Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Fauna and flora at Le Grand Som


   As well as the walk, we take great pleasure in discovering the fauna and flora, abundant in this season.  


Some more beautiful butterflies !



   As was the case at the Pinéa, we spotted some white-stomached swallows.  Many times, we felt their wings passing so very close to us, nearly skimming us, strange ! At the peak, we were sat down to enjoy the décor and the plenitude when our ear was attracted by the heavy noise of a bumblebee. A fleeting sound as a swallow swooped by and caught this heavy insect in mid-flight. The buzzing stopped all of a sudden, replaced by a “pok”, then no more… Oops, and so the chain of life continues.



        The Mont Blanc could be seen very well and gave the impression of being close by. At around 11h50, we saw a squadron approaching. The Jackdaws must have known that it was nearly time for lunch. 


   They’re smart, and seem to know that around lunchtime there will be hikers. They therefore come and show off their fine black plumage and shiny yellow beaks. I can confirm that they like quiche, sandwich bread, madeleines, though not pompote ☺☺☺



   Altitude flowers are usually quite low on the ground, though have startling and beautiful colours. Small carnations (right) can be found in a fair number near Racapé.



   The Apiaceae (left), much loved by flies, and this variety of Potentilla (right) are members of the white flowers.



   Same thing with this aerial stem (right). Despite the fact that it was the end of the flower season for them, I was able to see a few Martagon’s (also known as Turk’s cap lily). What magnificent flowers ! We saw it at about 1600m on an open, south-eastern slope. 

23/07/2012 Le Grand Som

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