Switzerland. Speed of Hummingbird Hawkmoth's Wings

I had a couple of opportunities to photograph these amazing moths - in the middle of the day in Murren and later on the geraniums from my balcony. The first one is at 1/8000th second and the wings have just about been frozen. The wings in the second image show some movement at 1/5000th, more at 1/4000th and by 1/2000th they are completely blurred. The images on the balcony against the evening light were 1/3500 and 1/8000 respectively. 

Switzerland Day 5. Allmendhubel

On Wednesday, the weather had changed to much warmer and sunnier so we decided on a visit to the Murren area. I took the Cable Car from Lauterbrunnen up to Grutschalp and then walked to Winteregg along a beautiful wooded trail with lots of fungi and meadows with butterflies . Then the train to Murren and funicular to Allmendhubel. (Peter and Holly walked the entire way from Grutschalp to Allmendhubel). In Murren there were lots of Black Redstarts.

Switzweland 4. Some Insects from Schynigge Platte

As usual, I couldn't resist photographing the wide variety of insects including Shieldbugs,Skipper, Weevil, numerous Bees and Wasps, Cricket and Flies. All to be idenitified in due course.

Switzerland 4. Schynigge Platte

Schynigge Platte is reached by gog railway built in 1893, one of the highest in Switzerland (1,983 metres). The light was very harsh with light cloud and has given some interesting textures and colour to the landscapes. There are wonderful views to many surrounding mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch and  Jungfrau. I spent most of the time in the Alpine Garden and the slopes around. On the way down, there were great views of  Interlaken and the two great lakes of Thun and Brienz.

 

 

Switzerland 3. Afternoon at Eigergletsche

After lunch at Kleine Scheidegg, Holly and I took the train up to Eigergletsche while Peter did the Jungfrau trail arriving somewhat puffed along the wonderful moraine ridge walk. The clouds lifted enough to see detail in the glacier, the Hut and eventually the Observatory on the Jungfau Joch. Then down to Kleine Scheidegg and back to Wengen on the train.

Switzerland 3. Birds and Flowers on Our Walk

A few more images from yesterday's walk. Having started in the cloud and snow, by the time we got to Kleine Scheidegg, the clouds were clearing. As I took an image of the Eiger, a very large flock of Choughs came through and a Nutcracker landed on a nearby post. Flowers included here -  Knapweed, Rosebay Willowherb, Field Gentian, Sorrel, Golden Rod and Monks Hood