First snake orchids for the season and some beach blues : October 8 2023

Slow starts are becoming a pattern. Getting hard to get motivated. Sun came out - a few chores to be done - charity ride for Kids Cancer to do. Do have a music gig to go to later in the day. Did get on the bike for Kids Cancer

Onion orchids are now flowering. They prosper in grassed areas as long as mower man arrives late enough after seeding happens

Flower is the size of a match head - ID is tough. The guide book only lists 6 - guessing slender onion orchid - microtis parviflora

Short mowed areas also offered up a few other delights - yellow

Pink

Orange - maybe the best photo of the day for a flower the size of a US penny

Double header on patersonia iris

Red bearded orchid closing up shop

Red spider grevillea - always a good colour when the sun sags to the west

Orchid just pushing up the flower spike

Tear drop flower - one of many

Drumsticks flower

Red bearded orchid in repose

The side trail was the main mission to find flying duck orchids. Last week there was one - this time a few - two plants in frame

This one looks a bit bedraggled. Hard to say if it grew like that or got nibbled or both. Looks like both

This is the one that was open last time. Looks like it is closing up shop. I did not touch it - they close when they are touched

The two in the track seen last time has one open and one close to open. Nice to get a side by side photo of both in focus

Low down snake orchid is budding - cymbidium suave. Maybe the high up ones are open

Close by was once a good spot for flying duck orchids that has been a bit dug up. Saw two budding under the grass trees and this one a lot lower where the water flows. Makes a new caleana major spot

The snake orchids higher up the tree were flowering - 3 spots in holes in the scribbly gum tree trunk

Was able to get close enough for a half decent photo

Cymbidium suave is the new opener for the day

Red bearded orchid on the way back - last flower from 4 plants

A few bottlebrush delights - not seen this one before

Some contrasting photos to find what works

Not to be outdone - a mini version in white

And more onion orchid challenge - flowers are not as densely packed

Shape of the labellum is consistent with the other one - microtis parviflora

Ride done and orchid of the day found is new for the season

Music event is a friend playing at The Beach Club in Collarory - great views of Collaroy Beach

Was great to catch up with Kate Lush in such a special spot. While we soaked in her solid blues singing. We could also watch the whales cruising south

Photo from a friend - Kate looked fab and music was great

Dinner: Quick BBQ when we got home

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Cycling, Daily Activity, Gardening, House Chores, Photowalking