Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica)

Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica)

Most of the Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica) I have encountered have been heavily browsed by goats, and this individual is no exception, except that…


Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica)

Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica)

A vibrant, healthy and quite tall Socotran Pomegranate (Punica protopunica), found next to the walls of the north east of Socotra. These vertical cliffs…


Kremle | Brittlegill (Russula sp)

Kremle | Brittlegill (Russula sp)

Just two days have passed and my return here has shown all the specimens have grown considerably and are now on their last stages before decomposition will set…


Drueblå kremle | Brittlegill (Russula azurea)

Drueblå kremle | Brittlegill (Russula azurea)

The brittlegill fungi come in an incredible variety of colors, and often change hues throughout their growth. I found this one under a conifer in near…


Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

This is the only confirmed photograph of both sexes of the endemic species I got during my visit, as this is a couple (both sexes look the same, opposed to the…


Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

A Socotra starling landing in the canopy of a dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) where large amounts of fruits await. Firhmin Forest is a forest of dragon…


Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

A Socotra starling enjoying a mouthful of dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) fruit. Firhmin Forest is a forest of dragon blood trees, and within it a…


Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

This is the male Somali starling - all-black opposed to the female. He's observing me from the branches of the endemic dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari)…


Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

There are two species of starling found on Socotra, but only the Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater) is endemic. This is a female Somali starling, which…


Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

This female Somali starling is in the middle of a morning preening and beauty session on the beautiful Shuab beach of Socotra. Ruffling the feathers and…