17-4-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.

In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents; northern populations, including many European birds, migrate to Africa and southern Asia to over-winter there. The birds may also wander north in late summer after the breeding season, and their tendency to disperse may have assisted in the recent expansion of the bird's range. At one time common in Western Europe, it was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase. By the beginning of the 21st century the bird was breeding again in France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Britain. Its range is continuing to expand westward, and the species has begun to colonise the New World; it was first seen in Barbados in 1954 and first bred there in 1994. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's global conservation status as being of "least concern".

17-4-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GIANT MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus)

Verbascum thapsus, the great mullein, greater mullein or common mullein, is a species of mullein native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and introduced in the Americas, Australia and New Zealand.

It is a hairy biennial plant that can grow to 2 m tall or more. Its small, yellow flowers are densely grouped on a tall stem, which grows from a large rosette of leaves. It grows in a wide variety of habitats, but prefers well-lit, disturbed soils, where it can appear soon after the ground receives light, from long-lived seeds that persist in the soil seed bank. It is a common weedy plant that spreads by prolifically producing seeds, and has become invasive in temperate world regions. It is a minor problem for most agricultural crops, since it is not a competitive species, being intolerant of shade from other plants and unable to survive tilling. It also hosts many insects, some of which can be harmful to other plants. Although individuals are easy to remove by hand, populations are difficult to eliminate permanently.

Although commonly used in traditional medicine, no approved drugs are made from this plant. It has been used to make dyes and torches.

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - RED VALERIAN (Centranthus ruber)

15-4-2019 DENIA PLAYA, ALICANTE - SALLY MY HANDSOME (Carpobrotus acinaciformis)

15-4-2019 DENIA PLAYA, ALICANTE - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little egret (Egretta garzetta) is small elegant heron in the family Ardeidae. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. At one time common in Western Europe, the Little heron was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in Northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase.

The plumage of the Little egret is normally entirely white, although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has two long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 150 mm (6 in) and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast, but the barbs are more widely spread.

The Little Egret is a small white heron with attractive white plumes on crest, back and chest, black legs and bill and yellow feet. It first appeared in the UK in significant numbers in 1989 and first bred in Dorset in 1996. Its arrival followed naturally from a range expansion into western and northern France in previous decades. It is now at home on numerous south coast sites, both as a breeding species and as a winter visitor.

With its yellow feet, which are used to flush prey when feeding in shallow water, the Little Egret is a distinctive member of the heron family.

Little Egrets first bred in Britain in 1996 and since then have successfully colonised much of southern Britain and Ireland. Most of the breeding colonies have been established within existing Grey Heron colonies, the two species nesting alongside one another.

The winter distribution is also currently restricted to the southern half of Britain & Ireland, despite the fact that young birds are known to move some distance from their natal site. 

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - DEWFIGS (Genus Drosanthemum)

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - GOLD COIN (Pallenis maritima)

Pallenis maritima, also known as the Mediterranean Beach Daisy or Gold Coin, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to regions like the Canary Islands, southern Portugal, and parts of the Mediterranean. This plant is known for its vibrant yellow daisy-like flowers that have darker centers. Typically growing to a height of about 30 cm, it thrives in coastal and dry environments, often found in sandy soils. It requires moderate care, especially in terms of watering, where it should be watered enough to moisten the soil but not excessively to avoid root rot. In its natural environment, it can survive on rainwater but benefits from supplemental watering during dry spells. The plant prefers full sun but needs protection from intense midday heat to avoid sunburn. When grown indoors, it should be shielded from harsh air conditioning which can dry it out.

Pallenis maritima is also a low-maintenance plant that can adapt to various climates as long as it gets enough sunlight and is not overwatered.

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN GLADIOLI (Genus Gladiolus)

The term "European Gladioli" refers to species within the genus Gladiolus that are native to Europe, often found in the Mediterranean region. Examples include Gladiolus communis (Eastern Gladiolus) and Gladiolus italicus (Field Gladiolus), which feature spikes of flowers and grow from corms. While commonly known as Sword Lilies, these European species are distinct from the widely cultivated, large-flowered hybrids which are mostly derived from African species. 

 

Native range: Primarily the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe.

Growth habit: They are cormous perennial plants with tall, often unbranched, flower spikes that emerge from a bulb-like corm.

Foliage: Leaves are typically slender and sword-shaped, with a grooved or sheath-like structure.

Flowers: Flower spikes are often, though not always, one-sided, with individual flowers emerging from the bottom of the spike and opening upwards.

Cultivated vs. wild: The large, colorful flower spikes seen in commercial products are largely the result of centuries of hybridization and selection, mostly from African species. Native European species often have more delicate or less vibrant flowers compared to these cultivated hybrids. 

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - CHICORY (Cichorium intybus)

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - YELLOW HORNED POPPY (Glaucium flavum)

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - TREE MALLOW (Malva arborea)

Tree mallow is a fast-growing shrub or herbaceous plant in the mallow family, known for its large, velvety leaves and showy, pink to purple flowers with darker veins. It is native to the Mediterranean but widely grown in gardens, tolerates poor soil and drought once established, and prefers full sun. It can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, often requires support, and self-seeds readily. 

Physical characteristics

Height: Can grow from 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) tall.

Leaves: Large, velvety, and lobed, typically with five to nine lobes.

Flowers: Typically pink to purple with darker veins, with five petals that open wide. The flowering season is summer into early fall. 

Growing conditions

Sun: Thrives in full sun, which maximizes flowering, but can tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate nutritionally poor or sandy soils.

Water: Needs regular watering to get established, but is drought-tolerant once it matures.

15-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HELICINAN SLUG (Infraorder Arionoidei)

Limacus flavus, known commonly as the cellar slug, the yellow slug, or the tawny garden slug, is a medium to large species of air-breathing land slug, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Limacidae.

This slug has a yellow body with grey mottling, and pale blue tentacles. When extended, the body length can be 7.5 to 10 cm (3.0 to 3.9 in).

The yellow slug is common in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland as well as most of southern and western Europe. It has been accidentally introduced in many other parts of the world.

Yellow slugs, like the majority of other land slugs, use two pairs of tentacles on their heads to sense their environment. The upper pair, called optical tentacles, is used to sense light. The lower pair, oral tentacles, provide the slug's sense of smell. Both pairs can retract and extend themselves to avoid hazards, and, if lost to an accident or predation, can be regrown.

Like all slugs, the yellow slug moves relatively slowly, gliding along using a series of muscular contractions on the underside of its foot, which is lubricated with mucus, such that it leaves a slime trail behind it.

This species feeds mostly on fungi, decaying matter, and vegetables.

This species is strongly associated with human habitation, and is usually found in damp areas such as cellars, kitchens, and gardens or under stones. Generally speaking it is only seen at night, because it is nocturnal. Thus often it goes unnoticed and people are unaware of how (relatively) common the species is.

15-4-2019 DENIA PLAYA, ALICANTE - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

14-4-2019 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

14-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREEN HUNTSMAN SPIDER (Micrommata ligurina)

Micrommata ligurina is a species of huntsman spider. It was first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1845.

In the females of Micrommata ligurina the body length can reach 9–14 millimetres (0.35–0.55 in), while in the males it is about 6–9 millimetres (0.24–0.35 in). The carapace is long and narrow and the abdomen is elongate. The cephalothorax and the long legs of the females are bright green, with a lighter green abdomen showing an almost indistinct median band.

This spider is very similar to the green huntsman spider (Micrommata virescens), but the females have a black dot on the carapace. Moreover the adult males of M. ligurina have a dark brown median band on abdomen with whitish or gray sides.

The eight eyes are arranged in two rows and surrounded by white hairs. Adults can be found in late winter and in early spring.

Micrommata ligurina occurs from the Mediterranean Basin to Central Asia. The range of this species includes Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, Romania and Spain.

These huntsman spiders live on herbaceous vegetation.

13-4-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria))

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

13-4-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - CASTOR BEAN (Ricinus communis)

12-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOVER FLY (Family Syrphidae)

12-4-2019 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

12-4-2019 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

11-4-2019 OLIVA CAMPO, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

1-4-2019 VALENCIA CITY, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove, also known as the collared dove or Turkish dove (Streptopelia decaocto), is a bird of modest size, presenting a grey-buff to pinkish-grey plumage that is slightly darker above than below. It is recognized by its distinctive black half-collar edged with white on its nape, from which it derives its name. The species exhibits a blue-grey underwing patch and a tail that is grey-buff above, with dark grey and white-tipped feathers below. The sexes appear similar, with juveniles displaying a less developed collar and a brown iris.

To identify the Eurasian collared dove, look for its medium size, slimmer and longer-tailed body compared to a rock pigeon, and a shorter stature than the wood pigeon. The red legs, black bill, and red iris surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which may appear white or yellow, are key features. The bird's song, a three-part cooing "goo-GOO-goo," and a harsh screeching call are also distinctive identifiers.

This species is often found in proximity to human habitation, particularly where food is plentiful and trees are available for nesting. It is not uncommon to see these doves frequenting bird tables and farms.

Originally from warm temperate and subtropical Asia, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded its range dramatically, colonizing colder countries and becoming a permanent resident in many. Its range now includes Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

10-4-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

10-4-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - BOAR THISTLE (Galactites tomentosus)

Galactites tomentosus, the purple milk thistle, is a biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Galactites of the Asteraceae family.

Galactites tomentosus is a hemicryptophyte plant up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall. The stem is erect and pubescent, branched at the top. The leaves are green, long and pinnatisect, lanceolate, mottled with white markings, while the underside is whitish and covered with matted woolly hairs. The margins of the leaves bear strong thorns.

The flower heads are quite large – about 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in diameter. The involucre of the flower head is covered by hairy scales ending with a single grooved thorn. The central flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects, while external flowers are sterile; their color varies from white or pink to lilac-purple.

The flowering period extends from April through July and the seeds ripen from August through September. The fruits are achenes with whitish hairy appendages (pappus).

 

The genus name derives from the Greek γάλα (= "milk"), referring to the dense white hairs covering the stems and leaves of this species, the species name tomentosus means hairy in Latin.

This plant is distributed around the Mediterranean Basin, from Greece to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco and Madeira and Canary Islands. It has been introduced to the Azores.

This plant prefers sunny places and usually grows on the uncultivated or barren grounds, waste places, well-drained soils, pastures and roadsides.

It is an edible plant.

10-4-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN FIREBUG (Pyrrhocoris apterus)