The Fun Begins

[marlunn]

The wild orchids are out now - I had a head start in south west France a couple of weeks ago with false spider and a few other Ophyrs specie - but back in the Uk now and first off the block is the early Purple orchid Orchis Mascula, they are variable and while the majority have spotted leaves - some dont and some the rabbits eat so you cant tell ! Next should be the green winged, Orchis morio, we shall see as this year is a bit all over the place at the moment for flowering.

[Shadowman]

Nice shots.

[Barbara Ponder]

Lovely!

[vaez]

2 image is better

[Geoff F]

The Early Purples are just starting to appear at one site here. Took my first photo of one today.

[marlunn]

Cheers John,

Thank you Barbara,

Thanks Vaez,

Feel free to put it up here Geoff, I was spoilt in France multiple sub specie of Ophrys and Orchis already in flower, was happy to see lots of the Early Purples at Kenfig, but now keen to get Green Winged, Twayblades and Bee orchids to really get the season going

[Geoff F]

Here is my first Early Purple, Mark. A rather difficult position among foliage at the base of a hedge and beside a gate



Will see if I can find some others in more open ground. The leaves are showing but no flower spikes yet.

We get Twayblades at this site and a few Broad-leaved Helleborine.

[marlunn]

Ah very nice Geoff, I was looking for Twayblades at Kenfig but could not find them on the day this time, I have a fairly long list or Orchids for there from a few years ago including Fen orchid. Will have to try to improve on it this year

[IzzieK]

Both very nice shots, guys. Very crispy.