Wednesday, 12 May 2021
12-5-2021 SANTA POLA, ALICANTE - SPANISH MARBLED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Melanargia ines)
Melanargia ines, the Spanish marbled white, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. It can be found on the Iberian Peninsula and western North Africa.
The length of the forewings is 23–25 mm. Seitz- M. ines Hoffgg. (— thetis Hbn.) (39 e). Above similar to syllius, but the short transverse band of the forewing heavily black, placed exactly in the centre of the cell and not united with the black discocellular spot. On the hindwing beneath the ocelli are magnificently coloured, the sky-blue centre being successively encircled by russet-red, yellow and lilac rings, the costal ocelli of the upperside being always centred with blue.
Found on stony heights which are almost bare of vegetation excepting flowers. Abundant. The butterflies fly in one generation from May to June.
The larvae feed on various grasses such as Brachypodium pinnatum and Bromus madritensis.
Tuesday, 11 May 2021
20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - REED (LONG TAILED) CORMORANT (Microcarbo africanus)
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Reed cormorants are small, long-tailed fishing birds native to sub-Saharan Africa that hunt underwater by diving for fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Their feathers are not fully waterproof, which helps them dive, but they must dry their wings after swimming by holding them open in the sun. They build nests of sticks and vegetation in colonies near water and are listed as a species of "least concern" globally.
Physical characteristics
Size: They are small cormorants, approximately 20 to 22 inches (50 to 55 cm) long, with a wingspan of 31 to 35 inches (80 to 90 cm).
Appearance: Adults are glossy black with a short crest and red eyes, while juveniles are brownish with paler underparts.
Adaptations: Unlike most birds, their feathers absorb water, which makes them more efficient at diving but requires them to dry their wings after feeding.
20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - VERVET MONKEY (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
The vervet monkey ranges throughout much of Southern and East Africa, being found from Ethiopia and extreme southern South Sudan all the way down to South Africa. It is not found west of the East African Rift or the Luangwa River, where it is replaced by the closely related malbrouck (C. cynosuros) species. The vervet monkey inhabits savanna, riverine woodland, coastal forest, and mountains up to 4000 m (13,100 ft).
They are adaptable and able to persist in secondary and/or highly fragmented vegetation, including cultivated areas, and sometimes are found living in both rural and urban environments. Annual home range size has been observed to be as high as 176 ha, with an average population density of 54.68 animals/km2.
Vervet monkeys that are naturalised (introduced by humans) are found in Cape Verde, Ascension Island, Saint Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados. Dania Beach, Florida, is home to about 40 introduced vervets.
11-5-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)
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The Sardinian warbler, Curruca melanocephala, presents itself as a charming and distinctive bird of the Mediterranean. The males are adorned with a sleek grey back and pristine whitish underparts, crowned with a striking black head, a pure white throat, and captivating red eyes. The females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette, with brown upperparts and buff underparts, complemented by a subtle grey head.
When attempting to identify the Sardinian warbler, look for the male's black head and red eyes, which contrast with the white throat and grey back. Females can be recognized by their brown and buff coloration with a greyish head. The variability in plumage, including the presence or absence of a reddish hue, can be a helpful clue in distinguishing between subspecies.
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This typical warbler favors open landscapes and cultivated areas, where it can find bushes suitable for nesting. Its preference for such environments makes it a familiar sight in the Mediterranean countryside.
The Sardinian warbler is a resident of the southernmost regions of Europe, extending its range into Asia in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. While not extensively migratory, some individuals do venture to North Africa for the winter, and the species has been known to appear as a vagrant as far as Great Britain.
Monday, 10 May 2021
Sunday, 9 May 2021
9-5-2021 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)
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.
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