Ibex (stambecci in Italian) live high in the rocky mountains of
northern Italy. Researchers track their whereabouts and well being.
Vittorio lives near Refugio Mulaz in the Pale di San Martino of
the Dolomites north of Venice. He is proud to assist the researchers
by wearing his red collar.
Masqueraders
of the Dolomites
Chamois
(camoscio in Italian) are shy, agile animals that live up there
in the mountains near the ibex. They have striking face markings.
I imagined how they would look if they mixed up their colors in
order to masquerade at Carnevale in Venice.
Crown
Prince of Isola Madre
The
Mediterranean climate of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy is a perfect
home for birds and flowers from all over the world. The crown prince
is a golden pheasant who strides around the palace grounds on Isola
Madre in his fanciful feather outfit.
Marco of Orvieto
Pigeons (picioni) coo all over the cities in Italy. They are
decendents of rock doves that live on ledges. It is no wonder
that Marco hangs out in a hole in the wall.
Curious Camoscio
Herds
of chamois scamper across the mountain rocks and high plateaus.
Occasionally they look at passing hikers.
Lizario
of Levanto
Lizario lives in the Mediterranean coastal town of Levanto
just north of the Cinque Terre.
Lydia
Lydia is a shy marmot who lives in a giant meadow above Bruil
in Val di Rhemes. She shares the meadow with ibex, chamois
and cows.