|
WILDLIFE
|
 |
Flowers:
This is rich
Orchid country. The mysterious Hooded Orchid grows under
the Hazels while meadows host stately Caucasian and
the rare Steven's Orchid, aquilegias and Geranium psilostemon.
Swathes of the stunning mahogany-purple bells of Fritillaria
latifolia,furry deep blues of Pulsatilla albana, brilliant
shiny yellows of Caltha polypetala and clouds of powder
blue Scilla rosenii are just some of the treasures that
await in spring.
|
 |
 |
When the highest
passes open, they give access to bright pink and deep
purple Primulas still bloom with azure Corydalis conorhiza
and electric blue Gentians. Golden goblets of Crocus
scharojonii dot the turf; steel-blue Swertias and shining
red Louseworts line sinuous streams. Stately Lilium
kesselringianum and elegant Lilium ponticum provide
a tremendous show along with many rare and beautiful
delphiniums, Foxgloves and Monkshoods in meadows still
cut by hand.
Rare Yellow Globe Orchids mix with Dactylorhiza iberica
and the intensely beautiful black-centred flowers of
Geranium psilostemon, whilst hidden in deep green forests
is Coralroot Orchid and the Ghost Orchid.
|
 |
 |
Birds:
Scarlet Rosefinches and
Green Warblers sing Add to this Caspian Snowcocks, Cranes
and Caucasian Blackcocks. Family groups of Alpine Accentors
and Red-fronted Serins feed among the meadows. Birds
of prey are abundant with Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black
Vulture, Saker and the magnificent Lammergeier the pick
of the bunch.
Butterflies:
In so much rich grassland
grasshoppers and crickets are superabundant and by ponds
and watercourses there are many and varied dragonflies
and damselflies. Fritillaries, various Clouded Yellows,
shimmering golden Coppers and of course Apollos and
little clouds of Blues are everywhere.
|
|
|
|
|
