I joined one of our dedicated nest monitors in the woods today to get up to speed on what’s happening in the secret lives of birds. Although the weather was overcast and wet, the sights and sounds in the woods were impressive, as always. Everything green appears to have bloomed in the last few days with the recent rainfall, and it must be said, the nest boxes are significantly more difficult to find! All is progressing very well with a number of nests with small chicks and females incubating eggs.
Phew we found it – Sara checks in on some growing chicks in box 95. Photo: Jen Lynch
There is always a lot to see in the woods, and if you look closely, there are some splashes of colour in the woods, especially in the wetter damper parts. Today we spotted some some Early purple orchids (Tyndakset Gøgeurt, Orchis mascula) in bloom right. [I’m not an orchid/flower expert, and will gladly accept comments or suggestions with relation to identification]. Although I knew orchids grew in the woods, it’s always a nice surprise to stumble across them during a bird walk or nest box check. Walking in the woods, there is a lot to take in, from bird song to wild flowers and mammals, sometimes the smaller things are missed!
Early purple orchid (Tyndakset Gøgeurt) in bloom in the woods close to SDU (excuse the poor quality photo). Photo: Jen Lynch
There are 35 species of orchid in Denmark (depending on classification) and all species are protected. The Early purple orchid is found across Denmark, but only in a small number of places. Key ID featuers include the dark purple spots on the leaves, which are arranged lengthwise and the flowers smell of tomcat piss, believe it or not! To find out more about the distribution in Denmark and to see some better pictures, visit Danmarks Fugle og Natur andDK-orkiderer. For information in English visit this link.
Early purple orchid distribution in Denmark from 1950 – 2014. Source: Danmarks Fugle og Natur http://www.fugleognatur.dk
