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Βiologist and visual artist, passionate observer and photographer.
Athens, Attica, Greece
Sign In to followThanks so much Machi for the nomination! Thank you Tukup!
I would like to add that as shown in the 4th photo the observation site is located in the free area of the Athens International Airport and thus explains the undisturbed state of the population and its size, and, together with other records is an indication of rich biodiversity especially for orchids.
It is worth mentioning here that out of the approximately 60 species of Attica, in this relatively small area of the airport 21 species of wild orchids were recorded (another one was added last Spring).
Thank you Tukup for your kind words and the opportunity to talk a little more about an unusual icon that I don't think I 'll see again in my life.
For me too, such a large population of orchids was an amazing sight although in the open spaces of Athens Airport where this spotting is, 20 taxa of wild orchids have been found (rare or Greek endemics included).
Some species form large populations but in this case, such numbers from the largest and most robust Mediterranean orchid, offers for sure an orgiastic spectacle!
Thank you very much for the nomination!
Although Ophrys bombyliflora is not an endangered species, the very small size of both, plant and the flower, as well as the brown color, make it very indistinguishable and therefore pretty rare.
Thus, last year's finding which was a new place for Attica, had a special significance.