Alpine Walks in Valais

[Ragged Robin]

Bright colours and bold patterns warn: ‘beware!  This is my spot!’
Bees mind their own business, buzzing from flower to flower – already visited a hundred times before and still giving nectar – until their pollen sacs are full and they have to fly on the path home

[Ragged Robin]

And so the path comes to an end, leaving time to reflect on this complex community, vibrantly living on the Alpine mountainside; that could so easily have been passed by.

[Ian Y]

What a wonderful thread Robin, I don't often get chance to log myself in as some one else usually sits here and it is easier for me to just view the posts.

But I want to say how much I enjoy your pictures and words.......I look forward to many more.

[Ragged Robin]

Thank you so much Ian - I'm extremely pleased you are enjoying this thread from Valais   

It's wonderful to feel that walks can be shared with everyone and certainly makes me look at things more closely - I'm still puzzling over the variety of different leaves on plants I thought I knew, so it's two-way process 

Maggi has such an amazing way of bringing the best out of us Members, which is a real gift and a tremendous support, but to do all that she has to occupy the 'Hot Seat' so I'm glad you have given her a breather 

[tonyg]

Wonderful wildlife - I'll show Amy the butterfly pics.  She may be only six but she can already identify our common species.  Recently when we spotted a small blue butterfly in the garden she piped up with "that'll probably be a Holy Blue"   With plenty of holly in the garden its likely she got it right

[Ragged Robin]

Great idea, Tony, tell Amy I'll be happy to know what they are all called so keep me posted     Every day new ones appear to keep me guessing but I'm beginning to recognise their characters, the way they fly and what flowers they like to feed on   

[Blue-bellied Frog]

For the third photo of reply 120, I think it is Echium vulgare.

[Ragged Robin]

For the third photo of reply 120, I think it is Echium vulgare.

Thanks for your ID Bernard, this plant has the most intense blue flowers - reminding me of Gentiana blue - and the bees enter each level of flowerhead so it gives time to look the flowers and bee together    PS I see from your title blue is your colour too!

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Another very relaxing and most enjoyable trip you've taken us on Robin ! 

Thanks ever so much ! 

[Ragged Robin]

Good to know you're enjoying this thread Luc and thanks for your support and interest 

[Brian Ellis]

Well I too have enjoyed the walk this morning, now I'd better get outside and do my own!  Thanks Robin

[Ragged Robin]

Hope you see lots of interesting plants and wildlife Brian and thanks for visiting this walk - really glad you enjoyed it 

[Richardg]

Mum,

I have been through all the postings and have been fascinated to see how much people value your work.  It really touched me to see you embracing your time / walks in Switzerland and finding people who are genuinely interested in hearing about your discoveries.  The photos of the butterflies / mountain are absolutely amazing.  I struggle to even pronounce the names let alone identify and spell them correctly!!  Lucky you have people that can point you in the right direction.

Like Tanya, I don’t think the pavements of West London offer many sights worthy of a posting on your forum.  If I discover anything unusual I will snap a picture..... not to the same level and precision that you have managed.

Keep up the good work and thanks to you all for welcoming “Ragged Robin” aka mum to group xxx

[Maggi Young]

Hi, Richard! This is lovely, a family gathering in the literal as well as the metaphorical sense of the Forum.....what could be nicer?

You're in West London, Tanya is in East ..... have you got a couple of other siblings in N and S, too? We could soon have complete coverage of England's capital, direct to the SRGC.... It could be a flora and fauna coup !

[Ragged Robin]

Rich, I'm really pleased you enjoyed the walks and photos - thanks for your great comments of encouragement.  You have terrific photographic skills and an eye for what makes a good image 'though not may be plants    However I do know you like plants and grow them well so how about an Alpine miniature rock garden in your flat