Ashridge Chalkhill Orchids (Pt 3 and final)

The third and final part of Orchids discovered on Ivinghoe Beacon and Steps Hill during the summers of 2010 and 2011.

Pyramid Orchid bud

In full flower. The Pyramidal Orchid was fairly common in both summers
The rare Frog Orchid. Two plants discovered in the summer of 2010.

Difficult to spot being green

A detail of the individual flowers

Disappointing to find no sign of them in 2011. Lets hope for 2012.

Currently Experiencing Picture Upload Problems

Since uploading a Microsoft Explorer update, I have been unable to upload any photos. Not good for a Photo blog! Hopefully normal service will be resumed soon...

Et pour mes amis francais .... Depuis telechargeant une mise a jour Microsoft Explorer, Je n'ai pas pu telecharger les photos. Pas terrible pour un blog photo! Esperons que le service normal repondra bientot.

Pardonnez mon Francais

Winter birds at Startops Reservoir Tring

More photographs from the freezing cold Saturday last weekend

Swans taking exercise

A ringed Robin taking advantage of some seeds left in the hide....

....and a ringed female Reed Bunting in the bushes outside.

Weekend Snow and Ice

Snow on Thursday night and the coldest night of the winter on Friday left the snow on Saturday crisp.

Marsworth Reservoir

Icicles hanging from roof

A frozen drop on a branch
Crisp snow, Steps Hill

Detail of ice crystals on the surface of the snow

Summer Damselflies

The stunning metalic colours of the Banded Demoiselle photographed on the Aylesbury Arm Canal in June 2010

Female

Closer
Male

Snow on the Ashridge Estate

A visit to the Ashridge Estate following snow overnight on Saturday.

Beech trees disappearing in the mist

The hoof of a dead Fallow Deer doe buried in the snow on Steps Hill
Posts in the snow

Conifers in the snow

A lone walker on a forest path

Ashridge Chalkhill Orchids (pt 2)

Another two species from last summer found around Ivinghoe Beacon and Steps Hill

The Common Spotted Orchid

Beautiful colours.......
.....complimented by a jewel like beetle (Oedemera Noblis male)

Easily missed, the Common Twayblade Orchid, with its light green flowers on its single spike....

.....The detail of the flowers hide a secret, little green men.