Photos / Sounds
What
Palestine Viper (Daboia palaestinae)Observer
kahlilDescription
A mating pair of these snakes was observed today while at a dog shelter/rescue just outside of Beirut. Habitat is grassy with shrubs in a dry environment. Temperature was around 20-22 C.
Two attempts were made to relocate the couple away from the area near the dog kennels. The first failed as the snakes were too entwined with each other and the vegetation. The second attempt was made after copulation and we could capture one - the second of the pair escaped into the grass. The captured snake was moved a couple hundred meters down the road and released into a similar habitat.
Snakes each appeared to be around 70-90 cm long (estimate only).
A short video clip of the mating encounter can be seen here:
https://youtu.be/gX6Jf8rW2h8
Photos / Sounds
What
Lappet Moths (Family Lasiocampidae)Observer
kahlilDescription
Not truly sure what this little guy was. It is a moth caterpillar, about the size of my thumb. In the upper left photo, on the towel near his head, you can see some discarded protective hairs which would surely have been irritating if touched. I originally thought this is related to the Processionary caterpillars we have (spring worms) but not really sure. We are surrounded by pine trees.
Identified as Lasiocampidae by a kind soul here as well as by a researcher from AUB, Lebanon.
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus XerotyphlopsObserver
kahlilDescription
Was found in a pile of rubble as children from the orphanage were doing some clean up. After a video was taken it was released where found. Positive ID made via internet search and confirmed by an AUB professor.
Video: http://youtu.be/oDDGHfbb9Wg
Photos / Sounds
What
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)Observer
kahlilDescription
My wife used her camera to capture these photos of what I believe to be Pelecanus onocrotalus flying over her school in Loueizeh/Jamhour (Baadba area), Lebanon. Neither of us have seen migrating pelicans before and to see large groups of large migrating birds this time of the year was quite odd. Normally eagles and storks are seen flying in such large groups as the seasons change.
See video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztawRcpHDzs
I am assuming they are P. onocrotalus rather than P. crispus, can this be verified by the photos we have posted?
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)Observer
kahlilDescription
Small, 18" or so, not too feisty
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern European Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor)Observer
kahlilDescription
Found hidden in a pile of construction debris. Appeared quite old and had several large (engorged) ticks on its body. Didn't open up so couldn't work on identifying the species very well. We evidently have two types of hedgehogs here in Lebanon, Southern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) and the Long-eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus). I am leaning towards Erinaceus concolor based on what I could see of body color.
Remained curled up in a ball and didn't show any other defensive signs (shaking, "sniffling", etc). Was moved to another location on site and offered water and a small tin of catfood.
Photos / Sounds
What
Asian Racer (Hemorrhois nummifer)Observer
kahlilDescription
juvenile snake.
Very spunky and energetic. Lots of hissing and posturing but only a few bites were received when handling it.
Photos / Sounds
Observer
kahlilDescription
strong and healthy looking specimen walking along the ground near the children's play area. Displayed energetic defensive behaviors, Released onto a tree after children returned inside.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)Observer
kahlil
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops)Observer
kahlilDescription
A pair was seen in various locations at the orphanage in Mansourieh. This species has not been seen in around 5 years here, so it was a nice treat to see them. They were impossible to photograph due to their skittish behaviors. They made several vocalizations throughout the day and we had hopes they were going to nest, but at the end of the day they had left the site.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)Observer
kahlilDescription
seen in the reeds of the Aamiq wetlands in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon. Was witnessed swimming with several babies.
Photos / Sounds
What
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)Observer
kahlilDescription
Annual migration of storks over the orphanage
Photos / Sounds
What
Müller's Snake (Micrelaps muelleri)Observer
kahlilDescription
At a friend's house near Broumana, Lebanon (Mar Moussa). Small, around 9" or so. Was killed in fear by another friend before it could be relocated. Took photographs to AUB for identification. Cannot find on hard drive now, when I do I'll post (note, specimen was dead after being photographed).
Photos / Sounds
What
Malpolons (Genus Malpolon)Observer
kahlilDescription
Small, very aggressive. Probably a recent hatchling. Took to American University of Beirut to identify. Released back into the "wild" at the orphanage.
Photos / Sounds
Observer
kahlilDescription
We used to have more of these on the orphanage grounds, but recently sightings have been less often. This specimen was quite emaciated and weak.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red Whip Snake (Platyceps collaris)Observer
kahlilDescription
small, around 30 cm max...probably an early summer hatchling? Found near a garden area inside a bucket used to water plants, must have fallen in. Had identity confirmed by professor at American University of Beirut. Based on tail length and vent placement I am assuming this is a male, but unsure.
