17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiaca, is a striking bird, native to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Valley. It is a member of the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. This species is unique in its appearance, resembling a goose more than a duck when in flight, with a heavy and robust stature. Adults typically measure between 63 to 73 centimeters in height.

Both sexes of the Egyptian goose display identical plumage, though males are generally larger. Plumage tones can vary from grey to brown, not necessarily indicative of age or sex. Mature birds boast a significant white patch on their wings, concealed by wing coverts when at rest but prominently displayed when the bird is agitated or in flight.

The Egyptian goose favors open or semi-open environments, often found near freshwater sources. Its habitat ranges from lowlands to high altitudes, such as the Ethiopian Highlands, up to 4,000 meters above sea level. It avoids dense forests and deserts.

This species is widespread and common in its native range, though numbers have dwindled in the northern Nile Valley. Historically found in southeastern Europe and parts of the Middle East, its presence in these areas has diminished.

The Egyptian goose is largely terrestrial, capable of perching on trees and buildings. It is known for its aggressive territorial behavior, especially during breeding season, and is not hesitant to engage in aerial combat with intruders. The species is monogamous, with both parents caring for their offspring.

The male's call is a subdued, hoarse quack, becoming louder and more rapid when agitated, resembling a steam engine. The female's quack is raucous and frequently heard, particularly when defending her young.

Nesting occurs in a variety of locations, with a preference for holes in mature trees. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the young are capable of foraging for themselves shortly after hatching.

Egyptian geese primarily consume seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems. They may also eat small animals such as locusts and worms. Goslings initially feed on small aquatic invertebrates before transitioning to grazing.

The Egyptian goose is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population. However, in regions where it has been introduced, it is considered invasive and may pose a threat to native species.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus)

The African Jacana, Actophilornis africanus, is a distinctive wader known for its remarkable ability to traverse floating vegetation with its elongated toes and claws. This bird exhibits a striking chestnut plumage on its upperparts, complemented by black wingtips, rear neck, and an eyestripe. Adults boast a chestnut underpart, while juveniles display a white underpart with a chestnut belly patch. A blue bill, extending into a coot-like head shield, and grey legs and toes complete its unique appearance.

To identify the African Jacana, look for its long toes and claws, which are adapted for walking on lily pads and other floating vegetation. The adult's chestnut underparts contrast with the juveniles' white underparts and chestnut belly patch. The blue bill with a frontal shield and the bird's size, ranging from 23 to 31 cm in length, are also key identification features.

The African Jacana thrives in shallow lakes, where it can be seen gracefully walking on floating vegetation, a habitat it prefers and is uniquely adapted to inhabit.

This species enjoys a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, where it is commonly found in suitable wetland habitats.

The African Jacana is sedentary, with some seasonal dispersion. It exhibits a polyandrous mating system, where a dominant female mates with multiple males. The males are solely responsible for incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks, showcasing remarkable adaptations for parental care, such as the ability to carry chicks under their wings.

Breeding occurs throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The African Jacana lays four brown eggs marked with black, in a nest that floats amidst the vegetation. The male takes on the role of incubating the eggs and caring for the young, a testament to the species' unique breeding system.

The African Jacana might be confused with the Madagascar Jacana, which is similar in size. However, the latter is geographically isolated to Madagascar, reducing the likelihood of confusion within the African Jacana's range.

The diet consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates, which the African Jacana deftly picks from the water's surface or from the floating vegetation it frequents.

The IUCN Red List classifies the African Jacana as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels.

27-2-2021 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/9236-Serinus-serinus

 

27-2-2021 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - FERAL PIGEON (Columba livia var. domestica)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/3017-Columba-livia

 

27-2-2021 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - GARDEN ROSE

 

27-2-2021 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - LONG HEADED POPPY (Papaver dubium)

 Papaver dubium is a species of poppy known by the common names long-headed poppy and blindeyes. It is an annual species which prefers sandy soils without lime. It is native to Europe, North Africa and south-western Asia and widespread as an introduction in America and elsewhere.

Papaver dubium is a variable annual, growing to about 60 cm in height. It generally flowers in late spring to mid-summer. The flower is large (30–70 mm) and showy, with four petals that are lighter red than in the similar Papaver rhoeas, and most commonly without a black spot at the base. The flower stem is usually covered with coarse hairs that are closely appressed to the surface, helping to distinguish it from P. rhoeas in which the hairs are more usually patent, held at right angles to the stem. The capsules are hairless, elongated to more than twice as tall as they are wide, tapering slightly at the tip, with a stigma generally less wide than the capsule. The plant exudes white to yellowish latex when the tissues are broken. The species can form a long-lived soil seed bank that can germinate when the soil is disturbed.

27-2-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/15299-Sylvia-melanocephala

27-2-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SEVEN SPOTTED LADYBIRD (Coccinella septempunctata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/51702-Coccinella-septempunctata

 

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - WILD RADDISH (Raphanus sativus)

Wild Radish (Raphanus sativus) is an escaped cultivated plant and annual herb in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Native to southeastern Asia and the Mediterranean, it is widespread in disturbed areas, roadsides, and agricultural fields. The entire plant is edible, featuring a slender, often woody taproot and a peppery flavor.

Key Plant Facts & Characteristics

Flowers & Petals: Flowers have four distinct petals that grow in a cross shape, commonly white, pale pink, lavender, or purple. The petals typically have prominent, dark-veined structures.

Leaves: Large, basal, and deeply lobed with bristly hairs. When crushed, the leaves and stems release a distinct, radish-like aroma.Seed Pods: Unlike common grocery-store radishes, wild radish produces elongated, jointed, and slightly spongy seed pods that resemble small string beans.

 Edibility: All parts of the plant are edible. Young leaves can be used in salads, while the flowers and young seed pods make excellent raw garnishes or stir-fry ingredients.I

nvasive Tendencies: Although it was introduced globally as a crop, its rapid germination often allows it to outcompete native vegetation, making it an invasive environmental and agricultural pest in many regions (like Australia and California).

Relationship with Raphanus raphanistrum: Raphanus sativus frequently hybridizes with its close wild relative R. raphanistrum, complicating exact field identification. R. sativus often has pink-purple petals, whereas R. raphanistrum tends to feature yellow petals.

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - MUSKOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7120-Cairina-moschata

 

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

 

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/6930-Anas-platyrhynchos

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - MALLARD (FEMALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/6930-Anas-platyrhynchos

 

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7018-Anser-anser

 

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - GREYLAG GOOSE (JUVENILE)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7018-Anser-anser

 

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/482-Fulica-atra

 

26-2-2021 DESEMBOCADURA RIO ALGAR, ALTEA - CABBAGE WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/55626-Pieris-rapae

 

25-2-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/15299-Sylvia-melanocephala

 

24-2-2021 CAP DE SAN ANTONI JAVEA, ALICANTE - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13729-Anthus-pratensis

 

24-2-2021 CAP DE SAN ANTONI JAVEA, ALICANTE - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13000-Phoenicurus-ochruros

 

24-2-2021 ARENAL JAVEA, ALICANTE - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (JUVENILE) (Larus michahellis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/59202-Larus-michahellis

 

24-2-2021 ARENAL JAVEA, ALICANTE - 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.

22-2-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13858-Passer-domesticus

 

22-2-2021 MUNTANYETA DEL SANS, VALENCIA - WATER PIPIT (Anthus spinoletta)

The water pipit (Anthus spinoletta) is a small passerine bird which breeds in the mountains of Southern Europe and the Palearctic eastwards to China. It is a short-distance migrant; many birds move to lower altitudes or wet open lowlands in winter.

The water pipit in breeding plumage has greyish-brown upperparts, weakly streaked with darker brown, and pale pink-buff underparts fading to whitish on the lower belly. The head is grey with a broad white supercilium ("eyebrow"), and the outer tail feathers are white. In winter, the head is grey-brown, the supercilium is duller, the upperparts are more streaked, and the underparts are white, streaked lightly with brown on the breast and flanks. There are only minor differences among the three subspecies, the sexes are almost identical, and young birds resemble adults. The water pipit's song is delivered from a perch or in flight, and consists of four or five blocks, each consisting of about six repetitions of a different short note.

22-2-2021 MELLA DE MALVNAR, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small, nimble gull with a wingspan ranging from 94 to 110 cm and a body length of 37 to 44 cm. It weighs between 190 and 400 grams. Despite its name, the adult's summer plumage features a chocolate-brown head, which can appear black from a distance. The body is pale grey, and the primary wing feathers are tipped with black. The bill and legs are a striking red. In winter, the brown head is replaced by a white one with dark spots. Juveniles are mottled with brown spots and have a black band on the tail. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage.

This species nests in colonies on the ground in large reed beds, marshes, or islands within lakes. It is not pelagic and is seldom seen far from coasts.

The black-headed gull breeds across much of the Palearctic, including Europe and coastal eastern Canada. It is migratory, wintering further south, but some remain in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. It is also present in northeastern North America and occasionally seen as far south as Virginia and some Caribbean islands.

The Black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small and one of the most abundant gulls in much of Europe and Asia, and also in eastern Canada. It displays a variety of compelling behaviors and adaptations. Some of these include removing eggshells from one's nest after hatching, begging co-ordination between siblings, differences between sexes, conspecific brood parasitism, and extra-pair paternity.

The summer adult has a chocolate-brown head (not black, although does look black from a distance), a pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers, and a red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just two dark spots. Immature birds have a mottled pattern of brown spots over most of the body and a black band on the tail. There is no difference in plumage between the sexes. In flight, the white leading edge to the wing is a good field mark. First-year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings, and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood.

Black-headed gulls breed in much of Europe, Asia, and in coastal eastern Canada. Most of their populations are migratory and winter further south, but some birds reside in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. Some Black-headed gulls also spend the winter in northeastern North America. They breed in large reed beds or marshes, or on islands in lakes, rivers, lagoons, deltas, and estuaries. They may also occur in ponds, canals, and flood lands, nesting on the heather moors, sand dunes, or beaches. During the winter these birds are found in estuaries with sandy or muddy beaches, ploughed fields, moist grasslands, reservoirs, urban parks, farmland, and gardens.