Bellardia trixago

801_9772 [Bellardia trixago]

 

This week the Greek Orthodox Church are celebrating the Great Event that took place on Golgotha 2,000 years ago, namely, Jesus Christ’s Passion and subsequent Resurrection.

 

The shooting angle adopted in the picture above was chosen because the flower, when it was looked at from above, it looked like a cross and referred me to that Great Event. 

 

 “Χρόνια Πολλά” και “Καλό Πάσχα” to anyone celebrating the Great Event! 

 

 Photographed at Schinias on May 09, 2015

 

 

Ophrys ferrum-equinum

803_8336 [Ophrys ferrum-equinum]

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on Apri 3, 2021

 

 

Orchis italica

801_3329 [Orchis italica]

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on March 24, 2014 

 

 

803_8352 [Orchis italica]

 Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 03, 2021

 

This species of orchid is native, widespread and common throughout the Mediterranean countries. It can reach about 30 cm in height and is found solitary or in small colonies from April to May.

 

The Orchid family [Orchidaceae] to which it belongs is the second largest family of flowering plants and counts 18.000 members!

 

[Between you and me, according to my records, so far, I have photographed about 100 species.

If my math is correct, there are only 17.900 left to go! There is no reason for me not to be optimistic! Right?]

Neotinea maculata

803_8322 [Neotinea maculata]

 

This quite common wild orchid can be found almost in any part of Greece. Sometimes in large populations.

However, contrary to what I would wish, the plant above was solitary and only my second time I have ever seen this orchid in the field!

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 3, 2021

 

Please click on the picture for a better view.

Delichon urbicum

304_5205 [Delichon urbicum]

 

I love these little birds [12-13 cm]. Probably because their arrival in my country is asssociated with Spring, my favorite season.

 

Bird books report that every year Delichons leave South Africa and fly for more than 10.000 km over the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean Sea to reach southern Europe at Spring time where they can enjoy favorable Spring weather conditions. Unfortunately, due to peculiar circumstances this year, I haven’t seen them around yet but I am sure they have come and have already started collecting mud to build their nests on house-walls in urban areas.

 

 

304_5208 [Delichon urbicum]

 

A Delichon at work: collecting mud for the nest.

 

Photographed at Oropos on April 06, 2015