Back in good ol’ Germany

Since last Friday I am back in Germany in my home town.

That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t pop by last week – sorry for that. I will catch up

From Germany

From Birds 2011 Germany

Here’s just a quick glimpse from my refreshing eye candy. Not the greatest photos, I yet have to get used to gloomy conditions again (not that it’s that different from dust – photography wise). Bagged a Lifer on my second day – a Dipper. Never seen one before. Nice welcome gift ;-).

From Birds 2011 Germany

From Germany

Edible Frog, Pelophylax kl. esculentus

From Hungary

From Hungary The Edible Frog (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) is a name for a common European frog, also known as the common water frog or green frog (however, this latter term is also used for the North American species Lithobates clamitans).It is used for food, particularly in France for the delicacy frog legs.Females are between 5 to 9 cm long, males between 6 to 11 cm.Pelophylax esculentus is the fertile hybrid of the Pool Frog (Pelophylax lessonae) and the Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus), hence the addition of the “kl.” (for klepton or synklepton) in the species name.During the ice age the population of the common ancestor of both species was split into two. These populations diverged, but remained genetically close enough to be able to create fertile hybrids. However, when edible frogs mate with each other, their offspring are often misformed, so there are no pure populations of edible frogs. The hybrid populations are propagated by female edible frogs mating with males of one of the parental species.

From wiki

Ästige Graslilie, Anthericum ramosum

Anthericum ramosum reaches on average 30–70 centimetres (12–28 in) of height. The grass-like leaves are 50 centimetres (20 in) long and two to six millimeters wide and are generally much shorter than the inflorescence. It has an erect, paniculate inflorescence. The flower spikes are branched (hence the Latin name ramosus). The six tepals are white, 10–13 millimetres (0.39–0.51 in) long, as the sixstamens. The flower is scentless and pure white, the anthers are bright yellow. The flowering period extends from June through August. The capsular fruit is spherical to three-faced. The flowers are pollinated by hymenopterans, while the seed distribution is done by the wind.

Info: wiki 

From Hungary Nature

Peach-leaved Bellflower, Pfirsichblättrige Glockenblume,Campanula persicifolia

A little Beauty I’ve found in Hungary in 2008

Campanula persicifolia or Peach-leaved Bellflower is a plant species of the genus Campanula. It can be almost one meter high. Its flowers are cup-shaped and can be either lilac-blue or white. Its foliage is narrow and glossy with a bright green appearance.

From Hungary Nature

It is common in the Alps and other mountains in Europe. It grows at lower altitudes in the north, and higher up further south, passing 1,500 m in Provence. It flowers normally in June; a dry summer may reduce or inhibit its flowering.

From wiki

Somogy, Hungary – June 2008

Nikon D300, Nikkor 18-200mm

Copyright by NicoleB Photography 

Black-tailed Skimmer, Großer Blaupfeil, Orthetrum cancellatum

The Black-tailed Skimmer, Orthetrum cancellatum, is a European and Asian dragonfly.
It occurs nearly all over Europe except northern UK and Scandinavia, to the east the range extends to Kashmir and Mongolia.
The adult male has a blue abdomen with a black tip and transparent wings, and the female has a yellow (later: brown) body with black bands along the abdomen and transparent wings.
Even the immature males look that way.
This species has expanded its range, assisted by the creation of gravel pits which give it the extensive open unvegetated areas it prefers.
It was first recorded in Great Britain in Essex in 1934. 

Info from wiki

This guy is an adult male, seen in Hungary, June 2006.

From Hungary Nature

Somogy, Hungary – June 2006
Casio EX-P505
Copyright by NicoleB Photography

Willow Emerald Damselfly, Weidenjungfer, Chalcolestes viridis

Has a metallic green body and at rest it holds its wings away from its body. Its common name in English is the Willow Emerald Damselfly or the Western Willow Spreadwing.

From wiki 

From Hungary Nature

Somogy, Hungary, June 2006

Casio EX-P505

Copyright by NicoleB Photography

Red-throated Pipit, Rotkehlpieper, Anthus cervinus

From Birds Egypt 2010

From Birds Egypt 2010

From Birds Egypt 2010

From Birds Egypt 2010

Sharm el Sheikh Golf course, South Sinai, Egypt
April 2nd 2010
Nikon D300, Nikkor 18-200mm
Copyright by NicoleB Photography