RXwildlife Sightings

Two interesting plants photographed yesterday in Brede Valley - Southern Marsh Orchid, of which there were about 25 flowering spikes growing in their usual spot; and Greater Broomrape, of which there were 9 flowering spikes (still in bud apart from 2 chewed off by rabbits!), found recently at a new location. Broomrapes contain no chlorophyll and instead tap into the roots of their host plant (in this case Broom) to obtain most of their nutrients. Hence this species is your actual Broomrape!
Ralph Hobbs

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Buzzard and Hobby today at Ludley Hill, and a Hawfinch calling at the W end of Starvecrow Lane, where a pair of Marsh Tits were feeding young.

Along Hayes Lane, Spotted Flycatchers found at three gardens,suggesting that they are widespread in the area, and Hornets seen in two places.

In a small area of the wood E of Gate Cottage, 2 Nightingales, 2 Garden Warblers and 4 Turtle Doves singing.

At the pond W of Hundred House Bridge, 4prs of Coot, 2prs of Little Grebe, 4 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese with 8 young between them and a Reed Warbler singing in Reedmace

I found this Green Tortoise Beetle (Cassida viridis) at Castle Water, it is one of twelve species that occur in Britian.They all  have a flat, wide body beneath which they can retract their legs, head and antennae. These beetles can be very hard to see when they are pulled down tightly against a leaf.