A sea of clouds

 Foggy downing Mount Ezkanda (Irati-Aezkoa)

Eastern Irati,  from Mount Mendilatz (Aezkoa Valley, Navarre)

There are no goats in Irati.  This is Belagoa valley , from the stone of St. Martin.(French border)

In summer is quite common to look the fog falling down when north wind (cold air) is blowing , and therefore heavier, spreads down the slopes to the south after the northern valleys of the Pyrenees have been filled fog.

Fog is not alwais dangerous. Can be beautifull-

The advance of fog to the south  isdepending of  the heat  that its find this on the southern slope,with hot air going up that tends to slow it when it is falling down.
In these photos, in the end of the day, hot air loses strength and when it cooled, begins to accumulate in the bottom of the valleys, as I have told, by the weight of the cold air.This is called termical inversion because in  normal circumstances, at higher altitudes, colder.
In the next day, when the sun rises and warms the air, the fog will tend to rise and disappear.
There is a great saying I heard that my great-grandmother, who says: "Fog in the morning , afternoon for walking"

Valle de Belagoa, valley with Larra on the left side.

Fog can be very dangerous if you do not know the terrain, and even if we know it. I know stories of shepherds who have spent the night in the open pasture lost by those who walk every day.
It is highly recommended to always carry a map of the area and a compass. If you carry GPS also much better, but do not confide everything to technology, because if this fails, you will see a serious problem.
If you like the exciting world of meteorology, I highly recommend this book. Besides good information, it's funny and readable:
:GUIA DEL OBSERVADOR DE NUBES.
Autor: GAVIN PRETOR-PINNEY
Ed: SALAMANDRA
http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/

Baskian viper (Vipera seoanei) in Irati forest

Baskian Viper(Vipera seoanei)

We  found it in the access road to the Irati forest  from Aezkoa valley(Navarre), between the hut of the toilets and the information point. It seemed dozing on the road to get more heat, but as we approached to take photos, and finally try away with a stick, we realized she was dead.It was not very visible injury near the tail, and the death was recent because recently we had been there.
In Irati we have two kinds of snakes, theEuropean Asp (Vipera aspis), of most Mediterranean distribution, with which Cleopatra committed suicide, and this other, Baskian viper(Vipera seoanei), from the north of the Iberian Peninsula, without snout like the European Asp, but with vertical pupils of all snakes. It is considered endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, ie not living in other parts of the world.
We had been for a day in the point of information and we had been  showing  to the people who had some interest in wildlife, after asking if they wanted to see, as there are many people with a phobia of snakes. Finally we had to throw.

It measured 65 cm. long. Really big for the species.

If you are interested in a good link about the world of snakes of the Iberian Peninsule, here you are a good link(also in english):

www.viborasdelapeninsulaiberica.com/

Aesculapian snake(Zamenis longissimus)

Aesculapian snake(Zamenis longissimus)

In another article I have mentioned that the snakes, which are cold-blooded, like the heat of the rocks and especially the road, and often go there to get some energy. The road for being black still warmer than the rest of local rocks, with lighter colors.
This time this poor  Aesculapian snake  (Zamenis longissimus) was hit yesterday while  was sunbathing on Orotz Betelu(Navarre), a village near the Irati forest.

It was about 85 inches long, (Adults can reach 2 meters) and a wheel of a motorcycle, looking by the small size of the wound, was caught in the middle.

Usually eat mice, eggs, birds and reptiles, the same way as the famous Anaconda or Boa constrictor; drowning with his body.

A good page to know more about this type of snake (not poisonous) is this web of biodiversity of the Government of Navarra. not very full, but very clear

http://www.biodiversidad.navarra.es/Especie.aspx?id=704&lg=fr

Belly of the  Aesculapian snake with crush injury

                                                                                                                      

Note that in Navarre, only vipers snakes (much smaller)  can inoculate  venom  and they only will bite us in case of being cornered.

I have a friend who was bitten by a snake some years ago years in the forest, in another  nearby area of ​​Navarre when he went to sit down and he didn´t saw where he put his hand on the ground. He went to hospital and there,they gave him the antidote. In about three weeks I was recovered .If he had not laid the hand on the viper never had bitten, and he didn´t realized of his presence

An older woman in Bera (North Navarre) told me on another occasion that a reaper had been bitten at this time, when they was cutting the grass of the meadows  with the scythe.

. Be always careful where you put your hand or where you step, but not afraid. Only respect.

Carnivorous plants in the forest of Irati.The peatlands

Pinguícula/waterworts(Pinguícula grandiflora)

In the forest of Irati Aezkoa Valley, we have two kinds of carnivorous plants. The you see in the picture is the Pinguicula or waterworts (Pinguicula grandiflora) which is now in flower. The black dots on the green leaves are small insects that got stuck in the leaves due to a secretion of mucilage (a sticky substance also found in the fruits of mistletoe formerly used as glue underpowered).

When the unfortunate creature is stuck, begins to secrete a kind of enzymes that act as digestive system in the outside.
It's their way of   to get mainly nitrogen, in areas where the soil is very poor in it.
I always see in areas of runoff water or light build. Zones and PH very acid washed, such as bogs or bogs in formation areas, of which we have some in the Irati  of Aezkoa valley(Navarre)

Common sundew(Drosera Rotundifolia)

The other plant we have is more special, and spend more unnoticed. With less than 5 centimeters, is a little bit  like carnivorous plant that we have in mind, and which sold in stores a tropical species, bigger than ours.
It is the common sundew(Drosera rotundifolia). In Mediterranean areas as Izki Natural Park (Araba, Baasque country) can be found Great sundew(Drosera/anglica longuifolia) species, which as its latin name suggests, has longer leaves.

In the high-Azpegi, in the westernmost part of Irati have peaty ecosystems (peat forming) one of which recently closed with wooden fencing to prevent livestock can step flora before  flowering. The idea is that once this has happend, we can open three wickets for the free entrance of the cattle.

It so happens that cattle trampling those plants, is at the same time preventing the growth of others, such as Gorse (Ulex europaea) that could be cause problems in this ecosystem, but also is  the responsible to create small wells with their hooves in the mud, where they later leave the most interesting plants

Etzangio Board (Azpegi summit/ Aezkoa) in front the bog.

This is the panel explaining the pre-bog ecosystem, developed by us(Itarinatura) recently.
A peatland is a zone with constant supply of water where they grow mainly Sphagnum and other mosses, along with other plants associated with that ecosystem. Over time, new mosses grow on top of the dead, that having low oxygen just rot, and over the years we may have a depth of several meters of peat, which is the type of substrate that you can find in garden stores.

Almost all of Ireland or Scotland is full of such areas as well as large areas of the Pyrenees, where the soil remains waterlogged environment. In these countries cut peat in portions to use as fuel, because long time ago that the great forests disappeared, at least as to get firewood. Literally they burn the ground in fireplaces, and what's left later in these sites is the bedrock sterile because the peat is formed in a slow process of thousands of years.

Among other types of wildlife and vegetation can talk about dragonflies, spiders that eat dragonflies, others that they eat other spiders and dragonflies, if they can, ..
Typical of these ecosystems is the Common cotton grass (Eriphorum angustifolium), a type of rush Shaggy has not still taken the flower. Certain types of orchids and daffodils,mayflowers,gentians,..too.

Common cotton grass(Eriophorum angustifolium)

Spider eating a butterfly

At the peat bog are associated many amphibians like Common frog (Rana temporaria), the Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) webbed Triton (Lissotriton helveticus) or the common toad (Bufo bufo), which attract all kinds of predators. Difficult to see them, but not his tracks. In this way we see that badgers, foxes ,bobcats  and European polecat approached those sites to hunt.

Common frogs(Rana temporaria) matting

Salamander(Salamandra salamandra)

Budger tracks(Meles meles)

If you decide to visit this place, as always, be respectful (I know what you will, but you would not be on this page) with everything you see.

Orchids, a world of colors in the Aezkoa valley

The orchids are, and have always been very striking plants (in the form of flowers and their color), not only for insects,  also for humans too.

 Orchis purpurea

 While in Europe, its length is less than in the tropics, have always had great appeal and what has been discovered later about them, probably caused greater fascination.
His name is related to the tubers with roots as a form it represents. Theophrastus was who named them "Orchis" by the resemblance to the testicles of men. The first orchid  known is dated 65 million years ago, then at the time of the dinosaurs existed orchid species.


The research works of Darwin, on the reproductive mechanism of plants, especially in the study of orchids,  discovered  us the relationship between pollinating insects and orchids: as the result of this bestiality, created flowers are attractive products, means of decoy and also viscous and sticky pollen.
Several species began to have rewards such as food (nectar and oils) and decoy (mimic the shape and smell of female bees, wasps or flies). So some species were eventually specializing in one pollinator to ensure a more efficient pollen transfer.
This is why so extremely varied forms of orchid flowers that attract bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and other parts of the world including birds, bats and frogs.

 Orchis scolopax

The Aezkoa Valley(Navarre) provides a variety of orchids, its intricate relief allows  to create numerous microclimates within this transition from Pyrenean to Atlantic climate. We have many forests within the valley but also numerous grassland or "larreak" some at your disposal N and others in a position S. Not all bloom at the same time, so we have made ​​the list based on their flowering.
   In late May and early June several species begin to bloom Cephalantera genus like and some Orchis.

 Cephalantera longifolia

    Orchis provincialis

  Then it's time, and in the middle in July of Platanthera, Dactylorhiza, Orchis,  Hymantoglossum and some Ophrys. 

 Orchis simia

 Dactylorhiza maculata 

 Orchis mascula

 Serapias lingua 

 Platanthera clorantha

 Platanthera bifolia 

 Hymantoglossum hircinium

   

       In late June, the Anacamptis gives way to forest orchids that in the Irati Forest are of the genus Epipactis.

 Anacamptis pyramidalis

 Epipactis viridiflora 

 Epipactis helleborine

 Orchis purpurea

 While in Europe, its length is less than in the tropics, they always have  had great appeal and what has been discovered later on them, it is probably caused greater fascination.
His name is related to the tubers with roots as a form it represents. Theophrastus was who named them "Orchis" by the resemblance to the testicles of men. The first known orchid is dated 65 million years ago, then at the time of the dinosaurs existed orchid species.

 

Spring in Irati.The explosion of life

Roe deer(Capreolus capreolus)

After an unusually harsh winter, life is manifested in all its aspects. Herbivores  take the opportunity to break the fast of winter survival, the birds begin to mark territories and mate, flowers rush out as if it were outside life (and in part, it is, see article on plants prevernals 2011), and amphibians begin a new cycle of life.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Arrazola (Irati-Aezkoa)

Irati 12-4-2013

                            Although it has melted much of the snow that had accumulated, in many areas still comes above the knees. But more to clutter too, adds a special touch to the forest. It remains hard and just sinks to walk over.
This probably  may be a nuisance for different plant species having short timeframe before the leaves have come out and overshadow them, again most of them disappear until next year  

Narcissus Asturiensis (Sub.Jacetanus)

                                        Petticoat daffodil (Narcissus bulbocodium)


Daffodils are probably the most striking flower that can be found these days in Irati. There are several species of them, depending on the ecosystem, and the orientation of the slope. All are protected, and never enough to remember, are great for a good photograph, but have to follow them wherever it makes sense

Narcissus varduliensis

As you see in the picture above, is now when they are coming out. During the next two weeks will sprout 90% of them all. There are always some that are ahead and others fall behind, as in everything.Probably , may be a survival strategy, and if they go well, will play an advantage over their peers.
We lack the  Narcissus poeticus or poet´s daffodil, the rarest of all, perfect white,who not bloom now, nor in Irati (yes in the valley of Aezkoa) and we will be looking at another occasion.

Anemone nemorosa(Anemona nemorosa)

Dog´s tooth violet(Erythronium dens -canis)

Wild cat tracks(Felis silvestris)

Snow gives us the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of wildlife. In this case, traces declawed  wild cat (Felis silvestris), and the proximity to a pool of frogs, tells us about an attack likely to eat jelly   brown frogs (Rana temporaria) although they may be locally abundant, is a rare and legally protected species.
I want to emphasize, though this is perhaps not the right forum, because those who follow this blog I dont think that you need it, we should try to leave nature as we have found, or even better, if we see garbage and can lead us to throw in the containers. There are always exceptions, like at all. There is nothing wrong with taking some mushrooms in autumn, in areas where it is qualified to do, and probably would not have a big problem in catching frogs as has always been done. (Hey, do not invite anyone to do it!)
The problem comes when it does many people and also some without self-control. More is better, seem to they think, and doing business with it. Then is when  restrictions appear to prevent abuse,or  that an resource for these valleys esquilme, or that a species is endangered. Perhaps one more or less common frog is not essential, but in the case of threatened species, one  roughly bearded can mean the disappearance of the species locally for a long time

Brown frog(Rana temporaria)

Erlan fall (Irati-Aezkoa valley)

Finally, this spring Irati forest water bearings are completely filled , giving us some truly spectacular photos.
If you want to see him with your eyes, I'll be happy to show it to you. You can contact me at:

:itarinatura@itarinatura.com
and see some of the activities offered in www.itarinatura.com
If you prefer to see him alone, nature lovers are always welcome

 Erlan stream (Irati Aezkoa valley)

Stream with Narcissus varduliensis(Irati-Aezkoa Valley)

Easter holidays¿What to see in the forest of Irati?

With the arrival of the Easter holidays, many people will choose to come visit Irati forest. To make the trip as enjoyable as possible, we must bear in mind a few things;

Mount Azalegi(Aezkoa,Navarre)

1. There is still snow on the mountains. This may be an incentive, or a disadvantage depending on how prepared we go. Thus, hiking boots, if you walk out of the tracks, or even to walk on some of them, are highly recommended.
2. Of the two entries on Navarre to Irati  (Aezkoa and Salazar) at the moment only Aezkoa valley is open, (from Orbaizeta) because by Otsagabia / Ochagavia (Salazar Valley) there is still too much snow and not pass snowplows. This may change, so the  best is to ask in the information Office of Otsagabia: oit.ochagavia @ cfnavarra.es In any case, the village of  Otsagabia and Salazar/ Zaraitzu valley in general well worth a visit.                                                                                                  The time point Arrazola information is from 9:00 to 19:00 from Saturday 23 March until 1 April inclusive.
3. As the weather forecast indicates that something will upset your best if you go with warm clothes, spare clothes, and I will also recommend the umbrella than a raincoat only. Around here at least, you will not see a shepherd in the rain with a raincoat. They use the umbrella, because  it's what you'll driest maintain.

Megalithic area of Azpegi(Aezkoa,Navarre) with Mendilatz nature reserve in the background

     4.Bad weather can be an opportunity to visit the villages of these Pyrenean valleys, nooks filled with a lot of mystery, magic and history. Within half an hour we pass from one valley to another, around landscapes that will be in the memory for a long time.

Narcissus asturiensis

5. Dont take  flowers  that are beginning to emerge. Although some sites will look very abundant, it may just be in that small area, and outside to be very slim. You can remember best by a good photo. Moreover, in this way, the coming years this plant will be reproduced and  will be still mor

            6. The wildlife starts to move. About three weeks ago I took this photo of a wild cat (Felis silvestris) while waiting in the middle of a meadow vole or to a field mouse move to remove some of the hunger winter. It was not in Irati but on the way to  there . In general, wildlife in Navarra is varied and rich.

Wild cat(Felis silvestris)

Smooth snake  (Coronella  Austriaca)

7. For the same reason, this snake, an Smooth snake, harmless to us started out of his slumber to catch any mice or small insects and encouraged by the first warm rays of sunshine began to poke his head out of their shelters winter

 8.Finally, I invite you to do a tour with us, where we will explain  you everything we  will see in our way. You can also visiting our web: www.itarinatura.com  or put you directly in contact with us, either at the point of information Arrazola (Irati Aezkoa valley,Navarre) or with our email : itarinatura@itarinatura.com