The Auvergne Wildlife at Leisure A Greentours Trip Report 17th-24th June 2013 Leader – Richard Bramwell
Day 1 Monday 17th June Chambon-Sur-Dolore
After meeting up in blazing sunshine at Lyon airport we set out for the Auvergne, stopping at the extraordinary city of Le Puy en Velay built on a series of volcanic outcrops. This was our first taste of this spectacular region with its numerous extinct volcanoes. We walked up through the old town and looked around the cathedral - the start of a 1000km pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Just outside Le Puy we passed the imposing fortress of Polignac built on a platform formed from a lava flow. From here we headed north passing the ancient monastery of Chaise Dieu and into the beautiful Livradois – Forez national park. As we ascended to the plateau everywhere we looked was still yellow with Broom – first evidence of the consequences of the wet spring this year. Buzzards, Black Kites and Kestrels were common as were Jays and Mistle Thrushes.
We arrived at the sleepy hamlet of Chambon to a warm welcome and a sumptuous meal. Black Redstarts called through the night and a Tawny Owl and a Fox were heard.
Day 2 Tuesday 18th June Etang de Marchaud
While the others enjoyed a deserved lie-in, Richard walked into the nearby woods where he saw Serins, Crossbills, Crested Tits, a Roe Deer, a Hare and a Red-backed Shrike.
After breakfast we strolled up to the meadows above the hotel. The mix of butterfly species was different from last year due to the late spring but there was still enough to occupy us with Sooty and Small Coppers (Lycaena tityrus and Lycaena phylaeas), Weaver’s, Pearl-bordered and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (Clossiana dia, Clossiana euphrosyne and Clossiana selene) and Mazarine Blues (Cyaniris semiargus), Provençal Short-tailed Blues (Everes acetas), Clouded Yellows (Colias crocea) and Orange-tips (Anthocharis cardamines). Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis), Spiked Rampion (Phyteuma spicatum) and the very variable Mountain Pansy (Viola lutea) provided splashes of colour.
After a nice lunch at the hotel we headed for a local lake called the Etang de Marchaud. In a meadow above the track magnificent Great Yellow Gentians (Gentiana lutea) were abundant but not yet in flower. Also present were Narcissi (Narcissus poeticus), Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis), Parsley Water Dropwort (Oenanthe lachenalii), Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga
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granulata) and white Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi). On the lake margin was Lousewort (Pedicularis sylvatica), Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) and Large White Buttercup (Ranunculus platanifolius). Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Moth (Hemaris fuciformis), Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), Western Clubtail (Gomphus pulchellus) and White-legged and Small Red Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes and Ceriagrion tenellum) were spotted. On the way back we found masses of Nottingham Catchfly (Silene nutans).
Day 3 Wednesday 19th June Couze Pavin, Gorge du Courgoul, Godivelle
An early morning drive was rewarded with a Cuckoo, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Beech Marten, Red Squirrel and Roe Deer. After breakfast which included fresh pastries and bread and half a dozen home-made jams we headed west across to the Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d’Auvergne. We stopped just past the charming village of St Floret alongside the Couze Pavin (Couze – Auvergnat for torrent). To begin with the weather was overcast and there were few butterflies. Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), Meadow and White Clary (Salvia pratensis), Field Cow wheat (Melampyrum arvense), Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and White Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) were seen and Alistair found a single spike of the St Bernard’s Lily (Anthericum liliago). After a picnic lunch the weather brightened and butterflies started to show. Mary saw a Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) and a Duke of Burgundy Fritillary (Hamearis lucina). The extraordinary Owlfly (Libelloides coccajus) was observed (the first of many this year) and Chequered Blues (Scolitantides orion), Chequered Skippers (Carterocephalus palaemon) and Pearly Heaths (Coenonympha arcania) were showing while Short-toed Eagles and Booted Eagles soared over the rock pinnacles.
Moving into the Gorge de Courgoul we stopped to find the roadside alive with Hummingbird Hawkmoths (Macroglossum stellatarum), Piedmont Ringlets (Erebia meolans) and Chequered Blues. Alistair spotted a Scarce Swallowtail and Mary identified a Southern Comma (Polygonia egea). Other butterfly sightings were Wood White (Leptidea sinapsis), Black-veined (Aporia crataegi) and Green-veined Whites (Artogeia napi), Large Wall Browns (Lasiommata maera) and Southern White Admirals (Limeniitis reducta). Dusky Cranesbill (Geranium phaeum), Perennial Honesty (Lunaria rediviva) and Common Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis tetrahit) were found in the verge.
We stopped at an old bridge and admired a remarkable bamboo construction one of a series of sculptures displayed throughout the area. Large White Buttercup (Ranunculus platanifolius), Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis), Woodruff (Galium odoratum) and Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdalon) were found nearby.
Climbing to the upland pastures we gained fine views of the Mont Dore massif which this year had significantly more snow cover. Stopping at the lake at La Godivelle we saw orchids in abundance. Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis), Elder flowered Orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina), Heath Spotted, Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid and Lesser Butterfly Orchid were on display. The large flowered False Helleborine and the equally substantial Great Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea) were both present. The beautiful blue Round-headed Rampion (Phyteuma nigrum), Marsh Cranesbill (Geranium palustre), Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) and the poisonous semi-aquatic Cowbane (Cicuta virosa) were found at the lakeside.
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In the lake were Great Crested Grebes while a Red Kite flew overhead. We returned eastwards through the Reserve Rocher de la Jacquette where a mass of pink clinging to a rock proved to be Rock Soapwort (Saponica ocymoides).
Day 4 Thursday 20th June Allier Plain
We drove north through pine forest to the quiet mill town of Sauxillanges and then down to the Allier plain, stopping on the flank of the striking volcanic “butte” of Usson. We strolled up through cherry trees laden with fruit to the village – an old centre of wine production. Usson is also famous as the site of an impregnable fortress where Queen Margaret de Valois was held captive for 17 years. Walking up past the ruins and ascending to a chapel at the summit we saw Pyramidal, Bee and Lizard Orchids. Sticky Catchfly (Lychnis viscaria), Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) and White, English, Reflexed, Hairy and Biting Stonecrops (Sedum album, Sedum anglicum, Sedum reflexum, Sedum villosum and Sedum acre) were identified. Also noted were Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca), Wood Bitter Vetch (Vicia orobus) and Bush Vetch (Vicia sepium) and Common Rockrose (Helianthemum nummulariam), Field Eryngo (Eryngium campestre), Hoary Mullein (Verbascum pulverulentum), Field and Common Cow-wheats (Melampyrum arvense and Melampyrum pratense), and Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllium). We saw a spectacular geological feature known as “Les Orgues” (organ pipes) formed from the cooling of volcanic rock. We had to run down the path to take shelter in the church porch when the heavens opened. As we left the car park a male Cirl Bunting gave a close view.
We drove past the imposing Chateau de Parentignat and followed the course of the Allier up river. Picnicking was out of the question due to the rain so we opted for a very good lunch at a restaurant by the bridge at Jumeaux. Richard had the added bonus of watching a Red Squirrel (albeit a rather bedraggled one) crossing the road. As the weather had not improved we drove south through Nonette to the beautiful City of Brioude and visited its Romanesque Basilica of St Julian with its colourful frescoes.
We returned in sunshine via Champagnac-Le-Vieux where we walked the lakeside finding Olive Skipper (Pyrgus serratulae), Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) and Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus).
Day 5 Friday 21st June Upper Allier Valley
We travelled south through thick forest stopping at the edge of the escarpment to admire the fine views and an impressive stand of St Bernard’s Lily. Descending to the plain we reached Domyrat and its feudal chateau. A track was alive with butterflies including lots of Woodland Ringlets (Erebia medusa), White Admiral (Limenitis camilla), Wood White (Leptidea sinapsis) and Small Pearl- bordered (Clossiana selene) and Provençal Fritillaries (Mellicta deione) and the weird looking Owlfly. We had a pleasant riverside picnic beside the ancient town of Lavardieu. From here we headed to the River Allier at Vielle Brioude stopping above the old bridge. Here we explored the remnants of an old garden where we found numerous Lizard Orchids and plentiful butterflies including Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) and Chequered Blue (Scolitantides orion).
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We travelled up river to the chateau of St Illpize situated on a vertiginous basalt outcrop. Notable plants were Starry Saxifrage (Saxifraga stellaris), Lizard and Bee Orchids, and the butterflies were Heath (Mellicta athalia) and Provençal Fritillaries (Mellicta deione), Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas), Little and Amanda’s Blues (Cupido minimus and Agrodiaetus amanda), Wall Brown and Large Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera and Lasiommata maera), and Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podaliris). Owl Flies and Hummingbird Hawkmoths were also active. Back at the car park we came across a Red Underwing Skipper (Spialia sertorius).
Further up the Allier we parked by the river underneath the large span of the 11th century bridge. Here Gillian found Venus Looking Glass and Mary observed Bath White (Pontia daplidice), Berger’s Clouded Yellow (Colias alfacariensis), and Southern Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae malvoides).
Day 6 Saturday 22nd June St Jean St Gervais
This was a sunny day which saw us heading west to the edge of the plateau where we explored the area around St Jean St Gervais. Our first stop revealed an Elephant hawkmoth (Deilephila elpenor) caterpillar and Heath and Provençal Fritillaries (Mellicta athalia and Mellicta deione). A lovely array of flowers included Deptford and Maiden Pinks (Dianthus armeria and Dianthus deltoides), Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum) and Hare’s foot Clover (Trifolium arvense). From the church we walked the shrubby hillside with stunning Purple Shot Coppers (Lycaena alciphron), several Scarce Swallowtails (Iphiclides podalirius), Queen of Spain Fritillary (Issoria lathonia), Pearly Heath (Coenonympha arcania), Large Wall Brown (Lasiommata maera), Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantuus), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae). Richard found a Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) and Alistair an Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) in fruit and the striking purple tufts of Tassel Hyacinth (Muscari comosum). At the bottom of the hill was an old water mill where we saw Southern White Admirals (Limenitis reducta) and best of all a magnificent Poplar Admiral (Limenitis populi). After a nice picnic by the stream where we saw a Grey Wagtail, Mary found a High Brown Fritillary (Argynnis addippe) in an adjoining meadow – the only one of the trip.
We returned for an early dinner so we could attend a concert of Baroque music in a nearby village church which everyone enjoyed.
Day 7 Sunday 23rd June Valle de Chaudfour
A calciferous meadow near Champeix held great interest for the botanists with a splendid array of orchid species including Pyramidal, Bee (Ophrys apifera), Wasp (Ophrys vartolli), Late Spider (Ophrys fuciflora) and Lizard Orchids. Other plants were Tuberous Pea (Lathyrus tuberosa), Lucerne (Medicago sativa), and Narrow-leaf Crimson Clover (Trifolium augustifolium). Butterflies present were Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea), Green-veined White (Artogeia napi), Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi) and Marbled White (Melanargia galathea).
We travelled up through the spa and town of St Nectaire also famous for its delicious cheese, passing the great stronghold of Chateau Murol, before stopping briefly at Lake Chambon. From here we headed up the Chaudfour valley, picnicking beside a waterfall. A Dipper flew past and
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Great Marsh Thistle (Carduus personata) was in flower. We walked up through beechwoods finding Bird’s-nest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) and Snowdrop Anemone (Anemone sylvestris) and Aconite-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus aconitifolius). Because we had elected not to take the cable car to the top of Puy de Sancy we had more time to walk up the valley. A marshy area was full of Common Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and also found were Water Avens (Geum rivale), Marsh Valerian (Valeriana dioica), and Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre) and Large Bittercress (Cardamine amara). The woods give way to an open area with the feel of an amphitheatre, surrounded by jagged crags where a Short-toed Eagle and Buzzards were soaring.
On descending the uplands we had a good view of a male Montagu’s Harrier. We looked around the old wine growing village of Boudes whose sheltered and isolated location allowed its vines alone to survive the 19th century Phylloxera blight which decimated all the other vineyards in the region. Finally we headed back for our last delicious meal at the hotel.
Day 8 Monday 24th June Departure
A day of travel today.
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Systematic List Number 1 Dragonflies
Calopteryx splendens Banded demoiselle Chassignolles Platycnemis pennipes White-legged Damselfly Chambon Coenagrion puella Azure Damselfly Etang de Marchaud Enallagma cyathigerum Common Blue Dragonfly Etang de Marchaud Ishnura elegans Blue-tailed Damselfly Scattered Gomphus pulchellus Western Clubtail Etang de Marchaud Libellula quadrimaculata Four-spotted Chaser Etang e Marchhaud Libellula depressa Broad-bodied Chaser Etang de Marchaud Orthetrum cancellatum Black-tailed Skimmer Etang de Marchaud
Systematic List Number 2 Butterflies
Compiled by Richard Bramwell Papilonidae Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Courgoul, St Jean 2/7
Pieridae Large White Pieris braassicae Common 6/7 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi Scattered 3/7 Small White Artogeia rapae Upper Allier 1/7 Green-veined White Artogeia napi Scattered 3/7 Bath White Pontia daplidice Upper Allier 1/7 Orange-Tip Anthocharis cardamines Scattered 2/7 Pale/Berger’’s Clouded Yellow Colias hyale/alfacariensis Upper Allier 1/7 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Scattered 2/7 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Courgoul 1/7 Wood White Leptidea sinapsis Scattered 2/7
Lycaenidae Green Hairstreak Callophyris rubi Scattered 2/7 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Scattered 3/7 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus Chambon 1/7 Purple-shot Copper Lycaena alciphhron St Jean St Gervais 1/7 Provencal Short-tailed Blue Cupido alcetas Chambon 1/7 Little Blue Cupido minimus Chambon 1/7 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Chambon 1/7 Chequered Blue Scolitantides orion Scattered 3/7 Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus Chambon 1/7 Amanda’s Blue Polyommatus amandus Upper Allier 1/7 Common Blue Polymmatus Icarus Widespread 4/7
Riodinidae Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Hamearis lucina Couze Pavin 1/7
Nymphalidae Poplar Admiral Limenitis populi St Jean St Gervais 1/7 Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta Scattered 3/7
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White Admiral Limenitis Camilla Courgoul 1/7 Peacock Inachis io Scattered 2/7 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Upper Allier 1/7 Painted Lady Cynthia cardui Upper Allier 1/7 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Scattered 2/7 Southern Comma Polygonia c-album Courgoul 1/7 High Brown Fritillary Argynnis addippe St Jean St Gervais 1/7 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria iathonia St Jean St Gervais 1/7 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana selene Scattered 3/7 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana euphrosyne Scattered 2/7 Weaver’s Fritillary Clossiana dia Chambon 1/7 Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia Upper Allier, St Jean False Heath Fritillary Melitaea diamina Couze Pavin 1/7 Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia Scattered 3/7 Provencal Fritillary mellicta deione Scattered 2/7 Nickerl’s Fritillary Mellicta Aurelia Couze pavin 2/7
Satyridae Marbled White Melanargia galathea Champeix 1/7 Woodland Ringlet Erebia medusa Domeyrat 1/7 Piedmont Ringlet Erebia meolans Courgoul 1/7 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Widespread 3/7 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Scattered 2/7 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Widespread and common 5/7 Pearly Heath Cenonympha arcania Widespread 4/7 Speckled Wood Parage aegeria Widespread 3/7 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera Widespread 5/7 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera Scattered 2/7
Hesperidae Olive Skipper Pyrgus serratulae Chassignolles 1/7 Red-underwing Skipper Spialia Sertorius St Illpize 1/7 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Domeyrat 1/7 Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus Courgoul 1/7 Southern Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae malvoides Lavoute-Chilac 1/7
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Systematic List Number 3 Flowers
The following is a list of all species encountered during the tour. Compiled by Richard Bramwell.
Pteridophyta
Equisetaceae Equisetum spp
Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum
Gymnospermae
Cupressaceae Juniperus communis
Pinaceae Abies alba Picea abies Pinus sylvestris
Angiospermae Dicotyledons
Salicaceae Populus nigra Populus tremula Salix capraea
Juglandaceae Juglans regia
Betulaceae Alnus glutinosa Betula pendula
Corylaceae Corylus avellana
Fagaceae Fagus sylvatica Quercus robur
Ulmaceae Ulmus glabra
Urticaceae Urtica dioica
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Polygonaceae Persicaria bistorta Rumex acetosella Rumex acetosa Rumex conglomeratus Rumex pseudalpinus
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album
Caryophyllaceae Cerastium alpinum Dianthus armeria Dianthus deltoids Lychnis flos-cuculi Lychnis viscaria Saponaria ocymoides Saponaria officinalis Silene armeria Silene cordifolia Silene dioica Silene nutans Stellaria holostea Stellaria media Stellaria neglecta Stellaria nemorum
Ranunculaceae Anemone nemorosa Aquilegia vulgaris Caltha palustris Helleborus foetidus, Ranunculus aquaticus Ranunculus aconitifolius Ranunculus acris Ranunculus platanifolius Ranunculus repens Trollius europaeus
Brassicaceae Arabis glabra Berteroa incana Cardamine amara Sisymbrium altissimum Nastrurtium officinalis
Papaveraceae Chelidonium majus
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Meconopsis cambric Fumaria officinalis Papaver hybridum, Papaver rhoeas
Saxifragaceae Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Saxifrage stellaris
Crassulaceae Sedum acre Sedum anglicum Sedum reflexum Sedum telephium Sedum villosum
Rosaceae Alchemilla vulgaris Crataegus monogyna Filipendula ulmaria Fragaria vesca Geum rivale Geum urbanum Potentilla argentea Potentilla reptans Prunus avium Prunus mahaleb Prunus spinosa Rosa canina Rosa pendula / alpine Rubus idaeus Rubus fruticosus Sanguisorba minor Sanguisorba officinalis Sorbus aria Sorbus aucuparia
Resedaceae Reseda luteola Sesamoides clusii
Fabaceae Chaemaespartium sagittale Cytisus oromeiterraneus Lathyrus tuberosus Lotus corniculatus Medicago sativa Robinia pseuacacia
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Trifolium augustifolium Trifolium repens Trifolium arvense Trifolium campestre Trifolium dubium Trifolium incarnatum Onobrychis vicifolia Trifolium pratense Vicia cracca Vicia hirsute Vicia orobus Vicia sepium
Geraniaceae Erodium circutarium Geranium phaeum Geranium pyrenaicum Geranium robertianum Geranium sylvaticum
Aquifoliaceae Ilex aquifolium
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia amygdaloides Euphorbia cyparissias
Polygalaceae Polygala vulgaris
Aceraceae Acer campestre
Celastraceae Euonymus europaeus
Tiliaceae Tilia cordata Tilia platyphyllos
Malvaceae Malva moschata Malva neglecta Malva sylvestris
Guttiferae Hypericum perforatum Hypericum humifusum Hypericum pulchrum
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Hypericum tetrapterum
Violaceae Viola arvensis Viola lutea Viola tricolor
Orobanchaceae Orobanche amethystea Orobanche rapum-genistae
Cistaceae Helianthemum nummularium Helianthemum appeninum
Cucurbitaceae Bryonia cretica
Onograceae Chamerion augustifolium Oenanthera biennis
Araliaceae Hedera helix
Cornaceae Cornus sanguinea
Umbelliferae Anthriscus sylvestris Carum carvi Conopodium majus Daucus carota Eryngium campestre Heracleum sphondylium Oenanthe crocata Circuta virosa Arabis panciflora Meum athamanticum
Ericaceae Calluna vulgaris Vaccinum myrtillus
Primulaceae Lysimachia nemorum Lysimachia vulgaris Primula veris
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Oleaceae Fraxinus excelsior
Gentianaceae Gentiana pneumonanthe
Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis
Rubiaceae Cruciata laevipes Galium aparine Galium mollugo Galium odoratum Galium palustre Galium saxatile Galium verum
Boraginaceae Echium vulgare Myosotis sylvatica Pulmonaria officinalis Symphytum officinale
Lamiaceae Acinos arvensis Ajuga reptans Lamium maculatum Lycopus europaeus Mentha spicata Origanum vulgare Stachys annua Stachys sylvatica Salvia pratensis Teucrium scordonia Thymus serpyllium Lamiastrum galeobdalon
Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis
Scrophulariaceae Cymbalaria muralis Digitalis purpurea Linaria repens Linaria vulgaris Melampyrum arvense Melampyrum cristatum
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Melampyrum pratense Pedicularis palustris Rhinanthus minor Scrophularia nodosa Verbascum nigrum Verbascum pulverulentum Verbascum Thapsus Veronica arvensis Veronica beccabunga Veronica chamaedrys Veronica officinalis
Plantaginaceae Plantago major
Valerianaceae Centhranthus ruber Valeriana dioica Valeriana officinalis Valerianella locusta
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera periclymenum Sambucus racemosa
Dipsacacaeae Dipsacus fullonum Dipsacus pilosus Knautia arvensis Scabiosa columbaria Succisa pratensis
Campanulaceae Campunula persicifolia Campanula rotundifolia Legousia speculum-venous Jasione montana Phyteuma nigrum Phyteuma spicatum Legousia hybrid
Asteraceae Bellis perennis Carduus personata Centaurea cyanus Centaurea montana Centaurea nigra Doronicum austriacum
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Scorzonera humilis Petasites albus Senecio vulgaris Serratula tinctoria Tragopogon farfara
Monocotyledons
Alismataceae Luronium natans
Liliaceae Allium sphaerocephalon Anthericum lilago Maianthemum bifolium Muscari comosum Veratrum album Colchicum autumnale Polygonatum multiflorum
Amaryllidaceae Narcissus poeticus
Iridaceae Iris pseudacorus
Orchidaceae Anacamptis pyrimidalis Dactylorhiza fuchsia Dactylorhiza maculata Dactylorhiza majalis Dactylorhiza sambucina Himantoglossum hircinum Neottia nidus-avis Ophrys apifera Ophrys fuciflora Ophrys vartrolli Platanthera bifolia
Graminae Anthoxanthum odoratum Molinia coerulea
Cyperaceae Eriopherum angustifolium
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Systematic List Number 4 Birds
Compiled by Richard Bramwell
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 1 near Fournols 1/7 Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Couze Pavin 1/7 Black Kite Milvus migrans Widespread 7/7 Red Kite Milvus milvus Widespread 3/7 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Couze Pavin 1/7 Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus 1 near Courbanges 1/7 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Widespread 7/7 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widespread 6/7 Rock Dove Columba livia Scattered 4/7 Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Widespread 7/7 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Widespread Tawny Owl Strix aluco Heard at Chambon Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 heard near Fournols Common Swift Apus apus Widespread and common Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Scattered 3/7 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major Scattered 4/7 Woodlark Lullula arborea Scarce 1/7 Skylark Alauda arvensis Scattered 3/7 Swallow Hirundo rustica Widespread and common 7/7 House Martin Delichon urbica Widespread and common 7/7 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Scattered 2/7 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Widespread 5/7 Wren Troglaytes trogladytes Widespread and common 7/7 Dunnock Prunella modularis Scarce 1/7 Robin Erithacus rubecula Scattered 4/7 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Widespread 7/7 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Scattered 7/7 Blackbird Turdus merula Widespread and common 7/7 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Widespread and common 7/7 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Scattered 2/7 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Widespread and common 7/7 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Widespread and common 7/7 Goldcrest Regulus regulus Scattered 5/7 Marsh Tit Parus palustris Scattered 4/7 Willow Tit Poecile montanus Scarce 1/7 Crested Tit Parus cristatus Scarce 2/7 Coal Tit Parus ater Widespread and common 5/7 Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Widespread and common 6/7 Great Tit Parus major Widespread and common 7/7 Nuthatch Sitta europaea Scattered 4/7 Common Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Scattered 3/7 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Widespread 6/7 Jay Garrulous glandarius Widespread and common 7/7 Magpie Pica pica Widespread 7/7 Rook Corvus frugilegus Scattered 3/7 Carrion crow Corvus corne Widespread and common 7/7 Raven Corvus corax Local 2/7
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Starling Sturnus vulgaris Widespread and common 7/7 House Sparrow Passer domesticus Widespread and common 7/7 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Widespread and common 7/7 Serin Serinuus serinus Scattered 6/7 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Widespread and common 6/7 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Widespread and common 6/7 Linnet Carduelis cannabina Widespread and common 6/7 Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 1 near Chambon 1/7 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus Scattered 2/7
Systematic List Number 5 Amphibians and Reptiles
Common Frog Rana temporaria Etang de Marchaud
Common Toad Bufo bufo La Couze Pavin
Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis St Illpize
Slow Worm Anguis fragilis Chambon
Systematic List Number 6 Mammals
Stoat Mustela erminea One seen at Fayet Ronaye. 1/7
Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus Several seen around Chambon. 3/7
Beech Marten Martes foina One seen north of Fournols. 1/7
Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris One seen at Jumeaux. 1/7
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