Wednesday, 24 June 2020
24-6-2020 RIVER JUCAR, RIOLA, VALENCIA - GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus)
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The great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus, is a water bird of the grebe family, notable for its striking black and white plumage and elaborate courtship displays. It is the largest grebe species found in the Old World, with some larger species in the Americas.
Adults are unmistakable in summer with ornate head and neck decorations. In winter, they are whiter than most grebes, with a distinctive white above the eye and a pink bill. Juveniles can be identified by their black and white striped heads, which they lose upon reaching adulthood.
This species prefers vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding.
The great crested grebe has three subspecies: P. c. cristatus in Eurasia, P. c. infuscatus in Africa, and P. c. australis in Australia, Tasmania, and the South Island of New Zealand. The European subspecies migrates from colder regions, while the African and Australasian subspecies are mainly sedentary.
The great crested grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, pursuing fish underwater. Its mating display is particularly elaborate, involving synchronized dances and poses.
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The call of the great crested grebe is a loud barking "rah-rah-rah," complemented by a clicking "kek" and deep growls.
Both sexes build the nest at the water's edge, and the average clutch consists of four chalky-white eggs. Incubation is shared, starting with the first egg and lasting 27 to 29 days. The precocial young are capable of swimming and diving almost immediately and are taught by the adults.
Their diet mainly consists of fish, supplemented by small crustaceans, insects, small frogs, and newts.
The great crested grebe is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Conservation efforts in places like New Zealand's Lake Wānaka have been ongoing since 2013. The species has also been a beneficiary of early protection efforts by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the United Kingdom.
Tuesday, 23 June 2020
23-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)
Tarentola mauritanica, known as the common wall gecko, is a species of gecko (Gekkota) native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It has been introduced to Madeira and Balearic Islands, and the Americas (in Montevideo, Buenos Aires and California). A nocturnal animal with a predominantly insectivorous diet, it is commonly observed on walls in urban environments in warm coastal areas; it can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as an insect hunter.
A robust species, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, its tubercules are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.
The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and, regionally, as osga (in Portuguese), salamanquesa (in Spanish) and dragó (in Catalan).
23-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MUSCINA FLY (Genus muscina)
The genus Muscina, commonly known as false stable flies, consists of approximately 27 species of flies within the family Muscidae. These flies are globally distributed and are notable for their significance in forensic science and public health.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: They typically have a striped thorax and a characteristic pale or reddish tip on the scutellum (the back part of the thorax).
Mouthparts: They possess a retractable proboscis with sponging or sucking mouthparts, similar to the common housefly.
Wing Venation: A distinguishing feature is the "fourth vein" (M vein) on the wing, which is moderately curved but does not meet the third vein at the wing tip.
Size: Most common species, such as M. stabulans and M. levida, are slightly larger than the common housefly, averaging 8 mm in length.
20-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JUNE BEETLE (Anoxia australis)
Melolonthinae is a subfamily of the scarab beetles (family Scarabaeidae). It is a very diverse group; distributed over most of the world, it contains over 11,000 species in over 750 genera. Some authors include the scarab subfamilies Euchirinae and Pachypodinae as tribes in the Melolonthinae.
Unlike some of their relatives, their habitus is usually not bizarre. They resemble the Rutelinae in being fairly plesiomorphic in outward appearance. Like in many Scarabaeidae, males have large fingered antennae, while those of the females are smaller and somewhat knobby. In the Melolonthinae, this sexual dimorphism is particularly pronounced. Many species have striking – though rarely brilliant or iridescent – hues and bold patterns of hairs.
Being often quite sizeable and swarming in numbers at certain times, for example the Amphimallon, Phyllophaga and Polyphylla "June beetles" or the Melolontha cockchafers – all from tribe Melolonthini – feature widely in folklore. Some Melolonthinae are economically significant pests. Other than the Melolonthini, the most diverse tribes are the Ablaberini, Liparetrini, Macrodactylini, Tanyproctini and Sericini.
Monday, 22 June 2020
22-6-2020 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)
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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.
22-6-2020 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)
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The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.
When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.
The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.
This species has a breeding range that extends across southern and central Europe and into North Africa. Populations along the southern and Atlantic coasts tend to be resident, while those in the north are migratory, seeking warmer climates in southern Europe during the winter months.
22-6-2020 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - MEXICAN PALO VERDE TREE (Parkinsonia aculeata)
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Parkinsonia aculeata is a species of perennial flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Common names include palo verde, Mexican palo verde, Parkinsonia, Jerusalem thorn, jelly bean tree, palo de rayo, and retama.
Parkinsonia aculeata may be a spiny shrub or a small tree. It grows 2 to 8 m (6.6 to 26.2 ft) high, with a maximum height of 10 metres (33 ft). Palo verde may have single or multiple stems and many branches with pendulous leaves. The leaves and stems are hairless. The leaves are alternate and pennate (15 to 20 cm long). The flattened petiole is edged by two rows of 25–30 tiny oval leaflets; the leaflets are soon deciduous in dry weather (and during the winter in some areas) leaving the green petioles and branches to photosynthesize.
The branches grow double or triple sharp spines 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in) long at the axils of the leaves. The flowers are yellow- orange and fragrant, 20 mm (0.79 in) in diameter, growing from a long slender stalk in groups of eight to ten. They have five sepals and five petals, four of them clearer and rhomboid ovate, the fifth elongated, with a warmer yellow and purple spots at the base. The flowering period is in the middle months of spring (March–April or September–October). The flowers are pollinated by bees. The fruit is a seedpod, leathery in appearance, light brown when mature.
P. aculeata is a major invasive species in Australia, as it is listed as a Weed of National Significance and is ranked as Australia's worst weed. It is also a major problem in parts of tropical Africa, Hawaii, and other Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
22-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.
Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.
The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is an impressive but terribly shy Lacertid. In particular, adult specimens may have flight distances of more than 20 meters. These lizards occur in high altitude mountain areas as well as in coastal dunes and agricultural land.
Adult specimens differ from Timon lepidus by the grey or brown basic coloration with no or reduced black markings.
Juveniles and subadults of Timon nevadensis frequently show dark edges on the labial scales which lack in juvenile Timon lepidus. However, there seem to exist populations with intermediate characteristics.
Within its distribution range, Timon nevadensis cannot be confused with other lizards, due to its big size of adults and the distinct white spot pattern of the juveniles.
These lizards were a regular visitor to our garden but since the large fire in the area we have not seen them for several years. They are sorely missed.
22-6-2020 MAINE, USA - ATLANTIC PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica) WEB CAM
Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) are small, 25-30 cm seabirds known as "sea parrots" or "clowns of the sea" for their colorful, triangular beaks. They spend winters at sea and gather in large North Atlantic colonies to breed in grassy cliff burrows. These skilled divers reach depths of 60 meters, holding over a dozen fish at once.
Sunday, 21 June 2020
21-6-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - SOUTHERN GATEKEEPER BUTTERFLY (Pyronia cecilia)
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Pyronia cecilia, the southern gatekeeper, is a butterfly of Southern Europe and North Africa. It is a member of the subfamily Satyrinae in the family Nymphalidae.
It is similar in appearance to the gatekeeper (P. tithonus), which is found further north, and the Spanish gatekeeper (P. bathsheba). The gatekeeper has spots on the underside of the hindwing which the southern gatekeeper lacks. The Spanish gatekeeper has quite a different underwing pattern with a prominent while band.
The southern gatekeeper, like many in subspecies Satyrinae, exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male is smaller than the female, the front wing of the male is 15 to 16 mm whereas a female front wing is 20 mm, and has a patch of scent-producing scales known as the androconia, which can be seen as a dark patch on the upperside of the forewing.
The southern gatekeeper likes hot localities and is found in northern Africa and southern Europe; in Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain including Mallorca and Menorca, south-eastern France, Corsica, Sardinia, Elba, Italy, Sicily, Croatia, Albania, Greece and Turkey. It is usually found in rough, open areas in lowland regions although in some areas it occurs up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
Food plants are grasses including Deschampsia cespitosa
21-6-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)
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The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.
Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.
The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.
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This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and can also be found in parts of North Africa.
Stonechats are known for their lively presence, often perching conspicuously as they keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. They exhibit a partial migratory pattern, with some populations moving southward to escape the colder winters.
The male stonechat's song is a delightful, high-pitched twitter, reminiscent of a dunnock's melody. Both sexes communicate with a distinctive call that evokes the sound of two stones being tapped together.
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European stonechats are monogamous during the breeding season and commence their reproductive efforts at one year of age. They raise two to three broods per season, with the female constructing the nest and both parents tending to the young.
The European stonechat can be confused with the Siberian stonechat and the African stonechat, but genetic evidence supports their distinction as separate species.
These birds are adept insectivores, gleaning a variety of invertebrates from their environment to sustain themselves and their offspring.
The European stonechat does not currently face any significant conservation threats and enjoys a stable population across its range.
21-6-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - CENTAURIES (Blackstonia grandiflora)
Blackstonia is a genus of flowering plants of the family Gentianaceae, native to Europe and to nearby regions of Asia and Africa. Its best known species is its type species, Blackstonia perfoliata, the yellow-wort.
The genus is named after the English botanical writer John Blackstone (1712-1753).
Species
Species currently accepted by The Plant List[3] are as follows:
Blackstonia acuminata (Koch & Ziz) Domin
Blackstonia grandiflora (Viv.) Maire
Blackstonia imperfoliata (L.f.) Samp.
Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Huds.
21-6-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - LARGE PSAMMODROMUS LIZARD (Psammodromus algirus)
Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.
Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).
The IUCN assessment from 2009 treats Psammodromus algirus nollii and Psammodromus algirus ketamensis as full species and restricts Psammodromus algirus to North Africa.
P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.
Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.
P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.
P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.
29-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE WEAVER (Ploceus capensis)
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The Cape weaver, Ploceus capensis, is a robust bird, measuring 17 cm in length, with olive-brown streaked upperparts and a sharply pointed conical bill. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism.
During the breeding season, the male Cape weaver is resplendent with a bright yellow head and underparts, an orange visage, and striking white irises. The adult female, however, sports an olive-yellow head and breast, which fades to a paler yellow on the lower belly. While females typically have brown eyes, a small percentage may display pale eyes during the summer months. Juveniles resemble the female in plumage.
The Cape weaver thrives in open grasslands, lowland fynbos, coastal thickets, and agricultural landscapes, provided there is a consistent presence of water and suitable trees for nesting.
This bird is endemic to the southern reaches of Africa, specifically South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Its range extends from the Northern Cape's Orange River, southward to the Cape of Good Hope, and eastward to northern KwaZulu Natal, almost reaching Bloemfontein in the Free State.
Outside of the breeding season, Cape weavers form flocks and congregate in large communal roosts, which may be shared with other avian species. They exhibit anting behaviour and are known to bathe even during rainfall or mist.
Saturday, 20 June 2020
20-6-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.
Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.
The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.
The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.
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