15-5-2026 FARO DE CULLERA, 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.

15-5-2026 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.

In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.

The Little Grebe favors heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding. It is adept at using this dense vegetation as a cover.

This bird has a broad range, breeding across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa. In winter, many individuals move to open or coastal waters, and it becomes migratory in regions where waters freeze.

The little grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place.

Like all grebes, it nests at the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Usually four to seven eggs are laid. When the adult bird leaves the nest it usually takes care to cover the eggs with weeds. This makes it less likely to be detected by predators. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching, and chicks are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults. In India, the species breeds during the rainy season.  

15-5-2026 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer montanus)

The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a charming passerine bird, easily recognized by its rich chestnut crown and nape, and a distinctive black patch on each pure white cheek. Both sexes are similarly adorned, and the juveniles mirror the adults, albeit with slightly duller hues. This species is somewhat smaller than the closely related house sparrow, and its size is approximately 12.5–14 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 21 cm.

To identify the Eurasian tree sparrow, look for the kidney-shaped black ear patch on each white cheek, the black chin and throat, and the light brown upperparts streaked with black. The wings bear two narrow white bars, and the legs are pale brown. The bill is lead-blue in summer, darkening almost to black in winter. Unlike the house sparrow, there is no sexual dimorphism in plumage, making both males and females equally easy to identify.

In Europe, the Eurasian tree sparrow is typically found in lightly wooded open countryside, while in eastern Asia, it is more common in urban settings. It prefers nesting in natural cavities, holes in buildings, or even the abandoned nests of other large birds. This species is not typically found in mountainous regions, despite its scientific name suggesting otherwise.

The Eurasian tree sparrow has a broad distribution across temperate Eurasia and Southeast Asia, and it has been introduced to other regions such as the United States. Its range extends from Europe across Asia to the Lena River and south to the northern regions of Turkey, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and North Korea.

 The Eurasian tree sparrow is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks. It is sedentary in most of its range, but northern populations may migrate southward in winter. This species is known for its untidy nests and can breed in a variety of locations, from tree holes to urban structures.

The Eurasian tree sparrow does not have a true song but communicates with a series of excited "tschip" calls during courtship and other monosyllabic chirps for social interactions. Its flight call is a harsh "teck."

Breeding maturity is reached within a year, and the typical clutch consists of five or six eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 12-13 days, and the chicks fledge after 15-18 days. The species may raise two or three broods each year.

15-5-2026 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - BANDED BOWFLY (Chrysomya albiceps)

Chrysomya albiceps is a species belonging to the blow fly family, Calliphoridae.

Chrysomya albiceps is considered conspecific with Chrysomya rufifacies by some authorities. The two species have a similar biology and the morphological differences are slight (prostigmatic bristle present in C. albiceps absent in C. rufifacies (but not all rufifacies so this character is unreliable)).There are minor differences in larval morphology. The taxonomy of C. rufifacies is therefore not completely clear, and its relation to C. albiceps has not been fully determined.

This species was originally spread in the African continent, southern Europe and Asia. From the seventies it began to spread also in neo-tropical regions such as Colombia, Argentina, Peru and Paraguay.

It is a very common species in the Mediterranean regions, and it is present in Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

C. albiceps is a subtropical to temperate species. It is present at altitudes of 200–1,000 metres (660–3,280 ft), but it is more abundant at an elevation of 1,000–3,100 metres (3,300–10,200 ft) above sea level.

Chrysomya albiceps feeding on a flower of Dittrichia viscosa

Chrysomya albiceps can reach a length of 6–9 millimetres (0.24–0.35 in). In these blow flies, thorax and abdomen are metallic blue to green. Wings are completely hyaline. Thorax bears a row of thick bristles on the meron and greater ampulla and the head shows plumose arista. The third antennal segment is dark-grayish. In males frons of the head is very narrow and the eyes are very close to each other. Frons of females have a dark brown to black color.

Adults feed on many things including decaying matter, excreta, and flowers. This insect normally reproduces within carcasses of dead animals, leaving eggs inside, usually together eggs of other species. Thus, although the first larvae feed on nutrients of decomposing tissues, the second and third series of larvae become predators, feeding on larvae of different species and even practicing cannibalism. Although eggs are normally deposited in decomposing tissues, they may, however, also be found in wounds of living tissues, both in animals and in humans. The ideal heat range for egg laying is 25 to 27 °C. The duration of the larval stage may differ as a result of temperature.

This species plays also a significant role as a voracious predator of other dipteran larvae during the maggot stage.

At temperatures between 20 and 30 °C the life cycle of Chrysomya albiceps from egg to adult lasts about 66 days.

Chrysomya albiceps is of great medical and sanitary importance, being associated with myiasis in Africa and America. It is also of importance in forensic science and forensic entomology because it is the first insect to come in contact with carrion due to their ability to smell dead animal matter from up to ten miles (16 km) away. C. albiceps belongs to the same genus as the other myiasis-causing flies Chrysomya bezziana and Chrysomya putoria.

13-5-2026 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

The European bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a bird of arresting beauty and grace. Its plumage is a kaleidoscope of warm hues, with brown and yellow adorning its upper parts, while the wings boast a vibrant green. The beak, a stark black, contrasts sharply with the bird's colorful attire. This slender avian can reach a length of 27–29 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers that add to its elegance. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the female may sport greener shoulder feathers compared to the male's gold.

When identifying the European bee-eater, look for its distinctive coloration and sleek profile. The non-breeding plumage is more subdued, with a blue-green back and the absence of elongated central tail feathers. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but exhibit less variation in feather colors. During the moulting period, adults transition to breeding plumage, which is completed before their winter migration to Africa.

These birds favor open country in warmer climates, often found in proximity to sandy banks and river shores where they can nest and forage with ease.

The European bee-eater breeds across southern and central Europe, parts of northern and southern Africa, and western Asia. While the southern African population remains resident year-round, others migrate to tropical Africa for the winter. Occasionally, they are seen north of their typical range, with sporadic breeding in northern Europe.

Gregarious by nature, European bee-eaters nest colonially in sandy banks, with communal tendencies extending to feeding and roosting. Courtship involves the male presenting the female with large prey items, a gesture of both affection and sustenance.

The call of the European bee-eater is a melodious and liquid "prreee" or "prruup," a sound as mellow as the bird's demeanor.

Breeding season sees these birds tunneling into sandy banks to lay their spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and care. The eggs hatch after about three weeks, and the young are raised with communal diligence.

While the European bee-eater is distinctive, it may be confused with other bee-eater species. However, its unique coloration and tail feathers generally set it apart.

True to their name, European bee-eaters feast primarily on bees, wasps, and hornets. They exhibit remarkable skill in catching these insects mid-flight and have a unique method of removing the sting before consumption. Their diet is predominantly composed of Hymenoptera, particularly the European honey bee.

The IUCN lists the European bee-eater as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival. However, their interactions with bee populations and apiaries are of interest to conservationists and apiculturists alike.

The European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is a spectacular, vibrantly colored migratory bird known for its brilliant plumage, acrobatic aerial hunting skills, and ability to safely consume venomous insects. It is a stunning, unmistakable summer visitor across the Mediterranean.

Appearance & IdentificationRainbow Plumage: They boast a bright yellow throat, chestnut-red and yellow back, turquoise belly, and a stark black eye mask.Size: They measure about 25–29 cm in length (about the size of a small thrush) and have an elongated, needle-like central tail feather.

Subtle Differences: Males and females look almost identical, though females tend to have slightly greener tints on their backs compared to the males' browner/richer colors.

14-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN HYALOMMA (Hyalomma marginatum)

Hyalomma marginatum is a hard-bodied tick found on birds including the pale crag martin. This tick has been implicated in the transmission of Bahig virus, a pathogenic arbovirus previously thought to be transmitted only by mosquitoes.

The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus has also been detected in ticks of this type removed from migratory birds in Morocco.

Hyalomma marginatum marginatum is a subspecies. The subspecies is typically found in northern Africa, southern Europe and some parts of Asia. It was also identified in Germany in 2006. It is found in Norway.

11-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DARWIN WASP (Complex Enicospilus ramidulus)

The Enicospilus ramidulus complex comprises a cosmopolitan group of nocturnal Darwin wasps known for parasitizing the larvae of moths. Because of their striking, long-legged, pale orange appearance, many similar, closely related species were historically lumped together under the name E. ramidulus.

Key Identification & Biology Facts

Forewing Sclerites: Their wings feature two discrete, pigmented sclerites (the proximal and central sclerites) within the discosubmarginal cell.

Distinctive Coloring: The mesosoma (midbody) is uniformly orange-testaceous with no dark patches, but the metasoma (tail/abdomen) transitions abruptly to black from the 5th or 6th tergite onwards.

Nocturnal Behavior: Like many members of the subfamily Ophioninae, E. ramidulus wasps have large eyes and long antennae. They fly at night and are frequently attracted to artificial lights and porch lights.

Harmless to Humans: Despite their large, intimidating appearance and wasp-like classification, they do not possess stingers and are entirely harmless to humans.

5-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - CHANGEABLE HAWK EAGLE (Nisaetus cirrhatus)

The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, scientifically known as Nisaetus cirrhatus, is a large bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This raptor is characterized by its slender build and a notable crest of feathers that can vary in presence and size among individuals. The species exhibits a wide range of plumage variation, from pale to dark, which changes with age and moult, hence the name "changeable."

Adult Changeable Hawk-Eagles are typically dark brown above with bold streaking below. They possess a strong bill and a crest that can be prominent or nearly absent. Their wings are relatively short, and their tail is long and thinly barred. Juveniles are generally darker with more conspicuous white edges on the mantle and wings. The eyes of adults are yellow to orange-yellow, while juveniles have grey-brown to pale greenish eyes.

This species is found in a variety of habitats, including savannah woodland, forest villages, and even suburban areas. They are also present in open or less dense parts of evergreen or deciduous forests, as well as second growth and wetlands.

11-5-2026 GANDIA GRAU, GANDIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

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.

10-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - THERESIAN MOTH (Lamoria anella)

Lamoria anella is a species of snout moth described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775 found in Africa, Asia and Europe.

The wingspan measures 18–28 mm for males and 30–40 mm for females. The head, thorax, and abdomen are greyish brown. The forewings are grey-brown, often entirely suffused with red or fuscous. There is an indistinct, highly dentate antemedial line. A more or less developed speck is present in the cell and the discocellular spot. A highly dentate postmedial line is sharply angled on vein 4 and often reduced to streaks on the veins. A marginal specks series is present. The hindwings are pale semi-hyaline, suffused with fuscous towards the margin.

It is found in most of Europe (except Ireland, Great Britain, Fennoscandia, Denmark, the Baltic region and Slovenia), the Canary Islands, as well as North Africa (including Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt), South Africa, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.

The first confirmed British record was recorded in a garden at Hartford, Huntingdonshire on 5 October 2018, possibly as a migrant. 

10-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON GLOBETAIL (Sphaerophoria scripta)

Sphaerophoria scripta, the long hoverfly, is a species of hoverfly belonging to the family Syrphidae.

This species has a worldwide distribution. It can be found in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, in the Near East, in the Nearctic realm, in North Africa and in the Indomalayan realm.

This species lives in thickets, gardens and meadows rich of flowering plants. Adults can pollinate flowering plants such as Galeopsis angustifolia and Silene gallica, which S. scripta are the most effective pollinators of.

Sphaerophoria scripta can reach a length of 7–12 millimetres (0.28–0.47 in) and a wingspan of 5–7 mm. Body is long and narrow, with yellow and black bands. The wings are transparent. Antennae are short and yellow. The face is yellow. Thorax is a bit dull, copper colored with broad yellow side stripes. Scutellum is yellow. Abdomen is long and cylindrical with four wide, yellow transverse bands. The legs are yellow. Females are brighter than the males. In the males the last two bands are often blurred.

The adult hoverflies can be found from April to November. The larvae feed on aphids, while adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen of various species of Asteraceae, as well as on Heracleum sphondylium, Galeopsis tetrahit, Malva moschata and Parnassia palustris.

These hoverflies can complete a full life cycle in as little as sixteen days (egg to egg-laying adult), and a maximum of nine generations may occur in a single year. This species is migratory and overwinter as larva.

9-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, GANDIA - COMMON LAND SNAIL (Caracollina lenticula)

Caracollina lenticula is a species of gastropods belonging to the family Trissexodontidae. It is more commonly known as the lens snail.

The species is found in Mediterranean. It is known to live under rocks, and can be found on walls, between plants, and on behind dunes around dry costal area. They can be found around human habitation and more urban areas, due to the fact that they can spread via the transportation of goods. 

The lens snail's shell is found to be flat and lenticular. They are a lightly colored gray, with a reddish brown shell. It has large antennas with black eyes. During movement, the shell of the snail twists sideways to the right, making it flat, unlike most gastropods. They can grow up to 3 to 7 mm long.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus meridionalis)

The Eastern Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus meridionalis) is a subspecies of the Little Bee-eater, recognized as the smallest African bee-eater species. These birds are renowned for their vibrant, colorful plumage and their specialized hunting techniques, often seen in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Physical Description

Size: They are very small, reaching a length of only 15–17 cm and weighing 11–18 grams. 

Appearance: They are predominantly green on their upper parts with a bright yellow throat, a distinct thin black collar (gorget), and a rich cinnamon/buff-orange belly. They have a black eye-stripe and a small blue stripe above the eye. 

Meridionalis Subspecies: This subspecies is characterized by having a thin, short blue supercilium (eyebrow) and a very narrow bluish-white line above the black gorget. 

Sexes: Males and females are alike in appearance.

9-5-2026 EL PARC SAN PERE, GANDIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

9-5-2026 EL PARC SAN PERE, GANDIA - HEAVENLY BAMBOO (Nandina domestica)

Nandina domestica commonly known as nandina, heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to eastern Asia from the Himalayas to Japan. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Nandina. Despite its name, it is not a true bamboo.

Nandina is widely grown in gardens as an ornamental plant with a number of cultivars that display bright-red fall foliage in the cool months, and attractive new foliage growth in spring. Although a popular ornamental shrub, the berries are toxic to birds, especially towards the end of the winter when other food sources become scarce.

Despite the common name "sacred bamboo", it is not a bamboo but an erect evergreen shrub up to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 1.5 m (5 ft) wide, with numerous, usually unbranched stems growing from ground level. The glossy leaves are sometimes deciduous in colder areas, 50–100 cm (20–39 in) long, bi- or tri-pinnately compound, with the individual leaflets 4–11 cm (2–4 in) long and 1.5–3 cm broad.

6-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Dolicharthria bruguieralis)

Dolicharthria bruguieralis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It is found from France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Greece and Turkey, east to Japan and Taiwan. It is also found in Africa, including Morocco, Algeria and South Africa.

The wingspan is about 17 millimetres (0.67 in).

Their habitat is in Dry and warm areas.

The larva feeds on withered leaves.

6-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY (Ceratitis capitata)

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) is one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it ravages over 250 species of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, turning the pulp of vulnerable produce—such as citrus, peaches, and tomatoes—into inedible, maggot-infested mush.

Appearance & IdentificationSize: Slightly smaller than a common housefly (roughly 3.5 to 5.0 mm in length).

Wings: Clear with a distinct mosaic-like pattern of yellow and brown bands, spots, and dots.

Body: Features a blackish thorax with silver markings and a tan abdomen crossed by darker silver or brown stripes.

Larvae: Creamy-white, carrot-shaped maggots that develop and feed inside the fruit.

6-5-2026 MARJAL DE MOROS, VALENCIA - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

Colias croceus, clouded yellow, is a small butterfly of the family Pieridae, the yellows and whites.

Colias croceus is one of the most widespread species in Europe. The common clouded yellow's breeding range is North Africa and southern Europe and eastwards through Turkey into the Middle East, but it occurs throughout much of Europe as a summer migrant, in good years individuals reaching Scandinavia. In Asia, its range extends into central Siberia in the north and barely into India in the south; it is not found in Central Asia.

This species is primarily an immigrant to the UK, originating from southern Europe and northern Africa. In the UK they can be seen on the south coast almost every year in varying numbers, and regularly breed there. Occurrence in the rest of the UK varies considerably from year to year, but they are increasingly observed as far north as Dumfries and Galloway. It has also been recorded in Ireland from the Raven, Co. Wexford, to Belfast, Co. Down.

7-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CAPE DAISY (Dimorphotheca jucunda)

 Dimorphotheca jucunda, the delightful African daisy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, and introduced to Ireland and Tasmania. As its synonym Osteospermum jucundum, it and two of its cultivars, 'Blackthorn Seedling' and 'Langtrees' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

8-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (idaea cervantaria)

 1.4 to 2.2 cm wingspan. Straw-coloured, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or greyish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed spots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are barely noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a  light wavy stripe. It has a spot on each wing but those on the front wings may go unnoticed.

There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for a correct and safe identification, genital analysis must be used. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.

The caterpillars feed on dry leaves of herbaceous plants and in captivity on petals of different Asteraceae and sea alder (Lobularia maritima), the latter common in our province, especially in sunny areas of the limestone mountains, and occasionally used in gardening for the showiness of its inflorescences. 

8-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GOLDWING MOTH (Synthymia fixa)

 The Goldwing moth (Synthymia fixa) is a small, specialized moth known for its striking, hidden coloration and limited habitat range in southern Europe and North Africa. It belongs to the Erebidae family, specifically within the subfamily often referred to as underwing moths. 

Here are key facts about the Goldwing moth (Synthymia fixa):

Physical Characteristics

Appearance: They are small, with a wingspan of only 37–40 mm. The forewings are typically brown, providing excellent camouflage when at rest.

Hidden Colors: When disturbed, they reveal bright orange or golden hindwings. This sudden flash of color is a defense mechanism intended to surprise predators.

Appearance in Flight: They are often described as small brown moths that appear bright orange when flying in the countryside. 

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca)

The magpie shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus), also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Urolestes. It is native to the grasslands of eastern and southeastern Africa, where its natural habitats are dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. It has a very wide range and is common in places, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".

The magpie shrike is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It inhabits open savannah with scattered acacia trees, close-grazed turf and bare ground, in parts of southern and central Africa where precipitation mainly occurs between November and April. Arid areas are avoided but semi-arid areas may be favoured. It also occurs in woodland, particularly riparian areas, and in the Kruger National Park is found in river valleys with thorny mopane trees.

6-5-2026 MARJAL DE MOROS, VALENCIA - RED CRESTED POCHARD (FEMALE) (Netta rufina)

The red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) is a large diving duck. The scientific name is derived from Greek Netta "duck", and Latin rufina, "golden-red" (from rufus, "ruddy"). Its breeding habitat is lowland marshes and lakes in southern Europe and it extends from the steppe and semi-desert areas on the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia, wintering in the Indian subcontinent and Africa. It is somewhat migratory, and northern birds winter further south into north Africa.

The adult male is unmistakable. It has a rounded orange head, red bill and black breast. The flanks are white, the back brown, and the tail black. The female is mainly a pale brown, with a darker back and crown and a whitish face. Eclipse males are like females but with red bills. They are gregarious birds, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as common pochards. They feed mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants, and typically upend for food more than most diving ducks.

6-5-2026 MARJAL DE MOROS, VALENCIA - COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)

The Common Tern, Sterna hirundo, is a slender seabird with a circumpolar distribution, breeding in temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a migratory species, wintering in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Adults display light grey upperparts, white to very light grey underparts, and a black cap. Their legs are orange-red, and they possess a narrow pointed bill, which varies in color between subspecies.

To identify the Common Tern, look for its pale grey upper wings, which develop a dark feather shaft as the season progresses, creating a grey wedge. The rump and tail are white, and the tail extends no further than the folded wingtips when the bird is standing. The bill is mostly red with a black tip or entirely black, depending on the subspecies. In non-breeding adults, the forehead and underparts become white, and the bill turns black.

Common Terns are found nesting on flat, poorly vegetated surfaces close to water, such as beaches, islands, and artificial substrates like floating rafts. They adapt to a variety of habitats, from the taiga to tropical shores, and avoid excessively rainy, windy, or icy areas.

This species has a wide breeding range, encompassing Europe, North Africa, Asia, and North America. It migrates to winter along the coasts of Central and South America, Africa, and southern Asia, with some populations remaining partially migratory in the Caribbean.

Common Terns are agile flyers, capable of rapid turns, hovering, and vertical take-off. They are known for their powerful, direct flight and can fly at speeds averaging 30 km/h, increasing during migration. They breed in colonies, often alongside other seabird species, and exhibit strong territorial behavior.

The Common Tern has a distinctive alarm call, a KEE-yah, and a repertoire of other vocalizations used for communication within the colony and with their chicks. Parents and chicks recognize each other's calls, aiding in maintaining family bonds.

Breeding involves aerial courtship displays and ground rituals. Nests are shallow scrapes, sometimes lined with debris. Clutch size is typically three eggs, camouflaged with blotchy patterns. Both sexes incubate, and chicks fledge in 22–28 days. Adults are defensive of their nest and young, often harassing intruders.

The Common Tern can be confused with the Arctic Tern, Roseate Tern, and Forster's Tern, but differences in plumage details, leg and bill color, and vocalizations aid in distinguishing them.

The diet consists mainly of fish, which they catch by plunge-diving, but may also include molluscs, crustaceans, and large insects. They forage up to 15 km from the breeding colony and may follow schools of fish or predatory fish to locate prey.

The Common Tern is classified as Least Concern, with a large population and extensive breeding range. However, threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance have led to declines in some areas, particularly in North America. Conservation efforts include habitat management and protection from human disturbance.

6-5-2026 MARJAL DE MOROS, VALENCIA - FALSE GRASS-POLY (Lythrum junceum)

Lythrum junceum (creeping loosestrife) is a Mediterranean perennial herb known for its sprawling habit, solitary pink-purple flowers, and preference for wet habitats. It is often found in wetlands, stream banks, and damp areas, blooming from spring to autumn. It can be distinguished by its 12 stamens and 6 petals.

Key Facts about Lythrum junceum

Common Names: Creeping loosestrife, rose loosestrife, Mediterranean loosestrife.

Appearance: A glabrous (smooth) herb with trailing, angular stems that can reach 50-70 cm long. The leaves are generally narrow, alternating on the stem, and 1–4 cm long.

Flowers: Features solitary, deep pink-to-purple flowers in the leaf axils, blooming from March to September. The flowers are trimorphic (three different lengths of style) and have six petals.

Habitat: Thrives in freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and moist, non-saline, or acidic soils.