7-8-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.

Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.

Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.

This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Greater flamingos are social birds, often found in large flocks. They feed with their heads down, filtering out sustenance from the water with their specially adapted bills. During the breeding season, these birds engage in a fascinating display of spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers to enhance their color, a behavior likened to applying "make-up."

The vocalization of the greater flamingo is a distinctive honking, similar to that of a goose, which can be heard over considerable distances.

The species lays a single chalky-white egg on a mud mound, a typical breeding behavior for flamingos.

While similar to the American flamingo, the greater flamingo can be distinguished by differences in head, neck, body, and bill coloration.

Greater flamingos feed on a diet that includes small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms, and mollusks. They filter their food from the water with their downward-facing heads and movable upper jaws.

The IUCN Red List classifies the greater flamingo as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, they face threats from habitat encroachment and pollution in their water supplies.

In the voice of David Attenborough, one might say: "The greater flamingo, with its elegant stature and vibrant hues, is a testament to the wonders of the avian world. As it sifts through the shallows, one cannot help but be captivated by its grace and the delicate balance it maintains within its ecosystem."

7-8-2019 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

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.

7-8-2019 RACO DE OLLA, 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.

7-8-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (JUVENILE) (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.

7-8-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.

This species is migratory by nature, seeking the warmer climates of Africa to spend the winter. It is seldom seen north of its breeding grounds. The Squacco Heron has been observed as a vagrant in the Fernando de Noronha islands and, on rarer occasions, in mainland South America. It nests in modest colonies, often in the company of other wading birds, and constructs its nests from sticks on platforms in trees or shrubs.

The Squacco Heron selects freshwater locales across Europe and the Middle East to breed, later migrating southward to the Sub-Saharan African region. During the breeding season, they lay a clutch of three to four eggs.

Adept at foraging, the Squacco Heron feeds on a diet consisting of fish, frogs, and insects, making the most of its wetland environment.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Squacco Heron as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

Non-breeding Squacco Herons share certain physical characteristics with other heron species such as the Indian Pond Heron and the Malagasy Pond Heron, including tawny plumage, lighter streaking, a smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.

7-8-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - 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.

7-8-2019 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.[

Description

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

7-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)

These delightful silvery-grey and white birds have long tails which have earned them the nickname 'sea-swallow'. They have a graceful, floating flight and frequently hover over water before plunging down for fish. They often gather and breed in noisy groups. The Common Tern is the tern species most often found inland. The common tern can be found breeding across most of Europe and Asia and in parts of North America. After the breeding season, the terns migrate south to spend their winter along the coasts of the tropics and the southern hemisphere in areas including Africa, South America and South-east Asia. They have one of the longest migrations of all birds, with an average round trip of 35,000km each year.

Common terns arrive in the UK from their wintering grounds in April, and leave our shores again in August or September. During this time, they’re easiest to see around colonies or when they have young to feed, which forces them to travel further to find food. They’re most commonly seen along stretches of coast with shingle beaches, or inland on gravel pits, reservoirs or lakes.

Common tern colonies usually number around 2,000 birds, but can be as large as 20,000. They are often shared with other tern species such as Arctic and roseate terns. The terns lay, on average, three eggs in May with incubation lasting around 22 days. The chicks have normally fledged by 28 days after hatching.

One interesting example of tern behaviour is known as ‘dread’. This usually occurs in the early part of the breeding season, and describes the peculiar event in which most or all of the terns will suddenly burst up from the ground and fly low over the colony or the sea, either to deter predators or for apparently no reason at all.

You can probably imagine that, with so many nests in one colony, it must be difficult for the terns to remember exactly where their own nest is. However, studies have shown that common terns can find their eggs even if they have been buried and no evidence of the nest remains. This is a necessary adaptation in such an exposed environment where losing a nest is likely.

7-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)

The Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybrida, is a member of the tern family Laridae, exhibiting a swallow-like appearance, as suggested by its genus name derived from the Ancient Greek khelidonios. This species is the largest of the marsh terns, showcasing a blend of features from both the white Sterna terns and the black tern.

Adult Whiskered Terns in summer plumage are characterized by their robust bill, measuring 29–34 mm in males and 25–27 mm in females, with a pronounced gonys. They possess a black cap and a short, forked-looking tail. The cheeks are white, and the legs and bill are a vibrant red. Juveniles display a white-flecked crown and a more uniformly blackish hindcrown, while the winter adult has a similar pattern with additional white flecking. The black ear-coverts create a C-shaped band when viewed from above. Throughout the year, the rump maintains a pale grey hue. The call of the Whiskered Tern is a distinctive "krekk."

Whiskered Terns breed in colonies on inland marshes, often in the company of black-headed gulls, which offer a degree of protection.

The Whiskered Tern has several geographical races, varying mainly in size and minor plumage details. The Eurasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. hybrida) is found in warmer parts of Europe and the Palearctic, while the African Whiskered Tern (C. h. delalandii) resides in east and south Africa, and the Australasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. javanicus) ranges from Java to Australia. The tropical forms are resident, but European and Asian birds migrate south to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent for wintering.

European and Asian Whiskered Terns are migratory, traveling south during the winter months. A tagged individual was observed in April 2021 at the Manakudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India.

The Whiskered Tern is known for its characteristic "krekk" call.

This species breeds in colonies on inland marshes, sometimes amongst black-headed gulls.

The diet of the Whiskered Tern includes small fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans.

The Whiskered Tern is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

7-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

Small stout heron; favors freshwater marshes, lakes, and ponds with reeds and other surrounding vegetation. Tends to hunt rather sluggishly, hunched quietly at the edge of the water. At rest, appears buffy brown overall, but in flight transforms to mostly white when white wings and tail are revealed. Breeding adult has a rich buffy neck; nonbreeding and immature have a streaked neck.

7-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

This species is known for its noisy demeanor, producing a variety of crackling, explosive, or trumpeting calls, which are often heard at night.

Coots build bulky, sometimes floating nests, concealed in vegetation or in the open. Both sexes construct the nest, with the male gathering materials. Clutches typically contain 6-10 buff-colored eggs speckled with black or dark brown. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 21-24 days. Chicks are precocial and nidifugous, with distinctive orange-red tips on their down.

Omnivorous in nature, the Eurasian coot consumes small live prey, including other birds' eggs, as well as algae, vegetation, seeds, and fruit. It employs various feeding techniques, both on land and in water.

7-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus)

The Little Bittern, or Common Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), is a diminutive member of the heron family, Ardeidae. This species is the smallest of the breeding herons in Europe, distinguished by its compact stature, elongated and pointed bill, and robust neck.

Male Little Bitterns exhibit a striking pattern with a black crown, nape, back, tail, and scapulars that may show a subtle green sheen. Their underparts are a soft buff, and the wings feature a distinctive pinkish buff oval panel formed by the inner wing coverts. Females are more subdued in color, with brownish-black upperparts and streaked underparts. Juveniles resemble females but are rufous and heavily streaked.

The Little Bittern, or Common Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), is a diminutive member of the heron family, Ardeidae. This species is the smallest of the breeding herons in Europe, distinguished by its compact stature, elongated and pointed bill, and robust neck.

Male Little Bitterns exhibit a striking pattern with a black crown, nape, back, tail, and scapulars that may show a subtle green sheen. Their underparts are a soft buff, and the wings feature a distinctive pinkish buff oval panel formed by the inner wing coverts. Females are more subdued in color, with brownish-black upperparts and streaked underparts. Juveniles resemble females but are rufous and heavily streaked.

This species thrives in dense reedbeds, rushes, and bushes that grow above water bodies, providing them with ample cover and feeding opportunities.

The Little Bittern is native to the Old World, with a breeding range that spans Africa, central and southern Europe, western and southern Asia, and Madagascar. Migratory populations from Europe and western Asia winter in Africa and southern Asia, while tropical populations are generally sedentary.

A crepuscular and elusive bird, the Little Bittern is often solitary, hunting fish, amphibians, and insects within or along the edges of reedbeds. Males establish territories in spring, signaling their presence with a deep, barking call. The species is monogamous for the breeding season, with nests built in dense vegetation over water. They typically lay 5-6 eggs, which are incubated for 17-19 days, and chicks fledge after 25-30 days.

The male's territorial call is a deep, barking or croaking sound, used to attract a mate and declare ownership of his breeding area.

Breeding occurs in dense reedbeds, with a single brood per season. The eggs are laid from mid-May, with both parents involved in raising the offspring.

The Little Bittern can be confused with other small herons, but its size, distinctive wing panels, and behavior help differentiate it.

Their diet consists of fish, amphibians, and insects, which they hunt by stealthily stalking their prey in their aquatic habitats.

The Little Bittern is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, populations have declined in some areas, and the species is subject to conservation efforts under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

True to the first part of its name, the African Fish-eagle is distributed far and wide throughout Africa, the world’s second largest continent. This eagle is relatively common and widespread in a variety of habitats south of the Sahara Desert.

And true to the second part of its name, the African Fish-eagle is very fond of eating fish. As you would expect, the African Fish-eagle is generally found living next to bodies of water of almost any type and size. This beautiful bird of prey can be seen perched on trees or other prominent sites near ponds, estuaries, lakes, rivers, streams, coastal waters, and wetlands.

The stunning African Fish-eagle, with its milk-white head and tail, dark eyes, yellow cere, and chocolate brown back, has become synonymous with Africa’s inland waters, lakes, rivers and dams. In fact, its loud, piercing calls are a characteristic sound around African waterways. If you hear the call of the African Fish Eagle, you are likely to be in a relatively healthy environment.

Like many birds of prey, the African Fish-eagle is an indicator species. How is this so? These eagles need lots of fish to eat and tall trees to perch and nest in. If a waterway is contaminated, the fish and other water animals will die and the eagles will have nothing to eat, so they won’t survive long. If the area has been deforested, the birds will have nowhere to nest or perch and will leave in search of a better place to live. If these eagles are around, they are finding everything they need to survive in that area. If these eagles are missing or disappearing from an environment where they should be found, biologists know that something is wrong and can begin to research the problem.

The African Fish-eagle is normally very territorial, which means it vigorously defends its home turf from other fish eagles or any other bird or critter it perceives as a threat. Most often, you can see this bird perched alone, in pairs, or in small family groups. However, flocks of up to 75 or more have been recorded under special circumstances, such as when water sources are low or around fishing boats. Can you guess why this might be so? The answer, of course, has to do with food. When water sources are low, or fishing boats pull up to shore with a catch, the African Fish-eagles are presented with an opportunity for a relatively easy meal. Though they still might bicker over a fish or two, they tolerate each other at these “all-you-can-eat buffets.”

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN LION (FEMALE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Southern Lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) is a distinct lion subspecies in Southern and East Africa, known for varied manes (sandy to black, short to long), and is the largest African cat, with males weighing significantly more than females. They live in prides, with females doing most hunting, and rest often in shade, displaying strong social structures where young males get pushed out to form new prides. While conservation has helped some populations, overall numbers are declining due to habitat loss, livestock conflict, and poaching, making them a vulnerable species. 

Physical Characteristics

Size: Largest African cat; males can weigh over 200kg, females around 130kg.

Mane: Varies greatly in color (sandy to black) and length (short to knee-length); develops fully by age 4-5.

Coat: Light buff to dark brown, often with spots as cubs that fade.

Camouflage: Counter-shaded coat (darker top, lighter belly) helps flatten their form for camouflage. 

Behavior & Social Structure

Prides: The most social big cats, living in groups of up to 20 or more.

Hunting: Lionesses are primary hunters, reaching speeds of nearly 60 km/h.

Rest: Sleep for up to 20 hours a day, favoring shaded areas near water.

Roar: Can be heard up to 5 kilometers away. 

Habitat & Diet

Habitat: Prefer savannas, grasslands, bush, and forests in Southern & East Africa.

Diet: Carnivores; eat large mammals, with males eating first. 

Conservation Status

Threats: Habitat loss, prey base decline, retaliatory killings, trophy hunting.

Status: Classified as "Largely Depleted" with ongoing declines, requiring intense conservation efforts. 

6-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LEOPARD MOTH (Zeuzera pyrina)

Leopard Moths (Great Leopard Moth) are large, nocturnal moths famous for their striking black & white spotted wings, resembling a snow leopard. Known for their fuzzy "woolly bear" caterpillars with red bands, they spend most of their lives underground or in trees, feeding on many plants before emerging as adults, which have short lifespans and don't eat, relying on fat reserves for mating and egg-laying. They're found across North America and use foul-smelling fluids and bright colors to deter predators. 

Adult Moth Facts

Appearance: White, translucent wings with blue-black spots; fluffy white body; dark blue/orange abdomen with black spots on the underside.

Size: Large, with a wingspan of 2.25 to 3.5 inches (5.7-8.9 cm).

Behavior: Nocturnal, attracted to lights; live only 6-10 days to mate.

Defense: Release a foul-tasting yellow fluid when threatened. 

Caterpillar Facts (Giant Woolly Bear)

Appearance: Fuzzy black with bright red bands between segments, revealing when curled.

Size: Up to 3 inches long.

Diet: Eat many plants, including sunflowers, willows, cherries, and hostas.

Overwintering: Spend winters as larvae, often under bark or in leaf litter.

Defense: Curl into a ball, showing red bands to deter predators; bristles don't usually irritate skin. 

Life Cycle & Habitat

Habitat: Woodlands, fields, orchards, gardens across Eastern North America.

Duration: Takes 2-3 years to develop, spending most of that time as a 

caterpillar.

Broods: One to two generations per year, depending on location. 

23-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - CAPE WILD DOG (Lycaon pictus ssp. pictus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), also called painted dog and Cape hunting dog, is a wild canine native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest wild canine in Africa, and the only extant member of the genus Lycaon, which is distinguished from Canis by dentition highly specialised for a hypercarnivorous diet and by a lack of dewclaws.

It is estimated that there are around 6,600 adults (including 1,400 mature individuals) living in 39 subpopulations, all threatened by habitat fragmentation, human persecution and outbreaks of disease. As the largest subpopulation probably consists of fewer than 250 individuals, the African wild dog has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1990.

The African wild dog is a specialized hunter of terrestrial ungulates, mostly hunting at dawn and dusk, but also displays diurnal activity. It captures its prey by using stamina and cooperative hunting to exhaust them. Its natural competitors are lions and spotted hyenas: the former will kill the dogs where possible whilst the latter are frequent kleptoparasites. Like other canids, the African wild dog regurgitates food for its young but also extends this action to adults as a central part of the pack's social unit. The young have the privilege of feeding first on carcasses.

The African wild dog has been revered in several hunter-gatherer societies, particularly those of the San people and Prehistoric Egypt.

18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pasillas)

The Little Bee-eater, scientifically known as Merops pusillus, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This species is adorned with green upper parts and a yellow throat, complemented by a striking black gorget. The upper breast is a rich brown, which gently transitions to a buffish ochre on the belly. Their wings exhibit a blend of green and brown hues, while their beaks and legs are a stark black. Measuring a mere 15–17 cm in length, they hold the title of the smallest African bee-eater. Both males and females are similar in appearance.

When identifying the Little Bee-eater, look for its bright green upper parts, yellow throat, and the distinctive black gorget. The rich brown of the upper breast and the buffish ochre belly are also key characteristics. Their small size and black beak and legs can help distinguish them from other bee-eaters.

These birds favor open country with an abundance of bushes, showing a preference for areas near water sources.

The Little Bee-eater is a resident of Sub-Saharan Africa. Their movements are seasonal, often dictated by the patterns of rainfall rather than long-distance migration.

Little Bee-eaters are known for their abundance and tame nature within their range. They are often seen perched low, sometimes just a meter above the ground. They roost communally, aligning themselves neatly on a tree branch.

Typically a quiet species, the Little Bee-eater's call is a soft "seep," which can be heard intermittently.

Solitary nesters by nature, Little Bee-eaters excavate tunnels in sandy banks for their nests, occasionally utilizing the entrance of an Aardvark den. They lay a clutch of 4 to 6 spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the responsibility of egg care.

True to their name, Little Bee-eaters primarily consume insects, with a particular fondness for bees, wasps, and hornets. They exhibit remarkable agility, capturing their prey mid-air from an open perch and then removing the stinger by striking the insect against a hard surface before consumption.

The Little Bee-eater is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of 60 to 80 million individuals.

18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON IMPALA (MALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope that is found in Africa. It was first described to European audiences by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.

Impala is an elegant and magnificent species of antelope. The animal has slender body with the identifying "M"-like marking on the rear. This medium-sized antelope possesses thin, pointed horns with tips, lying far apart from each other. Males of this species are identified by the characteristic "S"-like horns. The elegant limbs of these animals have scent glands behind the ankles. The overall coloration of their fur is red-brown with paler sides. In addition, they have black and white colored areas on their body. Thus, the tail, belly, chin, lips, inside ears as well as the lines above the eyes are colored with white. Meanwhile, black bands cover their thighs, tail, forehead and ear tips.

5-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STRIPED GRAYLING BUTTERFLY (Hipparchia fidia)

Hipparchia fidia, the striped grayling, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and in south-eastern France and the bordering parts of Italy and North Africa.

S. fidia L.  Above similar to the preceding [ fatua ], but the underside much more variegated and brighter: the ocelli of the forewing large, broadly bordered with yellow, there being before them white smears which are proximally bordered by a black line. On the underside of the hindwing the exterior black discal line projects behind the apex of the cell as a broad tooth; it is externally broadly white and beyond it there are moreover strong white smears extending towards the distal margin.

The wingspan is 48–56 millimetres (1.9–2.2 in).

The butterflies fly from July to August depending on the location.

The larvae feed on various types of grass.

5-8-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - FURROW SPIDER (Genus Larinioides)

Larinioides is a genus of orb-weaver spiders commonly known as flying spiders and first described by Lodovico di Caporiacco in 1934. They mostly occur in temperate climates around the northern hemisphere. The name is derived from the related araneid spider genus Larinia, with the meaning "like Larinia".

As of April 2019 it contains seven species:

Larinioides chabarovi (Bakhvalov, 1981) – Russia (Central Siberia to Far East)

Larinioides cornutus (Clerck, 1757) – North America, Europe, Turkey, Israel, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Far East), Iran, China, Korea, Japan

Larinioides ixobolus (Thorell, 1873) – Western Europe to Central Asia

Larinioides jalimovi (Bakhvalov, 1981) – Russia (Far East), Korea

Larinioides patagiatus (Clerck, 1757) – North America, Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Far East), Central Asia, China, Mongolia, Japan

Larinioides sclopetarius (Clerck, 1757) – Europe, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Central Asia), China, Korea. Introduced to North America

Larinioides suspicax (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1876) – Europe, North Africa to Central Asia

5-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BENNETT'S WOODPECKER (Campethera bennettii)

Bennett's woodpecker (Campethera bennettii) is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in woodlands and bushes in Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a least-concern species.

This species was described by Andrew Smith in 1836. Two subspecies are recognised: Campethera bennettii bennettii and C. b. capricorni. The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the British naturalist Edward Turner Bennett. Bennett's woodpecker, the fine-spotted woodpecker, the Nubian woodpecker and the speckle-throated woodpecker form a superspecies.

Bennett's woodpecker is about 24 cm (9.4 in) long and weighs 61–84 g (2.2–3.0 oz). The male's forehead, crown and nape are red. The chin and throat are white. The upperparts are brown, yellow and white. The underparts are pale yellow, and there are dark spots on the breast and flanks. The eyes are red, the beak is grey, and the legs are bluish-green or grey-green. The female has a black forehead with white spots, and its ear coverts and throat are brown or blackish-brown. The juvenile bird has a black forehead and crown and darker upperparts. The subspecies capricorni is slightly larger, and its underparts have a deeper colour and fewer spots.

This woodpecker is found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and it has a patchy distribution. Its habitat is woodlands and bushes, including miombo, Baikiaea, Acacia and mopane woodlands.

Bennett's woodpecker is found singly, in pairs or in family groups. It mostly forages on the ground, either bare or with short grass, and also feeds in trees. It mostly eats ants and termites, including their eggs. Its calls include chuur notes, a series of wi-wi-wi-wi, kee-kee-kee or ddrahh, ddrahh, ddray-ay, ddray-ay, and a chattering wirrit-wirrit. Breeding occurs from August to February. The woodpecker excavates or reuses holes in trees. Three eggs are laid and then incubated for 15 to 18 days.

The species has a stable population and there is no evidence of substantial threats, so the IUCN has assessed it as a least-concern species.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - WHITE FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides)

The White-fronted Bee-eater, known scientifically as Merops bullockoides, is a vibrant and slender bird adorned with a striking black mask and a white forehead. Its square tail and bright red throat patch are distinctive features. Measuring at 23 cm in length, the bird's upperparts are a lush green, while its underparts boast a warm cinnamon hue. Its call is a resonant, deep squeak that carries through the air.

A bright and colorful bee-eater; the red throat and white line under the black face mask render it unmistakable. Pairs and groups inhabit woodland adjacent to watercourses, hillsides, and scrub, especially near earthen banks, where nesting colonies are formed by up to 450 individuals burrowing into the dirt. They have one of the most complex of all avian societies, featuring families, clans, and pirates! A nasal rolling “ngyaaau” is the main vocalization.

To identify the White-fronted Bee-eater, look for its unique combination of colors: a black mask, white forehead, green upperparts, and cinnamon underparts. The square tail and bright red throat patch are also key identifiers. Listen for its deep squeaking call as a helpful auditory clue.

This species thrives in the open savannahs of sub-equatorial Africa, often found near gullies where their insect prey, particularly bees, are abundant.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is widely distributed across the savannah regions of sub-equatorial Africa, where it is a common sight in its preferred habitat.

The White-fronted Bee-eater exhibits a complex social structure, nesting in colonies that can average around 200 individuals. These colonies are not just for breeding but also serve as a communal space for roosting and socializing. The birds demonstrate cooperative breeding, with non-breeding individuals acting as helpers to their kin, significantly increasing the success rate of raising young.

The diet of the White-fronted Bee-eater primarily consists of bees, but it also includes other flying insects, depending on seasonal availability. They employ two hunting strategies: making swift hawking flights from lower branches or gliding down from perches to hover momentarily before snatching their prey mid-flight.

The White-fronted Bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at a global scale.