9-8-2025 PARC DE SAN PERE, GANDIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

31-7-2025 MOLDE, NORWAY - RUGOSA ROSE (Rosa rugosa)

Rosa rugosa (rugosa rose, beach rose, Japanese rose, Ramanas rose, or letchberry) is a species of rose native to eastern Asia, in northeastern China, Japan, Korea and southeastern Siberia, where it grows on beach coasts, often on sand dunes. It is naturalized in much of Europe and parts of the United States and Canada. It should not be confused with Rosa multiflora, which is also known as "Japanese rose". The Latin word "rugosa" means "wrinkled", referring to the wrinkled leaves. Often used as an ornamental plant, it has become invasive in parts of Europe, North America and South America.

Rosa rugosa is a suckering shrub which develops new plants from the roots and forms dense thickets 1–1.50 m tall with stems densely covered in numerous short, straight prickles 3–10 mm long. The leaves are 8–15 cm long, pinnate with 5–9 leaflets, most often 7, each leaflet 3–4 cm long, with a distinctly corrugated (rugose, hence the species' name) surface. The leaf is elliptical in shape with a rounded base or broadly cuneate with a leather feel, dark green top. The back of the leaf is composed of a green-grey colour with hair along the veins. The leaf margin is composed of teeth along the edges and is crenate-serrate. The flower has five petals that are usually 6–9 cm in width. The flower is composed of 200–250 stamens per flow and vary in style. The flowers are pleasantly scented; range in color from dark pink to white (on R. rugosa f. alba (Ware) Rehder), 6–9 cm across, with somewhat wrinkled petals; flowering occurs in spring.

The edible hips, which resemble cherry tomatoes, are large, 2–3 cm diameter, and often shorter than their diameter, not elongated. In late summer and early autumn, the plants often bear fruit and flowers at the same time. The leaves typically turn bright yellow before falling in autumn.

27-7-2025 AMSTERDAM PORT, HOLLAND - RUGOSA ROSE (Rosa rugosa)

Rosa rugosa (rugosa rose, beach rose, Japanese rose, Ramanas rose, or letchberry) is a species of rose native to eastern Asia, in northeastern China, Japan, Korea and southeastern Siberia, where it grows on beach coasts, often on sand dunes. It is naturalized in much of Europe and parts of the United States and Canada. It should not be confused with Rosa multiflora, which is also known as "Japanese rose". The Latin word "rugosa" means "wrinkled", referring to the wrinkled leaves. Often used as an ornamental plant, it has become invasive in parts of Europe, North America and South America.

Rosa rugosa is a suckering shrub which develops new plants from the roots and forms dense thickets 1–1.50 m tall with stems densely covered in numerous short, straight prickles 3–10 mm long. The leaves are 8–15 cm long, pinnate with 5–9 leaflets, most often 7, each leaflet 3–4 cm long, with a distinctly corrugated (rugose, hence the species' name) surface. The leaf is elliptical in shape with a rounded base or broadly cuneate with a leather feel, dark green top. The back of the leaf is composed of a green-grey colour with hair along the veins. The leaf margin is composed of teeth along the edges and is crenate-serrate. The flower has five petals that are usually 6–9 cm in width. The flower is composed of 200–250 stamens per flow and vary in style. The flowers are pleasantly scented; range in color from dark pink to white (on R. rugosa f. alba (Ware) Rehder), 6–9 cm across, with somewhat wrinkled petals; flowering occurs in spring.

The edible hips, which resemble cherry tomatoes, are large, 2–3 cm diameter, and often shorter than their diameter, not elongated. In late summer and early autumn, the plants often bear fruit and flowers at the same time. The leaves typically turn bright yellow before falling in autumn.

8-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LARGE PSAMMODROMUS LIZARD (JUVENILE) (Psammodromus algirus)

Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.

Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).

P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.

Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.

P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.

P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.

7-8-2025 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum.

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps, in 1840, in honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name). Its name is sometimes spelt fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Sympetrum fonscolombii can reach a body length of 38–40 millimetres (1.5–1.6 in). This species is similar to other Sympetrum species but a good view with binoculars should give a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen, redder than many other Sympetrum species. The frons and the thorax are red-brown. The eyes are brown above and blue/grey below. The wings have red veins and the wing bases of the hind-wings are yellow. The pterostigma is pale yellow with a border of black veins.

Female are similar but the abdomen is ochre yellow, not red, with two black lines along each side. The wings have yellow veins at the costa, leading edge and base, not red veins as found in the males. The legs of both sexes are mostly black with some yellow.

Immature males are like females but often with more red and a single line along each side of the abdomen.

Male S. fonscolombii can be mistaken for Crocothemis erythraea as both are very red dragonflies with yellow bases to the wings, red veins and pale pterostigma. However C. erythraea has no black on the legs, a broader body and no black on the head. Also C. erythraea females do not oviposit in tandem. The gestalt image of these two species is different and with some experience are easy to tell apart.

7-8-2025 MUNTANYETA DEL SANS, ALBUFERA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.

This species is migratory by nature, seeking the warmer climates of Africa to spend the winter. It is seldom seen north of its breeding grounds. The Squacco Heron has been observed as a vagrant in the Fernando de Noronha islands and, on rarer occasions, in mainland South America. It nests in modest colonies, often in the company of other wading birds, and constructs its nests from sticks on platforms in trees or shrubs.

The Squacco Heron selects freshwater locales across Europe and the Middle East to breed, later migrating southward to the Sub-Saharan African region. During the breeding season, they lay a clutch of three to four eggs.

Adept at foraging, the Squacco Heron feeds on a diet consisting of fish, frogs, and insects, making the most of its wetland environment.

25-7-2025 DUNMORE EAST, IRELAND - EUROPEAN ROBIN (JUVENILE) (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in Great Britain and Ireland, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, a member of the chat subfamily of the Old World flycatcher family. It is a plucky little bird, with a length of about 12.5–14.0 cm and a weight of 16–22 g. Both sexes are similarly adorned with an orange breast and face, lined with grey, brown upper-parts, and a whitish belly.

Adult robins can be identified by their orange breast and face, bordered by a bluish-grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly is whitish. The bill and eyes are black. Juvenile robins are distinguishable by their spotted brown and white plumage, with patches of orange gradually appearing as they mature.

The European robin is a bird of diverse habitats, found in woodlands, gardens, and parks across its range. It is particularly associated with areas where the soil is dug or disturbed, allowing it easy access to its invertebrate prey.

This bird has a wide distribution across Europe, extending east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa. It is sedentary in most of its range except the far north, where it is migratory.

25-7-2025 DUNMORE EAST, IRELAND - GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL (JUVENILE) (Larus marinus)

The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), often referred to as the "king of the Atlantic waterfront," is the largest member of the gull family. This imposing bird is characterized by its white head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with its dark grey wings and back. The pink legs and yellow bill, with a hint of orange or red near the tip, complete its striking appearance.

Adults are easily identified by their sheer size, dark grey to blackish upper-wings, and white "mirrors" at the wing tips. The bill is robust and yellow, with a red spot near the tip of the lower mandible. Juveniles display a mottled black-brown pattern with a white tail featuring dark bars and spots at the base. They undergo a gradual transition to adult plumage over four years.

The Great Black-backed Gull frequents a variety of coastal environments, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and estuaries. It is also found inland near lakes, ponds, rivers, and wet fields. This species is adaptable and can be seen at refuse dumps and dredge spoils, especially in New Jersey.

Breeding along the coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, this gull's range extends from the northwest of Russia through Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea coasts, to northwestern France, the UK, and Ireland. Across the Atlantic, it is found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, southern Greenland, and the Atlantic coasts of Canada and the United States. Some populations migrate southward in winter, reaching as far as the Caribbean and northern South America.

The Great Black-backed Gull is sedentary, with some individuals moving south or inland during winter. It is a dominant and aggressive bird, often seen scavenging or kleptoparasitizing other birds. This gull is also known for its predatory habits, hunting a wide range of prey from fish to other seabirds.

Its call is a deep "laughing" cry, kaa-ga-ga, with the first note sometimes drawn out. The voice is notably deeper than that of most other gull species.

Breeding occurs in small colonies or singly, often on islands or other predator-inaccessible locations. Nests are made on the ground and lined with grass, seaweed, or other materials. The typical clutch consists of three greenish-brown eggs with dark markings. Both parents share incubation duties for about 28 days and care for the chicks, which fledge at around 50 days old.

The Lesser Black-backed Gull (L. fuscus) is smaller with yellowish legs and a lighter mantle. Other dark-backed gulls, such as the Slaty-backed Gull (L. schistisagus) and the Kelp Gull (L. dominicanus), are similar but inhabit different ranges.

An opportunistic feeder and apex predator, the Great Black-backed Gull consumes a wide variety of food, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, small birds, and carrion. It is known to scavenge at refuse dumps and exploit human-provided resources.

The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. While historically exploited for its feathers, the Great Black-backed Gull has adapted well to human presence and urban environments, leading to an increase in numbers. However, it faces threats from toxic pollutants and human disturbance during breeding.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - DYEING POISON DART FROG (Dendrobates tinctorius)

The dyeing poison dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius), also known as the cobalt poison frog, tinc (a nickname given by those in the hobby of keeping dart frogs), is a species of poison dart frog. It is among the most variably colored and largest species of poison dart frogs, typically reaching snout–vent lengths of about 50 mm (2.0 in). It is distributed in the eastern portion of the Guiana Shield, including parts of French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. These types of frogs usually like to stay in the ground as it is easier to catch prey. They tend to also stay in bodies of water like rivers or climb trees. Because of this they mostly inhabit near the Amazon Rainforest. To mate they have special rituals and leave their tadpoles in freshwater.

The dyeing poison dart frog exists in discrete patches of the eastern Guiana Shield, being found at altitudes up to 600 m (2,000 ft). It is found in regions of tropical primary rainforests, but is associated with areas with canopy gaps. While this species can be found at sea level, it is mostly found in upland areas, for example in hills or at the base of mountains. The isolation of populations has presumably occurred as a result of the erosion of these highlands and the seasonal inundation of the inter-patch areas. A study shows that Dendrobates tinctorius tadpoles can survive in pools having a high level of KH, vertical height of 15 mi (79,000 ft) and salinity up to 955 ppm.

The dyeing poison dart frog is large for a poison dart frog, but may be smaller than Phyllobates terribilis and Ameerega trivittata. Small forms of D. tinctorius reach 3.5 cm (1.4 in) in snout–vent length; most variants are around 5 cm (2.0 in) in length or slightly bigger; some of the largest variants may reach 7 cm (2.8 in). Although some variants are smaller or larger, differences tend to be average with some overlap in full size range (i.e., a large individual of a small variant often is comparable in size to a small individual of a large variant).

Males are typically smaller and more slender than females, with larger toe discs. The toe discs of female dyeing poison dart frogs are circular while those of the males are heart-shaped. Also the females have arched backs as opposed to males who have curved ones.

Like most species of the genus Dendrobates, D. tinctorius is highly toxic if consumed. It produces pumiliotoxins and allopumiliotoxins that the frog uses for self-defense. While pumiliotoxins are weaker than their derivative allopumiliotoxins and the batrachotoxins secreted by Phyllobates species, they are sufficiently toxic to discourage most animals from feeding on them. In the case of D. tinctorius, the toxins cause pain, cramping, and stiffness when the frogs are handled roughly. Due to the toxins of the frogs, animals that feed on D. tinctorius will typically learn to associate the bright colours of such frogs with the vile taste and pain that occurs after a frog is ingested. As it is such a variable species, different color variants of D. tinctorius have varying degrees of toxicity[citation needed] and many can cause serious effects on humans including death.

In the northwest of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, there was a report of envenomation by this species. The patients were two photographers, 47 and 30 years old and both men. One photographer quickly captured the frog and held it for about five seconds with his own hands, before releasing it and washing his hands in a nearby stream. The other photographer kept the frog from moving by placing both his hands on top. Neither of them suffered hand injuries. Both photographed the poison dart frog for about five minutes without touching it again. However, 20 minutes after the first contact, the photographer who initially handled it began to feel numbness in his right arm, mainly at the height of the forearm. The other photographer, who after taking photos had touched his mouth without first washing his hands, felt a slight numbness in his lower lip. After 40 minutes, they no longer felt symptoms. Their symptoms could have been aggravated if the contact with the animal had lasted longer or if there had been a wound at the points of contact.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - NORTHERN LION (MALE) (Panthera leo ssp. leo)

The Barbary lion was a population of the lion subspecies Panthera leo leo. It was also called North African lion, Atlas lion, and Egyptian lion. It lived in the mountains and deserts of the Maghreb of North Africa from Morocco to Egypt. It was eradicated following the spread of firearms and bounties for shooting lions. A comprehensive review of hunting and sighting records revealed that small groups of lions may have survived in Algeria until the early 1960s, and in Morocco until the mid-1960s. Today, it is locally extinct in this region. Fossils of the Barbary lion dating to between 100,000 and 110,000 years were found in the cave of Bizmoune near Essaouira.

Until 2017, the Barbary lion was considered a distinct lion subspecies. Results of morphological and genetic analyses of lion samples from North Africa showed that the Barbary lion does not differ significantly from the Asiatic lion and falls into the same subclade. This North African/Asian subclade is closely related to lions from West Africa and northern parts of Central Africa, and therefore grouped into the northern lion subspecies Panthera leo leo.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - BLACK HEADED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles fusciceps)

The black-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps) is a type of New World monkey from Central and South America, specifically Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. Although primatologists such as Colin Groves (1989) follow Kellogg and Goldman (1944) in treating A. fusciceps as a separate species, other authors, including Froelich (1991), Collins and Dubach (2001) and Nieves (2005) treat it as a subspecies of Geoffroy's spider monkey.

A. f. fusciceps lives in tropical and subtropical humid forests between 100 and 1,700 metres (330 and 5,580 ft) above sea level. It lives in population densities of 1.2 monkeys per square kilometer. A. f. rufiventris lives in dry forests, humid forests and cloud forests, and can live up to 2,000 to 2,500 metres (6,600 to 8,200 ft) above sea level.

A. f. fusciceps has a black or brown body and a brown head. A. f. rufiventris is entirely black with some white on its chin. The black-headed spider monkey is one of the larger New World monkeys. The head and body length, excluding tail, typically ranges between 39.3 and 53.8 cm (15.5 and 21.2 in). The prehensile tail is between 71.0 and 85.5 cm (28.0 and 33.7 in). On average, males weigh 8.89 kilograms (19.6 lb) and females weigh 8.8 kilograms (19 lb). Its brain weighs 114.7 g (4.05 oz).

The Black spider monkey is primarily frugivorous, with the consumption of fruit consisting of about 80% of their diet. the remainder of its diet is omnivorous and consists of leaves, nuts, seeds, bark, insects, and flowers.

The black-headed spider monkey is arboreal and diurnal. The species is highly sociable, living in social groups with up to 20 individuals but travels in smaller groupings. Most travel is done by brachiating and climbing through woodland areas.

When mating, females may consort with a male for up to three days, or else mate with several males. Mating occurs with the male and female face to face, and can last for five to 10 minutes. The gestation period is between 226 and 232 days. The infant rides on its mother's back for 16 weeks, and is weaned at 20 months. Females attain sexual maturity at 51 months; males at 56 months. Females give birth every three years.

The black-headed spider monkey is considered to be endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to an estimated population loss of more than 50% over 45 years (2018–2063), from hunting and human encroachment on its range of habitation.

Captive black-headed spider monkeys have been known to live more than 24 years

3-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PYRALID SNOUT MOTH (Bostra obsoletalis)

Bostra obsoletalis is a species of moth in the family Pyralidae described by Josef Johann Mann in 1864. It is found in southern Europe, Yemen, Sudan, the Palestinian territories, Tunisia and Morocco.

The wingspan is 14–15 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August.

3-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ANGLE MOTH (Itame vincularia)

Itame vincularia is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in France, Portugal, Spain, North Africa and Turkey.

The wingspan is about 28–32 mm.

The larvae feed on Rhamnus infectoria and Frangula alnus.[3]

Subspecies

Itame vincularia vincularia

Itame vincularia latefasciata Rothschild, 1914

Itame vincularia lycioidaria Herbulot, 1957

Itame vincularia mrassinaria (Oberthur, 1923)

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - WHITE TAILED SEA EAGLE (Haliaeetus albicilla)

The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), sometimes known as the 'sea eagle', is a large bird of prey, widely distributed across temperate Eurasia. Like all eagles, it is a member of the family Accipitridae (or accipitrids) which also includes other diurnal raptors such as hawks, kites, and harriers. One of up to eleven members in the genus Haliaeetus, which are commonly called sea eagles, it is also referred to as the white-tailed sea-eagle. Sometimes, it is known as the ern or erne (depending on spelling by sources), gray sea eagle and Eurasian sea eagle.

While found across a wide range, today breeding from as far west as Greenland and Iceland across to as far east as Hokkaido, Japan, they are often scarce and spottily distributed as a nesting species, mainly due to human activities. These have included habitat alterations and destruction of wetlands, about a hundred years of systematic persecution by humans (from the early 1800s to around World War II) followed by inadvertent poisonings and epidemics of nesting failures due to various manmade chemical pesticides and organic compounds, which have threatened eagles since roughly the 1950s and continue to be a potential concern. 

Due to this, the white-tailed eagle was considered endangered or extinct in several countries. Some populations have since recovered well, due to governmental protections, dedicated conservationists and naturalists protecting habitats and nesting sites, partially regulating poaching and pesticide usage, as well as careful reintroductions into parts of their former range.

White-tailed eagles usually live most of the year near large bodies of open water, including coastal saltwater areas and inland freshwater lakes, wetlands, bogs and rivers. It requires old-growth trees or ample sea cliffs for nesting, and an abundant food supply of fish and birds (largely water birds) amongst nearly any other available prey. Both a powerful apex predator and an opportunistic scavenger, it forms a species pair with the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which occupies a similar niche in North America.

31-7-2025 MOLDE, NORWAY - COMMON GULL BUTTERFLY (Cepora nerissa)

The Common Gull, or Sea Mew (Larus canus), presents itself as a medium-sized gull, a touch smaller than the Ring-billed Gull. Its breeding plumage is a sight to behold, with a grey mantle and a pristine white underbelly. The bird's bill, a tapered beacon of greenish-yellow, stands unmarked in the breeding season. Observers will note the yellow legs that dull in winter and the head that becomes streaked with grey. The wingtips are adorned with black, punctuated by large white "mirrors" on the outer primaries, a distinctive feature of this species.

To distinguish the Common Gull from its relatives, look for its shorter bill and smaller stature compared to the Herring Gull. In winter, the head streaks grey, and the bill may exhibit a vague blackish band, which can lead to confusion with the Ring-billed Gull. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a neat wing pattern, with pink legs that later grey before turning yellow. 

Common Gulls are known to breed in colonies near water or marshes, favoring a nest on the ground or in a small tree.

This species breeds across the Palearctic and is known to migrate southward during the winter months.

The Common Gull is an adaptable bird, both an omnivore and a scavenger. It is also known to hunt small prey. The species is gregarious, breeding in colonies that can range from a mere couple to several hundred pairs.

The call of the Common Gull is a high-pitched "laughing" cry, a sound that resonates across its habitat.

Common Gulls typically lay three eggs, which hatch after 24 to 26 days. The chicks then fledge after another 30 to 35 days. The breeding season sees the gull's legs turn a vibrant yellow.

31-7-2025 ROMDAL PARK MOLDE, NORWAY - BRIDEWORT (Spiraea salicifolia)

Spiraea salicifolia, the bridewort, willow-leaved meadowsweet, spice hardhack, or Aaron's beard, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. A shrub, it is native to east-central Europe, Kazakhstan, all of Siberia, the Russian Far East, Mongolia, northern China, Korea, and Japan, and it has been widely introduced to the rest of Europe and to eastern North America. It has been cultivated since the 1500s for hedges and similar applications, but is not particularly well-behaved.

27-7-2025 AMSTERDAM PORT, HOLLAND - EUROPEAN HERRING GULL (Larus marinus)

The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large and robust seabird, with a length of up to 66 cm (26 inches). It is a familiar sight along the coastal regions of Western Europe and is known for its striking appearance and adaptability to various environments.

Adult European herring gulls have a light grey back and upper wings, with a white head and underparts. Their wingtips are marked with black and white spots known as "mirrors." The bill is a bright yellow with a red spot near the tip, and the legs are typically pink, although they can sometimes be yellowish. Juveniles are mottled brown with darker streaks and possess a dark bill and eyes. As they mature, their plumage gradually lightens, reaching full adult coloration and sexual maturity at around four years of age.

These gulls are commonly found in coastal areas, but they have also adapted to urban environments where they can be seen nesting on rooftops and scavenging for food.

1-8-2025 BREIAVATNET STAVANGER, NORWAY - EUROPEAN HERRING GULL (Larus marinus)

 The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large gull, up to 66 cm (26 in) long. It breeds throughout the northern and western coasts of Europe. Some European herring gulls, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter, but many are permanent residents, such as in Ireland, Britain, Iceland, or on the North Sea shores. They have a varied diet, including fish, crustaceans, as well as some plants, and are also scavengers, consuming carrion and food left by or stolen from humans.

The male European herring gull is 60–67 cm (24–26 in) long and weighs 1,050–1,525 g (2.315–3.362 lb), while the female is 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and weighs 710–1,100 g (1.57–2.43 lb). The wingspan can range from 125 to 155 cm (49 to 61 in).  Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 38 to 48 cm (15 to 19 in), the bill is 4.4 to 6.5 cm (1.7 to 2.6 in) and the tarsus is 5.3 to 7.5 cm (2.1 to 3.0 in).[8] Adults in breeding plumage have a light grey back and upper wings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and a ring of bare yellow skin is seen around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages, but can be yellowish, particularly in the Baltic population, which was formerly regarded as a separate subspecies "L. a. omissus". Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on their heads and necks. Male and female plumage are identical at all stages of development, but adult males are often larger.

Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults, but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The European herring gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of four years.

1-8-2025 BREIAVATNET STAVANGER, NORWAY - TUFTED DUCK (MALE) (Aythya fuligula)

 The tufted duck, or tufted pochard, is a small diving duck with a population approaching one million birds. The males are striking with their black plumage contrasted by white flanks and a blue-grey bill, crowned with a distinctive tuft on the back of the head. Their eyes are a remarkable gold-yellow. Females, on the other hand, are cloaked in brown with paler flanks and may have some white around the bill base, though not as pronounced as in scaup species.

When identifying the tufted duck, look for the male's black body, white sides, and the namesake tuft on the back of the head. Females are more subdued in color but can be distinguished by their brown plumage and paler sides. Both sexes share a similar structure and size, with an average length of 43.2 cm and a wingspan that ranges from 19.4 to 21.2 cm.

These ducks favor marshes and lakes with abundant vegetation, which provides cover for nesting. They are also found in coastal lagoons, along shorelines, and in sheltered ponds.

The tufted duck breeds across temperate and northern Eurasia. In winter, they migrate to milder regions in the south and west of Europe, southern Asia, and are year-round residents in the British Isles. They have been known to appear as winter visitors along the coasts of the United States and Canada and have been spotted as far afield as Melbourne, Australia.

Tufted ducks are gregarious outside of the breeding season, forming large flocks on open water. They are migratory in much of their range, seeking out the milder climates during the colder months.

The female tufted duck emits a harsh, growling "karr" mostly in flight, while the male is generally silent but may produce a simple "wit-oo" whistle during courtship.

These ducks nest near marshes and lakes where dense vegetation can conceal their nests from potential predators.

The tufted duck can be confused with the greater and lesser scaup. However, the scaup species lack the characteristic head tuft and have different calls.

Tufted ducks are divers, plunging below the surface to forage for molluscs, aquatic insects, and some plant material. They have also been known to upend from the water's surface and may feed nocturnally.

The tufted duck is currently listed as Least Concern globally by the IUCN, though it is considered Near Threatened in Europe. The species is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

1-8-2025 BREIAVATNET STAVANGER, NORWAY - HOODED CROW (Corvus cornix)

The Hooded Crow, known scientifically as Corvus cornix, is a striking bird found across parts of Europe and the Middle East. It is characterized by its ashy grey body contrasted with a black head, throat, wings, tail, and thigh feathers. The bird's bill, eyes, and feet are also black, creating a distinctive two-tone appearance. Males are generally larger than females, but both share the same coloration.

Adult Hooded Crows are identifiable by their grey and black plumage, with the grey parts appearing streaky due to the dark shafts. The bill and legs are black, and the iris is dark brown. Juveniles can be recognized by their duller plumage and bluish or greyish eyes, with a red mouth that fades as they mature. The wingspan of this bird is approximately 105 cm, and it weighs around 510 grams on average.

The Hooded Crow is adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including farmlands, coastal areas, and urban environments. It is also commonly seen in woodlands and on cliffs where it may forage or nest. 

This species has a broad range, inhabiting Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. In areas where its range overlaps with the Carrion Crow, hybrids can occur, though they are less common due to the Hooded Crow's reclassification as a distinct species.

The Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic feeder, known for its intelligence and adaptability. It is a scavenger that will eat a wide variety of foods, and it is also known to hide food for later consumption. The bird's flight is described as slow and heavy, and it often flies straight.

The vocalizations of the Hooded Crow are similar to those of the Carrion Crow, with a distinctive "kraa" call note that is difficult to distinguish between the two species.

Breeding occurs at different times depending on the region, with nests typically found in tall trees, cliffs, or even buildings. The nests are made of sticks and may include seaweed, bones, and wire. The eggs are blue with brown speckles, and the female incubates them alone while being fed by the male. Young fledge after about 32 to 36 days.

The Hooded Crow can be confused with the Carrion Crow and the Rook, but its grey and black plumage makes it visually distinct. The calls of the Hooded and Carrion Crows are nearly identical, adding to potential confusion.

The diet of the Hooded Crow includes molluscs, crabs, eggs of other birds, small mammals, scraps, smaller birds, and carrion. It is known to drop shellfish from heights to break them open and will hide food for later consumption.

The Hooded Crow is not currently considered threatened and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has a large population and an extensive range, with no significant decline observed in recent years.

1-8-2025 STAVANGER PORT, NORWAY - 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.

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.

The house sparrow can be confused with other seed-eating birds, such as the Eurasian tree sparrow, which has a chestnut crown and a black cheek patch.

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.

1-8-2025 STAVANGER PORT, NORWAY - GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL (Larus marinus)

The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), often referred to as the "king of the Atlantic waterfront," is the largest member of the gull family. This imposing bird is characterized by its white head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with its dark grey wings and back. The pink legs and yellow bill, with a hint of orange or red near the tip, complete its striking appearance.

Adults are easily identified by their sheer size, dark grey to blackish upper-wings, and white "mirrors" at the wing tips. The bill is robust and yellow, with a red spot near the tip of the lower mandible. Juveniles display a mottled black-brown pattern with a white tail featuring dark bars and spots at the base. They undergo a gradual transition to adult plumage over four years.

The Great Black-backed Gull frequents a variety of coastal environments, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and estuaries. It is also found inland near lakes, ponds, rivers, and wet fields. This species is adaptable and can be seen at refuse dumps and dredge spoils, especially in New Jersey.

Breeding along the coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, this gull's range extends from the northwest of Russia through Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea coasts, to northwestern France, the UK, and Ireland. Across the Atlantic, it is found in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, southern Greenland, and the Atlantic coasts of Canada and the United States. Some populations migrate southward in winter, reaching as far as the Caribbean and northern South America.

The Great Black-backed Gull is sedentary, with some individuals moving south or inland during winter. It is a dominant and aggressive bird, often seen scavenging or kleptoparasitizing other birds. This gull is also known for its predatory habits, hunting a wide range of prey from fish to other seabirds. for its predatory habits, hunting a wide range of prey from fish to other seabirds.

1-8-2025 STAVANGER, NORWAY - COPSE SNAIL (Arianta arbustorum)

Arianta arbustorum, sometimes known as the copse snail, is a medium-sized species of pulmonate land snail in the family Helicidae.

This species is native to Europe.

Arianta arbustorum lives in forests and open habitats of any kind. It requires humidity. It lives also in disturbed habitats (not in Ireland where it is restricted to old native woodland). It may locally tolerate non-calcareous substrate, in north Scotland also on sandhills. In the Alps up to 2700 m, in Britain 1200 m, in Bulgaria 1500 m.

It feeds on green herbs, dead animals and faeces.

If snails hatched more than 50 m distant from each other, they are considered isolated since they would not move more than 25 m (neighbourhood area 32–50 m), usually they move about 7–12 m in a year, mostly along water currents.

This species of snail makes and uses calcareous love darts during mating. Reproduction is usually after copulation, but self-fertilization is also possible. The size of the egg is 3.2 mm. Maturity is reached after 2–4 years. The maximum age up to 14 years.

Angiostrongylus vasorum has successfully experimentally infected this snail.

Metaldehyde and iron phosphate can be used to exterminate snails. Since copper generates electric shocks that make it difficult for snails to move, it makes a great barrier material for them.

1-8-2025 BREIAVATNET STAVANGER, NORWAY - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

1-8-2025 BREIAVATNET STAVANGER, NORWAY - LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)

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.

The call of the lesser black-backed gull is a deep-pitched "laughing" cry, similar to that of the herring gull but noticeably lower in tone.

Nesting occurs on the ground or cliffs, with a preference for coastal and lake environments. The species typically lays three eggs and has been known to nest within urban areas.

An omnivorous bird, the lesser black-backed gull's diet includes fish, insects, crustaceans, worms, starfish, molluscs, seeds, berries, small mammals, eggs, small birds, chicks, scraps, offal, and carrion.

The IUCN lists the lesser black-backed gull as Least Concern. However, there is concern about declines in parts of its range, and it is on the UK Amber List due to its significant population in the UK and the concentration of these birds at a limited number of breeding sites.