Refugio de Juanar, Malaga Province.

Another new Orchids species.

Red Helleborines (Cephalanthera rubra).

I parked in the usual spot near the hotel and started the hunt for Orchids, not very hard as I was again lucky enough to have some spot on directions from friend Ian Phillips. Within minutes I had found at least six stunning Red Helleborines (Cephalanthera rubra) in full flower, other plants were still in bud. 

Red Helleborines (Cephalanthera rubra).

After taking several photographs I had a good wander around the rest of the site picking up several other orchid species but most were well over with, they included Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), Barton's Orchid (Dactylorhiza insularis), Lange's Orchid (Orchis langei) and Dense-flowered Orchid (Neotinea maculata). 

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A couple of other species were found that were still in good condition, at least 3 spikes of Lizard Orchid (Himantoglossum hircinum) and a few of the many Epipactis tremolsii were just out. There were many butterflies at the site, Marsh Fritillary's (Euphydryas aurinia beckeri) were on the wing in large numbers, a few Wood (Leptidea sinapis) and Spanish Marbled Whites (Melanargia ines) and a single Two-tailed Pasha (Charaxes jasius) were also seen. 

Two-tailed Pasha (Charaxes jasius) were also seen.

Birds included Common Crossbill (Piquituerto Común / Loxia curvirostra), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus), Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major) and Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), most seen coming to drink at a trough.

Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius).

Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia beckeri).

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