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By Fotis Samaritakis
Alcedo atthis (Kingfisher)
Winter solstice may still be a bit pending, but kingfishers are making their presence known in our surroundings during this season. These clever and beautiful little birds are highly effective in their foraging. Almost every dive into the water proves successful, as they resurface with a fish securely held in their beaks.
Its beauty is truly unique, and its colourful plumage adds vibrancy to the winter's grey. I was fortunate that it chose to perch within easy reach of my lens. I could only feel awe and admiration for this magnificent bird.
November 2023
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The fauna of Crete
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The Cretan endemic butterfly Zerynthia cretica
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Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus)
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Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus)
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Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
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Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) (Hieraaetus fasciatus)
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Eleonora's Falcon
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Giorgalidiko: Domestic Horse, North-western European Horse
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The Cretan Badger
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Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)
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Mute Swan
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Cretan wildcat
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Butterflies and Moths of the island
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Cretan Tracker: Europe's Oldest Hound, a Gift from Zeus
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Cretan shrew
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Kri-kri, the Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica)
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Least Weasel
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Bats
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The Balkan Terrapin or Western Caspian Terrapin (Mauremys Rivulata)
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Cat Snake
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Balkan Whip Snake
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Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)
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Greek turtle
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Water Snake
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European Ratsnake or Leopard Snake
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The Bullfrog
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Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)
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Coleoptera