Why is the Wryneck so called?

The Wryneck gets its name from the ability to turn its head from side to side and back and forth in the manner of a snake.  This ability is thought to imitate a snake, to deter predators from their nest.  They will also assume this habit when held in the hand.  See our video

The Wryneck Jynx torquilla is a member of the Woodpecker family of birds.  It has a large head, compared to its body, and a very long tongue, used to extract insect prey from crevices.  Like all Woodpeckers, it has the curiosity of having two front forward-pointing toes and two backward pointing ones; unlike all birds with three forward and one back.

 

This one was trapped at the Gibraltar Bird Observatory where it was measured, ringed and released; not before exhibiting its characteristic head-twisting feature.

Gibraltar Bird Report 2022

Gibraltar Bird Report 2022

Welcome to the Gibraltar Bird Report 2022.

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GONHS Reaction to Latest Oil Spill

GONHS Reaction to Latest Oil Spill

GONHS notes with distress another oil spill that is impacting our waters and shore.  This comes off the back of the removal, finally, of the wreck of the OS35, another accident that resulted in environmental damage.

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Botanical outing to the Upper Rock

Botanical outing to the Upper Rock

Our botanical outing to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve was held on 25th March. This well-attended outing was led by Leslie Linares (plants), Albert Gonzalez and Michael Grech (lichens and fungi).

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GONHS 2023 Outings Kick-off

GONHS 2023 Outings Kick-off

The first GONHS outing of 2023 was held on Saturday the 21st January.  Robert Perez led a sea-watch at Europa Point, from which attendees had an opportunity to see some of the seabirds that spend the winter in Gibraltar waters. 

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Arthur Harper LRPS - Obituary

Arthur Harper LRPS - Obituary

 

Lifetime President of the Gibraltar Photographic Society, Arthur Harper LRPS, passed away peacefully on 26thDecember.

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Gibraltar Bird Report 2021

Gibraltar Bird Report 2021

Welcome to the Gibraltar Bird Report 2021.

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OS 35 Incident

OS 35 Incident

OS 35 Incident 

The Bulk Carrier OS 35 was involved in a collision with the Adam LNG south of Europa Point on the evening of the 29th August. The OS 35 started to sink, and was directed by the Port Authorities to the East Side of the Rock, where it was decided to beach the vessel to prevent it sinking altogether.

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Birdlife Eurobirdwatch 22.  30th Anniversary

Birdlife Eurobirdwatch 22. 30th Anniversary

Birdlife Eurobirdwatch 22.  30th Anniversary

 

The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society will be celebrating the 22 edition of the Birdlife EuroBirdwatch on Saturday the 1st of October.

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