Red-backed shrikes: Butcher Birds Or Just Fantastic Little Predators

22 Jun, 2021, No comments

Red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) are very similar to some other birds of prey like hawks and eagles. Especially regarding their beaks which are not only hooked but also toothed like that of a hawk.

Unfortunately, their feet aren't armed with the deadly claws of the larger birds of prey. In reality, Red-backed shrikes' feet seem to be more suited to perching on branches and wires than to killing.

So how do they solve this deficiency in case of some bigger prey such as lizard, bird or even mouse? They skillfully grasp their prey by the neck with their hooked beak, and then powerfully shake it to break the prey's spine.

What about in a case of prey they can't eat at once as it is too big? Well, Red-backed shrikes solve this situation »their way«. They impale their prey on thorns (in some places also on barbed wire) or wedge it between the branches. This way they store it for longer, repeated feeding.

Below you can see a Red-backed shrike perched on top of a vineyard pole in Slovenia. From this high position, it has an excellent view of its surroundings, which helps it to hunt more efficiently and increases the likelihood of its survival.

Stalking The Roe Deer

15 Jun, 2021, No comments

"Hush, there is something in a high grass, looks like a Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) resting, maybe even sleeping. He is facing away from me, but his ears are very active. Can he hear me when I approach him from the direction of the sun? As he is lying relaxed I assume that he does not hear me. Hmm, what about his sense of smell? Does he detect me or not? No, because the wind blows in such a way that he cannot detect me. Good. I'm just about to frame it nicely when I see through the electronic viewfinder of my camera that the zoom of the lens has popped up a slight mist just above the orchard floor. I trigger a short burst of frames anyway."

Soon afterwards, the mist in the orchard cleared and the sun shone on a real beauty, waking groggily from its morning nap. Look at his noble head and already large antlers.

Hoopoe - Simply unique

9 Jun, 2021, No comments

The Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a species that is widespread throughout the world. It can raise its black-tipped head feathers to form a true plume, which is unique among Slovenian birds.

In addition to the plume, it can be recognised by its long, downward curved beak and broad, black and white wings. Its broad wings make it look like a butterfly when in flight.

This bird has got the name "hoopoe" after its distinctive "oop-oop-oop" call. In Slovenia we call it »smrdokavra«. The name "smrdokavra" is a compound of the verb »smrdeti« (to stink in English) and the dialect word "kavra" (crow in English), which is related to the Slovenian "gavran" (raven in English) and the dialect Croatian "kavran". Slovenian name also refers to the smelling secretions of the young chicks, which effectively deter potential predators.

Hoopoe nests in large hollows, often in tall trees in old meadow orchards. It is particularly suited to grazing meadows with livestock, as there are many insects on the ground, which it collects with its long beak.

The Hoopoe is a migratory bird, returning to Slovenia in April or May and flying away in September. The species is seriously threatened by disappearance of its most suitable habitat, the tall-trunked grassland orchards. It breeds from the north-eastern Slovenia to the Vipava Valley and is generally scattered around Slovenia.

In the picture below you can see the Hoopoe perching on a irrigation sprinkler.

Common kestrel - Small But Mighty

26 May, 2021, No comments

The Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a smaller bird of prey, measuring 31-37 cm from the tip of its tail to the tip of its bill, and having a wingspan of 68-78 cm. It has long and narrow wings. It is often seen hovering in the air, when it stretches its long tail towards the ground and spreads it out widely.

Its rusty brown back is sprinkled with black spots, which also decorate its light brown belly. Under its eyes it has a dark-coloured band. The tips of the flight feathers are black, as are the sharp claws on its yellow fingers.

The female has a dark brown upper tail stripe, while in the male the upper tail is blue-grey and having no patterns. Both sexes have a black band on the margin of the tail. The head of the male is also grey, while the head of the female is brown with longitudinal stripes.

The Common kestrel is specialising in hunting ground animals, small mammals and insects, but also birds. It mostly hovers in the air and grasps at voles, which are its favourite food. It preys also on other rodents, such as mice.

It prefers open landscapes with intermingling meadows and fields. It also can be seen nesting and hunting in cities. The breeding season lasts from March to June. It is present in Slovenia throughout the year.

In the picture below, you can see the Common Kestrel male sitting on a vine pole, observing the surroundings to detect some prey. Shot was taken at 40m distance.

Do Deer Sleep?

24 Apr, 2021, No comments

Deer are happy with only a few hours of sleep - as animals which rely on their speed to escape predators, they are not granted more. When the deer prepares its bed, it paws a camp and sets into a sidelong position in which it dozes or chews over with its head raised.

In the deep sleep phases, deer have their eyes closed and their head lies on the ground or on their own hind leg. They only sleep for a few minutes at a time. During sleep, deer are vulnerable because they do not sense any smells or soft noises.

A young Roe deer buck you can see in images below has just been set for a rest or maybe even a short nap.

Chiffchaff (called also Siff-Saff, Zilpzalp, Tjiftjaf, Tiuf-teaf or Pettychap)

27 Mar, 2021, No comments

Here are some interesting facts on this bird.

Chiffchaff gets its name in several languages from the sound of its song. For example in Wales it is called Siff-Saff, in Germany Zilpzalp, in Dutch Tjiftjaf, in Irish Tiuf-teaf, and it is known locally also as Pettychap in Britain.

Its scientific name Phylloscopus collybita comes from Gr.: phullion=a leaf + skopos=a watcher and Gr.: kollubistes=money-changer.

Check out these measurements showing how small it is:

Length: 10 cm, Wingspan: 18 cm, Weight: 9 g;

This little feather wonder is a hyper-agile mover and it is restless throughout the day. No wonder then that it needs to eat one-third of its weight in insects daily.

Do you know how we call a group of Chiffchaffs? It can be called either a "wrench", "confusion", or "fall".

Below you can find several images of this little cutie:

European Robin - After Countless Images Still One Of The Favorites

11 Feb, 2021, No comments

The European Robin (Erythacus rubecula) is known also as the unofficial national bird of the United Kingdom. Its widespread familiarity and popularity have spread all over the Europe and beyond. Also in Slovenia it is a very common and popular bird. Robin "The redbreast" is one of my favorite small birds. Below you can see one recent image of it. I hope you'll like it.

POTD At Imaging Resource

8 Feb, 2021, No comments

https://www.imaging-resource.com/ has been one of my favourite webzines dealing with in-depth reviews of the photo gear and reportages of photo news. Their site comprises also the Contest page called POTD (Photo of the Day) where readers enter their photos to be judged.

I was honored for being awarded the 25th January, 2021 POTD for my Heath fritillary close-up image.

Thank you very much Imaging Resource.

Charismatic Climber - Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)

20 Dec, 2020, No comments

In my humble opinion, Nuthatches (Sitta Europaea) are birds of terrific charisma. They are master climbers of trees where they run up, down and around the tree trunks and branches. They simply don't mind whether they are right way up or upside down. In addition, they have a characteristic pose in which they are facing downwards on a tree trunk, but looking upwards at the same time.

The plumage of a Nuthatch is nothing but striking. It has a smokey grey back, yellowish-beige belly and reddish-brown under-tail. It sports white cheeks and grey head that contrast nicely with a black eye-stripe.

Check the recently captured »Rascal Nutty« below while playing »Hide&Seek« with me around an old tree trunk.

Rare Migrant: Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

28 Nov, 2020, No comments

A Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) is a common summer species of open areas. Males have a gray colored back. The cheeks and wings are black and the belly is dirty white. Females are slightly paler in color. During the flight its white tailbone is very noticeable.

The habitat of the Northern Wheatear consists of heather, bogs, meadows with stone walls and mountain meadows with rocks and gravel. During migration, it can be seen in meadows and fields.

In Slovenia, Northern Wheatear is a rare yearly species. I was lucky to see and capture it this Autumn just when it was taking a rest on the way to the South.

Interesting Fact About European Hare (Lepus europaeus)

14 Oct, 2020, No comments

Hares can see three – dimensional objects. Their vision is close to 360 degrees thanks to the fact that their big eyes are placed high on both sides of their head. In addition, they bulge out a bit. But, interestingly, hares as well as rabbits have a blind spot of approximately 10 degrees in front of their nose. Their weak vision in the region of 10 degrees caused the European hare, you can see below, to run directly, head-on, towards me. Luckily I was ready and I managed to take some nice photos of this swift animal.

European hare (Lepus europaeus) running toward me

Hummingbird Hawk-moth In-flight

14 Apr, 2020, No comments

The Hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a day-flying moth with a wingspan of about 50-58mm. It is a very swift flyer (5m/s) and it hovers in the best tradition of Hummingbirds. Its wings beat at 80 beats per second and they produce a characteristic and audible hum. One of the special features of this moth is also its use of the long proboscis for sucking nectar.

I like challenges and so I tried to capture this speedster in flight. Below are two of my keepers.

Great White Heron Hunting Techniques

9 Feb, 2020, No comments

Great White Heron (Ardea alba) employs various hunting techniques. The most common is probably a "stand-and-wait" technique. It involves motionless standing and watching for a prey to come at "shooting distance".

The next technique which is also frequently observed is a "slow-wade" technique. It involves slow-walking through the water and intense monitoring for possible prey.

In addition to the previous two techniques, there is also, maybe a bit hectic on the first sight, "jump-and-flutter" technique. The Great White Heron jumps in random directions and flutters with its great wings to scare the fish or other prey. When the fish appears, the heron's deadly "spear" comes into swift action.

All the above images were recorded at Slovenian Coast.

Unique Symbiosis at Isola della Cona

25 Oct, 2019, No comments

When you visit the Isola Della Cona Nature Reserve one of the trade-mark views are those with the Camargue horses (Equus ferus caballus) with Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) riding on them. ;)

Though Cattle egrets forage similarly to other wading birds, by catching fish or frogs, they can be seen also following the Camargue horses herd, to eat insects on the ground that are stirred by their hoofs. In addition, they literally inspect the horses to find different bugs such as horse flies, horn flies and other annoying insects/ticks and eat them. This way Cattle egrets rid the horses’ grazing area of many pests.

Check the images below showing several moments from a unique symbiosis between the Cattle egrets and Camargue horses.

Isola della Cona Rich Diversity

17 Oct, 2019, No comments

Isola della Cona, by Staranzano, Italy represents the one-and-only ecosystem where it is possible to observe a rich diversity in flora and fauna. In this nature reserve more than 300 bird species were listed. The area provides the fantastic habitat for a plethora of wading birds, including teals, mallards, grey geese, herons, coots, and many others.

The reserve incorporates a walking path that rounds the observation area and includes several observation lookouts which enable visitors, birdwatchers and nature photographers to get closer to the diverse fauna it surrounds them.

Bellow you can see several images confirming the sheer abundance of the fauna at Isola della Cona that is regarded as the best birdwatching place in Italy and beyond.

Camargue horses grazing in company of numerous different bird species.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) duck foraging at the Isola della Cona.

Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) resting in the shallow waters of the Isola della Cona.

European penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus) perching high in the reeds at the Isola della Cona.

Istrian Original Cattle (Boskarin)

2 Aug, 2019, No comments

Boskarin, Istrian cattle, is an Istrian autochthonous breed inhabiting the Slovenian and Croatian Istria and also the Croatian Kvarner islands.

Istrian cattle is foremost a working breed, used by the Istrian farmers for work in the field. Strong Boskarin oxes were famous for pulling carts with heavy loads on rugged terrain while enduring long distances.

Due to ever rising development and use of agricultural machinery, Boskarin has come to the brink of extinction. From approx. 50 000 head in the 1950-1960 period, Istrian cattle number dropped to approx. 100 head in 1990s.

However, because of tight emotional bond between the Istrians and their cattle, the breed was rescued from extinction. Istrian cattle now have also a tourist significance like in the Skocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by Koper in Slovenian Istria (Check photos below).

Boskarin cattle munching green leaves of reeds in Skocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by Koper, Slovenia.

Boskarin cattle males can weigh 1200-1400 kg. Here is one such magnificent animal photographed at Skocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by Koper, Slovenia.

Common Greenshank at Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve

5 Nov, 2018

The Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) is an elegant wader, approximately 35 cm in length, having a wingspan of 65 cm and it weighs max. 200 g. Its bill is long and slightly upcurved while the legs are long and of greenish color. It has dark upperwing and constrasting white rump.

This wader can be seen as a single bird or in small flocks in a variety of wetland habitats. Characteristically, the Common Greenshank bobs its head and does ringing calls when alert.

The image bellow is showing the Common Greenshank while foraging in the shallow waters of the Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve. It was captured at considerable distance (35-40m) using the Lumix FZ1000 with engaged iZoom feature. Not of the best quality however still usable as a documentary material.

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve - Lumix FZ1000, 4K video grab at 1184mm FL;

Beauty In Details And Colors - Banded demoiselle

8 Sep, 2018, No comments

While birding I frequently meet some other creatures, and here I present one of them that was apparently kindly willing to pose for me. I accepted its invitation and managed to capture one of the small nature beauties we often overlook: Banded damoiselle male.

Banded demoiselle male (Calopteryx splendens)

Endangered Species - Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)

30 May, 2018, No comments

The Corn bunting (Emberiza calandra ) is a heavily built bird and somehow resembles a Skylark. It’s also larger than other buntings. Male and female have similar brownish plumage but the male is larger.

The song of the male is very special, kind of metallic sound as if someone would shake a bunch of keys. He usually sings from low bushes, vineyard poles and telephone wires.

The Corn bunting is a bird of open country with trees, here in Slovenia you can find it in vineyards. Due to intensive agricultural practices its population has declined greatly in many parts of Europe and as well in Slovenia. In Slovenia it breeds only in western and southwestern parts.

It usually forages on seeds and when it comes to feeding young, it adds spiders, caterpillars, snails, slugs and earthworms to its diet.

When in breeding time, males defend their territories and can be polygynus which means more than one female per breeding male. Consequently, some of the males remain unmated during the season.

The Corn buntings built nests on the ground. The nesting material is normally grass, lined with hair or finer grass. Female bunting lays three to five eggs.

Images you can see below were captured recently and show the male Corn bunting singing full-throated to attract females.

Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) singing full-throated

Corn bunting (Emberiza calandra) perching on an old wooden pole and singing

Autumn Is Here

17 Sep, 2017, No comments

We are coming to Autumn, season of harvest. When we enjoy events like grape picking and/or visiting wine cellars.

Check out those images that follow and you will be able to almost smell the grapes’ wonderful sweet aroma! :D

(All images above were captured while testing the Lumix FZ1000 camera.)

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