Lynne wanted to visit some open air thermal baths which are situated in the small mountain village of Fontpedrouse (90 minutes from Argeles). This place is a mountain gem, not because of the thermal baths (which are excellent too) but because of the sheer variety of wildlife. Arriving at 10AM, my troop took the plunge while I explored the area... Just in the café / picnic area alone, I noticed several species of butterfly fluttering around the buddleia, some were familiar British ones (gatekeeper, painted lady, large white, etc) but others were definitely not. In this small area alone, I counted 12 different butterfly species, 8 familiar British ones and 4 new ones to me. After saying "goodbye" to my family at the spa entrance, I proceeded to walk up a narrow, winding, stony path which overlooks the outdoor pool area and leads up the nearest mountain. Wow! I have never seen so many insects, especially butterflies... Already overcome by butterflies, my attention was drawn to a buzzard-like bird soaring overhead. I took a few shots just in case it turned out to be something new. I enlarged the shot and sure enough, it was a winner: Honey Buzzard! What a day! No doubt we'll be retuning here on our next visit to southern France.
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AuthorTony Wilson. Archives
May 2019
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