22-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED FOOTMAN MOTH (Coscinia cribraria)

Coscinia cribraria, the speckled footman, is a species of moth belonging to the subfamily Arctiinae within the large family Erebidae. This moth has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic.

Coscinia cribraria has a forewing which has a background colour of dirty white marked with black streaks along the wings and crossbands made up of dark dots, both of which vary in extent. The subspecies arenaria has an almost pure white forewing. The speckled footman has a wingspan of between 30 and 35 mm (1.2 and 1.4 in).

Coscinia cribraria has a wide Palearctic distribution being found from Northwestern Africa Iberia and southern Great Britain east to China and Mongolia. In Europe, north of the Alps, the speckled footman is typically found on sandy heaths and open sandy pine forests. To the south of the Alps, it inhabits on dry mountain meadows with stony or rocky areas and around the Mediterranean this species can be found in habitats like maquis and in open forests.

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius), COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) (/ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/; pl.: hippopotamuses; often shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).

After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippopotamids are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. Hippos are recognisable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size: adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) for bulls (males) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for cows (females). Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances.

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

These eagles are typically found near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and sometimes along coastlines at river mouths or lagoons. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, and even desert-bordering coastlines.

The African fish eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in most areas south of the Sahara Desert. It is commonly seen in regions like the Orange River, the Okavango Delta, and around Lake Victoria and other large Rift Valley lakes.

The African fish eagle is known for its iconic, evocative call, which many consider the essence of Africa. It is a territorial bird, often seen perched high in a tree, surveying its domain. When hunting, it exhibits remarkable prowess, swooping down to snatch fish from the water with its taloned feet.

The call of the African fish eagle is a high-pitched and clear "weee-ah, hyo-hyo" or "heee-ah, heeah-heeah," with the male's call being particularly shrill.

Breeding occurs during the dry season, with pairs believed to mate for life. They maintain and reuse multiple nests, which can grow quite large over time. The female lays one to three eggs, primarily white with reddish speckles, and both parents share incubation duties. Chicks fledge at around 70 to 75 days old and remain dependent on their parents for up to three months.

The African fish eagle primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by swooping from a perch. It has specialized structures on its toes called spiricules to help grasp slippery prey. While fish are the mainstay of its diet, it also consumes waterbirds, small turtles, baby crocodiles, frogs, insects, and occasionally mammals. It is also known to engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing prey from other birds.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER (Merops nubicoides) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater graces the skies from KwaZulu-Natal and Namibia to Gabon, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya. It is a migratory bird, breeding in Zimbabwe and Zambia from August to November, then moving to South Africa during the summer months, and finally migrating to Equatorial Africa from March to August.

This species is highly sociable, often seen in large flocks. They roost communally in trees or reedbeds and disperse widely during the day. Their agility is showcased as they hawk flying insects from perches or even while following large animals or vehicles to catch prey disturbed by these moving entities.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis ssp rudis) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

This kingfisher is commonly found perched along the edges of clear lakes and rivers, where it can easily spot and dive for fish.

The pied kingfisher is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, from Turkey to India and China. It is a resident species, with most populations not engaging in long migrations.

The pied kingfisher is often seen bobbing its head and flicking its tail while perched. It is a sociable bird, known to form large roosts at night. Its flight is direct and rapid, sometimes reaching speeds close to 50 km/h.

This species is quite vocal, emitting sharp "chirruk chirruk" notes that contribute to its presence being easily detected.

Breeding season for the pied kingfisher typically occurs from February to April in India. They nest in holes excavated in vertical mud banks above water. The nests are tunnel-like, leading to a chamber where a clutch of three to six white eggs is laid. Cooperative breeding is observed in this species, with non-breeding offspring from previous broods assisting in raising the young.

23-5-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola)

The Collared Pratincole, known to some as the Common Pratincole or Red-winged Pratincole, is a distinctive wader belonging to the family Glareolidae. This bird is characterized by its short legs, long pointed wings, and a long forked tail. The bill is short, an adaptation for its aerial feeding habits. Adults typically measure 24–28 cm in length with a wingspan of 60–70 cm. The plumage is a blend of brown on the back and head, with a stark white belly. The underwings are a rich chestnut, presenting a darker appearance from below.

To identify the Collared Pratincole, one must look for its chestnut underwings and deeply forked tail. It can be challenging to distinguish from similar species such as the Black-winged Pratincole and the Oriental Pratincole, especially since the latter also possesses chestnut underwings but has a shorter tail.

The Collared Pratincole thrives in open country and is frequently observed near bodies of water, particularly in the evening as it hunts for insects.

This species graces the warmer regions of Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa with its presence. It is a migratory bird, retreating to tropical Africa to overwinter and is considered a rarity north of its breeding territories.

Pratincoles are unique among waders due to their propensity to capture insect prey on the wing, akin to swallows, though they are also capable of feeding on the ground.

The Collared Pratincole is a colonial nester, with a preference for laying its eggs in shallow scrapes on open ground, often near water. The clutch consists of 2–4 eggs, which are cream in color with black or dark brown markings. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation, which lasts for 17-19 days, and the young are precocial and nidifugous, leaving the nest within 2–3 days. The fledglings take to the skies after 25–30 days.

The Black-winged Pratincole and Oriental Pratincole are the species most similar to the Collared Pratincole. The key to differentiating them lies in the details of the tail length and underwing coloration.

The Collared Pratincole's diet consists primarily of insects, which it adeptly catches in flight, demonstrating its aerial agility.

The Collared Pratincole is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

23-5-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea)

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), a statuesque avian, stands with a height ranging from 70 to 94 cm and boasts a wingspan of 120 to 152 cm. Despite its grand stature, it is a slender creature, tipping the scales at a mere 0.5 to 1.35 kg. This bird is slightly smaller and more svelte than its cousin, the Grey Heron, and is adorned with darker, reddish-brown plumage.

Adult Purple Herons are distinguished by their black foreheads and crowns, with a dark stripe cascading down the back of the neck, culminating in a modest, dangling crest. Their heads and necks are a buffish chestnut, streaked with dark lines, while the mantle dons an oily brown hue. The upper parts and tail are a brownish grey, and the underparts are a mix of chestnut and black. During the breeding season, the beak of the adult brightens, and the eyes gleam with a yellow iris.

The Purple Heron is a denizen of marshes, lagoons, and lakes, often shrouded by dense vegetation. It has a penchant for freshwater habitats, particularly those with expansive reed beds of Phragmites. Coastal mangrove swamps are also within its realm, though less frequently visited.

This heron has a broad range that spans Africa, central and southern Europe, and the southern and eastern Palearctic. While the Western Palearctic populations are migratory, their African and tropical-Asian counterparts are mostly sedentary, save for occasional dispersive movements.

The Purple Heron is a creature of stealth and grace, often retreating to the sanctuary of reed beds. It exhibits a slow, deliberate flight, with its neck retracted and legs trailing behind. On land, it moves with long toes that allow it to traverse floating vegetation or even bushwalk without grasping the branches. Dawn and dusk are its preferred times for activity, with the bird often seen stalking or standing in ambush for its prey.

The heron's vocalization is a subdued "frarnk," a quieter and higher-pitched affair compared to the Grey Heron. It is generally less vocal, but similar guttural sounds may emanate from its colonies.

Purple Herons are colonial breeders, constructing bulky nests from dead reeds or sticks in close proximity to water. They lay about five bluish-green eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties. The young emerge after approximately four weeks and take their first flight six weeks later.

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is the most similar species, but the Purple Heron can be differentiated by its smaller size, darker plumage, and the shorter crest on its head.

A versatile predator, the Purple Heron's diet includes fish, rodents, frogs, insects, and more. It employs both stalking and ambush tactics to capture its prey, often waiting motionlessly or slowly stalking its victim.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Purple Heron as "Least Concern," despite a global population trend that is on the decline. The primary threat to this species is the drainage and disturbance of wetland habitats, particularly the destruction of reed beds.

23-5-2018 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - CAPE BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer caffer) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large sub-Saharan African bovine. There are five subspecies that are recognized as valid by most authorities:

Syncerus caffer caffer, the Cape buffalo, is the nominotypical subspecies, as well as the largest, found in Southern and East Africa.

S. c. nanus, the forest buffalo, is the smallest subspecies, common in forest areas of Central and West Africa

S. c. brachyceros, the Sudan buffalo, a smaller version of the Cape buffalo, found in the drier, northern areas of Central and West Africa.

S. c. aequinoctialis, the Nile Buffalo, sometimes considered identical to the Sudan buffalo, found in the drier, northern areas of East and Central Africa.

S. c. mathewsi, the mountain buffalo, a disputed subspecies from the Virunga Mountains in Central Africa.

The adult African buffalo's horns are its characteristic feature: they have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield across the top of the head, referred to as a "boss".

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis ssp rudis)

This kingfisher is commonly found perched along the edges of clear lakes and rivers, where it can easily spot and dive for fish.

The pied kingfisher is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, from Turkey to India and China. It is a resident species, with most populations not engaging in long migrations.

The pied kingfisher is often seen bobbing its head and flicking its tail while perched. It is a sociable bird, known to form large roosts at night. Its flight is direct and rapid, sometimes reaching speeds close to 50 km/h.

This species is quite vocal, emitting sharp "chirruk chirruk" notes that contribute to its presence being easily detected.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - WHITE FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides)

The White-fronted Bee-eater, known scientifically as Merops bullockoides, is a vibrant and slender bird adorned with a striking black mask and a white forehead. Its square tail and bright red throat patch are distinctive features. Measuring at 23 cm in length, the bird's upperparts are a lush green, while its underparts boast a warm cinnamon hue. Its call is a resonant, deep squeak that carries through the air.

To identify the White-fronted Bee-eater, look for its unique combination of colors: a black mask, white forehead, green upperparts, and cinnamon underparts. The square tail and bright red throat patch are also key identifiers. Listen for its deep squeaking call as a helpful auditory clue.

This species thrives in the open savannahs of sub-equatorial Africa, often found near gullies where their insect prey, particularly bees, are abundant.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is widely distributed across the savannah regions of sub-equatorial Africa, where it is a common sight in its preferred habitat.

The White-fronted Bee-eater exhibits a complex social structure, nesting in colonies that can average around 200 individuals. These colonies are not just for breeding but also serve as a communal space for roosting and socializing. The birds demonstrate cooperative breeding, with non-breeding individuals acting as helpers to their kin, significantly increasing the success rate of raising young.

A bright and colorful bee-eater; the red throat and white line under the black face mask render it unmistakable. Pairs and groups inhabit woodland adjacent to watercourses, hillsides, and scrub, especially near earthen banks, where nesting colonies are formed by up to 450 individuals burrowing into the dirt. They have one of the most complex of all avian societies, featuring families, clans, and pirates! A nasal rolling “ngyaaau” is the main vocalization.

The diet of the White-fronted Bee-eater primarily consists of bees, but it also includes other flying insects, depending on seasonal availability. They employ two hunting strategies: making swift hawking flights from lower branches or gliding down from perches to hover momentarily before snatching their prey mid-flight.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at a global scale.

22-5-2018 MARCHUQUERIA, VALENCIA - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

The spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor ) is a passerine bird in the starling family, Sturnidae. It is closely related to the common starling (S. vulgaris ), but has a much more restricted range, confined to the Iberian Peninsula, Northwest Africa, southernmost France, and the islands of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia. It is largely non-migratory.

The adult spotless starling is very similar to the common starling, but marginally larger (21–23 cm length; 70–100 g weight), and has darker, oily-looking black plumage, slightly purple- or green-glossed in bright light, which is entirely spotless in spring and summer, and only with very small pale spots in winter plumage, formed by the pale tips of the feathers. It also differs in having conspicuously longer throat feathers (twice the length of those on common starlings), forming a shaggy "beard" which is particularly obvious when the bird is singing. Its legs are bright pink. In summer, the bill is yellow with a bluish base in males and a pinkish base in females; in winter, it is duller, often blackish. Young birds are dull brown, darker than young common starlings, and have a black bill and brown legs. 

20-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DARKLING BEETLE (Superfamily tenebrionoidea)

20-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WOLF SPIDER (Alopecosa albofasciata)

21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - PLUME THISTLE (Genus Cirsium)

Cirsium is a genus of perennial and biennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae, one of several genera known commonly as thistles. They are more precisely known as plume thistles[citation needed]. These differ from other thistle genera (Carduus, Silybum and Onopordum) in having a seed with a pappus of feathered hairs on their achenes. The other genera have a pappus of simple unbranched hairs.

They are mostly native to Eurasia and northern Africa, with about 60 species from North America (although several species have been introduced outside their native ranges). The lectotype species of the genus is Cirsium heterophyllum (L.) Hill.

Cirsium thistles are known for their effusive flower heads, usually purple, rose or pink, also yellow or white. The radially symmetrical disc flowers are at the end of the branches and are visited by many kinds of insects, featuring a generalised pollination syndrome. They have erect stems, with a characteristic enlarged base of the flower which is often spiny. The leaves are alternate, spiny in many (but not all) species, and in some species can be slightly to densely hairy. Extensions from the leaf base down the stem, called wings, can be lacking (Cirsium arvense), conspicuous (Cirsium vulgare), or inconspicuous. They can spread by seed, and also by rhizomes below the surface (Cirsium arvense). The seeds have a tuft of hair, or pappus, which can carry them far by wind.

Cirsium thistles are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species—see list of Lepidoptera that feed on Cirsium. The seeds are attractive to small finches such as American goldfinch.

Many species are considered weeds, typically by agricultural interests. Cirsium vulgare (spear thistle) is listed in the United States (where as a non-native invasive species it has been renamed "bull thistle") as a noxious weed in nine states. Some species in particular are cultivated in gardens and wildflower plantings for their aesthetic value and/or to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Some species dubbed weeds by various interest groups can also provide these benefits. Cirsium vulgare, for instance, ranked in the top 10 for nectar production in a UK plants survey conducted by the AgriLand project which is supported by the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative. Cirsium vulgare was also a top producer of nectar sugar in another study in Britain, ranked third with a production per floral unit of (2323 ± 418μg). Not only does it provide abundant nectar, it provides seeds for birds, such as the European goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, and supports the larvae of the Painted Lady butterfly Vanessa cardui. Some other common species are Cirsium arvense, Cirsium palustre, Cirsium oleraceum.

21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - ROSY GARLIC (Allium roseum)

Allium roseum, commonly called rosy garlic, is an edible, Old World species of wild garlic. It is native to the Mediterranean region and nearby areas, with a natural range extending from Portugal and Morocco to Turkey and the Palestine region. It is cultivated widely, and has become naturalised in scattered locations in other regions outside its natural range.

Allium roseum grows naturally to about 18 inches (46 cm) high in well-drained soils, and in Europe blooms from late spring to early summer.

The inflorescences of A. roseum are umbels. The loose, fragrant florets are about 3 inches (76 mm) long, having six pinkish to lilac tepals.

The smell and flavour of the bulb is powerful enough to drive squirrels and browsing deer away from gardens, where they are planted as ornamental flowers. For this reason, they are suitable as companion plants to tulips and similar species.

21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - FOUR SPOTTED BLISTER BEETLE (Mylabris quadripunctata)

Mylabris quadripunctata (Fabricius, 1775)

Family: Meloidae (Blister Beetles)

Body length: 13 to 16mm

Season April to September.

Blister Beetles when threatened produce a secretion of cantharidin (used medically to remove warts from the skin) which can burn and cause blisters, this being a defensive action. Being colourful, makes them very visible, thus a warning sign to their would-be predators.

Around 7,500 species are known Worldwide.

The female Beetle lays between 3000 to 4000 eggs, a large number of these eggs do not survive. The larvae are insectivorous. mainly attacking solitary bees and also grasshopper eggs. Although they can usually survive on the provisions alone, so can also be described as a kleptoparasite (an animal which feeds on the hosts provisional food source)

The larvae are hyper metamorphosis, (going through many instars, (development stages) which can be totally distinct from another instar)

Adults generally feed on flowers, nectar, pollen and leaves of various diverse plant families.

Habitat: Mountain grasslands up to 4000m.

21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - COMMON POPPY (Papaver rhoeas)

21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - GEOMETER MOTH (Family Geometridae)

21-5-2018 VAL DE LUGUAR, ALICANTE - PROVENCAL FRITILLARY BUTTERFLY (Melitaea deione)

The Provençal fritillary (Melitaea deione) is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in south-western Europe and North Africa. The range extends from the Iberian Peninsula to southern France and the Alps in Switzerland and Italy. It is also found in the Atlas Mountains.

There are two generations per year with adults on wing from April to September. In the Alps, there is one generation.

The larva feeds on species of Linaria, Chaenorrhinum, Digitalis and Antirrhinum (including Antirrhinum sempervirens).

In spite of its great similarity to athalia, this South-West European form is considered specifically distinct, particularly, it seems, because the wings are more elongate and there occur in South France and Spain also forms of athalia with which dejone is not identical. In markings more resembling athalia, in colour more parthenie. In the female the reddish yellow median band of the upperside is somewhat paler, so that there are two contrasting tints of reddish yellow. The underside nearly as in parthenie, the light bands of the hindwing as in parthenie not silvery and not divided by a black line. The individuals even from the same place differ so much that one might be inclined to place some with parthenie and others with athalia. Perhaps the insect will in future be proved to be a local or seasonal form of one of the allied species.

21-5-2018 TORMOS, ALICANTE - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

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.

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.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - 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.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

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.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - EGYPTIAN WHITE WATER LILY (Nymphaea lotus)

Nymphaea lotus, the white Egyptian lotus, tiger lotus, white lotus, or Egyptian water-lily, is a flowering plant of the family Nymphaeaceae.

It grows in various parts of East Africa and Southeast Asia. Nymphaea lotus var. thermalis was believed to be a Tertiary relict variety endemic to the thermal waters of Europe, for example, the Peţa River in Romania. DNA analysis has concluded that Nymphaea lotus var. thermalis lacks distinctiveness from Nymphaea lotus and therefore cannot be classified as a relic population.

It was introduced into Western cultivation in 1802 by Loddiges Nursery. Eduard Ortgies crossed Nymphaea lotus (N. dentata) with Nymphaea pubescens (N. rubra) to produce the first Nymphaea hybrid, illustrated in Flore des serres 8 t. 775, 776 under the name Nymphaea ortgiesiano-rubra. It is a popular ornamental aquatic plant in Venezuela.

It is a perennial, growing to 45 cm in height. The flower is white, sometimes tinged with pink.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

These eagles are typically found near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and sometimes along coastlines at river mouths or lagoons. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, and even desert-bordering coastlines.

The African fish eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in most areas south of the Sahara Desert. It is commonly seen in regions like the Orange River, the Okavango Delta, and around Lake Victoria and other large Rift Valley lakes.

11-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus)

The White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) is a medium-sized vulture, characterized by down feathers on the head and neck, broad wings, and short tail feathers. It boasts a distinctive white neck ruff, with adults displaying a whitish back that contrasts starkly with the rest of their dark plumage. Juveniles present a more uniform dark appearance. This species typically weighs between 4.2 to 7.2 kg, measures 78 to 98 cm in length, and spans a wingspan of 1.96 to 2.25 m.

To identify the white-backed vulture, look for its white neck ruff and the contrasting white back against dark plumage in adults. Juveniles are darker overall. The species has a relatively short tail and broad wings suited for soaring.

The white-backed vulture is found in a variety of habitats across Africa, from the Sahel region to the savannahs of the south. It prefers wooded savannahs where it can find large trees suitable for nesting.

This vulture is widespread across Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, through Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and down to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa in the south.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - HOODED VULTURE (Necrosyrtes monachus)

The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) is a small, scruffy-looking vulture with a distinctive cream-colored hood of downy feathers running from the back of its neck to the crown of its head. It has dark brown plumage, a long thin bill, and a bare crown, face, and fore-neck. The face is typically a light red color, flushing red when agitated. This species is one of the smaller members of the Old World vultures.

Adult hooded vultures are characterized by their pinkish-white head, which can turn red when they are excited, and a grey to black "hood." They have broad wings for soaring and a short tail. Both sexes appear similar, though females may have longer eyelashes. Juveniles resemble adults but are darker with a purplish sheen to their body feathers.

Hooded vultures are found in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, deserts, wooded savannas, forest edges, and coastal areas. They are often seen around human habitation, waste tips, and abattoirs.

This species has a widespread distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with populations in southern, East, and West Africa. They are most commonly found in the western region of The Gambia.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (MALE ) (Panthera pardus pardus)