Back in the Alps - August 2018

Summer holiday this year was a return to Morzine in the French Alps, where the Fearns had a grand time with the McCormacks, the Wainwrights and Everetts in the lovely Chalet Belle Chery on the outskirts of town with beautiful vistas.

Walking, eating, more walking, treetop climbing, poolside action and mountain biking dominated and very chilled it was too.

Of course I saw a few birds and beasts, with the highlights being regular Golden Eagles near the chalet, plenty of Griffon Vulture activity and Lammergiers at the Col de la Colombière. My first Citril Finches away from Fair Isle were enjoyable. Commoner species kept me entertained too, with Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Red-backed Shrike and Black Redstarts around the chalet,  and also Apline Swift, Crag Martin, Alpine Chough, Water Pipit in the area.

Despite my best efforts I again failed to locate Wallcreeper at Sixt-fer-a-Cheval, but did at least see an excellent Ibex. I heard Nutcracker a few times too, but never managed to see one this time sadly.
Chamoix seemed fairly common near the chalet, Alpine Newts were a great find by the kids in a swimming lake and there some nice butterflies too. All in all, very pleasant.