Brian Everingham had organised a morning walk, for the National Parks Association of NSW, in Royal National Park to look for winter orchids. In the party was Brian, Valerie, Elaine, Judy, Ken, Sue, Suzanne, Helen and myself.
The group met at National Falls, and explored the upper part of the falls.
We then drove down McKell Avenue to the track to the Scientist’s Hut. Here we found our first orchids –
Spurred Helmet Orchid – Corybas acontiflorus
Ken gets down low to photograph some Green Orchids –
Nodding Greenhood Orchid – Pterostylis nutans
Nearby was an interesting old boiler. This relic was once part of a saw mill. Trees such as red cedars were once logged in the early days of the National Park.
Here are the remains of a saw pit –
We then drove to the south end of Lady Carrington Drive, and walked out along the Forest Path. More orchids!
Nodding Greenhood Orchid – Pterostylis nutans
Toothed Helmet Orchid – Corybas pruinosus
Fringed Helmet Orchid – Corybas fimbriatus
Toothed Helmet Orchids – Corybas pruinosus
Nodding Greenhood Orchid – Pterostylis nutans
Pixie Cap Orchid – Acianthus fornicatus
We also spotted some Mayfly Orchids – Acianthus caudatus, but their flowers and not formed yet.
The last place we visited was Reids Flat near Audley.
Nodding Greenhood Orchid – Pterostylis nutans
Common Leafy Greenhood Orchid – Pterostylis longifolia
Cobra Greenhood Orchid – Pterostylis grandiflora
Thanks to Brian for organising the walk, and to all those who came along for helping to spot the wonderful orchids.