Sunday, 28 March 2021
Saturday, 27 March 2021
23-3-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCA - BUNCH FLOWERED DAFFODIL (Narcissus tazetta)
Narcissus tazetta (paperwhite, bunch-flowered narcissus, bunch-flowered daffodil, Chinese sacred lily, cream narcissus, joss flower, polyanthus narcissus) is a perennial ornamental plant that grows from a bulb. Cultivars of N. tazetta include 'Caniculatus', 'Grand Soleil d'Or' and 'Ziva', which are popularly used for forcing indoors, as is the form of N. tazetta known as Chinese Sacred Lily.
Narcissus tazetta is amongst the tallest of the narcissi, and can grow to a height of up to 80 centimetres (31 in),[5] with thin, flat leaves up to 40 centimetres (16 in) long and 15 millimetres (0.59 in) wide. Umbels have as many as 8 flowers, white with a yellow corona.
Friday, 26 March 2021
24-3-2021 SALINAS DEL PINET, ALICANTE - PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Pied Avocet, scientifically known as Recurvirostra avosetta, is a unique bird species belonging to the Recurvirostridae family including avocets and stilts, some of the most fascinating waders for birding enthusiasts. These distinctive birds can be found across the Old World in a variety of climates and environments, including coastal areas, wetlands, and salt pans. An ideal spot to observe these birds would be in shallow water, where they often forage for food. The easiest way to identify Pied Avocets in the field is by their remarkable and unique upturned bills.
Pied Avocets are medium-sized birds with an average length of 40-45 cm / 16-18 inches and a wingspan of 77-80 cm / 30-31 inches. They typically weigh around 240-315 g / 8.5-11 oz. These birds boast a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other waders.
As mentioned before, it is easiest to identify Pied Avocet by their long, thin, and upturned bills, which they use for sweeping through the water to catch small aquatic prey. Their black-and-white plumage provides a stark contrast, while the long, blue-grey legs further enhance their unique appearance. During the breeding season, these birds showcase an even more vibrant look making them particularly attractive to potential mates.
Pied Avocets are one of several species that appear on the emblem of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the United Kingdom, where they symbolize nature conservation. Like all living things, they play a crucial role in the natural ecosystem. As wading birds, they help control insect populations and contribute to the overall health of wetland habitats. Like many other bird species, their presence can serve as an indicator of the quality of the environment.
There are subtle differences between male and female Pied Avocets. Males tend to have slightly longer bills and legs, while females have more curved bills. However, these differences can be challenging to notice in the field, as both sexes share the same striking plumage.
Adult pied avocets measure approximately 16.5–17.75 inches in length, with a wingspan stretching around 30–31.5 inches. Their long legs and upturned bills, measuring about 2.95–3.35 inches and 3–4 inches respectively, are key features for identification. Both sexes appear similar, while juveniles can be distinguished by their more greyish and sepia tones.
These birds favor shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed mudflats, which provide ideal foraging and breeding grounds.
The pied avocet breeds across temperate Europe and extends across the Palearctic to Central Asia and the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species, with most individuals wintering in Africa or southern Asia. Some, however, remain in the milder parts of their range during winter, such as southern Spain and southern England.
While the pied avocet's unique plumage and bill shape make it quite distinctive, it could potentially be confused with other avocet species within the genus Recurvirostra. However, its black and white coloration and habitat preferences are usually sufficient for accurate identification.
The diet of the pied avocet consists mainly of crustaceans and insects, which they adeptly capture with their specialized bill.
The IUCN Red List classifies the pied avocet as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, the species does not face any imminent threats to its survival on a global scale.
Thursday, 25 March 2021
24-3-2021 SALINAS DE BONMATI, ALICANTE - SLENDER BILLED GULL (Chroicocephalus genei)
The Slender-billed Gull, Chroicocephalus genei, presents a graceful figure, slightly larger than the familiar Black-headed Gull. It measures 37 to 40 cm in length with a wingspan stretching from 90 to 102 cm. Its plumage is a pale grey, complemented by a white head and breast, and accented with black tips on the primary wing feathers. The bird's head and dark red bill are elongated, contributing to its slender appearance, and it possesses a notably long neck. The legs are a matching dark red, while the iris of the eye is a striking yellow. During the summer months, one may observe a subtle pink blush upon its breast. This species attains full maturity over two years, typical for gulls. Juveniles can be identified by a black band at the tail's end and darker wing markings.
To identify the Slender-billed Gull, look for its distinctive elongated head and bill, and the dark red coloration of both the bill and legs. The pale grey body contrasts with the white head and breast, and the black wingtip markings are a key feature. In flight, the bird's long neck and slender profile are particularly noticeable.
This gull favors the lagoons and lakes in the vicinity of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as similar environments along the northwestern Indian Ocean. It is known to breed on islands and coastal lagoons, where the absence of predators and human disturbance allows for successful nesting.
The Slender-billed Gull breeds very locally around the Mediterranean and the northern reaches of the western Indian Ocean, including Pakistan. It exhibits migratory behavior, wintering to the south as far as North Africa and India. Occasionally, individuals have been recorded as vagrants in western Europe and as far afield as Antigua.
The Slender-billed Gull is a sociable bird, especially in winter, when it can be seen feeding and roosting in groups. It is not an oceanic bird and is seldom observed far from land. It breeds in colonies, with nests on the ground, and feeds by diving from the air into the water to catch fish or by probing mud for invertebrates. The gull also captures insects mid-flight. After a 25-day incubation period, the young take their first flight approximately 25 days later.
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