First Swallowtail Butterfly 

But first of all, huge thanks for the many birthday presents for the Black Grouse (Tetra Lyre) on my 13th year of Blippery yesterday. I was exceptionally lucky to get those shots of this rare and iconic bird. I just haven’t the time to thank you all individually, but I have read every single comment with amazement. You are a generous group of people.

The First Swallowtail Butterfly of the spring, almost on the summit of the Pointe de Bellevue which we climbed today (a flat part of the route in extra). Swallowtails enjoy 'hilltopping' behaviour, landing on sun heated earth to warm up. Males defend territories on local high spots, often far above any possible breeding sites. When they are ready, females fly up to the same spots and select their mate, then descend again to lay eggs on a variety of umbellifers (Thanks to Guy Padfield for the information). What a beautiful walk it was today with so many dandelions, crocuses, gentians, alpine pansies and snow bells creating a rich tapestry of colour. This time of the year in the pre-Alps is delightful, I am so lucky to live here.