The Gulf of Roses stretches from L'Escala to Roses. Halfway around, you find the Parc Natural Dels Aiguamolls de L'Emporda. This crucial wetland reserve was set up in 1983 to save what was left of the Emporda marshlands. It now attracts many birds and is especially important during migration periods. We have visited before, but it is always lovely to return.
Walking out onto the reserve, the weather could look better towards the Pyrenees.
It takes Linda no time to attract a little friend unknown to us. Then we realise it is a Mediterranean Slant-faced grasshopper.
During our picnic lunch, we spotted a distant Osprey some distance up the river Emporda. Then Linda spotted these stunning butterflies; she was sure they were of the Monarch species by their leisurely flight and colouration.
A correct presumption is that this is the Plain Tiger, also known as the African Monarch.
A milkwood butterfly.
Danaus chrysippus chrysippus.
The plain Tiger was the first butterfly used in art. In the Egyptian city of Luxor,
Frescoes are featuring them, dating around 3500 years old.
They are lucky to be unpalatable to predators. They are full of alkaloids, which are digested during the larval period. Hence, they fly slowly, leisurely, and, sometimes, close to the ground. If they are digested by a predator, it causes vomiting, and they soon learn their lesson.
A mating pair on what we think is ragwort. Interestingly, this is also full of alkaloids.
They are supposed to favour dry terrain, but I need to find out, as we are on marshland, albeit very sandy.
Part of the reserve runs along a section of the beach here; we do a little sea-watching,
before cycling home.
A lovely Little Egret.
A lone Black-headed gull and that was it! Another great day out.
Tomorrow, we will go to the area around Les Talaies d' Alcala, further south.
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