
I parked outside the Church at Guadalmar and immediately spotted a brood of young Hoopoes foraging along the rocky roadside soil bank. Those characteristic white lips indicated they were first year birds, and luckily for me they were unafraid of an approaching human, even one with a long lens on his camera. It is unlikely that an adult Hoopoe would allow such a close approach.
Incubating females and fledgling Hoopoes secrete a foul smelling liquid reminiscent of rotting flesh, which they smear into their plumage to deter predators.



Also there were a few butterflies around including this delightful Skipper, one of the so-called "Golden Skippers" that I find difficult to distinguish. It seemed quite large to me, but the coloring and marking most closely resembles the "Small" Skipper, or possibly it´s closest relative the Essex Skipper, I really don´t know.
I picked up a single dragonfly, a female Black-tailed Skimmer, and photographed some beetles doing their thing on a flower head, insect porn?
Well, to be fair there was a bit of bird activity, for example the male White-Headed Ducks were swimming about with their tails cocked and necks extended trying to impress the females, either that or to warn off other males..... | .... and there are always some birds around worth snapping away at. This Zitting Cisticola for instance sat nicely on a twig allowing me to take a few shots, thank you zit. All in all quite a pleasant walk in the fresh air and sunshine with at least something to show for it after all. |