2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut, is a species of flowering plant in the maple, soapberry and lychee family Sapindaceae. It is a large, deciduous, synoecious (hermaphroditic-flowered) tree. It is also called horse-chestnut, European horsechestnut, buckeye, and conker tree. It is not to be confused with the sweet chestnut or Spanish chestnut, Castanea sativa, which is a tree in another family, Fagaceae.

Aesculus hippocastanum is a large tree, growing to about 39 metres (128 ft) tall with a domed crown of stout branches. On old trees, the outer branches are often pendulous with curled-up tips. The leaves are opposite and palmately compound, with 5–7 leaflets 13–30 cm (5–12 in) long, making the whole leaf up to 60 cm (24 in) across, with a 7–20 cm (3–8 in) petiole. The leaf scars left on twigs after the leaves have fallen have a distinctive horseshoe shape, complete with seven "nails". The flowers are usually white with a yellow to pink blotch at the base of the petals; they are produced in spring in erect panicles 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall with about 20–50 flowers on each panicle. Its pollen is not poisonous for honey bees.[10] Usually only 1–5 fruits develop on each panicle. The shell is a green, spiky capsule containing one (rarely two or three) nut-like seeds called conkers or horse-chestnuts. Each conker is 2–4 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄2 in) in diameter, glossy nut-brown with a whitish scar at the base.

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - COMMON CHAFFINCH (MALE) (Fringilla coelebs)

The Eurasian chaffinch, common chaffinch, or simply the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a common and widespread small passerine bird in the finch family. The male is brightly coloured with a blue-grey cap and rust-red underparts. The female is more subdued in colouring, but both sexes have two contrasting white wing bars and white sides to the tail. The male bird has a strong voice and sings from exposed perches to attract a mate.

The chaffinch breeds in much of Europe, across the Palearctic to Siberia. The female builds a nest with a deep cup in the fork of a tree. The clutch is typically four or five eggs, which hatch in about 13 days. 

The chicks fledge in around 14 days, but are fed by both adults for several weeks after leaving the nest. Outside the breeding season, chaffinches form flocks in open countryside and forage for seeds on the ground. During the breeding season, they forage on trees for invertebrates, especially caterpillars, and feed these to their young. They are partial migrants; birds breeding in warmer regions are sedentary, while those breeding in the colder northern areas of their range winter further south.

The eggs and nestlings of the chaffinch are taken by a variety of mammalian and avian predators. Its large numbers and huge range mean that chaffinches are classed as of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - SOUTHERN BROWN ARGUS BUTTERFLY (Aricia cramera)

Aricia cramera, the southern brown argus, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is a butterfly of Southern Europe and North Africa and can be found from Morocco and Tunisia up to Spain and Portugal, on Mediterranean islands including Menorca and on the Canary Islands.

The wingspan ranges to up to 30 mm. The butterfly flies from May to September depending on the location.

The larvae feed on Erodium, Helianthemum and Geranium species.

Key Facts

Scientific Name: Aricia cramera.

Appearance: Both sexes are dark brown with a distinct orange lunule band on the margins of both wings. They often possess a specific spot configuration on the underwing (a "keyhole" spot on the hindwing) that differs from the similar Brown Argus (Aricia agestis).

Habitat: Prefers sunny, dry open areas, flowery meadows, and rocky terrains on calcareous soils.

Range: Found in Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, Portugal, Italy (Sardinia), Mediterranean islands, and the Canary Islands.

Flight Period: March to October, with multiple overlapping generations.

Larval Food Plant: The larvae feed primarily on Geranium species, such as Erodium cicutarium.

Behaviour: Known to be territorial, with males often sitting on grass stems to check for mates.Key Identification PointsWingspan: 2.2 to 3 cm.

Distinction: They resemble female Common Blues, but Aricia cramera generally lack the blue scales on the upper wing surface.Observation: They are often found in colonies and do not travel far from their breeding site.

Aricia cramera, the southern brown argus, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is a butterfly of Southern Europe and North Africa and can be found from Morocco and Tunisia up to Spain and Portugal, on Mediterranean islands including Menorca and on the Canary Islands.

The wingspan ranges to up to 30 mm. The butterfly flies from May to September depending on the location.

The larvae feed on Erodium, Helianthemum and Geranium species.

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

Colias croceus, clouded yellow, is a small butterfly of the family Pieridae, the yellows and whites.

Colias croceus is one of the most widespread species in Europe. The common clouded yellow's breeding range is North Africa and southern Europe and eastwards through Turkey into the Middle East, but it occurs throughout much of Europe as a summer migrant, in good years individuals reaching Scandinavia. In Asia, its range extends into central Siberia in the north and barely into India in the south; it is not found in Central Asia.

This species is primarily an immigrant to the UK, originating from southern Europe and northern Africa. In the UK they can be seen on the south coast almost every year in varying numbers, and regularly breed there. Occurrence in the rest of the UK varies considerably from year to year, but they are increasingly observed as far north as Dumfries and Galloway. It has also been recorded in Ireland from the Raven, Co. Wexford, to Belfast, Co. Down.

A truly migratory European butterfly, this species is famous for occasional mass migrations and subsequent breeding, which are often referred to in the United Kingdom as "clouded yellow years". Notable clouded yellow years include 1877, 1947, 1983, 1992, 1994, 1996 and 2000.

Colias croceus has a wingspan of 46–54 millimetres (1.8–2.1 in). The upperside of the wings is golden to orange yellow with a broad black margin on all four wings and a black spot near the centre forewing. Usually these butterflies settles with its wings closed, consequently the black margin of the uppersides of the wings is difficultly visible.

The underside lacks the black borders and is lighter, with a more greenish tint, particularly on the forewings. In the forewing underside is the same dark spot as on the upperside, but often with a light centre; the hindwing underside has a white centre spot, often with a smaller white or dark dot immediately above it. Sometimes, a row of black dots occurs on the underwings' outer margins, corresponding to where the black border ends on the upperside. Females differ from the males in having yellow spots along the black borders on the upperside.

In flight, Colias croceus is easily identifiable by the intense yellow colouring, much brighter than that of the lemon-yellow male common brimstone which also lacks black markings. Like all Colias species they never open their wings at rest.

In about 5% of females, the golden upperside colouration is replaced by a pale cream colour. These females have been distinguished as form helice. The pale form helice does not seem to be distinct, as intermediates exist, and the variation is to some extent related to humidity during development, with dryer conditions producing paler colouration. These pale forms helice can be confused with Berger's clouded yellow (Colias alfacariensis) and the rarer pale clouded yellow (Colias hyale). Even the palest C. croceus tends to have more black on the upperside, however, in particular on the hindwings.

Young caterpillars are yellow-green with a black head. Later they become completely dark green, with a white red-spotted lateral line after the third moult. The pupae are green and have a yellow side stripe.

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - FALSE MEADOW SAFFRON (Colchicum montanum)

False Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) is a highly toxic, autumn-blooming plant often confused with true, edible saffron (Crocus sativus). While it produces pink, crocus-like flowers, it is a member of the Colchicaceae family and contains poisonous colchicine, which can be fatal if ingested. Key features include flowers appearing without leaves ("naked ladies") in autumn and strap-like leaves in spring. 

Key Facts About False Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale):

Highly Toxic: All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are dangerous if eaten due to the compound colchicine.

Appearance: Known as "naked ladies" or "naked boys" because the pink flowers emerge in autumn without any leaves.

Distinction from True Saffron: Unlike true saffron, it is not used for cooking and should not be mistaken for it.

Foliage: Leaves emerge in the spring, which can be mistakenly gathered as wild greens like Ramsons.

Habitat: Commonly found in damp hay meadows and gardens.

Medicinal Context: Colchicine, derived from the plant, has been used in medicine but is highly toxic in larger quantities. 

Differences from True Saffron:

True Saffron: Crocus sativus (Iridaceae family), stigmas are harvested for culinary spice.

False Saffron: Colchicum autumnale (Colchicaceae family), highly poisonous. 

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - SOUTHERN GATEKEEPER BUTTERFLY (Pyronia cecilia)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/62452-Pyronia-cecilia

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (\(Phoenicurus\) \(ochruros\)) is a small bird, about the size of a robin, known for its dark plumage and bright red tail. It is adaptable and can be found in both natural rocky habitats and urban environments like cities and quarries. Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and worms, supplemented by seeds and berries, and some populations migrate in winter. 

Appearance Size: Approximately \(14.5\) cm in length, with a wingspan of \(23-26\) cm.Males: Dark grey body with a black face and throat, and a white patch on the wings.Females and Juveniles: Grey-brown all over.Tail: Both sexes have a bright red tail with a single black band down the middle. 

1-9-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata megera)

Lasiommata megera, the wall or wall brown, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae (subfamily Satyrinae). It is widespread in the Palearctic realm with a large variety of habitats and number of generations a year.

P. megera L. [— xiphie Boisd. pt (45d). Above reddish yellow, with a black mark which traverses the distal band from the cell of the forewing to the abdominal margin of the hindwing, short black stripes crossing the disc and the cell of the forewing.

The species lives in North Africa, Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, the Middle East, western Siberia, northern Tian Shan, Dzungarian Alatau, Kazakhstan and Dzungaria.

Habitats include forest edges and clearings, shrubby areas in ravines and river valleys and sparse woodlands. It is also found in mountain habitats up to 0–3,000 metres (0–9,843 ft) above sea level.

The imago flies from April to October in two or three generations depending on locality and altitude. The larva feeds on grasses in the genera Festuca, Bromus, Deschampsia, Poa, Dactylis and Brachypodium.

"The egg is pale green when first laid, and in shape it is almost spherical, but rather higher than broad; it is finely ribbed and reticulated, but unless examined through a lens it appears to be quite smooth. The caterpillar when full grown is whitish-green, dotted with white. From the larger of these dots on the back arise greyish bristles; the three lines on the back (dorsal and sub-dorsal) are whitish, edged with dark green; the line on the sides (spiracular) is white, fringed with greyish hairs; anal points green, hairy, extreme tips white. Head larger than the first ring (first thoracic segment), green dotted with white and hairy, jaws marked with brownish. The chrysalis is green, with yellow-tinted white markings on the edge of the wing covers and ridges; the spots on the body are yellowish, or sometimes white. Occasionally the chrysalids are blackish, with white or yellow points on the body".

1-9-2020 LAGUNA DEL CANIZAR, ARAGON - WOODCHAT SHRIKE (JUVENILE) (Lanius senator)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/12039-Lanius-senator

31-8-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - WESTERN WILLOW SPREAD-WING DAMSELFLY (Chalcolestes viridis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/124488-Chalcolestes-viridis

31-8-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - GOLDEN RINGED DRAGONFLY (Cordulegaster boltonii)

The golden-ringed dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is a large, striking species of dragonfly found widely in Europe and locally in northwestern Africa, especially near flowing waters like streams. It is the longest British species of dragonfly, and the only member of its genus to be found in the United Kingdom.

In the United Kingdom, they are easily identified by their distinctive black and yellow stripes, which is not found in any other dragonfly in the country. A very large species, males average 74 mm (2.9 in) and the longer females average 84 mm (3.3 in). Wingspan is up to 101 mm (4.0 in). The female is the longest British dragonfly, in part due to the unusually long ovipositor, and in other measurements it is exceeded by the emperor (Anax imperator).

The female lays the eggs in shallow water. The hairy larvae live at the bottom of the water and are well camouflaged amongst the silt. They emerge after about 2–5 years, and usually under the cover of darkness.

They are often seen flying leisurely over mountain streams or a river; they also occasionally show up at a pond. They are also typically seen flying over heath land. Their bright yellow and black stripes make them easy to identify, even from a fair distance away. They feed mainly on insects ranging from small prey such as midges to flies, butterflies and even bumblebees. This strikingly-coloured insect is incredibly aerobatic and they sometimes fly very high up into the sky.

31-8-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - SOUTHERN BROWN ARGUS BUTTERFLY (Aricia cramera)

The Southern Brown Argus (Aricia cramera) is a small, brown Lycaenidae butterfly found in Southern Europe, North Africa, the Canary Islands, and Mediterranean islands, typically inhabiting hot, dry, flowery areas. It features chocolate-brown wings with bright orange spots and a white fringe, often mistaken for the common blue. 

Key Characteristics and Biology

Appearance: Wingspan of 25–31mm. The upper sides are dark brown with a distinct band of orange spots (lunules) along the edges, which are often bolder and more complete than the similar Aricia agestis. The under-sides are a pale brown with black spots surrounded by white rings and orange lunules.

Distribution: Primarily found in Spain, Portugal, North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia), the Canary Islands, and parts of the Mediterranean.

Habitat: Prefers sunny, dry, and rocky locations, including grasslands, scrubland, and cultivated areas.

Lifecycle: The larvae feed on various Geranium species and other plants, such as Erodium and Helianthemum. It is multi-brooded, with adults flying from April to October, or even year-round in the Canary Islands.

Similar Species: It is very similar to the Brown Argus (Aricia agestis), but the Southern Brown Argus typically has a darker underside ground color and larger, more intense orange spots. 

This butterfly is generally common in its range and, like its relative the Brown Argus, is known for being highly mobile. 

31-8-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - BAND WINGED GRASSHOPPER (Oedipoda coerulea

The Iberian band-winged grasshopper (Oedipoda coerulea, sometimes spelled caerulescens depending on regional taxonomy) is a striking European band-winged grasshopper. Best known for its bright turquoise-blue hindwings edged with a black band, it thrives in sparsely vegetated, rocky, and sandy Mediterranean habitats.

Key Facts at a Glance

Appearance: Cryptic, earthy brown, or gray-colored body allows it to perfectly camouflage against rocks and dirt. When disturbed and taking flight, it reveals vividly bright blue hindwings accompanied by a dark marginal stripe.

Habitat: Typically found in warm, dry, and barren environments with high percentages of bare ground. This includes arid fields, sandy areas, and rocky slopes across Southwestern Europe.

31-8-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in Great Britain and Ireland, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, a member of the chat subfamily of the Old World flycatcher family. It is a plucky little bird, with a length of about 12.5–14.0 cm and a weight of 16–22 g. Both sexes are similarly adorned with an orange breast and face, lined with grey, brown upper-parts, and a whitish belly.

Adult robins can be identified by their orange breast and face, bordered by a bluish-grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly is whitish. The bill and eyes are black. Juvenile robins are distinguishable by their spotted brown and white plumage, with patches of orange gradually appearing as they mature.

The European robin is a bird of diverse habitats, found in woodlands, gardens, and parks across its range. It is particularly associated with areas where the soil is dug or disturbed, allowing it easy access This bird has a wide distribution across Europe, extending east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa. It is sedentary in most of its range except the far north, where it is migratory.

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - SOUTHERN PINE HAWK MOTH CATERPILLAR (Sphinx maurorum)

Sphinx maurorum, the southern pine hawkmoth, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Karl Jordan in 1931. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in southern and central France as far north as Corrèze and as far south as the Atlas and Rif mountains of North Africa. There are also records from Corsica.

The wingspan is 70–80 mm. There are one to two generations per year. Mostly, there is one generation with adults on wing from mid-July to early August. In some years, adults are on wing from May to June and again in August.

The larvae feed on Pinus (especially Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinaster) and Cedrus species.

Sphinx maurorum (southern pine hawkmoth) is a sphingid moth found in the Iberian Peninsula, southern/central France, and North Africa (Atlas/Rif mountains). With a 70–80 mm wingspan, this grey-colored, defoliating pest feeds primarily on Pinus (pine) and Cedrus (cedar) trees. Adults appear from May to August in one or two generations. 

Key Facts about Sphinx maurorum:

Appearance & Size: The wingspan typically measures between 70 and 80 mm. They are generally grayish with black, longitudinal lines on the forewings. They are similar to Sphinx ligustri but distinct as a separate species.

Habitat & Distribution: Primarily inhabits the Iberian Peninsula, southern/central France (as far north as Corrèze), North Africa, and Corsica. They are often found in pine-dominated, sunny areas.

Diet & Larvae: The larvae are defoliators of pines (Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster) and cedars (Cedrus species).

Life Cycle: Adults generally have one generation, appearing from mid-July to early August, though they can have two, appearing in May–June and again in August. The pupae overwinter in the ground.

Taxonomy: First described by Karl Jordan in 1931, it is sometimes referred to as Hyloicus maurorum or considered a subspecies of Sphinx pinastri, although it is now recognized as distinct.

Behavior: Adults often rest on the bark of pine trees, camouflaging with the surface.

Status: It has been cited as a pest of pine and cedar species in the Iberian and North African regions. 

30-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

The IUCN currently lists the Spotted Flycatcher as Least Concern, although there are noted declines in some regions of its range.

30-8-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - BROAD SCARLET 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.

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.

30-8-2020 LA LLACUNA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

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

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

28-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (JUVENILE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler, Curruca melanocephala, presents itself as a charming and distinctive bird of the Mediterranean. The males are adorned with a sleek grey back and pristine whitish underparts, crowned with a striking black head, a pure white throat, and captivating red eyes. The females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette, with brown upperparts and buff underparts, complemented by a subtle grey head.

When attempting to identify the Sardinian warbler, look for the male's black head and red eyes, which contrast with the white throat and grey back. Females can be recognized by their brown and buff coloration with a greyish head. The variability in plumage, including the presence or absence of a reddish hue, can be a helpful clue in distinguishing between subspecies.

28-8-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - RUFF (Calidris pugnax)

The Ruff, Calidris pugnax, is a medium-sized wading bird known for its remarkable breeding plumage and sexual dimorphism. Males, significantly larger than females, boast ornate ruffs and head tufts in a variety of colors during the breeding season. Females, referred to as "reeves," are more subdued in coloration. The species exhibits a pot-bellied profile, with a small head and long neck, and displays a distinctive flight pattern with a slow wingbeat.

In breeding plumage, males are unmistakable with their bright ruffs and head tufts, which can be black, chestnut, or white. Females and non-breeding males are more cryptic, with grey-brown upperparts and mainly white underparts. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a buff tinge to their plumage. The ruff's long legs vary in color from greenish in juveniles to pink or orange in adults.

The Ruff, Calidris pugnax, is a medium-sized wading bird known for its remarkable breeding plumage and sexual dimorphism. Males, significantly larger than females, boast ornate ruffs and head tufts in a variety of colors during the breeding season. Females, referred to as "reeves," are more subdued in coloration. The species exhibits a pot-bellied profile, with a small head and long neck, and displays a distinctive flight pattern with a slow wingbeat.

In breeding plumage, males are unmistakable with their bright ruffs and head tufts, which can be black, chestnut, or white. Females and non-breeding males are more cryptic, with grey-brown upperparts and mainly white underparts. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a buff tinge to their plumage. The ruff's long legs vary in color from greenish in juveniles to pink or orange in adults.

Ruffs breed in marshes and wet meadows across northern Eurasia. They prefer hummocky marshes and deltas with shallow water for feeding and dry areas with sedge or low scrub for nesting.

This migratory species breeds from Scandinavia and Great Britain to the Pacific, with the largest numbers in Russia and Scandinavia. In winter, they are found in southern and western Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and parts of Australia.

Ruffs are highly gregarious, especially during migration when they form large flocks. Males display at leks, with territorial males occupying small areas and satellite males attempting to mate within these territories. A third, rare male type mimics females to gain mating opportunities.

The ruff is generally silent, but during display, a soft "gue-gue-gue" may be heard.

Females lay four eggs in a well-hidden ground nest and incubate them alone. Chicks are mobile soon after hatching and are reared solely by the female. Males leave the breeding grounds early in the season.

Ruffs feed on insects, especially during the breeding season, and consume plant material, including rice and maize, during migration and winter. They forage in wet grassland and soft mud, probing or searching by sight for edible items.

Globally, the ruff is classified as "Least Concern" due to its large breeding numbers in Scandinavia and the Arctic. However, European populations are contracting and are listed as "Near Threatened" due to habitat loss and over-hunting. The species is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

28-8-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea)

The Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea, is a small, elegant wader known for its remarkable transformation from the pale grey and white winter plumage to the rich, brick-red underparts of the breeding season. With a length of 18–23 cm and a wingspan of 38–41 cm, it is similar in size to the Dunlin but can be distinguished by its longer, down-curved bill, more elongated neck and legs, and the distinctive white rump that is visible in flight.

In breeding plumage, the adult Curlew Sandpiper sports patterned dark grey upperparts with a striking rusty hue below. During the non-breeding season, it adopts a more subdued appearance with pale grey upperparts and a clean white underside, complemented by a conspicuous white supercilium. Juveniles are characterized by a grey and brown back, white belly, and a peach-coloured breast. The species' elegant, down-curved bill and longer legs are key identification features throughout the year.

The Curlew Sandpiper breeds on the tundra of Arctic Siberia, preferring the edges of marshes or pools, or dry patches of tundra.

A strongly migratory bird, the Curlew Sandpiper winters mainly in Africa, with populations also found in south and southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It is an occasional vagrant to North America.

This species is highly gregarious, often forming flocks with other calidrid waders, especially Dunlins. Despite its easterly breeding range, it is regularly observed on passage in western Europe, likely due to a southwesterly migration route.

The Curlew Sandpiper's vocalizations include a soft "chirrup" often heard during its aerial courtship display.

The breeding season spans from June to late August. Males perform impressive aerial displays to attract mates. Nests are located near marshes or pools, with an average clutch size of 3.8 eggs. Incubation is solely by the female and lasts 19–20 days, with chicks being cared for by the female for 14–16 days post-hatching.

The Curlew Sandpiper can be confused with the Dunlin but can be differentiated by its longer bill, neck, and legs, as well as its white rump and different seasonal plumage.

Foraging primarily in soft mud on marshes and coasts, the Curlew Sandpiper feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, which it picks up by sight.

The Curlew Sandpiper is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Population trends indicate a decline, particularly noted in South Africa and Australia, which may be linked to the effects of global warming on its breeding grounds. The species is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

28-8-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. It was described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811. The Greater flamingo was previously thought to be the same species as the American flamingo, but because of coloring differences of its head, neck, body, and bill, the two flamingos are now most commonly considered separate species.

Greater flamingos have an attractive coloration and appearance. Their feathers are pinkish/white, the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. They have long pink bills with a black tip, yellow eyes and long pink legs. The male is bigger than the female, and juveniles have a gray-brown coloration, with some pink on their underparts, tail and wings, with the legs and beak being mainly brown.

The Greater flamingo inhabits Africa, the Middle East, southern Europe, and the Indian subcontinent. They occur in relatively shallow water bodies, such as saline lagoons, salt pans, large alkaline or saline lakes, and estuaries. Breeding takes place on sandbanks, mudflats, sandy or rocky islands, or open beaches.

Greater flamingos are very social. They travel in groups numbering up to thousands and they communicate by using visual and auditory cues. Greater flamingos are partially dispersive and migratory. They are traveling constantly, seeking areas with enough resources to sustain the whole flock, especially during the mating season. Greater flamingos keep their chicks together in crèches. Adults supervising crèches tend to act in a hostile way toward hatchlings if their own young are not in that crèche. Greater flamingos are diurnal, feeding during the day. Being bottom feeders, they rely on water levels that are low, and they move to new areas to find appropriate feeding conditions. They often bathe in fresh shallow water and preen their feathers to remove salt from them. They are not territorial birds but during breeding season they do defend their nests.

Greater flamingos are serially monogamous birds, forming pair bonds that remain together only for a single breeding season. They breed in dense colonies numbering up to 20,000 or more pairs. They perform spectacular group displays of courtship, involving ritualized preening, synchronized wing-raising, and head-flagging, where they raise their necks and beaks and turn their heads from side to side. Breeding seasons vary with location, occurring in some areas at irregular intervals, following the rains. Nest-building is done in pairs. A single chalky-white egg is laid, rarely two. Both parents share the incubation of 27-31 days. After several days of being brooded by both parents, the chick joins a crèche with many other chicks. Both parents feed the chick, with the typical milk that is secreted in the adults' upper digestive tract. Chicks fledge between 65 and 90 days after hatching and become reproductively mature between 4 and 6 years of age.

Greater flamingos are threatened by human disturbance and lowering water levels, which increases the salinity of sites where they feed and so can affect food resources, or cause thick soda deposits which can harm the legs of chicks. The potential effects of climate change on rainfall and sea level may therefore impact breeding sites seriously in the future. Further threats to greater flamingos include disease, pollution, lead poisoning (from the ingesting of lead shot), and habitat loss as a result of industrial and harbor development or drainage of the wetlands for agriculture. Large numbers of greater flamingos in Egypt are shot or captured for sale in markets, and the collection of eggs remains a threat in some areas, such as Algeria.

28-8-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - COMMON SHELDUCK (FEMALE) (Tadorna tadorna)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7067-Tadorna-tadorna