Kitzhorn on a Very hot Day - Scenery, Flora and Fauna

On Monday, we decided to revisit the Kitzhorn and explore the Alpine Garden. The Kitzhorn is 2000 metres so not as high as the  Wengen area where I have previously photographed flowers so many of the species were already in seed but there are plenty still in flower. Orchids are particularly prolific at the moment. It was very hot (33 degrees) and bright so not ideal for flower photography but here are a few images, including one of the numerous grasshoppers and a spider enjoying his lunch

Insects Around Kitzbuhel Austria

After rain in the morning it cleared yesterday afternoon so we went up to the top of the Kitzhorn where I spent a happy of couple of hours with the insects -  - three butterfly species Alpine Heath and ?Alpine Blue and attractive brown and orange species; a couple of moths and various flies, grasshoppers and beetles

Solstice Bonfires in the Tirol

The Summer Solstice brings very special solstice celebrations to towns and villages throughout Tirol. After sunset, bonfires are lit on mountaintops all over the country. Dating back to the Middle Ages, different traditions to celebrate this special occasion have emerged in different Tirolean regions and towns.
We were delayed getting to the top of the mountain by a thunderstorm so by the time we got there it was a bit too dark but here a few images of the dramatic skies and the bonfire.

A Week in Kitzbuhek, Austria, Day 1

Just a few local images to show friends etc we have arrived safely in Austria. Our hotel is right next to the Gondola up to Hahnenkamm. I took a trip to the top this afternoon to get an idea of the area. 

Marbled Whites - Early and Plentiful This Year

Like many butterflies, the Marbled Whites have emerged at least a week earlier than previous years in our village. They are also as plentiful as we have ever seen with literally dozens of them taking last feeds and then roosting yesterday evening. Here a few different lighting conditions to show off their delicacy.