Garrulus glandarius

304_4162 [Garrulus glandaurus]

 

This impressive bird is usually found in woodlands

and sometimes in parks and in large gardens

throughout most of Europe.

 

It feeds mainly on insects, seeds and especially acorns

that it seems to like most.

In Autumn it collects as many acorns as it can find,

carries them in a pouch under its throat

and buries them in the ground

to eat them in harsh winter days and perhaps in Spring!

 

Mature birds vary in length from 32 to 37 cm and may live up to 5 years.

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

Pallenis spinosa

302_4931 [Pallenis spinosa]

Pallenis spinosa (referred to as “spiny golden star” by English speakers)

 is a very common plant that can reach 60 cm in height. 

It grows on uncultivated sunny lands and often by a roadside.

It blooms from April to July

and produces flowers with a diameter of about 3 cm.

In spite of its being very common,

Pallenis spinosa looks impressive with its small flowers

which combine with surrounding bracts

and form eye-catching stars.

 

Undoubtedly, (at least IMHO)

they decorate the dry, unimpressive, environment

in which they usually grow.

 

 

Tulipa australis

803_9949 [Tulipa australis]

 

304_5881 [Tulipa australis]

 

303_7370 [Tulipa australis]

 

A flower that decorates the Greek territory almost throughout the country.

It grows in grasslands and mountainous rocky places

at elevations from 500-2200 m.

and produces solitary flowers that range from 2 to 3.5 cm in length.

It blooms from April to May. 

Interesting to know that it usually has 2 leaves and rarely 3.

See above.

 

All photographed on Mt. Hymittos.