France - the Vercors

France - The Vercors

Naturetrek Tour Report 22 - 29 May 2011

Cypripedium calceolus Purple-edged Copper

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The 2011 Naturetrek Group Traunsteinera globosa

Report and images compiled by Paul Harmes and Alan Miler

Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 England 0NG T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report France - The Vercors

Tour Leaders: Paul Harmes (Botanist) Alan Miller (Ornithologist)

Participants: Helen Bedford Bernie Bedford Sue Bignal Chris Bignal Mark Ogden Andrew Eadie Edna Evison Robin Evison Hazel Haywood Phil Haywood Karin Munro David Williams

Day 1 Sunday 22nd May

Weather: Fine, hot and sunny Ten tour participants met Paul and Alan at Lyon Exupery Airport, arriving at 11.15am local time. We soon cleared passport control and baggage reclaim, and made our way to our minibuses for the journey to the Vercors region, travelling down the A43 and A48 motorways towards Grenoble. We had a brief lunch stop at the L'aire Burcin service area on the motorway. A short exploration of the area produced some interesting sightings including Marbled and Meadow Fritillary, Scarce Swallowtail and Black-veined White butterflies, Garden Tiger and Burnet Companion moths, and a Field Cricket. Three spikes of Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) were found and Yellowhammer and Chaffinch seen.

Moving on, we turned west with the intention of visiting Grenoble-Isere Airport to look for raptors. However, it soon became obvious that there was an air show on, so we abandoned the idea and continued south to St. Marcellin, and on up the D518 to Pont en Royans, before taking the Grand Goulets tunnel towards La Chapelle en Vercors and the Hotel Bellier, our base for the next seven nights. At 6pm we met in the garden and were joined by Hazel and Phil who had made their own way to the hotel. After introductions, Alan and Paul outlined the weeks’ itinerary.

Day 2 Monday 23rd May

Weather: Fine, hot and sunny For some, the day started with a pre-breakfast bird walk around the village with Alan. Some new birds were added to the list including Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Serin.

France - The Vercors Tour Report

After breakfast we all set off in the vehicles, and our first venue was Vassieux en Vercors where we made a short stop at the cemetery. Here the victims of the Nazi massacre at Vassieux during the Second World War are buried. While we were at the cemetery, we explored a small quarry to the rear, and saw Northern Wheatear, Red- backed Shrike, Skylark and Stonechat. Cerastium arvense (Field Mouse-ear), Orchis militaris (Military Orchid) and Viola calcarata (Long-spurred Pansy) were also recorded, as well as Burnet Companion moth, and Scarce Swallowtail, Mazarine Blue and Almond-eyed Ringlet butterflies. A Green Lizard was also obliging for the photographers.

A short stop was made on the way up to the Col de la Chau to look down into the valley and across towards the Hauts Plateaux. Saponaria ocymoides (Rock Soapwort), Lactuca perennis (Mountain Lettuce), Erinus alpinus (Fairy Foxglove) and Rhamnus alpinus (Alpine Buckthorn) were all seen. Several Apollo butterflies were seen and Cuckoo and Chiffchaff were heard.

From here we made our way over the Col de la Chau and on to Font d’Urle, an area of open limestone crags and meadows used for skiing in winter. We began by exploring some slopes adjacent to the car park we had stopped in. These produced hundreds of Narcissus poeticus (Pheasant's-eye Daffodil), Dactylorhiza sambucina (Elder-flowered Orchid), and Potentilla crantzii (Alpine Cinquefoil). Alpine Chough circled above us at regular intervals, and Wheatear, Black Redstart and Water Pipit were also present. As we moved towards the viewpoint we added Gentiana clusii (Clusius' Gentian) and Androsace villosa (Woolly Rock Jasmine) and we had the first of several wonderful encounters with Alpine Marmots. Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian), Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid), Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens) were added, as well as Little Blue, Grizzled Skipper and Clouded Apollo butterflies and Mother Shipton moth, before we were returned to the vehicles.

Lunch was taken using the picnic tables at Font d’Urle before we set of for St Jean en Royan via the spectacular Col de la Machine, and the route Combe Laval, where House Martin and Crag Martin were seen. With our shopping complete, we left the hypermarket to make our way back, when Alan spotted a Black Kite, and Paul a verge with a number of Himantoglossum hircinum (Lizard Orchid) on it. With photos taken, we made our way back to Col de la Machine to enjoy the spectacular views, before returning to La Chapelle.

Day 3 Tuesday 24th

May

Weather: Fine, hot and sunny Our first stop today was at the head of the spectacular Col de Rousset – there are truly magnificent views from here. We scanned the adjacent slopes looking for ungulates, and initially we were unlucky. However, a Golden Eagle was spotted and followed to a distant perch on the edge of a clearing. When a telescope was used to look for it, a single Chamois was seen lying down in the clearing. There were good numbers of Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood), Anthyllis montana (Mountain Kidney Vetch) and Rhamnus alpinus (Alpine Buckthorn).

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France - The Vercors Tour Report

Moving on down the valley, we made a second stop to watch Griffon Vultures leaving their roosts – counting about 25 birds in total, along with Alpine Swifts. We also located some sitting birds in the telescope too, so everyone managed to see them. On the verge there were two emerging spikes of Limodorum abortivum (Violet Bird's-nest Orchid) and Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Bush).

At the bottom of the valley we turned east through the town of Die and on through Pont de Quart and Chatillon en Diois, and on through Menee and up to Les Nonniaires, where we parked by some splendid meadows. Here, in the woods we found a good stand of Cypripedium calceolus (Lady’s Slipper Orchid), Cephalanthera longifolia (Sword-leaved Helleborine), Neottia ovata (Twayblade), Platanthera bifolia (Lesser Butterfly Orchid) and, on a grassy bank, Orchis purpurea (Lady Orchid). In the adjacent meadows we found Berger's Clouded Yellow, Silver-studded Blue and Swallowtail butterflies, and Hummingbird Hawk-moth and Plain Golden Y moth. Western Bonelli’s Warbler was also seen.

From here, we moved down to the Vallee de Combau and found our way to a ford in a small mountain stream beside which we set up lunch under Pinus uncinata (Mountain Pine). There was a fine stand of Pinguicula grandiflora (Large-flowered Butterwort), Meum athamanticum (Spignel) and Gymnadenia conopsea (Fragrant Orchid). There were Crossbills passing through the treetops, and we also saw Little Blue, Dingy Skipper, Clouded Apollo, Northern Wall Brown, Duke of Burgundy Fritillary and False Heath Fritillary Butterflies. After lunch we stopped to admire a small stand of Orchis spitzelii (Spitzel’s Orchid), as well as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) and Gentiana angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Gentian).

We then moved on to the village of Menee, where we turned north and up into the Cirque d’Archiane, a splendid amphitheatre of towering rock faces and cliffs, where we stopped to have some well-earned refreshments in the warm afternoon sun. Antirrhinum latifolium (Broad-leaved Snapdragon) and Turritis glabra (Tower Mustard) were recorded as well as 4-spotted Moth and Transparent Burnet and Brimstone and Orange Tip Butterflies. On a stone bridge, Common Wall Lizards were sunning themselves. Retracing our steps back up towards the Col de Rousset, we made a brief stop to enjoy very good views of a Short-toed Eagle, before continued our journey back to La Chapelle en Vercors for dinner.

Day 4 Wednesday 25th May

Weather: Fine, hot and sunny Four members of the group joined Alan on an early excursion to try and see Black Grouse lekking. Leaving the hotel at 4am, they drove south to the Reserve Naturelle des Hauts Plateaux, parking at the La Coche car park, before walking out to the lekking site, arriving just as it was getting light, and the bubbling calls of the Grouse were beginning. The first sighting of the morning was the alpine race of Ring Ouzel, but it was not long before the first of the Grouse appeared, and began to perform. The display lasted about two hours, with the last bird disappearing at about 8am. In all, three birds were seen on the ground and a further four in trees. During their stay on the plateau bird sightings included Red Crossbill, two pairs of Citril Finch, Dunnock and Firecrest. Also a solitary Honey Buzzard drifted effortlessly over. On the descent to meet with the botanists, Tree Pipits were seen, displaying very well, and Common Blue, Little Blue, Red-underwing Skipper and Swallowtail butterflies were noted. However, apart from the wonderful wildlife experiences, the abiding memory would be the dawn on this peaceful and remote plateau.

France - The Vercors Tour Report

The remaining group members, with Paul, began by driving south from La Chapelle en Vercors, making a first stop just south of St Agnan en Vercors to explore the verges and adjacent meadows. In a wet flush we found Dactylorhiza alpestris (Alpine Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid) and Coeloglossum viride (Frog Orchid). Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow and Red-backed Shrike were also recorded. Moving on, we made our way up on to the Reserve Naturelle des Hauts Plateaux, stopping briefly at a viewpoint, where Paul pointed out the differences between Cardamine heptaphylla (Seven-leaflet Bitter-cress) and Cardamine pentaphyllos (Five-leaflet Bitter-cress), and we also recorded Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the-Valley) and Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris).

After parking at the La Coche car park, we made our way along the roads and tracks through the forest towards the open area higher up. Good numbers of Orchis ovalis (an Early Purple Orchid) were seen, as well as Daphne cneorum (Garland Flower), Tulipa sylvestris subsp. sylvestris (Wild Tulip) and Pulsatilla alpestre (Alpine Pasque Flower). Many insects were active, and we recorded Grizzled Skipper, Rosy Grizzled Skipper, Swallowtail, Clouded Apollo, Little Blue and Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterflies, and Cream Wave, Black Mountain, and Argent and Sable Moths. As we progressed, we met with Alan and the early morning birders, as they returned to the vehicles.

We explored the mainly coniferous woodland and found that Abies alba (Silver Fir) and Picea abies (Norway Spruce) predominated. We had some views of Tree Pipit and Robin and Firecrest were heard. It was not too long before we emerged from the rocky forest onto the Plateau, finding Pinus uncinata (Mountain Pine), Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) and Ajuga pyramidata (Pyramidal Bugle). From here we made our way back down to La Coche for lunch.

In the afternoon we traveled along the east side of the Plateau, finding a fine stand of Neottia nidus-avis (Bird;s- nest Orchid), before emerging from the forest in the hamlet of Les Meunieres. Here, on a verge we found some fine Ophrys insectifera (Fly Orchid), Orchis anthropophora (Man Orchid) and the emerging spikes of Gymnadenia conopsea (Fragrant Orchid). While we were enjoying the Orchids, a pair of Golden Eagles passed low over our heads. It was now time to return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5 Thursday 26th May

Weather: Fine, hot and sunny A pre-breakfast birding walk turned up many of the usual village species. As we had a longer distance to cover we set off at 8.30am and today traveled down towards the Col de la Machine then on over the Col de la Bataille. Here we made a brief stop to admire the wonderful views. A solitary Griffon Vulture was seen as well as a small flock of Yellow-bill Chough, Alpine Swift and a perched Tree Pipit. Clouded Apollo, Northern Wall Brown and Apollo butterflies were busy nectaring, and Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rockrose) was added to the plant list.

Continuing on over the Col, we dropped down towards the village of Leoncal, where we turned left and headed south to the Col de Bacchus. Here we stopped to explore a broad road verge, finding Orchis ustulata (Burnt Orchid), Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid) and Globularia punctata (Common Globularia). In some adjacent woodland we added Neottia nidus-avis (Bird’s-nest Orchid) and Cephalanthera damasonium (White Helleborine). Western Bonelli's Warbler, Green Woodpecker and Woodlark were seen, and Blackcap and Chiffchaff heard. Large Wall Brown, Queen of Spain Fritillary and Pearly Heath butterflies were also recorded.

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France - The Vercors Tour Report

From here we continued south through Plan de Baix and Beaufort sur Gervanne, where we turned west to an area of open scrubby land with marginal woodland for our lunch stop. Here we added Limodorum abortivum (Violet Bird’s-nest Orchid), Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. canum (Hoary Rockrose), Cephalanthera rubra (Red Helleborine) and Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak) to the plant list. A Woodlark’s nest was found and every effort was made to keep disturbance to an absolute minimum. Black-veined White and Southern White Admiral were seen as well.

After lunch we took a walk out into some scrubby pasture. Here we recorded Helianthemum apenninum (White Rockrose), Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid), Ophrys fuciflora (Late Spider Orchid) and Ophrys scolopax (Woodcock Orchid). The bird list was swollen by Red-backed Shrike, Whinchat, Cirl Bunting, a pair of Turtle Doves and a solitary Subalpine Warbler. The butterflies were excellent here too, and we added Blue-spot and Ilex Hairstreak together with Provencal Chalkhill Blue.

It was now time to head north. Stopping at some agricultural fields we added Rock Sparrow to the bird list. At Leoncel, we stopped for ice creams and drinks before retracing our steps back over the Col de la Bataille and back to La Chapelle for dinner.

Day 6 Friday 27th May

Weather: Rain at first, becoming cloudy, brightening later Again, Alan took the willing birders on a pre-breakfast walk. Although 17 species were recorded, none were new for the trip. Today we made our way up to the northern end of the Vercors Plateau. Our main objective for the day was to try and find a Wallcreeper and Corallorhiza trifida (Coralroot Orchid).

Leaving La Chapelle, we drove north to the village of St Martin en Vercors. Then we turned right, up towards Herbouilly. We continued driving on the back road to Villard de Lans, and on through Lans en Vercors and Les Merciers, where we parked in a wide quarry-like lay-by. Setting off for a tall crag, Alan took the birders to seek out Wallcreepers, where they had been seen in past years. Settling down on the top of a viewing point to wait and watch for signs of movement, they made themselves comfortable. Meanwhile, Paul took the botanists off to explore. They found Cuscuta europaea (Great Dodder), Saxifraga paniculata (Live-long Saxifrage), Ranunculus aconitifolius (Aconite-leaved Buttercup), Dianthus carthusianorum (Cathusian Pink) and Saxifraga rotundifolia (Round- leaved Saxifrage). When we all reconvened, it was evident that everyone had had a good morning, despite the dull weather. One member of the birding group had had a fleeting glimpse of a Wallcreeper. In addition, Alpine Swift was seen, and superb views were had of a Black Woodpecker.

We took our picnic in the Gorge du Furon, setting it up by the stream. By now the weather was beginning to improve, and a distant Short-toed Eagle was spotted. After finishing lunch, we left for the tiny hamlet of Traffet. Here we explored the mixed woodland. Convallaria majus (Lily-of-the-Valley), emerging Neottia nidus-avis (Bird’s- nest Orchid) and Moneses uniflora (One-flowered Wintergreen) were seen, but sadly the dry spring meant that we could not find the Corallorhiza trifida (Coralroot Orchid). The birders, meanwhile, added Crested Tit and a second good view of Black Woodpecker, to the bird list. Near where we parked the buses, we found a pair of Purple- edged Copper butterflies; yet another indication of this topsy-turvy season, as these are not usually on the wing until June or July, as a single brood.

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Our last main stop of the day was some wet meadows at Les Bruyeres and we had frustrating glimpses of a Marsh Warbler and heard Yellowhammer. Plants included Tephroseris helenitis (Swiss Ragwort) and Dactylorhiza majalis (Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid). A small pond revealed hybrid Pool x Edible Frogs and Azure Bluet Damselfly. Retracing our route from the morning, we made our way back to La Chapelle for dinner, we made short stop at the derelict village of Valchevriere, the scene of another battle between the Germans and the French Resistance in World War Two.

After dinner we went out to the car park and after some patience were rewarded with excellent torchlight views of a Scops Owl above our heads on a tree branch.

Day 7 Saturday 28th May

Weather: Fine, warm and sunny with a light breeze We began today by driving north through Les Barquese en Vercors, before turning west through the Grande Goulets tunnel to St. Eulalie en Vercors and Pont en Royans, and up to the Commune de Chatelus, in an attempt to try and find Ophrys drumana (Drome Orchid). Unfortunately we failed, but we did see three Black Kites, and Small Skipper and Marbled White butterflies.

From here we retraced our tracks back towards Pont en Royans, pausing to photograph Himantoglossum hircinum (Lizard Orchid), Anacamptis pyramidata (Pyramidal Orchid) and Prunella laciniata (Cut-leaved Self-heal), before ascending to the route de Presles, a magnificent limestone cliff-face overlooking the valley of the River Bourne. At the cliffs we saw a spectacular display by House Martins and Crag Martins, which were wheeling around our heads. We also saw Common Swift and Alpine Swift, which gave us a chance to compare the two. The plants here included Teucrium montanum (Mountain Germander), Lactuca perennis (Mountain Lettuce), Buphthalmum salicifolia (Yellow Ox-eye) and Anthericum liliago (St. Bernard’s Lily), we also Large Wall Brown and Grizzled Skipper butterflies.

After spending some time here, we moved north into the Foret Domaine de Columes. We stopped for lunch at the Fontaine de Petouze, where an adjacent meadow yielded a pair of Chequered Skippers. Blackcap, Robin, Song Thrush and Chaffinch were also recorded. Plants included Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris), and Persicaria bistorta (Bistort) and Lilium martagon (Martagon Lily) were seen.

After lunch we walked up a track to a small meadow which had Brown Argus, Meadow and Heath Fritillaries, Large White and Black-veined White butterflies, and Black-veined moth. It also had a wonderful display of Orchids including Cephalanthera longifolia (Narrow-leaved Helleborine), Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid), Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath Spotted Orchid) Neottia ovata (Twayblade) and, most surprising of all, Traunsteinera globosa (Round-headed Orchid). There were also a number of plants of the majestic Gentiana lutea (Great Yellow Gentian.

We returned down the Route de Presles, and down into Pont en Royans where we saw two Dippers by the river, before enjoying some splendid ice-creams. It was now time to return to La Chapelle en Vercors.

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France - The Vercors Tour Report

Day 8 Sunday 29th May

Weather: Fine, warm and sunny After an early breakfast, we left La Chapelle en Vercors at 7.15am, bidding farewell to Mme Bellier, her family and staff. We made our way via Pont en Royans to the A49 motorway. From the vehicles we added Mute Swan and Moorhen to the bird list. We then headed north-bound on the A43 and A48 to the airport at Lyon. We arrived at Lyon St. Exupery airport at 10am, to check in for our British Airways flight, which departed at 11.55am.

After a good flight to Heathrow Airport we said our farewells before going our separate ways. It had been a fantastic trip and thanks to everyone for participating and making it so enjoyable.

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France - The Vercors Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Equisetaceae Horsetail Family Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail St. Agnan ens Vercors Equisetum telmateia Great Horsetail Les Nonnieres

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium fontanum Smooth Rock Spleenwort Col de la Machine Asplenium ruta–muraria Wall Rue Col de la Chau Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Font d’Urle Asplenium viridis Green Spleenwort Hauts Plateaux

Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Chatelus

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Dryopteris filix-mas Male-fern Chatelus Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern Font d’Urle

Ophioglossaceae Adder’s-tongue Family Botrychium lunaria Moonwort Col de la Machine

Woodsiaceae Lady-fern Family Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Font d’Urle Gymnocarpium robertianum Limestone Fern Hauts Plateaux

PINOPSIDA CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Juniperus communis Juniper Common

Pinaceae Pine Family Abies alba European Silver Fir Hauts Plateaux Picea abies subsp. abies Spruce Hauts Plateaux Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Vallee de Combeau Pinus uncinata Mountain Pine Vallee de Combeau

MAGNOLIOPSIDA FLOWERING PLANTS

Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)

Aceraceae Maple Family Acer campestris Field Maple Hauts Plateaux Acer opalus Italian Maple Combe Laval Acer platanoides Norway Maple Chamaloc Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Chamaloc

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France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Cotinus coggygria Smoke Bush Chamaloc

Apiaceae Carrot Family Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder Combe Laval Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Les Bruyeres Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Common Apium nodiflorum Fool’s Watercress Les Bruyeres Bupleurum rotundifolium Thorowax Gigors Eryngium c.f. campestre Field Eryngo Gigors Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Common Laserpitium gallicum A Sermountain Presles Laserpitium latifolium (leaves) Broad-leaved Sermountain Les Nonnieres Laserpitium prutenicum A Sermountain Chamaloc Meum athamanticum Spignel Vallee de Combeau Pimpinella major Greater Burnet Saxifrage Gorges de Furon Pimpinella saxifraga Burnet Saxifrage St. Agnan ens Vercors Sanicula europaea Sanicle Fontaine de Petouze Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd’s Needles Gigors Tordylium apulum Hartwort Gigors

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly Traffet

Araliaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix agg Ivy La Chapelle en Vercors

Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Vassieux cemetery

Asteraceae Daisy Family Achillea millefolium Yarrow La Chapelle en Vercors Anthemis triumfetti Southern Dog-daisy Presles Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Col de Rousset Aster alpina Alpine Aster Hauts Plateaux Aster bellidiastrum False Aster Hauts Plateaux Bellis perennis Daisy La Chapelle en Vercors Buphthalmum salicifolium Yellow Ox-eye Presles Centaurea solstitialis Yellow Star-thistle Gigors Centaurea cyanus Cornflower Leoncel Centaurea montana Perennial Cornflower Font d’Urle Cirsium eriophorum Cotton Thistle Traffet Cirsium montanum - Gorges de Furon Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Wet Meadows Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk’s-beard Common on roadsides Homogyne alpina Alpine Colt’s-foot Hauts Plateaux Lactuca perennis Blue or Mountain Lettuce Col de la Chau Lapsana communis Nipplewort La Chapelle en Vercors Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy St. Agnan ens Vercors Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Presles Petasites albus White Butterbur Valchevriere Tephroseris helenitis Swiss Ragwort Les Buryeres

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel La Chapelle en Vercors Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle La Chapelle en Vercors Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle La Chapelle en Vercors Tragopogon dubius Goat’s-beard Co de Rousset Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot Col de la Machine

Betulaceae Birch Family Betula pendula Silver Birch Gigors Corylus avellana Hazel Hauts Plateaux

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Cerinthe minor Lesser Honeywort Vallee de Combeau Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss Col de la Machine Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood Forget-me-not Font d’Urle Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Gigors Myosotis laxa Tufted Forget-me-not St. Agnan ens Vercors Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not Gigors Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not Les Merciers Pulmonaria montana Mountain Lungwort Font d’Urle

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard La Chapelle en Vercors Alyssum montanum Mountain Alyssum Font d’Urle Arabis alpina Alpine Rock-cress Hauts Plateaux Arabis turrita Tower-cress Cirque d’Archiane Barbarea intermedia Land Cress Font d’Urle Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse La Chapelle en Vercors Cardamine heptaphylla Seven-leaflet Bitter-cress Hauts Plateaux Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress La Chapelle en Vercors Cardamine pentaphyllos Five-leaflet Bitter-cress Hauts Plateaux Cardamine pratensis Lady’s Smock or Cuckoo Flower Les Buryeres Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow-grass Font d’Urle Erysimum ochroleucum Decumbent Treacle-mustard Col de la Machine Kernera saxtile Kernera Hauts Plateaux Lunaria redivida Perennial Honesty Col de la Baitille Sinapis arvensis Charlock Gigors Thlaspi montanum Mountain Penny-cress Font d’Urle

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box Cirque d’Archiane

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower St. Jean en Royans Campanula rhomboidalis a Bellflower St Agnan en Vercors Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Hauts Plateaux Legousia speculum-veneris Large Venus’s Looking-glass Gigors Phyteuma nigra Black Rampion St Agnan en Vercors Phyteuma orbiculare Round-headed Rampion Les Nonnieres Phyteuma scheuchzeri Horned Rampion Les Nonnieres

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France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Lonicera alpigena Alpine Honeysuckle Hauts Plateaux Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Gigors Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Hauts Plateaux Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder Hauts Plateaux Sambucus nigra Elder La Chapelle en Vercors Sambucus racemosa Red-berried Elder Hauts Plateaux Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree Col de la Chau

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria serpyllifolia subsp. serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort Vassieux cemetery Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Vassieux cemetery Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Font d’Urle Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear La Chapelle en Vercors Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Les Merciers Dianthus sylvaticus Wood Pink Cirque d’Archiane Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Les Bruyeres Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort Font d’Urle Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Common Silene dioica Red Campion Common Silene italica Italian Catchfly Col de Bacchus Silene latifolia White Campion Common Silene rupestris Rock Catchfly Below the Col de Rousset Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Common Telephium imperati - Presles

Chenopodiaceae Goose-foot Family Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good King Henry Font d’Urle

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Helianthemum apenninum White Rockrose Gigors H. oelandicum subsp. canum Hoary Rockrose Col de la Baitille Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose Font d'Urle

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Gigors Cuscuta europaea Greater Dodder Les Merciers

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Les Merciers Sedum album White Stonecrop Les Merciers Sedum dasyphyllum Fat Stonecrop Les Merciers Sedum sediforme - Presles Sedum sexangulare Tasteless Stonecrop Gigors

Cucurbitaceae Cucumber Family Bryonia cretica White Bryony Presles

Dipsacaceae Teasel Family Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Lans en Vercors Knautia dipsacifolia Wood Scabious Cirque d’Archiane

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Ericaceae Heath family Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry Hauts Plateaux Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Font d’Urle

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

Fabaceae Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch Col de Rousset Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Font d’Urle Astragalus glycyphyllos Wild Liquorice St Agnan en Vercors Astragalus monspessulanus Montpelier Milk-vetch Charmloc Bitumaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Gigors Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion Vetch Cirque d’Archiane Coronilla valentina A Scorpion Vetch Presles Dorycnium pentaphyllum - Chamaloc Genista sagittalis Winged Greenweed Les Merciers Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Vassieux cemetery Hippocrepis emerus - Les Nonnieres Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Below Col de Rousset Lathyrus pratensis Yellow Vetchling Presles Lotus alpinus Alpine Bird’s-foot Trefoil Font d’Urle Lotus corniculatus Bird’s-foot Trefoil La Chapelle en Vercors Lotus pedunculatus Large Bird’s-foot Trefoil Les Bruyeres Ononis fruticosa Shrubby Restharrow Chamaloc Ononis repens Restharrow Chatelus Ononis striata Yellow Restharrow Chatelus Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Common Securigera varia Crown Vetch Chatelus Trifolium alpestris - Presles Trifolium campestris Hop Trefoil Chamaloc Trifolium incarnatum Crimson Clover Gigors Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Font d’Urle Trifolium pratense Red Clover La Chapelle en Vercors Trifolium repens White Clover La Chapelle en Vercors Vicia cracca Tufted vetch Roadsides Vicia orobus Upright Vetch Gigors Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis Common Vetch Font d’Urle Vicia sepium Bush Vetch Fontaine de Petouze Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch Roadsides

Fagaceae Oak & Beech Family Fagus sylvatica Beech Hauts Plateaux Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Hauts Plateaux

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Gentiana angustifolia Narrow-leaved Gentian Les Nonnieres Gentiana clusii Clusius’ Gentian Font d’Urle Gentiana lutea Yellow Gentian Fontaine de Petouze

12 © Naturetrek March 12

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Font d’Urle

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Preles Geranium phaeum Dusky Crane’s-bill Traffet Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane’s-bill Common Geranium purpureum Little Robin Col de Bacchus Geranium robertianum Herb Robert La Chapelle en Vercors Geranium sylvaticum Wood Crane’s-bill Font d’Urle

Globulariaceae Globularia Family Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia Col de la Machine Globularia nudicaulis Leafless-stemmed Globularia Hauts Plateaux Globularia punctata Common Globularia Vassieux cemetery

Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Hauts Plateaux

Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans regia Walnut Planted

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Acinos alpina Alpine Basil Thyme Hauts Plateaux Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle Vassieux cemetery Ajuga pyramidalis Pyramidal Bugle Hauts Plateaux Ajuga reptans Bugle Fontaine de Petouze Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel Fontaine de Petouze Lamium garganicum A Deadnettle Col de la Machine Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm Les Nonnieres Mentha longifolia Horse Mint Pont en Royans Oregano vulgare Marjoram Font d’Urle Prunella lacineata Cut-leaved Selfheal Chatelus Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Col de Rousset Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Common Teucrium montanum Mountain Germander Presles Teucrium polium Felty Germander Gigors Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Common Thymus vulgaris a Thyme Gigors

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

Linaceae Flax Family Linum perenne agg Perennial Flax Vallee de Combeau L. suffruticosum subsp. salsoloides Pyrenean Flax Chamaloc

Loranthaceae Mistletoe Family Viscum album subsp. album Mistletoe Cirque d’Archiane

Malvaceae Mallow Family Althaea hirsuta Hairy Mallow Gigors

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus excelsior Ash Vallee de Combeau Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Camaloc

Onagraceae Willowherb Family Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Vassieux cemetery Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb La Chapelle en Vercors

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche alba Thyme Broomrape Cirque d’Archiane Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove Scented Broomrape Cirque d’Archiane

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel Hauts Plateaux

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine La Chapelle en Vercors Papaver argemone Long-headed Prickly Poppy Gigors Papaver rhoeas Corn Poppy Common

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Plantago alpina Alpine Plantain Font d’Urle Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Common Plantago media Hoary or Lamb’s-tail Plantain Common on Roadsides

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria maritima subsp. alpina Mountain Thrift Font d’Urle

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala alpestris Mountain Milkwort Font d’Urle Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort Les Nonnieres

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Persicaria bistorta Bistort Font d’Urle Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Font d’Urle Rumex obtusifolia Broad-leaved Dock Gorges de Furon Rumex scutatus French Sorrel Col de Rousset

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Col de Bacchus Androsace villosa Woolly Rock-jasmine Font d’Urle Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Les Bruyeres Primula veris Cowslip Font d’Urle

Pyrolaceae Wintergreen Family Moneses uniflora One-flowered Wintergreen Traffet Pyrola minor Common Wintergreen Traffet

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Aconitum napellus (Leaves) Common Monkshood Font d’Urle Aquilegia atrata Dark-flowered Columbine Les Baraques en Vercors Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine Common on Verges

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Caltha palustris Kingcups Les Merciers Clematis vitalba Old Man’s-beard Gigors Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Common Pulsatilla alpina Alpine Pasque Flower Hauts Plateaux Ranunculus aconitifolius Aconite-leaved Buttercup Les Baraques en Vercors Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Les Bruyeres Ranunculus auricomus Wood Goldilocks Hauts Plateaux Ranunculus kuepferi Pyrenean Buttercup Font d’Urle Ranunculus trichophyllus Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot Les Bruyeres Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow Rue Col de Rousset Trollius europaeus Globeflower Font d’Urle

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alpinus Alpine Buckthorn Hauts Plateaux Rhamnus catharticus Common Buckthorn Presles

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla alpina Alpine Lady’s-mantle Font d’Urle Alchemilla filicaulis agg a Lady’s Mantle Font d’Urle Alchemilla glabra Smooth Lady’s Mantle Font d’Urle Amelanchier ovalis Juneberry Cirque d’Archiane Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Common Dryas octopetala Mountain Avens Font d’Urle Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Les Bruyeres Fragaria moschata Hautbois Strawberry Gorges de Furon Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Hauts Plateaux Geum rivale Water Avens Les Bruyeres Geum urbanum Wood Avens Fontaine de Petouze Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil Font d’Urle Potentilla rupestris Rock Cinquefoil Hauts Plateaux Prunus avium Wild Cherry Vallee de Combeau Prunus mahaleb St. Lucie’s Cherry Vassieux cemetery Rosa canina agg Dog Rose Fontaine de Petouze Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Fontaine de Petouze Rosa tomentosa Downy Rose Gidors Rubus fruticosus agg Bramble Common Rubus idaeus Raspberry Col de Rousset Sanguisorba minor agg Salad Burnet Vassieux cemetery Sorbus x thuringiaca Hybrid Whitebeam Hauts Plateaux Sorbus aria agg Whitebeam Common Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Common Sorbus chamaemespilus False Medlar Hauts Plateaux

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Vassieux cemetery Galium aparine Cleavers Common Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Vassieux cemetery Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff Fontaine de Petouze Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw St. Agnan en Vercors Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Gigors Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Gigors

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Salicaceae Poplar & Willow Family Populus tremula Aspen Les Merciers Salix triandra Almond Willow Vallee de Combeau

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Thesium alpinum Alpine Bastard Toadflax Col de Chau

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga exarata subsp. delphinensis A Musky Saxifrage Font d’Urle Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Common Saxifraga paniculata Live-long Saxifrage Font d’Urle Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Font d’Urle

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Antirrhinum latifolium Broad-leaved Snapdragon Cirque d’Archiane Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Pont en Royans Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove Les Merciers Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove Col de Chau Melampyrum pratense Common Cow -wheat Traffet Pedicularis gyroflexa a Lousewort Col de la Machine Rhinanthus angustifolius agg Greater Rattle Les Nonnieres Rhinanthus minor agg Hay Rattle Les Nonnieres Scrophularia canina subsp. hoppii Alpine Figwort Vallee de Combeau Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Vassieux cemetery Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Vassieux cemetery Veronica urticifolia Nettle-leaved Speedwell Les Baraques en Vercors

Tiliaceae Lime Family Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Cirque d’Archiane Tilia platyphyllos Broad-leaved Lime Hauts Plateaux

Thymelaeaceae Mezereon Family Daphne cneorum Garland Flower Hauts Plateaux Daphne laureola Surge Laurel Gigors Daphne mezereum Mezereon Font d’Urle

Urticacae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-Wall Pont en Royans Urtica dioica Common Nettle Col de la Machine

Valerianaceae Valerian Family Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Die Valeriana dioica Marsh Valerian Les Bruyeres Valeriana montana - Vallee de Combeau Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian St Agnan en Vercors Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian Font d’Urle Valerianella dentata Narrow-fruited Corn-salad Les Nonnieres Valerianella locusta Common Corn-salad Les Nonnieres

Verbenaceae Vervain Family Verbena officinalis Vervain Gigors

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Violaceae Violet Family Viola calcarata Long-spurred Pansy Font d’Urle Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Hauts Plateaux Viola tricolor subsp. subalpina Alpine Heartsease Vassieux cemetery

Vitaceae Vine Family Vitis vinifera Common Vine Chamaloc

Liliidae (Monocotyledons)

Araceae Arum Family Arum maculatum Lords and Ladies Les Bruyeres

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Font d’Urle Carex disticha Brown Sedge Les Bruyeres Carex divulsa Grey Sedge Common Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Vallee de Combeau Carex hirta Hairy Sedge Les Baraques en Vercors Carex ornithopoda Bird’s-foot Sedge Hauts Plateaux Carex ovalis Oval Sedge Les Bruyeres Carex paniculata Great Tussock Sedge Les Bruyeres Scirpus sylvaticus Wood Club-rush Les Bruyeres

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Tamus communis Black Bryony La Chapelle en Vercors

Iridaceae Iris Family Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Gigors

Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Les Bruyeres Luzula campestris Field Woodrush Font d’Urle Luzula forsteri Southern Woodrush Fontaine de Petouze Luzula luzuloides White Woodrush Hauts Plateaux Luzula nivea Snowy Woodrush Traffet

Liliaceae Lily Family Allium ursinum Ramsons Col de la Baitille Allium vineale Crow Garlic Vassieux cemetery Anthericum liliago St. Bernard’s Lily Gigors Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Blue Aphyllanthes Gigors Colchicum autumnale (leaves) Autumn Crocus Common Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-Valley Hauts Plateaux Erythronium dens-canis (in fruit) Dog’s-tooth Violet Font d’Urle Maianthemum bifolia May Lily Hauts Plateaux Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth Cirque d’Archiane Narcissus poeticus Pheasant’s-eye Daffodil Font d’Urle Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Bath Asparagus Route de Presles Paris quadrifolia Herb Paris Hauts Plateaux Polygonatum odoratum Angular Solomon’s Seal Les Nonnieres Polygonatum verticillatum Whorled Solomon’s Seal Fontaine de Petouze

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s-broom Gigors Tulipa sylvestris subsp. sylvestris Wild Tulip Font d’Urle Veratrum album White False Helleborine Font d’Urle

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Gigors Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Col de Bacchus Cephalanthera longifolia Narrow-leaved Helleborine Les Nonnieres Cephalanthera rubra Red Helleborine Gigiors Coeloglossum viride var. longibracteatum a Frog Orchid St Agnan en Vercors Cypripedium calceolus Lady’s Slipper Orchid Les Nonnieres Dactylorhiza alpestris A Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid St Agnan en Vercors Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Les Nonnieres Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. ericetorum Heath Spotted Orchid Fontaine de Petouze Dactylorhiza majalis Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid Les Bruyeres Dactylorhiza sambucina (Pink) Elder-flowered Orchid Font d’Urle Dactylorhiza sambucina (Yellow) Elder-flowered Orchid Font d’Urle Gymnadenia conopsea agg. Fragrant Orchid Vallee de Combeau Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid St. Jean en Royans Limadorum abortivum Violet Bird’s-nest Orchid Gigors Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s-nest Orchid Hauts Plateaux Neottia ovata Twayblade Les Nonnieres Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid L’Aire Burcin – A48 Ophrys fuciflora Late Spider Orchid Gigors Ophrys insectifera Fly Orchid Les Meunieres Ophrys scolopax Woodcock Orchid Gigors Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Les Meunieres Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Font d’Urle Orchis militaris Military Orchid Vassieux cemetery Orchis militaris x O.simia Hybrid Orchid Vassieux cemetery Orchis ovalis An Early Purple Orchid Hauts Plateaux Orchis pallens Pale-flowered Orchid Font d’Urle Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid Les Nonnieres Orchis spitzelii Spitzel’s Orchid Vallee de Combeau Orchis tridentata Toothed Orchid Col de Bacchus Orchis tridentata x O.ustulata Hybrid Orchis Col de Bacchus Orchis ustulata Burnt Orchid Cirque d’Archiane Orchis ustulata subsp. aestivus A Burnt Orchid Col de Bacchus Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid Les Nonnieres Traunsteinera globosa Round-headed Orchid Fontaine de Petouze

Poaceae Grass Family Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome La Chappelle en Vercors Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Col de Rousset Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Common Brachypodium pinnatum Tor-grass Col de la Baitille Briza media Quaking Grass Font d’Urle Bromopsis erectus Upright Brome Col de Rousset Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome Gigors Catapodium rigidum Fern-grass La Chapelle en Vercors Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog’s-tail Les Nonnieres Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot La Chapelle en Vercors Festuca glauca Blue Fescue Les Merciers

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Group/Species English Name (If any) Location

Festuca rubra agg Red Fescue Common Helictotrichon pratense Meadow Oat-grass Font d’Urle Koeleria macrantha Crested Hair-grass Font d’Urle Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Leoncel Melica nutans Mountain Melick Hauts Plateaux Melica uniflora Wood Melick Fontaine de Petouze Poa alpina Alpine Meadow-grass Hauts Plateaux Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Common Poa nemoralis Wood Meadow-grass La Chappelle en Vercors Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Common Sesleria caerulea Blue Moor-grass Font d’Urle

Birds (LO = Leader only, H = Heard) May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 1 Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix 12 2 Mute Swan Cygnus olor 4 3 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 3 8 4 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 2 5 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2 1 1 6 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 1 7 Black Kite Milvus migrans 3 1 2 1 4 3 8 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 31 3 9 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 1 1 1 10 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 2 4 2 1 6 6 1 6 11 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 2 12 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 13 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus brookeri 1 14 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 15 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 1 10 16 Rock Dove (Feral) Columba livia        17 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 4 2 1 H 2 1 1 4 18 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 2 19 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 2 4 2 1 H 1 1 20 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H H H H 21 Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops 1 22 Alpine Swift Trachymarptis melba 4 8 1 1 8 23 Common Swift Apus apus 6 30  12 12 30 30 30 24 European Bee Eater Merops apiaster H 25 Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 1 26 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius 1 2 27 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis H 1 H H 28 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 1 2 2 3 4 29 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 1 2 2 3 1 30 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica 2 6 2 2 4 2 5 31 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus 18 1 6 2 32 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula 1 6 8 33 Rook Corvus frugilegus 1 2 34 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 10 10 50 20 30 30 12 30 35 Northern Raven Corvus corax 1 2 4 1 2 1

France - The Vercors Tour Report

May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 36 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris 1 1 37 Coal Tit Periparus ater 1 1 2 1 1 38 European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 3 2 1 39 Great Tit Parus major 2 4 4 2 2 9 2 40 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 1 3 2 H 1 2 4 2 41 Woodlark Lullula arborea 2 42 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis 4 H 1 43 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 2 6 6 4 1  6 12 44 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 1 5 2 4 12 45 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum 1 30 2 12 20 10 18 20 46 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H H H H 47 Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 2 2 H H 48 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus H 1 49 Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris 1 50 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H 3 H 1 H 1 1 H 51 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin H 52 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 1 H 53 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 54 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla 1 1 H 55 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H 2 H 56 Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria 1 57 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 5 2 20 1 2 6 58 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus alpestris 4 59 Common Blackbird Turdus merula 4 8 6 6 6 6 10 6 60 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 1 H H 61 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 2 1 10 12 3 62 European Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 1 1 2 2 63 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H H 64 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 6 6 4 6 10 8 2 65 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 66 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 1 67 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola 1 1 1 68 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 2 69 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 2 70 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 4 4 8 20 12 6 10 6 71 Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia 2 72 Dunnock Prunella modularis 2 73 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 3 3 1 74 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 3 4 2 3 3 8 4 4 75 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 2 76 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 5 1 77 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs H 6 6 8 6 6 3 1 78 European Serin Serinus serinus 4 8 8 2 6 2 6 1 79 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 1 H 1 H 1 80 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2 3 4 2 5 5 81 Citril Finch Carduelis citrinella 4 82 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina 1 2 83 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 4 6 84 Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 2 1 85 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella H 1 1 H H

France - The Vercors Tour Report

May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 86 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 5 N.B. Our tour checklist follows the names and taxonomy (including species order) of the International Ornithological Congress list of the birds of the world (version 2.10, 18 October 2011) which seems destined to become the global standard in future.

Butterflies May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Papilioidae  Swallowtail Papilio machaon    Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius       Apollo Parnassius apollo     Clouded Apollo Parnassius mnemosyne     Pieridae Black-veined White Aporia crataegi       Large White Pieris brassicae       Small White Artogeia rapae   Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines      Clouded Yellow Colias crocea      Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariansis      Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni     Wood White Leptidea sinapis     Lycaenidae Ilex Hairstreak Satyrium ilicis    Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini    Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi   Purple-edged Copper Lycaena hippothoe  Little Blue Cupido minimus       Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus   Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus   Brown Argus Aricia agrestis   Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus     Provence Chalkhill Blue Lysandra hispana      Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus      Common Blue Polymmatus icarus       Riodinidae Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Hamearis lucina  Nymphalidae Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta   Peacock Butterfly Inachis io  Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta       Painted Lady Vanessa cardui       Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae       Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia    Marbled Fritillary Brenthis daphne  Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne    Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma   False Heath Fritillary Melitaea diamina     Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia    Provencal Fritillary Mellicta deione 

France - The Vercors Tour Report

May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Meadow Fritillary Mellicta parthenoides    Satyridae Marbled White Melanargia galathea    Rock Grayling Hipparchia alcyone   Almond-eyed Ringlet Erebia alberganus  Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina        Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus        Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania   Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria   Wall Brown Lasiommata megera   Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera   Northern Wall Brown Lasiommata petropolitana     Hesperiidae Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae     Oberthur’s Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus    Rosy Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus onopordi    Red-underwing Skipper Spialia sertorius  Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages      Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon  Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola   Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris   Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus  

Moths (C = Caterpillar, B = Bivouac) May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Micos: Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis  Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella  

Macros: Forester Adscita statices    Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae  Five-spot Burnet Zygaena trifolii   Transparent Burnet Zygaena purpuralis  a Burnet Zygaena lavanduli  Lackey Malacosoma neustria C Tau Emperor Aglia tau   Lace Border Scopula ornata   Cream Wave Scopula floslacata  Shaded Broad-bar Scotopteryx chenopodiata  Argent and Sable Rheumaptera hastata   Double-striped Pug Gymnoscelis rufifasciata  Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata   Latticed Heath Semiothisa clathrata     Speckled Yellow Pseudopanthera macularia      Common Heath Ematurga atomaria   Bordered White Bupalus piniaria    Black Mountain Moth Glacies coracina  Black-veined Siona lineata      

France - The Vercors Tour Report

May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum      Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Hemaris fuciformis   Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa B B B B Garden Tiger Arctia caja  Clouded Buff Diacrisia sannio  Small Dark Yellow-underwing Anarta cordigera   Varied Coronet Hadena compta  Small Yellow-underwing Panemeria tenebrata  Plain Golden Y Autographa jota  Mother Shipton Callistege mi     Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica       Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa  

Other Invertebrates (H = Heard, N = Nymph) May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Azure Bluet Coenagrion puella  Blue Emperor Anax imperator   Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa  Stonefly Dinocras cephalotes  Field Cricket Gryllus campestris  H H H H  H Shield Bug Graphosoma italicum    Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum     Shield Bug Syromastes rhombeus    Ground Bug Camptopus lateralis  Fire Bug Pyrrhocoris apterus   Gendarme Bug Lygaeus equestris  Common Pond Skater Gerris lacustris         Common Back-swimmer Notonecta glauca         Cicada Cicadetta montana  Frog Hopper (Red & Black) Cercopis vulnerata     Ascalaphid Libelloides coccajus      Scorpion Fly Panorpa meridionalis  Crane-fly sp. Tipula sp.     Bee-fly Bombylius sp.    Hover-fly Xanthogramma pedissequum   Hover-fly Scaevea pyrastri  Wood Ant Formica rufa      Carpenter Bee Xylocopa sp.     Honey Bee Apis millifera      Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris  Common Carder Bee Bombus pascuorum  Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidarius  Green Tiger Beetle Cicindela campestris  Burying Beetle Hister 4-punctata  Scarab Scarabaeus semipuntatus  Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata  Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica      Soldier Beetle Trichodes alvearius  7-sopt Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata    

France - The Vercors Tour Report

May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Blister Beetle Mylabris polymorpha   Green ‘Fat-thighed’ Beetle Oedemera nobilis   Pine Longhorn Beetle Monochamus sartor  Leaf Beetle Clytra 4-punctata  Leaf Beetle Cryptocephalus sericeus   

‘Garden’ Spider Araneus sp.   Crab Spider (Yellow) Misumena vatia 

Amphibians & Reptiles May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Edible-Pool Frog Hybrid Rana esculenta-lessonae  Green Lizard Lacerta bilineata    Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara  Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis   

Mammals May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii  Pipistrelle Bat Pipistrellus sp.   Red Fox Vulpes vulpes  Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra  Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris  Alpine Marmot Marmota marmota  Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus  Brown Hare Lepus europaeus  Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 

Molluscs May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Large Black Slug Arion ater  Roman Snail Helix pomatia   Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemoralis  

Fish May Common Name Scientific Name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Brown Trout Salmo trutta 