Close to midsummer, an hour or two before true midnight, a flock of reindeer coming down from higher grounds is passing by (Hyttdalen, Trollheimen). The reindeer in Trollheimen are owned by two Lapp families. In Norway really wild reindeer are found only in the Dovre–Sunndalen mountains and on Hardangervidda. Wild populations are distinguished by many older males with impressive antlers. Reindeer owners evidently prefer to slaughter the bucks before they get old and grow the big antlers.

(1983-07-07)

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) in sunlight and light rain. This bird lives in arctic regions all around the North Pole. At this latitude (63°N) in Norway it is only found in the highlands

(1986-08-13)

Camouflage: Rock Ptarmigan chick. Only the dark eyes are moving. They say it doesn't smell either. If you ever come across an adult ptarmigan performing the injured wing act, look very, very closely where you tread.

(1986-06-29)

The everywhere present Small Tortoiseshell butterflies (Aglais urticae) lay their eggs on nettles in the lowlands. Here they feed on the nectar of Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) at altitude 1320 metres. I've met them above 2000 metres where they all, having several choices, preferred the lilac mountaineer's rope. Doing close-ups of butterflies (or any insect) is quite easy if you're able to move (and kneel) very slowly without any jerk.

(1990-07-27)