5-11-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN PAPER WASP (Polistes dominula)

4-11-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

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.

4-11-2019 BENIARBEIG, ALICANTE - DOMESTIC GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser var. domesticus)

08-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (FEMALE) (Panthera pardus pardus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African leopards inhabited a wide range of habitats within Africa, from mountainous forests to grasslands and savannahs, excluding only extremely sandy desert. It is most at risk in areas of semi-desert, where scarce resources often result in conflict with nomadic farmers and their livestock.

It used to occur in most of sub-Saharan Africa, occupying both rainforest and arid desert habitats. It lived in all habitats with annual rainfall above 50 mm (2.0 in), and can penetrate areas with less than this amount of rainfall along river courses. It ranges up to 5,700 m (18,700 ft), has been sighted on high slopes of the Ruwenzori and Virunga volcanoes, and observed when drinking thermal water 37 °C (99 °F) in the Virunga National Park.

It appears to be successful at adapting to altered natural habitat and settled environments in the absence of intense persecution. It has often been recorded close to major cities. But already in the 1980s, it has become rare throughout much of West Africa. Now, it remains patchily distributed within historical limits. During surveys in 2013, it was recorded in Gbarpolu County and Bong County in the Upper Guinean forests of Liberia.

Leopards are rare in North Africa. A relict population persists in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, in forest and mountain steppe in elevations of 300 to 2,500 m (980 to 8,200 ft), where the climate is temperate to cold.

In 2014, a leopard was killed in the Elba Protected Area in southeastern Egypt. This was the first sighting of a leopard in the country since the 1950s.

2-11-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN KATYDID (Phaneroptera nana)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaneroptera_nana

2-11-2019 GANDIA, VALENCIA - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

4-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - GREATER BLUE EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Greater Blue-eared Starling is a dazzling, iridescent African bird known for its glossy blue-green feathers, distinct blue ear patch, and bright eyes, found in savannas and woodlands, feeding on fruits and insects, and forming large flocks with unique "squee-ar" calls, often nesting in tree cavities. 

Appearance & Identification

Color: Brilliant, metallic blue-green with purple-blue on the belly and a distinctive glossy blue ear-patch.

Eyes: Bright yellow, orange, or red, creating a striking contrast.

Size: About 22 cm (8.6 inches) long, with a short tail.

Juveniles: Duller with more brown, developing adult gloss and eye color as they mature. 

Habitat & Behavior

Range: Common in Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and South Africa, preferring open woodlands and savannas.

Social: Highly gregarious, forming large flocks of hundreds, especially at fruiting trees.

Diet: Omnivorous, eating fruits, insects, nectar, and grains, often foraging on the ground.

Calls: Known for a variety of musical and grating sounds, with a characteristic nasal "squee-ar" call. 

Nesting & Conservation

Nesting: Uses tree cavities, either natural or excavated by other birds like woodpeckers.

Status: Considered "Least Concern" with a stable population, according to IUCN data. 

3-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON IMPALA (FEMALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus) PHOTO COURTESY MRS VALERIE FISHER

The impala or rooibok (Aepyceros melampus, lit. 'black-footed high-horn' in Ancient Greek) is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. The only extant member of the genus Aepyceros, and tribe Aepycerotini, it was first described to Europeans by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Two subspecies are recognised—the grassland-dwelling common impala (sometimes referred to as the Kenyan impala), and the larger and darker black-faced impala, which lives in slightly more arid, scrubland environments. The impala reaches 70–92 cm (28–36 in) at the shoulder and weighs 40–76 kg (88–168 lb). It features a glossy, reddish brown coat. The male's slender, lyre-shaped horns are 45–92 cm (18–36 in) long.

4-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN HAWK EAGLE (Aquila spilogaster) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_hawk-eagle

3-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RED LECHWE (FEMALE) (Kobus leche ssp. leche) PHOTO COURTESY MRS VALERIE FISHER

The lechwe is native to Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northeastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats, and Bangweulu Wetlands. The species is fairly common in zoos and wild animal farms.

Adult lechwe typically stand 90 to 100 cm (35 to 39 in) at the shoulder and generally weigh from 50 to 120 kg (110 to 260 lb), with males being larger than females. They are golden brown with white bellies. Males are darker in colour, but exact hue and amount of blackish on the front legs, chest and body varies depending on subspecies. The long, spiral horns are vaguely lyre-shaped and borne only by males. The hind legs are somewhat longer in proportion than in other antelopes to ease long-distance running on marshy soil.

Lechwe are found in marshy areas where they are an important herbivore of aquatic plants, as well as grasses that are found in flooded meadows. They use the knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water-repellant substance which allows them to run quite fast in knee-deep water. Lechwe are diurnal. They gather in herds which can include many thousands of individuals. Herds are usually all of one sex, but during mating season they mix.

1-11-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN KATYDID (Phaneroptera nana)

Phaneroptera nana, common name southern sickle bush-cricket, is a species in the family Tettigoniidae and subfamily Phaneropterinae. It has become an invasive species in California where it may be called the Mediterranean katydid.

This bush cricket is native to mainland Europe, the Near East and North Africa. The Indo-Malayan species Phaneropera subcarinata, described by Bolívar, is morphologically similar to P. nana, and was classified under the P. nana name by Carl Brunner von Wattenwyl. As an invasive species, it has spread to the San Francisco Bay Area and may be widespread in the Los Angeles Basin, with records of its presence in California dating from at least 1952. In addition, it has been recorded in Portland, Oregon since 2015 and South America and hypothesized in the Annals of Carnegie Museum to have spread via shipping.

It mainly inhabits sunny and dry habitats, especially shrubs and low branches of trees.

The adult males grow up to 13–15 millimetres (0.51–0.59 in) long, while females can reach 15–18 millimetres (0.59–0.71 in) of length. In both sexes, the basic coloration of the body is light green, with many small black spots. The eyes are bright orange. In some individuals, there may be a brown dorsal stripe where the forewings (tegmina) meet, though the stripe does not extend onto the pronotum. The hindwings are longer than the tegmina, with the tegmina approximately three-fourths of the length of the hindwings. In some specimens, the tegmina reach the apex of the posterior femurs. In adult males, the cerci are prominent and curved, while in adult females, the ovipositor is about 5 millimetres (0.20 in) long and has the shape of a sickle.

28-10-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

31-10-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LIME SPECK PUG MOTH (Eupithecia centaureata)

The lime-speck pug (Eupithecia centaureata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a common species throughout the Palearctic region (where it is found in Europe, Central Asia, Mongolia, southern Siberia, eastern China (Guangdong) and Taiwan, the Near East and North Africa.

This is a distinctive species, all the wings being largely white except for a black blotch on the costa of the forewing. The wingspan is 20–24 mm. In the ab. obscura Dietze.(perhaps developed chiefly in Asia but also recorded from the Tyrol) the ground-colour of both wings has a smoky suffusion. In the ab. centralisata Stgr., chiefly from Palestine and Central Asia, the markings are weaker, sometimes (except the discal mark) almost entirely obsolete. The larva is long and thin, white-yellow with a red dorsal stripe and horseshoe-shaped red spots running down the sides.

The lime-speck pug (Eupithecia centaureata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a common species throughout the Palearctic region (where it is found in Europe, Central Asia, Mongolia, southern Siberia, eastern China (Guangdong) and Taiwan, the Near East and North Africa.

This is a distinctive species, all the wings being largely white except for a black blotch on the costa of the forewing. The wingspan is 20–24 mm. In the ab. obscura Dietze.(perhaps developed chiefly in Asia but also recorded from the Tyrol) the ground-colour of both wings has a smoky suffusion. In the ab. centralisata Stgr., chiefly from Palestine and Central Asia, the markings are weaker, sometimes (except the discal mark) almost entirely obsolete. The larva is long and thin, white-yellow with a red dorsal stripe and horseshoe-shaped red spots running down the sides.

Often two broods are produced each year and the adults can be seen at any time during the summer and autumn. The moths fly at night and are attracted to light and nectar-rich flowers.

The larva is rather variable but is usually green or yellow, often with red markings. It feeds on the flowers of a variety of plants (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

Larval food plants

Achillea – yarrow

Angelica

Arctium – burdock

Artemisia

Calluna – heather

Campanula

Centaurea

Cirsium – thistle

Crambe

30-10-2019 EL SALER, VALENCIA - WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis ssp. ibis)

The Cattle Egret, a member of the heron family Ardeidae, is a small white bird recognized for its association with grazing animals. It exhibits a stout build, with a wingspan ranging from 88 to 96 cm, and a body length between 46 to 56 cm. The species is relatively light, weighing between 270 to 512 grams. It is characterized by a short, thick neck, a robust bill, and a somewhat hunched posture.

Outside the breeding season, the adult Cattle Egret has predominantly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. Come breeding time, the western variety develops striking orange-buff plumes on the back, breast, and crown, while the bill, legs, and irises turn a vivid red. The eastern variety differs slightly with buff coloration extending to the cheeks and throat during breeding, and the plumes taking on a more golden hue. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though males are marginally larger with longer breeding plumes.

Cattle Egrets are adaptable birds that exploit a variety of drier and open habitats more than other heron species. Their preferred environments include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands, and rice paddies.

Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, the Cattle Egret has seen a significant expansion in its distribution, colonizing much of the rest of the world over the last century. It is now found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones globally.

Cattle Egrets are often seen in the company of cattle or other large mammals, benefiting from the insects and small vertebrates these animals disturb. They are known for their migratory behavior, with some populations moving seasonally, while others disperse post-breeding.

At breeding colonies, the Cattle Egret emits a soft, guttural "rick-rack" call but is generally quiet outside this setting.

Breeding occurs in colonies, often near water and in the company of other wading birds. The nest is a platform of sticks in trees or shrubs. Both parents are involved in nest construction and incubation, which lasts about 23 days. Chicks are born with some down and are dependent on their parents for warmth and food.

The diet is varied, primarily consisting of insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and flies. They also consume spiders, frogs, small reptiles, and occasionally bird eggs and chicks. They are known to forage in fields, often near grazing animals, and have been observed following farm machinery to catch disturbed prey.

The Cattle Egret is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an extensive range and a large, stable population. Its successful colonization of new areas has led to it being considered an invasive species in some regions, though it has not yet been noted to have significant negative impacts.

30-10-2019 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small, nimble gull with a wingspan ranging from 94 to 110 cm and a body length of 37 to 44 cm. It weighs between 190 and 400 grams. Despite its name, the adult's summer plumage features a chocolate-brown head, which can appear black from a distance. The body is pale grey, and the primary wing feathers are tipped with black. The bill and legs are a striking red. In winter, the brown head is replaced by a white one with dark spots. Juveniles are mottled with brown spots and have a black band on the tail. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage.

In flight, the white leading edge of the wing is a distinctive field mark. The summer adult's brown head, red bill, and legs are key identifiers, while the winter plumage features two dark spots on the head. Juveniles can be recognized by their mottled brown pattern and black tail band.

This species nests in colonies on the ground in large reed beds, marshes, or islands within lakes. It is not pelagic and is seldom seen far from coasts.

The black-headed gull breeds across much of the Palearctic, including Europe and coastal eastern Canada. It is migratory, wintering further south, but some remain in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. It is also present in northeastern North America and occasionally seen as far south as Virginia and some Caribbean islands.

23-10-2019 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer)

The Marabou Stork, Leptoptilos crumenifer, is a formidable presence in the avian world, with its massive stature and striking appearance. It stands tall at approximately 152 centimeters and can weigh up to 9 kilograms. Its wingspan is a sight to behold, stretching up to 3.7 meters, rivaling even the Andean condor in breadth. The marabou is adorned with a black back, contrasting white underparts, and a distinctive bare head and neck. Its bill is robust, and it sports a pink gular sac at its throat, a neck ruff, and white legs. Both sexes appear similar, though the female is typically smaller, and juveniles are browner with a less pronounced bill.

To identify the Marabou Stork, look for its large size, bare head, and neck, along with its black back and white underparts. The bird's enormous bill and pink throat sac are also key characteristics. When in flight, note that unlike most storks, the Marabou Stork flies with its neck retracted, resembling a heron.

The Marabou Stork is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, both wet and arid. It often resides near human habitation, particularly around landfill sites.

30-10-2019 EL SALER, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

30-10-2019 EL SALER, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

30-10-2019 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

The Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, is a wading bird of the family Threskiornithidae, known for its striking, sickle-shaped bill. This mid-sized ibis measures 48–66 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80–105 cm. Breeding adults boast reddish-brown bodies and iridescent bottle-green wings, while non-breeders and juveniles display a more subdued coloration. The species is characterized by a brownish bill, dark facial skin with blue-gray to cobalt blue borders, and red-brown legs. In flight, the ibis extends its neck and exhibits a graceful V formation.

When identifying the Glossy Ibis, look for its unique glossy feathers and the distinct shape of its bill. The bird's flight pattern is also a telltale sign, as it flies with its neck outstretched, unlike herons. Listen for its various croaks and grunts, particularly the hoarse grrrr sound during the breeding season.

The Glossy Ibis favors freshwater or brackish wetlands with tall, dense emergent vegetation such as reeds, papyrus, or rushes, and low trees or bushes. It can also be found in lagoons, floodplains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice paddies, and irrigated farmland. Coastal habitats like estuaries and salt marshes are less common for this species.

This ibis is the most widespread of its kind, breeding in warm regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is migratory, with European birds wintering in Africa and North American birds migrating southward. The species has been expanding its range, with increasing numbers in Europe and successful breeding in Britain as of 2022.

The Glossy Ibis is known for its nomadic tendencies and dispersal movements post-breeding. Northern populations are migratory, traversing vast distances such as the Sahara Desert. The species nests in mixed colonies and forms large flocks during migration and winter. It often roosts communally with other species, sometimes in trees far from feeding areas.

30-10-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

The Western Cattle-Egret is a gregarious, white, upland ardeid (Ardeidae), easily recognized by its foraging association with grazing animals and its exaggerated, head-pumping strut. It differs from the Eastern Cattle-Egret (Ardea coromanda) in having less buff-orange breeding plumage in the head and neck regions.

Small, compact white heron with relatively short yellow bill. More frequently seen in dry habitats than other egrets. In breeding season, look for pale salmon color on head and breast and brighter bill. Leg color varies from reddish or yellow during the breeding season to black during the nonbreeding season. Juveniles have dark bill. Always note relatively short, thick neck and short legs compared with other egrets. Often gathers in flocks, frequently following cattle or tractors in fields.

The Western Cattle-Egret is a gregarious, white, upland heron ( Ardeidae ), easily recognized by its foraging association with grazing animals and its exaggerated head-waving. It is distinguished from the Eastern Cattle-Egret (Ardea coromanda) due to having less buffy-orange breeding plumage on the head and neck regions. Its preference for grasslands, lawns, pastures, and grazing animals is quite distinct from that of other herons and egrets, which usually feed in or beside water and not in close association with livestock. In Britain and Europe, it is also known as the buffalo heron, referring to the color of its breeding plumes; but in many languages, it is simply called the cow crane, cow heron, or cowbird, or named after the wild grazing animal with which it is usually associated, e.g., elephant bird, rhinoceros egret, or hippopotamus egret. 

The Western Cattle-Egret's Arabic name, Abu Qerdan, means "father of ticks" and refers to the abundance of ticks on Egyptian herons. Other names that include the word "tick," such as "tickbird," refer to the mistaken belief that they pick attached ticks off grazing animals; instead, most of their prey are insects disturbed by grazing animals. Derivation of the scientific name:Bubulcus(the previous genus) from Latin "belonging to cattle" andibisfrom the Greek in reference to its slightly curved beak like that of the ibis.

30-10-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (FEMALE) (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a subspecies of the common stonechat. Long considered a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, genetic evidence has placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.

European stonechats breed in heathland, coastal dunes and rough grassland with scattered small shrubs and bramble, open gorse, tussocks or heather. They are short-distance migrants or non-migratory, with part of the population (particularly from northeastern parts of the range, where winters are colder) moving south to winter further south in Europe and more widely in north Africa.

Perky little bird of open country, especially heathland with gorse, moorland, weedy meadows, scrubby marsh margins, and rough grassland with scattered low bushes. Perches atop bushes and on fences, dropping to the ground to feed, before flying back up to a perch. Male distinctive, with blackish head set off by big white patch on sides of neck, orangey breast. Female brownish overall with paler eyebrow (only behind eye, unlike Whinchat), dull orangey breast; shows paler rump in flight, contrasting with solidly blackish tail. Warbled song is short and buzzy. Calls include dry “tchak” and rising “weet.”

30-10-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - BANDED GARDEN SPIDER (Argiope trifasciata ssp. trifasciata)

Argiope trifasciata (the banded garden spider or banded orb weaving spider) is a species of spider native to North and South America, but now found around the world.

They typically begin to appear during autumn from early September to late October as temperatures start dropping. In Egypt, the type locality of this spider, females were found surviving the relatively warm winter months.

Their webs can reach a diameter of about 60 cm. The length of the web depends on the size of the spider. Webs are capable of reaching a total length of two meters.

Originally from the Americas, Argiope trifasciata was introduced worldwide.

In Europe, it can be found on the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. The similar looking Argiope bruennichi is common in the Azores.

In Africa, the species is recorded from three countries. In South Africa, the species is known from eight of the nine provinces at elevations ranging from 3 to 1,557 m above sea level.

The species constructs orb webs in wetlands, open grassland areas and gardens. The webs are usually placed low in shrubby vegetation sturdy enough to bear their weight. The spider hangs at the hub head-down throughout the day.

In South Africa, the species inhabits all floral biomes except the Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo biomes, and has also been collected from crops such as cotton, kenaf, lucerne and tomatoes.

In Illinois, Argiope trifasciata hatches in early summer but does not become readily notable until mid-August, when they have grown large enough to make their distinctive webs, which can be up to 60 cm (24 in) in diameter, among stems and bushes. The female rests at the centre of the web facing downwards, with her legs often arranged in pairs, making a cross shape; some female spiders conceal themselves in a hidden location close to the web, being alerted to a potential victim by a non-sticky thread leading to the center.

Some segments of the web often have thicker threads known as stabilimenta forming a decorative pattern. Male spiders are much smaller than females and have their own small webs in close proximity to the females' webs. Argiope trifasciata is diurnal, and feeds on the insects that get snared in the web. Large, powerful prey like paper wasps, are swiftly wrapped in silk to immobilise them, before being injected with toxic saliva.

The silk decorations of Argiope spiders are thought of as visual signals by researchers. Even though the purpose behind the silk decorations made by Argiope trifasciata remains uncertain, there are a few hypotheses: to make the spider appear larger and to act as a warning sign.

It has been shown that webs containing stabilimenta catch fewer insects because they are less cryptic, but on the other hand these webs are less often damaged by birds flying through them.

30-10-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

30-10-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)

European starlings are social, iridescent birds known for their ability to mimic a wide range of sounds and for forming massive flocks called murmurations. They are omnivores, eating insects, fruits, and seeds, and are highly adaptable to various environments, including urban areas. Originally from Eurasia, they were introduced to North America in 1890 and are now a widespread and common species there, where they are considered invasive and can outcompete native birds for nesting sites. 

Their glossy black feathers have an iridescent sheen of purple and green. In winter, new feathers have white tips that wear off by spring, leaving them speckled.

The bill is dark in winter and turns bright yellow during the breeding season. Males have a blue base to their bill, while females have a pink base.

They are stocky birds, typically 8-9 inches long with a wingspan of about 16 inches. 

They are famous for forming large, synchronized flocks that create spectacular aerial displays, which can help protect them from predators.

23-10-2019 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - AFRICAN WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_wattled_lapwing