My family and I have just returned from a wonderful holiday in the French Alps. It was my first real go at observing continental European species, so with my 'L' plates well and truly displayed, of we set.
The weather gods were looking down favourably on us and we enjoyed almost wall to wall sunshine for the entire two weeks. In fact it felt more like Egypt than French Alps, which of course meant plenty of Butterfly activity. At times it was so hot, that many of them didn't settle for long, making photography a challenge.
My wife and I have spend the last fortnight going through my photos, pulling our hair out, scratching our heads and hoping that we have identified correctly. So my reports come with a slight health warning and inevitability that we may have made some errors in identification. Please forgive us and I welcome the experts amongst you putting us right.
Our first field trip was in the Brevent/Flegere area of the Chamonix valley. At an altitude of 2000-2500 metres.
The first soecies seen was an Alpine Grayling, picking up some minerals in an area free of any vegetation.
Close by was what looked like a Dewy Ringlet.
There were a good number of Satyridae, but only one or posed long enough for me to capture. This Marbled Ringlet was especially brave, resting on the cold snow.
A little lower down, this Mnestras Ringlet looked to have found a warmer spot to sit.
Next up were some Fritillaries. The first being a Queen of Spain, with it's unmistakeable underwing design.
Then the Frits got a little more challenging for me. I believe the next two are Pearl Bordered.
This next one was difficult, but I'm taking a punt at Weavers ?
Finally, what I think might be Female Heath Fritillary
I was delighted to see some skippers next. I had been enjoying a good year in Blighty, seeing my first Grizzled and Silver Spotted, so was hoping to add to my haul here. I believe the first one is an Olive Skipper, followed by Safflower?
As we reduced in altitude slightly, the blues started to put in an appearance and my copy of Tristan LaFranchis ' Butterflies of Europe' was pulled from the rucksack with worrying abandon. I admit now, that I may have made some errors with these, but with fingers crossed, here goes.
The first two are Mazarine Blue, followed by a Geranium Argus.
Having only ever seen a Small variety, this Alpine Heath was a nice find and not half as flighty as his small relative.
The highlight of my first day was my first ever Clouded Yellow. This was a Moorland Clouded Yellow on a hillside full of Northern Bilberry.
A great day of hiking and Butterflying which also included Swallowtails, Black Veined Whites, Small Tortoiseshells, Whites and numorous blues that never made landfall. Patience would prove to be a virtue later in the week (report to follow).
Regards and thanks for any corrections
Kev Ling
