Bird, bug, butterfly and a wild variety of photos from Belarus, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Scotland and Spain by Irish wildlife photographer Patrick J. O'Keeffe and invited guests

Friday, 30 October 2015

EASTERN IMPERIAL EAGLE (Aquila heliaca) immature Bihar Plain, Furta, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary



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The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is of the family Accipitridae which is in the genus Aquila. This very large uncommon bird of prey which breeds in central and south eastern Europe as well as western and central Asia. The European population winters in north east Africa. The Asian population winters in the Middle East, northern Indian and South East Asia. Small numbers remain in the breeding areas all year round. Major prey items include hares, rabbits, susliks (a type of ground squirrel), birds and carrion. 
 
 Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Thursday, 29 October 2015

PALLID HARRIER (Circus macrourus) male Bihar Plain, Furta, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary



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The Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) is of the family Accipitridae which is in the genus Circus.This is a scarce summer breeding resident in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In recent times, it has expanded its range to the west and north in Europe. Its preferred habitats are open steppes, agricultural areas and grassland plains. Prey items include insects, rodents and small birds. The European population winters in sub Saharan Africa and the Asian population winters in the Indian sub-continent and South East Asia. 
  
  Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

COMMON SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Papilio machaon) Bihar Plain, Furta, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary

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In the family Papilionidae, there are 225 species of Swallowtail Butterfly (as well as a number of subfamilies) and they are mainly found in the tropical regions of the world.The Common Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) occurs in North America, Europe and Asia and many subspecies are recognised. It has a widespread distribution in Europe but is absent from Iceland and Ireland. Text © www.rawbirds.com

Sunday, 25 October 2015

EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT (Male) (Remiz pendulinus) Hortobágy National Park - The Puszta, Hortobágy, Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary

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The Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) is found in southern and central Europe as well as central and south western Asia. The northern population is migratory and in late autumn, retreats south to spend the winter in the warmer part of its range. It is generally found near fresh water with marginal trees and shrubs. It weaves an elaborate enclosed suspended nest with an angled downward facing tunnel entrance. Food items include a wide variety of small invertebrates and seeds. Text © www.rawbirds.com 

Saturday, 24 October 2015

PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) Hortobágy National Park - The Puszta, Hortobágy, Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary

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There are 65 species of heron (which includes Bitterns and Egrets). The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is resident in Africa and southern Asia. It is also a summer breeding resident in eastern and and western Asia as well as central and southern Europe. The northern populations are migratory and with the onset of colder weather in late autumn, they migrate south to Africa and to southern Asia to spend the winter there. This secretive species can at times be difficult to locate. Its preferred habitats are reed beds or ditches and unlike most other species of heron, it is generally no found out in the open. Text © www.rawbirds.com