four orchids and a fun day

heath spotted orchid in a field full of yellow rattle. The sky really was an amazing vivid blue (see top left corner). One of four species of orchid we found this morning, of which more later, plus other excitement!

and the yellow or flag iris

and another denizen of damp, shady places, the flag or yellow iris.

wild columbine

the genuine wild columbine (aquilegia vulgaris), growing in a damp shady wood. Usually if you find an aquliegia it is a garden escapee. The flower is mysteriously complicated and exotic, with five long nectar horns

May is out

the hawthorn is out, so out with the clowts/clouts (see link). Classic lane view as well.

more yellow things

the top picture shows the speckled yellow moth, quite common at this time of year, and below the speckled black ... unable to fly far but looking increasingly moth eaten.

buttercup flyby

in one of the last markers of the full arrival of Spring the martins are back, and nesting under the eaves of our house, and whizzing about in the field next door which is covered in buttercups. It is always a great relief to see them, and feel the blood pumping through the veins of Nature.