The view as you go through the gate into the original Reserve of what must be thousands of
Green-winged Orchids is breathtaking . Mainly purple , but I did find a couple of white
The name Green-winged , comes from the green veins on the 'wings' , either side of the hood of each flower , as can be seen in the last but one close up shot . Naturally , the green veins show up much better on the lighter coloured flowers . Also found on the site , are large numbers of
Adderstongue/Ophioglossum vulgatum , a member of the Fern family . They always look to me like small specimens of Lords and Ladies , with that spathe -like frond at the back , and their spadix-like spike of spores to the front .
Having seen just one butterfly at a windy Dungeness , my first Small Copper of the year , the
Reserve provided another 10/15 specimens , all of which were in pristine condition , and very 
colourful in the late afternoon sunshine . One wet corner of the field held large numbers of 
St.Mark's Fly , and they were good use of the conditions as well .
The name Green-winged , comes from the green veins on the 'wings' , either side of the hood of each flower , as can be seen in the last but one close up shot . Naturally , the green veins show up much better on the lighter coloured flowers . Also found on the site , are large numbers of
Adderstongue/Ophioglossum vulgatum , a member of the Fern family . They always look to me like small specimens of Lords and Ladies , with that spathe -like frond at the back , and their spadix-like spike of spores to the front .Having seen just one butterfly at a windy Dungeness , my first Small Copper of the year , the
Reserve provided another 10/15 specimens , all of which were in pristine condition , and very colourful in the late afternoon sunshine . One wet corner of the field held large numbers of St.Mark's Fly , and they were good use of the conditions as well .In previous years when visiting the site , I have had Cuckoo , Turtle Dove and Reed Warbler , together with a carpet of Water Violet on the small pond , but unfortunately , I didn't manage to record any of those species on this visit .
4 comments:
Sounds like a magical place Greenie, great photo's today. Enjoy the weather - not!
It sounds a real treat! Lovely photos, Greenie. what beautiful flowers they are. I'm not very up on Orchids but I found somewhere last year (too late for flowers) which is apparently rich in them and this post has reminded me that I promised myself a return visit, I feel a visit coming on very soon :)
Haven't seen a Green-winged so far this year, and never a white one. Superb pics.
It's been drizzling all day here on the IoW too, but just now there's a blackbird singing through it wonderfully.
I've been looking for the Green Veined Orchid for years but I haven't had any success up to now.You've given me new inspiration.
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