The orchid season is in full swing and several species can be found blooming together on dry Karstic grasslands. Late summer migrants such as Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio and Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus have returned to their breeding grounds and can be easily seen and heard. Meanwhile the woodpeckers we are following, close to our home are now incubating the eggs and are rather quiet. Here is some of the wildlife we found during the last week in the Karst around Sežana and Divača.
Hoopoe Upupa epops - most migrants are now over and only the breeding individuals remain here and there. Pairs will be busy with egg incubation now.
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus - we observed an aerial interaction between 3 birds, when a pair was driving an intruder away from its breeding site.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio - they are back in good numbers.
Wryneck Jynx torquilla - singing on the top of the fence post.
Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius - female checking the surroundings of its nest.
Morimus funereus ("Beech Longhorn Beetle") - a longhorn beetle of deciduous forests that needs fresh dead trees to lay its eggs. Widespread in Slovenia's forests, but nevertheless a Natura 2000 species. Always a nice find!
Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia - widespread but vulnerable species, found on a variety of rich meadows. It is the most colourful among the fritillaries.
Military Orchid Orchis militaris - just coming into bloom.
Lady Orchid Orchis purpurea - one of the most imposing of the Slovenian orchids.
Burnt-tip Orchid Neotinea ustulata - growing together with the Military Orchids
(they have the same flowering period).
Early-purple Orchid Orchis mascula
Narrow-leaved Helleborine Cephalanthera longifolia - almost at the end of their blooming in the Karst; now they are being replaced by the scarcer White Helleborines C. damasonium.
Dry karstic grassland in full bloom with: Matted Globularia Globularia cordifolia, Common Globularia Globularia punctata, Nice Milkwort Polygala nicaeensis, Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis morio & Mountain Pasquefower Pulsatilla montana.
Wild Peony Paeonia officinalis - adorning light oak woodlands and forest clearings in good numbers.
