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Tales of Frogs, Lizards and Butterflies

  • Date: 21/07/2021
  • Category: General

Speaking as a birder, Summer in an inland County can often feel very long and drawn out. That flush of Spring excitement that see’s flurries of new species arriving from far afield and setting up territory, to a backdrop of song and new green growth seems a distant memory and the promise of Autumn with its big flocks, chance of rarities and changing cast seems frustratingly far away.

So what do birders do when the birds aren’t playing ball? Find something else to obsess about of course! Many birders turn to other aspects of nature in the Summer months with Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies and wildflowers all proving a popular distraction but for me it’s the allure of Orchids that I find most compelling.

Greater Butterfly Orchid – A real stunner!

It’s a ‘hobby’ that’s crept up on me over the last few years and this Summer I have had some wonderful views of these most enigmatic and characterful plants. Derbyshire is blessed with many different species of Orchid – from the Early Purple Orchids that carpet the sides of several of our Limestone dales to Derby’s wonderful display of urban Bee Orchids at Pride Park. In all I have managed to see 13 species so far this year, 4 were ‘life’ ticks and all but two of the 13 were in Derbyshire. Here’s a few of my favourites:
Pyramidal Orchid
A sweet looking, pretty pink Orchid that appeared in good numbers at a local nature reserve (Darley and Nutwood NR) in Derby this year. Despite their being c80 spikes it took us well over an hour (and the help of a phone a friend) to find the colony! It was well worth it for these stunners though!

Pyramidal Orchid – not bad for an Urban site!

Lizard Orchid

An Orchid twitch just outside the County to a well known road verge in North West Leicestershire to see little and large versions of this strikingly, strange plant. The main plant standing not far off a metre tall was a real sight, the long twisted central lobes of the flowers sticking down like a lizards tail, whilst the shorter side lobes form it’s legs. This pungent plant relies on solitary bees and night flying moths for it pollination.

Lizard Orchid – so that’s what’s meant by Megaflora!

Greater Butterfly Orchid
There are Orchids and then there are Orchids! Another out of County trip, this time to the fantastic RSPB Coombes Valley in neighbouring Staffordshire where there was a breath taking display of these Orchids in the meadow next to the visitor centre. These beautiful white plants of pollinated by night flying Hawk Moth that visit for its sticky sweet viscidia. I’d recommend a visit to this fabulous woodland site at anytime but late June is the time for Greater Butterfly Orchid!
Frog Orchid

My new favourite Orchid! Not colourful (in fact it comes in two different colour forms – red or green – depending on how much sunlight it receives) or showy but strangely captivating and quite a    job to find! These miniature orchids are pollinated by Ichneumon Wasps and small beetles but it’s hard to see where it gets its Frog moniker from. At a push the split bottom lip of the flower could be as a Frog’s hind legs pushing it up into a leap, well maybe if you squint a bit! 😉

Frog Orchid – understated yet fantastic!

As my orchid Summer starts to draw to a close I’m already starting to plan for next year, so if you fancy joining me on one of my orchid rambles then why not get in touch.

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L Breakwell - Nottingham.
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"Thoroughly enjoyed two fantastic nature walks with Antony in September 2020. Loved our walk on the Eastern Moors spotting moorland birds and lots and lots of red deer, just starting their rut. Our second walk was an early morning exploration of the very different habitat of the Derwent river and Cromford Canal. Spent ages watching a beautiful pair of dippers dabbling in the river, a streaking Kingfisher and tons of little Grebe diving in the clear water. Antony was an absolutely brilliant guide. He has amazing knowledge about every single species of bird, mammal and lots of plants across the Peak District and knows exactly where to find them. He has such a friendly and welcoming manner that you never feel you're not 'expert' enough and he patiently answers every question. I would thoroughly recommend a nature walk with Antony to get to know the Peak District through the eyes of a wildlife fan! Very best wishes and see you next spring!"
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