Summer, in every way… 

The beautiful season, despite the overwhelming heat in the daytime, is like a merry-go-round of the senses for nature lovers. First of all, the noise, with this insect singing all summer long, it becomes almost annoying ... but if we listen carefully, this song turns out to be multi-faceted, varied and in fact, recognisable. Next comes the observation, a quick glance or longer observation, to watch the migratory birds with multicolored feathers in awe. Not-to-mention the “exotic” appearance of these new reptiles which leaves us torn, "should I touch it or not!?" Only a delicate and expert hand can appreciate the texture of their skin. Seeing the invisible and hearing the inaudible is possible! Summer is the ideal season for crackling ultrasonic sensors, to capture the nocturnal passage of a flying mammal ... Finally, the scent and taste of aromatic plants are a real treat for the nose and mouth...

Whatever the time of year, the naturalist knows how to use all of his senses to fully appreciate the world around him. Take a walk in his footsteps for a day! 

The impressive European Bee-eater ...

To keep up with such a bird, it is necessary to be able to cross, at the end of the summer, the Mediterranean via the Gibraltar Strait to South Africa and then to return the following spring. You also need to know how to dig a deep tunnel in the high banks of a river to lay your eggs and raise your offspring. It is important not to be reluctant to eat wasps, bees, hornets or other hymenoptera in flight. Even if a good dragonfly will do the trick…

To live up to this European bee-eater and to be recognised by the rest of the local avifauna, you must wear this shimmering and colorful plumage of ten colors, which makes you so recognisable and utterly spectacular!

And now, due to the effects of climate change, you must even dare to venture further north of your usual range and find somewhere to settle, thus bringing a touch of exoticism to the surrounding natural environment...

Tell me about the Cicada...

Ah, the carefree time of the cicadas ...

Yes, but pay close attention to what you have just read! We are talking about cicadas. Indeed, under the generic name of this insect, emblematic of Mediterranean nature and of the Cicadidae family, actually hides several very distinct species.

From the very common Plebeian cicada (Lirystes plebejus) to the more discreet Pygmy cicada (Tettigetta pygmaea) which, however, is not really the smallest, there are no less than 16 species present in the Mediterranean region, including 3 endemic to Corsica. So will you tell me how to recognize them, differentiate them !?

In addition to observing their sizes and colours, let yourself for example, be lulled by the frequencies of their vibrant sounds... or to make it easier, listen to them, they all have a different song.

Dog Girl

Gecko, the new kid on the block!

Bask in the sun! An expression which, if everyone is familiar with it, nevertheless risks disappearing from our language ...

Indeed, in favor of climate change and rising temperatures, another reptile is hiding today under our roof tiles.

The European Common Gecko (Tarentola mauritinica) has gradually taken the place of our good old Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis).

Historically present on the Mediterranean border, it has today greatly enlarged its habitat, If you find yourself in Grenoble, keep an eye out ... They are active at night, and feed mainly on insects.

Its thorny and very exotic appearance could make you want to make it your new pet, but like all reptiles, know that this species is protected.

It may have come time to "Geckote in the sun" ... don't you think so !?

Orpellieres

A membrane as a wing…

Under a bridge crossing the Canal, in the hollow of one of the old plane trees along the towpath, behind a shutter that remained open at a lock keeper's house, so many diurnal lodgings for a very specific mammal, the only one really able to fly, the bat. In Oc language it is known as: " ratapenada ", Roll the" r "and pronounce the final " a " as an " o "..." rrrratapenado ". At the end of August, a national event "The night of the bat" invites you to follow specialists (chiroptologists) to go and meet the Pipistrelles, Rhinolophes or Myotis... These protected animals that literally fly with their hands silently remove a good number of mosquitoes from our summer evenings… Let us thank them!

A Thousand and One Thymes…

Thymus vulgaris is its scientific name, Frigola its name in Occitan dialect, Farigoule or Farigoulette is the French version, all for the simple Thyme! But in fact, there is only one sort, the unique Common thyme So why are there so many different words for this plant!? It’s actually much more complex. The thousand and one secrets of this plant are hidden in its medicinal properties or to be more precise in the chemical composition of its active ingredients, known as "chemotypes". We have for example the Thyme thymol known for general fatigue, Geraniol thyme is a very effective antifungal. The Linalol thyme has deworming effects ... Thyme is also officially recognized by the World Health Organization for all of these properties. That said, excessive consumption of Thyme herbal tea won't do you any harm, but it is however preferable to consult a specialist with regards its essential oil.