Radipole Lake's Beautiful Brown Bee Orchids 2017

Yes, the Brown Bee Orchids are back for their 9th year!  In true fickle Bee Orchids style they have decided to move to a new location on the reserve.  The good news is they are much closer to the Discovery Centre. This year we have 2 Brown Bee Orchid variants.  The photo on the left shows one of the plants has blooms where the lower lip is brown, the other plant has blooms where there is some coloration on the top part of the lip. Neither plants has any of the usual yellow on the lower lip.  You can see the variations quite clearly.  

The photo on the left shows, both the Brown Bee Orchids are growing quite close to each other, only a few inches apart.  The plants are quite tall this year with several buds to come into flower so the they should be in flower for the next couple of weeks.  A lovely group of 5 typical Bee Orchids have been found on the path from the kingfisher gate to the viewing shelter. Though the group is close together, they are not close enough to get into one snap.  These plants are also tall with buds yet to flower so should be with us for a while.

This morning's Southern Marsh Orchid count is now 36 flowers.  Some are now going past their best but many are still at their peak. The majority are on the path going down to the Viewing Shelter.

If you would like to see our Orchids, pop into the Discovery Centre.  Staff and Volunteers will be happy to show you the locations on the reserve map on the wall.

Whilst on my orchid and plant hunt this morning, the reedbeds are still alive with Cetti's, Sedge and Reed Warblers.  House Martins and Swifts have been whizzing through the air catching insects on the wing over the lake in front of the Discovery Centre.  The Marsh Harrier, Little Egret and Grey Herons have been around.  It's a bit breezy today but Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral butterflies have been out and about.  I noticed our Duck Feeding Platform had turned into a Duck Dormitory with our sleepy Mallards having a quiet afternoon snooze in the sun.

For all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches and snacks available.