Our mobility has its price, it depletes landscape, destroys habitats, pollutes the air and can be deadly for humans and even more often for animals. I would like to present some of these animal road victims in this article. I, too, am very mobile, by the way. How many animals have died from my bicycle… Continue reading Animal roadkill
Domestic pigeon
Columba livia domestica The domestic pigeon is often called the rat of the air. But it behaves in a very human way. Anyone who has ever been to a highway rest area will be able to confirm that we also like to shit everything. Moreover, pigeon couples often stay together for life. But they can… Continue reading Domestic pigeon
Zebrina detrita
Zebrina detrita is adapted to warm and dry habitats. It can be found in gardens, industrial wastelands, on railway embankments and in dry meadows. Its area of distribution is Central Europe, Southern Europe and the Near East. All the photos in this article were taken in my allotment garden, where the snails are allowed to… Continue reading Zebrina detrita
Oregon Grape, Holly-Leaved Barberry
Mahonia aquifolium Near parks, gardens or cemeteries, the Oregon Grape or Holly-Leaved Barberry (Mahonia aquifolium) can be seen growing wild. It is not native to Europe but is originally from North America. The shrub, which can reach a height of 2 metres, belongs to the barberry family (Berberidaceae). Mahonia aquifolium is evergreen and can flower… Continue reading Oregon Grape, Holly-Leaved Barberry
Garden Snail
Cornu aspersum The Garden Snail or Common Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) is only found in mild regions. It does not survive harsh winters with permafrost. It lives in parks and gardens and can also be found outside cities in forests, meadows or dunes. Like the Burgundy Snail (Helix pomatia), the Garden Snail is cultivated and… Continue reading Garden Snail
Hairy Rose Beetle
Tropinota hirta The Hairy Rose Beetle (Tropinota hirta) is much smaller than its golden-rose relative, but can also be found in parks and gardens. The beetles fly from April to June and grow between 8 and 11 millimetres long. As can easily be seen in the photos, the Hairy Rose Beetle likes to visit yellow… Continue reading Hairy Rose Beetle
Asian Ladybeetle, Harlequin
Harmonia axyridis When I hear a soft ding-dong or pling-plong in my flat during a warm summer night, it is usually an Asian ladybeetle flying against the ceiling. I rarely get a visit from European ladybirds. Harmonia axyridis, as the Asian Ladybeetle, Harlequin or Multicoloured Asian Ladybeetle is zoologically called, was introduced to Europe. For… Continue reading Asian Ladybeetle, Harlequin
Plants on stone walls
Walls are, with increasing age and if they are allowed to acquire patina, a good habitat for many animals and plants. I would like to introduce some of them in this post. Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) The Black Nightshade can cope with many habitats, in my garden it grows in the compost heap. On walls… Continue reading Plants on stone walls
Goldmoss Stonecrop
Sedum acre As long as it is not in flower, the Goldmoss Stonecrop is one of those plants that are often overlooked. It only grows a few centimetres high. In urban areas, the plant, also known as Mossy Stonecrop, Goldmoss Sedum and Biting Stonecrop, can be found on roadsides, between tram tracks, paving stones, on… Continue reading Goldmoss Stonecrop
Black Horehound
Ballota nigra Black Horehound (Ballota nigra) looks similar to stinging nettles, though is not related to it but to the deadnettles (Lamium). It belongs to the Lamiaceae family. In locations with good water and nutrient supply, the perennial plant can grow up to one metre high. It flowers from late May/early June until October. In… Continue reading Black Horehound