Well, it has been quite a while since we went orchid hunting. A holiday to celebrate my 60th Birthday was enjoyed from mid-July to yesterday. No orchids included LOL.
So, what better place to see how the season is progressing than to pop out to Helms. We were not disappointed!!
Another school holiday day with the grandkids. We decide to go out and check Monjingup Reserve. First up we check out the reserve on the town side of Telegraph Road. Here we have a picnic lunch and check out the large chess game. It had seen better days.
After a quick look around, we move onto to the Lake part of the reserve. Located on the other side of Telegraph Road. Here we take the boardwalk to the bird hide. As the water level is low the birds were a long way away so could not tell what they were. However, there was a nest in the bird hide, which was a good find. The grandkids decide to play on the lake banks for a bit. Then we continue on the walk trail which goes over the lake via a boardwalk. Here we see some little colourful birds.
Disappointingly only one orchid species was found flowering. The Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is a common widespread orchid which flowers from late April to early September. The are listed as occurring between Perth and Israelite Bay.
To finish the day off with the grandkids we took them to the creek crossing on Quarry Road. Here we attempted to catch some more fish for our outdoor pond. As these are introduced fish to Australia, we are happy to do this as an adventure.
Another wonderful day spent with the grandkids in the great outdoors.
As the grandkids were disappointed with not finding any tadpoles on our last adventure, today we head east. Orchid hunting will again play a secondary role for the day. First stop for the day is our Neridup1 location as it fills up with water during winter. No tadpoles found however the grandkids had fun in the water and also climbing the blue metal pile. I did locate a Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) nearly fully formed. I took some pics for recording purposes. These orchids flower July through September over a range extending between Mt Lindesay and Mt Ragged. The Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) was also found. It flowers from April through September. Its range extends between Perth and Israelite Bay.
Moved onto a random puddle along Scaddan Road. No tadpoles found though we did find some fungi and more Banded greenhoods.
Next, we move onto Dempster Road where we try another roadside puddle. No tadpoles but further Banded greenhoods. This is becoming repetitive.
We need to find a better location on the way home. Otherwise, this will be another lost day concerning tadpoles.
I noticed a spot with water pooled so we turnaround and make one last attempt. Deb and the grandkids explore the shallow but clear water whilst I bush bash for orchids. We break the pattern; I find nothing whilst they catch 3 small tadpoles.
Success.
A successful afternoon for the grandkids in finally catching some tadpoles. Orchids though are proving elusive other than Banded greenhoods which appear everywhere. LOL
School holiday fun with Grandad and Nana… I feel they enjoyed themselves as we certainly did. Life is wonderful in the great outdoors.
What to do with the grandkids on school holidays? Go for a drive out to Helms Arboretum to let them run around and also look for tadpoles. Plus, why not squeeze in a little orchid hunting. LOL
Alas, no tadpoles were found. We did have fun climbing trees and finding fungi. We also enjoyed collecting pinecones and gum flowers snipped off by the Black cockatoos.
In between all the fun I did manage to take some quick snaps of two orchids. Both are common so nothing too spectacular.
Firstly, is the White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus). Flowering occurs April through June over a large range, Dirk Hartog Island to Israelite Bay.
The other orchid found was the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). This orchid flowers April through September and it ranges from Perth to Israelite Bay.
A wonderful 3 or so hours spent in the outdoors with the grandkids.
So, it feels like I was travelling this road only a few days ago. Actually, I was driving in the other direction back on the 17/6. Back to Perth for a medical appointment this time. Heading up a day early so will attempt some orchid hunts on the drive up.
First and only orchid hunt is made at our usually reliable Jelcobine8 location.
Distribution: Perth and Israelite Bay / Eneabba to Esperance
21/06/2024
So today rather than hang around the hospital I decide to go for a stroll around Kings Park. I was shocked to see how much of the bushland was dead and dying. I did not come across many orchids either, but I certainly racked up my steps. 🙂
More greenhoods found with both green and darker flowers, so possibly another 2 species.
I am unsure of the darker one because I am not familiar with Perth orchids. However, I believe the green one is the Banded greenhood.
Slipped into the Botanical Cafe for lunch. Enjoyed a bagel with a beer. Then I walked back to the car down Lovekin Drive. I found a WARREN who died in WWII honoured under one of the massive gumtrees.
Next, I moved onto Bold Park where I decided to walk the Tuart Loop Trail. Unsure if I stuck to it as I feel I ended up on the Zamia Trail. Along the trail there was views of the City of Perth. A highlight off the walk was watching Carnaby Black Cockatoos feeding in the trees before they flew off. Video below.
Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo feeding in the Banksia bushesPerth City from Bold ParkWalk tail with Perth City viewsCockatoo flock flying away
Time to head back to the hospital for patient pick-up. Arrived early so killed time by exploring the grounds. Here I found the amazing old Harvey House. This building is from the original hospital that was opened in 1916. In front of one of the other buildings is a display of the Nyoongar Calendar.
22/06/2024
Drove straight home to Esperance so no orchids to record. Let us see how long we stay put before heading up to Perth again.
I am heading up to Perth to attend a 60th birthday party. I will also catch up with Debbie as she is currently in Perth with her work. I will try and make some quick orchid stops along the way if time permits.
Well, no time to search for orchids on trip up to Perth so will try on the way back.
The birthday party on the Saturday night was held at the Ye Olde Narrogin Inne. It was a surprise for a long-time friend Sandy. To ensure I could have a good night I booked a room at the nearby Heritage Country Motel. In fact, it was walking distance. To save on costs Richard another longtime friend and I shared a room. Sunday was spent catching up with my daughter Kristie and granddaughter Bonnie. Then heading with Debbie to Fremantle to play tourist. We visited the West Australian Maritime Museum which took a few hours to check out. The exhibits were varied and interesting. After a wonderful lunch at Moore and Moore Cafe in Fremantle it was time to head to Dwellingup. I am staying the night with brother Geoff and his wife Robyn. We will catch up and I will be closer to home for the long drive tomorrow.
Woke to a cold winters’ morning. Enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and hit the road around 10am. The road was still very foggy in patches between Dwellingup and Quindanning. Finally, pulled over to a fav spot in the Piesseville7 locale to have a quick orchid hunt.
The only orchid found flowering in my quick 10min check was the Darkbanded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea).
Flowering: June to September.
Distribution: Eneabba to Israelite Bay
No further stops made as I did not wish to travel at dusk. Arrived home just after 5pm.
It’s past midway of May so we anticipate some other orchids are starting to show themselves. So, northeast of Esperance we head with our first stop being one of our usual haunts in Neridup1.
The only orchid found during a quick sweep of the location was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata).
They are a very distinctive orchid with thin upright petals that appear to be ears and a prominently fringed labellum.
Flowering: March – June Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay
Moving on towards our planned destination we pull into a track on a whim and have a quick look around.2 Not much found here either.
First up we find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), however they are finished for the season. Pics taken for recording purposes only.
Flowering: March – May Distribution: Corrigin to Eucla
Then we come across the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is the most common of the greenhood orchids.
Flowering: April – September Distribution: Perth to Israelite Bay
Then a small greenhood orchid is found that is just sprouting its first flower. From the colouring and size, I believe it will be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula).
Flowering: June – July Distribution: Dalwallinu to Eyre Bird Observatory
Next, we move onto our planned destination, Mount Burdett, which is also located in the Mt Burdett Nature Reserve. We enjoy a late bite to eat for lunch before starting our search.
On the granite rock we locate some bunny orchids growing. By referring to the latest book by Andrew Brown I ID them as the Eastern granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. “eastern granites”).
Flowering: April and May Distribution: Esperance to Balladonia
Then around the back of the rock I discover the sole Hare orchid growing. Last year there were more but not today 🙁
Well not such a productive day, however it is always wonderful to get out on a beautiful sunny winters day.
It is Mother’s Day, so we head out to the Esperance Bird and Animal Park for breakfast. We are joined by our two son’s and their little families.
After a very enjoyable morning with family, we decide to check out Helms Arboretum. As we are in the Corolla, we will stick to the gravel tracks only. It will be interesting to see what orchids make an appearance.
As expected, the first orchids found are the bunny orchids. These little orchids flower from March in some areas all the way to June in others.
The White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) is the most widespread of the species. They are found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.
Leaf is sometimes red backed
The only other orchids found were those of the Greenhood family.
The also widespread Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is found flowering in a few isolated spots.
They flower from April till September between Perth and Israelite Bay.
Not too many orchids currently to be found out at Helms Arboretum. Rather a slow start to the season.
After a restful night at the Deralinya Homestead campground, we enjoy a peaceful breakfast. We then quickly pack up camp and head off on the track to Mount Coobaninya. But, after less than 2kms we turn back due to many trees fallen on the track. It seems the strong winds we encountered on the Nullarbor hit here with impact.
Back at the Homestead we pull up at the granite rock that forms the catchment for the dam and go for an orchid exploration. Sun orchids are found with some actually open so we can record their finding. They appear to be the Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) which is found flowering from August to November. They occur from Mullewa out to Israelite Bay which is southeast of here.
So many Sun orchids found both flowering and still in bud. The other orchid found was the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which are found between Shark Bay and the Great Australian Bight. These ones are not as far gone as the ones found yesterday.
We have a quick look at the homestead as the occupants had left for the morning. It was very interesting to see. The Heritage Council of WA has this recorded on it’s website : The well constructed buildings of local materials were built by a well known character of the area. George Burns Scott was a pioneer with a dam sinking plant who liked building and establishing stations and then moving on. The painter, A E Baesjou. lived there for some years as a little girl. The property was used as an outstation to Balladonia until 1936 when the roofs were removed. The last load of wool was taken out in 1920. Cattle were run there until 1936.
Moving further south we next stop at Breeboorinia Rock. The occupants from Deralinya Homestead cleared the track into here of fallen trees this same morning. This was opportune for us. Upon exploring the rock, we first come across the Granite sun orchid. Only 2 good specimens found with pics taken for recording purposes.
The Desert mignonette orchid (Microtis eremicola)was also found growing on the granite. As these orchids flower during September and October only a couple of newly flowering orchids were located. As the common name suggests, these orchids are found in a drier part of the state. Their recorded range is between Hyden and Balladonia.
Then in a bushy patch Deb comes across what appears to be very pale Cowslips. Upon closer inspection, I believe them to be the hybrid known as Dusky fairy orchid (Caladenia x erminea). This is due to the yellow/white colouring. It is also because of the hairs on the underside of the sepals. They are listed as occurring between Esperance and Perth during September through November.
One of the parents to the hybrid was also found in the thick scrub of the granite depression. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)was growing in an isolated group. They were very bright yellow in colour, in comparison to the hybrids.
We quickly check out the dam at the base of the rock. It is covered in wattle pollen, giving it a yellow tinge.
Breeboorinia Rock DamWattle Pollen covers the water
We make our way back to the Triton. On our way out we noticed the colour yellow in the surrounding grasses. Upon closer inspection, it is the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera). This orchid is found flowering from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay during the months July through October.
We now head off and come to the beginning of the farms. In the middle of the farms is Clyde Hill Nature Reserve. Here we pull up and go for an exploration as this is our first visit to this reserve. Well, this proves to be a great location for orchids at this time of the season. Whilst walking along the track into the granite hill, we first come across a solitary Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). A cobweb holds it prisoner.
Then another new orchid for the day is found. Pics of the various ones found in this location will be shown together to reduce the size of this post. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)flowers in August and September from Jerramungup to Israelite Bay.
Next up we find both the Lemon-scented sun orchid and Granite Sun orchid flowering. These 2 orchids are recorded as being the parents to an Un-named hybrid orchid ( Thelymitra antennifera x petrophila). Amazingly we find one of these in flower as well. I will post pics of all 3 orchids.
Another new orchid for the day is found. The Granite mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. effusa) flowers from August to early October between Peak Charles and Balladonia. The distinctive feature is the slightly upcurved lateral sepals. The related and possibly co-occurring Small mantis orchid has prominently upcurved lateral sepals.
Of course, we also come across the ever-faithful Cowslip orchid. These are found in most locations where orchids flower between Northampton and Israelite Bay. They can be found as early as July right through to December.
Next up is another new orchid for the day. The Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) are found from August to December between Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. The bright pink colour stood out from the surrounding greens and browns.
Well, we must keep moving so back to the Triton we go and southwards along Parmango road we head. Along the roadside we come to a spot that appears to have had a summer burn go through. We stop for an exploration. Glad we did as we did as we soon come across the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis). Actually, we end up finding loads in this spot which was amazing. These unique orchids flower from August to November, between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
As we had expected we came across Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) flowering. These orchids usually only flower after a summer fire the season before. But it is possible to find the odd one flowering without a fire.
Also discovered the large Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) which flowers from mid-August to October between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.
Another similar coloured orchid is also found. The Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) flowers August to early-October between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
An inconspicuous orchid is found in the early stages of development. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is found flowering from September to January between Shark Bay and Eyre.
A surprising find was a solitary Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) in flower. These orchids are found flowering from July to mid-October between Kalbarri and Esperance.
But the best find so far is the Custard orchid (Thelymitra villosa). This was not an expected find at all, so we were shocked in a good way. These orchids are found between Northampton and Esperance flowering over spring.
Two other orchids already found today were also found at this location. Cowslip orchid and Lemon-scented sun orchid just added to the yellow of the Custard orchid. Time to move on to the next location.
We arrive at Beaumont Nature Reserve, park up and head off exploring. Orchids that were recorded earlier today are also found at this location. They are captured in pictures below as a record of where they are found.
New orchids for the day were also found at this location. First up is the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) which flowers from August to early-November between Lancelin and Esperance.
Another yellow orchid is found. This time it is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum). It flowers from August to early-October between Wongan Hills and Israelite Bay.
Another pink orchid is found. No not another fairy but a Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea). These orchids flower from late-June to September between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
Also found some very pale Pink fairies so just had to share some pics of them. Do not believe they are a hybrid or lutea/hypochromic.
The we come across some donkey orchids. Two different species it seems. Firstly, the distinctive Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) is found. Then a South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) is found. The difference in colouring is the major deciding feature.
Next, we come across some of the larger white spider orchids. Based on the location only, I will name one the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa). As the name suggests they occur both west and east of Esperance. However, the other has a very different labellum with shorter fringe segments. I feel this one is the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula). It occurs between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged.
We are amazed to stumble across a large number of hybrids. The parents must be the Pink fairies and Cowslips which we have found at this location. The orchid is therefore the named hybrid Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis). They do vary in colour quite a bit though. Although the hybrid between Cowslips and the Little pink fairy is very similar. One of the pics below seems quite different to the others. A firm ID may be harder to pin down.
As it’s around 4pm, we decide to move on to our final location. We wish to check if the Bird orchids have flowered yet in the Condingup area. We are excited to find them in flower. The Bearded bird orchid (Pterostylis turfosa) is a southern species found from Bunbury to Israelite Bay, flowering in spring.
Time to head home to Esperance. It has been an amazing last day of our 2023 road trip. So many orchids found, which makes up for the days in the desert. So, our adventure ends. Life is wonderful when spent doing what you love.
