29th June 2014

Weather: NE 3, 5/8 cloud, exceptional vis with Black Combe visible (in the South West corner of the Lake District NP)

The last day of coverage for June did not disappoint with an exceptional record for the island ... an Orchid was found growing in one of the West Side gardens.

It has been identified as a Common Spotted Orchid - see photos below.

Common Spotted Orchid - July 2014 (photo BSB)

This is the first Orchid to be found on the islands since a Pyramidal Orchid was present on Hilbre in 1979 (photo below by the late John Gittins - founder member of the Obs; from the Obs archive).

Common Spotted Orchid - July 2014 (BSB)

Pyramidal Orchid - 1979 (the late JCG)

Ornithologically it was a fairly quiet day but two juvenile Pied Wagtails, 7 Swallows, a female Common Scoter, a male Kestrel again and two Little Egrets were recorded.

(DB)