Thursday, 23 July 2020
23-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EURASIAN REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
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The Common Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, is a medium-sized warbler measuring approximately 13 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 17 to 21 cm. It exhibits an unstreaked brown back with buff underparts. Both sexes are identical in appearance, which is typical for warblers. Juveniles can be distinguished by their richer buff underparts. The species is characterized by a flattened forehead and a robust, pointed bill.
When identifying the Common Reed Warbler, look for its brown, unstreaked back and buff underparts. The bird's supercilium is less pronounced than that of the larger Great Reed Warbler. In flight, observe the wing-span and listen for its distinctive song.
This species is almost exclusively found in reed beds, often with interspersed bushes, providing it with the necessary cover and nesting sites.
The Common Reed Warbler breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic and is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also a resident species in large parts of Africa.
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Males typically arrive at breeding grounds a few weeks before females. The species is generally monogamous, with pairs raising up to two broods per season. It is known to be brood parasitized by the Common Cuckoo.
The song of the Common Reed Warbler is a distinctive slow, chattering "jit-jit-jit" with acrocephaline whistles and mimicry.
Nests are built by the female over water, often in reeds, and are deep cylindrical cups. Clutches usually contain three to five pale green eggs with olive or grey speckles. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 9-12 days. Fledglings leave the nest after 10-12 days but are fed by parents for an additional 10-14 days.
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The Great Reed Warbler is similar in appearance but is larger and has a more pronounced supercilium.
The Common Reed Warbler is primarily insectivorous but may occasionally consume plant material such as berries.
The IUCN lists the Common Reed Warbler as Least Concern, indicating a stable population.
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
22-7-2020 LA PINET, ALICANTE - KENTISH PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus)
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The breeding area continues along the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain in the Middle East. Small populations can be found on islands too, such as the Cape Verde archipelago, the Canary Islands, and the Azores. It is a rare vagrant in Australia. Some populations do not migrate, such as the Maio (Cape Verde) population, however other populations can migrate reasonable distances, for example, plovers that spend winter in North Africa have been known to migrate to Turkey and Greece in the spring. Some birds breeding in western Europe are not known to travel very far, just within Europe, however some do travel, mainly to Western Africa.
22-7-2020 LA PINET, ALICANTE - PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)
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The pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, presents a striking silhouette with its bold black and white plumage. This large wader, belonging to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, is adorned with a distinctive black cap and black markings on its wings and back, contrasting sharply against its otherwise white body. The species is noted for its elegant, upturned bill and elongated, bluish legs, which add to its graceful demeanor.
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.
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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.
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Pied avocets forage in shallow waters or on mudflats, often employing a unique side-to-side scything motion with their bills to capture prey. They primarily consume crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, they nest on open ground, often forming small groups and sometimes associating with other wader species. Their nests are typically lined scrapes or mounds of vegetation, where they lay three to five eggs.
The avocet's call is a distinctive, melodious "kluit kluit," which carries far across their watery habitats.
Pied avocets establish breeding territories in shallow brackish waters, where they lay their eggs in simple ground nests. These nests may be lined with materials or placed on mounds of vegetation to protect them from flooding.
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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.
Tuesday, 21 July 2020
Monday, 20 July 2020
20-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - 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.
The species is known for its adaptability, with many individuals remaining in the same area year-round, while others migrate to milder regions of western Europe or head south to areas such as Senegal and the Red Sea. Post-breeding dispersal can lead to increased numbers in regions like southern England from July to October.
Sunday, 19 July 2020
4-5-2017 CORDOBA, ANDALUCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)
The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.
Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.
The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.
This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.
The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.
19-7-2020 BUFALI, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)
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The European bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a bird of arresting beauty and grace. Its plumage is a kaleidoscope of warm hues, with brown and yellow adorning its upper parts, while the wings boast a vibrant green. The beak, a stark black, contrasts sharply with the bird's colorful attire. This slender avian can reach a length of 27–29 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers that add to its elegance. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the female may sport greener shoulder feathers compared to the male's gold.
When identifying the European bee-eater, look for its distinctive coloration and sleek profile. The non-breeding plumage is more subdued, with a blue-green back and the absence of elongated central tail feathers. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but exhibit less variation in feather colors. During the moulting period, adults transition to breeding plumage, which is completed before their winter migration to Africa.
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These birds favor open country in warmer climates, often found in proximity to sandy banks and river shores where they can nest and forage with ease.
The European bee-eater breeds across southern and central Europe, parts of northern and southern Africa, and western Asia. While the southern African population remains resident year-round, others migrate to tropical Africa for the winter. Occasionally, they are seen north of their typical range, with sporadic breeding in northern Europe.
Gregarious by nature, European bee-eaters nest colonially in sandy banks, with communal tendencies extending to feeding and roosting. Courtship involves the male presenting the female with large prey items, a gesture of both affection and sustenance.
The call of the European bee-eater is a melodious and liquid "prreee" or "prruup," a sound as mellow as the bird's demeanor.
Breeding season sees these birds tunneling into sandy banks to lay their spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and care. The eggs hatch after about three weeks, and the young are raised with communal diligence.
19-7-2020 BUFALI,, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)
Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.
Physical characteristics Size: Adults grow to about \(15-20\) cm long, with the tail making up two-thirds of the total length.Body shape: They are slender with a long tail, a narrow head, and long, thin toes.Color: Dorsal colors are typically grey-brown with varied patterns. Females tend to have more prominent longitudinal stripes, while males are often smaller. Some individuals also have ventral color variations, including yellow, orange/red, and white morphs.
Habitat and behavior Habitat: The species is adaptable and can be found in various environments, including rocky areas, shrubby vegetation, and even human settlements.Distribution: Its range extends from the Rhône Valley in France to the Sierra Nevada in Spain.
Activity: They are diurnal and active, often seen basking, foraging, and hiding in vegetation.Diet: They feed on small invertebrates and sometimes fruit.Reproduction: As an oviparous (egg-laying) species, females lay an average of 2.80 eggs per clutch in continental populations.
Saturday, 18 July 2020
15-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROUND NECKED LONGHORN BEETLE (Stromatium auratum)
Stromatium fulvum is a highly destructive, polyphagous longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) known for boring into dry, dead wood and processed timber throughout the Mediterranean, Near East, and Caucasus. It causes severe structural damage to wooden, furniture, and, with a 2+ year life cycle, acts as a major pest.
Key Facts About Stromatium fulvum:
Appearance: Adults are 12–32 mm long, characterized by a brownish color, with elytra that are relatively shiny, punctured, and often feature two longitudinal costae.
Damage Profile: As a severe pest of "wood-in-use," larvae tunnel through dry timber, often leaving no visible external traces until adults emerge.
Diet: Extremely polyphagous, attacking various, primarily deciduous, dry wood types.
Life Cycle: The life cycle typically lasts 2 or more years.
Distribution: Primarily found in the Mediterranean region, Near East, Caucasus, and Iran.
Friday, 17 July 2020
15-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)
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The pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, presents a striking silhouette with its bold black and white plumage. This large wader, belonging to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, is adorned with a distinctive black cap and black markings on its wings and back, contrasting sharply against its otherwise white body. The species is noted for its elegant, upturned bill and elongated, bluish legs, which add to its graceful demeanor.
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.
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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.
Pied avocets forage in shallow waters or on mudflats, often employing a unique side-to-side scything motion with their bills to capture prey. They primarily consume crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, they nest on open ground, often forming small groups and sometimes associating with other wader species. Their nests are typically lined scrapes or mounds of vegetation, where they lay three to five eggs.
The avocet's call is a distinctive, melodious "kluit kluit," which carries far across their watery habitats.
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Pied avocets establish breeding territories in shallow brackish waters, where they lay their eggs in simple ground nests. These nests may be lined with materials or placed on mounds of vegetation to protect them from flooding.
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.
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