For once, a work site visit to Altcar Rifle Range coincided with the blooming of the stunning colony of Green Winged Orchids there today.
Absolutely incredible plants - you could see the purple haze (sorry Jimi) of about 1,000 flower spikes a good 400m away as we walked to the site on the ranges.
FIrst time I've ever managed to see 'em - other visits have always been too late in the summer.
I was surprised by the variety in colour, from a lustrous purple to bright white as they shook in the stiff easterly breeze and light rain.
Just a shame they don't occur elsewhere on the coast, but like all orchids, they are picky about the soil or sand they grow in.
Although pollinated by bees, there was none of that going on today in the cool conditions.
An early flowering orchid, many are going over already, but there were plenty to enjoy all the same during our brief visit.
What right-minded bee could resist that?
As ever, thanks to all the range staff for their hospitality and assistance.
Kinda quiet birdwise today, but Swifts still moving and good numbers of Wheatears on the Green Beach later in the afternoon.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Is there anywhere these can be seen if you are not visiting the range, John? My wife would love to see them.
Impromptu visit to Plex yesterday (Saturday) so shamefully without my bins.
Despite the ploughing going on, there were lots of Lapwing and Crows including the hooded guy from near Getterns farm; distant Wheatear as well.
Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer singing away around the Plex Brow "lake". Swallows, Coal Tits and Great Spotted Woodpecker around Aughton, too.
Sorry Jim, the ranges are the only (very private) site for Green Winged Orchid on our coastline.
Occasionally public visits with various conservation bodies are organised, so watch the local press from mid-April next year!
If I hear of one, I'll stick details on the blog.
If you can't wait, the orchid can also be found in North Wales and near Silverdale (check out Harrop's orchid field/site guide), but the flower spikes will be going over for the year in the next week or so up north.
The male Montagu's Harrier flew over Hesketh Out Marsh out onto the NNR at Banks at 07.45 today.
Thanks John
I'm off on Wednesday to Skye for a couple of days and then the Uists for 2 weeks.
If these old eyes and my crap camera see anything interesting I'll let you know.