16-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SCARCE CRIMSON AND GOLD MOTH (Pyrausta sanguinalis)

The scarce crimson and gold moth is one of the UK’s rarest moths with a known distribution limited to the north coast of Northern Ireland and the northern tip of the Isle of Man. It is also known from the Burren in the Republic of Ireland. The moth itself is a member of the Pyralid group of moths and is classed as a micro-moth. It is very distinctive with a bright yellow background colour to the forewings with a strong dark pink border and crossline. It can be found relatively easily on warm sunny days by sweeping vegetation in its sand dune haunts.

15-9-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SHAG (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

The European shag, or common shag (Gulosus aristotelis), is a medium-large seabird with a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults sport a small crest. This species is characterized by its metallic green-tinged sheen and a longish tail, setting it apart from its relatives with a lighter build and a more slender bill.

To identify the European shag, look for a bird measuring 68 to 78 cm in length with a wingspan of 95 to 110 cm. The adult shag has a green sheen on its feathers and a yellow patch on its throat. The bill is lighter and narrower compared to the great cormorant. Juveniles have darker underparts, and the tail consists of 12 feathers, as opposed to the great cormorant's 14.

The European shag is a coastal bird, preferring rocky shores for breeding and nesting. It is rarely found inland, as it is adapted to life at sea.

This species breeds along the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia, and north Africa. It mainly winters within its breeding range, except for the northernmost populations. The largest colony is found in the Cíes Islands, Spain.

The European shag is a remarkable diver, known to reach depths of up to 61 meters. It is predominantly a benthic feeder, sourcing its prey from the sea bottom. Shags are known to travel significant distances from their roosts to feed. They exhibit a strong diving technique, leaping from the water to gain momentum.

Breeding takes place on coastal cliffs, with nests constructed from seaweed or twigs, bound together with guano. The breeding season is extensive, starting as early as February and in some cases extending to May or later. Typically, three eggs are laid, and chicks are entirely dependent on parental warmth, as they hatch without down.

The European shag is a remarkable diver, known to reach depths of up to 61 meters. It is predominantly a benthic feeder, sourcing its prey from the sea bottom. Shags are known to travel significant distances from their roosts to feed. They exhibit a strong diving technique, leaping from the water to gain momentum.

Breeding takes place on coastal cliffs, with nests constructed from seaweed or twigs, bound together with guano. The breeding season is extensive, starting as early as February and in some cases extending to May or later. Typically, three eggs are laid, and chicks are entirely dependent on parental warmth, as they hatch without down.

The European shag can be confused with the great cormorant but is differentiated by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner bill, and the presence of a crest and metallic sheen in breeding adults.

The European shag's diet is diverse, with a preference for sand eels. However, diet composition can vary with environmental conditions, such as ocean warming and windy weather, which can influence prey availability and foraging success.

The IUCN Red List classifies the European shag as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

15-9-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (JUVENILE)

The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is a large, robust seabird with a commanding presence. Its size can be quite variable, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a Common Gull, and the largest males approaching the heft of a Great Black-backed Gull. Adults typically exhibit a grey back, a shade lighter than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, and their heads are notably whiter in the autumn months. A distinctive feature is their yellow legs, which give this species its common name.

When observing the Yellow-legged Gull, look for the yellow legs that contrast with the grey back and the white head, which becomes even whiter during the autumn. The wing tips are black with limited white spots, and adults have a red spot on the bill. The eye is surrounded by a red ring. Juveniles can be identified by their paler head, rump, and underparts, dark bill and eyes, and a black band on the tail.

This gull favors a variety of coastal environments, often nesting on sea cliffs, islands, and occasionally on buildings within urban settings. It is also known to breed on trees in some regions.

The Yellow-legged Gull has a breeding range centered around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic islands and coasts as far north as Brittany and west to the Azores. Its presence is also noted on the western side of the Black Sea.

The species is known for its adaptability, with many individuals remaining in the same area year-round, while others migrate to milder regions of western Europe or head south to areas such as Senegal and the Red Sea. Post-breeding dispersal can lead to increased numbers in regions like southern England from July to October.

The vocalizations of the Yellow-legged Gull are characterized by a loud, laughing call that is deeper and more nasal than that of the Herring Gull.

Breeding typically occurs in colonies, with nests constructed on the ground or cliff ledges. The nests are mounds of vegetation, and the species is known for its vigorous defense of its eggs, usually numbering three. Incubation lasts for 27–31 days, and fledging occurs after 35–40 days.

An opportunistic forager, the Yellow-legged Gull is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of items from rubbish tips to field prey, coastal offerings, and even other seabirds' catches. Remarkably, during periods of food scarcity, such as the lockdown in Italy in 2020, these gulls have been observed preying on larger animals like rats and rock doves.

The Yellow-legged Gull is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.

15-9-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.

The primary call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking "fraaank." At breeding colonies, a variety of guttural and raucous noises can be heard, including greeting calls between mates and alarm calls when predators are nearby.

Breeding takes place in colonies, or heronries, typically in high trees near water. Nests are reused and added to each year. The breeding season sees a clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs laid, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old.

The Grey Heron can be confused with the larger North American Great Blue Heron or the South American Cocoi Heron. However, it can be distinguished by its size and the coloration of its flanks and thighs.

Grey Herons are apex predators within their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of aquatic creatures such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. They have also been known to consume small mammals and juvenile birds.

The Grey Heron is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable and widespread population.

15-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - VARIEGATED FRUIT BUG (Codophila varia)

Codophila varia is a species of shield bug belonging to the subfamily Pentatominae in the family Pentatomidae.

This species is present around most of Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Spain, Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Hungary and Italy).

The adults reach a body length of 8.7–14 millimetres (0.34–0.55 in). It is a rather variable species in size and colour. Coloration of body may be pale yellow, greyish or also blood-red.[3] These bugs have three bright longitudinal stripes on the head. Scutellum is brightly colored with a striking black drawing. The connexivum is bright with black spots. The first three segments of the antennae are usually red, the two outer ones are black. This species is very similar to Carpocoris pudicus.

These bugs can mainly be encountered from June through August. They are polyphagous, but they mainly feed on Asteraceae (especially on Echinops spinosus)  and Apiaceae species.

15-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HEATHER CRAB SPIDER (Thomisus onustus)

Thomisus onustus is a crab spider belonging to the genus Thomisus. These spiders are found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. T. onustus reside in flowers in lowland vegetation. Females are distinguished by their larger size and ability to change color between white, yellow, and pink as a means of matching flower color. This cryptic mimicry allows them to both evade predators and enhance insect prey capture abilities. Males are smaller, more slender, and drab in coloration, usually green or brown. T. onustus is also distinguished from other relatives by its distinct life cycle patterns in which spiderlings emerge in either late summer or early spring. Furthermore, T. onustus have developed a mutualistic relationship with host plants where spiders feed on and/or deter harmful florivores while benefiting from the plant's supply of pollen and nectar, which T. onustus spiders are able to use as food sources, especially during periods of low insect prey abundance.

T. onustus is a medium-sized spider that exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females between lengths of 7–11 mm and smaller males ranging between lengths of 2–4 mm. Females are heavy-bodied and mostly stationary, whereas males are slender and more motile.emales have a pink, yellow, or white prosoma and males are brown to green-yellow in color. Both sexes have a triangular opisthosoma.] This species can be distinguished from its close relative Thomisus zyuzini by its long ventral tibial apophysis and retrolateral tibial apophysis, the arrangement of the basal tibia tubercle on the male palp, and the circular intromittent orifice, which is oriented anteriad in the epigynum.

T. onustus are members of the genus Thomisus, which includes around 150 described species, and is well supported as being monophyletic. It is relatively morphologically homogeneous genus, with synapomorphies that include circular scopula hairs (when viewed as a cross section), bulbuses that are subequal in length and width, disk shaped tegulums, sperm ducts that follow a circular peripheral course through the tegulum, and a lack of conductors and median apophyses. However, some subgroupings within Thomisus are not well supported. The family Thomisidae encompasses over 2000 species of crab spiders including the common close relative of T. onustus, Misumena vatia, Thomisus spectabilis. onustus typically reside on shrubs and within lowland vegetation, preferring warmer areas. They inhabit a wide variety of flowers and herbs, usually staying at the flowering peaks. T. onustus is unique among crab spider species in that it prefers to situate itself in flower centers, which have unique spectral properties, over petals. T. onustus are distributed across Europe, North Africa, Turkey, Caucasus, Russia (from Europe to South Siberia), Israel, Central Asia, Iran, China, Korea, and Japan, preferring warm areas.

While overall size is smaller, in terms of prey to predator length ratio, juvenile spiders capture larger prey than late instar and adult females. Pollen feeding is particularly important for spiderlings, as it allows them to survive beyond what yolk reserves would otherwise allow. Due to the lack of amino acids, especially tyrosine, in pollen grains, spiderlings that feed exclusively on pollen are unable to molt versus spiderlings that feed on insect prey.

15-9-2025 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SHAG (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

The European shag, or common shag (Gulosus aristotelis), is a medium-large seabird with a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults sport a small crest. This species is characterized by its metallic green-tinged sheen and a longish tail, setting it apart from its relatives with a lighter build and a more slender bill.

To identify the European shag, look for a bird measuring 68 to 78 cm in length with a wingspan of 95 to 110 cm. The adult shag has a green sheen on its feathers and a yellow patch on its throat. The bill is lighter and narrower compared to the great cormorant. Juveniles have darker underparts, and the tail consists of 12 feathers, as opposed to the great cormorant's 14.

The European shag is a coastal bird, preferring rocky shores for breeding and nesting. It is rarely found inland, as it is adapted to life at sea.

This species breeds along the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia, and north Africa. It mainly winters within its breeding range, except for the northernmost populations. The largest colony is found in the Cíes Islands, Spain.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN WHITE CROWNED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus angustimens)

The Southern White-crowned Shrike, a bird of modest size, measures approximately 24 centimeters from beak to tail. Both male and female exhibit a similar plumage pattern. The adult's most striking feature is its brilliant white crown and forehead, contrasted by a stark black mask that extends from above the eye to the neck's sides. The bird's upper parts are an ashy-brown, while the wings and tail display a darker brown hue. Its underparts are an off-white, with the upper breast showing a hint of buff and the lower belly and vent areas returning to an ashy-brown. The beak, eyes, and legs are all a deep, dark brown. Juvenile birds share a resemblance with adults but have a crown that is mottled and barred with grey rather than pure white, and their underparts bear a wash of ashy brown.

When identifying the Southern White-crowned Shrike, look for the distinctive white crown and black mask, as well as the ashy-brown upper parts and off-white underparts. The bird's beak is notably black, which can be a helpful marker in the field.

This species is known to inhabit subtropical or tropical dry forests and dry savannahs, where it can be observed living and foraging.

The Southern White-crowned Shrike graces the skies and landscapes of several African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

This bird is highly sociable, often seen in small, tightly-knit groups that can range from three to six individuals, and sometimes even up to twenty outside the breeding season. They exhibit cooperative behavior, especially evident during breeding when they build nests together, share incubation duties, and collectively feed the nestlings. While not typically aggressive, they will valiantly defend against predators, particularly birds of prey. In their foraging efforts, they may associate with Tockus hornbills, capitalizing on the insects disturbed by these larger birds.

The Southern White-crowned Shrike communicates with its own unique vocalizations, which are an integral part of its social behavior and can be heard throughout its habitat.

These birds engage in cooperative breeding, a remarkable behavior where group members collaborate in constructing the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the young.

While there are other shrikes with similar features, the Southern White-crowned Shrike can be distinguished by its unique coloration and behavior patterns.

The diet of the Southern White-crowned Shrike includes insects, which they often forage for in the company of Tockus hornbills, taking advantage of the larger birds' ability to flush out prey.

The Southern White-crowned Shrike is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable population without any immediate threats to its survival.

10-9-2025 0-9-2025 ULLAL DE BALDOVI - RED SWAMP CRAYFISH (Procambarus clarkii)

Procambarus clarkii, known variously as the red swamp crayfish, Louisiana crawfish or mudbug, is a species of cambarid crayfish native to freshwater bodies of northern Mexico, and southern and southeastern United States, but also introduced elsewhere (both in North America and other continents), where it is often an invasive pest.

P. clarkii is typically dark red, with long claws and head, small or no spines on the sides of its carapace just below the head, and rows of bright red bumps on the front and side of the first leg.

In Europe, P. clarkii is included since 2016 in the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern (the Union list). This implies that this species cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialized, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union.

The native range of P. clarkii is from northern Mexico and far southeastern New Mexico, through the Gulf States to the Florida Panhandle, as well as inland north through the Mississippi Basin to southern Illinois. It has also been introduced, sometimes deliberately, outside its natural range to countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and elsewhere in the Americas. In northern Europe, the populations are self-maintaining but not expanding, while in southern Europe, P. clarkii is multiplying and actively colonizing new territories at the expense of the native crayfish, Astacus astacus and Austropotamobius spp. Individuals are reported to be able to cross many miles of relatively dry ground, especially in wet seasons, although the aquarium trade and anglers may have hastened the spread in some areas (anglers using P. clarkii as fishing bait are thought to have introduced it to the state of Washington). Attempts have also been made to use P. clarkii as a biological control organism, to reduce levels of the snails involved in the lifecycle of schistosomiasis, leading to the dispersal of P. clarkii in, for instance, Kenya.

12-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea minuscularia)

One of the many species of moths (also called moths ) that can enter the house attracted by the interior lights and remain on the wall still for many hours. Belonging to the Geometridae Family . Very large group of nocturnal moths (about 35,000 species). With a wide variety of sizes, they include wingspans ranging from 12 to 120 mm. The morphology and posture they adopt are characteristic of the family:

The forewings of these moths are wide and triangular in shape with hindwings almost as wide.

During the day, they keep their wings extended and flat against the surface on which they rest.

The coloration along with a mottled pattern and posture allows them to go unnoticed in a natural environment.

The caterpillars of this family have a very particular way of moving. Because they have a space between their front legs and those located at the end of the abdomen, they move by bringing the rear end to the front legs and then extending the body forward. 

Moths of this family are characterized by slender bodies and large , broad forewings, which are often crossed by thin, wavy lines.

Idaea is a genus that encompasses approximately 700 known species, between the Mediterranean, Africa and western Asia.

12 to 18 mm wing span. White background color. Transverse lines and points of the cell generally thin or practically non-existent. Posterior edge dotted and parallel to it, series of dots on the inside of the wing. Dark spots appear between the two that are often inconspicuous.

12-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea attenuaria)

Idaea attenuaria

Class: Insecta.

Order: Lepidoptera.

Superfamily: Geometroidea.

Family: Geometridae.

Subfamily: Sterrhinae.

Tribe: Idaeini.

Idaea attenuaria is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. Also known as the attenuated wave or acidalie atténuée in French, this species was described by Rambur in 1833. It is native to Europe and has a relatively small wingspan, with males around 13-15 mm and females 14-17 mm. 

Key characteristics 

Family: Geometridae

Order: Lepidoptera (Moths and butterflies)

Genus: Idaea

Description: A small-sized moth.

Distribution: Native to Europe.

Flight Period: Typically active from March to June (univoltine).

Scientific Classification 

Authority: (Rambur, 1833)

Synonym: Dosithoea attenuaria

Common names: Acidalie atténuée (French)

15-8-2018 MORO DE ROBIERES, TERUEL - EGYPTIAN VULTURE (Neophron percnopterus)

The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), known colloquially as the white scavenger vulture or pharaoh's chicken, is a small member of the Old World vulture family. This bird is the sole representative of the genus Neophron. It is characterized by a white plumage with black flight feathers, a wedge-shaped tail, and a slender, hooked bill. The facial skin is a vivid yellow, adding a splash of color to its otherwise monochrome appearance.

In flight, the Egyptian vulture is easily recognized by its contrasting underwing pattern and distinctive tail shape. Adults have a white body with black flight feathers, while juveniles are darker with a mottled pattern. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger and heavier than males.

These vultures are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from arid plains to lower hills and even urban areas where they may nest on tall buildings. They are also known to inhabit cliffs and large trees.

The Egyptian vulture has a broad distribution, spanning the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, West Asia, and India. Some populations are migratory, particularly those breeding in temperate regions, which travel south during winter.

11-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LARGE WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata maera)

 Lasiommata maera, the large wall brown, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.

The species is common in continental Europe. It is also present in the Urals, south western Siberia, Asia Minor, Syria, Iran, Central Asia and the Himalayas. It is absent from the United Kingdom. Its preferred habitats are edges of the forest, unmanaged clearings on forested areas, rocky dry areas and stony slopes, at an elevation of 0–2,000 metres (0–6,562 ft) above sea level.

Lasiommata maera has a wingspan of 44–56 millimetres (1.7–2.2 in). These large butterflies are quite variable in color and pattern. Usually the upperside is orange in the forewings and mostly brown in the hindwings. The forewings always show a single ocellus, while the hindwings bear two or three ocelli. The underside of the forewings is orange and the underside of the hindwings is marbled with gray brown. This species is quite similar to Lasiommata megera, that is smaller and has paler yellow-orange forewings. Seitz P. maera L. (= adrasta Dup.) (45 d). On an average larger than hiera, more evenly coloured, the black markings of the ground less prominent in the nymotypical form with a sooty brown disc; the forewing of the male more pointed, with longer costal margin and more oblique distal margin; on the underside of the forewing the distal band extends without interruption across the median veins to the hindmargin. The underside of the hindwing has a much purer ground-colour, i. e. there are less clouds and shadows between the various dentate lines which cross the disc.

9-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CABBAGE LOOPER MOTH (Trichoplusia ni)

The cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) is a medium-sized moth in the family Noctuidae, a family commonly referred to as owlet moths. Its common name comes from its preferred host plants and distinctive crawling behavior. Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, bok choy, and broccoli, are its main host plant; hence, the reference to cabbage in its common name. The larva is called a looper because it arches its back into a loop when it crawls.

While crucifers are preferred, over 160 plants can serve as hosts for the cabbage looper larvae. The adult cabbage looper is a migratory moth that can be found across North America and Eurasia, as far south as Florida and as far north as British Columbia. Its migratory behavior and wide range of host plants contribute to its broad distribution.

The cabbage looper larva is a minor vegetable pest, especially for crucifers. While it is not significantly destructive, it is becoming difficult to manage due to its broad distribution and resistance to many insecticides. Numerous methods are being researched in order to control this species.

10-9-2025 ULLAL DEL SANTS, ALBUFERA - 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.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.

10-9-2025 ULLAL DEL SANTS, ALBUFERA - WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola)

The Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola, presents as a small wader, the most diminutive of the shanks within the Scolopacidae family. It is characterized by its fine bill, brown back, and notably longer yellowish legs, giving it a delicate appearance.

When identifying the Wood Sandpiper, look for a bird with a longer-legged stature compared to the Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus) or the Solitary Sandpiper (T. solitaria). It can be distinguished from the Green Sandpiper by its smaller and less contrasting white rump patch, while the Solitary Sandpiper lacks a white rump patch entirely.

During migration and wintering periods, the Wood Sandpiper is typically found on freshwater bodies, where it can be seen probing in shallow waters or wet mud.

The Wood Sandpiper breeds in the subarctic wetlands, ranging from the Scottish Highlands across Europe and into the Palearctic. It migrates to Africa, Southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. Notably, vagrant birds have reached as far as the Hawaiian Islands, and it is a regular visitor to the Mariana Islands and Palau.

This species exhibits a probing foraging style, mainly consuming insects and similar small prey. It nests on the ground or may opportunistically use an abandoned tree nest of another bird species.

Breeding occurs in subarctic wetlands, with four pale green eggs laid between March and May, either on the ground or in reused nests from other bird species like the Fieldfare.

The Wood Sandpiper can be confused with the Green Sandpiper or the Solitary Sandpiper but can be differentiated by leg length, bill size, and the presence or absence of a white rump patch.

The diet consists primarily of insects and small prey, which the Wood Sandpiper forages for by probing in shallow waters or on wet mud.

The Wood Sandpiper is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a widespread and stable population. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

10-9-2025 ULLAL DEL SANTS, ALBUFERA - RUFF (Calidris pugnax)

The Ruff, Calidris pugnax, is a medium-sized wading bird known for its remarkable breeding plumage and sexual dimorphism. Males, significantly larger than females, boast ornate ruffs and head tufts in a variety of colors during the breeding season. Females, referred to as "reeves," are more subdued in coloration. The species exhibits a pot-bellied profile, with a small head and long neck, and displays a distinctive flight pattern with a slow wingbeat.

In breeding plumage, males are unmistakable with their bright ruffs and head tufts, which can be black, chestnut, or white. Females and non-breeding males are more cryptic, with grey-brown upperparts and mainly white underparts. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a buff tinge to their plumage. The ruff's long legs vary in color from greenish in juveniles to pink or orange in adults.

The Ruff, Calidris pugnax, is a medium-sized wading bird known for its remarkable breeding plumage and sexual dimorphism. Males, significantly larger than females, boast ornate ruffs and head tufts in a variety of colors during the breeding season. Females, referred to as "reeves," are more subdued in coloration. The species exhibits a pot-bellied profile, with a small head and long neck, and displays a distinctive flight pattern with a slow wingbeat.

In breeding plumage, males are unmistakable with their bright ruffs and head tufts, which can be black, chestnut, or white. Females and non-breeding males are more cryptic, with grey-brown upperparts and mainly white underparts. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a buff tinge to their plumage. The ruff's long legs vary in color from greenish in juveniles to pink or orange in adults.

Ruffs breed in marshes and wet meadows across northern Eurasia. They prefer hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water for feeding and dry areas with sedge or low scrub for nesting.

This migratory species breeds from Scandinavia and Great Britain to the Pacific, with the largest numbers in Russia and Scandinavia. In winter, they are found in southern and western Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and parts of Australia.

Ruffs are highly gregarious, especially during migration when they form large flocks. Males display at leks, with territorial males occupying small areas and satellite males attempting to mate within these territories. A third, rare male type mimics females to gain mating opportunities.

The ruff is generally silent, but during display, a soft "gue-gue-gue" may be heard.

Females lay four eggs in a well-hidden ground nest and incubate them alone. Chicks are mobile soon after hatching and are reared solely by the female. Males leave the breeding grounds early in the season.

Ruffs feed on insects, especially during the breeding season, and consume plant material, including rice and maize, during migration and winter. They forage in wet grassland and soft mud, probing or searching by sight for edible items.

Globally, the ruff is classified as "Least Concern" due to its large breeding numbers in Scandinavia and the Arctic. However, European populations are contracting and are listed as "Near Threatened" due to habitat loss and over-hunting. The species is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

23-12-2018 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

The meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) is a small passerine bird, which breeds in much of the Palearctic, from southeastern Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia, and south to central France and Romania; an isolated population also occurs in the Caucasus Mountains. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and south-western Asia, but is resident year-round in western Europe, though even here many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter.

The nest is on the ground hidden in dense vegetation, with two to seven (most often three to five) eggs; the eggs hatch after 11–15 days, with the chicks fledging 10–14 days after hatching. Two broods are commonly raised each year. This species is one of the most important nest hosts of the cuckoo, and it is also an important prey species for merlins and hen harriers.

Its food is primarily insects and other invertebrates, mostly small items less than 5 mm (3⁄16 in) long. It also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes, and heather, and crowberry berries, mainly in winter.

19-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family, Coraciidae, resplendent in a panoply of pastel hues. This African bird is a sight to behold, with its lilac throat and breast, olive crown to mantle, and cheeks of lilac-rufous. The species is further adorned with long, black tail streamers, which juveniles lack. Unofficially, it is considered the national bird of Kenya.

In the field, the lilac-breasted roller is almost unmistakable. Adults boast a lilac throat that deepens into a darker lilac breast, with an olive crown and mantle. The cheeks and ear coverts are a lilac-rufous. Juveniles and immatures can be identified by their lack of tail streamers and a throat and breast of rufous-tawny with broad diffuse buffy-white streaks. The species is not sexually dimorphic, though males may be slightly larger.

The lilac-breasted roller favors open woodland and savanna, typically avoiding treeless expanses. They are often seen perched high, surveying the landscape for prey.

This species is widely distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is most abundant in Kenya and can be found from sea level to elevations of 2,000 meters or more.

9-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea cervantaria)

Small moth of the Geometridae family; It is distributed in southeastern France, the Iberian Peninsula and northwest Africa; present in the warm areas of the Iberian Peninsula.

Geometric shape, with the front wings ending in a sharp edge and the rear wings with a wide and rounded shape; gray background color, this gray can be darker, lighter or with an ocher tone; Two irregular lines are drawn on the wings, one proximal and one distal on the wing dorsum, a dark dot on each wing, a subterminal dark line formed by small black strokes, unlike other Idaea, which only have a subterminal dotted line; long ocher fimbriae.

It lives in dry and sunny places, rocky slopes.

I do not know the food plants for the larvae, but this photograph corresponds to an open area of ​​dryland crops, where trees and shrubs are scarce and grasses and other wild herbaceous plants are abundant.

They fly in one generation a year, the months of May to July.

9-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG JOINTED BEETLE (Lagria grenieri)

Lagria grenieri is a species of "long-jointed beetle" from the subfamily Lagriinae within the family Tenebrionidae (darkling beetles). It is found in the tropics and is also known to occur in Spain, where it has been documented in regions like Almería. The adult beetles are medium-sized, typically between 5 and 12 mm long, and the species is also known for its larvae, which likely develop in decaying wood or leaf litter.  

Key Characteristics

Size: Small to medium-sized, around 5–12 mm. 

Antennae: The last antennal segment is often the largest or widest, and can show sexual dimorphism (differences between males and females). 

Eyes: Usually deeply indented, often partly encircling the base of the antennae. 

Distribution: Found in tropical regions and documented in some parts of Europe, including Spain. 

Habitat 

Adults: Found on trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

Larvae: Likely develop in decaying wood or leaf litter.

4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - CROWNED HORNBILL (Lophoceros alboterminatus)

The crowned hornbill, known scientifically as Lophoceros alboterminatus, is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 50 to 54 centimeters in length. It boasts a striking contrast with its white belly set against a black back and wings. The tail feathers are tipped with white, adding to its distinctive appearance. The bird's eyes gleam with a yellow hue, while the beak is a vibrant red, topped with a prominent casque on the upper mandible. In females, this casque is notably smaller, a subtle difference that aids in gender identification.

To identify the crowned hornbill, look for its shorter beak which sets it apart from the similar Bradfield's hornbill. The male's casque is more pronounced than the female's, and the white tips on the long tail feathers are a key characteristic to watch for.

This hornbill species is a familiar sight in the coastal and riverine forests stretching from the eastern coast of southern Africa to the northeastern regions of the continent.

7-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SICKLE BEARING LEAF KATYDID (Phaneroptera sparsa)

The Sickle-bearing Leaf Katydid, Phaneroptera sparsa, is a widely distributed species of leaf katydid found across Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe, inhabiting tree canopies and dense vegetation. It is a long-winged, light green insect with bright orange eyes and a sickle-shaped ovipositor in females. In the Middle East and parts of the Iberian Peninsula, its presence requires confirmation due to potential confusion with similar species like P. nana.  

Size and Color: It is a long-winged insect, appearing light green with many small black spots.

Head: The eyes are bright orange.

Wings: The hindwings are longer than the forewings (tegmina), which cover about three-quarters of the hindwings' length.

Female Ovipositor: Adult females possess a short, broad, and upturned ovipositor that resembles a sickle.

Male Cerci: Adult males have prominent, curved cerci.

Phaneroptera sparsa has a wide distribution, found in Africa, the Middle East (including the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra), and southern Europe. 

The species is typically found in tree canopies but also inhabits low bushes and dense riverbank vegetation in open areas. 

Terrestrial: Phaneroptera sparsa is a terrestrial insect. 

Similar Species: It can be easily confused with similar species, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Europe, such as Phaneroptera nana. 

7-9-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GERMAN YELLOWJACKET (Vespula germanica)

Vespula germanica, known colloquially as the European wasp, German wasp, or German yellowjacket, is a species of wasp found in much of the Northern Hemisphere, native to Europe, Northern Africa, and temperate Asia. It has spread and become well-established in many other places, including North America, South America (Argentina and Chile), Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. German wasps are part of the family Vespidae and are sometimes mistakenly referred to as paper wasps because they build grey paper nests, although strictly speaking, paper wasps are part of the subfamily Polistinae. In North America, they are also known as yellowjackets.

Vespula germanica belongs to the genus Vespula, which includes various species of social wasps that are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, these wasps are most commonly known as yellowjackets, but this name also applies to species within the sister genus Dolichovespula. Members of Vespula are often confused with other genera, especially the paper wasp Polistes dominula. Colonies of V. germanica share many characteristics with those of V. vulgaris (common wasp) and V. pensylvanica (western yellowjacket), so they are very often studied together.

Vespula germanica, known colloquially as the European wasp, German wasp, or German yellowjacket, is a species of wasp found in much of the Northern Hemisphere, native to Europe, Northern Africa, and temperate Asia. It has spread and become well-established in many other places, including North America, South America (Argentina and Chile), Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. German wasps are part of the family Vespidae and are sometimes mistakenly referred to as paper wasps because they build grey paper nests, although strictly speaking, paper wasps are part of the subfamily Polistinae. In North America, they are also known as yellowjackets.

Vespula germanica belongs to the genus Vespula, which includes various species of social wasps that are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, these wasps are most commonly known as yellowjackets, but this name also applies to species within the sister genus Dolichovespula. Members of Vespula are often confused with other genera, especially the paper wasp Polistes dominula. Colonies of V. germanica share many characteristics with those of V. vulgaris (common wasp) and V. pensylvanica (western yellowjacket), so they are very often studied together.

The German wasp is about 13 mm (0.5 in) long, has a mass of 74.1 ± 9.6 mg, and has typical wasp colours of black and yellow. It is very similar to the common wasp (V. vulgaris), but unlike the common wasp, has three tiny black dots on the clypeus. To further complicate the issue this only applies to workers. To help with identification, a good practice to observe is to first categorize the wasp as worker, queen, or male before identifying it as V. vulgaris or V. germanica. Gastral pattern (the black dots or marks on the abdomen) are highly variable and not good characteristics to use in identifying. However, the identification of a wasp as V. vulgaris may be difficult because the normally unbroken black mark on its clypeus can sometimes appear broken (particularly in males) making it look extremely similar to V. germanica.

6-9-2025 RIO SERPIS GANDIA, VALENCIA - SILK FLOSS TREE (Ceiba speciosa)

Ceiba speciosa, the floss silk tree (formerly Chorisia speciosa), is a species of deciduous tree that is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America. It has several local common names, such as palo borracho (in Spanish literally "drunken stick"), or árbol del puente, samu'ũ (in Guarani), or paineira (in Brazilian Portuguese). In Bolivia, it is called toborochi, meaning "tree of refuge" or "sheltering tree". In the USA it often is called the silk floss tree. It belongs to the same family as the baobab; the species Bombax ceiba; and other kapok trees. Another tree of the same genus, Ceiba chodatii, is often referred to by the same common names.

The natural habitat of the floss silk tree is in the northeast of Argentina, east of Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. It is resistant to drought and moderate cold. It grows fast in spurts when water is abundant, and sometimes reaches more than 25 metres (82 ft) in height. Its trunk is bottle-shaped, generally bulging in its lower third, measuring up to 2 metres (7 ft) in girth. The trunk is studded with thick, sharp conical prickles that deter wild animals from climbing the trees. In younger trees, the trunk is green due to its high chlorophyll content, which makes it capable of performing photosynthesis when leaves are absent; with age it turns to gray.