by Jason Sargerson

Published by Charaxes Films

Running Time: 90 minutes

From the publisher: This is an all regions, original film, of butterflies in Western Switzerland. Easily accessible butterfly sites in Bern, Geneva, Jura, Ticino, Valais and Vaud are visited, including the Lütschine Valley, Laubach Valley, Allondon Valley, Tabeillon Valley, Melezza Valley, Rhone Valley, Val d'Anniviers, Trient Valley, Vispa Valley and Saas Valley. A full range of habitat is featured, including Woodland, Wetland, Rocky Steppe, Mountain and High Mountain. Butterfly subspecies found in specific locations are highlighted. Rare butterflies filmed include: Asian Fritillary, Bath White, Cardinal, Grison's Fritillary, Large Copper, Large Tortoiseshell, Poplar Admiral, Scarce Large Blue and Woodland Brown. A species list, site by site is included.

• Locations in Bern, Geneva, Jura, Ticino, Valais and Vaud.
• Filmed at 12 top butterfly sites in Western Switzerland.
• Shot over five years from 2014 to 2018.
• Over 90 species filmed.

A Review by Peter Eeles, 6th April 2019

This DVD is the second from Jason Sargerson and is a complement to his previous work that covers eastern Switzerland. Having visited several of the sites mentioned, this DVD jogged some fond memories of time spent in this beautiful part of the world. The DVD is professionally packaged, with an insert that provides a very useful summary of the species found at each of the sites visited.

As in the first DVD, there is a nice balance between the butterflies and their descriptions, and the sites visited. I also felt that the amount of commentary was appropriate, with plenty of 'space' to simply enjoy the views and butterflies, and listen to the birdsong and hum of the ever-present insect life. The commentary that is included provides a nice summary of each species, in terms of its flight period, nectar sources, larval foodplants, habitat, distribution and ID tips. I'm sure that anyone thinking of visiting the area will be firming up their plans after watching the first 10 minutes of this 90-minute DVD.

In my review of the previous DVD I commented that the footage would have been improved with the use of a tripod and, while this DVD is definitely an improvement on the first, am of the same opinion, despite the author usefully reducing the amount of movement by using slow motion sequences on occasion. That being said, I really enjoyed being taken on a journey to some of the best butterfly sites you're ever likely to encounter and would certainly recommend this DVD to anyone planning to visit, or those simply interested in the species found in this part of Switzerland and their habitats.

How to Order

The DVD can be ordered direct from the publisher.