Insect, Birds, and Freshwater Turtles in the Wetlands

I have always been fascinated by insects, and when we discovered this large one in the wetlands of Alvor, we were amazed at it's size and appearance. It must have been at least 15cm in length, and had striped eyes, and was fully aware that it was being scrutinized, but stayed perfectly still as I took macro after macro. It was only during the editing that I spotted something that may be fanciful, but it really moved me. What do you think! After some research I discovered that it is the Egyptian  Grasshopper.

THE EGYPTIAN GRASSHOPPER   ANAERIDIUM AEGYPTIUM
 

HE SEEMS TO BE LOOKING RIGHT AT ME, AND PLEADING "PLEASE DON'T HURT ME" !!
 

WE SAW IT HERE, WHERE WE OFTEN WALK MEL. 
 

A VERY PEACEFUL SPOT, BUT.......
 

WE ONLY CAME HERE IN THE LATE AFTERNOON, JUST BEFORE DINNER; TO AVOID THE HEAT.
 

SPOONBILLS
 

SANDWICH TERN
 

HERRING GULL
 

NOT SURE OF ID OF THIS LITTLE BROWN BIRD, MAYBE JUVIE SPECKLED WARBLER.
 

BABY BLACKBIRD
 

 

MALLARD.
 

ANOTHER VIEW OF THIS FLAT AREA OF WETLAND:
 

 AS WE PASSED BY ONE OF THE STRETCHES OF WATER, I SAW SOME FRESHWATER TURTLES.
 

I DIDN'T PHOTOGRAPH THE ONE WITH IT'S HEAD STUCK IN A WATER BOTTLE. I WISH PEOPLE WOULD BE MORE CAREFUL. I COULD DO NOTHING TO HELP.:(
 

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Algarve and the male Linnet.

When we saw a little bird with a very red breast, on our way home, one late afternoon, we had no idea what it was, but it was so cute that I had to get as many shots as possible. I have since identified it as a male Linnet, even though the photos I looked at on Google didn't show any with such a brightly coloured breast. I do hope I'm right about the ID! The photos I'm about to share are all very similar, but I'm sure you'll agree, he's a cute little ball of fluff. 

Then, it flew away, never to be seen by us again.

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Algarve and the Bee Eater 2017

Hello Everyone!:) It's a pleasure to be back home, ...where it is now lovely warm weather, and I'm feeling so much better. The break has done me good, and I have lots of goodies to share,...birds, butterflies insects, flowers, and so much more,... but the highlight of our holiday, without any doubt was meeting up with an old friend, and seeing  and photographing the many beautiful Bee Eaters. We knew where their nesting sights were this time, and went to look for them on the very next day, so this is where I'll begin. I hope you are all in the best of health, and I'm looking forward to visiting you all as soon as I can.

The Bee Eater  Merops apiaster

They catch insects in flight, often high up in the air.
 

The Bee Eaters plumage has very brilliant colours, though these are not especially luminous, therefore usually require a perched bird, and moderate range to be fully enjoyed.

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We had parked the car, just off the main dirt road where their nests were, and I waited behind the trunk, before I finally got lucky and took a series of shots of not only one, but two Bee Eaters.

 

Fortunately they liked to perch out in plain sight, on fences, and on old lichen covered trees.

 

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The Flycatcher in October

Hello everyone, I have not been able to get out and about since November last year, and it's been quite a while since I have posted anything, namely because of rheumatism, and I also knew that I couldn't post or visit with any regularity. So sorry for not letting you know sooner, and many thanks to those of you who sent kind comments. I took these Flycatcher shots in October last year, but haven't used my camera since. I hope you enjoy! I missed you!

The Female Pied Flycatcher
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Black-crowned Night Heron

 

 

The Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax  feed at night, mostly on fish and crustaceans squid, water insects and frogs in the water, and on land they will eat birds eggs, earth worms, insects, toads, lizards snakes and rodents, which is quite a varied diet.
 

The sexes are similar in appearance, although the male is slightly larger.
 

Their resting posture is somewhat hunched, but when hunting they extend their necks and look more like other wading birds.
 

A closer look at this red eyed, tri-coloured bird, which I think is most attractive with it's long white head plumes.
 

I have just discovered that their scientific name Nycticorax means night raven, refering to this species nocturnal habits, and crow-like call. I am linking up with Stewart, at Wild Bird Wednesday, Eileen at Saturdays Critters, and Anni, at The Bird D' Pot and if you would like to join in the fun, just click on the links to see other birds and critters from around the globe. br /> WILD BIRD WEDNESDAYS
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Birds, Blooms, Butterflies and Halloween Cupcakes.

Americo surprised me with these four cupcakes he bought for our tea today.


The spider cupcakes are the ones I have chosen, cos, the one with the bulging eyes looks so cute, and the other has lost an eye.:))
 

Butterflies sometimes sunbathe on the hosepipe
 

 

 

Fruit hanging over a fence
 

I have forgotten the name of this bird. Photo taken in the Biological Park.
 

Pigeon in the garden
 

This Long-tailed tit must have put it's beak inside a spiders nest. Photo taken through the lounge window.
 

Wild flowers
 

Garden flowers, in bloom now.
 

Also in bloom now in the garden.