Jude and I were just finishing our lunch on the balcony, taking in the bright sunshine, when something fluttered by… It landed in the field below, so I dashed for my camera, while Jude kept an eye on it. Sure enough, just as I got outside, it flew off ! But, luckily, it came back and I managed to get a few, albeit distant, shots.
You may not think this is very remarkable until you see the first picture below. It shows how much snow there is still around in the valley. Indeed part of the path at the end of our ‘driveway’, where it’s shaded by our neighbour’s chalet, is solid ice, about 2 inches thick. You may notice though that the south facing slopes, to the left of the first picture, are now starting to clear of the white stuff – as are a few patches in our garden and the field below.
Interestingly it was the 19th February last year when I posted my first butterfly picture, though that was taken during a walk along the far side of the Rhone valley, at a much lower level – like at 650 metres of altitude rather than 1,400 metres.
We have another week or so of sunshine forecast, so I will be keeping my eyes peeled from now on. 😊
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
Congrats Mike! If it were not for the fact that I did not have my camera with me on my long walk today, I would probably also have managed to capture the first butterfly of the year. I saw lots and in addition, mimosa trees have just begun to bloom!!!! Well, I’ve to go there again…
Yes, it is really remarkable to find butterflies in your area given that there is still so much snow.
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I will look forward to seeing your photos – of the butterfly(s) and mimosas. And don’t forget the first rule of photography: Don’t go out without your camera! 😊
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I know!!! Always bring your camera!!!😆 Thanks for the reminder Mike😂
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…and make sure it has a charged battery and a memory card! (I.e. the 2nd rule). 😊
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As I’ve said before you breed them tough up there. No signs here yet, very windy but mildish, hopefully if the forecast is correct maybe Sunday could bring one out of hibernation.
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Yes indeed. Another, or the same one, came back about 30 mins later but I missed it. I’m definitely getting excited about the new season. It’s like starting all over again. 😊 Let’s hope your weather stays fine and they start to come out too.
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The sun is giving more and more warmth, I already saw bumblebees flying but no butterflies yet.
Enjoy the nice weather and the sun, we are prommised 16-18°C for the comming days (in Belgium)
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We had a high of about 7 degrees today, though the sun makes it feel so much warmer. (It felt like summer on our balcony!) The temperatures are forecast to rise to 10 or 11 by Monday then to a balmy 14 degrees next Wednesday, 😊 No bees here yet, but enjoy your warm weekend.
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No butterflies here yet so thanks for sharing your beautiful image.
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You’re welcome Irene. I’m sorry it wasn’t a better image, but it flew off before I could get into position to capture both wings. If it, or another, comes back and I get a better picture, I’ll certainly post it.
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The butterfly made me smile so that makes it good to me. Butterflies are quick and therefore difficult to capture.
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😊
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First butterfly sighting! 🤗 Such fun to chase one and hope it lands!!
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I think I saw one, maybe even two, while out walking last week, but it/they flew off into the sun. But this one landed and I managed to capture it. So, the season has started – if only slowly. 😊
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