Bee OrchidI was hoping to make this week's blog sweet and simple. How could anyone be expected to comment on 180 floral species, 25 bird species, 13 insects and two reptiles! The group was somewhat bleary eyed when we arrived at Sprotbrough Flash YWT Nature Reserve which we had previously visited in April 2013. We had been watching the thrills of the Tour de France, World Cup football and Wimbledon. By pure coincidence we met a cyclist from Hastings on the river path who had visited Skipton and Blubberhouses to view the Tour. He was somewhat lost and was happy to accept our guidance on the direction home. I suppose in birding terms he was somewhat off course and could be considered a rare migrant. 
Peacock Caterpillar
Our tour began in the grassland area on the summit of a steep hill. Could this be called the Côte de Sprotbrough? There was plenty to get our teeth into - spectacular orchids- Pyramidal, Bee, Twayblade and Common Spotted. Also lots of attractive flowers - Perforate St John's Wort, Agrimony, Musk Mallow, Hop Trefoil, Wild Carrot, Centaury, Common Gromwell, Wormwood and Black Bryony. 
Female Ruddy DarterThe butterflies Ringlet, Meadow Brown and both Small and Large Skipper were seen in flight. A shout "a snake!" was uttered by Maddy. We all scurried over to take a look . A fleeting glimpse was seen of what was thought to be a Grass Snake but later identified as a Slow Worm (Sue later did see a Grass Snake). As we progressed there followed a cry "when are we having lunch?", however we completed a short detour to a pond before settling down for some sustenance. The pond had gradually been overcome by reeds and rushes however we were able to identify both Large and Small Skipper also Azure and Blue Damselfies an well as Ruddy Darter and Brown Hawker Dragonflies. 
Musk MallowThe afternoon was a stroll through the extensive ancient woodland - at its floral best in the spring - however we had a sighting of a magnificent stand of Giant Bellflower growing by the path. As we descended towards the River Don there was a short stop to examine the arable weeds of the edge of a field of broad beans; plants such as Scarlet Pimpernel and Poppy were seen. We returned via the riverside path which is always good for flora and spring migrants. On this occasion we saw Soapwort, White Bryony and a Red Admiral Butterfly. As promised we completed our day out with a drink at the Boat Inn before returning to the minibus prior to a downpour of rain. Ten of us enjoyed a good day out in South Yorkshire.Margaret