2013 Site PV Dactylorfest MkII

[fredg]

Very late in the season but we decided to take a trip to Site PV to catch the tail end of the flowers.
It was a bit of a surprise to find so many Orchids were in full bloom. Massive swathes of them were everywhere in the shadier parts. Out in the full sun flowering was over.
I'm identifying all there as Dactylorhiza fuchsii even with all the different inflorescence shapes and patterns.
Please excuse my indulgence.

First a small idea of the kind of groups and stands on the site.

[fredg]

Now some individuals :-

[fredg]

A few more :-

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More yet :-

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Even more :-

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And more :-

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Nearly there :-

[fredg]

Sprint finish :-

[fredg]

Finishing line is there :-

[Maggi Young]

Dear me, Fred, you don't want to be sprinting in this weather - you'll do yourself a mischief.

Again we see the variations through your meticulous photo report.   

I'd offer a choc ice to the person who picks out the one I like best - but sadly I've already eaten it.  Anyway , I think each has its own charm, so a choice would be impossible - but the record of the variation is still superb.

[Maren]

Fantastic site and superb photos, I am drooling... ;)not a pretty sight.

[fredg]

Thank you for the compliments ladies. I have never seen the site with so many swathes of orchids, it may be because I've not been there so late or it's an exceptional year for orchids.
Maren, so glad you like the photos, I still use the sub £100 camera for field work.