Species of the year

A strange year weather wise which led to some things not being seen and gluts of other things. As usual there was new stuff as there seems to be every year so I am happy to note a few species of the year in different categories. First off flowers - it has of course to be the Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha). A stunning sixth Orchid species - lets hope it comes back next year (with friends as well please). Next Fungi - I think Black Magic (Dermoloma magicum), not seen fruiting but on the eDNA survey that was so full of surprises. I shall be looking for that species closely next year. Bird species of the year goes to the Red Kite (Milvus milvus) for appearing overhead several times this year, a welcome and increasing avian presence. Butterfly of the year goes once again to the Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) which now seems established all over the site. Moth of 2022 goes to the Canary-shouldered Thorn. Great look, great name - having started some Moth trapping this year the Moth species list has increased greatly. More next year! Mammal of the year has to be Stu the Stoat who made a brief return appearance a couple of weeks ago after being a regular resident earlier in the year. Lichen of the year - Phaeographis smithii - the least common of the Lichen species I recorded at the beginning of the year Photo - has to be the photogenic Stu the Stoat