Not long been back from Estonia where I did two back to back trips with clients. The trips were designed to search for orchids for three days followed by 4 days looking for mammals and birds. We put a lot effort in, often at night but then it does not really get dark at this time of year.
Both trips were amazing and some of the orchids that are either rare or don't occur in the UK, or at least Kent, can be found below. Also a few Brown Bear shots. I hope to repeat this tour in 2015 so if you are interested in this, register your name early. Places will be limited and the flower window is short. They are one week tours covering the west including some of the islands, central and NE Estonia for bears.
Early Marsh Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Lady's Slipper Orchid
Ruthe Orchid
Fen Orchid
Sword-leaved Helleborine
Dark Red Helleborine
Red Helleborine
Baltic Orchid
These are just a few. The complete list seen comprises of the following:
Lady's Slipper, Marsh, Dark Red, Red, Small-flowered, Sword-leaved and Broad-leaved Helleborines, Bird'd Nest, Twayblade, Lesser Twayblade, Greater and Lesser Butterfly, Fragrant, Southern Marsh, Baltic, Early Marsh, Flecked Marsh (cruenta), Ruthe, Common and Heath Spotted, Early Purple, Military, Fly, and Fen Orchid. 24 species in 3 days. Quite a list and of most species plenty of specimens. It really is a great country for orchid lovers.
Raccoon Dog
Brown Bears
A four year old male and two cubs were seen on the second tour and a female on the first visit. Unfortunately the light had gone to make photography possible for the latter. Other major mammals included Elk (Moose), Pine Marten , Eurasian Beaver and Siberian Flying Squirrel.
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