7-3-2020 THATTEKAD, INDIA - MALABAR BARBET (Psilopogon malabaricus)

The Malabar barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) is an Asian barbet native to the Western Ghats in India. It was formerly treated as a race of the crimson-fronted barbet (Psilopogon rubricapillus). It overlaps in some places with the range of the coppersmith barbet (Psilopogon haemacephala) and has a similar but more rapid call.

This species can be told apart from the coppersmith barbet by the crimson face and throat. The call notes are more rapidly delivered than in the other species.

This species is found in the Western Ghats from around Goa south to southern Kerala in moist evergreen forest mainly below 1200 m elevation. They are also found in coffee estates. They often visit fruiting Ficus species, joining flocks of green pigeon and mynas.

These birds are usually seen in pairs during the breeding season but are gregarious in the non-breeding season. In flight, their straight and rapid flight can resemble that of lorikeets. The breeding season is mainly February–March prior to the rains. The nest hole is excavated on the underside of thin branches. It takes about 18 days to excavate the nest. These nest holes are often destroyed by larger barbets that may attempt to enlarge the hole. 

15-5-2026 SOLLANA SOUTH, ALBUFERA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, is a slender wader known for its strikingly long, pink legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage. This elegant bird is a member of the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae.

Adult Black-winged Stilts measure 33–36 cm in length. They possess a long, thin black bill and display a distinctive black and white coloration. The head and neck are predominantly white, with variable black markings depending on the sex and subspecies. Males typically have a glossy or greenish sheen on their black backs, while females exhibit a more brownish tinge. During flight, their long legs trail behind, and their wingbeats are steady.

These birds favor marshes, shallow lakes, and ponds as their breeding grounds. They are also known to inhabit coastal areas during migration and in the winter months.

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.

15-5-2026 FARO DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SHAG (JUVENILE) (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 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 FARO DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - GOLD COIN (Pallenis maritima)

Pallenis maritima, also known as the Mediterranean Beach Daisy or Gold Coin, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to regions like the Canary Islands, southern Portugal, and parts of the Mediterranean. This plant is known for its vibrant yellow daisy-like flowers that have darker centers. Typically growing to a height of about 30 cm, it thrives in coastal and dry environments, often found in sandy soils. It requires moderate care, especially in terms of watering, where it should be watered enough to moisten the soil but not excessively to avoid root rot. In its natural environment, it can survive on rainwater but benefits from supplemental watering during dry spells. The plant prefers full sun but needs protection from intense midday heat to avoid sunburn. When grown indoors, it should be shielded from harsh air conditioning which can dry it out.

Pallenis maritima is also a low-maintenance plant that can adapt to various climates as long as it gets enough sunlight and is not overwatered.

15-5-2026 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - SMALL WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

 Pieris rapae is a small-to-medium-sized butterfly species of the whites-and-yellows family Pieridae. It is known in Europe as the small white, in North America and the United Kingdom as the cabbage white or cabbage butterfly, on several continents as the small cabbage white, and in New Zealand as the white butterfly. The butterfly is recognizable by its white color with small black dots on its wings, and it can be distinguished from P. brassicae by the latter's larger size and black band at the tip of the forewings.

The caterpillar of this species, often referred to as the "imported cabbageworm", is a pest to crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, bok choy and broccoli. Pieris rapae is widespread in Europe and Asia; it is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Europe and to have spread across Eurasia thanks to the diversification of brassicaceous crops and the development of human trade routes. Over the past two centuries, it spread to North Africa (about 1800), North America (1860s), Hawaii (1897), New Zealand (1930), and Australia (1937), as a result of accidental introductions.

15-5-2026 FARO DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - SWEET SCABIOUS (Sixalix atropurpurea)

Scabiosa atropurpurea (syn. Sixalix atropurpurea), the mourningbride, mournful widow, pincushion flower, or sweet scabious, is an ornamental plant of the genus Scabiosa in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to southern Europe.

Scabiosa atropurpurea has cauline leaves that are pinnately dissected, plants have red to purple flowers. It is native to southern Europe. It propagates by seeds which are dispersed by animals.

It prefers cooler climates; high temperatures and humidity negatively impact its growth. Scabiosa atropurpurea grows best in rich, alkaline soils high in organic matter with good drainage. It makes a good cut flower. Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets' is a cultivar grown for its long blooming period and burgundy flowers.

It has become an invasive species outside of its native range, including the US state of California where it has invaded grasslands. It ranks as one of South Australia's most commonly recorded weeds.

15-5-2026 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - BANDED BLOWFLY (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.

15-5-2026 FARO DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - 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. 

15-5-2026 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - CHICORY (Cichorium intybus)

Common chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae, usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to the Americas and Australia.

Many varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or roots (var. sativum), which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and food additive. In the 21st century, inulin, an extract from chicory root, has been used in food manufacturing as a sweetener and source of dietary fiber. Chicory is also grown as a forage crop for livestock.

When flowering, chicory has a tough, grooved, and more or less hairy stem. It can grow to 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall. The leaves are stalked, lanceolate and unlobed; they range from 7.5–32 centimetres (3–12+1⁄2 inches) in length (smallest near the top) and 2–8 cm (3⁄4–3+1⁄4 in) wide. The flower heads are 3–5 cm (1+1⁄4–2 in) wide, and usually light blue or lavender; it has also rarely been described as white or pink. Of the two rows of involucral bracts, the inner is longer and erect, the outer is shorter and spreading. It flowers from March until October. The seed has small scales at the tip.

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.