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 .
3 comments:
Hi Greenie
Sounds like you made the most of a bad day! I know the location of the orchids you mentioned and though how fantastic it would be to get all 3 orchids in one shot (if only I'd had my camera) but you did an excellent job!
Also belated thanks for ID advice on Brown Argus/Blue I saw last Sunday. Cheers.
Adam
well done greenie, the weather can't stop you can it! enjoy the rest of the spring!!
Lovely stuff Greenie and your previous post too. I thought the Houndstongue was interesting and don't recall having ever seen it. I loved all the photos too.
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