Devil’s Dyke Disaster

Decided to go walk along Devil’s Dyke to see what chalk butterflies and flowers I could find and photograph and to see if there were any Lizard Orchids still out. I timed it to arrive at Newmarket racecourse mid afternoon so as to catch a bit of the quality racing that was on offer. It started off well, and a few plant species were noted, as well as Common Heath Moth, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, and Small Heath, but an there was an ominous rumbling of thunder close by.

Just as I got the camera out to begin some photography, the skies darkened, there was an almighty clash of thunder, and the heavens opened. The footpath turned into a stream as I tried to shelter, I was soaked to the bone, and at times it was actually quite scary with the lightening very close.

The storm passed, but the rain continued to pour, but as I was already wet, I decided to carry on. I arrived at the racecourse to watch the 2:55 and find a few Pyramidal Orchids, but gave up my on any photography as I was beginning to shiver in my wet clothes. I arrived back at the car an hour later just as the sun was came out. But I went home (with no photographs)!

Fowlmere

A mid-afternoon walk around Fowlmere, mainly for Dragonflies. Usual species seen, and first records of the year for Large and Small Skippers. The best Dragonfly appeared later in the garden: A Brown Hawker.

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

One in the garden very briefly this afternoon!

Orchid Mystery Solved!

The “Helleborine” at Therfield Heath turned out to be a Bee Orchid. Not seen them growing in Beech Woodland before!

Helleborine

Went to Therefield to check on a couple of Helleborine plants I found the other day that looked remarkably like Sword-leaved Helleborine. Unfortunately one of the plants was now broken and they were still not in flower. I need to return again, but took several photos…

 

 

The White Helleborines have gone over completely now.

Little Owl

A Little Owl was calling very close to the garden near to midnight. Not seen unfortunately.

Spectacled Warbler

An afternoon on the north Norfolk coast with Michelle (no children!) Spent the first couple of hours walking to the sea front from Burnham Overy to see the Spectacled Warbler. Performed very nicely.
Then did some things that Michelle wanted to do (Burnham Market etc.) before ending up going for a nice late afternoon to early evening walk along Holkham Pines. Michelle seemed to like the breeding Little Terns. Finished just before a big storm arrived.

 

Little Egret and Blue Tits

A Little Egret was seen from the train near Cambridge flying south-west towards home this morning. Blue Tits in the garden have fledged and been feeding on the feeders. That’s it.