Cotswold Orchids and a Garden Hobby

Monday 7th - Tuesday 15th May 2018

Sword-leaved Helleborine, Cephalanthera longifolia

Recently I have caught up with Fly Orchids and Sword-leaved Helleborines in the Cotswolds, the latter being a threatened and particularly scarce species in the UK. I have only previously seen Sword-leaved Helleborine, also known as Narrow-leaved Helleborine, in Switzerland, where it more common. Fly Orchid, a close relative of the Bee Orchid, are more widespread but with a localised distribution and not one I have seen before. Both are exquisitely beautiful and very special plants.


Fly Orchid, Ophrys insectifera
 
 

 

On 7th I had a Hobby fly over the garden and managed a couple of hurried record shots of this garden tick. A Coal Tit was a surprise garden visitor on 15th as I haven't seen one in the garden since the early spring.

Flyover garden Hobby, 7th May

Coal Tit, garden, 15th May

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