Continuing this occasional series of Swiss bovids (or near bovids): No. 3 - the camel (Bactrian).
OK, I admit that was quite a surprise to Minnie and me alike. In fact, I first saw only the tops of the humps over some bushes and thought a couple of clowns in huge furry hats were ambling down the hill. You don't instinctively think 'camel' in the Alps. He seems to be losing a lot of fur in his rear parts. I hope this is moulting, not mange. Many foxes out here have mange.
He was not alone:
Bactrians are surprisingly huge animals, or at least, give that appearance (not being a fan of zoos, I don't think I've ever actually seen one before). The white one set off towards Minnie and me so I decided to leave that field. I didn't fancy trying to photograph butterflies with a camel breathing down my neck and a mystified dog by my side.
The butterflies - 37 species - offered fewer surprises but were on very good form, despite a sometimes chilly wind. Here is a selection:
Camberwell beauty:
Glanville fritillary:
Spotted fritillary:
Pearl-bordered fritillary:
Osiris blue:
Green-underside blue:
Turquoise blue:
![Image](http://www.guypadfield.com/images2017/dorylas22apr2017a.jpg)
(male approaching, power series extended ...)
![Image](http://www.guypadfield.com/images2017/dorylas22apr2017b.jpg)
(quick powdering of androconia ...)
![Image](http://www.guypadfield.com/images2017/dorylas22apr2017c.jpg)
(... and seconds later it's love hearts all round! I have a lot to learn)
Scarce swallowtail:
De Prunner's ringlet:
Baton blue:
Group of blues, including Osiris, Adonis and Chapman's:
Provençal short-tailed blue:
Rosy grizzled skippers:
I took lots more pictures - it was gloriously sunny all day. This is not an especially early year but it is proving good, for most species, at least. Notable butterflies I have yet to see include chequered blue and mallow skipper, both things I expect to see flying in March. They'll appear in due course, I'm sure - and I wasn't in a particularly strong site for chequered blues today.
Guy