Bouquetins and Bearded Vultures

(Backblipped yesterday’s Salanfe Lake reflections).

Finally some bouquetins and Mont Blanc in the same photo. This mother and baby were far from the other six Mums and babies we had seen as we walked up to the Col d’Emaney. At the Col we left one rucksack and climbed Le Luisin, 2,785m, a great scramble and we were delighted to see this pair near the summit. However we were even more delighted to see 3 bearded vultures, one of which circled us three times ( see extra). The three were probably a family, flying together to show this year’s youngster how to find bones! They are fascinating birds, cleaning up the mountain slopes, dropping large bones to break them into swallowable pieces. 

I have indulged myself in a few more extras: rather arty patterns of lake silt, silhouetted bouquetin and Mont Blanc, and another bearded vulture shot to show its 3m wingspan as it flew towards the Rhône Valley. What a day in paradise... very tired now and very sad to hear of the fire and smoke situation building up in the States while I am up in the mountains enjoying pristine air.