TagRia Ortigueira

Asian hornets feeding on tree sap

The Asian hornet arrived in Galicia (NW Spain) in 2012, and since then it has expanded and spread, becoming very common and highly visible. It is particularly attracted to the … Continue Reading Asian hornets feeding on tree sap

Posted February 14, 20183 Comments Animal behaviour

Little diggers – Bembix sand wasps

If like me, you like wandering around sand dunes – perhaps whilst you are on holiday by the seaside – keep an eye out for sand wasps. In particular, digger … Continue Reading Little diggers – Bembix sand wasps

Posted August 27, 20173 Comments Animal behaviour

A huge bumblebee from Spain: Bombus magnus?

I was very happy to come across a huge bumblebee whilst walking on the heather-clad hills of Galicia in NW Spain. To be honest I have never seen such a … Continue Reading A huge bumblebee from Spain: Bombus magnus?

Posted September 8, 20169 Comments bees

Asian hornet in Galicia

At the end of last month (on 28th August) I sat on a hillside in Galicia, Spain, next to a beautiful bush of flowering bell heather, photographing the wasps which … Continue Reading Asian hornet in Galicia

Posted May 31, 20161 Comment Lizards

Bocage’s Wall Lizard

Bocage’s Wall Lizard (Podarcis bocagei) is only found in the NW corner of the Iberian Peninsula, including Galicia, Spain. It is a small lizard which is often seen on wooden broad-walks, where … Continue Reading Bocage’s Wall Lizard

Posted October 21, 20151 Comment Insects

Shiny bronze beetle

I came across this attractive ground beetle in Galicia, Spain. It was quite large, over an inch long (at c. 27 mm), with an attractive bronze sheen (1). Its taxonomic … Continue Reading Shiny bronze beetle

Posted September 25, 2015 Birds

A young turnstone

I came across this turnstone on the edge of the Ria Ortigueira. It was busily feeding – yes they really do turn over stones! – looking for invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, … Continue Reading A young turnstone

Posted September 25, 20151 Comment Birds

Heron food

I watched this Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) feeding in the Ria Ortigueira, Galicia, Spain,one evening this week. It suddenly picked up what looked like a ‘beakful’ of seaweed and … Continue Reading Heron food

Posted June 27, 20151 Comment Plants

Sea Spurge

Sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) is a common plant on dunes and sandy beaches, from the British Isles down to the Mediterranean. The stems are slightly fleshy and glaucous – nice … Continue Reading Sea Spurge

Posted June 5, 20153 Comments Insects

Little sand digger!

I came across this little sand wasp digging its heart out in the sand dunes on Morouzos beach, Ria Ortigueira, Galicia, Spain (see previous blog, 1). The Hairy sand wasp … Continue Reading Little sand digger!

Posted June 4, 20152 Comments Lizards

Iberian mountain lizard

I came across this lizard enjoying the late afternoon sunshine at the back of the Mirador da Miranda viewing point, which is a stone balcony overlooking the Ria Ortigueira and … Continue Reading Iberian mountain lizard