Italy's Sibillini Mountains

Home , Anthemis arvensis, Cardamine heptaphylla, Cephalanthera longifolia, Digitalis lutea, Globularia meridionalis, Melitaea didyma

Naturetrek Tour Report 8 - 15 June 2016

Spring Gentian by Jill Robinson

Report compiled by Philip Thompson Image courtesy of Jill Robinson

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 Italy's Sibillini Mountains

Tour participants: Philip Thompson (leader) with seven Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Wednesday 8th June

On arrival into Ancona, the main group met up with one early arrival before soon getting underway heading south towards the Sibillini National Park.

We stopped en route at the attractive Country Park of Abbadia di Fiastre where we had a light lunch and refreshing drink in the hot sunny weather. A short walk was then taken through the park where we encountered a number of familiar plants, birds and butterflies. Of note were the striking green Italian Wall Lizards that scampered by the sides of the path. The sound of purring Turtle Doves and song of Nightingales and Blackcaps emanated from the thick woodland cover, while overhead the characteristic flight calls of a couple of Bee-eaters were heard and then seen. With the group fading after their early start and the sun beating down, we soon headed back to the vehicle to continue our journey to Amandola where we were to be based for the week.

On arrival at the hotel, we checked in and still had some available time before dinner for a walk down into the town for a look around and enjoy our first Italian ice cream.

Day 2 Thursday 9th June

The weather was looking to be unsettled today with the chance of showers so we opted to visit the Piano Grande area where we would only be taking short walks. After a long and winding drive, a short stop was taken to photograph a colony of Sword-leaved Helleborines (Cephalanthera longifolia) before we drove on to take a further stop in the Monte Vettore foothills. The slopes here were full of colour, comprising numerous species of flower among which Neotinea (Orchis) tridentata and Globularia meridionalis were the highlights. The overcast conditions had kept butterflies to a minimum and as we continued our explorations darkened and began to rain requiring a quick re-boarding of the bus just in time.

We drove on over the pass at Forca de Presta and dropped down into the open expanse of the Piano Grande, surrounded by the summits of Monte Vettore and several others. We drove on to the southern end where we climbed a little to take a short walk in one of the many small Beech woodlands that clothe the grassy slopes. A Tree Pipit was singing prominently in the car park glade when we stopped, allowing a few photos to be taken. The rain had eased by now and we were able to have a short wander in the area, finding a number of interesting plants. Prominent among these were a few Paeonia officinalis flowering in the meadow on the woodland edge. Within the forest cover, large numbers of Saxifraga rotundifolia were found with a smaller amount of Cardamine bulbifera.

Moving on, we next explored the meadows nearby for a longer walk in the improving weather. These held another rich assembly of plants in flower, keeping us busy for some time. The endemic Gentianella columnae was found in good numbers among abundant Erysimum pseudorhaeticum, Leucanthemopsis alpina and Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. incanum. The Wild Tulips (Tulipa sylvestris subsp. australis) that grow here in numbers were past their best with only a few still in flower. Similarly, rather disappointingly, we were only able find a single Fritillaria orientalis with any semblance of flower remaining. A couple of Glanville Fritillary butterflies however had begun to take wing in the slowly warming conditions.

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Next we drove on into Castellucio, set on its isolated hilltop within the plain, where we stopped to have our picnic lunch in a pleasant spot overlooking the Piano Grande and surrounding summits. We had a short spell of birding, first in an attempt to pick out an Ortolan Bunting that could be heard singing below us. This frustratingly couldn’t be found but, during our scans, a couple of red-backed Shrikes were spotted and rather luckily, while admiring a Corn Bunting singing from an isolated bush, a Wryneck appeared next to it!

The lunch was then set out and, upon completion, a glance up revealed an enormous dark bank of rain cloud rolling across the plain in our direction! A rapid packing up resulted in our lunch being eaten in the vehicle while the rain swept over us to clear once more. A compensatory ice cream was now required from a nearby café before a short look around the shops selling a range of local produce for which the area is famous. Refreshed and invigorated, we drove on to stop below Castellucio to admire a couple of the arable fields that were full of poppies and Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) with several other less showy but attractive cornfield annuals that still thrive in this area.

Moving on to begin retracing our route back, we stopped on the pass where we took another short wander. Close by in the grass the rather inaptly named Apennine endemic Erodium alpinum was found with its large pink flowers and deeply cut leaves. Overhead, a large flock of Red-billed Chough passed over, swirling among the higher slopes. We admired the views and walked a short way along the road checking over the rocky protrusions and scree slopes. A couple of examples of the bellflower-relative Edraianthus graminifolius were found, allowing a close look, in comparison to the large profuse numbers of this species seen earlier in the day growing on a rocky section of roadside in an area where stopping was impossible. Numerous rosettes of Saxifraga callosa were producing a few of the striking large drooping panicles of white flowers, which are a feature of this area.

As we set out for the final return leg, an quick stop was needed as we drove past a Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush perched on a roadside post. After a little reversing, we were then able to obtain some great views and photos of this lovely bird. We then headed on home for a rest and dinner.

Day 3 Friday 10th June

With our weather forecast of the previous evening promising only a slight chance of rain, we awoke to rather heavy overcast skies somewhat diminishing our confidence in this. Nevertheless, we set out to hopefully walk the Gola dell’ Infernaccio. Arriving in the car park at the start of the route, the heavens opened with a vengeance rather adding to the feeling of being at the entrance to hell! A change of plans was hastily arranged and we opted to firstly take a drive to visit the church of the Madonna dell Ambro in the next valley. We enjoyed some quiet time in this beautiful and very holy church before having a coffee in a nearby café while we considered our options, looking out at the unimproved conditions!

With any hope of walking in the higher regions of the Sibillini Park out of the question, we headed off to visit the lovely small town of Montefalcone somewhat nearer to the coast. During the journey, the conditions gradually improved before not long before we arrived it had miraculously cleared and we arrived in warm sunshine. Set above a steep rock face, the town commands a wonderful position and holds a couple of interesting birds that are a little harder to find within the Sibillini NP. We firstly spent some time scanning the sheer cliffs from an attractive observation terrace. It was not long before we heard and then spotted a couple of young Peregrine Falcons beseeching their parents for food. Flying close to the rocks, a pair of Crag Martins were

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

also found patrolling back and forth. We next spent some individual time walking around this attractive town before returning to have lunch on the terrace. A further scan of the cliffs resulted in finding our third target species of Blue Rock Thrush that put in a couple of fleeting appearances. A short walk by the group was then taken through some attractive habitat, rising through woodland to a summit above the sheer cliffs we had been scanning earlier. A nice selection of orchids was found comprising a good colony of Bug Orchid (Anacamptis coriophora) and both Ophrys bertolonii and O. fuciflora. Rain once more put a stop to walking any further.

Our next stop was a drive to the Lago di San Ruffino. Having successfully dodged the rain we arrived, once more, in good sunny conditions. We then set out on a walk alongside the lake. After the rain, the track was overrun with tiny froglets leaping beneath our feet as we passed. Upon reaching a view of the lake, both Great Crested and Little Grebes were spotted on the water. A very unexpected Squacco Heron flew into the willow swamp in front of us allowing great views. Another unexpected discovery was a Muskrat swimming through the waterside vegetation! A little further on in a glade of tall poplars, the song and calls of Golden Oriole could be heard. After a period of waiting and scanning a few typically unsatisfactory glimpses of male and female birds were obtained by a few high in the canopy. In similar fashion a singing Cirl Bunting could not be found but a nearby Spotted Flycatcher did appear making a couple of sallies after insects. Returning to the bus, a good find was a number of Short-tailed Blues coming down to a large puddle for minerals.

After an initially rather bleak looking morning, we had managed a successful day and we returned to the hotel pleased with our sightings.

Day 4 Saturday 11th June

With a promise of a rainless day, we headed out for a full days walking from the small village of Pintura following the Valle di Fargno to the Refugio. This led along a wide gravel road that climbed in a gentle gradient to our destination.

We started out passing open grassy slopes bedecked with flowers among which Aster alpina was found. We next entered an area of beech forest where we started to encounter a number of species of butterfly, by far the commonest of which were Little Blues but also included Green Hairstreak, Swallowtail and Southern Small White. As the walk continued our pace was slow as we enjoyed the many species of flower and the stunning views all around. As we approached the Refugio, we came upon first Gentiana verna and then numerous Gentiana dinarica mixed with abundant Viola eugeniae making for a wonderful display. A highlight were several flowering examples of the Apennine endemic Cynoglossum megallense with it’s deep claret flowers and thickly covered leafs with white silky hairs.

Arriving at the Refugio, we were allowed to have our picnic lunch inside the bomb-shelter-like building. Conditions inside were rather cosier with a well-provisioned kitchen serving meals, snacks and drinks. We were joined by a large group of mountain bikers and other walkers making a jolly atmosphere.

With lunch over, most of the group opted to take the return track immediately, whilst a small number chose to climb a little higher to a narrow ridge walk from where even more stunning views were obtained plus several species of high alpine plants such as Androsace villosa and Draba aizoides. The drifting banks of clouds periodically clothed the summits but we had fine views of both Monte Bove Nord and M. Bove Sud and Monte Priora.

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Meanwhile, the group that had set off on the return earlier were fortunate in spotting an Orsini’s Viper in the track. This species has a rather disjointed distribution in Europe with the Sibillini NP being a stronghold. Both groups reunited at the vehicle where we then drove on to the Refugio in Pintura for a coffee and ice cream before making our way back to the hotel on the winding scenic road past the ski resort and into Sarnarno.

Day 5 Sunday 12th June

Today, by contrast, we spent most of our day outside the park with a visit to the important wetland reserve of Colfiorito. This lies to the northwest and comprises a large reed bed surrounding smaller areas of open water within a protected area of organic and low intensity farmed arable fields ringed by low hills.

Upon arrival, we slowly walked the pleasant trail overlooking the reeds and areas of open water. Birds were the main focus of our attention with a host of localised and important breeding birds present. Singing from the reed beds were numerous European Reed Warblers joined by a smaller number of Great Reed Warblers, both of which proved elusive, keeping low within the shelter of the tall-stemmed reeds. Within the tall willows that lined the reeds a number of young Black-crowned Night Herons clambered clumsily from perch to perch joined by a couple of Squacco Herons. Commuting across the open reed beds, a constant movement of Grey Herons occurred joined by smaller numbers of Purple Herons. Hunting over the area was a single Montagu’s Harrier, together with a couple of Western Marsh Harriers, Hobby, Kestrel and Common Buzzard. The plaintive contact calls of Penduline Tit were heard and a male bird spotted high in a willow. After a time of patient and careful scanning of the area we reached a pleasant picnic area where we had lunch. Unfortunately, the rather distant Little Bittern that put in a brief flying appearance before dropping back into the reeds was only seen by a few. Nearby the singing Ortolan Bunting atop a tree in the arable fields was more easily found and seen by everyone.

After lunch, we drove a short distance into the surrounding hills where we took a walk through the flower-filled arable fields along a track that led back down to the main lake and reed beds where there was a small boardwalk and viewing hide. As we set off, another Ortolan Bunting was heard and spotted singing from the only available and obvious short stretch of bushy hedge within the fields. This popular singing vantage point was used by a few other birds including Corn Bunting and Red-backed Shrike. The bunting was seen on a couple of other occasions always in the vicinity of this perch. Among the abundant poppies, cornflowers and mayweeds the fields held a number of other rarer annuals seldom if ever seen in the UK now. Most notable, if a little lacking in charisma, was Corn Cleavers (Galium tricornutum) joined by Corn Buttercup (Ranunculus arvensis), Anthemis tinctoria, Consolida regalis and Legousia speculum-veneris. The calls of Ashy-headed Wagtail could be heard occasionally with brief sightings of the parent bird birds dropping into the cover of tall arable crops feeding their young beneath. Having reached the lake we walked out onto the boardwalk towards the hide but only spent a short time there.

On the way back we stopped by a flowery bank where a small number of spikes of Himantoglossum adriaticum were in bloom, before making our way back. The return journey was taken via a different route that ran through a very scenic route through the park. We stopped on the way for a coffee and short wander in San Lorenzo al Largo where another Lizard Orchid was found on the roadside.

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Day 6 Monday 13th June

With improved weather, a second attempt was made at walking the striking natural feature of the Gola dell’ Infernaccio. Once at the car park, the picnic lunch was distributed among the group and we began the walk with the gradual descent down to the Tenna River. In this different environment, several new species of plant were found, mainly on the damp dripping cliffs above the track. These included the endemic Campanula tanfanii and Centaurea ambigua. As we crossed the wooden bridge at the river, the path then began to climb and enter into the ever-narrowing gorge. The towering cliffs led into deep shadow and cool moist conditions. The roaring and rushing waters of the river pulsed through this narrow bottleneck in the rock. Here a pair of Alpine Chough chooses to nest in an inaccessible crevice tucked among the shaded rocks. Their loud chittering calls could be heard above the crashing water and they flew in and out of the nest site on a couple of occasions.

Passing through the narrow section, the route opened out slightly as the pressing walls of rock retreated and more light penetrated to the floor. The air warmed and flowers and butterflies increased. We now followed the track as it led through a pleasant forest of mainly beech interspersed with a couple of river crossings and sunnier glades. Within the darker forest floor, numerous orchids were found including several species of Helleborine. The highlight was the finding of several spikes of the elusive saprophyte Coralroot Orchid (Corallorhiza trifida). Walking through a couple of sections of deep leaf litter with deep pools of trapped water was not too pleasant for some but we soon came to the end of the main forested section and the open vistas of the peaks opened up before us. We stopped to rest among the many flowers on a sunny meadow and have our lunch. Whilst we ate a few butterflies appeared with the sun that included a couple of the vivid orange Spotted Fritillaries.

A work crew passed doing path maintenance and using a small earth mover to level and clear the paths of leaf litter, whilst pruning back any overhanging and encroaching tree branches. Our hopes of having the wet muddy sections cleared that we had passed earlier were shattered when we returned on the way back to find them, if anything even wetter! Hopefully once through, the distractions of the beautiful surroundings and array of flora took one’s mind off wet feet!

Day 7 Tuesday 14th June

For our last full day in the field, we visited the mountain area for which the park is named and spent the morning exploring the lower slopes of Monte Sibilla. Our aim was to spend the optimum conditions on the lower flower meadows looking out for the many species of butterfly and orchids found there.

Of the butterflies seen, the highlight were several fast flying Piedmont Ringlets, during the pursuit of which another Orsini’s Viper was discovered in a rather torpid state warming itself on the white limestone scree. Only after a spell of observation could it muster the energy to make its escape, with a descent into its lair hidden beneath the stones immediately adjacent to its basking spot. Overhead we were delighted to spot a pair of Golden Eagles that spent considerable time cruising around the upper slopes and occasionally settling in the grassy meadows. After this extended viewing, we were further thrilled with a pair of patrolling Peregrine Falcons that after some relaxed cruising accelerated away overhead at considerable speed! Finally, as a finale, a Hobby was spotted passing by. Alongside the Refugio another endemic plant grew, Solenanthus apenninus, which we took time to examine.

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

With the morning’s explorations at an end, we eventually arrived at the Refugio where we had our picnic lunch with a coffee after. The flower-filled slopes behind held numerous butterflies, the stars of which were a couple of the flame-orange Purple-edged Coppers warming themselves in the grasses.

We then undertook a pleasant walk along another gently rising gravel road that led beneath the summit of Monte Sibilla. Trackside plants included a selection of familiar garden flowers in their natural environment, such as Centaurea montana, Euphorbia cyparissias, Cerastium tomentosum and Linaria purpurea. Joining these were a host of other colourful species, making an engrossing and delightful display and providing plenty to occupy our attentions as we made our way along the route. Beneath us on the grassy slopes, parties of Alpine Choughs fed while overhead a passing Honey Buzzard put in an appearance. The route provided some of the finest views in the park, with a fine combination of the summit of Monte Vettore at the head of the valley combined with the characteristic crowned summit of Monte Sibilla above us.

The weather began to look a little dubious, so after enjoying the views we turned to retrace our steps. Our timing was a little off as we were caught in a light shower before reaching the shelter of the Refugio, where we could dry off a little with a coffee and wait for the low drifting mist and cloud to pass. After a relaxing wait, we boarded the bus and began the drive back down, only to be interrupted with the unexpected sighting, at these altitudes, of a pair of Hoopoes that perched ahead of us in a lone small tree. We continued on our way enjoying our last views of this lovely park as we completed the journey to the hotel and regretful packing prior to our departure the next day.

Day 8 Wednesday 15th June

Our flight time necessitated an early breakfast and departure as we made a direct transfer to the airport and our homeward flight. This was safely completed with only the views from the bus as we went to imprint our final memories.

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants

Scientific name Common name

PINOPSIDA (GYMNOSPERMS) CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Juniperus communis subsp. communis Common Juniper Juniperus communis subsp. alpina Dwarf Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper

Pinaceae Pine Family Larix decidua Larch Pinus nigra Black Pine Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine

MAGNOLIOPSIDA (ANGIOSPERMS) FLOWERING PLANTS Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)

Aceraceae Maple Family Acer campestris Field Maple Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple Acer opalus ssp. obtusatum Italian Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore

Apiaceae Carrot Family Cachrys ferulacea - Chaerophyllum aureum Chaerophyllum hirsutum Conium maculatum Hemlock Conopodium majus Pignut Daucus carota Wild Carrot Eryngium amethystinum Blue Eryngo Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Heracleum sphondylium ssp. pyrenaicum Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Laserpitium siler a Sermountain Sanicula europaea Sanicle Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Smyrnium perfoliatum ssp. rotundifolium Round-leaved Alexanders Trinia dalechampii

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy

Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort

Asteraceae Daisy Family Achillea ageratum Achillea barrelieri Achillea millefolium Yarrow Adenostyles alpina Adenostyles Anthemis arvensis Corn Chamomile Anthemis cretica Mountain Dog Daisy Anthemis tinctoria Yellow Chamomile Arcticum lappa Greater Burdock Artemisia alba a Wormwood Aster alpina Alpine Aster Bellis annua Annual Daisy Bellis perennis Daisy Centaurea ambigua* Centaurea cyanus Cornflower Centaurea montana Perennial Cornflower Cichorium intybus Chicory Cirsium oleraceum Cabbage Thistle Doronicum columnae Heart-leaved Leopardsbane Helichrysum italicum Italian Curry plant Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant Hieracium cymosum a Hawkweed Lactuca perennis Perennial Lettuce Leucanthemopsis alpina Alpine Moon Daisy Onopordum acanthium Onopordum illyricum Illyrian Scotch Thistle Petasites albus White Butterbur Scorzonera rosea - Senecio cordatus Alpine Ragwort Senecio doronicum ssp gerardii Chamois Ragwort Senecio squalidus Staehelina dubia Staehelina Tanacetum corymbosum Tragopogon crocifolius a Goat's-beard Tragopogon dubius a Goat's-beard Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Tragopogon pratensis ssp.orientalis Goat's-beard Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Urospermum dalechampii -

Betulaceae Birch Family Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Carpinus orientalis Eastern Hornbeam Corylus avellana Hazel Ostrya carpinifolia Hop Hornbeam

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Anchusa arvensis ssp. orientalis Borago officinalis Borage Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss Cynoglossum magellense* a Hound's-tongue Lappula squarrosa Bur Forget-me-not Lithospermum arvensis Field Gromwell Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Onosma echioides Golden Drops Pulmonaria officinalis Lungwort Solenanthus apenninus* Solenanthus

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alyssum alyssoides Alyssum minus Alyssum montanum Arabis alpina Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Arabis recta Annual Rock-cress Arabis turrita Tower Mustard Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard Cardamine bulbifera Bulbous Bitter-cress Cardamine enneaphyllos Drooping Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine graeca Cardamine heptaphylla Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine kitaibelii Clypeola jonthlaspi Clypeola Coronopus squamatus Greater Swine-cress Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow-grass Erysimum pseudorhaeticum* A Treacle Mustard Hesperis laciniata Hymenolobus procumbens Hymenolobus Lepidium campestre Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Lunaria rediviva Perennial Honesty Rorippa amphibia Great Yellow-cress Sinapsis arvensis Charlock

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box

Cannabaceae Hop Family Humulus lupulus Hop

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula glomerata Clustered Bellflower Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower Campanula spicata Spiked Bellflower Campanula tanfanii*

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower Edraianthus graminifolius Edraianthus Legousia hybrida Venus's Looking-glass Legousia speculum-veneris Large Venus's Looking-glass

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus rubra Red Valerian Lonicera caprifolium Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Lonicera implexa a Honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Sambucus edulis Dwarf Elder Sambucus nigra Elder Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian Valeriana tuberosa Tuberous Valerian

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Agrostemma githago Corncockle Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Cerastium brachypelatum Grey Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Dianthus armeria Deptford Pink Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink Dianthus sylvestris Wood Pink Drypis spinosa Drypis Hernaria glabra Smooth Rupturewort Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort Moehringia muscosa Mossy Sandwort Moehringia papulosa* Apennine Sandwort Paronychia kapela a Paronychia Petrorhagia saxifraga Tunic Flower Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Scleranthus perennis Perennial Knawel Silene acaulis Moss Campion Silene conica Silene dioica Red Campion Silene (Lychnis) flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Silene italica Italian Catchfly Silene latifolia White Campion Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Silene otites Spanish Catchfly Silene pusilla Silene saxifraga Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Stellaria holostea Greater Stichwort Stellaria media Chickweed Stellaria nemorum Wood Chickweed

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Celastraceae Spindle family Euonymus europaeus Spindle Tree

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Cistus creticus a Pink Cistus Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Helianthemum apenninum White Rock-rose Helianthemum oelandicum subsp.canum Hoary Rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium Rock-rose Fumana procumbens

Clusiaceae St.John's-wort Family Hypericum perforatum Common St.John's-wort

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Convolvulus cantabrica Pink Bindweed

Cornaceae Dogwood Family Cornus sanguinea Dogwood

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Sedum album White Stonecrop Sedum atratum Dark Stonecrop Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop Sedum maximum Sedum rubens Reddish Stonecrop Sedum rupestre Rock Stonecrop Sempervivum arachnoideum Cobweb Houseleek Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort

Dipsacaeae Teasel Family Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Knautia drymeia Knautia integrifolia Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Mercuralis annua Annual Mercury Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury

Fabaceae Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Astragalus depressus Sprawling Milk Vetch Astragalus sempervirens Mountain Tragacanth Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom Chamaespartium sagittale Winged Greenweed

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Colutea arborescens Bladder Senna Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion Vetch Cytisophyllum sessilifolium Cytisus scoparius Broom Dorycnium hirsutum Dorycnium Dorycnium pentaphyllum Genista tinctoria Dyer’s Greenweed Hedysarum coronarium Italian Sainfoin Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Hippocrepis emerus Scorpion Senna Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Lathyrus cicera A Vetchling Lathyrus latifolius Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea Lathyrus vernus Spring Vetchling Lotus corniculatus Birds-foot Trefoil Lotus ornithopodioides Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Melilotus officinalis Common Melilot Onobrychis caput-galli Cock's-comb Sainfoin Onobrychis montana Onobrychis viciifolia Sainfoin Ononis spinosa Oxytropis campestris Pisum sativum Wild Pea Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Securigera varia Crown Vetch Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaved Clover Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Trifolium noricum Cream Clover Trifolium ochroleuchon Sulphur Clover Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium resupinatum Trifolium rubens Red Trefoil Trifolium thalii Trifolium tomentosum Woolly Trefoil Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Vicia onobrychioides

Fagaceae Beech Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Fagus sylvatica Beech Quercus cerris Turkey Oak Quercus ilex Holm Oak Quercus pubescens Downy Oak

Fumariaceae Fumitory Family Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Centaureum erythraea Common Centaury

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Gentiana dinarica A Trumpet Gentian Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian Gentiana utriculosa Bladder Gentian Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Gentianella columnae*

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family Erodium alpinum* Alpine Storksbill Erodium ciconium Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Crane's-bill Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Geranium purpureum Little Robin Geranium pusillum Small-flowered Crane's-bill Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane's-bill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert

Globulariaceae Globularia Family Globularia vulgaris (bisnagarica) Common Globularia Globularia meridionalis

Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Ribes uva-crispa Gooseberry

Hippocastanaceae Horse-chestnut Family Aesculus hippocastanum Horse-chestnut

Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans regia Walnut

Lamiaceae Deadnettle Family Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint Ajuga reptans Bugle Ballota nigra Black Horehound Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy Lamium album White Dead-nettle Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Lamium garganicum Large Red Dead-nettle Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum Purple Dead-nettle Marrubium incanum a Horehound Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Melissa officinalis Lemon Balm Mellitis melisophyllum Bastard Balm Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Scutellaria columnae a Skullcap Stachys alopecuros

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Stachys germanica Downy Woundwort Stachys ocymastrum a Woundwort Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander Thymus longicaulis Creeping Thyme Thymus praecox Thymus pulegioides Larger Wild Thyme

Linaceae Flax Family Linum alpinum Mountain Flax Linum bienne Pale Flax Linum capitatum Linum catharticum Fairy (Purging) Flax Linum narbonense Beautiful Flax Linum suffruticosum (tenuifolium) Linum trigynum Small Yellow Flax Linum viscosum

Nymphaeaceae Water-lily Family Nymphaea alba White Water-lily

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus angustifolia Fraxinus excelsior Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Ligustrum vulgare Privet Olea europaea Olive

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche alba Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove-scented Broomrape Orobanche gracilis Graceful Broomrape Orobanche minor

Paeoniaceae Peony Family Paeonia officinalis A Peony

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Plantago argentea Plantago atrata Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Plantago major Greater Plantain Plantago media Hoary Plantain

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria canescens

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala alpestris Polygala major Large Milkwort Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Polygala vulgaris

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Oxyria digyna Mountain Sorrel Rumex acetosella Sorrel Rumex alpinus Monk's Rhubarb Rumex hydroplanthum Water Dock Rumex nebroides Apennine Dock Rumex scutatus

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Androsace villosa a Hairy Rock-jasmine Cyclamen hederifolium Ivy-leaved Sowbread Primula elatior Oxlip Primula veris Cowslip Primula vulgaris Primrose

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine Clematis flammula Fragrant Clematis Clematis recta a Clematis Clematus vitalba Old man's Beard Consolida regalis Forking Larkspur Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Helleborus bocconei* a Hellebore Hepatica nobilis Hepatica Pulsatilla alpina Alpine Pasque Flower Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus apenninus Ranunculus arvensis Corn Buttercup Ranunculus breyninus Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus illyricus - Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus velutinus a Buttercup Thalictrum aquilegifolium Great Meadow Rue

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda alba White Mignonette Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alpinus Alpine Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus Buckthorn Rhamnus pumilis

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla nitida an Alpine Lady's-mantle Amelanchier ovalis Snowy Mespilus Aphanes australis Slender Parsley-piert Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Filipendula vulgaris Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Potentilla crantzii Potentilla hirta Potentilla recta Sulphur Cinquefoil Prunus domestica Bullace Prunus mahaleb St Lucie’s Cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina A Rose Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Rubus ulmifolius A bramble Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Sorbus aria Whitebeam Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash Sorbus torminalis Wild Service Tree

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Asperula taurina Southern Woodruff Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Galium aparine Cleavers Galium lucidum Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Galium odoratum Woodruff Galium tricornutum Corn Cleavers Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Sheradia arvensis Field Madder

Salicaceae Willow Family Salix alba White Willow Salix caprea Goat Willow Salix cinerea Grey Willow Salix eleagnos

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Thesium alpinum Alpine Bastard Toadflax Thesium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Bastard Toadflax

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Mountain Saxifrage Saxifraga bulbifera Bulbous Saxifrage Saxifraga callosa Thick-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga paniculata Live-long Saxifrage Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Cymbalaria pallida Large Ivy-leaved Toadflax Digitalis ferruginea Brown Foxglove Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax Pedicularis comosa Crested Lousewort Pedicularis elegans* a Lousewort Pedicularis tuberosa Long-beaked Yellow Lousewort Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Scrophularia canina Dog (French) Figwort Scrophularia scopolii Verbascum longifolium Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Verbascum sinuatum - Verbascum thapsus Aaron’s Rod Veronica anagallis-aquatica Blue Water Speedwell Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Veronica beccabunga Veronica montana Wood Speedwell Veronica orsiniana Veronica prostrata Prostrate speedwell

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade

Thymelaceae Daphne Family Daphne oleoides - Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel

Tiliaceae Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus glabra An Elm Ulmas minor Small-leaved Elm

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parientaria judaica Pellitory of the Wall Parietaria officinalis Large Pellitory of the wall Urtica dioica Nettle Urtica pilulifera Roman Nettle

Violaceae Violet Family Viola arvensis Field Pansy Viola canina Heath Dog Violet Viola eugeniae* a Mountain Pansy Viola odorata Sweet Violet Viola tricolor agg. Heartease

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Vitaceae Grape-vine Family Vitis vinifera Grape-vine

Liliidae (Monocotyledons)

Araceae Arum Family Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Tamus communis Black Bryony

Iridaceae Iris Family Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag

Liliaceae Lily Family Allium sphaerocephalon Round-headed Leek Allium ursinum Ransoms Anthericum liliago St. Bernard's Lily Asparagus acutifolius an Asparagus Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Colchicum autumnale Autumn Crocus Fritillaria orientalis a Fritillary Lilium martagon Martagon Lily Muscari neglectum Dark Grape Hyacinth Narcissus poeticus Pheasant’s-eye Daffodil Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star of Bethlehem Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon's Seal Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s-broom Ruscus hypoglossum Larger Butcher's-broom Tulipa sylvestris

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis coriophora Bug Orchid Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Cephalanthera rubra Red Helleborine Corallorhiza trifida Coralroot Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina Elderflower Orchid Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Himantoglossum adriaticum Adriatic Lizard Orchid Limodorum abortivum Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Neotinea (Orchis) tridentata Toothed Orchid Neotinea ustulata Burnt Orchid Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s Nest Orchid Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Ophrys bertolonii Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Ophrys fuciflora Late Spider Orchid Ophrys fuciflora subsp, apulica Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Orchis pallens Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only)

June Common name Scientific name 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H H H 2 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus H 3 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 6 4 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2 1 5 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 10 4 6 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp. sinensis 20 7 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus 1 8 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 9 9 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 1 3 10 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 4 16 11 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 4 12 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 3 1 13 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 2 14 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 15 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 3 1 16 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 2 17 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2 1 1 2 2 2 18 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo 1 1 19 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2 1 2 20 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra   21 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia         22 Stock Dove Columba oenas 1 23 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus         24 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur H H 25 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto    26 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H H H 27 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H H H H H 28 Common Swift Apus apus         29 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 2 30 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla 1 31 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H 1 H 32 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 2 33 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 3 1 1 1 34 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 2 35 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius       36 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica    37 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 50 10 6 4 38 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus 4 12 39 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula        40 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix        

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 41 Coal Tit Periparus ater 1 2 42 Great Tit Parus major 3   43 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 2   44 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris 2 45 Eurasian Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus 1 46 Woodlark Lullula arborea 2 47 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis     48 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica       49 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 2 50 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum       51 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta H 52 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita  H  H H 53 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli H 1 1 54 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix H H 55 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 3 56 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 8 57 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla         58 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis H 1 59 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla 1 H H H   60 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H  61 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea H 1 H H H H 62 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla H 1 63 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris         64 Common Blackbird Turdus merula         65 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H H 66 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus H 67 European Robin Erithacus rubecula H H 1  H 68 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H H 69 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 3 6 4 4 H 70 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus H 2 5 2 2   71 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola 1 4 72 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 12 6 3 3 73 Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 1 74 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 1 75 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 1 2 76 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 1 77 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae       78 Ashy-headed Yellow Wagtail Moticilla flava cinereocapilla 2 79 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 3 80 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 6 4  81 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 1 1 2 82 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 1 2 1 83 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 12 6 84 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs H     85 European Serin Serinus serinus      86 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris  1 87 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis         88 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina 8 8 89 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 1 3 1 90 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia H 91 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana H 3

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 92 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus H

Mammals

Roe Deer, Capreolus capreolus Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris Muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus

Amphibian & Reptiles

Italian Pool Frog, Rana bergeri Common Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis Italian Wall Lizard, Podarcis sicula Italian Three-toed Skink, Chalcides chalcides Western Whip Snake, Coluber viridiflavus Orsini's Viper, Vipera ursinii

Butterflies

Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus malvae Swallowtail, Papilio machaon Wood White, Leptidea sinapis Large White, Pieris brassicae Small White, Pieris rapae Southern Small White, Pieris mannii Mountain Small White, Pieris ergane Green-veined White, Pieris napi Clouded Yellow, Colias crocea Cleopatra, Gonepteryx cleopatra Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni White-letter Hairstreak, Satyrium w-album Green Hairstreak, Callophrys rubi Purple-edged Copper, Lycaena hippothoe Short-tailed Blue, Everes argiades Little Blue, Cupido minimus Osiris Blue, Cupido osiris Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus Silver-studded Blue, Plebejus argus Common Blue , Polyommatus icarus Adonis Blue, Lysandra bellargus Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui Glanville Fritillary, Melitaea cinxia Knapweed Fritillary, Melitaea phoebe Spotted Fritillary, Melitaea didyma Heath Fritillary, Mellicta athalia Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Boloria euphrosyne Speckled Wood , Pararge aegeria Large Wall Brown, Lasiommata maera Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina Piedmont Ringlet, Erebia meolans Marbled White, Melanargia galathea

Moths

6-Spot Burnet, Zygaena filipendulae Transparent Burnet, Zygaena purpuralis Latticed Heath, Chiasmia clathrata Speckled Yellow, Pseudopanthera macularia Humming-bird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum Mother Shipton, Callistege mi Burnet Companion, Euclidia glyphica Black-veined Moth, Siona lineata Chimney Sweeper, Odezia atrata The Forester, Adscita statices