Peat-bog orchids

The orchids on the edge of the peat bog called Aamsveen in The Netherlands are in full bloom now:

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO100, f8, 1/500s}

These are common spotted orchids (Dactylorhiza maculata), and they used to grow here in abundance.

Their number has been dwindling over the last years, however, and the other species of orchids that used to grow here have disappeared. This photo shows all there were, if you include the ones in the background:

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 42mm, ISO200, f8, 1/100s}

Still, they attracted a visitor, a silver-studded blue (Plebejus argus), usually found on heather:

^{Olympus Stylus 1s, 300mm, ISO100, f8, 1/800s}

There are fewer and fewer of these orchids here, but they are still beautiful.

Thanks for watching!