Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Tuesday, 30 July 2019
30-7-2019 TAZONES, ASTURIAS - LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)
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The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull, distinguishable by its size and the coloration of its plumage. It is smaller than the European herring gull and exhibits a range of mantle colors across its subspecies, from dark grey to jet black.
Adult lesser black-backed gulls have yellow legs and a yellow bill with a red spot. Their wings and back are either black or dark grey, depending on the subspecies. In winter, the head becomes greyer. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a distinctive wing pattern. They can be differentiated from juvenile herring gulls by their darker, unbarred tertial feathers.
This species is found along coasts and lakes, where it breeds and feeds. It has adapted to urban environments in some cities, nesting alongside herring gulls.
The lesser black-backed gull breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and is migratory, wintering from the British Isles to West Africa. It has expanded its range to North America, particularly along the east coast, where it is now present year-round in increasing numbers.
These gulls are social birds, breeding colonially. They exhibit a fixed action pattern during feeding, where the young peck at the red spot on the adult's bill to induce regurgitation.
Monday, 29 July 2019
29-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - RED BREASTED GOOSE (branta ruficollis)
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The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a small, vibrantly marked member of the Branta genus, easily distinguished by its contrasting plumage. This Eurasian species is the most diminutive of its genus, measuring a mere 53–56 cm in length. Its striking appearance is characterized by a dark sooty back, a rich red breast, and white facial markings, which, despite their brightness, can be surprisingly elusive against a flock of Brant Geese, especially at a distance where the red may appear darker.
Upon sighting, one should note the Red-breasted Goose's unique coloration. The bird's black head is adorned with a white patch, and the red on the breast is a key identifier. The white on the flanks and the black tail with white undertones are also distinctive. When amongst other geese, particularly the Brant Goose, look for the smaller size and the unique red, white, and black patterning to confirm identification.
The Red-breasted Goose favors Arctic tundra during its breeding season, often nesting in close proximity to birds of prey for protection against predators.
Breeding occurs in Arctic Siberia, with a preference for the Taymyr, Gyda, and Yamal peninsulas. Come winter, the geese migrate to the northwestern shores of the Black Sea, predominantly in Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine, with some extending to Azerbaijan. Vagrants have been spotted in Ireland and other parts of western Europe.
This species exhibits a fascinating symbiotic relationship with birds of prey, nesting near their eyries for safety from predators like the Arctic fox. The Red-breasted Goose's nesting strategy involves both open and cryptic nest sites, with the latter being more concealed than those of their raptor neighbors. The geese show a preference for nesting near birds of prey over river islands, despite the latter also offering protection. The size of colonies is influenced by the availability of food, the density of birds of prey, and the location of the nest.
The calls of the Red-breasted Goose are described as "ki-kui" or "ki-yik," which are high-pitched, shrill, and staccato in nature.
During the winter months, the Red-breasted Goose feeds on grasses, leaves, and seeds. The geese's diet is influenced by their wintering habitats, which are subject to change due to land use.
The Red-breasted Goose is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The population is subject to fluctuations, with estimates in the autumn of 1997 around 88,000 individuals, which can decrease to about 70,000 in winter. The species faces threats from habitat changes due to land use, as well as from the construction of wind turbines in critical wintering sites. Conservation efforts include habitat improvement projects and satellite tracking to better understand migration patterns. The species is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Sunday, 28 July 2019
28-7-2019 VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)
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The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.
Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.
The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.
This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and can also be found in parts of North Africa.
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Stonechats are known for their lively presence, often perching conspicuously as they keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. They exhibit a partial migratory pattern, with some populations moving southward to escape the colder winters.
The male stonechat's song is a delightful, high-pitched twitter, reminiscent of a dunnock's melody. Both sexes communicate with a distinctive call that evokes the sound of two stones being tapped together.
European stonechats are monogamous during the breeding season and commence their reproductive efforts at one year of age. They raise two to three broods per season, with the female constructing the nest and both parents tending to the young.
28-7-2019 VILLAVICIOSA, ASTURIAS - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)
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The Black-winged Stilt has a wide range, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some populations migrate to coastal regions in winter, while others in milder climates may remain resident or engage in short-range movements.
Black-winged Stilts are often seen foraging in shallow waters, gracefully picking insects and crustaceans from the surface. They are known to nest in small groups, sometimes alongside avocets, and exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors, including intricate displays and duets.
The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.
Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.
The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.
Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.
Saturday, 27 July 2019
27-7-2019 COVADONGA, ASTURIAS - BLACK KNAPWEED (Centaurea nigra)
Centaurea nigra is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, and is also known as lesser knapweed, common knapweed, black knapweed and bell weed.
It is native to central Europe, and has been introduced to temperate North America and Australasia, where it is usually regarded as a noxious weed due to its fast spread, hardiness and competitive potential.
Centaurea nigra is an upright herbaceous perennial growing up to c. 1 m (3.3 ft) in height. It produces spreading rhizomes.
C. nigra initially produces a basal rosette of leaves, which are usually entire and up to 30 cm long (11.8 in). Once the rosette is fully formed, it produces upright stems before eventually dying away. These upright stems turn purple when mature. The leaves on these stems are smaller, 1-8 mm x 2-10 mm, usually entire, grey-green and roughly hairy.
The inflorescence is globe-shaped, 10-20 mm x 30-40 mm, and contains small purple to reddish flowers that are fringed by black or dark brown bracts.
The fruit (seeds) are a light brown flattened ovoid 3-4 mm long, topped with short bristles c. 1 mm. In its native range, flowering occurs in summer to autumn from June-July until September.
Thursday, 25 July 2019
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE Y LEON - DARKLING BEETLE (Akis salzei)
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Akis salzei is a valid species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae).
Key facts about Akis salzei:
Classification: It belongs to the order Coleoptera (beetles), family Tenebrionidae, and genus Akis.
Identification: The species was first described by Solier in 1837. It is a distinct species within its genus, separated from other species like A. bacarozzo and A. hispanica.
Observations: Records and information regarding its specific characteristics, habitat, and diet are limited in the provided sources, with only a few observations noted on platforms like iNaturalist. Generally, darkling beetles are diverse in their habitats and diets, often acting as decomposers in various environments including on the ground, in rotting wood, or in carrion.
Distribution: Information on the specific distribution area of A. salzei is not detailed in the snippets, though research has confirmed its status as a valid species through the study of specimens from its distribution area.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE Y LEON - GUADARRAMA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis guadarramae)
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Podarcis guadarramae is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is found in Spain and Portugal.
The Guadarrama Wall Lizard is specialized on the granite rock substrates of western-central Iberia. No granite rocks - no Podarcis guadarramae! It mainly occurs in the mountain ranges of the Sistema Central - from Sierra del Alto Rey (Guadalajara) in the east to Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de Gredos and Peña de Francia. For distribution range see map at Podarcis hispanicus.
Podarcis guadarramae differs from the neighbouring Iberian Podarcis species by its flattened head and elongated snout.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)
The black redstart is a small, robin-sized bird with a distinctive red tail, though it is dark-plumaged like a robin. Males are dark grey to black with a black face and throat, while females are grey-brown. This species thrives in both uplands and urban environments, and is a skilled hunter that feeds on insects, spiders, and seeds.
Identification Size: About \(14\) cm (5.5 inches) long, similar to a robin.Male plumage: Mostly dark grey to black on the upperparts with a black face and throat. They have a bright red tail, and males of some subspecies have a white panel on the wings.Female plumage: Grey-brown overall, with a red tail.Tail: Both sexes have a red tail that they often flick, especially the males.
Habitat and behavior Habitat: It can be found in mountainous terrain, but has adapted to urban and industrial areas in central Europe, using buildings as a replacement for cliffs.
Terrestrial habits: It is a very terrestrial bird, often seen hopping on the ground, rocky outcrops, walls, and rooftops.Song: Sings from high perches, like the tops of houses or bushes, and has a song described as starting with a grating sound followed by rapid repetition of a note.
Diet Primary food: Feeds mainly on insects, including flying ones, which it catches in the air or on the ground, along with spiders.Other foods: It also eats worms, snails, seeds, and berries, especially in late summer and autumn.
Nesting and reproduction Breeding season: April to July in southern Europe.Clutch size: Lays \(5\) to \(6\) eggs.Incubation: The eggs are incubated for \(13\) to \(17\) days.
Nestlings: Young birds are helpless and blind when they hatch.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)
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The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.
This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.
The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.
The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - VIPERINE WATER SNAKE (Natrix maura)
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The viperine water snake or viperine snake (Natrix maura) is a semiaquatic, fish-eating natricine water snake. Despite its common names, it is not a member of the subfamily Viperinae. It was given its common names due to exhibiting a dorsal colour pattern that superficially resembles that of sympatric adder species. In comparison to other Natrix species its head is also somewhat wider and more distinct from the neck. Like most members of the Natricinae it possesses a venom gland on each side of the upper jaw (Duvernoy's gland) that produces a mild venom that may play a role in swallowing or digestion. The gland is not associated with an enlarged specialized tooth and the venom has to be applied by chewing. The species usually does not bite as a means of defense, and the effect of a bite would be harmless to humans.
The viperine snake looks like an adder and occasionally behaves like one. It is known to strike like an adder, but not to bite. It spends most of its time in water hunting fish, frogs and other aquatic animals. The species is diurnal.
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Fossils of the viperine snake are known from El Chaparral, a fossil site in Villaluenga del Rosario that dates back to the latter part of the Early Pleistocene.
The viperine snake is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Specifically, N. maura is found in the European countries of Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, northwestern Italy, and Switzerland. It has spread to areas of England, as well[citation needed]. It is found in African countries of Morocco, northern Algeria, northwestern Libya, and northern to central Tunisia. It was introduced to Mallorca in the Baleares (not indicated on the distribution map).
N. maura is grey, brown, or reddish dorsally, with a black zigzag vertebral stripe, and lateral series of black ocelli with yellow centers. The labials are yellow with black sutures. It has a diagonal dark band on each temple, and another behind it on each side of the neck. Ventrally, it is yellow or red, checkered with black, or all black. The strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 21 rows. The ventrals are 147–160; the anal plate is divided; and the paired subcaudals number 47–72. Adults may attain a total length of 85 cm (33 inches), with a tail 17 cm (7 inches) long.
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The viperine snake is found in rivers and lakes, and has also been recorded from areas of brackish water.
The species is invasive on Mallorca. N. maura predates on Pelophylax perezi among other prey on Mallorca. Research by Moore et al. 2004 suggests trophic subsidy provided by P. perezi is maintaining higher numbers of the invader than would otherwise occur. N. maura has altered the behavior of Mallorcan prey. Moore et al. 2004 found that the higher numbers mentioned above are allowing the invader to exert such high pressure that prey species such as the Majorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) have retreated entirely to habitats too steep for N. maura.
Tuesday, 23 July 2019
30-5-2019 VICTORIA FALLS , ZAMBIA - TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Bycanistes bucinator)
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The trumpeter hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator) is a medium-sized hornbill, with length between 58 and 65 cm (23 and 26 in), characterized by a large grey casque on the bill, smaller in females. The eyes are brown or red, with pink surrounding skin. Body mass is between 0.45 and 1 kg (0.99 and 2.20 lb).[2] It is similar to silvery-cheeked hornbill. Distinguishing features include an all-black back, white belly and white underwing coverts (in flight, wings present white tips), and red facial skin.
The trumpeter hornbill is a gregarious bird, usually living in groups of two to five individuals, although sometimes as many as fifty. This hornbill is a locally common resident of the tropical evergreen forests of Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana, Congo, North Pare Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, the Caprivi strip of Namibia and eastern South Africa, where it feeds on fruits and large insects. Like other hornbills, the females incubate four to five white eggs while sealed in the nest compartment.
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