Wildlife highlights to my trip to Slovenia and the Italian border included a Western Palearctic tick in the form of two Rock Buntings on Stol. Other outstanding bird sightings included a very showy Black Woodpecker at Lago di Doberdo on the Italian border, good numbers of Hawfinches at a number of sites in Slovenia and Italy and nesting Crag Martins in Kobarid!! Other wildlife seen included at least four different reptile species, two European Pond Terrapins , Black and White Proteus (the rarest Herps in Europe!), Western Whip Snake at Lago di Doberdo, Chamois on Stol and at least six species of Orchid seen on the trip. The scenery of the country was breathtaking, and although I don't like heights at the best of times the Mangrt Road was truly amazing!! On the historical and cultural front I was surprised to find out about the Italian front in the World War 1 around Kobarid and the Soca Valley and that half of million causalities occurred in th...
