Sunday, 1 July 2012

Etton Pits Saturday 30 June

There were five black tailed godwits in full breeding plumage at the pits this afternoon, but I could only find 4 green sandpiper as well as two tern chicks on the new raft and one on the new raft.  A male sparrowhawk also flew over.

 

The bee orchid story is interesting.  David Cowcill found a couple over the winter and protected them against rabbit grazing with wire mesh. As it turns out there seem to be several dozen at least right around the site – an amazingly rapid colonisation!  The pyramidal orchids are also spreading from their main base in the north-west corner.

 

Richard

 

6 green sandpipers, 1 buzzard, 1 kite

Flowers:  2 bee orchids 50 yards from the main entrance gate in the rough grass of the track.  This is the first time I have seen orchids at this spot though I have seen pyramid orchids on the far side of the pit near the quarry road a few years ago.  Has anyone else spotted bee orchids here?

 

 

Malc, Chris and Maizie

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