Category Archives: Advent

Zamenis longissimus

Posted on December 26, 2020 by admin

Z is for Zamenis longissimus (“the longest tetchy one”), or Aesculapian snake. The scientific name is rather unfair, as it’s nonvenomous and quite pacific in its habits, and it was encouraged to live in the temples of Aesculapius in ancient … Continue reading →

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Yellowhammer

Posted on December 25, 2020 by admin

Y is for Yellowhammer. Wikipedia provides us with another gem: “The pine bunting and yellowhammer are so closely related that each responds to the other’s song. The male yellowhammer’s song is more attractive to females, and is one reason for … Continue reading →

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X-rated

Posted on December 24, 2020 by admin

X is for X-Rated Damselflies.

Posted in Advent, Nature, Slovakia | 3 Comments

White Stork

Posted on December 23, 2020 by admin

W is for White Stork. These two are understandably pleased to see one another.

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Vulture

Posted on December 22, 2020 by admin

V is for Vulture. This Turkey Vulture is helpfully displaying the characteristic feature of New World vultures: the lack of a septum between the nostrils.

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Upland Goose

Posted on December 21, 2020 by admin

U is for Upland Goose. As in some other species, according to Wikipedia, “Males attract females through a courtship display in which they whistle loudly, to which the female responds with softer cackles.”

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