Croatia & Slovenia
February wasn't the best time of year to be doing iNaturalist observing in Croatia and Slovenia, especially in mostly urban locations. Lots of birds (and lots of Feral Pigeons). Plenty of opportunities for urban botanizing and, especially in Ljubljana, water fowl.
Croatia
The hooded crow (Corvus cornix), also colloquially called just hoodie, is a Eurasian bird species in the genus Corvus. Widely distributed, it is found across Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. It is an ashy grey bird with black head, throat, wings, tail, and thigh feathers, as well as a black bill, eyes, and feet. Like other corvids, it is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and feeder. -- iNaturalist
My Observations
Total: 14-20 February 2026 (as of 28 February 2026)
Observations: 28
Species: 17
Notables
Saw quite a few Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix)
Slovenia
At right is a European Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus):
The firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus, is a common insect of the family Pyrrhocoridae. Easily recognizable due to its striking red and black coloration, it may be confused with the similarly coloured though unrelated Corizus hyoscyami (cinnamon bug or squash bug). Pyrrhocoris apterus is distributed throughout the Palaearctic from the Atlantic coast of Europe to northwest China. Beyond its native Palaearctic range, it has been recorded in the United States, Central America, India, and Australia. It has been reported as recently expanding its distribution northwards into mainland United Kingdom and eastward on to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.They are frequently observed to form aggregations, especially as immature forms, containing from tens to perhaps a hundred individuals. - iNaturalist
My Observations
Total: 20-25 February 2026 (as of 28 February 2026)
Observations: 58
Species: 31
Notables
European Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus)