Number 44: A new Mammal and a lifer for my World Bird List

Breathing, sometimes laboured, sometimes light, feet being placed mindfully, a meditative state as I take in the small details along our path. Willows, pines, alpine spring flowers, butterflies, the birdsong...and then excitement as something breaks through this contemplative state.

Number 44:

A new Mammal and a lifer for my World Bird List

The insistent drumming of a woodpecker caught our attention and we were able to watch its technique, the flicking of the bark looking for insects and larvae. I was delighted to read that this is a rare sighting for the Dolomiti D'Ampezzo and we were so close to this bird. 

An exciting addition to my world list.

Three-toed Woodpecker, photo by friend and world photographer John Montfort.
Notice those 3 toes - wow.

A young woman on the hike pointed out the Chamois to us, it was feeding up on the screeslopes. A delicate goat-antelope of the mountains and a special addition to our mammal sightings.

A Chamois on the scree slope, some distance from us but a great sighting. Some of the rich plant life.

From the Dolomiti D'Ampezzo website:

Nature lovers are provided with a vast patrimony which numbers among its attraction various types of optimum natural environments, largely inhabited by a rich variety of plant and animal life: from green valleys to dense woods, lakes and waterfalls to the urban landscape of Cortina. In this truly unique environment one may encounter ibex, chamois, golden eagles and owls, the extremely rare three-toed woodpecker,and foxes and weasels. Recent sightings have been made signalling the presence of brown bears and bearded vultures.