8-6-2017 RIO SERPIS POTRIES, VALENCIA - PALE CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias hyale)

The Clouded Yellow is one of the truly migratory European butterflies and a regular visitor to Britain and Ireland. Although some of these golden-yellow butterflies are seen every year, the species is famous for occasional mass immigrations and subsequent breeding, which are fondly and long remembered as ''Clouded Yellow Years''. A small proportion of females are pale yellow (form helice), which can be confused with the rarer Pale and Berger's Clouded Yellows.

The Clouded Yellow is a true migrant. Breeding grounds are found in North Africa, extending into Southern Europe. During summer the migrants are found all across the British isles and Europe. The butterfly is also found in Asia ranging from Siberia to India.

The Clouded Yellow is a strong migrant, and most years it reaches southern England, occasionally travelling into Wales, Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland. Some years these colourful butterflies are abundant in southern Britain and in other years only a few make it this far north. The origin of these migrants is northern Africa and southern Europe, where they are both widespread and abundant except at very high altitudes.

Clouded Yellows may be seen in any habitat, but congregate in flowery places where the larval foodplants grow. As clovers are still commonly cultivated, the Clouded Yellow is one of the few butterfly species that have no difficulty locating breeding habitat in the modern farmed countryside. In southern England, there is a preference for unimproved chalk downland.

7-6-2017 RIO SERPIS POTRIES, VALENCIA - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

The little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius ) is a small plover. The genus name Charadrius is a Late Latin word for a yellowish bird mentioned in the fourth-century Vulgate. It derives from Ancient Greek kharadrios a bird found in river valleys (kharadra, "ravine"). The specific dubius is Latin for doubtful, since Sonnerat, writing in 1776, thought this bird might be just a variant of common ringed plover.

Adult little ringed plovers have a grey-brown back and wings, a white belly and a white breast with one black neckband. They have a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask around the eyes with white above and a short dark bill. The legs are flesh-coloured and the toes are all webbed.

This species differs from the larger ringed plover in leg colour, the head pattern, and the presence of a clear yellow eye-ring.

Their breeding habitat is open gravel areas near freshwater, including gravel pits, islands and river edges across the Palearctic including northwestern Africa. They nest on the ground on stones with little or no plant growth. Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs.

They are migratory and winter in Africa. These birds forage for food on muddy areas, usually by sight. They eat insects and worms.

The Little Ringed Plover, Charadrius dubius, presents itself as a small and sprightly bird. Its plumage is a subtle blend of grey-brown on the back and wings, while its underparts remain a crisp white. A distinctive black neckband adorns its white breast, complementing the brown cap atop its head. A striking black mask encircles the eyes, set against a white forehead, and is accentuated by a clear yellow eye-ring—a feature unique to this species. Its bill is short and dark, and the legs exhibit a flesh-coloured hue, with all toes connected by webbing.

To distinguish the Little Ringed Plover from its close relatives, one should note the colour of its legs, the pattern on its head, and the presence of the yellow eye-ring. These characteristics set it apart from the larger Ringed Plover, which lacks these specific traits.

The preferred breeding grounds of the Little Ringed Plover are open gravel areas adjacent to freshwater sources. These include gravel pits, river edges, and islands, where vegetation is sparse or non-existent.

This bird boasts a wide range across the Palearctic, extending to northwestern Africa. It is a migratory species, retreating to the warmer climates of Africa during the winter months.

The Little Ringed Plover is known for its foraging habits on muddy terrains, where it primarily relies on sight to locate its prey. It is a ground-nesting bird, with both males and females sharing the responsibility of incubating the eggs.

The call of the Little Ringed Plover is a distinctive sound, contributing to the rich tapestry of bird songs in its habitat.

During the breeding season, these birds exhibit a fascinating mating ritual where the male bird may be observed tapping the cloaca of the female.

While similar in appearance to the larger Ringed Plover, the Little Ringed Plover can be differentiated by its leg colour, head pattern, and the conspicuous yellow eye-ring.

The diet of the Little Ringed Plover consists of insects and worms, which it diligently searches for in muddy areas.

The Little Ringed Plover is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), ensuring international efforts are made to safeguard its future.

7-6-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

Grey herons occur in most parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over much of their range, these birds are resident, but populations from the more northerly parts of Europe migrate southwards; some remain in Central and Southern Europe, and others travel on to Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Grey herons can be found anywhere with suitable watery habitats that can supply their food. Although most common in the lowlands, they also occur in mountain tarns, lakes, reservoirs, large and small rivers, marshes, ponds, ditches, flooded areas, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and seashore. They sometimes forage away from water in the pasture, and can even be found in desert areas, hunting for beetles and lizards.

Grey herons are social birds; they may feed alone or in groups and at night they roost in trees or on cliffs and tend to be gregarious. During the breeding season, they nest in big colonies. Grey herons usually hunt around dawn and dusk but they may also be active at other times of the day. They often perch in trees, but spend much time on the ground, striding about or standing still for long periods with an upright stance, often on a single leg. The main call of Grey herons is a loud croaking "fraaank", but a variety of guttural and raucous noises is heard at the breeding colony. A loud, harsh "schaah" is used by the male in driving other birds from the vicinity of the nest, and a soft "gogogo" expresses anxiety, as when a predator is nearby or a human walks past the colony. The chicks utter loud chattering or ticking noises.

Grey herons are the largest birds most of us ever see in our garden: the wing span is around 6ft.

Despite their size, they are surprisingly light, weighing on average only half as much as a greylag goose.

The old English name for a heron was hragra; other names now largely fallen into disuse include harn, hernser and hernshaw. Heron comes from the French, for the French name is héron céndre.

In medieval times the heron was a favourite quarry of falconers who valued its great flying skills and ability to evade the falcon's stoops.

Roast herons were also popular at medieval banquets: the young birds, called branchers, were thought to be the best to eat.

The fat of a heron killed at full moon was once believed to be a cure for rheumatism.

Herons are sociable birds when nesting, invariably nesting in long-established heronries.

Most heronries are in trees, with the majority of nests at least 25m above the ground. However, reed-bed heronries are not unusual, and they will also nest on cliffs, bushes, sometimes even on buildings of bridges.

Heronries can reach a prodigious size: one at Great Snowden's Wood, near Brede in Sussex, contained around 400 nests in 1866.

The biggest heronry in Britain is currently at Northward Hill in Kent, an RSPB reserve. Numbers here have peaked at over 200 nests, but the current total is around 150.

7-6-2017 VILLALONGA , VALENCIA - BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (Calopteryx virgo)

The beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a species of damselfly belonging to the family Calopterygidae. It is found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is often found along fast-flowing waters.

Females can lay up to 300 eggs at a time on floating plants, such as water-crowfoot. Like the banded demoiselle, they often submerge underwater to do so, and the eggs hatch around 14 days later. The larvae are stick-shaped and have long legs. They develop over a period of two years in submerged vegetation, plant debris, or roots. They usually overwinter in mud or slime.

The larvae of the beautiful demoiselle develop over 10 to 12 stages, each of which ends with a moult. The body length varies and depends on environmental conditions. In the final stage (F-0-stage), larvae are 3.5–4.6 millimetres long and weigh about 4 milligrams, slightly smaller than those of the banded demoiselle. The larvae of the beautiful demoiselle can be recognized by the bristles of the gills on their abdomen.

The body of the larvae shows only a relatively small adjustment to the fast-flowing waters of their habitat. The body is not flattened, but it is very slim, and the legs are long and end with strong claws. Because they reside within the water, and mainly in quiet areas, the danger of being swept by the flow is relatively low. If this happens, they stretch out to grab onto passing vegetation or substrate.

7-6-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

House sparrows are social birds, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a range of behaviors, including dust or water bathing and communal roosting. Males are known to be territorial around their nesting sites.

The house sparrow's vocalizations are predominantly variations of a simple chirping call. Males may sing or give an "ecstatic call" during the breeding season, and the species uses a variety of calls for different social interactions.

House sparrows are generally monogamous and may mate for life. They can breed in the season following their hatching and often produce multiple clutches per year, with each clutch containing up to five eggs. Nest sites are varied, with a preference for cavities.

6-6-2017 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

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.

Outside of the breeding season, the European serin is a sociable creature, forming flocks that may sometimes mingle with other finch species. It is an active and often conspicuous bird, its presence easily announced by its distinctive trill.

The serin's song is a distinctive buzzing trill, a sound that becomes part of the ambient music in regions where these birds are common.

The European serin weaves its nest within the shelter of a shrub or tree, where it lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. The chosen breeding habitats are often areas of open woodland and cultivation, with a preference for some conifers.

The diet of the European serin is predominantly seeds, but it does not shy away from including insects during the breeding season, providing essential protein for its young.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the European serin as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any imminent threats to its survival.

6-6-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.

6-6-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GROUND BUG (LYGAEUS SAXITALIS)

Spilostethus saxatilis is a species of bugs belonging to the family Lygaeidae, subfamily Lygaeinae.

This species can be found in the Euro-Mediterranean-Turanian Region, with a more northern distribution relative to Spilostethus pandurus,[citation needed] at least as far east as Iran.

It is present in most of Europe (Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine),[2] and in the Oriental realm.

These bugs prefer warm, dry open areas, meadows and fields. They can also be seen on the rocks (hence the species name saxatilis, which is derived from the Latin word saxum, meaning rock).

Spilostethus saxatilis can reach a length of 8.5–12.5 millimetres (0.33–0.49 in). Bodies of these bugs are characterized by black and red markings of different shapes. Pronotum is red, with two broad, irregularly shaped longitudinal black stripes. The hemilytra have black and red markings, while the membrane is black, without white spot. The outer edge of the corium is black. The connexivum is alternately red and black colored. Antennae and legs are black.

These polyphagous bugs feed on seeds and juices of various plants, especially Aspleniaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae. Spilostethus saxatilis is a univoltine species. The mating takes place in May and June. The new adult generation will appear in August. Adults overwinter.

6-6-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON GERANIUM BRONZE BUTTERFLY (Cacyreus marshalli)

The geranium bronze or brun des pélargoniums in French (Cacyreus marshalli), is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

The geranium bronze butterfly is native to South Africa. The butterfly was first introduced to Europe in the late 20th century, where it has quickly spread to many southern and eastern European regions. Since its introduction to Europe, the geranium bronze butterfly has become a pest to cultivated Pelargonium and Geranium plant species. Currently, efforts are being made to contain the spread of the geranium bronze butterflies as well as to determine the most effective pesticide for the species.

The adult geranium bronze butterfly's wingspan ranges from 15–23 mm in males and 18–23 mm in females. The wings are brown/bronze with a white border outlining the wings. The underside is a grey-brown with darker bands interlaced with white, creating an intricate pattern. The hindwings contain an eye spot in order to divert predators from attacking. The male and female are similar in appearance.

The geranium bronze was first recorded in regions of South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape Provinces, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Eswatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique. It was accidentally brought to Europe in 1978. After being recorded in England, a colony of geranium bronze was soon found in Mallorca in 1990, and has since spread to most of the regions in southern Europe. In 1996, the geranium bronze butterfly was first recorded in Rome, Italy, and rapidly spread along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coastal areas before extending inland. The geranium bronze butterfly now has established colonies in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Greece, Malta, Spain, Portugal, southern Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, and the French Mediterranean. The first record of the species in Palestine was made in the garden of the Palestine Museum of Natural History.

6-6-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SAN JUAN BEETLE (Anoxia australis)

Anoxia australis is a species of beetle in the Scarabaeidae family and the Melolonthidae subfamily.

Like many other genera and species, it is commonly known as the "San Juan beetle". Its life cycle, which lasts about four years, takes place underground. When it reaches maturity, in its fourth year of life, generally between April-May and June, it comes to the surface at dusk. It carries out nuptial flights and copulates. Sometimes there are more than one male mating. The females burrow back into the ground to lay their eggs.

It lives in western Mediterranean Europe . 1​ In Spain and Portugal it is found throughout almost the entire Peninsula. In spring (first year) the adults appear and, once they reproduce, the female lays her eggs in the ground, at a depth of one hand's breadth. The eggs then hatch and the new larvae spend the winter buried in a dormant state.

With the arrival of spring (second year) the larvae come to the surface to feed, increasing in size and thus their voracity. They then bury themselves again to hibernate.

In the spring of the third year, the larvae become active again and continue feeding, but only for a few months, as they complete their development and pupate. The following spring, the new adults appear, thus closing their biological cycle. In practice, the generations overlap and the insect can be found at any stage of development.

Annual generations are 1 every three years.

The adult causes defoliation in trees and shrubs, with little damage.

The larva feeds on the plant's root system, which results in failed planting, lack of vigor, and even death of the plant.

In grapevines, Anoxia is the most important genus, above Melolontha.

Control and Treatment for White Worm

By applying to the soil, in the crop rows, one of the following insecticides in granules: cypermethrin, lambda cyhalothrin, tefluthrin, spinosad. It is also possible to apply Beauveria bassiana mixed with cereal bran.

Removing the soil achieves two things: exposing the larvae to the sun and animals, as well as making it difficult for them to lay eggs.

5-6-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON GERANIUM BRONZE BUTTERFLY (Cacyreus marshalli)

The geranium bronze or brun des pélargoniums in French (Cacyreus marshalli), is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

The geranium bronze butterfly is native to South Africa. The butterfly was first introduced to Europe in the late 20th century, where it has quickly spread to many southern and eastern European regions. Since its introduction to Europe, the geranium bronze butterfly has become a pest to cultivated Pelargonium and Geranium plant species. Currently, efforts are being made to contain the spread of the geranium bronze butterflies as well as to determine the most effective pesticide for the species.

The adult geranium bronze butterfly's wingspan ranges from 15–23 mm in males and 18–23 mm in females. The wings are brown/bronze with a white border outlining the wings. The underside is a grey-brown with darker bands interlaced with white, creating an intricate pattern. The hindwings contain an eye spot in order to divert predators from attacking. The male and female are similar in appearance.

5-6-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SEED BUG (Spilostethus furcula)

Spilostethus furcula is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, found in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Adults can exceed one centimetre in length. The head is small, with a pair of bulging eyes on both sides. Long antennae with four segments, pronotum "kind of shield located between the head and the abdomen, red with black spots, the abdomen is covered by hemyelytra "chitinous wings whose function is to protect the true wings. The true wings are membranous and greyish or brown. The Scutellum "triangular piece located below the pronotum, black in colour and the abdomen with a zebra-like margin of red and black, these being its main characteristics.

5-6-2017 GANDIA MARJAL, 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.

5-6-2017 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

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.

5-6-2017 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - RED EARED SLIDER TERRAPIN (JUVENILE)

The Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans ) is a subspecies of the Pond slider, a semiaquatic turtle. It is the most popular pet turtle in the United States, is also popular as a pet across the rest of the world, and is the most invasive turtle. It is the most commonly traded turtle in the world. The Red-eared slider is also included in the list of the world's 100 most invasive species.

Red-eared sliders get their name from the small red stripe around their ears and from their ability to slide quickly off rocks and logs into the water. Their shell is divided into two sections: the upper or dorsal carapace, and the lower, ventral carapace or plastron. The color of the carapace changes depending on the age of the turtle. The carapace usually has a dark green background with light and dark, highly variable markings. In young or recently hatched turtles, it is leaf green and gets slightly darker as a turtle gets older, until it is a very dark green, and then turns a shade between brown and olive green. The plastron is always a light yellow with dark, paired, irregular markings in the center of most scutes. The head, legs, and tail are green with fine, irregular, yellow lines. The females of the species are usually larger than the males.

Red-eared sliders originated from the area around the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, in warm climates in the southeastern United States. Their native areas range from the southeast of Colorado to Virginia and Florida. Owing to their popularity as pets, Red-eared sliders have been released or escaped into the wild in many parts of the world. Feral populations are now found in Australia, Europe, Great Britain, South Africa, the Caribbean Islands, Israel, Bahrain, the Mariana Islands, Guam, and southeast and far-east Asia. In nature, these turtles inhabit areas with a source of still, warm water, such as ponds, lakes, swamps, creeks, streams, or slow-flowing rivers. They live in areas of calm water where they are able to leave the water easily by climbing onto rocks or tree trunks so they can warm up in the sun. Turtles in the wild always remain close to water unless they are searching for a new habitat or when females leave the water to lay their eggs.

Red-eared sliders are diurnal and spend most of their time in the water; however, as they are cold-blooded, they leave the water to sunbathe to regulate their temperature. They are often found sunbathing in a group or even on top of each other. Red-eared sliders do not hibernate, but actually brumate; while they become less active, they do occasionally rise to the surface for food or air. Brumation can occur to varying degrees. In the wild, Red-eared sliders brumate over the winter at the bottoms of ponds or shallow lakes. They generally become inactive in October, when temperatures fall below 10 °C (50 °F). During this time, the turtles enter a state of sopor (deep sleep), during which they do not eat or defecate. They remain nearly motionless, and the frequency of their breathing falls. Individuals usually brumate underwater, but they may also be found under banks and rocks and in hollow stumps. In warmer winter climates, they can become active and come to the surface for basking. When the temperature begins to drop again, however, they quickly return to a brumation state. Slider turtles have very sharp vision. Their eyes have receptors that can see ultraviolet, violet, blue, green, and red light. In order to communicate with each other, they use eye-rolling, vibrations, touches, and displays.

5-6-2017 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

5-6-2017 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COOT (JUVENILE) (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

This species is known for its noisy demeanor, producing a variety of crackling, explosive, or trumpeting calls, which are often heard at night.

Coots build bulky, sometimes floating nests, concealed in vegetation or in the open. Both sexes construct the nest, with the male gathering materials. Clutches typically contain 6-10 buff-colored eggs speckled with black or dark brown. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 21-24 days. Chicks are precocial and nidifugous, with distinctive orange-red tips on their down.

Omnivorous in nature, the Eurasian coot consumes small live prey, including other birds' eggs, as well as algae, vegetation, seeds, and fruit. It employs various feeding techniques, both on land and in water.

The Eurasian coot is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

22-3-2017 TROGON LODGE, COSTA RICA - VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula)

The Volcano Hummingbird, scientifically known as Selasphorus flammula, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the "bee hummingbirds" tribe Mellisugini. This species graces the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama with its presence and is notably featured on Costa Rica's 20 thousand colones bill.

Adult males of the Volcano Hummingbird are characterized by their bronze-green upperparts and striking mauve-purple gorget, with the rest of the underparts predominantly white. They possess rufous-edged black outer tail feathers, and their breast sides are tinged with buffy to pale cinnamon, speckled with green. Females, while also bronze-green above, have green central tail feathers with rufous bases, a black band near the end, and buffy to white tips. Their throats are whitish with dusky bronze speckles. Juveniles resemble adult females but have buffy fringes on their upperpart feathers.

The Volcano Hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula) is a very small hummingbird which breeds only in the mountains of Costa Rica and Chiriqui, Panama. This tiny endemic bird inhabits open brushy areas, paramo, and edges of elfin forest at altitudes from 1850 m to the highest peaks. It is only 7.5 cm long. The male weighs 2.5 g and the female 2.8 g. The black bill is short and straight. The adult male Volcano Hummingbird has bronze-green upperparts and rufous-edged black outer tail feathers. The throat is grey-purple in the Talamanca range, red in the Poas-Barva mountains and pink-purple in the Irazú-Turrialba area, the rest of the underparts being white. The female is similar, but her throat is white with dusky spots. Young birds resemble the female but have buff fringes to the upperpart plumage.

These hummingbirds inhabit semi-open to open high mountain slopes, thriving in environments such as páramo, second growth on landslide scars or ashfall areas, scrubby pastures, and the edges of elfin forest and taller forest.

The Volcano Hummingbird can be found across various high-elevation locations in Costa Rica and western Panama, with the nominate subspecies residing on Volcanoes Irazú and Turrialba in central Costa Rica.

During the breeding season, which spans from August or September to February, males establish small territories for courtship displays, while females construct nests of plant down and spider web adorned with moss and lichens. Post-breeding, some individuals may descend to lower elevations or migrate to adjacent mountains, allowing for subspecies intermingling.

While foraging, the Volcano Hummingbird emits soft chip notes. Males produce a thin whistled 'teeeeeuu' and a twittering 'scolding' call during confrontations with other males. The male's tail feathers create a series of broad-frequency pulses during their dive display.

The female Volcano Hummingbird crafts a cup nest on the outermost end of a twig, typically between 1 and 5 meters above the ground, occasionally on a rootly drooping from an earth bank. The specifics of the incubation period and fledging time remain a mystery.

The Volcano Hummingbird forages for nectar from a diverse array of small flowers and also consumes small arthropods, either caught on the wing or gleaned from foliage and spider webs.

The IUCN has classified the Volcano Hummingbird as Least Concern, with a fairly large range and a stable population estimated between 20,000 and 50,000 mature individuals. The species is found in protected areas and may even benefit from human activity, as it is more abundant in open areas than in forested ones.

Although this species may have a small range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be moderately small to large, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

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Bombus terrestris, the buff-tailed bumblebee or large earth bumblebee, is one of the most numerous bumblebee species in Europe. It is one of the main species used in greenhouse pollination, and so can be found in many countries and areas where it is not native, such as Tasmania.[2] Moreover, it is a eusocial insect with an overlap of generations, a division of labour, and cooperative brood care. The queen is monogamous which means she mates with only one male. B. terrestris workers learn flower colours and forage efficiently.

B. terrestris is most commonly found throughout Europe and generally occupies temperate climates. Because it can survive in a wide variety of habitats, there are populations in the Near East, the Mediterranean Islands, and Northern Africa as well.[6] Additionally, it has escaped captivity after being introduced as a greenhouse pollinator in countries where it is not native, so this bee is now considered an invasive species in many of these places, including Japan, Chile, Argentina, and Tasmania. Nests are usually found underground, such as in abandoned rodent dens. Colonies form comb-like nest structures with egg cells each containing several eggs. The queen will lay egg cells on top of one another. Colonies produce between 300 and 400 bees on average, with a large variation in the number of workers.