15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - YELLOW HORNED POPPY (Glaucium flavum)

15-4-2019 DENIA, ALICANTE - TREE MALLOW (Malva arborea)

Tree mallow is a fast-growing shrub or herbaceous plant in the mallow family, known for its large, velvety leaves and showy, pink to purple flowers with darker veins. It is native to the Mediterranean but widely grown in gardens, tolerates poor soil and drought once established, and prefers full sun. It can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, often requires support, and self-seeds readily. 

Physical characteristics

Height: Can grow from 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) tall.

Leaves: Large, velvety, and lobed, typically with five to nine lobes.

Flowers: Typically pink to purple with darker veins, with five petals that open wide. The flowering season is summer into early fall. 

Growing conditions

Sun: Thrives in full sun, which maximizes flowering, but can tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate nutritionally poor or sandy soils.

Water: Needs regular watering to get established, but is drought-tolerant once it matures.

15-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HELICINAN SLUG (Infraorder Arionoidei)

Limacus flavus, known commonly as the cellar slug, the yellow slug, or the tawny garden slug, is a medium to large species of air-breathing land slug, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Limacidae.

This slug has a yellow body with grey mottling, and pale blue tentacles. When extended, the body length can be 7.5 to 10 cm (3.0 to 3.9 in).

The yellow slug is common in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland as well as most of southern and western Europe. It has been accidentally introduced in many other parts of the world.

Yellow slugs, like the majority of other land slugs, use two pairs of tentacles on their heads to sense their environment. The upper pair, called optical tentacles, is used to sense light. The lower pair, oral tentacles, provide the slug's sense of smell. Both pairs can retract and extend themselves to avoid hazards, and, if lost to an accident or predation, can be regrown.

Like all slugs, the yellow slug moves relatively slowly, gliding along using a series of muscular contractions on the underside of its foot, which is lubricated with mucus, such that it leaves a slime trail behind it.

This species feeds mostly on fungi, decaying matter, and vegetables.

This species is strongly associated with human habitation, and is usually found in damp areas such as cellars, kitchens, and gardens or under stones. Generally speaking it is only seen at night, because it is nocturnal. Thus often it goes unnoticed and people are unaware of how (relatively) common the species is.

15-4-2019 DENIA PLAYA, ALICANTE - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

14-4-2019 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

14-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREEN HUNTSMAN SPIDER (Micrommata ligurina)

Micrommata ligurina is a species of huntsman spider. It was first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1845.

In the females of Micrommata ligurina the body length can reach 9–14 millimetres (0.35–0.55 in), while in the males it is about 6–9 millimetres (0.24–0.35 in). The carapace is long and narrow and the abdomen is elongate. The cephalothorax and the long legs of the females are bright green, with a lighter green abdomen showing an almost indistinct median band.

This spider is very similar to the green huntsman spider (Micrommata virescens), but the females have a black dot on the carapace. Moreover the adult males of M. ligurina have a dark brown median band on abdomen with whitish or gray sides.

The eight eyes are arranged in two rows and surrounded by white hairs. Adults can be found in late winter and in early spring.

Micrommata ligurina occurs from the Mediterranean Basin to Central Asia. The range of this species includes Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, Romania and Spain.

These huntsman spiders live on herbaceous vegetation.

13-4-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria))

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

13-4-2019 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - CASTOR BEAN (Ricinus communis)

12-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOVER FLY (Family Syrphidae)

12-4-2019 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - 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.

12-4-2019 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

11-4-2019 OLIVA CAMPO, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

1-4-2019 VALENCIA CITY, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove, also known as the collared dove or Turkish dove (Streptopelia decaocto), is a bird of modest size, presenting a grey-buff to pinkish-grey plumage that is slightly darker above than below. It is recognized by its distinctive black half-collar edged with white on its nape, from which it derives its name. The species exhibits a blue-grey underwing patch and a tail that is grey-buff above, with dark grey and white-tipped feathers below. The sexes appear similar, with juveniles displaying a less developed collar and a brown iris.

To identify the Eurasian collared dove, look for its medium size, slimmer and longer-tailed body compared to a rock pigeon, and a shorter stature than the wood pigeon. The red legs, black bill, and red iris surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which may appear white or yellow, are key features. The bird's song, a three-part cooing "goo-GOO-goo," and a harsh screeching call are also distinctive identifiers.

This species is often found in proximity to human habitation, particularly where food is plentiful and trees are available for nesting. It is not uncommon to see these doves frequenting bird tables and farms.

Originally from warm temperate and subtropical Asia, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded its range dramatically, colonizing colder countries and becoming a permanent resident in many. Its range now includes Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

10-4-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

10-4-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - BOAR THISTLE (Galactites tomentosus)

Galactites tomentosus, the purple milk thistle, is a biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Galactites of the Asteraceae family.

Galactites tomentosus is a hemicryptophyte plant up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall. The stem is erect and pubescent, branched at the top. The leaves are green, long and pinnatisect, lanceolate, mottled with white markings, while the underside is whitish and covered with matted woolly hairs. The margins of the leaves bear strong thorns.

The flower heads are quite large – about 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in diameter. The involucre of the flower head is covered by hairy scales ending with a single grooved thorn. The central flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects, while external flowers are sterile; their color varies from white or pink to lilac-purple.

The flowering period extends from April through July and the seeds ripen from August through September. The fruits are achenes with whitish hairy appendages (pappus).

 

The genus name derives from the Greek γάλα (= "milk"), referring to the dense white hairs covering the stems and leaves of this species, the species name tomentosus means hairy in Latin.

This plant is distributed around the Mediterranean Basin, from Greece to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco and Madeira and Canary Islands. It has been introduced to the Azores.

This plant prefers sunny places and usually grows on the uncultivated or barren grounds, waste places, well-drained soils, pastures and roadsides.

It is an edible plant.

10-4-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN FIREBUG (Pyrrhocoris apterus)

10-4-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - BATH WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pontia daplidice)

The Bath White (Pontia daplidice/ edusa) is a migratory white butterfly known for its unique green and white patterned hindwings (underside), distinctive black spots on forewings, and a preference for sunny, dry, flowery habitats like dunes and waste ground, feeding larvae on plants like mustard and mignonette, and being easily confused with its close relatives. 

Appearance & Identification

Wingspan: Around 45-50mm.

Upperside: White with black spots and markings, especially on forewing apex; females have extra spots.

Underside (Hindwing): The key feature is a mosaic of greenish-yellow (or green/grey) blotches and white veins, providing camouflage.

Distinction: Very similar to the Eastern Bath White (P. edusa); only genital analysis can definitively separate them in some regions. 

10-4-2019 ALBUFERA, 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.

10-4-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

Large wader (approx 102 cm or 3.5 ft) with an also large wingspan (approx 175 cm or 5.5 ft). Stylized silhouette and long neck. Greyish plumage in general. White head in adults with black forelock and long, black feathers like a plume. Light neck with dark lines. Ashen back and dark spot on the shoulders. Lighter belly. Long, sharp, yellow bill. Yellow legs. Silhouette in flight with neck folded in the shape of an "s" and stretched legs.

Its habitats are principally Wetlands, River and Riverside

It lives in all types of wetlands with salty or fresh water in winter. In the breeding season it needs wetlands with nearby tree vegetation. Also in Reservoirs, lagoons, ditches and irrigation ponds, stream banks, coast line.

This pecies is present in the province all year round, both as a wintering one and in the breeding period. There are also specimens in migratory passage. Gregarious during the reproductive season and lonelier during the rest of the year. Nest in trees or groves of riparian vegetation. One laying of 2 to 5 eggs. The Grey Heron feeds on fish, micromammals, small reptiles, including snakes, amphibians and insects. It shows a very calm behaviour when foraging. This bird explores the water while being very still, waiting for a prey to appear. Once sighted, it shoots the bill as if it were a harpoon.

For its elegant appearance and slow and calm flight herons awaken curiosity and intrigue in many people. One of the most curious things about these birds is their ability to remain quiet for hours perched on one leg. They can remain this way and with the neck shrunk, only showing the head and the bill between the wings, a lot of time if they are not bothered.

10-4-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

10-4-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)

10-4-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

10-4-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola)

18-11-2017 HANNINGFIELD RESERVOIR, ESSEX - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.

The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.

The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.

Goldfinches have a preference for small seeds, such as those from thistles and teasels, but will also consume insects when feeding young. They are particularly drawn to bird feeders offering niger seed.