Italy's Sibillini Mountains

Naturetrek Tour Report 5 - 12 June 2019

Report by Philip Thompson

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 four Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Wednesday 5th June

With the group’s safe arrival into Ancona airport, it was not long before we had our minibus sorted and we were heading south on the motorway towards Civitanova where we turned off and inland towards Macerata. We then soon arrived at the country park of Abbadia di Fiastre where we stopped to explore the area and enjoy a light lunch. We took the level perimeter footpath that led around some mixed arable fields on one side and mixed woodland and lakes on the other. During the walk we encountered a number of birds that only occur in these lower levels, being scarce or absent in the higher regions of the Sibillini National Park; these included Nightingale, Golden Oriole and Turtle Dove. Among the historic monastery buildings several Italian Sparrows foraged, whilst a large colony of House Martins in the eaves were noisily active. Singing from a tall parkland Plane Tree was a Common Redstart that took a little while to pick out.

Having enjoyed a rather leisurely time in the hot sun we ate some lunch on the terrace of a café before taking a look inside the refreshingly cool monastery church. We then completed our journey into the Sibillini National Park and the attractive historic town of Amandola where we would be staying for the duration of the trip. We were shown to our attractive rooms in the stunning boutique hotel perched above the town where we had time to have a refreshing drink before the first of many delicious home-cooked regional dinners.

Day 2 Thursday 6th June

Today was spent on the slopes of Monte Sibilla after which the National Park is named. We spent the morning on the lower slopes with a number of stops and short explorations in the grassy flower-filled meadows with the abundant orchid diversity and many active butterflies. At times the multitude of individual orchids, comprising mainly Ophrys species, made walking difficult as we tried to avoid trampling the delicate blooms. The gem among those species present was the beautiful Ophrys bertolonii that were joined by Ophrys fuciflora, O. fusca, O. sphegodes, O. apifera and O. insectifera.

Having spent the morning enjoying the views, flowers, butterflies and birds on the lower slopes, we eventually drove on to the Rifugio Sibilla where we relaxed and ate our picnic lunch, during which we sighted a passing Golden Eagle and a European Honey Buzzard. From the rifugio we then walked the gently ascending wide stony track that led beneath the summit of Monte Sibilla. Our attentions now switched more to the rich and colourful flora growing all around, with a couple of Apennine endemics as highlights comprising Solenanthus apenninus and Cynoglossum magellense. Initial progress was slow as we picked out some of the many interesting and attractive plants present, with a few familiar garden plants from home here in their natural habitat such as Linaria purpurea, Cerastium tomentosum and Centaurea montana. The season was a little later than normal this year resulting in large numbers of the attractive white-flowered Narcissus poeticus in large colonies being still in fresh bloom to admire. As we made our way along the track the views constantly changed, adding to the pleasure of the walk. Overhead we again picked up another Honey Buzzard joined by another that slowly cruised along the higher slopes. Reaching a point with a stunning view up the valley leading from the small village of Foce towards the summit of Monte Vittore with above us the summit of Monte Sibilla we pause to drink in the surroundings before heading back to the rifugio and the vehicle.

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

After a couple of further short stops at points of interest on the way down we eventually rejoined the tarmac road to then take a different circuit back towards the hotel in Amandola. We stopped by an isolated rocky cliff face that was festooned with the striking drooping panicles of flowering Saxifraga callosa.

Day 3 Friday 7th June

We set out heading to the southern and highest end of the park and the region of the Piano Grande. The road led through a multitude of winding bends as it skirted the eastern boundary enabling the group to enjoy the flora and views as we passed.

As we neared the final climb up to the col at Foca di Presta we took a stop to have a short walk and once again explore the array of colourful flowers carpeting the ground. We found a fine mix of plants dominated by Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. incanum and Globularia meridionalis with many other species mixed in. We were fortunate in finding many fresh examples of Orchis pauciflora.

We then drove on over into the huge flat Piano Grande surrounded on all sides by the highest peaks of the park. We crossed to the far side to climb up to the rim and an area of Beech Fagus sylvatica woodland where we took another short walk. We were serenaded by a Tree Pipit perched at the top of the nearby trees as we set off. On the shady woodland floor, a number of young Bird’s-nest Orchids Neottia nidus-avis were found alongside Aremonia agrimonioides. The roadside held abundant examples of Saxifraga rotundifolia and the open-glade meadows had a few examples Paeonia officinalis that were unfortunately still in bud.

Our next stop was only a short distance away where we rejoined the tarmac main road. Here we parked once more and walked out over the gently rolling open grassy meadows overlooking the plain below. Flowers were once more abundant with many fine discoveries the highlights of which were numerous Wild Tulip Tulipa sylvestris and the last remaining flowers of Fritillaria orientalis. We walked on to reach an area awash with thousands of Linum alpinum turning the whole slope sky blue. We spent a little time sitting and enjoying the view before retracing our steps.

Our next stop was the now almost destroyed town of Castellucio that had suffered terribly from the most recent earthquakes to have hit the area in 2017. The town was only just beginning to recover with temporary structures built for the local produce shops that attract visitors from all over. We had our picnic lunch in a small play park overlooking the cultivated fields that produce the pulses, beans and mustard seed that the area is famous for. A Hobby put in an appearance as we ate followed by a Red-backed Shrike. Once lunch was completed we had a quick look around the stalls and bought a few souvenirs before stopping for a coffee in a nearby café.

Setting off on the returning journey we paused at the Foca di Presta where we walked to an area of rocky crags to check out the flowers present. In the grass as we set out were several examples of the endemic and rather unsuitably named Erodium alpinum. The rocks held a number of interesting plants that included Oxytropis pillosa.

Day 4 Saturday 8th June

Today was a full day walking with a trip to the famous Gola del L’Infernaccio. From the car park the route dropped down to the River Tena where the bridge to cross had been swept away by avalanche debris, requiring

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

the group to remove their footwear and paddle across the shallow ford through the icy cold water! A number of good plants had been seen on the way down that included the endemic Campanula tanfanii on the steep cliffs alongside the path. Once we had dried our feet, we then began the short climb into the narrowest and most dramatic section of the gorge where the route is reduced to a path only a couple of metres wide between the enclosing rock walls. The rushing river cascades through creating an infernal din and abundant cooling spray.

The route slowly opened out enabling us to see daylight once more and the cliffs alongside. The route led through a mixed broadleaved woodland crossing the river a few more times over small bridges. Along the way a rich mixture of plants of shady forest and more open sunny glades were seen along with several species of butterfly. Towards the end of our chosen route the vista opened out to reveal grassy flower-filled meadows with views of the higher rocky peaks in the distance. We stopped at the source of the river where we relaxed in the hot sun and ate our picnic. From here we walked only a little further to admire a wonderful meadow full of flowering Paeonia officinalis. The large scarlet goblets of the flowers looked stunning with the mountain backdrop. From here we began our slow return allowing time to further enjoy the scenery and wildlife seen along the way.

Once back at the vehicle, we were all pretty hot tired and thirsty from our exertions that required a cold drink and a coffee to revive us. Our chosen spot was a visit to the historic and ornate church of the Madonna del Ambro. Whilst here we had time to admire the lovely lemon-yellow Onosma echioides growing from the rocks nearby.

Day 5 Sunday 9th June

Due to the enthusiasm and fitness of the group members we opted to take the rather tougher walk from the village of Foce that led up towards the Lago di Pilato beneath Monte Vitorre. This is one of the most famous and popular walks in the park despite a steep and strenuous section in the middle of the walk where we climb up a narrow zigzag trail through a natural fissure in the mountainside. Setting out in hot sun once more along the valley floor we took a steady pace allowing time to check the local flora and avoid getting too hot in the humid conditions. Once at the steep section the pace slowed further, as we were overtaken by several groups of perspiring youngsters working their way up. We paused along the climb to rest up a few times and also to admire the endemic Saxifraga porophylla growing from an overhanging rock face.

Eventually the path leveled out and we made our way through an attractive shady Beech wood before we reached the open high meadows. Our efforts were now justified as the views and scenery more than made up for the sweat on our brows! Another whole range of plants were now found growing at these higher altitudes with a number of highlights among which Pulsatilla alpina, Viola eugeniae and Orchis pallens were notable. We climbed onwards admiring the scenery as we went before seeking out a large shady boulder where we could eat our lunch. From here we walked a little further to check out the rather barren habitat of bare rocky scree, seeking the localized Alpine Woad Isatis allionii that seemed to be the only plant that could manage to get roots down and survive here. With the day still very hot we opted to return and retrace our steps. The descent down the steep stony section took a little care but we all made it in good shape back to the valley floor where we spotted a couple of Red-backed Shrikes on the way back to the vehicle.

Back in Foce we stopped to join some of the many fellow walkers at the local rifugio for ice cream coffee and soft drinks. The village of Foce was showing evident signs of earthquake damage with many buildings strapped

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

and braced in support, a rather sad common sight in the whole region as it struggles to rebuild and repopulate in the face of economic migration.

Our return drive to Amandola was enlivened by our getting caught up in a local Historic Tractor Society’s gathering and fun run. A multitude of exotic and at times incredibly noisy varieties of tractor painted and restored were travelling our route making for slow but fun progress!

Day 6 Monday 10th June

After our exertions of the previous two days we enjoyed a rather gentler day of birding at the Regional Park of Colfiorito to the north of the Sibillini National Park. With the completion of the new motorway our transfer was pretty rapid finding us arriving in good time. The park comprises a low and level flooded plain with a large reedbed surrounding small areas of open water, all surrounded by small agricultural fields farmed in a low- intensity manner, resulting in numerous cornfield ‘weeds’ being present.

We began with a slow walk alongside the reeds and water stopping and scanning at open sections. There were numerous Great Cormorants breeding in the large willows with a small number of Black-crowned Night Herons in the lower levels and rather more tucked away. Grey Herons were constantly flying across the open reedbed with a couple of Purple Herons also picked out. We could hear the strange barking call of Little Bittern coming from within the reeds but on this occasion one failed to show. Hunting the skies above were a couple of Eurasian Hobbies that made repeated sorties past the group. A couple of Western Marsh Harriers quartered low over the reeds. Calling from within the dense vegetation were numerous Eurasian Reed Warblers that gave brief views as they moved rapidly from cover, their larger relatives, Great Reed Warblers, were also singing and we eventually managed to pick out a couple atop a slender reed stem. The hills behind produced hunting Montagu’s Harrier, Honey Buzzard and Common Buzzard. The tall screening trees thinned and we then reached an area of uninterrupted view from where we heard the thin calls of Eurasian Penduline Tit. After a little patient waiting and scanning we were fortunate with two birds showing well close to on the edge of the tall reeds.

Having spent a pleasant relaxing morning we then set up our picnic at one of the benches provided shaded by a convenient large tree. From here we drove a short distance to walk out through the arable fields above the lake. Our attentions were now a little more botanically orientated, the first highlight being a small colony of Adriatic Lizard Orchids Himmantoglossum adriaticum to admire. From here the route slowly dropped down towards the lake. The field edges as we passed held several annual species of flower mixed among the crops such as Consolida regalis, Ranunculus arvensis, Agrostemma githago, Cyanus segetum and Calendula arvensis.

We then headed back to drive back towards our hotel. This time we took a slower more scenic and certainly more winding route through the northern end of the Sibillini National Park. We stopped off at San Lorenzo al Largo for a coffee break on the terrace before pushing on through the scenic park. Roadside flowers were a delight as we slowly climbed via a number of switchbacks to arrive at Pintura da Bolognola where we turned off the tarmac onto a white stone road. We drove a short distance before stopping to take a walk along the slowly climbing wide track. A rich alpine flora coloured the banks as we passed with many species of flower present all attracting an array of busy insect life. After an enjoyable end to the day we returned to complete the drive back having to pass through some stunning scenery and the final descent down the innumerable switchback turns into Sarnarno and on to Amandola.

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Day 7 Tuesday 11th June

We returned to the northern end of the park to visit the lower rolling grassy slopes of the Prati di Ragnola. After the winding drive up from Sarnarno we firstly stopped at the road summit to have a short exploration of the roadside meadow where we found several interesting plants including the elusive and cryptically coloured Frog Orchid Dactylorhiza viridis. After a short drive up to the start of the Prati trail we then enjoyed a lovely peaceful walk through the flower-filled grasslands. Many of the plants were by now becoming familiar but it was still a delight to experience the range and variety in such abundance in such delightful a setting, looking as we were from high out across to the lowlands beyond. We looped back to our start point to drive a short distance and take a further walk approaching from the opposite end of the trail. The route here led through some light woodland and on to open grassland. Attracted by the many flowers were numerous butterflies, with Clouded Apollos being the highlight. Overhead a couple of European Honey Buzzards passed whilst feeding from the odd isolated bush were a pair of Red-backed Shrikes.

After a productive mornings walks we drove down lower in the valley to take a narrow track to a quiet and secluded picnic site where we stopped for lunch. Rather considerately some previous diners had left a bottle of wine to chill in the mountain spring water trough which we appreciatively, if rather guiltily, enjoyed! We then took a walk from the picnic spot alongside the Torrent Fiastrone. We continued to find interesting plants and several new butterflies in the mix of woodland and meadow found on the route. The hot day began to take its toll so we returned to the vehicle to head for home.

After having had a week of consistent blue skies and high temperatures the weather played a final trick on us. The heat and humidity had grown noticeably as we headed for our next short roadside stop, when after a few spatters of rain we were then assailed with a heavy hail storm with ice the size of peas falling. We pulled over to wait for it to abate, which fortunately did not take long allowing us a chance to check out a small roadside colony of Bug Orchid Orchis coriophora.

Day 8 Wednesday 12th June

Our final day allowed us time only for an early breakfast before a direct transfer to the airport in Ancona and our homeward flight, that all went to schedule with no problems. The group was only able to watch the passing scenery as we returned from the mountains down to the coastal strip and ultimately the UK.

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants

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

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

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

Ephedraceae Joint Pine Family Ephedra fragilis Joint Pine

Pinaceae Pine Family Larix decidua Larch Pinus nigra Black Pine Pinus pinea Stone or Umbrella Pine Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS Pre-dicots Primitive Dicotyledons Nymphaeaceae Water-lily Family Nymphaea alba White Water-lily

Eu-dicots True Dicotyledons Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Sambucus edulis Dwarf Elder Sambucus nigra Elder

Apiaceae Carrot Family Cachrys ferulacea - Chaerophyllum aureum Chaerophyllum hirsutum Conopodium majus Pignut Daucus carota Wild Carrot Eryngium amethystinum Blue Eryngo Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Heracleum sphondylium subsp. pyrenaicum Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Laserpitium siler a Sermountain Meum athamanticum Sanicula europaea Sanicle Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's Needles Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Smyrnium perfoliatum subsp. rotundifolium Round-leaved Alexanders Tordylium apulum Tordylium Torilis arvensis Spreading Hedge-parsley

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Trinia dalechampii

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy

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

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Anchusa arvensis subsp. orientalis Bugloss Borago officinalis Borage Buglossoides arvensis Corn Gromwell Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss Cerinthe minor Lesser Honeywort Cynoglossum magellense* a Hound's-tongue Lithospermum officinale Common Gromwell Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Onosma echioides Golden Drops Pulmonaria officinalis Lungwort Solenanthus apenninus* Solenanthus Symphytum bulbosum Tuberous Comfrey

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alyssoides utriculata Alyssoides 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 Coral-root Bitter-cress Cardamine enneaphyllos Drooping Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine graeca Cardamine heptaphylla Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine kitaibelii Cardamine pentaphyllos Coronopus squamatus Greater Swine-cress

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Erysimum pseudorhaeticum* A Treacle Mustard Isatis allionii Alpine Woad Lepidium campestre Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Lunaria rediviva Perennial Honesty Myagrum perfoliatum Rorippa amphibia Great Yellow-cress Sinapsis arvensis Charlock Thlaspi perfoliata Perfoliate Penny-cress

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box

Cannabaceae Hop Family Humulus lupulus Hop

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower Campanula spicata Spiked Bellflower Campanula tanfanii* Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower Legousia hybrida Venus's Looking-glass Legousia speculum-veneris Large Venus's Looking-glass

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Red Valerian Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Knautia drymeia Knautia integrifolia Knautia purpurea Lonicera caprifolium Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Lonicera implexa a Honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious Valeriana montana Mountain Valerian Valeriana officinalis Valerian Valeriana tripteris Valeriana tuberosa

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Agrostemma githago Corncockle Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cerastuim scarani* Italian Mouse-ear Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Drypis spinosa Drypis Hernaria glabra Smooth Rupturewort Minuartia capillacea a Sandwort Minuartia verna Moehringia muscosa

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Paronychia kapela a Paronychia Petrorhagia saxifraga Tunic Flower Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Scleranthus perennis Perennial Knawel Silene dioica Red Campion Silene (Lychnis) flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Silene italica Italian Catchfly Silene latifolia White Campion Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Silene pusilla Silene saxifraga Silene vulgaris Stellaria holostea Greater Stichwort Stellaria media Chickweed Stellaria nemorum Wood Chickweed

Celastraceae Spindle family Euonymus europaeus Spindle Tree

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Cistus creticus a Pink Cistus Fumana thymifolia Thyme-leaved Fumana Helianthemum apenninum White Rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium Rock-rose Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. incanum Hoary Rock-rose

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family 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 Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Calendula arvensis Field Marigold Carlina acanthifolia Acanthus-leaved Carline Thistle Carlina corymbosa Flat-topped Carline Thistle Centaurea ambigua* Centaurea montana Perennial Cornflower Cichorium intybus Chicory Cirsium oleraceum Cabbage Thistle Cyanus segetum (Centaurea cyanus) Cornflower Doronicum columnae Heart-leaved Leopardsbane Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant Hieracium cymosum a Hawkweed Hieracium villosum Hyoseris radiata Hyoseris Jacobaea alpina (Senecio cordatus) Alpine Ragwort

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Lactuca perennis Perennial Lettuce Leucanthemopsis alpina Alpine Moon Daisy Onopordum acanthium Onopordum illyricum Illyrian Scotch Thistle Petasites albus White Butterbur Podospermum roseum - Senecio doronicum subsp. gerardii Chamois Ragwort Senecio squalidus Oxford Ragwort Staehelina dubia Staehelina Tanacetum corymbosum Tragopogon crocifolius a Goat's-beard Tragopogon dubius a Goat's-beard Tragopogon orientalis Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Urospermum dalechampii -

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus althaeoides subsp. tenuissimus Narrow Mallow-leaved 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

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury

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

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Centaureum erythraea Common Centaury Gentiana dinarica A Trumpet Gentian Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian Gentiana utriculosa Bladder Gentian

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Gentiana verna Spring Gentian

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 reflexum Geranium robertianum Herb Robert

Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant

Hippocastanaceae Horse-chestnut Family Aesculus hippocastanum Horse-chestnut

Hypericaceae St. John's-wort Family Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's-wort

Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans regia Walnut

Lamiaceae Deadnettle Family Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint Ajuga chamaepitys Ground Pine Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle Ajuga reptans Bugle Ballota nigra Black Horehound Clinopodium acinos Basil Thyme Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy Lamium album White Dead-nettle Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Lamium garganicum Large Red Dead-nettle Lamium hybridum Cut-leaved Dead-nettle Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum Purple Dead-nettle Marrubium incanum a Horehound Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Mellitis melisophyllum Bastard Balm Mentha aquatica Water Mint Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Satureja thymbra Satureia Sideritis montana

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

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

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria agg. Kidney Vetch Astragalus depressus Sprawling Milk Vetch Astragalus monspessulanus False Vetch Astragalus sempervirens Mountain Tragacanth Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion Vetch Cytisophyllum sessilifolium Cytisus scoparius Broom Dorycnium hirsutum Dorycnium Dorycnium pentaphyllum Genista radiata Southern Greenweed 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 montana Onobrychis viciifolia Sainfoin 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 Reversed Clover Trifolium rubens Red Trefoil Trifolium thalii Trifolium tomentosum Woolly Trefoil Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Vicia hybrida Vicia onobrychioides

Linaceae Flax Family Linum alpinum Mountain Flax Linum bienne Pale Flax Linum catharticum Fairy (Purging) Flax Linum suffruticosum Linum viscosum Sticky Flax

Malvaceae (incl. Tiliaceae) Mallow Family Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime

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

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche alba Thyme Broomrape Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove-scented Broomrape Orobanche gracilis Graceful Broomrape Orobanche minor Common Broomrape Orobanche rapum-genistae Greater Broomrape Pedicularis comosa Crested Lousewort Pedicularis elegans* a Lousewort Pedicularis hoermanniana Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle

Paeoniaceae Peony Family Paeonia officinalis A Peony

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Cymbalaria pallida Large Ivy-leaved Toadflax Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Common Foxglove Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia Globularia meridionalis Globularia vulgaris Common Globularia Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax Plantago arenaria Branched Plantain Plantago argentea Plantago atrata Dark Plantain Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Plantago major Greater Plantain Plantago media Hoary Plantain Veronica anagallis-aquatica Blue Water Speedwell Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Veronica montana Wood Speedwell Veronica orsiniana Veronica prostrata Prostrate Speedwell

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria canescens Plantain-leaved Thrift

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala alpestris Polygala major Large Milkwort Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Oxyria digyna Mountain Sorrel Rumex acetosella Sorrel Rumex alpinus Monk's Rhubarb Rumex hydrolapathum 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 Cyclamen repandum Spring Cyclamen Primula elatior Oxlip Primula veris Cowslip Primula vulgaris Primrose

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Anemone ranunculoides Yellow Anemone 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 Helleborus odorus - Hepatica nobilis Hepatica Nigella damascena Love-in-the-mist Pulsatilla alpina Alpine Pasque Flower Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus apenninus Ranunculus arvensis Corn Buttercup Ranunculus breyninus Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Ranunculus gramineus Grass-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus illyricus - Ranunculus millefoliatus a 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

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla nitida an Alpine Lady's-mantle Amelanchier ovalis Snowy Mespilus Aremonia agrimonioides Bastard Agrimony Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Filipendula vulgaris Dropwort Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil Potentilla hirta Potentilla recta Sulphur Cinquefoil Prunus domestica Bullace Prunus mahaleb St Lucie’s Cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina A 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

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

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

Sapindaceae (Aceraceae) Maple Family Acer campestris Field Maple Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple Acer opalus subsp. obtusatum Italian Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga adscendens Biennial Saxifrage Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Mountain Saxifrage Saxifraga bulbifera Bulbous Saxifrage Saxifraga callosa Thick-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga paniculata Live-long Saxifrage Saxifraga porophylla* Apennine Saxifrage Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia canina Dog (French) Figwort Scrophularia scopolii Verbascum longifolium Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Verbascum sinuatum - Verbascum thapsus Aaron’s Rod

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade

Thymelaceae Daphne Family Daphne oleoides - Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus glabra An Elm Ulmus 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

Monocots Monocotyledons Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Allium sphaerocephalon Round-headed Leek Allium ursinum Ransoms Narcissus poeticus Pheasant’s-eye Daffodil

Asparagaceae Anthericum liliago St. Bernard's Lily Asparagus acutifolius an Asparagus Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Muscari neglectum Dark Grape Hyacinth Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star-of-Bethlehem Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon's-seal Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s-broom Ruscus hypoglossum Larger Butcher's-broom

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

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Dioscorea communis Black Bryony

Iridaceae Iris Family Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Iris marsica* Marsican Iris Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag

Liliaceae Lily Family Fritillaria orientalis a Fritillary Tulipa sylvestris Wild Tulip

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 Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza saccifera Wedge-lipped Orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina Elderflower Orchid Dactylorhiza viridis Frog Ochid Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Himantoglossum adriaticum Adriatic Lizard Orchid Limodorum abortivum Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Neotinea tridentata Toothed Orchid Neotinea ustulata Burnt Orchid

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s Nest Orchid Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Ophrys bertolonii Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid Ophrys fuciflora Late Spider Orchid Ophrys fuciflora subsp. apulica Ophrys fusca Sombre Bee Orchid Ophrys insectifera Fly Orchid Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider Orchid Ophrys sphegodes subsp. atrata Dark Ophrys Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Orchis militaris Military Orchid Orchis pallens Pale Orchid Orchis pauciflora Sparse-flowered Orchid Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid Orchis simia Monkey Orchid

Poaceae Grass Family Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome Bromus hordeaceus Soft-brome

Smilacaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Common Smilax

Xanthorrhoeaceae Ashodel Family Asphodelus albus White Asphodel

Birds (✓=recorded but not counted; H = heard only) June Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H 2 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus ✓ 3 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 4 4 Common Swift Apus apus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H 1 H H 5 H 6 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus ✓ ✓ 8 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur H 2 1 9 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 10 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra ✓ 11 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 12 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 3 13 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis 40 14 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus H 15 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 4 16 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea ✓ 17 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1 18 Great Egret Ardea alba 1 19 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 1 4 2 1 3 20 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 21 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 2 22 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 2

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 23 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 24 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 3 25 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H H H 26 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 27 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 28 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2 1 1 1 1 29 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo 1 2 1 30 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 2 2 2 3 8 31 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus H 32 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 ✓ ✓ 33 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica ✓ ✓ 34 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax H 50 H 35 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus 2 1 36 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 37 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 38 Coal Tit Periparus ater ✓ ✓ 39 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus ✓ ✓ ✓ 40 Great Tit Parus major ✓ ✓ 41 Eurasian Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus 2 42 Woodlark Lullula arborea 1 43 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis 2 ✓ 1 10 44 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 45 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 2 46 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 47 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli H H H 48 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H H H H 49 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 1 50 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 6 51 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla ✓ H H ✓ ✓ ✓ H 52 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis H 53 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans H 54 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 55 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H 56 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea H H ✓ ✓ H ✓ 57 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla H H 58 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 59 Common Blackbird Turdus merula H H ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 60 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 1 61 European Robin Erithacus rubecula H H H H H H 62 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos ✓ 2 63 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 5 2 ✓ 1 64 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 4 2 65 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola 1 2 2 66 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 1 8 1 6 6 67 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 1 68 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae ✓ ✓ ✓ 69 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2 70 White Wagtail Motacilla alba ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 71 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 3 2 2 2 72 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 1 3 73 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 2 2

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 74 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 75 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris ✓ ✓ ✓ 76 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 77 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 78 European Serin Serinus serinus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 79 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra ✓ ✓ ✓ 80 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus H H H H

Amphibians & Reptiles

Italian Pool Frog, Rana bergeri Western Green Lizard, Lacerta bilineata Common Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis Italian Wall Lizard, Podarcis sicula

Butterflies

Dingy Skipper, Enynnis tages Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus malvae Rosy Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus onopordi Red-underwing Skipper, Spialia sertorius Clouded Apollo, Parnassius mnemosyne Southern Scarce Swallowtail, Iphiclides podalirius 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 Eastern Bath White, Pontia edusa Provence Orange Tip, Anthocharis euphenoides Orange Tip, Anthocharis cardamines Berger's Clouded Yellow, Colias alfacariensis Clouded Yellow, Colias crocea Cleopatra, Gonepteryx cleopatra Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni Duke of Burgundy , Hamearis lucina Green Hairstreak, Callophrys rubi Little Blue, Cupido minimus Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus Green-underside Blue, Glaucopsyche alexis Chapman's Blue, Polyommatus thersites Common Blue , Polyommatus icarus Adonis Blue, Lysandra bellargus Brown Argus, Aricia agestis Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae Peacock Butterfly, Inachis io Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui Comma Butterfly, Polygonia c-album Glanville Fritillary, Melitaea cinxia Spotted Fritillary, Melitaea didyma Marsh Fritillary, Euphydryas aurinia High Brown Fritillary, Argynnis adippe Queen of Spain Fritillary, Issoria lathonia Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Boloria euphrosyne Speckled Wood , Pararge aegeria Wall Brown, Lasiommata megera Large Wall Brown, Lasiommata maera Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus Pearly Heath, Coenonympha arcania Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina Esper's Marbled White, Melanargia russiae

Moths

6-Spot Burnet, Zygaena filipendulae Transparent Burnet, Zygaena purpuralis Small Emerald, Hemistola chrysoprasaria Latticed Heath, Chiasmia clathrata Speckled Yellow, Pseudopanthera macularia Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum Mother Shipton, Callistege mi Burnet Companion, Euclidia glyphica Black-veined Moth, Siona lineata Chimney Sweep, Odezia atrata The Forester, Adscita statices Tau Emperor, Aglia tau