Grey Phalarope

Grey Phalarope, Salthouse Little Eye, 8th November 2013

I've not actually seen many showy Grey Phalaropes, so a couple of hours spent with this smart first-winter at Salthouse on Friday morning was most welcome. It spent most of the time in the middle of the pool (c.30m range) but occasionally looped by just a few metres away. The weak late autumn sunshine meant the bird was generally side-lit, so pristine photos were difficult to obtain. Considering this, I'm quite pleased with my results.

They did warn me...

I've been told by a number of people that getting in to orchids can be a dangerous game. As Mr Lowen said to me once, "you think large white-headed gulls are hard? Wait 'til you get in to dacts!". I laughed it off. I'd seen some strange looking creatures down at my dad's old place in Kenfig, and thought I was well prepared for problematic Dactylorhiza-types. Then, while at Holt Country Park in Norfolk over the weekend, this 'thing' appeared in front of me and left me flummoxed:

The plant was in a marshy area at the bottom of the country park's heath area, among many hundreds of Common Spotted Orchids. At a first glance I presumed it to be a Fragrant Orchid due to the lack of spots on the leaves and flowers but, to me, the size (huge) and shape of flowers is not right. The shape and structure is kind of reminiscent of Common Spotted Orchid, but the obvious lack of spots (and the overall flower structure) are not quite there.

So, is it a Fragrant x Common Spotted Orchid? I'd be more than interested in others' thoughts!

Mediterranean Gull

Is there a finer sight than an adult Mediterranean Gull against a rich blue sky with bright sunlight glowing through its primary tips? This was one of two vocal birds that flew over me in Norfolk at the weekend.

Purple Sandpiper, Cley

A few images of this delightfully confiding bird from the Easter weekend.