8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - WHITE FACED OWL (Genus Ptilopsis)

Ptilopsis is a genus of typical owls, or true owls, in the family Strigidae, that inhabits Africa. Its members are Northern and Southern White faced owls.

The northern white-faced owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. The southern white-faced owl was formerly included in this species and the two were known as the white-faced scops-owl. It is found in a band across Africa between the Sahara and the Equator.

13-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - THREE BAND SLUG (Genus Ambigolimax)

The Three-banded Garden Slug (Ambigolimax valentianus, formerly Lehmannia valentiana) is a species of land slug known for its distinctive markings and, often, its status as an invasive pest in greenhouses and gardens. 

Here are the key facts about Three-banded Slugs:

Physical Characteristics

Appearance: They are usually pale buff, yellowish, or brown with a slightly pinkish tinge.

Markings: They are best recognized by three, often dark, longitudinal bands on the mantle (the "shield" behind the head), with the side bands extending down the body.

Size: Adults typically reach 4–8 cm in length.

Mucus: They produce a clear, watery, and transparent mucus.

Body Features: They have a small, short, or indistinct keel (the ridge running down the center of the tail). 

13-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FUNNEL WEAVER SPIDER (Lycosoides coarctata)

Lycosoides coarctata is a common Mediterranean funnel-weaver spider (Agelenidae) often found in gardens, forests, and under stones, noted for its active, non-web hunting behavior and camouflaged, mottled grey-brown appearance. Females are 8–12.5 mm, males 6–9.3 mm; both possess robust legs and are generally harmless, despite having venom for prey. 

Key Facts about Lycosoides coarctata:

Appearance & Identification:

Prosoma (Head/Thorax): Light brown with an elongated, darker cephalic part.

Opisthosoma (Abdomen): Grey-brown, often featuring a distinct mottled, greyish-brown pattern with thin angular lines (chevrons) on the rear half.

Spinnerets: Light brown, with the apical segment about twice as long as the basal segment.

Body Length: Females are roughly 8–12.5 mm; males are slightly smaller at 6–9.3 mm.

Habitat and Distribution:

Widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region, extending to North Italy and Dalmatia.

Thrives in diverse environments including scrublands, forests, and stony areas, often hiding under stones.

Behavior and Ecology:

Hunting: Rather than relying solely on their funnel-shaped webs to catch prey, they are active hunters that move quickly, relying on sensory organs on their hairs and spines.

Reproduction: Females are known to attach their egg sacs to their bodies for protection.

Activity Pattern: Primarily nocturnal predators.

Interaction with Humans:

They are not considered aggressive, and bites are rare.

Their venom is not considered dangerous to humans, usually causing only minor irritation, similar to a bee sting.

13-4-2020 DECORAH IOWA, USA - BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) LIVE CAM

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a majestic bird  of prey indigenous to North America, is not actually bald. Its name derives from an older meaning of "white headed," referencing the striking contrast between its chocolate-brown body and its snow-white head and tail. The adult bald eagle is unmistakable within its range, with a robust build, a heavy head, and a powerful beak. The plumage of immature eagles is a mottled brown, with the distinctive white head and tail feathers not appearing until four to five years of age.

Adult bald eagles are primarily brown with a white head and tail, and their eyes, beak, and talons are bright yellow. Females are about 25 percent larger than males. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger, averaging up to 5.6 kg (12 lb), compared to the males' average of 4.1 kg (9.0 lb). The beak is large, hooked, and yellow. Juveniles lack the white head and tail, featuring a brown plumage overlaid with white until they reach maturity.

13-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

The Catalonian wall lizard (Podarcis liolepis), often called the Columbretes wall lizard or sargantana bruna, is a slender, 15–20 cm long reptile native to Northeast Spain and Southern France. Known for being highly adaptable, these brownish, long-tailed lizards thrive on rocks, walls, and in human settlements from sea level to 2000m in the Pyrenees. 

Key Facts About the Catalonian Wall Lizard:

Appearance: They are slender with long tails (roughly two-thirds of total length) and narrow, tapered heads. Their color is usually grey-brown, often with faint, reticulated, or striped patterns, especially in females.

Habitat: They prefer sunny areas and are found in rocky areas, dry-stone walls, and buildings. They are highly adapted to climbing.

Distribution: Primarily found in Catalonia (Spain), extending to the Columbretes Islands and parts of Southern France.

Diet: They are insectivores, feeding on insects such as crickets and grasshoppers.

Behavior: They are diurnal (active during the day).

Subspecies: Significant variability exists, with identified forms like P. liolepis cebennensis (Southern France) and P. liolepis atratus (Columbretes Archipelago).

Status: Classified as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN, though they face threats from habitat alteration.

Distinction: Formerly considered a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard (Podarcis hispanicus), it is now recognized as a distinct species. 

8-5-2017 SEVILLE, ANDALUCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (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.

House sparrows are social birds, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a range of behaviors, including dust or water bathing and communal roosting. Males are known to be territorial around their nesting sites.

The house sparrow's vocalizations are predominantly variations of a simple chirping call. Males may sing or give an "ecstatic call" during the breeding season, and the species uses a variety of calls for different social interactions.

House sparrows are generally monogamous and may mate for life. They can breed in the season following their hatching and often produce multiple clutches per year, with each clutch containing up to five eggs. Nest sites are varied, with a preference for cavities.

An opportunistic feeder, the house sparrow's diet consists mainly of seeds from grains and weeds, but it also consumes insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when feeding young.

Despite its widespread distribution and abundance, the house sparrow has experienced declines in some areas. However, it is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

13-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

The White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

13-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.

The European, north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India and southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe.

13-4-2020 KONIGSTEIN CASTLE, GERMANY - EUROPEAN EAGLE OWL (Bubo bubo) LIVECAM

The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) is a species of eagle-owl that resides in much of Eurasia. It is also called the Uhu and it is occasionally abbreviated to just the eagle-owl in Europe. It is one of the largest species of owl, and females can grow to a total length of 75 cm (30 in), with a wingspan of 188 cm (6 ft 2 in), with males being slightly smaller. This bird has distinctive ear tufts, with upper parts that are mottled with darker blackish colouring and tawny. The wings and tail are barred. The underparts are a variably hued buff, streaked with darker colouring. The facial disc is not very defined and the orange eyes are distinctive.

Eurasian eagle-owls are found in many habitats, but are mostly birds of mountainous regions or other rocky areas, often those near varied woodland edge and shrubby areas with openings or wetlands to hunt a majority of their prey. Additionally, they inhabit coniferous forests, steppes, and other areas at varied elevations that are typically relatively remote. Eurasian eagle-owls are occasionally found amongst farmland and in park-like settings within European cities, even rarely within busier urban areas. The eagle-owl is mostly a nocturnal predator, hunting for a range of different prey species. 

Predominantly, their diet is composed of small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, but they also prey on larger mammals and birds of varying sizes. Other secondary prey can include reptiles, amphibians, fish, large insects and other assorted invertebrates. The species typically breeds on cliff ledges, in gullies, among rocks, or in other concealed locations. The nest is a scrape containing a clutch of 2 - 4 eggs typically, which are laid at intervals and hatch at different times. The female incubates the eggs and broods the young, and the male provides food for her, and when they hatch, for the nestlings, as well. Continuing parental care for the young is provided by both adults for about five months. At least 12 subspecies of the Eurasian eagle-owl are described.

4-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RED WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus indicus)

The Red-wattled Lapwing, Vanellus indicus, is a striking bird with a robust build, approximately 35 cm in length. Its upperparts are a light brown with a sheen that can appear purple or green, while the head and neck boast a contrasting black. A white patch extends from the underbelly and tail, along the neck, and up to the sides of the crown. The tail is short with a black tip. Notably, it sports a red fleshy wattle before each eye, a red bill with a black tip, and long yellow legs. In flight, one can observe the distinctive white wing bars.

When identifying the Red-wattled Lapwing, look for the characteristic red wattles in front of the eyes, the black-tipped red bill, and the yellow legs. The white wing bars are particularly visible in flight. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may have slightly longer wings.

This lapwing favors well-watered open landscapes, such as ploughed fields, grazing lands, and the peripheries of tanks and puddles. It is also known to inhabit forest clearings near rain-filled depressions.

The Red-wattled Lapwing is widely distributed across West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It is a resident species throughout much of its range, although some populations may move altitudinally during spring and autumn.

The Red-wattled Lapwing is known for its vigilant nature, often the first to sound an alarm at intrusions. It exhibits a slow, deliberate flight but can be remarkably agile when necessary. The species is also known for its nocturnal feeding habits, particularly during the full moon.

The bird's call is a loud, scolding "did-he-do-it," which can be heard both day and night, contributing to its colloquial name, the "did-he-do-it bird."

Breeding season spans from March to August, with courtship displays involving males puffing up feathers and shuffling around females. Nests are ground scrapes, sometimes lined with pebbles or droppings, where 3-4 camouflaged eggs are laid. Both parents incubate and perform distraction displays to protect the nest.

The Red-wattled Lapwing can be confused with other lapwing species, but its red wattles, black-tipped bill, and distinctive call set it apart.

Its diet consists mainly of insects, snails, and other invertebrates, which are typically foraged from the ground. The lapwing may also consume grains and is known to use its legs to disturb prey from soft soil.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Red-wattled Lapwing as Least Concern, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

3-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - YELLOW THROATED SPARROW (Gymnoris xanthocollis)

The yellow-throated sparrow or chestnut-shouldered petronia (Gymnoris xanthocollis) is a species of sparrow found in southern Asia.

Showing the yellow throat

It has a finer bill than typical sparrows of the genus Passer and unlike them has no streaks on the plumage. The white double wing bar on the shoulder is diagnostic on the otherwise dull grey-brown sparrow. Males have a chestnut shoulder patch which can sometimes be hard to see. They also have a pale yellow spot on the throat in fresh plumage. Females are duller and lack the chestnut shoulder patch. The yellow spot is much reduced or lacking in females.

This species is tree-loving although sometimes seen on wires and on the ground, where it has a hopping gait. The usual call is a chirrup but the song is distinctive and repetitive chilp chalp cholp. It has a bounding flight and dips deeply before rising up.

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MALLOW BINDWEED (Convolvulus althaeoides)

Convolvulus althaeoides is a species of morning glory known by the common names mallow bindweed and mallow-leaved bindweed. This flowering plant is native to the Mediterranean Basin, but it is occasionally seen in other areas of similar climate, such as California in the United States, where it has been introduced. 

This is a climbing perennial plant with solitary flowers on long peduncles. The flower is a funnel-shaped pink bloom three or four centimeters wide. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow, fingerlike lobes.

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - 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.

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON SOW THISTLE (Sonchus oleraceus)

Common Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is a fast-growing annual or biennial herb native to Europe but found globally. Widely recognized by its hollow stems, milky sap, and dandelion-like yellow flowers, it is an edible and nutrient-rich weed that thrives in disturbed soils and urban landscapes.

Physical & Botanical Traits

Stems & Sap: Plants grow between 30–100 cm tall, featuring erect, hairless, and hollow stems filled with a milky-white latex.

Leaves: Alternate, bluish-green leaves are deeply lobed and clasp the stem at the base. Though called a thistle, its prickles are soft and non-threatening.

Flowers: Clusters of small (about 2 cm wide), golden-yellow, dandelion-like flowers bloom from spring to mid-summer, opening in the morning and closing by noon.

Seeds: Each plant can produce up to 25,000 seeds. They are flat, ribbed, and topped with parachute-like hairs, allowing the wind to easily disperse them.

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG HEADED POPPY (Papaver dubium)

Papaver dubium is a species of poppy known by the common names long-headed poppy and blindeyes. It is an annual species which prefers sandy soils without lime. It is native to Europe, North Africa and south-western Asia and widespread as an introduction in America and elsewhere.

Papaver dubium is a variable annual, growing to about 60 cm in height. It generally flowers in late spring to mid-summer. The flower is large (30–70 mm) and showy, with four petals that are lighter red than in the similar Papaver rhoeas, and most commonly without a black spot at the base. The flower stem is usually covered with coarse hairs that are closely appressed to the surface, helping to distinguish it from P. rhoeas in which the hairs are more usually patent, held at right angles to the stem. The capsules are hairless, elongated to more than twice as tall as they are wide, tapering slightly at the tip, with a stigma generally less wide than the capsule. The plant exudes white to yellowish latex when the tissues are broken. The species can form a long-lived soil seed bank that can germinate when the soil is disturbed.

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FIELD GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus italicus)

Gladiolus italicus, commonly known as field gladiolus or Italian gladiolus, is a hardy, cormous perennial native to Eurasia and North Africa, often acting as a wildflower in Mediterranean cultivated fields. It is characterized by bright pink to magenta flowers, tall, unbranched stems up to 1m (3 ft) high, and sword-shaped leaves.

Here are the key facts about Gladiolus italicus:

Appearance and GrowthFlowers: Features loose spikes of up to 20 pinkish-purple flowers, each 4–5 cm long with paler pink markings on lower petals.

Foliage: Produces narrow, sword-shaped leaves that can reach up to 1 meter in height.

Bloom Time: Flowers in late spring to early summer (March to June).

Roots: Grows from a corm, with the ability to multiply via cormlets, making it a prolific spreader.

Habitat and EcologyNative Region: Widely found throughout the Mediterranean, including southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Southwest Asia.

Environment: Prefers sunny, dry areas and is often found on rocky slopes, in olive groves, and as a weed in cultivated cereal crops.

Invasiveness: Known to be quite invasive in its native range, often blanketing road verges and fields.

Historical and Cultural UsesName Origin: Gladiolus is Latin for "little sword," referencing its sword-shaped leaves.

Medicinal Folklore: Historically, the corms were used in ancient medicine as a poultice to remove splinters or thorns, and as a treatment for, as stated in historical texts, "bowel hernias" in children.

Victorian Symbolism: In the Victorian language of flowers, it represents love and infatuation.

Cultivation and CareConditions: Thrives in full sun with fertile, well-drained, and consistently moist soil during the growing season.Hardiness: Generally hardy, but it needs protection (thick mulch) or lifting of the corms in colder climates.

Maintenance: Can be grown in beds, borders, and is excellent for cutting.

Pests/Disease: Usually low-maintenance but can be affected by gladiolus thrips, aphids, and corm rot.

12-4-2020 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.

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 . The species overwinters as a pupa.

12-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.

The European, north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India and southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe.

11-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SCARLET PIMPERNEL (Lysimachia arvensis)

Lysimachia arvensis, syn. Anagallis arvensis, commonly known as scarlet pimpernel, red pimpernel, red chickweed, poor man's barometer, poor man's weather-glass, shepherd's weather glass or shepherd's clock, is a species of low-growing annual plant with brightly coloured flowers, most often scarlet but also bright blue and sometimes pink. The native range of the species is Europe and Western Asia and North Africa. The species has been distributed widely by humans, either deliberately as an ornamental flower or accidentally. L. arvensis is now naturalised almost worldwide, with a range that encompasses the Americas, Central and East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Malesia, the Pacific Islands, Australasia and Southern Africa.

This common European plant is generally considered a weed and is an indicator of light soils, though it grows opportunistically in clay soils as well. The origin of the name pimpernel comes from late Middle English pympernele [1400–50], derived from Middle French pimprenelle, from Old French piprenelle, and ultimately from Vulgar Latin *piperīnella (piper 'pepper' + -īn- '-ine' + -ella diminutive suffix).

The flower serves as the emblem of the fictional hero the Scarlet Pimpernel.

11-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE APHYLLANTHES (Aphyllanthes monspeliensis)

Aphyllanthes monspeliensis, commonly known as the Blue Aphyllanthes, Blue Grass Lily, or Lily Pink, is a unique, rush-like perennial plant native to the western Mediterranean region. It is highly adapted to hot, arid environments and is prized in rock gardens for its delicate, blue-violet flowers and drought tolerance. 

Here are the key facts about the Blue Aphyllanthes:

Botanical Description

Leafless Appearance: The name Aphyllanthes means "leafless flower". The true leaves are reduced to small, brown, papery, non-photosynthetic scales at the base of the stems.

Photosynthetic Stems: The plant consists of tough, wiry, blue-green, rush-like aerial stems (10–50 cm tall) that perform photosynthesis.

Flowers: In late spring and early summer, it produces small, sky-blue to blue-violet flowers (2-3 cm across) that typically bloom in clusters of 1-3 at the tips of the stems. The flowers feature six petals with a distinct, darker blue central vein.

Roots: It grows from a mass of tangled, underground, fibrous stems. 

Habitat and Ecology

Native Region: It is native to the western Mediterranean, including southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Libya).

Conditions: It thrives in dry, sunny, and rocky locations, such as garrigue, pine woods, and stony hillsides.

Soil: It prefers well-drained, often calcareous (alkaline) soil. 

Taxonomy and Cultivation

Family: It belongs to the Asparagaceae family (formerly often classified under Liliaceae) and is the only species in the Aphyllanthes genus.

Horticulture: It is used as an ornamental, drought-tolerant plant in rock gardens or xeriscaping, often compared to blue fescue or Sisyrinchium.

Care: It is easy to care for, requiring full sun and minimal watering once established.

Hardiness: It is generally hardy, thriving in zones 7b to 9b. 

Interesting Facts

"Leafless" Adaptation: The waxy cuticle on the stems and the reduction of leaves to scales are adaptations to reduce water loss in hot, dry summers.

Culinary Trivia: In some areas, the roots are reportedly fed to goats, which is believed to give a special taste to the local cheese.

Regional Names: In France and the Occitan region, it is known by various names, including lo blavet (little blue), lo bragalon (little trousers), and la dragona.

First Description: It was first described in 1571 by botanists Pierre Pena and Mathias de Lobel, who found it near Montpellier, France. 

8-5-2017 SEVILLE, ANDALUCIA - 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.

The Eurasian collared dove is known for its dispersive nature rather than migratory habits. It is a monogamous bird that shares parental duties and can breed throughout the year when food is abundant. The male performs a ritual flight during courtship, and the species can produce several broods annually.

The Eurasian collared dove's song is a distinctive "goo-GOO-goo," while its call is a harsh screech lasting about two seconds, often heard in flight before landing.

Breeding occurs close to human settlements, with nests typically within 1 km of inhabited buildings. The female lays two white eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Breeding can happen year-round in favorable conditions.

The diet of the Eurasian collared dove consists mainly of grain, seeds, shoots, and insects. They are gregarious and can form sizeable flocks in winter around food sources.

8-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.

8-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN PAPER WASP (Polistes dominula)

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) is an invasive species, often identified by its slender, black-and-yellow appearance (resembling yellowjackets) and trailing legs during flight. Unlike native species, they build small, open-comb nests in sheltered, dark, and often artificial areas like pipes, eaves, and electrical boxes.

Key Facts about the European Paper Wasp:

Appearance and Identification:

Coloration: Primarily black with bright yellow markings, often mistaken for yellowjackets.Body Shape: Slender with a narrow "waist".Flight: Long hind legs dangle below them while flying.Size: Similar to other paper wasps, but generally more slender.

Behavior and Ecology:Nesting: They build small, open-comb, papery nests made of chewed, saliva-mixed wood fibers.

Habitat: They prefer urban environments, nesting in hidden, dark, or enclosed spaces such as eaves, bird boxes, and utility pipes.Diet: They are predatory, preying on insects, particularly caterpillars, to feed their larvae, and also feed on nectar and fruit.Temperament: They are generally less aggressive than yellowjackets and tend to sting only when their nest is disturbed.

8-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COAL TIT (Periparus ater)

The Coal Tit, scientifically known as Periparus ater, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the tit family, Paridae. It is easily recognized by its large white nape spot set against a black head. The adult's glossy blue-black head, throat, and neck contrast with the off-white face and brilliant white nape. The underparts range from whitish to rufous on the flanks, and the bird's bill is a stark black.

To identify the Coal Tit, look for the distinctive white nape spot on its black head. The sides of the face may have a grey to yellow tinge, depending on the subspecies. The white tips of the wing coverts are visible as two wingbars. Juveniles are duller, lacking the glossy black head, and their white nape and cheeks are tinged with yellow.

The Coal Tit is not particularly habitat-specific but is typically found in temperate humid conifer forests. It can also be seen in a variety of wooded areas, including mixed forests and gardens.

This species is a widespread and common resident breeder throughout the temperate to subtropical Palearctic, including North Africa. It is mostly sedentary, with only local movements in response to severe weather.

Coal Tits are known for their acrobatic skills and restless activity. They often form small flocks with other tits during winter. Their foraging behavior is influenced by risk, and they are known to increase body mass in response to predator calls and adjust their mass gain based on food availability.

The Coal Tit's calls are short "dee" or "see-see" sounds, while its song is a strident "if-he, if-he, if-he," which is most frequently heard from January to June and in autumn. The song is similar to that of the Great Tit but is much faster and higher in pitch.

Nesting sites are varied, including holes in rotting tree stumps, ground burrows, and old nests of other large birds. The nest is made of moss, hair, and grass, with a lining of rabbit fur or feathers. The Coal Tit typically lays seven to eleven red-spotted white eggs, mainly in May, and usually breeds once per year.

The Coal Tit can be confused with other tit species, but its distinctive white nape spot and black head are key differentiators.

The diet consists of beechmast, seeds from fir and larch cones, and seeds from alders and birches. They also visit gardens to feed on sunflower seeds and other offerings.

The Coal Tit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating it is not currently considered a threatened species.