Not sure what to do with your oranges and lemons? ‘Ow about this then?
Have you been paying attention? As usual in winter, we take a quizzical look over last year’s articles – with one or two extra questions thrown in!
One of the greatest things about winter is that the life of the animals and birds of the mountains is much easier to see and understand thanks to the snow.
At this time of year, we read a lot about Pine Processionary Caterpillars, hairy and dangerous little fellows who can cause severe irritation and allergic reactions in both human and animals who touch them or who come across their hairs, which can also blow in the wind.
These are in fact caterpillar nests, constructed by the pine processionary caterpillar (chenille processionnaire) larva, who live in large ‘tents’ and march out at night in single file (hence the name) to feed on the pine needles.
If you’re wondering why the P-O is graced with fewer palms than a decade ago or why many remaining trees look sick or dead, pests in the form of a moth and weevil are to blame.
How about a bit of cave magic for Christmas?
More than 40 years ago, thousands of starlings, (étourneaux) on their way to Africa chose Perpignan as their ideal stop-over holiday destination.
Food ‘à volonté’ of fruit, grapes, olives… mild climate, and well lit town with tree lined streets put our capital of Catalan culture at the very top of the starling ‘Must Visit’ hit list.
A circular walk of 11 kilometres exploring the group of dolmens above the pretty village of St Michel de Llotes.
This poem is hard to understand for those who have never lived in the Midi, or southern part of France, but once the hot summer days have been experienced, it makes perfect sense.