Swiss Flora and Fauna (12 items)

Back to gallery | View album map | View in Google Earth
Fewer items | More items

Summer in Switzerland not only comes with orchids and other beautiful wildflowers, but squirrels are waiting to be fed by tourists.

  • A beautiful specimen of a "Frauenschuh".
  • The Cypripedium calceolus is an endangered orchid but there are still a number of places where it occurs year after year.
  • Close-up of a Lady's-slipper, as it is known in English. The German word "Frauenschuh" has exactly the same meaning.
  • It's not exactly good manners but still quite a feat to be able to pick your nose with your tongue. Think about this next time you have cow tongue on your plate.
  • Squirrels in Arosa are hardly shy.
  • As a matter of fact, there's an Eichhörnliweg (Squirrel trail), where you're (almost, as we found out two years ago) guaranteed to see squirrels.
  • They are so used to humans ...
  • ... that they will climb up your leg if they get a nut in return.
  • Of course the birds have learned from the squirrels, and are now also relying on the convenience of tourists feeding them bite-sized portions.
  • They're not picky but hazelnuts definitely seem to be one of their favorites.
  • Chüpfenflue and Mederger Flue, this time seen from the other side of the valley.
  • The Tiejer Flue in beautiful evening light.