellow Wagtail , Robin , Marsh Harrier (M) ,Skylark , Lapwing ,Carrion Crow , Magpie , Oystercatcher , Rook , Shellduck ,Reed Bunting , Heron , Gn.Woodpecker , Lt.Grebe , RLPartridge , Swallow , Starling ,Swift , Lt.Egret , Jackdaw , Coot , Mute Swan , Grey Partridge , LBBGull , Meadow Pipit , Pied Wagtail , Mallard , House Sparrow , Blackbird and Gadwall . And that was without getting out of the car .