Snippets of Wealth - Saturday 3rd August 2019 - Westmorlandii

Today seemed to be mainly about butterflies and one particular orchid.

The butterflies today included: Speckled Wood x2, Peacock x2, Meadow Brown x8, Painted Lady x3, Large White x2, Grayling x19

The birds included a couple of Willow Warblers that were in full song although rather subdued, but what a pleasure to hear them in song like this, you usually just receive their "hou-whit" contact call at this time of year. Also the Nuthatch are getting noisy again.

My main purpose this morning was to check out the fabulous Epipactis orchid which for now I have called "Westmorlandii No.2" although it is much debateable it could well be a very rare Phyllanthes and I guess time will tell.  Here are some current photos showing the plant.

Photo: taken 3rd August 2019 - Hutton Roof

Photo: taken 3rd August 2019 - Hutton Roof

Photo: taken 3rd August 2019 - Hutton Roof

Photo: taken 3rd August 2019 - Hutton Roof

If you do want to check out the history of this rare orchid please click on the following link:-

https://epipactisatrorubens.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-very-unusual-helleborine.html

Also for anyone interested in our local Burton Swifts, here are the numbers still with us this morning (Sunday)

Sunday 4th August 2019

(0800hrs) At least 20 Swifts still with us at all low points between Kings and Memorial Hall

Saturday 3rd August 2019

(2100hrs) At least 20 Swifts flying above Memorial Hall and Neddy Hill
(0900hrs) 17 minimum Swifts flying in the skies above the Royal to the Kings with occasional Memorial Hall/Neddy Hill

Friday 2nd August 2019

(2100hrs) Still 30 Swifts over Memorial Hall and down towards Neddy Hill. 
(0900hrs) I had 30 Swifts over Memorial Hall.

also Jane reported 20-30 in screaming party between Cocking Yard and Memorial Hall.