20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - GIRAFFE (Giraffa giraffa ssp. giraffa)

The South African giraffe or Cape giraffe (Giraffa giraffa or Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a species or subspecies of giraffe found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Mozambique. It has rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves.

In 2016, the population was estimated at 31,500 individuals in the wild.

The IUCN currently recognizes only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies. The Cape giraffe, along with the whole species, were first known by the binomen Camelopardalis giraffa as described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in his publication Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen (The Mammals Illustrated from Nature with Descriptions) during his travel in the Cape of Good Hope in 1784. Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert also described it under the binomial name Giraffa giraffa whilst also identifying the nominate specimen of said species under the ternary name Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa in 1785.

The South African giraffe has dark, somewhat rounded patches "with some fine projections" on a tawny background colour. The spots extend down the legs and get smaller. The median lump of males is less developed.

The South African giraffe is found in northern South Africa, southern Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, and south-western Mozambique. After local extinctions in various places, South African giraffes have been reintroduced in many parts of Southern Africa, including in Eswatini. They are common in both in and outside of protected areas. South African giraffes usually live in savannahs and woodlands where food plants are available. Giraffes are herbivorous. They feed on leaves, flowers, fruits and shoots of woody plants such as Acacia.

South African giraffes live in a fission–fusion society system based on factors such as sex, age, season, and kinship. This allows them to adapt to environmental changes.

At present[when?], the South African giraffe population is estimated at 37,000 individuals, showing an increase of over 150% over the past three decades. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the body that administers the world's official endangered species list, announced in 2016 that it was moving the giraffe from a species of Least Concern to Vulnerable status in its Red List of Threatened Species report. That means the animal faces extinction in the wild in the medium-term future if nothing is done to minimize the threats to its life or habitat.

South African giraffes are uncommon in captivity. As of 2010, there are around 45 South African giraffes breeding in zoos. Approximately 12,000 privately owned farms, ranches, and national parks maintain populations of this giraffe.

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (FEMALE) (Panthera pardus pardus)

The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) is the nominate subspecies of the leopard, native to many countries in Africa. It is widely distributed in most of sub-Saharan Africa, but the historical range has been fragmented in the course of habitat conversion. Leopards have also been recorded in North Africa as well.

The African leopard exhibits great variation in coat color, depending on location and habitat. Coat colour varies from pale yellow to deep gold or tawny, and sometimes black, and is patterned with black rosettes while the head, lower limbs and belly are spotted with solid black. Male leopards are larger, averaging 58 kg (128 lb) with 90 kg (200 lb) being the maximum weight attained by a male. Females weigh about 37.5 kg (83 lb) on average.

The African leopard is sexually dimorphic; males are larger and heavier than females. Between 1996 and 2000, 11 adult leopards were radio-collared on Namibian farmlands. Males weighed 37.5 to 52.3 kg (83 to 115 lb) only, and females 24 to 33.5 kg (53 to 74 lb). The heaviest known leopard weighed about 96 kg (212 lb), and was recorded in South West Africa.

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - IBERIAN LAMPWICK (Phlomis lychnitis)

The Iberian Lampwick (Phlomis lychnitis), also known simply as the lampwick plant, is a species of flowering shrub native to the Western Mediterranean region. Its common name derives from the historical use of its fibrous or woolly leaves and stems as wicks for oil lamps. 

Key Facts

Botanical Name: Phlomis lychnitis.

Family: It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae (or Labiatae).

Native Range: The plant is native to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and southern France.

Appearance: It is a compact, upright, deciduous subshrub that grows up to 0.5 to 0.6 meters (around 1.5 to 2 feet) in height. It is characterized by narrow, linear, woolly, grey-green leaves.

Flowers: It produces distinct tiered whorls of hooded, deep yellow flowers along its stems in late spring and early summer.

Habitat: It thrives in dry, rocky places, garrigue, and open woods, primarily on calcareous or chalky soils. It requires full sun exposure and excellent drainage.

Drought Tolerant: Once established, the plant is notably drought-tolerant, making it suitable for Mediterranean and xeriscaping gardens.

Historical Use: The plant's soft, fire-resistant, woolly leaves or stems were historically gathered and used as wicks for oil lamps, giving it its common name.

Edibility/Medicinal: While not widely used, the plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as an edible condiment. There are no known hazards associated with it. 

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - BERGERS CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias alfacariensis)

Colias alfacariensis, Berger's clouded yellow, is a butterfly of the family Pieridae. It was separated from the pale clouded yellow, C. hyale, in 1905. Berger's clouded yellow is a Palearctic species (South and Central Europe, South Russia, Russian Far East, Siberia Central Asia and temperate China also Asia Minor, Caucasus and Transcaucasia.

The wings of the male have a yellow ground colour, the females have a greenish-white ground colour, only the underside of the hind wings is yellowish. The upper wing side of both sexes has a dusted dark brown to black marginal band, which is only narrow on the hind wings. In the cell of the forewings there is a black spot on the upper and lower sides. The males have on the upperside of the hind wings in the cell an orange spot with a red border, on the underside this spot is bright and clearly outlined in red. This spot may be divided into two by the red border, so that it resembles an eight similar to Colias hyale and other yellow members of the genus Colias. In the females, the orange spot on the top of the hind wings is not bordered. The caterpillars , on the other hand, clearly differ from the caterpillars of Colias hyale after the second moult. Both caterpillars are green, however, the caterpillar of Colias alfacariensis has four eye-catching yellow lines with black dots while the caterpillar of the Colias hyale has only two thin side lines.

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - WHITE ASPHODEL (Asphodelus albus)

Asphodelus albus, common name white asphodel, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Asphodelus.

White asphodel grows to a height of 50–120 centimetres (20–47 in). The plain stem is supported by fleshy, thickened roots (rhizomes). The leaves, which originate from the base of the stem, are gutter-shaped and glaucous (covered by a waxy coating), about 20–22 millimetres (0.79–0.87 in) wide and 50–70 centimetres (20–28 in) long. The white hermaphroditic flowers are funnel-shaped, 4 centimetres (1.6 in) of diameter, with six elongated petals. The flowering period extends from April through June. The egg-shaped yellow-green seed capsules are usually 8–10 millimetres (0.31–0.39 in) in length.

 

This plant is native to the Mediterranean area. It is commonly found in meadows and heathland of northern Portugal, central Spain, southwest France, and along the southern Alps to the western Balkans up to an altitude of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). It is also found on the African continent, mainly in Libyan territory. Soils with a high lime content are preferred.

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - PERENNIAL FLAX (Linum perenne)

Linum perenne, the perennial flax, blue flax or lint, is a flowering plant in the family Linaceae, native to Europe, primarily in the Alps and locally in England. It has been introduced into North America, where it can be found on mountain ridges, wooded areas, and in sandy plain habitats of the sagebrush steppe, growing near sagebrush and rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus).

It is a slender herbaceous perennial plant growing to 90 centimetres (3 ft) tall from a fairly woody root crown, with tough, unbranched stems, and many spirally arranged narrow lanceolate leaves 1–2.5 cm long. The flowers are blue, 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, and have five petals. The flowers will fall off if the stems are broken.

The English populations are sometimes distinguished as Linum perenne subsp. anglicum and high altitude populations in the Alps as Linum perenne subsp. alpinum. The similar western North American species Linum lewisii is sometimes treated as a subspecies of L. perenne.

Native Americans used the stems to make fishing line and nets.

2-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (WAVE MOTH (Idaea eugeniata))

TheIdaea eugeniata is a species of wave moth found primarily in the western Mediterranean region. 

Key Facts about Idaea eugeniata

Scientific Name: Idaea eugeniata .

Family: It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometric moths or loopers.

Geographic Range: This moth is found in specific areas of Southern Europe and North Africa, including Italy, France, Andorra, Spain, Portugal, and North Africa.

Appearance:

Wingspan: Males typically have a wingspan of 21–22 mm, while females are slightly larger at 24–25 mm.

The moth generally has a subtle coloration, ranging from gray to soft tones.

Diet: The larvae (caterpillars) are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a variety of different herbaceous plants.

Habitat: It tends to inhabit the warmer zones of its distribution area.

Activity: Like many moths, adults often come to light. 

2-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

This species is resident throughout its range, which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the Amur Valley, and from Scandinavia to the Middle East. It is generally non-migratory, except in harsh winters when it may move to more temperate areas.

Great tits are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors and can solve problems with insight learning. They are also cavity nesters and are monogamous, with both parents involved in raising the chicks.

The great tit has a repertoire of up to 40 calls and songs, with the male being particularly vocal. A common call resembles the phrase "teacher, teacher," which is used to proclaim territory.

Breeding occurs once a year, with the female laying up to 12 eggs in a cavity nest. The female incubates the eggs alone, but both parents feed the chicks. In most years, the pair will raise two broods.

In summer, the diet is predominantly insectivorous, while in winter, it expands to include seeds and berries. Great tits are adept at handling large food items and are known to visit bird feeders in urban areas.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE EARED BARBET (Stactolaema leucotis)

The White-eared Barbet, known scientifically as Stactolaema leucotis, is a charming bird belonging to the Lybiidae family, which encompasses the African barbets. This species is adorned with a distinctive white ear patch that contrasts with its predominantly green plumage.

When observing the White-eared Barbet, look for its striking white ear coverts and the greenish hue of its body. The bird's appearance is further accentuated by a robust bill typical of barbets, which is well-suited for its fruit-eating habits.

The White-eared Barbet is known to inhabit a variety of woodland and forest habitats. It is often found in regions where fruiting trees are abundant, providing ample food sources for this species.

This species graces the landscapes of several African countries, including Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Its presence across these regions is a testament to its adaptability to different environments within the continent.

Observations of the White-eared Barbet reveal a bird that is partial to fruit, often seen indulging in this natural bounty. Its behavior is typical of barbets, engaging in activities that revolve around its diet and habitat.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - BEARDED SCRUB ROBIN (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata)

The bearded scrub robin, scientifically known as Cercotrichas quadrivirgata, is a modestly sized bird, with a length of 15–17 cm and a weight of approximately 20–31 g. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the female is marginally smaller. The species is adorned with a dark olive-brown crown and upperparts, while the tail is a darker brown with white-tipped outer feathers. The wing coverts are a subtle grey-brown with olive-brown edges, and the flight feathers are dark brown with a distinctive white patch.

Upon closer inspection, one can observe the bearded scrub robin's facial features, which include a white supercilium, a white crescent below the eye, a white moustachial line, and a striking black malar stripe. Above the supercilia, black lines are also present. The eyes are a deep brown, and the lores are black. The throat and upper breast are white, transitioning to a rufous-brown to rufous color on the breast and neck-sides, with the belly and undertail coverts returning to white. The beak is black, and the legs are a pinkish-brown hue.

The bearded scrub robin is typically found in sand forests, riverine woodlands, scrubs, and evergreen forests. Occasionally, it may venture into gardens and reedbeds, though it generally avoids damp areas.

This species graces the landscapes of eastern and southern Africa, with sightings in Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its distribution spans an impressive 5,390,000 km².

The bearded scrub robin is typically found in sand forests, riverine woodlands, scrubs, and evergreen forests. Occasionally, it may venture into gardens and reedbeds, though it generally avoids damp areas.

This species graces the landscapes of eastern and southern Africa, with sightings in Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its distribution spans an impressive 5,390,000 km².

The bearded scrub robin is often seen in pairs or small groups. It is a territorial bird, with territories reaching up to 1 hectare. The bird's calls are varied, including a 'chuck', 'chrrrt', and a 'seeeep', while its song is a melodious series of whistles that may incorporate mimicry of other bird species. It forages on the ground, primarily consuming ants, termites, beetles, and other insects, and is also known to partake in sandbathing.

The bearded scrub robin's vocal repertoire includes a 'chuck', 'chrrrt', 'chek-chek-kwezzzzzzz', and a 'seeeep'. Its song is a series of melodious whistles, which may include mimicked calls from other bird species.

The mating system of the bearded scrub robin is monogamous. Breeding seasons vary by region, occurring from December to February in eastern Africa, September to January in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and September to December in South Africa. The nest is constructed from plant material, lichen, and hair, and typically contains two to three eggs, which may be white, pale green, or bluish with many spots. The female is responsible for incubating the eggs.

The diet of the bearded scrub robin consists mainly of ants, termites, beetles, and other insects. It forages on the ground and is also known to engage in sandbathing.

The bearded scrub robin is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The population size is not precisely known, but the species benefits from a large range and appears to have a stable population trend without facing significant threats.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - BLACK BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla)

The black-backed puffback (Dryoscopus cubla) is a species of passerine bird in the family Malaconotidae. They are common to fairly common sedentary bushshrikes in various wooded habitats in Africa south of the equator. They restlessly move about singly, in pairs or family groups, and generally frequent tree canopies. Like others of its genus, the males puff out the loose rump and lower back feathers in display, to assume a remarkable ball-like appearance. They draw attention to themselves by their varied repertoire of whistling, clicking and rasping sounds. Their specific name cubla, originated with Francois Levaillant, who derived it from a native southern African name, where the "c" is an onomatopoeic click sound. None of the other five puffback species occur in southern Africa.

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - VIPERS BUGLOSS (Echium vulgare)

Echium vulgare, known as viper's bugloss and blueweed, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family Boraginaceae. It is native to most of Europe and western and central Asia and it occurs as an introduced species in north-eastern North America, south-western South America and the South and North Island of New Zealand. If eaten, the plant is toxic to horses and cattle through the accumulation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the liver.

The plant root was used in ancient times as a treatment for snake or viper bites. According to the Doctrine of signatures, plants were thought to have traits (in this case a speckled stem reminiscent of snake skin, and flowers like an open viper's mouth) that mirror the ailment they treat.

It is a biennial or monocarpic perennial plant growing to 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall, with rough, hairy, oblanceolate leaves. The stems, which are red-flecked, resemble snake's skin and even the fruits are shaped like adders' heads. The flowers start pink and turn vivid blue, and are 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) in a branched spike, with all the stamens protruding. The pollen is blue[13] but the filaments of the stamens remain red, contrasting against the blue flowers. It flowers between May and September in the Northern Hemisphere. The Latin specific epithet vulgare means common.

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - BORAGE (Borago officinalis)

B. officinalis grows to a height of 60 centimetres (2 feet), and is bristly or hairy all over the stems and leaves; the leaves are alternate, simple, and 5–15 cm (2–6 inches) long.

The flowers are complete, perfect with five narrow, triangular-pointed petals. Flowers are most often blue, although pink flowers are sometimes observed. White-flowered types are also cultivated. The blue flower is genetically dominant over the white flower.

The flowers arise along scorpioid cymes to form large floral displays with multiple flowers blooming simultaneously, suggesting that borage has a high degree of geitonogamy (intraplant pollination).

It has an indeterminate growth habit. In temperate climates such as in the UK, its flowering season is relatively long, from June to September. In milder climates, borage blooms continuously for most of the year. It can be invasive.

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - BROAD LEAVED SWEET PEA (Lathyrus latifolius)

Lathyrus latifolius, the perennial peavine, perennial pea, broad-leaved everlasting-pea, or just everlasting pea, is a robust, sprawling herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe but is present on other continents, such as North America and Australia, where it is most often seen along roadsides.

Lathyrus latifolius has winged hairless stems, and alternating blue green compound leaves consisting of a single pair of leaflets and a winged petiole about 2 inches (51 mm) long. The leaflets are narrowly ovate or oblong-ovate, smooth along the margins, hairless and up to 3 in (76 mm) long and 1 in (25 mm) across. There is a branched tendril between the leaflets.

Short racemes of 4–11 flowers are produced from the axils of the leaves. The flowers, which are unscented, are about 3⁄4–1 in (19–25 mm) across with a typical structure for Faboideae, with an upper standard and lower keel, enclosed by lateral petals. There are 5 petals, which are purplish pink, fading with age. There is a green calyx with 5 teeth, often unequal. The blooming period lasts about 2 months during the summer and early autumn.

The flowers are followed by hairless flattened seedpods, about 2 in (51 mm) long and 1⁄2 in (13 mm) wide, with several seeds inside. The seedpod, which is initially green, gradually turns brown, splitting open into curled segments, flinging out the seeds. The seeds are dark and oblong to reniform in shape.

Lathyrus latifolius can reproduce vegetatively from its taproot and rhizomes, or by reseeding.

1-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

This species is resident throughout its range, which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the Amur Valley, and from Scandinavia to the Middle East. It is generally non-migratory, except in harsh winters when it may move to more temperate areas.

Great tits are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors and can solve problems with insight learning. They are also cavity nesters and are monogamous, with both parents involved in raising the chicks.

The great tit has a repertoire of up to 40 calls and songs, with the male being particularly vocal. A common call resembles the phrase "teacher, teacher," which is used to proclaim territory.

Breeding occurs once a year, with the female laying up to 12 eggs in a cavity nest. The female incubates the eggs alone, but both parents feed the chicks. In most years, the pair will raise two broods.

In summer, the diet is predominantly insectivorous, while in winter, it expands to include seeds and berries. Great tits are adept at handling large food items and are known to visit bird feeders in urban areas.

1-5-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

The Little Ringed Plover, Charadrius dubius, presents itself as a small and sprightly bird. Its plumage is a subtle blend of grey-brown on the back and wings, while its underparts remain a crisp white. A distinctive black neckband adorns its white breast, complementing the brown cap atop its head. A striking black mask encircles the eyes, set against a white forehead, and is accentuated by a clear yellow eye-ring—a feature unique to this species. Its bill is short and dark, and the legs exhibit a flesh-coloured hue, with all toes connected by webbing.

To distinguish the Little Ringed Plover from its close relatives, one should note the colour of its legs, the pattern on its head, and the presence of the yellow eye-ring. These characteristics set it apart from the larger Ringed Plover, which lacks these specific traits.

The preferred breeding grounds of the Little Ringed Plover are open gravel areas adjacent to freshwater sources. These include gravel pits, river edges, and islands, where vegetation is sparse or non-existent.

This bird boasts a wide range across the Palearctic, extending to northwestern Africa. It is a migratory species, retreating to the warmer climates of Africa during the winter months.

The Little Ringed Plover is known for its foraging habits on muddy terrains, where it primarily relies on sight to locate its prey. It is a ground-nesting bird, with both males and females sharing the responsibility of incubating the eggs.

The call of the Little Ringed Plover is a distinctive sound, contributing to the rich tapestry of bird songs in its habitat.

During the breeding season, these birds exhibit a fascinating mating ritual where the male bird may be observed tapping the cloaca of the female.

While similar in appearance to the larger Ringed Plover, the Little Ringed Plover can be differentiated by its leg colour, head pattern, and the conspicuous yellow eye-ring.

The diet of the Little Ringed Plover consists of insects and worms, which it diligently searches for in muddy areas.

The Little Ringed Plover is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), ensuring international efforts are made to safeguard its future.

The Little Ringed Plover is a small, dainty shorebird known for its distinctive yellow eye-ring, black bill, pale legs, and black/white head pattern, preferring freshwater gravel pits and riverbanks for nesting rather than coasts. They forage for insects and invertebrates with a run-and-peck style, often near water, and are identified by their lack of a white wing-stripe in flight, unlike the Ringed Plover. A relatively recent colonizer of Britain (first nesting in 1938), they've expanded inland thanks to man-made gravel quarries, using bare ground for their camouflaged ground nests. 

Key Facts

Appearance: Small, sandy-brown and white, with a black neckband, black mask, and prominent yellow eye-ring; has pale legs and a black bill.

Habitat: Breeds on bare gravel, shingle, and sandy areas near freshwater, like flooded gravel pits, reservoirs, and riverbanks.

Diet: Eats insects (beetles, flies, dragonflies) and small invertebrates found in shallow water and mud.

Foraging: Uses a distinctive "stop-run-peck" feeding technique.

Nesting: Builds shallow scrapes on the ground, laying 4 speckled, camouflaged eggs.

Migration: A summer visitor to Europe, migrating from mid-March to July in places like the UK.

Distinguishing Feature: Lacks the white wing-stripe of the similar Ringed Plover, has a yellow eye-ring, and paler legs. 

Interesting Facts

New to Britain: First bred in the UK in 1938, rapidly colonizing man-made habitats.

Water Use: Least likely of the plovers to enter deep water, staying in very shallow areas.

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - PLANTAIN FAMILY (Antirrhinum controversum)

Antirrhinum controversum is a species of perennial flowering plant in the genus Antirrhinum (common snapdragons) in the family Plantaginaceae. Native to southeastern and southern Spain, Portugal, and northern Morocco, it is a subshrub that favors subtropical biomes. The species produces stems that grow between 35 cm (14 in) and 150 cm (59 in) tall. Growing, flowering, and fruiting between February and November within its native range, the plant produces dense inflorescences of ten to 40 pale-pink flowers at the end of each stem.

1-5-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)

The Common Sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos, is a small wader of the Palearctic region, easily recognized by its greyish-brown upperparts and pristine white underparts. Adults typically measure between 18-20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 cm. They possess short, dark-yellowish legs and feet, and a bill that is pale at the base with a dark tip.

In the field, look for the Common Sandpiper's distinctive stiff-winged flight pattern, just above the water's surface. During the non-breeding season, they appear duller and exhibit more noticeable barring on the wings, which is most visible at close range. Juveniles display heavier barring above and buff edges to their wing feathers. The species can be differentiated from the similar Spotted Sandpiper by its darker legs and feet and the crisper wing pattern, especially in flight.

These birds are often found near freshwater sources, where they nest on the ground in close proximity to the water's edge.

The Common Sandpiper breeds across much of temperate and subtropical Europe and Asia. It is a migratory bird, wintering in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. During migration, large numbers may congregate in stop-over locations such as Palau in Micronesia.

Common Sandpipers are typically solitary or found in small groups. They may form larger flocks during migration or at breeding season roosts but seldom join multispecies flocks.

When breeding, these birds nest on the ground near freshwater. A notable behavior is the young's ability to cling to a parent's body, being flown to safety when threatened.

The Spotted Sandpiper (A. macularia) is the most similar species, especially in non-breeding plumage. However, the Common Sandpiper's darker legs and more defined wing pattern in flight help distinguish it.

The Common Sandpiper forages by sight, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates from the ground or shallow water. It is also known to catch insects in flight.

The species is widespread and common, thus classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it is considered vulnerable in some Australian states. The Common Sandpiper is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

1-5-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen, known scientifically as Gallinula chloropus, is a bird of the rail family, Rallidae. It is a bird of striking appearance, with a mix of black and brown plumage, a white under-tail, and white streaks along its flanks. Its legs are a vibrant yellow, and it sports a distinctive red frontal shield. The bill is a matching red with a yellow tip. Juveniles are a duller brown and do not have the red shield.

Adult moorhens can be identified by their red frontal shield, which has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides. The tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is smoothly curved. Their yellow legs and the combination of their black and brown plumage with white markings make them quite distinctive. The young are browner and lack the red shield, making them less conspicuous.

The common moorhen is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, canals, and lakes that are rich in vegetation. It is also known to inhabit city parks with suitable water bodies.

1-5-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

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

Its habitats are principally Wetlands, River and Riverside

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

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

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

1-5-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - 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.

The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.

The IUCN lists the Black-winged Stilt as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population. However, they are protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in their conservation.

1-5-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

The common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, is a bird of prey from the kestrel group within the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In the United Kingdom, it is often simply referred to as the "kestrel." This raptor is small compared to other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds, with long wings and a distinctive long tail.

Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in their plumage. The male has a blue-grey cap and tail with a black tip bordered by a narrow white rim. Its back is chestnut with black spots, and the underside is buff with black streaks. The female is larger and lacks the blue-grey coloring, having a brown back with black bars and a similar underside to the male. Both sexes have a prominent black malar stripe, bright yellow cere, feet, and eye-ring, with dark toenails, bill, and iris.

The common kestrel favors open habitats such as fields, heaths, shrubland, and marshland. It does not require woodland but needs alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It thrives in treeless steppes and can adapt to human settlements and various landscapes, from wetlands to arid savannas.

1-5-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

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

Its habitats are principally Wetlands, River and Riverside

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

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

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

29-4-2019 CASTELL DE CASTELLS, ALICANTE - COMMON POPPY (Papaver rhoeas)

Papaver rhoeas, with common names including common poppy, corn poppy, corn rose, field poppy, Flanders poppy, red poppy, and Odai, is an annual herbaceous species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is native to north Africa and temperate Eurasia and is introduced into temperate areas on all other continents except Antarctica.

It is regarded as an agricultural weed (hence the common names including "corn" and "field"). As the plant thrives in areas of disturbed soil, it was often abundant in agricultural fields before the advent of herbicides. Flushes of poppies may still appear in fields where herbicides are not used, as well as those in fallow. The corn poppy and its cultivars such as the Shirley poppy are widely grown in gardens, and are frequently found in packets of seed labelled "wildflower mixes". Since World War I, it has been used in the Commonwealth as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers because it commonly grew in fields disturbed by war.