August 2004 and August 2005 : some pictures in Argentera-Mercantour

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Quick links to : -Lac de l'Agnel (young and female Ibex) -Baisse de Fontanalbe (Marmots) -Baisse de Valmasque (Chamois) -Gelas (male Ibex) (click on pictures for larger image)	My trip in 2004 was rather short, for a number of reasons (the poor weather was one): Nevertheless, it gave me the opportunity for a few pictures of the wildlife and the surroundings. I ventured more particularly (see general map on the main Argentera page) around the "Lac de l'Agnel", the "Baisse de Valmasque", the "Baisse de Fontanalbe", and the "Vallée des Merveilles" (the latter to a lesser extent). I also include here for completeness a few pictures of fighting Ibex bulls, taken in 2004 on the Italian side of the Gelas.
	Around the Lac de l'Agnel This is a rather large lake, with an artificial dam keeping an important water level. Close to the mouth of the lake, a number of female Ibex and their young stay relatively close to the stream. Like most Ibex in Mercantour, they are not too shy, and you may even have to step back to take pictures, if you have a long focal lens!
	The "Baisse de Fontanalbe" is a magical place, linking the Valmasque and Fontanalbe area (just after the Baisse de Valmasque) The rock formations are impressive, and it gives an impression of wilderness, while being on a perfectly marked path, but a bit away from the crowds. A nice place also to meet wildlife, from Ibex to the funny Marmots.
	Well, since I had time, I did not neglect to eat some tasty mushrooms, like the "lépiote élevée" (Lepiota Procera) (safety notice : don't eat a mushroom on the basis of a picture alone!!!  -- while someone familiar with mushrooms would not confuse this with dangerous species (in particular some Amanitae, which may have some superficial resemblance) , it is really necessary to develop the skill, and if possible to have someone point  out the differences in the field)
	The "Baisse de Valmasque" ends the Vallée des Merveilles. Below the pass, there is a wide grassy plain. Usually it is pretty wet, and at times I had trouble finding a dry place to put my tent; however in 2005 the situation was opposite, and I had to walk down to the large lake to get some water! A lone chamois was playing in the rocks in the early morning, setting itself against the sun (Nikon D70 with AF Nikkor 1:2.8 180mm and Tamron doubler)
	One year before, on the trip to Pagari along the Gelas (on the Italian side), I came across a small troop of male Ibex who were playing/fighting. The mountain resounded for an hour from the hits of the horns of the younger males -- at times, an older one would just amble by and appear to calm them a bit !