Blog launched: November 10, 2009

Saturday, March 9, 2024

The Parthenon

803_6569 [Parthenon]

A night shot of the Parthenon 
(taken from a distance of 3,9km)…
 
303_9483 [Parthenon]

…and a day one
(taken from very close).
 
Please click on the pictures to view them in higher resolution.
 
[The Parthenon needs no ‘introductions’, I believe,
so, please let me make no more comments today. Thank you.]


Saturday, March 2, 2024

Narcissus papyraceus

DSCN3531 [narcissus papyraceus]
 
This photo dates back to January 2009.
I had found the species of papyraceous on one and only spot
on the whole Mt. Hymittos and I remember I was then very happy with my luck.
 
Today, I am filled with disappointment
because I repeatedly visited the spot in the last three or four years
to take and share with you a new picture but no success. 
The flower seems not to be there anymore!
Human intervention? Other cause?
 
In any case, whatever the reason, it is sad and disappointing! Sorry.
 
 

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Lycoperdon perlatum

IMG_3188 [Lycoperdon perlatum]

Lycoperdon perlatum is a widespread mushroom species
found in almost any country of the world.
It grows solitarily or in groups throughout the year
in habitats like woods, grassy areas, gardens, or along road sides.
 
When the mushroom reaches maturity,
its cap can reach 70mm in diameter
and gets a pear-like shape with a flattened top
where it develops a hole which opens, and under certain conditions,
it lets mature, brown, powdery spores escape to perpetuate the species.
 See demonstration below.
 
 
IMG-3182 [Lycoperdon perlatum]
 
Photo and video from Mt. Hymittos.
Feb. 4, 2024





 



Saturday, February 10, 2024

Ophrys fusca

IMG_3206 [Ophrys fusca]

 
While I was strolling on Mt Hymittos for some fresh air in the middle of the winter,
I had an ‘unexpected encounter’ with this Ophrys.
Not having my camera with me,
I took this picture with my mobile phone.
 
It is a widespread Ophrys in Greece
that blooms from February to April on heights of up to 1100m.
 
This encounter may be symbolic.
It may be signifying the onset of the new Ophrys hunting period
for some flora photographers!
 
Mt. Hymittos, Feb. 04, 2024

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Ophioglossum lusitanicum

803_5950 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]
 
Ophioglossum lusitanicum is a rare, winter, annual fern
growing in most Mediterranean countries
and elsewhere throughout the world.
 
In Greece, it can be found in NE, in Central Mainland, in Peloponnese and in the Aegean islands
on heights from 50 to 800m.
 
It is very low, usually about 4cm, and difficult to spot.
 

803_5967 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]

The plant’s sporangia, about 2cm long, attached on their respective stalks.
 
Their shape looks like a snake’s tongue;
a fact that justifies the plant’s name ‘Ophioglossum’
which comes from the Greek words όφις + γλώσσα [= snake + tongue].
 
The pictures were taken in Lavrio area on Feb 4, 2020.
 

803_5967 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]

Focus on details of the plant’s sporangia
 
 
DSCN3623 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]
 
Two friends are waiting for their turn to take a picture of Ophioglossum.
The third one had spotted the plant first, so she is rightfully taking the picture first!
Her body position on the ground indicates
the difficulty of compositing the picture of a tiny plant on the ground.
 
 

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Phoenicopterus ruber

303_9697 [Phoenicopterus ruber]
 
Flamingos:
This extraordinary, easily recognizable bird needs no introduction
but it’s good to remind that its family includes
very few species scattered worldwide,
of which only the Greater Flamingo (above) appears in Europe.
 
Being a migratory bird, it often visits Greece,
especially the island of Lefkada during the autumn and winter months.
It gets 1.20 - 1.50m in height, with a wingspan of 1.40 - 1.65m
and lives about 30 years!
Flying speed? A flock can reach 60km/h
and cover a distance of 600km in a night!
 
That said, I am tempted to confess
that I was ashamed not to know where they get that characteristic pink/reddish color,
until I found they get it through carotenoid pigments in their food.
That was a frightening discovery!
Do I run the danger of getting a pink face, I wonder,
if I keep eating carrots??? 
🤣
 
The picture was taken in Attica Zoological Park.
 
Clicking on the picture you can see it in higher resolution.
 
 

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Parnassius apollo

304_3304 [Parnassius apollo]

Parnassius apollo flies from July to end of August on high altitudes (1000-2300m)
of almost all mountains from Spain through Europe to Central Asia.
This is why it is often called “mountain apollo”.
 
It prefers mountain fields and forests
but above the tree line it looks for rocky slopes.
It is very rarely found in shadowy and wet places.
 
Its populations vary from locally restricted to dense or extinct.
This is why it is completely or partially protected
in almost all countries where it flies
and is considered of a great interest to any collector.
 
A fairly large (70-80mm), beautiful butterfly with vivid colors and designs,
attractive to humans but threatening to predators!
 
A note, perhaps of interest, to photographers: 
The Apollo is rather lethargic. It stays for long periods on flowers
keeping the wings entirely open
and so it provides opportunities for a close view or a closeup photography.
 
The picture was taken on Mt. Oiti, central Greece.
 
 
 
 

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Statue of Mother

801_6883 [Mana]
 
The Statue of Mother is located on the island of Aegina,
3 km north of the port of Aegina,
in the area of Plakakia. [37°45'54.5"N 23°25'26.6"E]
 
The spot is beautiful and attracts any visitor to the island.
It is only a walking distance away from the house
where Nikos Kazantzakis lived and wrote his works
and from the beautiful Bouza lighthouse.
 
The Statue of Mana is the work of the well-known Greek sculptor
of the 20th century (1909 - 1993) Christos Kapralos.
It is made of bronze and symbolizes the mother
who is waiting for her son who is a sailor to return from a long, multi-day, voyage.
 
A few meters opposite the statue
you can visit the Christos Kapralos Museum to enjoy remarkable exhibits.
 
 
 
801_6912 [Mana]
 
Please click on the picture
to enjoy the sunset in a larger resolution.