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.

Number 43: Lago del Sorapis in the Dolomites

Our hiking in the Dolomites started today.  I tentatively pulled on my new hiking shoes which are still stiff and unforgiving and stepped out into yet another hike, following route number 215. Breathing mindfully, not knowing what was in store for me, but also appreciating the clear path of the hike that was first forged in 1864.
Our destination, a high altitude Alpine glacial lake reputed to be a true beauty.

Number 43:

 Lago del Sorapis in the Dolomites

The technical challenge of the 13km hike fades when I recall the setting of the lake as well as the colours of the lake. The blues, milky yet clear, turn turquoise, the water reflects the bright green of the pines, as well as the ice white of the snow, all very mystical.

Arriving at Lago del Sorapis, at the foot of 'Dito di Dio', the finger of God,
a mountain peak at 3 205m that looms over the lake.

Lago del Sorapis, a 'Tiffany' blue from above, at and altitude 1923m,
fed by the rapidly receding glaciers and annual snow.

As the gang hiked around the glacial lake, I had time to sit quietly and reflect. Nature at the edge. I heard a thunder-like sound, then watched an avalanche high in the amphitheater of rock, the snow rained down like a waterfall for about 5 minutes and the Alpine Chough's quickly flew off their roosting spots along the peaks.

Milky turquoise detail!

A technical hike; snow and stream crossings, steel ropes and metal stairs to navigate vertiginous slopes,
steep uneven switchbacks, irregular and rugged paths. Did we ever love getting down and having a feast!
Kersten's, John Montfort and John Howell on the hike.