The Vercors - by Air

France - The Vercors - by air

Naturetrek Tour Report 15 - 22 May 2016

Knapweed Fritillary Lotus maritimus

Orchis militaris Le Grand Veymont from the Hauts Plateaux

Report and Images by Paul Harmes & Laura Benito

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report France - The Vercors - by air

Tour participants: Paul Harmes and Laura Benito (leaders) with 11 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Sunday 15th May

London Heathrow – Lyon St, Exupery – La Chappelle en Vercors The group met with Laura and Paul at Lyon St. Exupery Airport, after catching flight BA360 from London Heathrow, Terminal 3. After completing immigration formalities and collecting our luggage, we made our way to the car park, where our vehicles were waiting. With luggage loaded, we set off travelling towards Grenoble, on the A43 and A48. We stopped for our lunch at a motorway rest area, Aire l’Isle d’Abeau.

With our lunch complete, we continued on down the A48 towards the outskirts of Grenoble, leaving the motorway to visit the area around Grenoble Isère Airport. The first location produced three circling Black Kites, a perched pair of Kestrels, Marsh Harrier, Corn Bunting and Red-backed Shrike. We also heard Melodious Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap and Common Nightingale. For the plants, the adjacent arable margins revealed Trifolium incarnatum subsp. incarnatum (Crimson Clover), Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) and Lamium garganicum (Large Red Dead-nettle). As we were about to move on, a pair of Montagu’s Harriers were seen circling over our heads. A little further on, we made a stop to scan the boundary fences of the airport. Here we located three Red-footed Falcons.

We now continued on our journey up to the Vercors plateau, via St. Marcellin and Pont-en-Royans and on via Les Petits Goulets and Les Barraques en Vercors, to La Chapelle en Vercors and the Hotel Bellier, our base for the week. After settling into our rooms, and relaxing for a while, we reconvened, at 6.45pm, for an outline of the week from Laura and Paul, before it was time to enjoy our evening meal.

Day 2 Monday 16th May

Route Combe Laval – St-Jean-en-Royans – Font d’Urle - Vassieux en Vercors We started the day by heading towards St-Jean-en-Royans, as it was Whit Monday and the hypermarket would only be open until midday. On the way, we made a short stop at the magnificent Col de la Machine, where we enjoyed the fabulous views. House Martin and Crag Martin were very active. Plants included Arabis alpina (Alpine Rock-cress), Hornungia petraea (Hutchinsia), Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore) and Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage

We now made our way along the precipitous Route Combe Laval and on down to St-Jean-en-Royans, where we visited the hypermarket to do the week’s picnic shopping. A small meadow produced Neotinea tridentata (Toothed Orchid) and Small Heath, Swallowtail and Heath Fritillary butterflies. Eurasian Wren was calling regularly, also.

On the return journey, we stopped on a roadside above St-Jean, where we found Orchis purpurea (Lady Orchid), Ophrys insectifera (Fly Orchid), Tilia platyphyllos (Broad-leaved Lime) and Hippocrepis emerus (Scorpion Senna). A small meadow produced Orchis simia (Monkey Orchid), Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid) and Orchis anthropophora (Man Orchid), and there were also Orange Tip and Scarce Swallowtail Butterflies. We then moved back through the Col de la Machine and Lente, into the Forêt Communuale de Bouvante, for lunch.

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Laura and Paul set up the picnic by a stream, the banks of which had a good show of Anemone ranunculoides (Yellow Anemone), and there were emerging spikes of Dactylorhiza sambucina (Elder-flowered Orchid), in both colour forms. Some adjacent woodland produced Cardamine heptaphylla (Seven-leaflet Bitter-cress), Luzula luzuloides (White Wood-rush) and Valeriana tripteris (Three-leaved Valerian). Bird life was quite slow, but we did hear Firecrest, Blackcap and Robin.

We now moved to the Font d’Urle, an area of open limestone crags and meadows used for skiing in winter. We began by exploring the slopes adjacent to the car park, where Paul told us that snow had been lying a week earlier. There were many spikes of Erythronium dens-canis (Dog-tooth Violet), some of which were in fruit, but lots were still in flower. There was also Viola calcarata (Long-spurred Pansy), Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill) and Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus (Spring Crocus). A large number of Alpine Choughs were circling above us, and we had distant views of Water Pipit, Skylark, Northern Wheatear, a solitary Short-toed Snake Eagle and Black Redstart. Where snow had previously lain, the winter tunnels of Snow Vole were also evident and, as we progressed, we added Narcissus pseudonarcissus (Wild Daffodil), Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian), Draba aizoides (Yellow Whitlow- grass) and Saxifraga exarata subsp. delphinensis (a Musky Saxifrage). At the head of the valley we enjoyed more of the magnificent scenery the Vercors has to offer, before we returned to the vehicle.

From here, we moved to a roadside viewpoint above the valley of Vassieux en Vercors, on the Col de la Chau, with panoramas to the east across to Le Grand Veymont, which, at 2340m, is the highest peak in the region. Erinus alpinus (Fairy Foxglove) and Cerastium arvense (Field Mouse-ear) were found.

We now moved down into the valley, and made a short stop outside the village of Vassieux en Vercors, at the cemetery where the victims of the Nazi massacre at that village, during the Second World War, are buried, before returning to the hotel for dinner. Whilst here, we had superb views of a Short-toed Eagle, directly above us.

Day 3 Tuesday 17th May

Herbouilly - Les Merciers - Les Bruyeres – Valchevriere The highlight of the early morning bird walk today, was a Eurasian Wryneck, which was calling from trees at the back of the hotel.

After breakfast, we made our way up to the northern end of the Vercors Plateau. Our main objective was to try to find a Wallcreeper, but we found interesting things en route, as well. Leaving La Chapelle, we drove north through the village of St Martin en Vercors, where we turned off towards the hamlet of Herbouilly. We made our first stop on a verge in the forest to see a small stand of Orchis pallens (Pale-flowered Orchid). There was also Lathyrus vernus (Spring Vetch), Ribes alpinum (Mountain Currant) and Sambucus racemosus (Red-berried Elder). Firecrest and Song Thrush were both heard.

We continued on to a point just north of Lans en Vercors, to the hamlet of St. Merciers. Parking in a wide quarry-like lay-by, we set off for a tall crag. Laura took the birders to seek out the elusive Wallcreeper where it had been seen in past years. Settling down on the top of a viewing point to wait and watch for signs of movement, they made themselves comfortable. Meanwhile, Paul took the botanists off to explore. They found emerging Saxifraga paniculata (Live-long Saxifrage), Anthyllis montana (Mountain Kidney-vetch), Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid), masses of Dactylorhiza sambucina (Elder-flowered Orchid) in the yellow form, and a single

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France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

spike of Neotinea ustulata (Burnt Orchid), but this was barely in flower. Insects were starting to become active, and we found Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper and numerous Orange Tips. When we all reconvened, Laura’s group had recorded Common Cuckoo, Common Swift, Northern Raven, Western Bonelli’s Warbler and Common Buzzard. Their highlight, however, was a solitary Northern Goshawk but, unfortunately, no Wallcreeper.

We now moved down to the southern end of the Gorges du Furon, where we took our picnic in a grassy clearing by the river at a place called Bruyant. Whilst we were there, we added Adoxa moschatellina (Moschatel), Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage), Saxifraga rotundifolia (Round-leaved Saxifrage), Pimpinella major (Greater Burnet Saxifrage) and Cirsium montanum. We also heard Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren, and saw White-throated Dipper and Grey Heron. A female Brimstone, Comma Butterfly, Orange Tip and Swallowtail butterflies were also seen.

We now made our way to some wet meadows at Les Bruyeres, where we found Tephroseris helenitis (Swiss Ragwort), Valeriana dioica (Marsh Valerian) and Dactylorhiza majalis (Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid). A small pond produced a number of Hybrid Edible Frogs. Unfortunately, we could not locate the hoped-for Marsh Warbler, but we did see Common Kestrel, Garden Warbler and Grey Heron.

It was now time to start our homeward journey, stopping briefly at the abandoned village of Valchevrière, the scene of a battle between the Germans and the Resistance in July 1944. While we were there, Paul demonstrated the leaf characteristics of Cardamine pentaphyllos (Five-leaflet Bitter-cress), before it was time to make our way back to hotel, in time for dinner.

Day 4 Wednesday 18th May

Col de Rousset – Chamaloc – Les Nonnières – Vallée de Combeau – Cirque d’Archiane Our first stop today was at the head of the spectacular Col de Rousset – there are truly magnificent views from here. Whilst we were here, we had good telescope views of two sets of two Alpine Chamois (two adults and an adult with a youngster). Bonelli’s Warbler was also heard and several Griffon Vultures were seen. Continuing on down the valley, where we made a second stop to look for Griffon Vultures at a roost near Chamaloc. Unfortunately, the birds seem to have moved from the area, so we had to satisfy ourselves with the calls of Short-toed Treecreeper and Cuckoo. Meanwhile, the botanists explored the verge banks, finding Limodorum abortivum (Violet Bird’s-nest Orchid), Turritis glabra (Tower Mustard), Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil), Ononis fruticosa (Shrubby Restharrow) and Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Bush).

At the bottom of the valley we turned east through the town of Die and on through Pont-de-Quart and Châtillon-en-Diois. We continued on through Menée and up to a point above Les Nonnières, where we parked by some meadows. In some woodland we found Cypripedium calceolus (Lady’s Slipper Orchid), but sadly none were yet flowering. Cephalanthera longifolia (Sword-leaved Helleborine), Neottia ovata (Twayblade), Gentiana angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Gentian) and Equisetum telmateia (Greater Horsetail) were, however, all recorded. Coal Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch and Chiffchaff were heard. An adjacent verge bank produced a number of magnificent specimens of Orchis purpurea (Lady Orchid), and a meadow had Latticed Heath, Common Heath and Mother Shipton moths.

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Retracing our route, we turned up into the Vallée de Combeau. Here we made our way up the valley, parking near the top by a ford in the stream. Here we set up our lunch, in a chilly wind. Opposite our picnic table, there was a colony Pinguicula grandiflora (Large-flowered Butterwort), and the stream banks produced Meum athamanticum (Spignel), Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian) and, on a distant mountain top, we saw another Alpine Chamois. In addition, Tree Pipit showed well.

With lunch complete, we moved back down the valley. Here there was a small colony of Orchis spitzellii (Spitzel’s Orchid), one of our target species, growing through Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), with Gentiana angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Gentian) and Genista sericea (Silvery Greenweed). It was a little warmer lower down, and Common Wall Lizards were becoming active, as well as Orange Tip and Clouded Yellow butterflies. After we had taken pictures of the spectacular Rocher de Combeau, we made our way down to the village of Menée, where we followed the road to the spectacular Cirque d’Archiane.

Stopping at the head of the valley, we were just preparing to set off to walk into the tiny hamlet when Laura found a Bearded Vulture drifting along a high ridge, and then right across the valley, a wonderful and scarce sighting for this region. In addition, there were Griffon Vultures and Crag Martins. Along the roadsides we added Antirrhinum latifolium (Broad-leaved Snapdragon) and Geranium purpureum (Little Robin). Little Blue, Common Blue, Brimstone, Orange Tip and freshly emerged Knapweed Fritillary butterflies were also noted. Pausing for refreshments in the mountain farm in Archiane, we were entertained by Great Tit and Crested Tit, both active in the trees above our heads.

It was now time to begin the homeward journey, retracing our steps back up towards the Col de Rousset, and on to La Chapelle en Vercors.

Day 5 Thursday 19th May

Col de la Machine – Leoncel - Col de Bacchus - Gigors Today we awoke to the news that the Col de la Bataille was still closed. So, in order to reach the south-west point, just below the Vercors plateau, we would have to take another route. Leaving La Chapelle, we made our way, once again, to the Col de la Machine and through the Route Combe Laval and St-Jean-en-Royans, where we turned south towards Leoncel. Just south of the village of Oriol-en-Royans, we stopped briefly to examine a rocky verge where we found Orobanche caryophyllacea (Clove-scented Broomrape), Fragaria moschata (Hautbois Strawberry) and Tragopogon pratense (Goat’s-beard), before continuing down through the village of Leoncel, and south through La Vacharie to the Col de Bacchus. Here we stopped to explore a broad road verge and quiet lane bank, finding Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid), Neotinea ustulata (Burnt Orchid), Dactylorhiza sambucina (Elder- flowered Orchid) in both colour forms, Saponaria ocymoides (Rock Soapwort), Orchis simia (Monkey Orchid), Anacamptis morio (Green-winged Orchid), Silene italica (Italian Catchfly) and the hybrid Neotinea ustulata x N. tridentata. Down a small lane, we added Ophrys fuciflora subsp. fuciflora (Late Spider Orchid), Rhinanthus angustifolius agg. (Large Yellow-rattle) and emerging Crataegus x media (a Hybrid Hawthorn). Birds included Bonelli’s Warbler, Bullfinch, Blackcap and Common Whitethroat.

From here, we moved to a second site on the Col, where we recorded the endemic Ophrys x flavicans (Drome Bee Orchid), Astragalus monspessulanus (Montpellier Milk-vetch), Orchis simia (Military Orchid), Orchis militaris (Military Orchid), and a stunning patch of c.70 or so spikes of Orchis provincialis (Provence Orchid). We now continued on

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France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

south through Plan-de-Baix and Beaufort sur Gervanne, where we turned west to an area of open scrubby land with marginal woodland, near Gigors, for our lunch stop. Whilst we prepared our picnic, some of the group heard and saw Bonelli’s Warbler.

After eating, we set off to explore the woodland and the scrubby fields, finding Thymus vulgaris (Wild Thyme), emerging Limodorum abortivum (Violet Bird’s-nest Orchid), Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. incanum (Hoary Rockrose), Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak) and several spikes of Ophrys insectifera (Fly Orchid). In addition there was Ophrys fuciflora subsp. fuciflora (Late Spider Orchid), Cephalanthera damasonium (White Helleborine), Ophrys x flavicans (Drome Bee Orchid), Ophrys scolopax (Woodcock Orchid) and several hybrid Orchids. Butterflies were becoming active, with Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Berger’s Clouded Yellow, Scarce Swallowtail, Lesser Spotted Fritillary, Baton Blue and Adonis Blue all being recorded. Meanwhile, the birders heard Great Spotted Woodpecker and Cuckoo, and saw Common Kestrel.

A brief check of some arable margins produced Ranunculus arvensis (Corn Buttercup), Scandix pecten-veneris (Shepherd’s-needle) and Trifolium incarnatum (Crimson Clover).

It was now time to head north. Along the way, we had a fleeting glimpse of a Red-backed Shrike and Black Kite was also seen. We now made our way to the hotel for dinner.

Day 6 Friday 20th May

Reserve Naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors On a clear, but cold morning, three group members, Carol, Rob and John, with Laura, left the hotel at 4am, after a quick coffee and croissants served by Fabienne, and headed for the Reserve Naturelle des Hauts Platreaux du Vercors. Their main objective was to try to find Black Grouse. Leaving the road just south of St. Agnan en Vercors, they made their way up the forest road to the car park at Maison Forestière de La Coche. From here, in bright moonlight, they walked the three kilometres or so through mixed pine and deciduous woodland to the open plateau, where they then proceeded cautiously out towards the area where these birds lek. As they went, they could hear several Song Thrushes, Blackbird and Robin beginning to sing, and then the unmistakable ‘bubbling’ calls of the Black Grouse, could be heard ahead. They walked in that direction, scanning the area and stopping several times to listen. Finally, two males were located at the top of trees and, briefly, another one on the ground. It is characteristic in this population that some of the males lek from the trees. This spectacle was enjoyed for more than an hour, until they stopped. In addition, an amazing sunrise and the spectacular landscape made the experience unforgettable. The temperature was cold, so a hot coffee and some biscuits were very welcome. Before long, the sunlight started to reach in the field, so that helped the day to warm up. After this break the group started to explore the area and had success finding Wryneck, Citril Finch, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Tree Pipit and Dunnock. Also noted were Tulipa sylvestris subsp. sylvestris (Wild Tulip) and Narcissus pseudonarcissus (Wild Daffodil).

They now started their way back down the track where they met the rest of the group with Paul. Further down the track, they saw Red Crossbill and great views of Ring Ouzel.

Meanwhile, the remaining group members and Paul, left the hotel at our normal departure time, and made our way down the valley towards Rousset en Vercors, where we turned onto a forest road and made our way up to

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

the car park at La Coche. As we ascended the plateau, we stopped briefly at a viewpoint for photos, where we found Cardamine heptaphylla (Seven-leaflet Bitter-cress), Cardamine pentaphyllos (Five-leaflet Bitter-cress), Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris), Valeriana tripteris (Three-leaved Valerian) and Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort).

Leaving the La Coche car park, wrapped up against the chill, we saw a Tree Pipit ‘ballooning’ from one tree top to another. We set off and began exploring the mixed coniferous and deciduous woodland, finding that Abies alba (Silver Fir) and Picea abies (Norway Spruce) and Fagus sylvatica (Beech) were the predominant trees. Soon after we had left the car park, we found a small group of Orchis mascula subsp. speciosa (an Early Purple Orchid), and Chiffchaff, Robin and Chaffinch, were all singing. Continuing on, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Viola tricolor subsp. subalpina (Alpine Heartsease) and Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge) were added.

Near the top of the path, we met the early morning group and exchanged information on what we had seen, before they descended for their lunch. As Paul’s group arrived at the open plateau, we could see the Grand Veymont, with its fresh covering of snow. Here, we found Ajuga pyramidalis (Pyramidal Bugle), as well as Tulipa sylvestris subsp. sylvestris (Wild Tulip), Narcissus pseudonarcissus (Wild Daffodil) and Pinus uncinata (Mountain Pine). Insects were not at all active, but the morning was warming up nicely, and we did find a Common Heath moth. In the distance we could clearly hear Black Woodpecker, and Peter, who was exploring alone, reported seeing this secretive bird. We also saw European Serin, Citril Finch and Mistle Thrush.

On their descent, as the morning warmed up, Paul’s group recorded Orange Tip, Brimstone and Small Copper butterflies, before rejoining Laura and her group for our picnic, in a sheltered clearing near the car park, where Chiffchaff, Coal Tit and Song Thrush were heard. After lunch, we rejoined our vehicles for the return journey on the Route Forestière des Charbonniers (Charcoal-makers route), around the back of the plateau, which afforded great views of the Grand Veymont. At a viewpoint, we found several small stands of emerging Daphne cneorum (Garland Flower). Making our way off the plateau near the Hamlet of Les Meunières, we paused to look at a verge bank with a large colony of Ophrys insectifera (Fly Orchid), before making our final stop of the day at marshy, hillside meadow just beyond St. Agnan en Vercors. Here we found Dactylorhiza alpestris (Alpine Broad- leaved Marsh Orchid), emerging Persicaria bistorta (Bistort), Narcissus poeticus (Pheasant’s-eye Daffodil) and Orchis militaris (Military Orchid), before returning to our hotel in good time for the early-group members to catch up on some rest before dinner.

Day 7 Saturday 21st May

Canyons des Écourges – Forêt Domaniale des Coulmes - Presles & Pont-en-Royans We began today, in bright sunshine, by driving north through the southern end of the Gorges de la Bourne, before turning left towards Rancurel and the Col de Romeyere, making our way to the Canyons des Écourges. As we made our way up to the Col, a European Brown Hare was spotted. Parking at Les Écourges, we made our way to the head of the gorge, overlooking Vinay. Our main objective was for the birders to look for Wallcreeper, with Laura. Meanwhile, the botanists, with Paul, explored the cliffs, car-park margins, roadsides and woodland. Primula auricula (Bear’s-ear Primrose), Anemone ranunculoides (Yellow Anemone), Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage), Equisetum hyemale (Dutch Rush) and Cardamine pentaphyllos (Five-leaflet Bitter-cress) were all recorded. In addition we saw Grey Wagtail and heard Robin and Song Thrush. After some patient searching, the birders managed some fleeting views of, and calls from, the Wallcreeper.

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France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

From here we retraced our steps back to the Col de Romeyere and on into the Forêt Domaniale des Coulmes, parking at the Fontaine de Pétouze. Here we set up our picnic. As we were eating, Song Thrush and Firecrest were heard, and Paul pointed out Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris), Polygonatum verticillatum (Whorled Solomon’s-seal) and a few Cephalanthera longifolia (Sword-leaved Helleborine) and Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid). Paul also pointed out the emerging buds of Lilium martagon (Martagon Lily). Large Wall Brown, Green-veined White and the now ubiquitous Orange tip were all seen, as well.

After our picnic, we made our way to the Rocher de Presles, and down the Route de Presles, stopping about half way down to explore the small lane going to Courtevoux. Here, we found Orchis simia (Monkey Orchid), a good number of Orchis anthropophora (Man Orchid), Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid), Cephalanthera damasonium (White Helleborine), Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted Orchid), Platanthera bifolia (Lesser Butterfly Orchid) and Melittis mellissophyllum (Bastard Balm). For the birders, there were Chiffchaff, Honey Buzzard, Black Kite and calling Blackcap.

From this vantage point over the Bourne Valley, we made our way down to Pont-en-Royans, where we parked on the outskirts and walked down to Le Picard Restaurant, famous for its ice creams, where we indulged ourselves. Opposite the café, we watched a Dipper and several Grey Wagtails feeding by the river, and Crag Martins circling over the town. Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime) and Ficus carica (Fig) were noted in the gorge, and Erysimum cheiri (Wallflower) and Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) on a steep wall.

Leaving Pont-en-Royans, we made our way back to La Chapelle en Vercors, in time to pack for tomorrow’s homeward journey, and a last dinner of the trip.

Day 8 Sunday 22nd May

La Chapelle en Vercors to Lyon St. Exupery – Fly London Heathrow We left La Chapelle en Vercors at 5.15am, bidding farewell to Mme. Bellier and her daughters, before making our way via the Grands Goulets Tunnel and Pont-en-Royans and onto the A49, A48 and A43 motorways to Lyon St. Exupery Airport. En route we had plenty of time to admire the scenery and spot some birds from the vehicle, including Common Buzzard, Black Kite, Grey Heron and Common Kestrel. At Lyon, we bid farewell to Laura, who was returning to Barcelona. At Heathrow we said our farewells, and travelled homewards, after a wonderful week in the Vercors.

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France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (* = Endemic or restricted distribution; [ ] = Introduced or planted)

Please Note: Nomenclature contained within this list follows the taxonomic amendments, based on DNA analysis, made by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanic Garden, and following The Plant List, an internationally accepted list of vascular plant families, published and maintained by these two Institutions.

Scientific name Common name Location

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Calamophytes Horsetails

Equisetaceae Horsetail Family Equisetum hyemale Dutch Rush Canyons des Ecourges Equisetum telmateia Great Horsetail Above Les Nonnieres

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium fontanum Smooth Rock Spleenwort Above St-Jean-en-Royans Asplenium ruta–muraria Wall Rue Les Merciers Asplenium trichomanes ssp. quadrivalens Maidenhair Spleenwort Above St-Jean-en-Royans Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Hauts Plateaux

Cystopteridaceae Bladder-fern Family Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Dryopteris filix-mas Male-fern Herbouilly Polystichum aculeatum Hard Shield-fern Foret de Bouvante Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern Above St-Jean-en-Royans

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Juniperus communis Juniper Font d'Urle

Pinaceae Pine Family Abies alba European Silver Fir Foret de Bouvante Picea abies subsp. abies Spruce Foret de Bouvante Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Austrian or Black Pine Gigors Pinus uncinata Mountain Pine Hauts Plateaux

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

Eu-Dicots True Dicotyledons

Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel Foret de Bouvante Sambucus nigra Elder Common Sambucus racemosus Red-berried Elder Herbouilly

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France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Amaranthaceae Pigweed Family Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good King Henry Font d'Urle

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Cotinus coggygria Smoke Bush Below Chamaloc

Apiaceae Carrot Family Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Canyons des Ecourges (leaves) Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Grenoble Isere Airport Eryngium c.f. campestre Field Eryngo Gigors (leaves) Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Roadsides Meum athamanticum Spignel Vallee de Combeau (leaves) Orlaya grandiflora Orlaya Gigors Peucedanum carvifolia - Presles Pimpinella major Greater Burnet Saxifrage Gorges du Furon Sanicula europaea Sanicle Presles Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's-needle Gigors

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Col de Bacchus

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly Les Merciers

Araliaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix agg. Ivy Near Oriol-en-Royans

Betulaceae Birch Family Betula pendula Silver Birch Les Merciers Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Above St-Jean-en-Royans Corylus avellana Hazel Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Borago officinalis Borage La Chapelle en Vercors Cerinthe minor Lesser Honeywort Vallee de Combeau Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss Near St. Eulalie en Royans Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not Gigors Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not Hauts Plateaux Pulmonaria montana Mountain Lungwort Font d'Urle Pulmonaria officinalis Common Lungwort Presles

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Cirque d'Archiane Alyssum montanum Mountain Alyssum Les Merciers Arabidopsis thaliana Thale Cress Les Merciers Arabis alpina Alpine Rock-cress Col de la Machine Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Les Merciers Barbarea intermedia Land Cress Font d'Urle Biscutella brevicaulis a Buckler Mustard Above Les Nonnieres Bunias orientalis Warty Cabbage La Chapelle en Vercors Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse Grenoble Isere Airport

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Capsella rubella - Les Merciers Cardamine heptaphylla Seven-leaflet Bitter-cress Foret de Bouvante Cardamine pentaphyllos Five-leaved Bitter-cress Valchevriere Cardamine pratensis Lady’s Smock Gorges du Furon Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow-grass Font d'Urle Erophila verna Common Whitlow-grass Font d'Urle Erysimum cheiri Wallflower Pont-en-Royans Erysimum ochroleucum Decumbent Treacle-mustard Font d'Urle Hornungia petraea Hutchinsia Col de la Machine Kernera saxatilis Kernera Col de la Machine Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Menee Lunaria annua Honesty La Chapelle en Vercors Lunaria redivida Perennial Honesty Gorges du Furon Sinapis arvensis Charlock Grenoble Isere Airport Thlaspi montanum Mountain Penny-cress Font d'Urle Turritis (Arabis) glabra Tower Mustard Chamaloc

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Phyteuma nigra Black Rampion Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Plan de Baix Knautia arvensis Field Scabious Grenoble Isere Airport Knautia dipsacifolia Wood Scabious Les Merciers Lonicera alpigena Alpine Honeysuckle Herbouilly Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Gorges du Furon Valeriana dioica Marsh Valerian Les Bruyeres Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Canyons des Ecourges (leaves) Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian Very Common Valeranella dentata Narrow-fruted Cornsalad Gigors Valerianella locusta Common Cornsalad Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Col de la Chau Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Les Bruyeres Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Gigors Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Above St-Jean-en-Royans Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Les Merciers Moehringia muscosa Mossy Sandwort Canyons des Ecourges Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Cirque d'Archiane Silene dioica Red Campion Canyons des Ecourges Silene italica Italian Catchfly Vallee de Combeau Silene latifolia White Campion Grenoble Isere Airport Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Grenoble Isere Airport Stellaria alsine Bog Stitchwort Grenoble Isere Airport Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort Canyons des Ecourges Stellaria media Chickweed Grenoble Isere Airport Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort Gorges du Furon Telephium imperati -

10 © Naturetrek October 16

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Helianthemum apenninum White Rock-rose Gigors H.oelandicum subsp. incanum Hoary Rock-rose Gigors

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Col de Rousset Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Les Bruyeres Bellidiastrum michelii (Aster bellidiastrum) False Aster Canyons des Ecourges Bellis perennis Daisy La Chapelle en Vercors Carduus pycnocephalus Plymouth Thistle Grenoble Isere Airport Centaurea cyanus Cornflower Gigors Centaurea montana Perennial Cornflower Canyons des Ecourges Cirsium montanum - Gorges du Furon Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Canyons des Ecourges Homogyne alpina Alpine Colts-foot Hauts Plateaux (leaves) Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Vallee de Combeau Matricaria discoidea Pineapple Weed Grenoble Isere Airport Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Canyons des Ecourges (leaves) Petasites albus White Butterbur Near Villard de Lans Petasites hybridus Butterbur Canyons des Ecourges Senecio vulgaris Groundsel La Chapelle en Vercors Taraxacum agg. Dandelion Font d'Urle Tephroseris helenitis Swiss Ragwort Les Bruyeres Tragopogon dubius a Goat's-beard Near La Chapelle Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard Near Oriol-en-Royans Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot Font d'Urle

Cornaceae Dogwood Family Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Les Merciers (leaves) Sedum dasyphyllum Fat Stonecrop Les Merciers (leaves) Sedum rupestre Large Yellow Stonecrop Hauts Plateaux (leaves) Sedum telephium Orpine Near Oriol-en-Royans Sempervivum tectorum Common Houseleek Hauts Plateaux (leaves)

Ericaceae Heath family Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry Hauts Plateaux Pyrola minor Common Wintergreen Hauts Plateaux Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Hauts Plateaux Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry Hauts Plateaux

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Above St-Jean-en-Royans Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Les Merciers Euphorbia dulcis Sweet Spurge Canyond des Ecourges Eurphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge Gigors Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Gigors Euphorbia verrucosa - Above St-Jean-en-Royans Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury Above St-Jean-en-Royans

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Fagaceae Oak & Beech Family Fagus sylvatica Beech Gorges du Furon Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Below Chamaloc

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Gentiana angustifolia Narrow-leaved Gentian Above Les Nonnieres Gentiana clusii Clusius’ Gentian Les Merciers Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian Les Merciers (leaves) Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Font d'Urle

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Grenoble Isere Airport Erodium moschatum Musk Stork's-bill Grenoble Isere Airport Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Crane’s-bill Near Oriol-en-Royans Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Grenoble Isere Airport Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane’s-bill Cirque d'Archiane Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Gorges du Furon

Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Gorges du Furon

Juglandaceae Walnut Family [Juglans regia] Walnut Planted

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle Above St-Jean-en-Royans Ajuga pyramidalis Pyramidal Bugle Hauts Plateau Ajuga reptans Bugle Les Merciers Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy Presles Lamium garganicum Large Red Dead-nettle Grenoble Isere Airport Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle St-Jean-en-Royans Lavandula officinalis Lavender Gigors Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm Presles Mentha longifolia Horse Mint Les Bruyeres (leaves) Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram Cirque d'Archiane Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Common Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Les Merciers Thymus vulgaris A Thyme Below Chamaloc

Lentibulariaceae Bladderwort Family Pinguicula grandiflora Large-flowered Butterwort Vallee de Combeau

Legouminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney-vetch Les Merciers Anthyllis vulneraria agg Kidney-vetch Col de Bacchus Astragalus depressus Sprawling Milk-vetch Les Merciers Astragalus monspessulanus Montpelier Milk-vetch Below Chamaloc Bituminaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Gigors Coronilla scorpoides Annual Scorpion-vetch Gigors Cytisophyllum sessilifolius Sessile Broom Below Chamaloc Cytisus villosus Hairy Broom Below Chamaloc Genista sp. a Greenweed Above St-Jean-en-Royans Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Above Les Nonnieres

12 © Naturetrek October 16

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Hippocrepis emerus False Senna Above St-Jean-en-Royans Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Below Col de Rousset Lathyrus cicera - Gigors Lathyrus pratensis Yellow Vetchling Col de Bacchus Lathyrus setifolius - Gigors Lathyrus vernus Spring Vetchling Herbouilly Lotus corniculatus Bird’s-foot Trefoil Above St-Jean-en-Royans Lotus edulis Edible Lotus Gigors Medicago lupulina Black Medick St-Jean-en-Royans Onobrychis arenaria a Sainfoin Above Les Nonnieres Ononis fruticosa Shrubby Restharrow Below Chamaloc [Robinia pseudoacacia] False Acacia Roadsides Trifolium campestris Hop Trefoil Above St-Jean-en-Royans Trifolium incarnatum subsp. incarnatum Crimson Clover Grenoble Isere Airport Trifolium pratense Red Clover St-Jean-en-Royans Trifolium repens White Clover St-Jean-en-Royans Vicia orobus Upright Vetch Gigors Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Cultivated Vetch Cirque d'Archiane Vicia sepium Bush Vetch Gorges du Furon Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale flax Gigors Linum perenne agg. Perennial Flax N of Beaufort sur Gervanne Linum suffruticosum subsp. salsoloides Pyrenean Flax Gigors

Malvaceae Mallow Family Althaea hirsuta Hairy Mallow Gigors Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Pont-en-Royans Tilia platyphyllos Broad-leaved Lime Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Moraceae Mulberry Family Ficus carica Fig Pont-en-Royans

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus excelsior Ash Above St-Jean-en-Royans Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Presles

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove-scented Broomrape Near Oriol-en-Royans Orobanche gracilis Slender Broomrape N of Beaufort sur Gervanne Rhinanthus angustifolius agg. Greater Yellow-rattle Above Les Nonnieres Rhinanthus minor agg. Yellow-rattle Presles

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel Foret de Bouvante

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine St-Jean-en-Royans Fumaria officinalis agg Common Fumitory Gigors Papaver rhoeas Corn Poppy Gigors

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Antirrhinum latifolium Broad-leaved Snapdragon Menee Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Pont-en-Royans Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove Col de la Chau Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia Les Merciers Globularia nudicaulis Leafless-stemmed Globularia Hauts Plateaux Globularia punctata Common Globularia Les Merciers Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Grenoble Isere Airport Plantago major Greater Plantain Grenoble Isere Airport Plantago sempervirens - Font d'Urle Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Grenoble Isere Airport Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Les Merciers (leaves) Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Above St-Jean-en-Royans Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Grenoble Isere Airport Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Les Merciers

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria alpina Mountain Thrift Font d'Urle

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala alpestris Mountain Milkwort Above St-Jean-en-Royans Polygala chamaebuxus Shrubby Milkwort Near La Chapelle en Vercors Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Gigors Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort Gigors

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Fallopia convolvulus Black Bindweed Persicaria bistorta Bistort Font d'Urle (leaves) Rumex acetosa Sorrel Above St-Jean-en-Royans Rumex scutatus French Sorrel Les Merciers

Primulaceae Primrose Family Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Les Bruyeres (leaves) Primula auricula Bear’s-ear Primrose Canyons des Ecourges Primula elatior Oxlip Les Merciers Primula veris Cowslip Font d'Urle Primula vulgaris Primrose Presles Soldanella alpina Alpine Snowbell Font d'Urle

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Aconitum napellus Common Monkshood Canyons des Ecourges Actaea spicata Baneberry Gorges du Furon Anemone ranunculoides Yellow Anemone Foret de Bouvante Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine Cirque d'Archiane Caltha palustris Kingcups Les Merciers Clematis vitalba Old Man’s Beard Below Chamaloc Ficaria verna agg. Lesser Celandine Canyons des Ecourges Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Col de la Machine Ranunculus aconitifolius Aconite-leaved Buttercup Foret de Bouvante Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Above St-Jean-en-Royans Ranunculus arvensis Corn Buttercup Gigors Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Font d'Urle Ranunculus montanus Mountain Buttercup Font d'Urle

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Ranunculus pyrenaeus Pyrenean Buttercup Font d'Urle Ranunculus trichophyllus Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot Les Bruyeres Trollius europaeus Globeflower Les Bruyeres

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alpinus Alpine Buckthorn Les Merciers

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla alpina Alpine Lady’s-mantle Font d'Urle Alchemilla glaucescens Silky Lady's-mantle Font d'Urle Amelanchier ovalis Juneberry Les Merciers Aphanes arvensis agg. Parsley Piert Grenoble Isere Airport Cotoneaster tomentosus Cotoneaster Hauts Plateaux Crataegus x media Hybrid Hawthorn Col de Bacchus Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cirque d'Archiane Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Les Bruyeres (leaves) Fragaria moschata Hautbois Strawberry Above St-Jean-en-Royans Geum rivale Water Avens Gorges du Furon Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil Les Merciers Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry Foret des Coulmes Prunus avium Wild Cherry Roadsides Prunus mahaleb St. Lucie's Cherry Above Les Nonnieres Rosa canina agg. Dog Rose Presles Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Valchevriere Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Grenoble Isere Airport Rubus idaeus Raspberry Gorges du Furon Rubus saxatile Stone Bramble Hauts Plateaux (leaves) Sanguisorba minor (Poterium s.) agg. Salad Burnet Above St-Jean-en-Royans Sanguisorba officinalis Great Burnet Les Bruyeres (leaves) Sorbus aria agg. Whitebeam Above St-Jean-en-Royans Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Herbouilly

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Asperula taurina Southern Woodruff Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Grenoble Isere Airport Galium aparine Cleavers Grenoble Isere Airport Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Grenoble Isere Airport Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff Gorges du Furon Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Below Chamaloc Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Gigors

Salicaceae Willow & Poplar Family Salix cinerea Grey Willow Hauts Plateaux Salix caprea Goat Willow Above St-Jean-en-Royans Salix triandra Almond Willow Vallee de Combeau

Sapindaceae Maple Family Acer campestre Field Maple Above St-Jean-en-Royans Acer opalus Italian Maple Above St-Jean-en-Royans Acer platanoides Norway Maple Below Chamaloc Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Les Merciers

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Chrysosplenium alternifolium Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage Les Merciers Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage Canyons des Ecourges Saxifraga exarata subsp. delphinensis a Musky Saxifrage Font d'Urle Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Common Saxifraga oppositifolia Purple Saxifrage Font d'Urle Saxifraga paniculata Live-long Saxifrage Les Merciers (in bud) Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved saxifrage Gorges du Furon Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage Col de la Machine

Thymelaeaceae Mezereon Family Daphne cneorum Garland Flower Hauts Plateaux Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Col de Bacchus Daphne mezereum Mezereon Font d'Urle

Urticacae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-Wall La Chapelle en Vercors Urtica dioica Common Nettle La Chapelle en Vercors

Violaceae Violet Family Viola arvensis Field Pansy Grenoble Isere Airport Viola calcarata Long-spurred Pansy Font d'Urle Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Foret de Bouvante Viola tricolor subsp. subalpina Alpine Heartsease Foret de Bouvante

Viscaceae Mistletoe Family Viscum album subsp. album Mistletoe Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Monocots Monocotyledons

Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium ursinum Ramsons Near Pont-en-Royans Narcissus poeticus Pheasant’s-eye Daffodil Canyons des Ecourges Narcissus pseudonarcissus Wild Daffodil Font d'Urle

Araceae Arum Family Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies Gorges du Furon

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family Anthericum liliago St. Bernard’s Lily Roadsides Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Blue Aphyllanthes Below Chamaloc Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the -Valley Herbouilly (leaves) Maianthemum bifolium May Lily Hauts Plateau (leaves) Leopoldia (Muscari) comosa Tassel Hyacinth Gigors Muscari neglectum Grape Hyacinth Les Merciers Ornithogalum angustifolium Common Star of Bethlehem Cirque d'Archiane Polygonatum odoratum Angular Solomon’s-seal Above St-Jean-en-Royans Polygonatum verticillatum Whorled Solomon’s-seal Gorges du Furon Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s-broom Gigors Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill Font d'Urle

Colchicaceae Meadow Saffron Family Colchicum autumnale Autumn Crocus Verges (in fruit)

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Above Les Nonnieres Carex dioica Dioecious Sedge Vallee de Combeau Carex disticha Brown Sedge Les Bruyeres Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge St-Jean-en-Royans Carex spicata Spiked Sedge Cirque d'Archiane

Iridaceae Iris Family Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus White Crocus Font d'Urle Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Gigors Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag Near Chatillion en Diois

Juncaceae Rush Family Luzula campestris Field Woodrush Les Merciers Luzula luzuloides White Woodrush Foret de Bouvante

Liliaceae Lily Family Erythronium dens-canis Dog’s-tooth Violet Font d'Urle Gagea liotardii (G. fragifera, G. fistulosa) a Yellow Star of Bethlehem Font d'Urle Lilium martagon Martagon Lily Petrouze (leaves) Tulipa sylvestris subsp. sylvestris Wild Tulip Hauts Plateaux

Melanthiaceae Herb-Paris Family Paris quadrifolia Herb-Paris Gorges du Furon Veratrum album White False Helleborine Above St-Jean-en-Royans (leaves)

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Col de Bacchus Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Gigors Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Gigors Cephalanthera longifolia Narrow-leaved Helleborine Above Les Nonnieres Cypripedium calceolus Lady’s Slipper Orchid Above Les Nonnieres (leaves) Dactylorhiza alpestris Alpine Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid St. Agnan en Vercors Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Presles Dactylorhiza majalis Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid Les Bruyeres Dactylorhiza sambucina (Pink) Elder-flowered Orchid Font d'Urle Dactylorhiza sambucina (Yellow) Elder-flowered Orchid Font d'Urle Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid Gigors (in bud) Limodorum abortivum Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Gigors Neottia ovata Twayblade Above Les Nonnieres Neotinea tridentata Toothed Orchid St-Jean-en-Royans Neotinea tridentata x Neotinea ustulata a Hybrid Orchid Col de Bacchus Neotinea ustulata Burnt Orchid Col de Bacchus Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Presles Ophrys x flavicans (O. drumana)* Drome Bee Orchid Col de Bacchus Ophrys fuciflora subsp. fuciflora (O. linearis) Late Spider Orchid Col de Bacchus Ophrys fuciflora x (Ophrys x flavicans)* Hybrid Ophrys Col de Bacchus Ophrys insectifera Fly Orchid Above St-Jean-en-Royans Ophrys insectifera x (Ophrys x flavicans)* a Hybrid Ophrys Gigors Ophrys scolopax Woodcock Orchid Gigors Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Above St-Jean-en-Royans Orchis anthroporphora x Orchis simia a Hybrid Orchis Gigors Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Les Merciers

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Orchis mascula subsp. speciosa (O. ovalis) an Early Purple Orchid Hauts Plateau Orchis militaris Military Orchid Col de Bacchus Orchis pallens Pale-flowered Orchid Gorges du Furon Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid Col de Bacchus Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid Above St-Jean-en-Royans Orchis purpurea x Orchis simia a Hybrid Orchis Presles Orchis simia Monkey Orchid Above St-Jean-en-Royans Orchis spitzelii Spitzel’s Orchid Vallee de Combeau Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid Gigors Traunsteinera globosa Round-headed Orchid

Poaceae Grass Family Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome Gorges du Furon Poa bulbosa var. vivipara Bulbous Meadow-grass Above St-Jean-en-Royans

Potamogetonaceae Pondweed Family Groenlania densa Opposite-leaved Pondweed Les Bruyeres

Typhaceae Bulrush Family Typha latifolia Bulrush Near Chatillon en Diois

FUNGI: Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear Calocybe gambosa St. George's Mushroom Col de Bacchus Collybia peronata Wood Woollyfoot Mushroom Les Merciers Coprinus atramentarius Ink Mushroom Cirque d'Archiane Fomes fomentarius Hoof Fungus Gigors Fomitopsis pinicola Red-belted Bracket Canyons des Ecourges Gloeophyllum sepiarium Conifer Mazegill Hauts Plateaux Morchella rotunda a Morel Les Merciers Pholiota marginata Marginate Pholiota or Funerel Bell Above Les Nonnieres Polyporus sp. - Hauts Plateaux Pycnoporus cinnabarinus an Orange Bracket Hauts Plateaux Sarcosphaera coronaria Violet Crown-cup Les Meunieres Stropharia coronilla Garland Roundhead Mushroom Col de Bacchus Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Fungus Canyons des Ecourges Trichaptum abietinum Purplepore Bracket Fungus Canyons des Ecourges Tricholoma sp. - Les Merciers

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO=Leader only: P=pellets) May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos   2 Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix  3 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H 4 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis  5 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea     6 Little Egret Egretta garzetta  7 Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus  8 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus  9 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus    10 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus   LO

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 11 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos  12 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus  13 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis  14 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus  15 Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus  16 Black Kite Milvus migrans     17 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo         18 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata  19 Rock Dove (Feral) Columba livia         20 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus         21 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto       22 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H H H H 23 Tawny Owl Strix aluco P 24 Common Swift Apus apus         25 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster LO 26 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla H  27 Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major    28 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius H  29 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus        30 Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus  31 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio    32 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius        33 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica         34 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus  35 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula    36 Rook Corvus frugilegus  37 Carrion Crow Corvus corone         38 Northern Raven Corvus corax       39 Coal Tit Periparus ater     H 40 European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus    41 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris   42 Willow Tit Poecile montanus LO  43 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus       44 Great Tit Parus major H  H     45 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis   46 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica        47 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris      48 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum         49 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H H H H H 50 Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli  H  H 51 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta H 52 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H H  H H H H 53 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin  H 54 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis H 55 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla  H   H 56 Goldcrest Regulus regulus H H 57 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H H 58 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea H 59 Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria  60 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla H H 61 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris      

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 62 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus alpestris  63 Common Blackbird Turdus merula         64 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H H H 65 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus      66 European Robin Erithacus rubecula      67 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H 68 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros         69 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus     H 70 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola    71 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe  72 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus   73 House Sparrow Passer domesticus         74 Dunnock Prunella modularis  75 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea       76 White Wagtail Motacilla alba         77 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis   78 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta  79 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs        H 80 Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula  81 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris H H H  H 82 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra  83 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis        84 Citril Finch Carduelis citrinella  85 European Serin Serinus serinus H       86 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra   87 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus LO

Mammals 1 Pine Marten Martes martes S 2 Eurasian Badger Meles meles D 3 Wild Boar Sus scofa Ha 4 European Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus    S 5 Alpine Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra  S  6 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris   7 Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus  8 Common Vole Microtis arvalis  9 Snow Vole Chionomys nivalis T T 10 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 

Amphibians & Reptiles 1 Common Frog Rana temporaria  2 Edible-Pool Frog hybrid Pelophylax kl. esculentus  3 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis    

Fish 1 Brown Trout Salmo trutta 

Butterflies 1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon    

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius     4 Green-veined White Artogeia napi  5 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines       6 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea   7 Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis    8 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni     9 Wood White Leptidea sinapis    11 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi  LO 12 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas LO 13 Little Blue Cupido minimus   14 Baton Blue Pseudophilotes baton  15 Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus  16 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus   18 Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Hamearis lucina  20 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta  21 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui  22 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae    23 Comma Butterfly Polygonia c-album  24 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana euphrosyne  25 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe  26 Lesser Spotted Fritillary Melitaea trivia  27 Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia   29 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus    30 Southern' Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria  31 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera  32 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera   34 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages  

Macro Moths (B = bivouac) 1 Forester Adscita statices  2 Six Spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae  3 Tau Emperor Aglia tau   4 a Geometrid Scotopteryx coarctaria  Scotopteryx mucronata 5 Lead Belle  umbrifera 6 Laitticed Heath Semiothisa clathrata   7 Common Heath Ematurga atomaria     8 Black-veined Siona lineata  9 Pine Processionary Thaumetopoea pityocampa B B B B 10 Small Yellow Underwing Panemeria tenebrata  11 Mother Shipton Callistege mi LO  12 Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica     

Other Invertebrates 1 Mayfly Ephemeroptera sp    2 Stonefly Dinocras cephalotes  3 Field Cricket Gryllus campestris H H H  4 Ear-wig Anechura bipunctata  5 Squash Bug Coreus marginatus  6 Fire Bug Pyrrhocoris apterus     7 Common Pond Skater Gerris lacustris      

France - The Vercors - by air Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 8 Common Back-swimmer Notonecta glauca       9 Froghopper (Red & Black) Ceropis vulnerata  10 Ascalaphid Libelloides coccajus   11 Caddis Fly Trichoptera sp.   12 Marbled-winged' Crane-fly Tipula maxima  13 Common Crane-fly Tipula paludosa  14 St. Mark's Fly Bibio marci  15 Bee-fly Bombylius major    16 Wood Ant Formica rufa     17 European Paper Wasp Polistes gallicus  18 Carpenter Bee Xylocopa sp.  19 Honey Bee Apis millifera      20 Tree Bumblebee Bombus hypnorum   21 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris      22 Common Carder Bee Bombus pascuorum    23 Red-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lapidarius     24 Burying Beetle Oiceoptoma thoracicum  25 Rove Beetle Staphylinus caesareus   26 Cock Chafer Melolontha melolontha  27 Chafer Oxythrea funesta  28 Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata   29 Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica   30 Soldier Beetle Trichodes alvearius  31 Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata  32 Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha tenebricosa  33 Green Huntsman Spider Micrommata virescens  34 Crab Spider Diaea dorsata 

Gastropods & Molluscs: 1 Large Black/Orange Slug Arion ater   2 Roman Snail Helix pomatia    3 Copse Snail Ariarta arbustorum  4 Door Snail Clucilid sp. 

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