Alittlebitoutoffocus

Alittlebitoutoffocus

Yesterday, my car had to go to the garage in Les Haudères for it’s regular service, so I had some time to kill before picking it up later in the day.  Rather than walk back home, I decided to check out the Ferpècle valley, to see how the snow was getting on.  And, although there was quite a bit, knee deep even, from the small reservoir to the valley itself, a lot had disappeared.  But it will be a while yet, before I can venture too far above 2,000m (6,500 ft).

There are clear signs though that more flowers and creatures are emerging from their winter hibernation.  I couldn’t identify picture 22 though, so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

 

8 responses

  1. Dorothea Avatar
    Dorothea

    I have no idea what that is! But it looks cool. It could be a quite common animal, but just looks weird because it still has all its winter hair.

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      Hi Dorothea. I think you might be talking about the wrong picture…(?) The animal crossing the road is definitely a marmot. (They hibernate and emerge at this time of year). My ‘puzzle’ was the flower/plant in picture 22. It’s the first time I’ve seen it, (like no. 20, but I found that in my book and it’s quite common apparently).

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      1. Dorothea Avatar
        Dorothea

        Wow! A marmot! And sorry…I didn’t count the pictures, I just projected my ignorance 🙂 that’s pretty cool. But I also have no clue about the flower/plant. I’m always happy when J recognize the basic flowers, herbs, etc. 🙂

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      2. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
        Alittlebitoutoffocus

        Yes, you see them here and there in the mountains. If one of them sees you first, they let out a loud whistle to warn the others to beware and then they usually run away back to their burrows. That is except for a few years ago, when we spotted a few little ones playing. See here: https://alittlebitoutoffocus.com/2017/08/07/kapellenweg-and-langflue-marmots/

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  2. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    Your photographs always wow me – happy to be back to see your wonderful countryside. I recognize the Marmot, they can be kind of aggressive. He was a big one. Lovely flower shots too. Spring has definitely arrived for you.

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      Thank you Mary. It’s nice to know that the pictures are appreciated. Our marmots are usually very shy and run away (with a high pitched whistle to warn others) at the first sight of a human.

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  3. bayphotosbydonna Avatar
    bayphotosbydonna

    Beautiful captures, Mike! Not many can drop off a car for service and see scenery like this so close by! How awesome!! 🙂

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    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar
      Alittlebitoutoffocus

      Thank you Donna. Yes, I’m pretty lucky to have these things on my doorstep (including the garage!) 🙂

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