Tits at the PRSE of Madrid (4).
Blue tit.
Finalist in the photo contest "in the Park I Live 2012", about the Southeast Regional Park of Madrid, organized by TRAMA NGO.
Blue tit.
Finalist in the photo contest "in the Park I Live 2012", about the Southeast Regional Park of Madrid, organized by TRAMA NGO.
Alignment
Bajos de La Arnía - Piélagos. Cantabria (Spain).
"La Costa Quebrada" (Broken Coast) in Cantabria is one of those places in the world where there are some rare geological formations known as flyschs. They consist of sequences of sedimentary structures that are visually very attractive, and whose origin is not yet clear. The term "flysch" comes from the German and is relatively old, meaning "land slides".
I studied the area and waited for the precise moment, before dawn, to ensure that the sedimentary rock in the foreground "pointed" to the sun, which fortunately emerged out of the clouds for a few seconds.
Bajos de La Arnía - Piélagos. Cantabria (Spain).
"La Costa Quebrada" (Broken Coast) in Cantabria is one of those places in the world where there are some rare geological formations known as flyschs. They consist of sequences of sedimentary structures that are visually very attractive, and whose origin is not yet clear. The term "flysch" comes from the German and is relatively old, meaning "land slides".
I studied the area and waited for the precise moment, before dawn, to ensure that the sedimentary rock in the foreground "pointed" to the sun, which fortunately emerged out of the clouds for a few seconds.
The Green Coast.
Beach of Covachos - Piélagos. Cantabria (Spain).
This area of the north coast of the Iberian Peninsula is full of wonders and surprises. Not only geological (it is known for its flyschs and fossils), but also for simple but beautiful details like these sets of "green" stones (covered with thin algae) that contrast with the blues of the sea and sky and the ocher of the beach sand. Here you feel like on another planet.
Beach of Covachos - Piélagos. Cantabria (Spain).
This area of the north coast of the Iberian Peninsula is full of wonders and surprises. Not only geological (it is known for its flyschs and fossils), but also for simple but beautiful details like these sets of "green" stones (covered with thin algae) that contrast with the blues of the sea and sky and the ocher of the beach sand. Here you feel like on another planet.
Dark and Blue Dawn.
Beach of Arnía - Piélagos. Cantabria (Spain).
Beach of Arnía - Piélagos. Cantabria (Spain).
Spanish Wasp Beetle (Neoplagionotus marcae) (1/2)
A jewel of the Southeast Regional Park of Madrid, the Spanish wasp beetle was discovered in the 90's in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, the city where I live in. This is a rare Iberian endemism, very localized and scarce, whose only known populations in the Madrid region are located at the south and southeast, and outside the region, in some areas of Toledo, Badajoz and Andalusia.
Despite its impressive appearance, it is a beetle, otherwise harmless. It uses its resemblance to a wasp or bee to scare off potential predators, and spends its life exclusively in its food plant, the mallow Lavatera triloba (in the photo, in which the wasp beetle is enjoying a feast of pollen).
The fact of being specialized in this plant, together with their low number and very localized distribution of their populations, make the conservation status of Neoplagionotus marcae to be seriously threatened due to relentless urban advance.
This picture is dedicated to the great naturalist in the PRSE and good friend Jose Maria Sendarrubia. Without his invaluable help and enthusiasm I would not have been able to obtain this picture.
A jewel of the Southeast Regional Park of Madrid, the Spanish wasp beetle was discovered in the 90's in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, the city where I live in. This is a rare Iberian endemism, very localized and scarce, whose only known populations in the Madrid region are located at the south and southeast, and outside the region, in some areas of Toledo, Badajoz and Andalusia.
Despite its impressive appearance, it is a beetle, otherwise harmless. It uses its resemblance to a wasp or bee to scare off potential predators, and spends its life exclusively in its food plant, the mallow Lavatera triloba (in the photo, in which the wasp beetle is enjoying a feast of pollen).
The fact of being specialized in this plant, together with their low number and very localized distribution of their populations, make the conservation status of Neoplagionotus marcae to be seriously threatened due to relentless urban advance.
This picture is dedicated to the great naturalist in the PRSE and good friend Jose Maria Sendarrubia. Without his invaluable help and enthusiasm I would not have been able to obtain this picture.
Spanish Wasp Beetle (Neoplagionotus marcae) (2/2)
A jewel of the Southeast Regional Park of Madrid, the Spanish wasp beetle was discovered in the 90's in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, the city where I live in. This is a rare Iberian endemism, very localized and scarce, whose only known populations in the Madrid region are located at the south and southeast, and outside the region, in some areas of Toledo, Badajoz and Andalusia.
Despite its impressive appearance, it is a beetle, otherwise harmless. It uses its resemblance to a wasp or bee to scare off potential predators, and spends its life exclusively in its food plant, the mallow Lavatera triloba (in the photo).
The fact of being specialized in this plant, together with their low number and very localized distribution of their populations, make the conservation status of Neoplagionotus marcae to be seriously threatened due to relentless urban advance.
This picture is dedicated to the great naturalist in the PRSE and good friend Jose Maria Sendarrubia. Without his invaluable help and enthusiasm I would not have been able to obtain this picture.
A jewel of the Southeast Regional Park of Madrid, the Spanish wasp beetle was discovered in the 90's in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, the city where I live in. This is a rare Iberian endemism, very localized and scarce, whose only known populations in the Madrid region are located at the south and southeast, and outside the region, in some areas of Toledo, Badajoz and Andalusia.
Despite its impressive appearance, it is a beetle, otherwise harmless. It uses its resemblance to a wasp or bee to scare off potential predators, and spends its life exclusively in its food plant, the mallow Lavatera triloba (in the photo).
The fact of being specialized in this plant, together with their low number and very localized distribution of their populations, make the conservation status of Neoplagionotus marcae to be seriously threatened due to relentless urban advance.
This picture is dedicated to the great naturalist in the PRSE and good friend Jose Maria Sendarrubia. Without his invaluable help and enthusiasm I would not have been able to obtain this picture.
Loving Spring. Pair of mating Lesser Kestrels.
The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a small falcon that breeds in colonies located in places such as hollow rocks, overhangs on cliffs, or, cause they are so famous here in Spain, in roofs of old abandoned buildings. There, they have found a discreet place to nest and give birth to their offspring, as their adult plumage mimics perfectly with the earthy tones of the old ceramic tiles. In fact, during this photo session I found it difficult to locate them with the naked eye, using binoculars or viewing through the telephoto lens.
Lesser Kestrels are spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea and across South Asia. And they spend winters in sub-Saharan Africa. 100,000 pairs were in Spain in the late nineteenth century, and they went to only about 5,000 in the twentieth century, so the species was declared at risk of extinction. Today, thanks to the protective measures taken, these little kestrels have improved their populations in Spain.
The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a small falcon that breeds in colonies located in places such as hollow rocks, overhangs on cliffs, or, cause they are so famous here in Spain, in roofs of old abandoned buildings. There, they have found a discreet place to nest and give birth to their offspring, as their adult plumage mimics perfectly with the earthy tones of the old ceramic tiles. In fact, during this photo session I found it difficult to locate them with the naked eye, using binoculars or viewing through the telephoto lens.
Lesser Kestrels are spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea and across South Asia. And they spend winters in sub-Saharan Africa. 100,000 pairs were in Spain in the late nineteenth century, and they went to only about 5,000 in the twentieth century, so the species was declared at risk of extinction. Today, thanks to the protective measures taken, these little kestrels have improved their populations in Spain.
Lord of the Steppe.
The great bustard (Otis tarda) is the largest species of flying bird in Europe. Very popular in Spain among bird lovers, where it is mainly resident, it breeds in southern and central Europe and across temperate Asia. Its habitat is open grassland and undisturbed cultivation, where it feels safe. Great bustards are very shy of humans, have a very acute hearing and are very quiet, which makes observing them closely a difficult task.
I managed to make this photograph with the invaluable help of my good friend José David Gomez Díaz. It was in the vicinity of the village Calera y Chozas, in Toledo (Spain).
The great bustard (Otis tarda) is the largest species of flying bird in Europe. Very popular in Spain among bird lovers, where it is mainly resident, it breeds in southern and central Europe and across temperate Asia. Its habitat is open grassland and undisturbed cultivation, where it feels safe. Great bustards are very shy of humans, have a very acute hearing and are very quiet, which makes observing them closely a difficult task.
I managed to make this photograph with the invaluable help of my good friend José David Gomez Díaz. It was in the vicinity of the village Calera y Chozas, in Toledo (Spain).
La Rueda.
No event in the life of the great bustard (Otis tarda) is more important and spectacular than the courtship of males to females. The heat is a unique display on which males compete for the best exhibition. They inflate their plumage so that all the white feathers are placed well illustrated, and for a few seconds or minutes are transformed into white balls of feathers. This phenomenon is called in Spain "la rueda" (the wheel). They sometimes bend down a lot onto the grass when making the wheel.
No event in the life of the great bustard (Otis tarda) is more important and spectacular than the courtship of males to females. The heat is a unique display on which males compete for the best exhibition. They inflate their plumage so that all the white feathers are placed well illustrated, and for a few seconds or minutes are transformed into white balls of feathers. This phenomenon is called in Spain "la rueda" (the wheel). They sometimes bend down a lot onto the grass when making the wheel.
Great Bustard Feeding (Otis tarda).
The populations of this species of bustard are declining worldwide due to habitat loss. In the past their area of distribution was much greater than at present, becoming extinct in most of Europe during centuries XIX and XX. The main factors that have determined this reduction have been agricultural intensification, expansion of irrigated agriculture, infrastructure construction, hunting and pesticide use.
The populations of this species of bustard are declining worldwide due to habitat loss. In the past their area of distribution was much greater than at present, becoming extinct in most of Europe during centuries XIX and XX. The main factors that have determined this reduction have been agricultural intensification, expansion of irrigated agriculture, infrastructure construction, hunting and pesticide use.
Male Great Bustard (Otis tarda).
During the mating season, males of this species exhibit elegant "mustaches" formed by long, thin feathers that grow downwards from the base of their beak.
During the mating season, males of this species exhibit elegant "mustaches" formed by long, thin feathers that grow downwards from the base of their beak.
El Vilar Beach.
A Coruña. Galicia (Spain).
In the natural park "Dunas de Olveira y Laguna de Carregal y Vixán" is located a desert that is unique in Galicia, with its Great Mobile Dune of Corrubedo, where even they have been filmed some films set in the Sahara. Also, there are integrated into the park some lagoons both saltwater and freshwater, with interesting birds, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia.
There are here numerous endangered plant species, some endemic to the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
A Coruña. Galicia (Spain).
In the natural park "Dunas de Olveira y Laguna de Carregal y Vixán" is located a desert that is unique in Galicia, with its Great Mobile Dune of Corrubedo, where even they have been filmed some films set in the Sahara. Also, there are integrated into the park some lagoons both saltwater and freshwater, with interesting birds, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia.
There are here numerous endangered plant species, some endemic to the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Open Wings and Flying.
Griffon vulture over the river.
"Hoces del Río Duratón", Segovia (Spain).
"Hoces del Río Duratón", Segovia (Spain).
Flight through the canyons (5).
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
Flight through the canyons (3).
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
Flight through the canyons (2).
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
Flight through the canyons (4).
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
Flight through the canyons (1).
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
The Duratón River Gorges, in the province of Segovia (Spain) is a magical place where one can live the experience of being overflown at a short distance by numerous griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) that marvel us at the sound of their wings cutting the wind.
Egyptian vulture fast gliding (Neophron percnopterus).
Somewhere in the province of Segovia (Spain).
Somewhere in the province of Segovia (Spain).
Griffon vulture.
The populations of these large carnivorous birds in Spain have been threatened in recent years due to legislative restrictions on the ancient custom of using middens, places where ranchers leave carcasses to feed the vultures. This was due to the proliferation of so-called "mad cow disease". But recent regulations changes, more permissive in the use of middens, open new paths for hope.
The populations of these large carnivorous birds in Spain have been threatened in recent years due to legislative restrictions on the ancient custom of using middens, places where ranchers leave carcasses to feed the vultures. This was due to the proliferation of so-called "mad cow disease". But recent regulations changes, more permissive in the use of middens, open new paths for hope.
Griffon vulture flying.
When in flight, these birds fold back their long necks, adopting an aerodynamic position.
When in flight, these birds fold back their long necks, adopting an aerodynamic position.
Building the nest. Province of Segovia (Spain).
The Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) usually nest in shelters located on cliffs, where they lay two eggs in a nidus lined with animal hair, limbs and bones. They transport these materials with their peak, unlike the rest of vultures, which carry the materials with their claws.
Only one chick survives, and it will cross the Strait of Gibraltar with its parents. It will spend the first five years of its life in sub-Saharan Africa, until sexual maturity, when it will return to the Iberian Peninsula if it survives, to form a new family.
The Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) usually nest in shelters located on cliffs, where they lay two eggs in a nidus lined with animal hair, limbs and bones. They transport these materials with their peak, unlike the rest of vultures, which carry the materials with their claws.
Only one chick survives, and it will cross the Strait of Gibraltar with its parents. It will spend the first five years of its life in sub-Saharan Africa, until sexual maturity, when it will return to the Iberian Peninsula if it survives, to form a new family.
Eurasian tree sparrow
Zebra emerging from the water
La Dehesa
La Dehesa.
Cáceres. Spain.
La Dehesa.
Cáceres. Spain.
Volcanic Coast and Otherworldly Sky.
Los Cancajos, La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
Los Cancajos, La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
La Dehesa
La Dehesa.
Cáceres. Spain.
La Dehesa.
Cáceres. Spain.
Diffuse Islet.
La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
Epic Sea.
La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
Believe it or not, these tiny kidney-shaped leaves belong to a species of fern, Adiantum reniform e. This is a very ancient species, dating from an "antediluvian" time, cooler than today, with a widely dispersed population that has given rise to different subspecies in different parts of the world.
Cubo de la Galga, La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
Cubo de la Galga, La Palma island, Canary Islands. Spain.
Tits at the PRSE of Madrid (2)
The pirate Great Tit.
These small and charming birds are among the most daring and least afraid of man when it comes to getting food.
The pirate Great Tit.
These small and charming birds are among the most daring and least afraid of man when it comes to getting food.
Tits at the PRSE of Madrid (3)
The great tit.
The great tit.
Tits at the PRSE of Madrid (1)
Pleasant blue tit.
Pleasant blue tit.
Stork Moon
My relationship with trees has always been very special, since I was a child. Yes, I am one of those people who hug trees. They represent a lot to me, especially they "anchor" me in my love for land and nature. I can not imagine a world without trees and forests, and indeed without them life on earth would not exist as we know it. I am of those to whom it really hurts when I hear that there has been a fire in a forest, and those involved whenever I can as a volunteer in reforestations.
For all these reasons, my photographs of trees may be too personal. Many of them were made very early in my dedication to photography, and are very spontaneous. This collection of photos does not intend to be a treatise on botany, and indeed in many of them, in their captions the species are not mentioned, although I have indicated them wherever possible. They rather try to reflect my moods and feelings when I am in a forest or in presence of a tree or large shrub.
Although some people may think that pictures of trees can not give much play, they really offer endless composition possibilities and numerous original ways to approach them. I sincerely believe that some of my photographs give evidence of this. But I am not the one to judge. Come and see ...
In the photo, a Scots elm (Ulmus glabra) appears to show a human face looking toward the camera. Treebeard ¿? ...
Evocative Winter
Dreamy Landscape.
Beyond the spring and summer, natural areas present a varied and sometimes haunting beauty all year round. As shown, a typical picture of winter in the 'Barranco del Rio Dulce' (Guadalajara, Spain). Wild walnut trees have lost all their leaves, awaiting the arrival of spring renewal.
This photograph is part of the collective photographic exhibition 'Espacios Naturales. Guardianes de la Biodiversidad' ('Natural Areas. Guardians of Biodiversity') by Fonamad (Association of Nature Photographers of Madrid), 2009.
Dreamy Landscape.
Beyond the spring and summer, natural areas present a varied and sometimes haunting beauty all year round. As shown, a typical picture of winter in the 'Barranco del Rio Dulce' (Guadalajara, Spain). Wild walnut trees have lost all their leaves, awaiting the arrival of spring renewal.
This photograph is part of the collective photographic exhibition 'Espacios Naturales. Guardianes de la Biodiversidad' ('Natural Areas. Guardians of Biodiversity') by Fonamad (Association of Nature Photographers of Madrid), 2009.
Moon in the Forest (1)
Lighted autumn leaves.
Outbreak of leaves.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Do you know what wood was used to build the best and most renowned arches in ancient Europe?. Yew (Taxus sp.).
Colorful beech.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Birch Forest.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Botton of an European beech.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Lines in the Forest.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Hayedo de la Tejera Negra, Guadalajara. Spain.
Oak leaves on the river in autumn.
Large poplar trees in one of the most protected areas in the PRSE of Madrid, in the enclave known as Caserio del Henares, to which public access is not allowed.
I was fortunate to be allowed to visit it with the purpose of making some pictures.
I was fortunate to be allowed to visit it with the purpose of making some pictures.
Red & Silver.
The ruddy yolks of the white poplar.
The ruddy yolks of the white poplar.
Silver poplar buds at winter.
In some areas of the PRSE of Madrid there have been done extensive reforestations of pines. Despite not being the best to conserve and restore the native ecosystems, these pine trees offer us, in the rare snowfalls occurring in this region (one or two every several years), prized winter scenes (3).
In some areas of the PRSE of Madrid there have been done extensive reforestations of pines. Despite not being the best to conserve and restore the native ecosystems, these pine trees offer us, in the rare snowfalls occurring in this region (one or two every several years), prized winter scenes (2).
In some areas of the PRSE of Madrid there have been done extensive reforestations of pines. Despite not being the best to conserve and restore the native ecosystems, these pine trees offer us, in the rare snowfalls occurring in this region (one or two every several years), prized winter scenes (1).
The poplar lying on the river.
Oil-painting-like scene of a misty day by the river.
Frozen Leaves
Golden poplars in winter
Lonely Apple
Deciduous forest in autumn and a rainy day.
Canencia mountain pass. Canencia, Madrid. Spain.
Canencia mountain pass. Canencia, Madrid. Spain.
Autumn simple scene.
Soft Light and Leaves
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