Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) with bark snails

Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) with bark snails

You can find these dormant (aestivating) land snails (Achatinelloides) sporadically throughout Socotra, but find them covering an entire Socotra cucumber tree…


Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

A very young individual that has survived the insatiable appetite of the goats - only because it growing where they cannot reach! If the plant is not…


Socotra plant 41 (Cucurbitaceae)

Socotra plant 41 (Cucurbitaceae)

This is the only place I've encountered this species on Socotra. It thrives here in the shadow of the tall cliffs and finds moisture from the water seeping out…


Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)

Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)

With the same color combination as the thick-billed euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) it might be difficult to tell them apart on the fly, but as the name…


Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)

Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)

With the same color combination as the thick-billed euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) it might be difficult to tell them apart on the fly, but as the name…


Spot-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia imitans)

Spot-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia imitans)

A female foraging for fruits. Its plumage ensures it blends perfectly with the foliage, and is best seen if you offer fruits or have a preferred fruiting tree…


Olive-backed euphonia (Euphonia gouldi)

Olive-backed euphonia (Euphonia gouldi)

A small bird blending perfectly with the foliage of the canopy where it forages for fruits. The best way to get up close is to offer a selection of fruits in…


Dark-breasted rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis)

Dark-breasted rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis)

A beautiful high-elevation dweller, seen here around the Tungnath temple during the full moon of April 2018. The winters are harsh here, but on the last day of…


Cucumis prophetarum

Cucumis prophetarum

The entirety of this cucumber plant is really fascinating, and I’ve never seen it before. This is likely Cucumis prophetarum ssp dissectum, as it is more…