Summer Holidays..Wildlife

THE JULIAN'S LOG

Sixteenth Post

“SUMMER HOLIDAYS”

Wherever you go in Slovenia, you are likely to see wild-life; at the coast, in cities or villages, by and in rivers and in the meadows. Here are just some descriptions and photos we have collected on walks and trips.

FOCUS ON WALKS AND WILDLIFE

There’s always a great variety of birds in the skies and woodlands. On walks in the mountains, one of the nicest sights is a group of Alpine Choughs appearing to literally play on the thermals and join you for your picnic.

We have seen Golden Eagles soaring regularly on the Slovenia/Austria border and above Lake Bohinj. In Tivoli Park in Ljubljana, you can see Hooded Crows proudly strutting their stuff!!



Over in the east of Slovenia, you know winter is over when the Storks return and nest in the man made platforms on telegraph poles, or chimneys.



In the damp conditions after the rain, it is common to see a Spotted Fire Salamander



and in ponds left after the snow in the mountains, we have been lucky enough to see the Alpine Newt.




In the summer heat, reptiles bask; lizards on the walls in Ljubljana
and a black form of Adder in scrubland in the mountains.










The summer time and flower filled meadows attract butterflies. There are many varieties of Fritillary and Blue and lots of Painted Ladies.

On Grancisce, just above Mojstrana there are always Swallowtails fluttering gracefully on the grassland at the summit in May. Some of the less common sightings have been of a Poplar or Summer Admiral, a Striped Hawkmoth and 9 Spotted Moth.




As for Mammals, in the mountains it is common to see Chamois and Ibex feeding or sleeping.










The squirrels are red but look almost black and are really quite difficult to photograph! Marmots live on grassy and rocky higher ground and their alarm call is more likely to be heard than a sighting, as they remain quite timid.
So far a bear has been elusive to us, but as the snow starts arriving in late Autumn, always look out for a Snow Cat!!
snowcat sculpted by Kevin Pegram
Hope you’ve enjoyed this edition. Next Blog will focus on facilities and activities in Mojstrana

Julian's Log. Summer Holidays

THE JULIAN'S LOG

Fifteenth Post

"SUMMER HOLIDAYS"

Traditionally, every village has a “village day” called “Vaski dan” which appears to be organised by local groups; fire brigade or tourism group. The main aim is to have fun, the other name for the day being “Vesilica” which means “Festival”, deriving from the word “vesel”= “happy”

FOCUS ON....... VASKI DAN

In our valley, we have experienced the “Vaski dan” in the villages of Ratece, Podkoren and Dovje-Mojstrana. They are colourful times. The day in Ratece presents the most traditional activities, with presentations of music, dance, and local customs and crafts. It’s the first time I ever watched every part of the process of shearing a sheep right through to holding pair of socks knitted with it’s wool. All the participants wear full traditional costumes and in 28 degrees they have my admiration!









Dancing is a common theme at all Vaski dans. Podkoren presents a variety of music, with local groups ranging from Traditional to Rap. Generally the music is traditional folk music with dancing…which I have yet to learn but I am trying, and appear to be entertaining the locals in the process!


Of course, the other common factor is drink! Copious amounts of beer, schnapps and wine are consumed and the nights party on into the early hours.

If you happen to be in a Slovenian Village and you see adverts for a Vaski dan or Veselica, then go along and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere and party with the locals!!







Hope you’ve enjoyed this edition. The next Blog will return to walking and focus on: Walks and Wildlife.