28-3-2021 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCA - 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.

31-8-2026 GRAU GANDIA, VALENCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (JUVENILE) (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.

1-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RAMBUR'S WAVE MOTH (Idaea elongaria)

Rambur's Wave (Idaea elongaria) is a small species of moth belonging to the family Geometridae. It was first described scientifically by the French entomologist Pierre Rambur in 1833.

Classification & Distribution

Family: Geometridae (Geometer moths).

Subfamily: Sterrhinae (Waves and mochas).

Region: Found primarily in southern Europe, including Mediterranean locations like Spain, Corfu, and Crete.

Physical Characteristics

Size: It features a small wingspan measuring roughly 14–20 mm.Coloration: Pale whitish or cream background color.

Markings: Marked with thin, slightly wavy transversal bands of light brown or ocher.

Details: Tiny black dots are scattered across the wing surfaces, with a distinct row aligned along the wing margins.

2-9-2026 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - PLAIN TIGER BUTTERFLY (Danaus chrysippus)

Danaus chrysippus, also known as the plain tiger, African queen, or African monarch, is a medium-sized butterfly widespread in Asia, Australia and Africa. It belongs to the Danainae subfamily of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. Danainae primarily consume plants in the genus Asclepias, more commonly called milkweed. Milkweed contains toxic compounds, cardenolides, which are often consumed and stored by many butterflies. Because of their emetic properties, the plain tiger is unpalatable to most predators. As a result, its colouration is widely mimicked by other species of butterflies. The plain tiger inhabits a wide variety of habitats, although it is less likely to thrive in jungle-like conditions and is most often found in drier, wide-open areas.

D. chrysippus encompasses three main subspecies: D. c. alcippus, D. c. chrysippus, and D. c. orientis. These subspecies are found concentrated in specific regions within the larger range of the entire species.

The plain tiger is believed to be one of the first butterflies depicted in art. A 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian fresco in Luxor features the oldest known illustration of this species.

D. chrysippus is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in). The body is black with white spots. The wings are a brownish orange, the upper side brighter and richer than the underside. The apical half of the forewing is black with a white band. The hindwing has three black spots in the centre. The wings are bordered in black and outlined with semicircular white spots. This species exhibits slight sexual dimorphism, as the male has large scent glands on his hindwings, which the female lacks. They appear as a large black spot with a white centre if viewed from the underside

D. chrysippus is a polymorphic species, so the exact colouring and patterning vary within and between populations.

It is similar in appearance to the Indian fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius), which may coexist with it.

The plain tiger is found across the entirety of Africa, where the predominant subspecies is D. c. alcippus. Its range extends across the majority of Asia throughout Indian subcontinent, as well as many south Pacific islands. The plain tiger is even present in parts of Australia. D. c. chrysippus is most common throughout Asia and in some select regions in Africa, while D. c. orientis is present in more tropical African regions as well as some African islands, including Madagascar and the Seychelles.It is also found in Southern Europe and Kuwait. These insects are considered bioinvaders in North America.

The plain tiger prefers arid, open areas, and is found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, mountains, deciduous forests, and human-tended gardens in cities and parks. It is comfortable at altitudes ranging from sea level to around 1,500 m (4,900 ft).

2-9-2026 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - LONG SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum trinacria)

Orthetrum trinacria, the Long Skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ethiopia, France (Corsica), Gambia, Ghana, Italy (Sicily and Sardinia), Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Burundi. It was recently recorded in the Maltese Islands in 2003 and was recorded breeding on the island of Gozo in 2004. 

Its natural habitats are rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, and intermittent freshwater marshes. Also breeding in Southern Spain (Murcia and Malaga Provinces) and the Canary Islands.

31-8-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Charissa mucidaria)

Charissa mucidaria, commonly known as the coppery taupe, is a species of moth belonging to the family Geometridae.First described by German entomologist Jacob Hübner in 1799, this moth is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. It is well-regarded for its intricate camouflage patterns that allow it to blend seamlessly against rocky substrates and stone walls.

Key Identification Features

Wingspan: Typically ranges from 20 to 30 mm.

Coloration: Highly variable ochre, gray, or brown tones with a distinctive coppery or rusty metallic tint.

Markings: Features a central transverse band on its wings outlined by irregular dark lines, marked with tiny black spots, and a small dark eyespot (ocellus) with a light center near the wing margin.

Fringes: The wing edges often showcase distinct orange or warm-toned fringes (fimbriae).

Ecology and Life Cycle

Habitat: It primarily inhabits dry, warm, rocky slopes, stone walls, and sparse grasslands from lowlands up to mid-altitude mountain ranges.

Flight Period: Adults are bivoltine, flying in two main generations: from March to May and again from July to September. In warmer coastal regions like Andalusia, adults can be found active into early winter.

Larval Diet: The caterpillars feed polyphagously on low-growing herbs and rock plants, including species of Sedum (stonecrop), Anagallis, Polygonum, Sanguisorba, and Rumex.

Overwintering: The species hibernates during its larval stage, emerging fully mature in early spring.

29-8-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ANTLION (Gymnocnemia variegata)

Gymnocnemia variegata is a rare species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) with a Turani-Mediterranean distribution, ranging from Spain to Central Asia.

Main characteristics

Taxonomy: It is the only species belonging to the genus Gymnocnemia.

Appearance: It is a medium-sized insect with a variegated appearance (with alternating spots or colors), characterized by a pattern of ochre and dark brown tones.

Coloration: It has a yellowish-brown body with brown markings and a darker head.

Habitat and rarity: It is a Mediterranean and steppe species that is found very occasionally and sparsely.

19-10-2015 ONGAR, ESSEX - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is a small insectivorous passerine bird. The term robin is also applied to some birds in other families with red or orange breasts. These include the American robin (Turdus migratorius ), a thrush, and the Australasian robins of the family Petroicidae.

The male and female European robins are similar in coloration, with an orange breast and face lined with grey, brown upperparts, and a whitish belly. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are spotted brown and white in coloration, with patches of orange gradually appearing.

European robins occur in Eurasia east to Western Siberia, south to Algeria, and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Central Group of the Azores and Madeira. Irish and British robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Scandinavian and Russian robins migrate to Britain and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. European robins prefer spruce woods in northern Europe, contrasting with their preference for parks and gardens in Ireland and Great Britain. These may also be found in grasslands, shrubby vegetation, hedgerows with some tall trees, orchards, and farmlands.

European robins are active during the day, however, they may also hunt insects on moonlit nights or near artificial light at night. These are generally solitary and territorial birds, and males are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behavior. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and may even attack other small birds without apparent provocation. European robins communicate using a variety of calls, including a ticking note that usually indicates anxiety or mild alarm. During the breeding season, robins produce a fluting, warbling song. Both the male and female sing during the winter, when they hold separate territories; the song then sounds more plaintive than the summer version. The female typically moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, males usually initiate their morning song an hour before civil sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around thirty minutes after sunset. They may also sing at night, especially in urban areas that are artificially lit during the night.

European robins are carnivores (insectivores). They prey on a wide range of terrestrial invertebrates, such as spiders, worms, and insects. In autumn and winter, they will supplement their usual diet with berries and fruit. They will also eat seed mixtures placed on bird tables.

European robins start to breed in late March. They may choose a wide variety of sites for building a nest. This can be a depression or hole, as well as the usual crevices, or sheltered banks, pieces of machinery, barbecues, bicycle handlebars, bristles on upturned brooms, discarded kettles, watering cans, flower pots, and even hats. The nest itself is composed of moss, leaves, and grass, with fine grass, hair, and feathers for the lining. The female lays 2 or 3 clutches of 5-6 eggs which are cream, buff, or white speckled or blotched with a reddish-brown color. Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, performed by the female alone. Newly hatched chicks are cared for by both parents for around 14-16 days until they are ready to fly from the nest.

European robins are widespread throughout their native range and don't face any major threats at present. However, in some areas, they suffer from illegal hunting, the use of pesticides, and severe winters.

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the European robin is around 130,000,000-201,000,000 mature individuals. In Europe, the breeding population of this species consists of 58,700,000-90,500,000 pairs, which equates to 117,000,000-181,000,000 mature individuals. Currently, the European robin is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are increasing.

29-8-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COTTON BOLLWORM MOTH (Helicoverpa armigera)

Helicoverpa armigera is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is known as the cotton bollworm, corn earworm, Old World (African) bollworm, or scarce bordered straw (the lattermost in the UK, where it is a migrant). The larvae feed on a wide range of plants, including many important cultivated crops. It is a major pest in cotton and one of the most polyphagous and cosmopolitan pest species. It should not be confused with the similarly named larva of the related species Helicoverpa zea.

This species comprises two sub-species: Helicoverpa armigera armigera is native and widespread in central and southern Europe, temperate Asia and Africa; Helicoverpa armigera conferta is native to Australia, and Oceania. The former sub-species has also recently been confirmed to have successfully invaded Brazil and has since spread across much of South America and reached the Caribbean. It is a migrant species, able to reach Scandinavia and other northern territories.

28-8-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RAMBUR'S WAVE MOTH (Idaea elongaria)

Rambur's Wave (Idaea elongaria) is a small species of moth belonging to the family Geometridae. It was first described scientifically by the French entomologist Pierre Rambur in 1833.

Classification & Distribution

Family: Geometridae (Geometer moths).

Subfamily: Sterrhinae (Waves and mochas).

Region: Found primarily in southern Europe, including Mediterranean locations like Spain, Corfu, and Crete.

Physical Characteristics

Size: It features a small wingspan measuring roughly 14–20 mm.Coloration: Pale whitish or cream background color.

Markings: Marked with thin, slightly wavy transversal bands of light brown or ocher.

Details: Tiny black dots are scattered across the wing surfaces, with a distinct row aligned along the wing margins.

27-8-2026 CANOPY LODGE, PANAMA - RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) WEBCAM

The rufous motmot (Baryphthengus martii) is a near-passerine bird in the family Momotidae. It is found from northeastern Honduras south to western Ecuador, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil.

The rufous motmot is the second-largest member of its family. The male of the nominate subspecies is 42 to 47 cm (17 to 19 in) long and weighs 146 to 160 g (5.1 to 5.6 oz). The female weighs 153 to 173 g (5.4 to 6.1 oz). Male and female B. m. semirufus weigh 185 to 193 g (6.5 to 6.8 oz) and 170 to 208 g (6.0 to 7.3 oz) respectively. Adults are mainly cinnamon-rufous, with a black face mask and central breast spot, green wings and sides, a greenish-blue lower belly, and dark blue tail and flight feathers. The tail is very long, and that of B. m. semirufus but not the nominate has a bare-shafted racket tip. The bill and legs are black. Young birds are paler and duller than adults, and lack the tail rackets and black breast spot.

5-12-2021 LLUXTENT, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

The European greenfinch, or simply greenfinch, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. Exhibiting a predominantly green plumage with yellow accents on the wings and tail, the male is a vibrant sight, while the female and juveniles are more subdued with brownish tones. This bird measures approximately 15 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 24.5 to 27.5 cm, resembling the size and shape of a house sparrow.

To identify the European greenfinch, look for its thick and conical bill, a characteristic of seed-eating birds. The male's plumage is a striking green with yellow flashes on the wings and tail, whereas the female and young birds are more muted with brownish backs. The male's display flight is akin to a butterfly, a dance to charm its mate.

The greenfinch favors woodland edges, farmland hedges, and gardens with dense vegetation for breeding. It nests in trees or bushes within these habitats.

1-12-2021 MARJAL DE INTERIOR, ALBUFERA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In the United Kingdom, where no other kestrel species commonly occurs, it is generally just called "kestrel".

This species occurs over a large range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America. It has colonized a few oceanic islands, but vagrant individuals are generally rare; in the whole of Micronesia for example, the species was only recorded twice each on Guam and Saipan in the Marianas.

Common kestrels measure 32–39 cm (12+1⁄2–15+1⁄2 in) from head to tail, with a wingspan of 65–82 cm (25+1⁄2–32+1⁄2 in). Females are noticeably larger, with the adult male weighing 136–252 g (4+3⁄4–8+7⁄8 oz), around 155 g (5+1⁄2 oz) on average; the adult female weighs 154–314 g (5+3⁄8–11+1⁄8 oz), around 184 g (6+1⁄2 oz) on average. They are thus small compared with other birds of prey, but larger than most songbirds. Like the other Falco species, they have long wings as well as a distinctive long tail.

Their plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside; the remiges are also blackish. Unlike most raptors, they display sexual colour dimorphism with the male having fewer black spots and streaks, as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females, and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. All common kestrels have a prominent black malar stripe like their closest relatives.

Globally, this species is not considered threatened by the IUCN. Its stocks were affected by the indiscriminate use of organochlorines and other pesticides in the mid-20th century, but being something of an r-strategist able to multiply quickly under good conditions it was less affected than other birds of prey. The global population has been fluctuating considerably over the years but remains generally stable; it is roughly estimated at 1–2 million pairs or so, about 20% of which are found in Europe. There has been a recent decline in parts of Western Europe such as Ireland. Subspecies dacotiae is quite rare, numbering less than 1000 adult birds in 1990, when the ancient western Canarian subspecies canariensis numbered about ten times as many birds. 

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

The great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. It is the only member of the genus Pitangus. It breeds in open woodland with some tall trees, including cultivation and around human habitation. It is found from the extreme southern United States south to Argentina. It was introduced to Bermuda in 1957, and to Tobago in about 1970.

The great kiskadee occupies a wide range of habitats, from open grassland with scattered trees to urban areas. Its range extends from the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas south through Central America to southern Argentina. It does not regularly occur in Chile. The great kiskadee was introduced to Bermuda in 1957. Two hundred birds were imported from Trinidad in an attempt to control the number of lizards, especially the tree lizard (Anolis grahami) which had itself been introduced. The birds bred successfully and by 1976 the population on the island had expanded to around 60,000. The great kiskadee is omnivorous and has failed to control the number of lizards.

29-11-2016 GARDENS BY THE BAY, SINGAPORE - OLIVE BACKED SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Cinnyris jugularis)

The olive-backed sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis ), also known as the yellow-bellied sunbird, is a species of sunbird found from Southern Asia to Australia.

They are small songbirds, at most 12 cm (4.7 in) long. In most subspecies, the underparts of both male and female are bright yellow, the backs are a dull brown colour. The forehead, throat and upper breast of the adult male is a dark, metallic blue-black. In the Philippines the males of some subspecies have an orange band on the chest, in Wallacea and northern New Guinea some subspecies have most of the underparts blackish, and in southern China and adjacent parts of Vietnam most of the underparts of the male are greyish-white.

The olive-backed sunbird is common across southern China and Southeast Asia to Queensland and the Solomon Islands. Originally from mangrove habitat, the olive-backed sunbird has adapted well to humans, and is now common even in fairly densely populated areas, even forming their nests in human dwellings.

The birds mate between the months of April and August in the Northern Hemisphere, and between August and January in the Southern Hemisphere. Both the male and the female assist in building the nest which is flask-shaped, with an overhanging porch at the entrance, and a trail of hanging material at the bottom end.

After building the nest, the birds abandon the nest for about a week before the female returns to lay one or two greenish-blue eggs. The eggs take 2 weeks to hatch. The female may leave the nest for short periods during the day during incubation. After the chicks have hatched, both male and female assist in the care of the young, which leave the nest about two or three weeks later.

TURPENTINE CREEK WILDLIFE REFUGE - BENGAL TIGER (Panthera tigris) WEBCAM

The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the nominate Tiger subspecies. It ranks among the biggest wild cats alive today. It is considered to belong to the world's charismatic megafauna. The Bengal tiger is estimated to have been present in the Indian subcontinent since the Late Pleistocene, for about 12,000 to 16,500 years. Today, it is threatened by a number of threats caused by humans.

The Bengal tiger's coat is yellow to light orange, with stripes ranging from dark brown to black; the belly and the interior parts of the limbs are white, and the tail is orange with black rings. The white tiger is a recessive mutant, which is reported in the wild from time to time in Assam, Bengal, Bihar, and especially in the former State of Rewa. However, it is not an occurrence of albinism. The Bengal tiger has exceptionally stout teeth. Its canines are 7.5 to 10 cm (3.0 to 3.9 in) long and thus the longest among all cats.

8-10-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SOUTHERN SMOOTH SNAKE (Coronella girondica)

The Southern smooth snake (Coronella girondica), also known as Riccioli's snake, is a small, harmless colubrid snake native to southern Europe and northern Africa. It is entirely non-venomous and lacks the capability to inoculate poison.

Key Characteristics & Identification

Size: Small and slender, typically measuring 50 to 60 cm in length. It rarely reaches up to 80 or 95 cm.

Coloration: Dorsally grey, brown, ochre, or reddish with dark, transverse bars or spots.

Head Markings: Features a distinctive dark, inverted "U" or "V" mark on the nape. A dark streak ("tear") runs from the eye to the corner of the mouth.

Underside: Yellowish, whitish, or orange-pink with a highly characteristic checkered pattern of dark spots.

Eyes: Features round pupils with a distinct orange or reddish ring around them.

Scales: Completely smooth, shiny, and unkeeled. They generally sit in 21 rows at midbody.

Habitat & DistributionThe species is widely distributed across Southwest Europe and Northwest Africa. It is native to Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy, Monaco, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.It prefers dry, sunny, and warm landscapes. Typical habitats include Mediterranean-type scrublands, open grasslands, rocky hillsides, hedgerows, and stone walls. It can be found from sea level up to mountainous regions reaching altitudes over 3,000 meters.

Diet & BehaviorDiet: A specialist predator focusing heavily on small diurnal lizards (such as lacertids, geckos, and skinks). It hunts them by constriction within their nocturnal hiding places. It occasionally consumes small mammals, insects, and reptile eggs. 

Activity: Primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden under rocks or vegetation.

Defense: Exceptionally gentle and rarely bites, even when handled. If threatened, it may exhibit Batesian mimicry by flattening its head to resemble a viper. It can also excrete a foul-smelling fluid from its anal glands.

Lifecycle: It undergoes a long winter hibernation (brumation) from autumn until April. Unlike its viviparous relative (Coronella austriaca), the Southern smooth snake is oviparous. Females lay clutches of 2 to 16 elongated eggs in July, which hatch by late August or September. Their average lifespan is around 13 to 15 years.

23-8-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Dolicharthria bruguieralis)

Dolicharthria bruguieralis is a species of crambid moth first described by Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel in 1833. It belongs to the grass moth family (Crambidae) and is found across Southern Europe, parts of Africa, and Asia.Classification and Range

Family: Crambidae

Subfamily: Spilomelinae

Region: Found in countries like Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and parts of North Africa and East Asia.

Discovery: Named and recorded in 1833.

23-8-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BARBARY GRASSHOPPER (Calliptamus barbarus)

Calliptamus barbarus is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in the Palearctic.

Calliptamus barbarus or Costa's rose wing is a right-winged insect from the family locust (Acrididae). The scientific name of this species was first validly published in 1836 by Oronzio Gabriele Costa.

The Barbarian grasshopper is not toxic and does not usually pose a threat to human health. There is no need to be overly concerned.

The Barbarian grasshopper feeds on plants and usually does not cause a major problem. However, If you observe the number getting larger, you need to take it seriously.

23-8-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Scopula asellaria)

The Wave Moth (Scopula asellaria) is a small insect belonging to the geometer moth family Geometridae. It was first documented scientifically in 1847 by the German entomologist Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer.

Biological Overview

Taxonomy: Belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae (commonly known as the waves and mochas) and the tribe Scopulini.

Geographic Distribution: This species primarily inhabits southern Europe and North Africa.

Appearance: Like many other species in the genus Scopula, it features delicate wings with subtle, powdery speckling and wavy cross lines that help it blend seamlessly into natural backdrops like rocks or foliage.

Larval Stage: The caterpillars are typical "inchworms" or loopers, navigating their environments with a looping motion. They feed polyphagously on low-growing vegetation and herbs.

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - GREAT CRESTED GREBE (FEMALE & JUVENILE) (Podiceps cristatus)

The great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The bird is characterised by its distinctive appearance, featuring striking black and white plumage, and elaborate courtship display that involves synchronised dances and displays.

The great crested grebe is the largest member of the grebe family found in the Old World, with some larger species residing in the Americas. They measure 46–51 cm (18–20 in) long with a 59–73 cm (23–29 in) wingspan and weigh 0.9 to 1.5 kg (2.0 to 3.3 lb).[8][9] It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater. The adults are unmistakable in summer with head and neck decorations. In winter, this is whiter than most grebes, with white above the eye, and a pink bill.

The call is a loud barking rah-rah-rah. They can also produce a clicking kek call, and deep growls.

Juveniles are recognisable by their plumage, with their heads featuring alternating black and white stripes. They lose these markings when they become adults.

The great crested grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge. The nest is built by both sexes. The clutch averages four chalky-white eggs which average 54 mm × 37 mm (2.1 in × 1.5 in) in size and 42 g (1.5 oz) in weight. Incubation is by both parents and begins as soon as the first egg is laid. The eggs hatch asynchronously after 27 to 29 days. The precocial young are cared for and fed by both parents.

Young grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their back and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface; they then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back onto them.

The great crested grebe feeds mainly on fish, but also small crustaceans, insects, small frogs and newts.

The great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus, is a water bird of the grebe family, notable for its striking black and white plumage and elaborate courtship displays. It is the largest grebe species found in the Old World, with some larger species in the Americas.

Adults are unmistakable in summer with ornate head and neck decorations. In winter, they are whiter than most grebes, with a distinctive white above the eye and a pink bill. Juveniles can be identified by their black and white striped heads, which they lose upon reaching adulthood.

This species prefers vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding.

The great crested grebe has three subspecies: P. c. cristatus in Eurasia, P. c. infuscatus in Africa, and P. c. australis in Australia, Tasmania, and the South Island of New Zealand. The European subspecies migrates from colder regions, while the African and Australasian subspecies are mainly sedentary.

The great crested grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, pursuing fish underwater. Its mating display is particularly elaborate, involving synchronized dances and poses.

The call of the great crested grebe is a loud barking "rah-rah-rah," complemented by a clicking "kek" and deep growls.

Both sexes build the nest at the water's edge, and the average clutch consists of four chalky-white eggs. Incubation is shared, starting with the first egg and lasting 27 to 29 days. The precocial young are capable of swimming and diving almost immediately and are taught by the adults.

The great crested grebe is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Conservation efforts in places like New Zealand's Lake Wānaka have been ongoing since 2013. The species has also been a beneficiary of early protection efforts by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the United Kingdom.

24-11-2016 INLE LAKE, MYANMAR - PHEASANT TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)

This jacana breeds on floating vegetation during the rainy season. In southern India, it breeds in the monsoon season, June–September. It is polyandrous; one female may lay up to ten clutches in a single season that are raised by different males. Female court males with flight displays around the males and with calling. The female builds a nest on floating vegetation made of leaves and stalks of plants with a depression in the centre. A single clutch consists of four glossy black-marked dark-olive-brown eggs (occasionally an egg in a clutch may be an odd pale sea-green in colour which are laid in the mornings at 24 hour intervals. 

22-8-2026 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

The Perez's frog (Pelophylax perezi), also known as Iberian waterfrog, Iberian green frog or Coruna frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is native to southern France, Portugal, Spain, and has been introduced to the Canary and Balearic Islands, Madeira, the United Kingdom, and the Azores. In the Iberian Peninsula it is widespread and common.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, sandy shores, arable land, and urban areas. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.

A medium-sized, stout frog; snout-vent length is usually from 40 to 70 mm, but sometimes is longer than 10 cm (Docampo and Milagrosa-Vega 1988; González de la Vega 1988). The head is as long as wide, with prominent eyes located in dorsal position very close to each other. The tympanum is well marked, about 1/2 to 3/4 the eye diameter (Salvador and García-París 2001). Toes have well developed webbing. Skin is either smooth or slightly rough, with well-formed dorsolateral folds.

The dorsal coloration is very variable, usually green but also brown or grayish to dark gray. They usually show a vertebral stripe, mostly yellow or green. Two irregular rows of dark, rectangular spots are present on both sides of the vertebral stripe. These spots are also present on the rear limbs, sometimes forming a banded pattern. Some individuals lack both the spots and the vertebral stripe. Ventrally they are white with a variable number of dark spots. Males are smaller than females and have stronger forelimbs. They have gray vocal sacs than can be appreciated even when they are not in use.

22-8-2026 RIO SERPIS, GANDIA - 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.

12-11-2015 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus)

 The Green Sandpiper, Tringa ochropus, is a small wader, or shorebird, with a somewhat plump appearance. It boasts a dark greenish-brown back and wings, complemented by a greyish head and breast. The underparts are predominantly white, with the back featuring white spots that vary in extent depending on the season and age of the bird. The legs and short bill are a matching dark green, creating a harmonious color palette for this avian species.

When observing the Green Sandpiper, look for its distinctive flight pattern, which reveals dark wings above and below, punctuated by a striking white rump. This feature is a reliable identifier, setting it apart from its close relative, the slightly smaller Solitary Sandpiper of North America. Additionally, the Green Sandpiper's white-spotted back is most pronounced in breeding adults and less so in winter and juvenile plumage.