afairymind

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Orchid Rescue

Today I rescued some bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) from being mowed. I spotted these beautiful and distinctive little flowers outside work yesterday. With the brown centre that is shaped to look like a bee, they’re one of nature’s great mimics. Sadly, they’re declining in numbers. Each single flower takes the plant up to 8 years to produce. If it is cut too soon, its only chance of producing…

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First Blooms

drawn forth by warm sunrays tender rosebuds unfurl for old friendships rekindled and new friendships that bloom

[afairymind]

Ssh...

Ssh…

It’s Wordless Wednesday.

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At the Water's Edge

At the Water’s Edge

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Bug Life

Bug Life Day 365 of 365 Days Wild

I’ve finally reached day 365 of 365 Days Wild. Yay! For my last day of the challenge to do something out in nature every day, I spent some time yesterday doing a bug hunt in the meadow. There were so many insects, flies and butterflies to be found. I also tried to identify everything that I spotted. These are what I found: 1)Fourteen-spotted Ladybird (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata)…

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Sunset Pinks

On day 363 of 365 Days Wild I watched the sunset over the field behind our house. I particularly loved the pink of the hawthorn blossom against the pink sky. It was a lovely sunset. The cattle are now back in residence. Mostly they seem to stay over the far side of the field, but occasionally I catch a glimpse of them at the barn or close enough to photograph. How have you been connecting with…

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Paths of Dappled Sunlight

Paths of Dappled Sunlight Day 362 of 365 Days Wild

walk on paths of dappled sunlight, where summer’s pinks bloom amidst the dandelions’ great hurrah and the cow parsley froths corridors beneath blue skies: there, take a journey with the season’s steady turning, each step, as each heartbeat, as each turning of the wheel: for within each new flower’s bloom are displayed the possibilities of renewal, as life is emboldened by the…

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Speedwell Array

On day 361 of 365 Days Wild I spotted some new speedwell flowers growing in the grass outside work. These are, I think, Corn Speedwell (Veronica arvensis). Their flowers are far smaller than those of Germander Speedwell, which are also growing nearby. What flowers have you spotted recently? Let me know in the comments below.

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Garden in Bloom

On day 360 of 365 Days Wild I spent some time in the garden, enjoying the late afternoon light on the flowers. The Aquilegia, Alliums, and Irises are the current stars of the show. How have you connected with nature recently?

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Break-time Wildflowers

On day 359 of 365 Days Wild I went searching for wildflowers in the grass outside the play area in which I work. After having had most of the last year off, it’s been a bit of a shock to the system to return to work again. Whilst it’s been nice to see everyone and to actually interact with people again, I’m definitely missing being able to spend so much of my time out of doors. On my break I was…

[afairymind]

On the Lanes

On day 358 of 365 Days Wild I wandered along the local lanes, once again under cloudy skies. The cloud-cover seems to have been a constant lately. The verges are dominated by white flowers at the moment: Greater Stitchwort, White Dead-nettles, Garlic Mustard, Cow Parsley, and Dandelion seed heads. The hedgerows are filled with white Hawthorn blossom. It’s a beautiful sight, even on a dull…

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Beneath Cloudy Skies

On day 357 of 365 Days Wild I walked along newly mown meadow paths beneath cloudy skies. The sky was sullen and overcast, and a strong, chilly wind blew, but I wandered the new paths with a sense that summer was finally growing near. Flowers have started to bloom all around the meadow, and the insect life is thriving. Now all we need is a bit of warmth to bring out the rest. How have you been…

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Bees in Cranesbill

On day 356 of 365 Days Wild I spent some time drawing a bee. The Cranesbill flowers are currently growing quite profusely along the grass verges beside the local lanes, so I collected a handful of sprigs for my bee art. It wasn’t until I looked at them closely that I realized that there are actually two different types of Cranesbill to be found. The larger, brighter pink flowers are, I think,…

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Bee Rescue

Bee Rescue Day 355 of #365DaysWild

On day 355 of 365 Days Wild I rescued a bee from drowning. I spotted it struggling in the water as I approached the pond. I quickly found a stick that was long enough to reach it, which I lowered into the water next to the bee. The bee climbed straight on. Once it was safely back on dry land, I let it climb onto my hand and I carried it round to a nearby hawthorn tree. I left it there, happily…

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Pink Hawthorn

Pink Hawthorn Day 354 of #365DayWild

On day 354 of 365 Days Wild I spent some time with the young pink hawthorn tree behind our fence. It looked particularly lovely with the early evening sun shining through the leaves and onto its petals.

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Of Meadow Flowers and Storm Clouds

On day 343 of 365 Days Wild I wandered down to the meadow to see what was in flower. It’s wonderful to see the familiar summer wildflowers, including red clover and bird’s-foot trefoil, now starting to appear. The Meadow Saxifrage is a welcome newcomer. There were some impressive clouds over the meadow, though the sun occasionally broke through. My outing was brought to an end by a rumble of…

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May Minibeasts

May Minibeasts Day 352 of 365 Days Wild

Common Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata) On day 352 of 365 Days Wild I went on a bug hunt in the meadow, to see what minibeast life can be found amongst the burgeoning growth. Identifications are (hopefully) in the gallery captions. Just click on the gallery to see them. have you been on any big hints recently?