TORRES DEL PAINE, CHILE

If you look at the books about the world's finest national parks you always find unbelievable photos about Torres del Paine. The park forms one of he planet's most valuable nature protection area combination with two other national parks - National Park of Bernardo O'Higgins in Chile and National Park of Los Glaciares in Argentina.

Torres del Paine consists of a mosaic of Patagonian steppes, lakes, river valleys, glaciers and southern parts of the Andes. The highest mountain tops - such as Torres del Paine - reach an altitude of 3000 metres.

Cuernos del Paine.

Trekkers below Torres del Paine.

Andean Condor. The fauna of Torres del Paine is unique. Puma population is quite stable. guanacos can be seen everywhee, all south-american waterbird species are present and big birds of prey - such as Andean Condor - are very easy to observe. 

Torrent Duck.

Red Shoveler.

Black-chested Buzzard Eagle.

Snipe.

Orchids.

Cordillera.

Guanaco.

Flock of Ibises.

Meadow Lark.

Nothofagus on a mountain slope.

 

 

Upland geese.

Upland goose.

Black-faced Ibis.

Zorro.

Cuernos del Paine.

HORNÖYA, NORWAY

One of the most spectacular landscapes i Northern Europepe can be seen in the town of Vardö in northern Norway. If you want something really special take a boat trip to the island of Hornöya about twenty minutes from the port of Vardö. Hornöya is full of seabirds and they can be observed and photographed from a few metres.

Puffins.

European Shag.

Razorbill.

Guillemot.

Great black-backed Gull.

 

Herring Gull.

 

Black-legged Kittiwake in Vardö harbour.

Looking at Honöya.

 

Arctic islands - a landscpe.

Two Puffins.

 

Vardö.

Puffin portrait.

 

VORMSI ISLAND, ESTONIA

Western Estonian islands in Läänemaa area are a fascinating destination for birdwatchers, plant enthusiasts and nature-trekkers. Saaremaa and Hiiuamaa are quite well-known but the smallest of the islands - Vormsi - has remained peaceful and pristine. Some examples of the plants:
 

 Early Marsh Orchid.

Bird's-nest Orchid.

Yellow Iris.

Sea Mayweed.

Sea Milkwort.

Red Robin.

Lesser Butterfly-orchid.

 Lady's-slipper Orchid.

European Yellow Rattles.

 False Lily of the Valley.

European Yellow Rattle, a detail.