Greater Tongue Orchids - Tiptree, Essex!

When a colony of Greater Tongue Orchids was discovered in Essex during the summer of 2017, the race was on to track the plants down and establish whether they were naturally occurring or had arrived artificially. With just a single photo of several flowering spikes in a field to go on (which was hastily removed from the Facebook page to which it was posted) several of the orchid world's enthusiasts expertly narrowed down the location, and by carefully checking the vegetation on site to that in the photo, were remarkably able to pin down the exact spot where these exotic orchids were growing.

Sadly, by the time they were found all but a very small handful of the plants had completely gone over, and as such, arrangements were kindly made for a number of organised visits last summer so those interested could admire these Mediterranean beauties in all their glory.

Therefore, at the beginning of June last year, me and my Dad made the long journey down to Essex and were met on site by local resident Jonathan who showed us the exact location in the meadows where this small cluster of orchids were growing, thankfully in prime condition despite the scorching sun and allowing for excellent photographic opportunities (despite some tripod issues!).

With around 36 plants in flower last year, the number was slightly down on 2017's showing, but luckily each delicate maroon flowering spike was in top condition (I had actually been away in America the previous week so was a bit concerned the flowers may have been past their best by the time I got there) and the colony had been carefully marked out with several small canes to prevent trampling by unaware dog walkers.

However, despite the excitement of such a remarkable botanical find, the question remains: are the Tiptree Greater Tongue Orchids naturally occurring or did they arrive through artificial means?

With orchid seed being particularly fine and easily carried by the wind, there is of course every possibility that seed from the continent had blown over naturally, with the nearest populations occurring in France, Spain and Italy. However, a number of other circumstances need to be considered before determining whether these continental plants really did make it over here without a little bit of human help.

A single specimen could easily have been planted out by a keen botanist or gardener many years ago, reproducing year on year to result in the small colony seen now (the plants were all restricted to a tiny area about a metre squared in size and found nowhere else on the meadows as you would expect from plants in a natural continental setting). Likewise, seed blown artificially from plants growing in a pot in a nearby garden could have easily kick started a colony.

However, this would be an odd site for a deliberate planting, and no pot grown specimens are growing nearby to our knowledge - even if they were, the Greater Tongue Orchids natural pollinator is not known to occur in Britain, making seed set very unlikely without assistance. 

Upon talking to Jonathan, he explained that decades ago the meadows were used as strawberry fields alongside a plant nursery that amongst other things was known to grow tropical orchids. This therefore creates an entirely feasible scenario of Tongue Orchid seed being accidentally imported - getting in to the mix of soil, clippings and cuttings discarded on site and germinating, eventually becoming established and naturalised - in my opinion the most likely origin.

This is not the first occurrence of Greater Tongue Orchid in the UK however, with a small well-known colony of Greater Tongue Orchids situated at Wakehurst Place in Sussex alongside the introduced Loose-flowered Orchids (never proven but very unlikely to be of natural origin as a consequence). Three flower spikes were also discovered near to the coast in Kingsbridge, south Devon back in 1998, but once again, their origins were never proven - some suspecting seed had come from an artificial source such as a nearby plant collection or agricultural seed mix. 

Small-flowered Tongue Orchids have also previously gotten a very shallow toehold on British soil in the past with individuals cropping up near Rame Head in SE Cornwall, having first been discovered there in 1989, but sadly disappearing in the early 2000s. With seed suspected to have blown in from the continent as opposed to a deliberate planting due to the remote location, it's entirely probable these were the result of natural colonisation from across the channel.

It’s likely that we’ll never know for certain the origins of the Tiptree plants, but whatever their background, the Tongue Orchids have clearly been on site for a number of years now, vegetatively reproducing to increase in number each year and creating a naturalised and self-sustaining population in the process. 

The Tongue Orchids have reproduced vegetatively to cover a small patch of ground in the meadow

Spot the Tongue Orchid! The small patch where the orchids were growing

Unfortunately despite being the only known 'natural' colony in Britain, the Tiptree Tongue Orchids face an uncertain future, with developers knocking on the door eager to build on the site despite the protestations of residents and orchid enthusiasts alike. This year, due to the sensitivities of the site, visitors are also being asked to keep away. Hopefully some sort of compromise can be found, where the future of the orchids is secured and many more people can get to enjoy them for years to come - it would be a real shame indeed if these fascinating plants were to be lost almost as quickly as they were found.

The meadow in Tiptree, Essex where the Greater Tongue Orchids were found

Singapore Birding Trip Report - (28th July 2017 & 26th August 2017) - Species List and Locations

Day 1 – Singapore Botanic Gardens – 28^th July 2017

Olive-backed Sunbird – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Tanglin Gate) First seen at small creek near Tanglin Gate. 4+ seen including several males. Abundant in Queensland, Australia where numerous were seen.

White-breasted Waterhen – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Tanglin Gate creek). First seen wading along the edge of the small creek at Tanglin Gate. 5 individuals seen in total.

Javan Myna – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Tanglin Gate) Seen feeding on the paths. Extremely common in Singapore.

Crimson Sunbird – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Marsh Garden) Male and female seen feeding on flowers at the Marsh Garden. Only birds of the trip.

Common Tailorbird – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Marsh Garden) A small handful seen in the shrubs and trees, first seen in the trees opposite the Marsh Garden.

House Swift – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) 1 seen flying low over Swan Lake. White rump clear. Only bird of the trip.

Germain's Swiftlet – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) Extremely abundant. First seen flying over Swan Lake in small groups.

Grey-headed Fish Eagle – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake). Seen sat in trees above Swan Lake and later seen in flight. Only bird of the trip.

Grey-rumped Treeswift – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) Seen flying high over Swan Lake. Only bird of the trip.

Pink-necked Green Pigeon – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) Males seen sat in trees around Swan Lake. Females also seen at Pasir Ris Park.

Olive-winged Bulbul – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) Feeding on the ground under small bridge at Swan Lake. Only bird of the trip.

Oriental Magpie-Robin – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) Sat in trees on south side of Swan Lake. 4 seen in total. Also seen again at Pasir Ris Park.

Yellow-vented Bulbul – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) First seen in the trees near Swan Lake. A good number seen in total and quite abundant.

Blue-throated Bee-eater – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Swan Lake) First seen in the trees on the south side of Swan Lake, then again  near the Evolution/Healing Garden. 3 seen in total.

White-bellied Sea Eagle – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Ginger Garden) 1 seen flying overhead. Several more seen in Queensland, Australia.

Asian Glossy Starling – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Orchid Plaza) A good number seen in small flocks. Also seen again at Pasir Ris Park.

Spotted Dove – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Palm Valley) A pair seen feeding on the grass at Palm Valley. A good handful seen, also abundant in Queensland, Australia.

Pacific Swallow – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Palm Valley) Pair first seen flying low over the grass at Palm Valley. Several seen throughout including over Symphony Lake.

Red Junglefowl – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Rainforest Area). First seen in the Rainforest Area underneath the shrubs. A good handful seen throughout, including several on the open grassy areas.

Black-naped Oriole – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Rainforest Area) First seen in the trees on the west side of the Rainforest Area. A small number seen throughout. Males.

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Symphony Lake). First seen by the lake flying from tree to tree. A small number seen throughout. Males.

Common Iora – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Corner House) Male first seen in high trees at Corner House. Abundant at Pasir Ris Park.

Common Hill Myna – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Corner House) 2 seen in total. First seen in the trees at Corner House.

Oriental White-eye – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Evolution Garden) One seen in the trees. Only bird of the trip.

Brown-throated Sunbird – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Evolution Garden) One seen perched low down in the trees at Evolution Garden. More seen at Pasir Ris Park in good numbers.

Common Flameback – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Evolution/Healing Garden) Two seen feeding on the trees in the Evolution Garden/Healing Garden. Only birds of the trip.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Rainforest Area) 3 males seen very well on the east side of the Rainforest Area. The only birds of the trip.

Ruddy-breasted Crake – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Rainforest Area) One seen in the Rainforest Area on the east side. Elusive and walking through trees. Dull brown and red colour with white and black dull stripes on back end only. Only bird of the trip.

Laced Woodpecker – 28^th July - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Rainforest Area) Seen feeding on the ground near the Rainforest boardwalk. Another 3 birds seen well feeding at Pasir Ris Park.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

Day 2 – Pasir Ris Park – 27^th August 2017

Ashy Tailorbird - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Car Park C) A handful seen throughout. First seen near Car Park C and the Native Lawn.

House Crow - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Tribal Council) A small handful seen. First seen in the trees near the Tribal Council.

Asian Koel - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Viewing Plaza) One seen. Perched in the trees near the viewing plaza. Only bird of the trip.

Collared Kingfisher - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Sungei Api Api River) Three seen. First seen from bridge crossing the Sungei Api Api, then Two seen in the trees near the viewing plaza.

Pied Triller - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Sungei Api Api) One seen in the trees near the path along the Sungei Api Api. The only bird of the trip. Male.

Malaysian Pied Fantail - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Sungei Api Api) Two seen in the trees near the path at Sungei Api Api.

Oriental Pied Hornbill - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Sungei Api Api) One seen well in the trees opposite Sungei Api Api. Calling. The only bird of the trip.

Rufous Woodpecker - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Native Lawn) One seen in the trees near the Native Lawn. Only bird of the trip.

Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker - 26 Aug 2017 - Pasir Ris Park (Native Lawn) One seen feeding in the trees near the Native Lawn – nest nearby. Only bird of the trip.

Oriental Pied Hornbill

Additional Species:

Brahminy Kite
Little Bronze Cuckoo
Striated Heron
Common Myna
Grey Heron
Tree Sparrow
Feral Pigeon


45 Trip Total
38 Trip Lifers

Reptile List

Malayan Water Monitor - Singapore Botanic Gardens
Red-eared Terrapin - Singapore Botanic Gardens

Malayan Water Monitor

Butterfly List

Plain Plushblue - Singapore Botanic Gardens

Plain Plushblue

Singapore Birding Trip Report - Day 2 (Saturday 26th August 2017) - Pasir Ris Park

Our four week trip concluded with a second stopover in Singapore, this time with a slightly less accommodating time scale as our flight in from Cairns didn’t arrive at Changi airport until half 3pm local time, with our flight back to Manchester 11 hours later at just after 2am in the morning. This never the less provided a few hours for birding before dusk, and as soon as having changed in the airport (once again getting fully deeted up) we got a taxi out to the nearby biding spot of Pasir Ris Park. Identified on e-bird for its variety of species different to those we had seen previously at Singapore Botanic Gardens, our main target here was the impressive Oriental Pied Hornbill, as well as any other species we could find in our couple of hours at the park before dusk fell.

Pasir Ris Park

Getting dropped off at Car Park C, we were immediately met by new birds as several Ashy Tailorbirds foraged in the thick fleshy leaves by the entrance to the park, their bright orange faces distinguishing them from the Common Tailorbirds we had seen in the botanic gardens a month earlier. 

Ashy Tailorbird

Common Ioras and Plain-throated Sunbirds were much more numerous here than at the botanic gardens as well, while a small family party of Laced Woodpeckers feeding by the side of the boardwalk gave us a second opportunity for photography.

Plain-throated Sunbird

Laced Woodpecker

Walking further in to the park but surprisingly seeing very few birds, a female Pink-necked Green Pigeon perched high up in a tree saw us scratching our heads for an ID temporarily, before our next new bird materialised in the form of a House Crow calling loudly in a stand of trees near the Tribal Council. 

Female Pink-necked Green Pigeon

House Crow

Asian Koel was next to hit our lists, our only bird of the trip after being far too early for any Pacific Koels in Australia, while an Oriental Magpie Robin briefly gave us the run-around in the branches of a nearby bush. 

Asian Koel

Oriental Magpie Robin

Heading over to the Sungei Api Api river and the bridge crossing over it to search for Kingfishers resulted in partial success in the form of a Collared Kingfisher (now split from the Torresian Kingfisher we had seen in Cairns) but there was sadly no sign of our hoped for White-throated or Stork-billed Kingfishers along the muddy banks, just a solitary Striated Heron stalking fish amongst the twisting tree roots. 

Striated Heron

With the afternoon pressing on we followed a track down the side of the river, a handful of both new and repeat birds presenting themselves in quick succession. The bright flash of yellow of a handsome male Black-naped Oriole grabbed our attention, swiftly followed by a Little Bronze Cuckoo perching obligingly at eye-level for a split second before darting off, the fiery scarlet diagnostic eye ring clearly visible when checking my camera back to determine what species we’d just seen.

Black-naped Oriole

Little Bronze Cuckoo

Germain's Swiflets were also a common sight overhead

In a stroke of luck, on further investigation an unusual noise on the opposite side of the river turned out to be our much sought after Oriental Pied Hornbill, calling loudly and giving great views perched at the top of the trees. A species high up on both of our wish lists, it was a relief to connect, particularly as many of our other hoped for birds in Pasir Ris had failed to put in an appearance. 

Oriental Pied Hornbill

Once native to Singapore, Oriental Pied Hornbills sadly became extinct as a breeding species in the country many years ago, but have since made a remarkable comeback thanks to a concerted breeding and conservation programme. 

Heading further down the river, two Malaysian Pied Fantails flitted around the lower branches hanging in to the water, while the distinctive black and white of a male Pied Triller caught my eye above. 

Malaysian Pied Fantail hiding behind a leaf!

Pied Triller - also hiding behind a leaf!

Getting Alex on the bird before it disappeared, it soon transpired that he’d initially set eyes on a Sunda Woodpecker, which by the time he had thought to mention it had long since gone. Cue *SundaWoodpeckerGate* and a frantic search of the vicinity in an attempt to re-find it before the last of the light disappeared. 

Luckily, after a tense quarter of an hour of nothing, talking to a local birder revealed that a pair of Sunda Woodpeckers were nesting in some trees further down in the park near the Native Lawn. Hurrying over to where he had pointed (he also showed us the trees where the Spotted Owls usually roost – sadly they weren’t present on our visit) two more Collared Kingfishers allowed for the briefest of record shots before powering off back towards the river, while a movement above our heads on one of the trunks proved to be… not a Sunda but rather (surprisingly) the much larger and scarcer Rufous Woodpecker, oblivious to us as we stood below as it bored in to the bark.

Collared Kingfisher

Rufous Woodpecker

Thankfully (to both mine and Alex’s relief!) I didn’t leave Singapore empty handed on the Sunda Woodpecker front, as just as the light was fading a single bird materialised out of nowhere on the branches in front of us, scurrying up the bark and posing before vanishing off towards the river. 

Sunda Woodpecker

The perfect end to our birding journey in what had been an exceptional four weeks of travel. With the light now making it impossible to see properly and with bats starting to emerge around the street lights, we headed over to a snack kiosk to order a taxi, quenching our thirst while we waited with what turned out to be an absolutely vile grape juice concoction. 

Asian Glossy Starlings on the rooftops near the snack kiosk

It would have been rude (and a travesty almost) to visit Singapore without making a trip to the world famous Gardens by the Bay, and as night fell we stopped off to admire these amazing iconic trees in all their glory, lit up spectacularly against the backdrop of the city and timing our visit just right to coincide with the nightly musical performance. Absolutely breath-taking and an amazing finish to what had been an incredible four weeks. 

With a few hours left to kill before our flight back to Manchester we headed back to the airport happy, tucking in to a dish of tasty Singapore noodles in what turned out to be the only airport restaurant still open at 11pm before waiting until the early hours to board.

Despite just having a few short hours in the country, Singapore had proved to be a revelation, hosting fantastically clean open spaces and parks, great facilities and most importantly, incredible birds. From the impressive Racket-tailed Drongos of the rainforest boardwalks and the stately Oriental Pied Hornbills of the open parks to the dainty jewel like Crimson Sunbirds hovering in the flowers, Singapore had proved to be a fascinating first taste of Asia in what was a very time-limited airport stopover – the ideal introduction in to a whole new continent of birding full of fascinating culture, wildlife and experiences. 

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

Oriental Pied Hornbill

Crimson Sunbird

For birders looking to get a brief taste of Singapore on an extended airport layover, taxis at the arrivals exit and an in-airport storage facility for excess baggage make exploring this fascinating country as easy as possible.  Several of the country's laidback birding sites are within a quick 20 minute drive of Changi Airport and hold a large number of the commoner species. For those with a bit more time on their hands and previous experience of Singapore birds, guides are readily available for a few hours birding in some of the more remote locations.