Acrida ungarica (Truxalis nasuta) – Orthoptera – Acrididae (Spain) – I have wished to photograph a specimen for some years and coming across one is quite an excitement! They come also in green! Common in the Emirates but can been found more rarely also in the south-east of France, Corsica and Spain; its length reaches […]
Tag: Noushka
European Rollers
Coracias garrulusCoraciiformes – Coraciidae This pair has established their nest at 1.50m high in an old tree trunk of which the main branches have been cut off. I dearly hope the landowner will leave what’s left for these birds and for the different species of sparrows nesting in its heart. Cette paire a fait un […]
Common bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaPasseriformes Fringillidae This species is uncommon in my area. It was one my many challenges to photograph this beauty, although the male is much more colourful than the female. I had heard about a pair coming to a friend’s garden early in the morning. So I set my hide tent at 7H30 and lo […]
Mallard duck and bird magnetic navigation in migration
Anas platyrhynchos – Anseriformes – Anatidae – Camargue, Rhône delta, France – the Mallard duck is at the origin of many other domestic ducks species. In captivity it lives 6 times longer than the wild ones and has been domesticated before the chicken. Taking birds in flight is a real exercise and fun to practice […]
The European bee eater
Merops apiaster Coraciiformes – Meropidae They are back from their African winter quarters end of may in the South of France but mainly in Spain early in may. As Carrion crows, Black kites and some parrot species, they live as couples within a same colony and mate for life. It is awesome and inspiring to […]
The Little Bustard
Tetrax tetrax – Otidiformes – Otididae – It is the only species of this Tetrax genera and is very endangered on french territory. Also in decline in Spain although still in larger numbers, it lives in dry opened areas. The male does somewhat of a “flamenco dance” on a specific spot about 30 cm wide […]
The Little Owl in mythology
Athena noctua – Strigidae – Strigiformes – It is the most diurnal of all owls and the like. Its french name refers to the Greek goddess Athena. As Zeus’ daughter, she became the protective divinity of the City of Athene; she symbolizes Thought, Art of defensive war, Intelligence and protects Craftsmen and Workers. Athenians also […]
Red kite showing off
Milvus milvus Accipitriformes – Acciptidae As I was taking ordinary pictures of this magnificent bird, he turned swiftly around and flapped his wings to impress another individual intended on perching on the same branch. Beginning of April 2013