Lynchcombe Steps
Lynchcombe is slowly waking up to spring. The hawthorn is beginning to blossom and a few Early-purple orchids are starting to flower.
Flowering hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Early-purples
The Early-purple orchids (Orchis mascula) are mainly found in the combe under the trees. These are in the shade and a yet to appear. A few are growing in the open and are now just a few inches tall. There are being nibbled by sheep and may not last long.
Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula)
Bee-flies
It was good to see a couple of Bee-flies buzzing around. I wish they would stop occasionally so I can take their picture. I followed one, and when I knew its plan I waited at a flower I hoped it would visit next.
I have a love-hate relationship with bee-flies. I have many fond memories photographing them with my son. They are also a great looking insect with lots of character. I hate them because they are so unpredictable and hard to photograph. Its difficult to get their heads sharp when my camera’s focus tracking prefers their big furry bodies and spiky legs.
Bee-fly (Bombyliidae) on Lynchcombe
Dead-nettles hugging the grown on Lynchcombe
Butterfly Transect
Doing the butterfly transect I only saw two butterflies – one peacock and the other an orange-tip.
Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamons) from 2008
And finally…
Walking back to the car park at deerleap. The views over Lynchcombe are some of the best in Somerset.
Chalcroft Hill from Deerleap
