12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - MARBLED TEAL (Marmaronetta angustirostris)

The Marbled Duck, or Marbled Teal, is a medium-sized duck adorned with a pale sandy-brown plumage, intricately mottled with off-white markings. Its scientific name, Marmaronetta angustirostris, reflects its marbled appearance and narrow bill. The species is characterized by a distinctive dark eye-patch and a somewhat shaggy head. Adults span approximately 39–42 cm in length, with females typically being slightly smaller than males. Juveniles resemble adults but exhibit more pronounced off-white blotching.

When identifying the Marbled Duck, look for its unique pale coloration and marbled pattern. The lack of a speculum on the secondaries and the pale wings without a marked pattern are key features to note in flight. The dark eye-patch and shaggy head are also distinctive characteristics that aid in identification.

The Marbled Duck favors temporary and shallow fresh, brackish, or alkaline waters with densely vegetated shores. These habitats are often found in otherwise dry regions and may include coastal lagoons, slow-moving rivers, and man-made reservoirs.

Once widespread across the Mediterranean region, the Marbled Duck's range has now contracted to select areas in southern Spain, southern Italy, northwest Africa, and the broader Levant. Its presence extends to the Mesopotamian marshland in southern Iraq, Iran, and isolated pockets in Armenia, Azerbaijan, South European Russia, western India, and western China.

This species exhibits nomadic tendencies, with some populations dispersing from breeding grounds to winter in the Sahel zone, south of the Sahara. The Marbled Duck is gregarious, often forming flocks, which can be small or, in some cases, quite large, particularly in wintering areas like Khuzestan, Iran.

Marbled Ducks breed in habitats with dense vegetation along the water's edge. They lay an average of 12 eggs in nests that are typically on the ground but may occasionally be found among reeds or on reed-made structures.

The diet of the Marbled Duck consists mainly of seeds from plants like Scirpus and Ruppia, invertebrates such as aquatic insect larvae and pupae, tiny crustaceans, and ants. They are equipped with a gizzard to break down seeds and lamellae in their beak for filter-feeding on zooplankton. Juveniles primarily consume invertebrates and small seeds, lacking the developed gizzard of adults.

The Marbled Duck is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. The species faces threats from habitat destruction and hunting, leading to a decline in its population. It is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

12-5-2021 SANTA POLA, ALICANTE - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is a large, robust seabird with a commanding presence. Its size can be quite variable, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a Common Gull, and the largest males approaching the heft of a Great Black-backed Gull. Adults typically exhibit a grey back, a shade lighter than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, and their heads are notably whiter in the autumn months. A distinctive feature is their yellow legs, which give this species its common name.

When observing the Yellow-legged Gull, look for the yellow legs that contrast with the grey back and the white head, which becomes even whiter during the autumn. The wing tips are black with limited white spots, and adults have a red spot on the bill. The eye is surrounded by a red ring. Juveniles can be identified by their paler head, rump, and underparts, dark bill and eyes, and a black band on the tail.

This gull favors a variety of coastal environments, often nesting on sea cliffs, islands, and occasionally on buildings within urban settings. It is also known to breed on trees in some regions.

The Yellow-legged Gull has a breeding range centered around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic islands and coasts as far north as Brittany and west to the Azores. Its presence is also noted on the western side of the Black Sea.

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - TAMARIX BOVEANA (Family Tamaricaceae)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/520200-Tamarix-boveana

 

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/143294-Colias-croceus

 

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - RED KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata)

The Red-knobbed Coot, also known as the Crested Coot, is a striking waterbird with a predominantly black plumage contrasted by a distinctive white frontal shield. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 35–42 cm in length with a wingspan of 75–85 cm. The males, slightly larger than the females, weigh between 770 and 910 grams, while females range from 455 to 790 grams. Both sexes appear similar in plumage. The species is characterized by its long, strong toes with partial webbing, an adaptation to its aquatic lifestyle.

To distinguish the Red-knobbed Coot from its close relative, the Eurasian Coot, one must look for the two small red knobs atop the facial shield, which are only present during the breeding season and are not visible from afar. The black feathering between the shield and the bill is rounded, as opposed to the pointed feature in the Eurasian Coot. Additionally, the bill of the Red-knobbed Coot has a subtle bluish-grey hue. In flight, unlike the Eurasian Coot, it lacks the white trailing edge on its secondaries.

The Red-knobbed Coot is known for its bold and less secretive nature compared to other members of the rail family. It exhibits strong territorial behavior during the breeding season and is known to be quite aggressive, even towards larger birds. It swims with a characteristic bobbing of the head and is capable of short dives. When taking off for flight, it runs across the water surface, creating a noticeable commotion.

Both sexes contribute to building a bulky platform nest of reeds and plant stems, often situated in shallow water. The female lays a clutch of 5–7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 18–25 days. The precocial chicks are mobile shortly after hatching and receive parental care for about 55–60 days.

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - YELLOW DOT ISOPOD (Porcellio ornatus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/484668-Porcellio-ornatus

 

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - IBERIAN BLUE TAIL DAMSELFLY (MALE AND FEMALE) (Ischnura elegans)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/103492-Ischnura-graellsii

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/78473746

 

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - RED KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata)

The Red-knobbed Coot, also known as the Crested Coot, is a striking waterbird with a predominantly black plumage contrasted by a distinctive white frontal shield. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 35–42 cm in length with a wingspan of 75–85 cm. The males, slightly larger than the females, weigh between 770 and 910 grams, while females range from 455 to 790 grams. Both sexes appear similar in plumage. The species is characterized by its long, strong toes with partial webbing, an adaptation to its aquatic lifestyle.

To distinguish the Red-knobbed Coot from its close relative, the Eurasian Coot, one must look for the two small red knobs atop the facial shield, which are only present during the breeding season and are not visible from afar. The black feathering between the shield and the bill is rounded, as opposed to the pointed feature in the Eurasian Coot. Additionally, the bill of the Red-knobbed Coot has a subtle bluish-grey hue. In flight, unlike the Eurasian Coot, it lacks the white trailing edge on its secondaries.

This coot favors freshwater lakes and ponds as its primary habitat, where it can be seen swimming or walking along the water's edge.

The Red-knobbed Coot is a resident breeder across much of Africa and can also be found in the southernmost parts of Spain.

The Red-knobbed Coot is known for its bold and less secretive nature compared to other members of the rail family. It exhibits strong territorial behavior during the breeding season and is known to be quite aggressive, even towards larger birds. It swims with a characteristic bobbing of the head and is capable of short dives. When taking off for flight, it runs across the water surface, creating a noticeable commotion.

Both sexes contribute to building a bulky platform nest of reeds and plant stems, often situated in shallow water. The female lays a clutch of 5–7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 18–25 days. The precocial chicks are mobile shortly after hatching and receive parental care for about 55–60 days.

An omnivorous bird, the Red-knobbed Coot feeds on a variety of small live prey, including the eggs of other water birds. It predominantly consumes waterweeds, such as Potamogeton species, for which it will dive.

The Red-knobbed Coot is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.

During mating, the Red-knobbed Coot is quite vocal, emitting a variety of sounds including a fast "kerrre" similar to the Little Crake, a harsh "ka-haa," and a grunting "oot oot" hoot. These vocalizations are distinct from those of the Eurasian Coot.

12-5-2021 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - SMALL WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

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

12-5-2021 SANTA POLA, ALICANTE - SPANISH MARBLED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Melanargia ines)

Melanargia ines, the Spanish marbled white, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. It can be found on the Iberian Peninsula and western North Africa.

The length of the forewings is 23–25 mm. Seitz- M. ines Hoffgg. (— thetis Hbn.) (39 e). Above similar to syllius, but the short transverse band of the forewing heavily black, placed exactly in the centre of the cell and not united with the black discocellular spot. On the hindwing beneath the ocelli are magnificently coloured, the sky-blue centre being successively encircled by russet-red, yellow and lilac rings, the costal ocelli of the upperside being always centred with blue.

Found on stony heights which are almost bare of vegetation excepting flowers. Abundant. The butterflies fly in one generation from May to June.

The larvae feed on various grasses such as Brachypodium pinnatum and Bromus madritensis.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - REED (LONG TAILED) CORMORANT (Microcarbo africanus)

Reed cormorants are small, long-tailed fishing birds native to sub-Saharan Africa that hunt underwater by diving for fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Their feathers are not fully waterproof, which helps them dive, but they must dry their wings after swimming by holding them open in the sun. They build nests of sticks and vegetation in colonies near water and are listed as a species of "least concern" globally. 

Physical characteristics

Size: They are small cormorants, approximately 20 to 22 inches (50 to 55 cm) long, with a wingspan of 31 to 35 inches (80 to 90 cm).

Appearance: Adults are glossy black with a short crest and red eyes, while juveniles are brownish with paler underparts.

Adaptations: Unlike most birds, their feathers absorb water, which makes them more efficient at diving but requires them to dry their wings after feeding. 

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - VERVET MONKEY (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)

The vervet monkey ranges throughout much of Southern and East Africa, being found from Ethiopia and extreme southern South Sudan all the way down to South Africa. It is not found west of the East African Rift or the Luangwa River, where it is replaced by the closely related malbrouck (C. cynosuros) species. The vervet monkey inhabits savanna, riverine woodland, coastal forest, and mountains up to 4000 m (13,100 ft). 

They are adaptable and able to persist in secondary and/or highly fragmented vegetation, including cultivated areas, and sometimes are found living in both rural and urban environments. Annual home range size has been observed to be as high as 176 ha, with an average population density of 54.68 animals/km2.

Vervet monkeys that are naturalised (introduced by humans) are found in Cape Verde, Ascension Island, Saint Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados. Dania Beach, Florida, is home to about 40 introduced vervets.

11-5-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/203153-Parus-major

 

11-5-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (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.

This typical warbler favors open landscapes and cultivated areas, where it can find bushes suitable for nesting. Its preference for such environments makes it a familiar sight in the Mediterranean countryside.

The Sardinian warbler is a resident of the southernmost regions of Europe, extending its range into Asia in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. While not extensively migratory, some individuals do venture to North Africa for the winter, and the species has been known to appear as a vagrant as far as Great Britain.

10-5-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove, also known as the collared dove or Turkish dove (Streptopelia decaocto), is a bird of modest size, presenting a grey-buff to pinkish-grey plumage that is slightly darker above than below. It is recognized by its distinctive black half-collar edged with white on its nape, from which it derives its name. The species exhibits a blue-grey underwing patch and a tail that is grey-buff above, with dark grey and white-tipped feathers below. The sexes appear similar, with juveniles displaying a less developed collar and a brown iris.

To identify the Eurasian collared dove, look for its medium size, slimmer and longer-tailed body compared to a rock pigeon, and a shorter stature than the wood pigeon. The red legs, black bill, and red iris surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which may appear white or yellow, are key features. The bird's song, a three-part cooing "goo-GOO-goo," and a harsh screeching call are also distinctive identifiers.

This species is often found in proximity to human habitation, particularly where food is plentiful and trees are available for nesting. It is not uncommon to see these doves frequenting bird tables and farms.

10-5-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FIELD GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus italicus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/71162-Gladiolus-italicus

 

10-5-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN PEPPER MOTH (Duponchelia fovealis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/371745-Duponchelia-fovealis

 

8-5-2021 CUMBRE DEL SOL, ALICANTE - MALLOW BINDWEED (Convolvulus althaeoides)

Convolvulus althaeoides is a species of morning glory known by the common names mallow bindweed and mallow-leaved bindweed. This flowering plant is native to the Mediterranean Basin, but it is occasionally seen in other areas of similar climate, such as California in the United States, where it has been introduced. 

This is a climbing perennial plant with solitary flowers on long peduncles. The flower is a funnel-shaped pink bloom three or four centimeters wide. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow, fingerlike lobes.

8-5-2021 CUMBRE DEL SOL, ALICANTE - UNIFORM TREASURE FLOWER (Gazania rigens)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/884843-Gazania-rigens

 

9-5-2021 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/9398-Carduelis-carduelis

9-5-2021 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (MALE) (Saxicola rubicola)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/201192-Saxicola-rubicola

 

9-5-2021 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - 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.

Papaver rhoeas is a variable, erect annual, forming a long-lived soil seed bank that can germinate when the soil is disturbed. In the Northern Hemisphere it generally flowers in late spring (between May and October in the UK) but if the weather is warm enough other flowers frequently appear at the beginning of autumn. It grows up to about 70 centimetres (28 inches) in height. The stems hold single flowers, which are large and showy, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) across,  with four petals that are vivid red, most commonly with a black spot at their base. The petals slightly overlap each other. The plant can produce up to 400 flowers in a warm season, that last only one day. The flower stem is usually covered with coarse hairs that are held at right angles to the surface, helping to distinguish it from P. dubium in which the hairs are more usually appressed (i.e. held close to the stem). The capsules are hairless, obovoid (egg-shaped), less than twice as tall as they are wide, with a stigma at least as wide as the capsule. Like many other species of Papaver, the plant exudes white to yellowish latex when the tissues are broken. 

Not all corn poppies that are available commercially have red flowers. Selective breeding has resulted in cultivars in yellow, orange, pink, and white. The Shirley poppy is a well-known cultivar. A very pale speckled variety, derived from the Shirley, is also available.

A nearly black-flowering hybrid, known as 'Evelina', was bred in Italy in the late 1990s, with P. dubium, but does not appear to be available commercially.

9-5-2021 BUFALI, VALENCIA - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14849-Sturnus-unicolor

 

9-5-2021 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - HENBIT DEADNETTLE (Lamium amplexicaule)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/55459-Lamium-amplexicaule