Tour Report 22 - 29 April 2018

Sardinia

Naturetrek Tour Report 22 - 29 April 2018

Audouin's Gull by Mike Baker Corsican Wall Brown by Mike Baker

Mirror Orchids by Mike Baker Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard by Nicola Scatassi

Report compiled by Jessica Turner Images courtesy of Mike Baker & Nicola Scatassi

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 Sardinia

Tour participants: Jessica Turner and Nicola Scatassi (leaders) with 15 Naturetrek clients

Summary

This year’s first week in Sardinia was blessed with beautiful weather and a mirror-calm sea for our boat trip, where we had excellent views of Scopoli’s and Yelkouan Shearwaters, Audouin’s Gull, and a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins diving round the boat. Bee-eaters and Flamingoes were always a joy, and we had some good views of Marmora’s Warbler and Stone-curlew, amongst other species. It was a very good year for orchids, with prolific flowering including the endemics (or near-endemics) Dactylorhiza insularis, Long-spurred Orchid, Orchis mascula subsp. ichnusae, and Ophrys fuciflora subsp. chestermanii. Unusually, we had several sightings of the normally secretive endemic lizard Pygmy Algyroides. Corsican Wall Brown, Corsican Heath and Corsican Dappled White were amongst the butterflies. All of this was set against the backdrop of stunning scenery, amazingly turquoise seas, excellent hospitality and great company – all together a very enjoyable week.

Day 1 Sunday 22nd April

Stansted – Cagliari; Stagno S’Ena Arrubia; Dorgali Fifteen group members met Jessica at Stansted Airport for our 6.10am Easyjet flight to Cagliari. We took off promptly and made good time, being able to see the snow-covered Alps as we flew south. At Cagliari, we met up with Nicola, who had flown in from Milan. After buying a snack lunch and sorting the vehicles, we were soon heading north-west across the island.

After the town of Sant’ Anna, we turned down a very narrow road that headed past some lakes and reedbeds towards the sea. We had good views of Marsh Harrier and Common Kestrel and could hear the explosive call of Cetti’s Warbler. A group of orchids on the verge brought a stop, and we found some beautiful Pink Butterfly Orchids (Anacamptis papilionacea) and lots of Tongue Orchids: Small-flowered (Serapias parviflora), the ‘ordinary’ Tongue Orchid (S. lingua) and some which may have been hybrids. A large flock of Bee-eaters were over a nearby field and perching on the fence. At least three, possibly four Weasels, a larger race than in the UK, were seen running across and then down the road, leaping and jumping. Cattle and Little Egrets were by the water, and a Sparrowhawk (subsp. wolterstorffi) was overhead. The fields were bright with golden-yellow Crown Daisies (Glebionis coronarium) and Common Poppies (Papaver rhoeas).

The road ended at Stagno S’Ena Arrubia, where we had another stop. We immediately noticed the Flamingoes, and other species included Red-crested Pochard and Common Tern. Spanish Sparrows (or Spanish-Italian hybrids) were around a house, and Swallows were swooping under the bridge. Swallowtail and Clouded Yellow were among the early butterflies. We were able to look more closely at the Crown Daisies, along with the magnificent Milk Thistles (Silybum marianum). Smaller plants included Small-flowered Catchfly (Silene gallica) and Purple Viper’s-bugloss (Echium plantagineum).

We slowly drove on down the track towards the sea, adding Black-winged Stilt and Slender-billed Gull, amongst other species. At the shore, we had our picnic, before some further exploration. A Stone-curlew flew over and a single Audouin’s Gull was seen. Sea Mayweed (Anthemis maritima) was abundant, with purple splashes of Sea Stock (Matthiola sinuata), Three-horned Stock (Matthiola tricuspidata) and Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima). We also found plenty of the endemic subspecies of Mediterranean Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus cytisoides subsp. conradiae),

Sardinia Tour Report

carpets of the pink Catchfly Silene colorata, plus the tiny, silvery Paronychia argentea, and Cyperus capitatus. A large patch of Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) was popular with insects. Many Bath White butterflies were on the wing, after a recent emergence, as were the Maghreb Burnet Moth Zygaena orana, a species only found on the west coast of Sardinia and in North Africa. We noted, too, the masses of ‘balls’ or egagropili, formed from the leaf-bases of Neptune-grass (Posidonia oceanica).

It was time to move on towards Dorgali, so we retraced our steps and re-joined the main road as it turned north- east. We stopped for refreshments at a service station, and later for another leg-stretch not far from the town. We recorded Corn Bunting, Common Buzzard, Common Blue and Painted Lady butterflies, Violet Carpenter Bee, and Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard. Plants included Narrow-leaved Cistus (Cistus monspeliensis), Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus), Rosy Garlic (Allium roseum), the small-leaved Curry Plant (Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum) and Phagnalon saxatile.

Soon after, we reached the Hotel Il Querceto, on the edge of Dorgali, and our base for the next four nights. We received a warm welcome and soon settled in, meeting later on the terrace for a discussion about the week. We then enjoyed a delicious dinner before retiring for some much-needed sleep.

Day 2 Monday 23rd April

Serra Orrios; Grotta di Ispinigoli; Cala di Osalla; Cala Gonone We woke to beautifully fine and sunny morning. Although bird life was rather quiet, those out early this morning had good views of Spanish Sparrow and saw four Turtle Doves, amongst other species.

Our first visit this morning was to the Nuragic village of Serra Orrios, an extensive settlement which is well preserved. We walked along the path that leads to the remains, noting a Tongue Orchid (Serapias lingua) by the gate. The vegetation was much lusher than the previous year, with Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum), Hairy Garlic (Allium subhirsutum) and the tiny, purple Jersey Toadflax (Linaria pelisseriana) amongst the many flowers. Many Tyrrhenian Wall Lizards were seen, and we could note their spotted throats which distinguish them from Italian Wall Lizards. A Cirl Bunting was in a tree by the site gate, and Sardinian Warblers were singing, with one giving good views. Two Ravens flew over calling, and later some were seen thermalling, along with a Marsh Harrier and Alpine Swift. We wandered around the site, noting the remains of the Bronze-Age dwellings and temples. Near the area which was a water cistern, we found some fine spikes of Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera), plus Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) where the ground had been wet. Butterflies included Swallowtail, Corsican Dappled White, Small Copper, Corsican Wall Brown and the southern form of Speckled Wood. A Moorish Gecko was seen at the café, well-camouflaged against the stone wall.

Having explored this fascinating site, we moved on to the road to the Grotta di Ispingioli, where we found some beautiful Mirror Orchids (Ophrys speculum), a very fresh spike of Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), a finished spike of Giant Orchid (Himantoglossum robertianum) and a spike of Sombre Bee Orchid (Ophrys fusca). All three species of Cistus were starting to flower: the pink Cistus creticus, Narrow-leaved Cistus (C. monspeliensis) with small white flowers, and Sage-leaved Cistus (C. salvifolius), which has larger white flowers. A Pygmy Algyroides was seen here. As we drove on to Cala di Osalla, we had good views of Woodchat Shrike and heard Woodlark.

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Sardinia Tour Report

Arriving at the little beach, there was a chance to explore and paddle while the picnic was being prepared. After enjoying the delicious selection of local cheeses, hams, salad and wines, we took time to meander further, seeing Little Egret and Sand Martins over the estuary, and large numbers of Scopoli’s Shearwaters out to sea. Yellow Horned Poppy (Glaucium flavum) was in flower, and other plants included Sea Stock (Matthiola sinuata) and Sea- holly (Eryngium maritimum). Brown Tiger Beetles were scurrying in the sand, an endemic species, and a beautiful Swallowtail which posed for us was almost certainly Corsican.

Eventually we left to take the winding mountain road which leads over the top to Cala Gonone. We stopped by a little pond, but bee-keepers had been working nearby and there were rather too many bees about for comfort, so we quickly moved on. As the road started to climb, we stopped again for several spikes of orchids, growing in partial shade. Research indicated that they were what is sometimes recognised as Ophrys panattensis, “now only reliably found in the mountains near Dorgali”; however, later DNA work indicates that this ‘species’ is more accurately a hybrid between Early and Late Spider Orchids, so given the name Ophrys x arachnitiformis. The views from the road are stunning, out over the sea. When we reached the little port of Cala Gonone, we stopped to sample a variety of flavours of ice cream, before returning to the hotel. We met again on the terrace before another delicious meal, after an excellent day in the field.

Day 3 Tuesday 24th April

Cala Gonone – Cala Sisine; Nuraghe Mannu We woke to another fine day. Some of the group were out early, having good views of Turtle Dove and Cirl Bunting, as well as Lesser Whitethroat and Tree Pipit. It was a beautifully calm morning, and we were booked on a 10am departure for our boat trip from the little port of Cala Gonone. After a good breakfast, we drove to the harbour and Jessica bought the tickets for the ‘Margherita’. We were soon travelling south along the cliffs, admiring the clear blue waters. Against or on the cliffs we recorded Common, Pallid and Alpine Swifts, Crag Martins and Audouin’s Gulls, as well as the Yellow-legged Gulls and Shags (subsp. desmarestii). At one point the boat edged in so we had good views of Shags on the nest with youngsters. A highlight was when a fin was noted out to sea, and we encountered a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins; we approached them and soon they were surrounding the boat, probably about eight in total. Out to sea, we had some excellent views of Scopoli’s and, later, Yelkouan Shearwaters, some very close, so we were able to compare the two species. Sadly, there was no sign of Eleanora’s Falcons around their nesting cliffs: they are a very late-returning migrant; however, we saw a Common Buzzard high overhead. On the return journey, the boat edged into the ‘Grotte dei Bue Marino’, a cave complex, where we picked up some passengers; a Clouded Yellow butterfly was over the sea here. We all agreed it had been a wonderful boat trip in ideal conditions.

On our return, we adjourned for coffee or other refreshments before driving up the hill to the road that leads to Nuraghe Mannu. We continued along the road past the site, on into the hills, eventually reaching a picnic site. We enjoyed another delicious picnic, appreciating the shade of the trees. We then moved back to a water tank by the road. This area can be good for small birds coming to drink and bathe. Today it was rather quiet, but we saw Serin, Chaffinch, Sardinian Warbler and a brief glimpse, for some, of a single Corsican Finch. The water surface was white with Pond Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus peltatus) and also contained many tadpoles, probably of Tyrrhenian Tree Frog. Other plants included the endemic Foetid Betony (Stachys glutinosa), and the nicer-smelling Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Cat Thyme (Teucrium marum), the latter not yet in flower.

Sardinia Tour Report

We then moved back to visit the site of Nuraghe Mannu, a stone watchtower of the Nuragic Age (1900-730 BCE) and associated mainly Roman remains. As we approached, we had excellent views of a pair of Cirl Buntings, while Crag Martins and Common Swifts swooped low over the adjacent gorge, and another Alpine Swift was seen. Butterflies included Corsican Heath, Corsican Wall Brown, Painted Lady, and Swallowtail. Tyrrhenian Wall Lizards were abundant, and some of the group saw a Western Whip Snake of the black ‘carbonarius’ form found in Italy.

With some of us wilting slightly in the heat, we returned to the hotel in good time and, after a break, we met to complete our lists. Two of the group, from their balcony, saw a dark falcon which, from their description, must have been Eleonora’s – perhaps they had returned in the course of the day! We enjoyed another excellent dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 4 Wednesday 25th April

Gennargentu We woke to yet another beautiful morning. The highlight of the morning walk was a pair of Barbary Partridge flushed by two of the group; unfortunately, not everyone got to see them. Otherwise Turtle Doves and Cirl Buntings showed well, and the Cuckoo was calling.

After breakfast, we set off for the mountain range of Gennargentu, taking the speedier route along the main roads. Near Pratobello we stopped at a road verge which had a large number of Long-spurred Orchids (Anacamptis morio subsp. longicornu), in the usual colours of deep purple with white on the lip, but also some which were much paler, and some with pink lips. There were also many lemon-yellow Provence Orchids (Orchis provincialis) and some fine Pink Butterfly Orchids (Anacamptis papilionacea). Here we also found a fresh spike of the near-endemic Dactylorhiza insularis, also lemon-yellow, but with unspotted leaves, green bracts showing through the flower and two red spots on the lip (this also occurs in Corsica and a few parts of mainland Italy). We found a few spikes of the tiny Dense-flowered Orchid (Neotinea maculata) and a spike of Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera). Other plants included Bulbous Saxifrage (Saxifraga bulbifera) and, by the stream across the road, several clumps of the endemic Summer Snowflake Leucojum aestivum subsp. pulchellum. Some of the group had excellent views of Moltoni’s Warbler, and butterflies included Small Copper and Holly Blue.

Moving on, we heard snatches of Nightingale song as we went, and we stopped for clumps of Corsican Saxifrage (Saxifraga corsica), growing on a cliff near a reservoir, and then for coffee and other refreshments at a bar in Fonni, the highest village in Sardinia. Swifts were screaming through the village, and we spent some time watching House Martins and looking at the interesting murals depicting aspects of past life.

We took the road that climbed towards Bruncu Spina, admiring the scenery as we drove. We intended to make most stops on the way down, but a bank covered in the endemic Crocus minimus brought us to a halt, the mauve stars of the Crocus being interspersed with white flowers of the Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum corsicum and the tiny yellow flowers of the unrelated Yellow Star of Bethlehem Gagea liotardii plus the tiny endemic umbellifer Bunium alpinum subsp. corydalinum. A pair of Tawny Pipits was seen. The road near here was barred, so we parked up to prepare our picnic. A couple of Marmora’s Warblers were in the scrub opposite and the group got excellent views. Alpine Swifts and a few Crag Martins were overhead. The wall on which some of the group were picnicking was home to Tyrrhenian Wall Lizards, a couple of Italian Wall Lizards and, most excitingly, to a

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Sardinia Tour Report

Pygmy Algyroides, usually very secretive and hard to see. After we had eaten, we explored the area, both the mountain slopes and the little damp gullies. Two endemic, low-growing, thorny species of Broom were abundant: Genista corsica, and Genista salzmannii, and other endemics included the fragrant Cotton-lavender Santolina insularis and the Thyme Thymus catherinae and emerging shoots of the spurge Euphorbia hybernica subsp. insularis.

We stopped at a little wood where we found Corsican Peony (Paeonia corsica) but, sadly, only in bud. A further stop for a road verge nearer Fonni had Dark Ophrys (Ophrys sphegodes subsp. atrata) and a several spikes of what was probably what used to be called Ophrys morisii, now technically Ophrys x arachnitiformis, recognising its complex hybrid origin between forms of Early and Late Spider Orchids (with many back-crossings etc). There were also more of the Provence, Long-spurred and Pink Butterfly Orchids, and a hybrid between the two latter species, Anacamptis x gennarii subsp. bornemannii. It was then time to return to the hotel, after an amazing day in a very different habitat.

Day 5 Thursday 26th April

Transfer to Capoterra, via the Sinis Peninsula This morning it was time to bid farewell to Massi and the staff at Il Querceto. The early birders had good views of a female Cuckoo, singing (‘bubbling’) from a wire. After breakfast, with the luggage stowed, we headed south- west across the island. The early light cloud broke as we reached the Sinis Peninsula, leaving the SS131 near San Vero Milis, and cutting across towards Putzu Idu.

Our first stop was at the lagoon of Stagno Sale Porcus, which had much more water in than in the last couple of years. Here, there were Flamingoes, Shelduck, Slender-billed Gull and Greenshank, among other species. Amongst the scrubby and salt-marsh vegetation, we found the delightful Rose of Heaven (Silene rosa-coeli) as well as a Spiked Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum narbonense). On the other side of the road, we had excellent views of Stone-curlew on the far side of a sandy field, plus Tawny Pipit. The field margin was a mass of Poppies, both Common (Papaver rhoeas) and the smaller Rough Poppy (Papaver hybridum). Amongst these, on otherwise bare ground, was Pheasant’s-eye (Adonis annua) and carpets of red and blue Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis). As we were moving on, a Marsh Harrier flew low over the Stagno.

Our next stop was at a café at Putzu Idu, where we sat outside, overlooking the turquoise sea and white sand. Again, the lagoon opposite was exceptionally quiet, although we saw a nice Avocet. We then took a road down the west side of Stagno Sale Porcus. An area of Cistus and Genista corsica also held two species of clover-like Dorycnium (Dorycnium hirsutum and the smaller-flowered D. pentaphyllum), a spike of Field Gladiolus (Gladiolus italicus), Small-flowered Serapias (Serapias parviflora) and a few spikes of going-over Mirror Orchid (Ophrys speculum). A little further on, we encountered a very distant, large flock of Bee-eaters and stopped to watch a few of them on the wires.

Our lunch spot was at Mari Ermi, where the road ends at a quiet beach. A Little Owl stood sentinel on a shower pipe, and Kentish Plovers were on the edge of a lake. The salt-marsh held typical species such as Sea Purslane (Atriplex portulacoides), Shrubby Sea-blite (Suaeda vera) and Perennial and Annual Glasswort (Sarcocornia perennis and Salicornia europea). Barbary Nuts (Moraea sisyrinchium) were now in flower, as it was afternoon; we also found enormous-flowered plants of Wild Carrot (Daucus carota possibly subsp. gummifer or maximus), some very low-

Sardinia Tour Report

growing, and the strange-looking Cone-headed Grasshopper. Another Marsh Harrier was flying low, and Tawny Pipit was singing nearby.

Eventually we had to move on, hearing Quail and seeing a Stone-curlew fly across the road in front of us, before we re-joined the main road south to Cagliari. At a brief refreshment stop, Spanish Sparrows were nesting in the ‘trunks’ of Palm Trees and Swallows over the bar. We skirted some of the lagoons, seeing more Flamingoes and a Spoonbill, and were soon at our hotel, the Hotel Santa Lucia. We soon settled in to our rooms, most of which overlooked the lagoon, where we could see Flamingoes feeding, and House Martins swooped round the balconies. We met to discuss plans for the morrow, before dinner, with a couple of Moorish Geckos above us. Later, we enjoyed a meal of traditional Sardinian dishes, before retiring to bed.

Day 6 Friday 27th April

Saline di Santa Gilla; Marganai This morning dawned fine again, with lovely light over the lagoon. Those out early or watching from their balconies, recorded Wood and Common Sandpipers, Common and Spotted Redshanks, Spoonbill and, of course, the Flamingoes, among other species. Closer to hand we saw Reed Warbler and Tree Sparrow; Coypus were swimming in the channel, as was a Viperine Snake.

After breakfast, we drove the short distance to the observation area at the south-east corner of Saline di Santa Gilla. From here we recorded Common Terns, Common Redshank and a fine male Linnet, but the Spectacled Warbler was elusive. The vegetation was the usual salt marsh/rough ground mix, but with a large specimen of Cynomorium or Desert Thumb (Cynomorium coccineum), a strange-looking plant which is parasitic on Sea Purslane, showing the tiny red flowers. Nearby was the nymph of an Empusid or Cone-head Mantis.

We moved on westwards, towards Domusnovas. A few Bee-eaters were perched on a wire by the road, Common Buzzard was noted, and the sculptural white ‘umbellifer’ Magadyris pastinacea was scattered along the verges. We stopped at a road junction, where there were large numbers of Tongue Orchid (Serapias lingua), Small- flowered Tongue Orchid (Serapias parviflora) and the beautiful Heart-lipped Tongue Orchid (Serapias cordigera). There was also a ‘hybrid swarm’ of intermediate forms, including Serapias x ambigua (Heart-lipped x ‘ordinary’ Tongue Orchid) and Serapias x todaroi (Small-flowered x ‘ordinary’ Tongue Orchid). Most of the Pink Butterfly Orchids were over, but a few remained. Also at the junction were Narrow-leaved Lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) in seed, the now-familiar Urospermum dalechampii and other flowers, hosting large numbers of pollen beetle, Red Spider Mites and other species. A Marsh Harrier and a Stone-curlew flew over.

We stopped in the town for refreshments, where a Copper Demoiselle was noted, before taking the small roads into the Marganai Forest. We stopped along the forest tracks to explore the banks and verges, finding large spikes of Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophora), a small Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera, of the form which used to be recognised as O. neglecta), and hybrids between the endemic Ophrys fuciflora subsp. chestermanii and Sawfly (Ophrys x maremmae nothosubsp. normanii). There were also the remains of a good number of Giant Orchids (Himantoglossum robertianum). A little further on we found a bank of ‘pure’ Ophrys fuciflora subsp. chestermanii, with its characteristic broad brown lip. A Sparrowhawk circled overhead.

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Sardinia Tour Report

We drove deep into the forest for our picnic, after which the group walked down the track while Jessica and Nico drove the vehicles and walked back to meet them. On the way we recorded some more fine spikes of Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophora) and the endemic Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula subsp. Ichnusae), Ichnusa being an old name for Sardinia, a named shared with the local beer. We also found the endemic thistle Ptilostemon casabonae, the endemic Lavender-cotton Santolina corsica, the pink-and-purple ‘party pea’ Lathyrus clymenum and the ‘fierce’ Teasel Dipsacus ferox. There were many ferns on the shady banks and in an old mine-shaft, including Maidenhair and Black Spleenworts and Rustyback (Asplenium trichomanes, A. adiantum-nigrum and A. ceterach).

Butterflies today included Large Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Small Copper, the southern form of Speckled Wood and Corsican Wall Brown. In the next wooded area, we found several spikes of the Violet Bird’s-nest Orchid Limodorum trabutianum, which is more slender and grey-mauve than the usual species, just coming into flower, and a Broad-leaved Helleborine in early bud was Epipactis tremolsii. On the way back, we had our first rain of the week, but it was only a shower, which soon passed.

As we returned to the hotel, we stopped again at the Observation Area on the Saline di Santa Gilla. This afternoon we had good views of several Gull-billed Terns and a very actively feeding Spoonbill. After a break we met again on the terrace to update our lists before another delicious dinner. A Moorish Gecko was again on the terrace ceiling.

Day 7 Saturday 28th April

Monte Arcosu We woke to another sunny day. The early birding produced Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Plover and Pied Flycatcher, amongst the other species.

After breakfast, we set off to travel the short distance to the WWF Oasis of Monte Arcosu, an extensive area of wooded mountain designed to protect wildlife, especially Sardinian Red Deer. Here we met Giovanni Paulis, our guide for the day. A ‘Spotted Flycatcher’ was flitting around near the Visitor Centre. This species has recently been split, and those breeding in Sardinia, Corsica and the Balearics are now called Mediterranean Flycatcher, showing fewer marks on the breast. We decided to start by driving into the forest, stopping first at an area fenced to the path but open to the mountains behind. Sardinian Wild Boar, smaller then the European subspecies, and Fallow Deer, both of which roam freely in the hills, usually come for food here, but not this morning.

We then moved on, driving up the narrow winding road into the mountains, enjoying the stunning scenery. We stopped at a couple of cliff faces, where we saw several endemic plants: Sardinian Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria aequitriloba), the daisy-like Bellium bellidioides and the delicate pink Brimeura (Brimeura fastigiata), plus the tiny Corsican Sandwort (Arenaria balearica), a near-endemic, found in the Balearics and Corsica, as well as Sardinia. Ferns such as Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes), Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum- nigrum) and Southern Polypody (Polypodium cambricum) were growing on the damp rocks, along with a number of mosses and liverworts. We looked unsuccessfully for Gene’s Cave Salamander but did find a small Scorpion. We reached the end of the driveable road and then took a circular walk, Giovanni continuing to point out features such as the signs of Gipsy Moth, and the endemic willow Salix arrigonii. By the waterfall, we found more Brimeura, in good flower. Other plants included Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) and a Lupin, Lupinus subhirsutum.

Sardinia Tour Report

We saw a number of butterflies including Cleopatras, Holly Blues and a Southern White Admiral, but they rarely settled, and also another Empusid Mantis. We completed the circuit and set up our final picnic in the pleasant shade of the trees.

We then drove back down the valley to the visitor centre, where we enjoyed some refreshments. Ravens were high overhead. Nearby we found two tortoises: a Marginated and a Hermann’s, the former being much larger, with a flared shell. Giovanni showed us the ‘Tree of Shame’ made from traps and snares collected in the area, and also the endemic White Bryony Bryonia cretica subsp. marmorata.

Having thanked Giovanni, we eventually left this beautiful area of Monte Arcosu, making our way to another part of the Saline di Santa Gilla, a very different habitat. We stopped by a rough area of grass and scrub where we found Lax-flowered Orchid (Anacamptis laxiflora) and Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora), mostly going over, Small-flowered and common Tongue Orchids (Serapias parviflora and S. lingua), some fine specimens of Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) and Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera). There were also plenty of Barbary Nut, the ‘afternoon iris’ (Moraea sisyrinchiuym). Linnets, Goldfinches and Spanish Sparrows were on the fence and coming to drink in puddles, Quail was heard, and a Marsh Harrier seen. We then walked down to the end of the road, to the edge of the salines. Bird life was rather quiet, apart from a Common Sandpiper so, after watching people fishing with square nets on large poles, we left to return to the hotel. While we had some ‘down time’, Great Egret, a flock of Blue-headed Yellow Wagtails and a Coypu were among the wildlife spotted from the hotel grounds.

We met to update our lists and enjoy our final dinner, after which we discussed the highlights of a very enjoyable week.

Day 8 Sunday 29th April

Cagliari to Stansted and home It was another fine morning and we had an early breakfast, to be on the road at 8am, heading for the airport. We were waved off by four of the group who were taking a taxi later as they were staying in Cagliari for a few days. At Departures we said goodbye to Nico, who was staying on to meet another group. The rest of us checked in for our 10.40am flight. At Stansted we said our farewells, and so another Naturetrek adventure came to an end, leaving us with many memories and photographs of great wildlife, a fascinating culture and some stunningly beautiful scenery.

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Sardinia Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (* = Endemic or near-endemic to Sardinia)

The layout of the plant list, and plant names have been updated in line with 'The Plant List' (mainly based on DNA studies). Scientific name Common name Location

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Lycophytes Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family Selaginella denticulata Mediterranean Clubmoss Marganai

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Marganai Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Marganai Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Marganai Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Marganai

Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Gennargentu

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Dryopteris sp. a Male-fern Marganai

Osmundaceae Royal Fern Family Osmunda regalis Royal Fern Monte Arcosu

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Marganai

Pteridaceae Ribbon Fern Family Anogramma leptophylla Jersey Fern Marganai

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Planted Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Prostrate Juniper Gennargentu Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Nuraghe Mannu Juniperus phoenicea Phoenicean Juniper Near Nuraghe Mannu

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus halepensis Alepppo Pine Planted Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Planted Pinus pinea Stone or Umbrella Pine Roadsides

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS Pre-dicots Primitive Angiosperms Lauraceae Laurel Family Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Marganai

Eu-dicots True Dicotyledons Aizoaceae Mesembryanthemum Family Carpobrutus acinaciformis Red Hottentot Fig Coastal roadsides Carpobrutus edulis Hottentot Fig Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Common Ice-plant Cala Osalla

Amaranthaceae Amaranth Family Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache Saltmarsh, Sinis and Capoterra Atriplex portulacoides Sea Purslane Saltmarsh, Sinis and Capoterra Saliciornea europea Glasswort/ Sea Samphire Saltmarsh, Sinis and Capoterra Sarcocornea perennis Perennial Glasswort Saltmarsh, Sinis and Capoterra Suaeda vera Shrubby Sea-blite Saltmarsh, Sinis and Capoterra

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia lentiscus Lentisk Widespread and Common Pistacia terebinthus Turpentine Tree Near Dorgali hotel

Apiaceae Carrot Family Bunium alpinum subsp. corydalinum* Gennargentu Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Mari Ermi Daucus carota Wild Carrot Mari Ermi Eryngium maritimum Sea-holly Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Ferula communis Giant Fennel Roadsides Foeniculum vulgare Common Fennel Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Magydaris pastinacea Maggie' Roadsides, white flowers Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's-needle Pratobello Smyrnium perfoliatum ssp. Round-leaved Alexanders Serra Orrios rotundifolium Thapsia garganica Thapsia Monte Arcosu Torilis nodosa Knotted Bur-parsley Pratobello

Betulaceae Birch Family Corylus avellana Hazel Planted Alnus incana Grey Alder Monte Arcosu

Boraginaceae Borage Family Borago officinalis Borage Roadsides Cynoglossum creticum Blue Hound's-tongue Monte Arcosu Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's Bugloss Widespread

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Arabis verna Spring Rockcress Monte Arcosu Cakile maritima Sea Rocket Coastal Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Matthiola sinuata Sea Stock Coastal Matthiola tricuspidata Three-horned Stock Coastal Raphanus raphinastrum Wild Radish Prato bello Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Common

10 © Naturetrek June 18

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Cactaceae Cactus Family Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly Pear Widely planted / naturalised

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula erinus Annual Bellflower Water tank near Nuraghe Mannu

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus calcitrapa Annual Valerian Serra Orrios Dipsacus ferox a Teasel Marganai Lonicera estrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Sinis Peninsula Scabiosa sp. Near Domusnovas Valerianella lacustris Common Cornsalad Serra Orrios

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria balearica* Corsican Sandwort Monte Arcosu Paronychia argentea A Paronychia Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Petrorhagia dubia (velutina) A Childing Pink Sea at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Silene coeli-rosa Rose of Heaven Stagno Sale Porcus Silene colorata - Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Serra Orrios Spergularia rubra Sand Spurrey Stagno Serra Orrios Stellaria media Chickweed Scattered weed

Cistaceae Rockrose Family Cistus creticus subsp. eriocephalus a pink Cistus Grotte di Ispingoli road Cistus monspeliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus Grotte di Ispingoli road Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Grotte di Ispingoli road Helianthemum nummulariam Common Rockrose Sinis Peninsula Tuberaria guttata Spotted Rockrose Stagno S'Ena Arrubia and elsewhere

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Anthemis maritima Sea Mayweed Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Artemisia arborescens Shrubby Wormwood Roadsides Bellis annua Annual Daisy Marganai Bellis perennis Common Daisy Common Bellium bellidioides* - Monte Arcosu Carlina macrocephala* A Carline Thistle Gennargentu, old stems Centaurea calcitrapa Red Star-thistle Gennargentu, not yet in flower Centaurea napifolia - Mari Ermi Cotula aurea Buttonweed Meadow Stagno Santa Gilla Cynara cardunculus Cardoon Serra Orrios, Nuraghe Mannu Dittrichia viscosa Woody Fleabane Meadow Stagno Santa Gilla Filago (Evax) pygmaea Evax Nuraghe Mannu Galactites tomentosa Galactites Widespread, 'airy thistle' Glebionis coronarium Crown Daisy Common Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold Serra Orrios Helichrysum italicum ssp. microphyllum Dwarf Curry Plant Roadside near Dorgali Notobasis syriaca Syrian Thistle Sinis Peninsula Pallenis spinosa Pallenis Sinis Peninsula Phagnalon rupestre Rock Phagnalon Roadside near Dorgali Ptilostemum casabonae* Road to Cala Gonone and Marganai Santolina corsica* An endemic Lavender-cotton Marganai

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Santolina insularis* An endemic Lavender-cotton Gennargentu Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Common weed Silybum marianum Milk Thistle Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Taraxacum agg. Dandelion Common weed Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Near Il Querceto Urospermum dalechampii Widespread 'lemon with black spot'

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Nuraghe Mannu Convolvulus cantabrica Pink Bindweed Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Monte Arcosu leaves Sedum caeruleum Blue Stonecrop Roadsides Sedum stellatum Starry Stonecrop Monte Arcosu leaves Umbilicus horizontalis a Navelwort Scattered Umbilicus rupestris Navelwort Widespread on rocks and walls

Cucurbitaceae Cucumber Family Bryonia cretica subsp. marmorata* A white bryony Monte Arcosu

Cynomoriaceae Cynomorium Family Cynomorium coccineum Cynomorium or Desert Thumb Stagno Santa Gilla

Ericaceae Heather Family Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Maquis scrub, near Nuraghe Mannu Erica arborea Tree Heather Gennargentu Erica terminalis Corsican Heath Sinis Peninsula

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Large Mediterranean Spurge Water tank near Nuraghe Mannu Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. cupani* - Roadside near Dorgali Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Coastal near Cala Osalla Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Serra Orrios Euphorbia hyberna subsp. insularis Gennargentu Euphorbia terracina Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia

Fagaceae Beech Family Castenea sativa Sweet Chestnut Woods in Gennargentu Quercus ilex Holm Oak Nuraghe Mannu Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Woods in Gennargentu Quercus suber Cork Oak Widespread; Il Querceto

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Near Domusnovas Centaurium maritimum Yellow Centaury Monte Arcosu

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium cicutarium Common Stork's-bill Common Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane's-bill Serra Orrios Geranium purpureum Little Robin Serra Orros Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Maganai

12 © Naturetrek June 18

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Deadnettle Gennargentu Lavandula stoechas Mediterranean Lavender Gennargentu Marrubium album White Horehound Stop near Dorgali Mentha aquatica Water Mint Marganai Prasium majus Prasium Nuraghe Mannu Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Nuraghe Mannu Stachys glutinosa* Foetid Betony Nuraghe Mannu Teucrium marum Cat Thyme Nuraghe Mannu Thymus catherinae* An endemic Thyme Gennargentu

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Acacia saligna Blue Wattle Widely naturalised, yellow flowers Calicotome infesta Thorny Broom Roadsides Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree Roadsides Dorycnium hirsutum Dorycnium Sinis Peninsula Dorycnium pentaphyllum a Dorycnium (smaller flowers) Sinis Peninsula Genista corsica* An endemic Genista Gennargentu (not in flower), Sinis Genista salzmannii* An endemic Genista Gennargentu (not in flower) Hedysarum coronarium Italian Sainfoin Roadsides Lathyrus clymenum the "party pea" Common Lathyrus setifolius - Monte Arcosu a Mediterranean Bird's-foot Lotus cytisoides subsp. conradiae* Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Trefoil Lupinus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Lupin Serra Orrios Lupinus subhirsutum a Lupin Monte Arcosu Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Gennargentu Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Monte Arcosu Ornithopus compressus Compressed Bird's-foot Trefoil Monte Arcosu Pisum sativum Wild Pea Hotel Il Querceto Robinia pseudoacacia False Acacia Roadsides Scorpiurus muricatus Scorpiurus Sinis Peninsula Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Roadsides Trifolium arvense Hare's-foot Clover Stop near Dorgali Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Sinis Peninsula Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover Nuraghe Mannu Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Common Trifolium tomentosum Woolly Clover Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Vicia benghalensis Pink Fodder Vetch Sinis Peninsula Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch Common, especially roadsides

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva (Lavatera) arborea Tree Mallow Near Dorgali Malva (Lavatera) olbia a Tree Mallow Roadsides Malva parviflora Least Mallow Scattered Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Common

Moraceae Mulberry Family Ficus carica Fig Roadsides

Oleaceae Olive Family Olea europaea Olive Near Dorgali (wild) Phillyrea latifolia Broad-leaved Phillyrea Monte Arcosu

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Bartsia (Bellardia) trixago Bellardia Stop near Dorgali Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Sinis Peninsula Parentucellia latifolia Southern Red Bartsia Serra Orrios Parentucellia viscosa Yellow Bartsia Road to Stagno S'Ena Arrubia

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis pres-caprae Bermuda Buttercup Common

Paeoniaceae Peony Family Paeonia corsica (P.mascula ssp. a Peony Gennargentu, in bud russoi)*

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Fumaria capreolata White Ramping Fumitory Cala di Osalla Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Cala di Osalla Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy Cala di Osalla Hypecoum procumbens - Cala di Osalla Papaver argemone - Sinis Peninsula Papaver rhoeas Red Poppy Roadsides, bright red Papaver somniferum Opium Poppy Roadsides, dull red

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Cymbalaria aequitriloba (sardoa)* Sardinian Ivy-leaved Toadflax Monte Arcosu Linaria pelisseriana Jersey Toadflax Serra Orrios Misopates orontium Weasel-snout Stop near Dorgali Plantago afra Branched Plantain Stop near Dorgali Plantago bellardia - Serra Orrios (soft) Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Sinis Peninsula Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Scattered weed Veronica cymbalaria White Speedwell Marganai Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Pratobello

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria sardoa* a Thrift Gennargentu

Polygonaceae Dock Family Polygonum maritimum Sea Knotweed Mare Ermi Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Stop near Dorgali

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel (may be blue) Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Anagallis arvensis subsp. foemina Blue Pimpernel Stop near Dorgali Cyclamen repandum Spring Sowbread Road to Cala Gonone

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Adonis annua Pheasant's-eye Sinis Peninsula Clematis cirrhosa Virgin's Bower Serra Orrios Ficaria verna agg. Lesser Celandine Gennargentu Ranunculus paludosus Jersey Buttercup Meadow Stagno Santa Gilla Ranunculus peltatus Pond Water-crowfoot Pond near Cala di Osalla (bees!_) Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup Serra Orrios

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda alba White Mignonette Hotel Il Querceto Reseda lutea Wlid Mignonette Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia

Rosaceae Rose Family Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Pratobello Drymocallis corsica* (Potentilla Rock Cinquefoil Gennargentu rupestris) Prunus dulcis Almond Planted Pyrus amygdaliformis Almond-leaved Pear Pratobello Rosa canina agg. Dog Rose Pratobello Rubus ulmifolius Blackberry Common Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Sinis Peninsula

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Sinis Peninsula Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Stop near Dorgali

Salicaceae Willow Family Salix arrigonii* An endemic Willow Monte Arcosu

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga bulbifera Bulbous Saxifrage Pratobello Saxifraga corsica* Corsican Saxifrage Cliffs near Fonni

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia peregrina Nettle-leaved Figwort Marganai Verbascum sinuatum Wavy-leaved Mullein Stop near Dorgali

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade Monte Arcosu Lycium ferocissimum Stagno Santa Gilla

Tamaricaceae Tamarisk Family Tamarix africana Pale Tamarisk Coasts Tamarix gallica Tamarisk Coasts

Urticaceae Nettle Family Urtica dioica Common Nettle Monte Arcosu Urtica pilulifera Roman Nettle Serra Orrios

Violaceae Violet Family Viola alba subsp. dehnhardtii A violet (mauve) Gennargentu Viola corsica subsp. limbarae* Corsican Pansy Gennargentu

Monocots Monocotyledons Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium roseum Rosy Garlic Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Allium subhirsutum Hairy Garlic Stop near Dorgali; common Allium triquetrum Three-cornered Leek Serra Orrios Leucojum aestivum subsp. pulchellum a Summer Snowflake Pratobello Pancratium maritimum Sea Daffodil (leaves only) Cala di Osalla

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Araceae Lords-and-Ladies Family Arisarum vulgare Friar's Cowl Serra Orrios, road to Cala Gonone

Arecaceae Palm Family Chamaerops humilis Dwarf Fan Palm Sinis Peninsula Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Planted

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family Brimeura fastigiata* Brimeura Monte Arcosu Drimia (Urginea) maritima Sea Squill (leaves only) Stop near Dorgali and elsewhere Leopoldia (Muscari) comosa Tassel Hyacinth Stop near Dorgali and elsewhere Ornithogalum corsicum* a Star of Bethlehem Gennargentu Ornithogalum narbonense " Sinis Peninsula Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s-broom Marganai

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Cyperus capitatus - Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia

Iridaceae Iris Family Crocus minimus* a Crocus Gennargentu Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Stop near Dorgali Moraea sisyrinchium Barbary Nut Cala di Osalla

Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus acutus Sharp Rush Meadow Stagno Santa Gilla

Liliaceae Lily Family Gagea liotardii (G. fragifera, G. fistulosa) A Yellow Star of Bethlehem Gennargentu

Orchidaceae Orchid Family

Note: The Orchidaceae are an evolving group, and subject to debate between 'splitters' (eg. Delforge) and 'lumpers' (eg Kew).This list follows the Kew classification.

Anacamptis laxiflora Lax-flowered Orchid Meadow Stagno Santa Gilla Anacamptis morio subsp. longicornu Long-spurred Orchid Pratobello Anacamptis papilionacea Pink Butterfly Orchid Road to Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Pink Butterfly x Long-spurred A. x gennarii subsp. bornemanniae Pratobello hybrid Dactylorhiza insularis (Yellow, with bracts) Pratobello Epipactis tremolsii a Broad-leaved Helleborine Marganai Himantoglossum robertianum Giant Orchid Grotte di Ispingoli road (over) Limodorum trabutianum a Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Marganai Neotinea maculata Dense-flowered Orchid Pratobello Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Grotte di Ispingoli road Ophrys bombyliflora Bumblebee Orchid Meadow Stagno Santa Gilla Ophrys fuciflora subsp. chestermanii* (Large brown lip) Marganai Ophrys fusca Sombre Bee Orchid Grotte di Ispingoli road Ophrys speculum subsp. speculum Mirror Orchid Grotte di Ispingoli road Ophrys sphegodes subsp. atrata Dark Ophrys Pratobello (incubacea) O. tenthredinifera Sawfly Orchid Serra Orrios O. tenthredinifera (formerly neglecta*) a Sawfly Orchid Marganai Gennargentu verge (may be Dark x Ophrys x arachnitiformis (O. x morisii) Early x Late Spider Orchid hybrid Late)

Sardinia Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Ophrys x arachnitiformis (O. x Early x Late Spider Orchid hybrid Road to Cala Gonone panattensis) Ophrys x maremmae subsp. normanii Sawfly x Chestermanii hybrid Marganai Orchis anthroporphora Man Orchid Marganai Orchis mascula subsp. ichnusae* An Early Purple Orchid Marganai Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid Pratobello Serapias cordigera Heart-shaped Tongue Orchid Near Domusnovas Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid Road to Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Serapias parviflora Small-flowered Tongue Orchid Road to Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Serapias x ambigua (S. cordigera x Hybrid Serapias Near Domusnovas lingua) Serapias x todaroi (S. lingua x S. Hybrid Serapias Road to Stagno S'Ena Arrubia parviflora)

Poaceae Grass Family Arundo donax Giant Reed Road to Stagno S'Ena Arrubia Avena barbata Bearded Oat Grass Common Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Serra Orrios Lagurus ovatus Hare's-tail Grass Sinis Peninsula Lamarckia aurea Golden Dog's-tail Grass Stop near Dorgali Phragmites australis Common Reed Cala di Osalla

Posidoniaceae Posidonia family Posidonia oceanica Posidonia Coast at Stagno S'Ena Arrubia

Smilaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Smilax Marganai

Typhaceae Bulrush Family Typha latifolia Reed Mace Road to Stagno S'Ena Arrubia

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodelus aestivus Common Asphodel Common, fields

FUNGI cf Calvatia gigantea Giant Puffball Monte Arcosu Boletus reticulatus Summer Bolete Marganai

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO = leader only) April Common name Scientific name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 1 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna     2 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos    3 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina  4 Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara 2 1 5 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H H 6 Scopoli's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea   7 Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan  8 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus  9 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus      10 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia    11 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax  12 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis   

Sardinia Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 13 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea    14 Great Egret Ardea alba 2 1 1 15 Little Egret Egretta garzetta      16 European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii  17 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo    18 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus wolterstorffi      19 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus       20 Red Kite Milvus milvus 1 21 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo pojana       22 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus    23 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra   24 Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus    25 Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus  26 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus    27 Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta  28 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola  29 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus  30 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos   31 Common Redshank Tringa totanus  H 32 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola  33 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus  34 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia    35 Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei     36 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus     37 Audouin's Gull Ichthyaetus audouinii   38 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis        39 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica   40 Common Tern Sterna hirundo     41 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia feral        42 Rock Dove Columba livia   43 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus     44 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur     45 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto        46 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H H  H 47 Little Owl Athene noctua  48 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba LO   49 Common Swift Apus apus        50 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus  51 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster  H H H   52 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major  H   H  53 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni 1 54 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus       55 Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae  56 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator badius 1 57 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius       58 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula  H    59 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix       60 Northern Raven Corvus corax     61 Coal Tit Periparus ater sardus LOH  H  H 62 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus      H 63 Great Tit Parus major H   H  

Sardinia Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 64 Woodlark Lullula arborea H  H H 65 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis   H 66 Sand Martin Riparia riparia  67 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica        68 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris    69 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum        70 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti H H H  71 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita  72 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus  H 73 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis   H H 74 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H    H  75 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca  76 Marmora's Warbler Sylvia sarda  77 Moltoni's Warbler Sylvia subalpina  H 78 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala        79 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla   80 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes koenigi H  H H H 81 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor        82 Common Blackbird Turdus merula        83 Mediterranean Flycatcher Muscicapa tyrrhenica tyrrhenica  84 European Robin Erithacus rubecula H H    85 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H 86 European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca  87 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus  88 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola     89 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis        90 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus   91 Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flava  92 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea H  93 White Wagtail Motacilla alba   94 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris   95 Tree Pipit Antjhus trivialis  96 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs sarda H     H  97 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris madaraszi        98 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina        99 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis tchusii        100 Corsican Finch Carduelis corsicana 1 101 European Serin Serinus serinus H H  H H 102 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra  H    103 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus    

Mammals (S = Signs Of) 1 Sardinian Wild Boar Sus scofa meridionalis S 2 Fallow Deer Dama dama 1 3 Coypu Myocastor coypus 3 2 4 Sardinian Red Deer Cervus elaphus corsicanus S 5 Weasel Mustela nivalis 3+ 6 Common Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus c.8 7 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes S

Sardinia Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Amphibians & Reptiles (D = Dead; T = Tadpoles) 1 Tyrrhenian Tree Frog* Hyla sarda T  2 Edible Frog sp. Pelophylax kl. esculentus  3 Frog sp  4 Moorish Gecko Tarentola mauritanica     5 Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard* Podarcis tiliguerta       6 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula       7 Pygmy Algyroides* Algyroides fitzingeri   8 Western Whip Snake Hierophis viridiflavus  D 9 Viperine Snake Natrix maura  10 Grass Snake Natrix natrix  11 Hermann's Tortoise Testudo hermanni  12 Marginated Tortoise Testudo marginata 

Butterflies 1 Corsican Swallowtail Papilio hospiton  2 Swallowtail Papilio machaon       3 Large White Pieris brassicae     4 Small White Pieris rapae   5 Corsican Dappled White Euchloe insularis   6 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines    7 Bath White Pontia daplidice    8 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea       9 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra     10 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeus       11 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus   12 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus     13 Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta  14 Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros    15 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta    16 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui        17 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina  18 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus  19 Corsican Heath Coenonympha corinna  20 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria   21 Corsican Wall Brown Lasiommata paramegera     

Macro Moths

Mullein, Shargacucullia verbasci Maghreb Burnet (endemic ssp), Zygaena orana sardoa

Other Invertebrates

Copper Demoiselle, Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis Island Bluetail, Ischnura genei Egyptian Grasshopper, Anacridum aegyptium Cone-headed Grasshopper, Acrida ungarica Green Cricket nymph, Gendarme Bug, Lygaeus sp. Empusid or Conehead Mantis, Empusa pennata Beefly, Bombylius sp. Mammoth Wasp, Megascolia maculata flavifrons European Paper Wasp, Polistes dominula Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa violacea Mining Bee, Andrena sp.

Sardinia Tour Report

White-tailed Bumblebee, Bombus lucorum Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Bombus terrestris Dung Beetle, Scarabaeus laticollis Hairy Rose Beetle (a chafer), Tropinota squalida A black and red Soldier Beetle, Trichodes alvearius 7-Spot Ladybird, Coccinella 7-punctata Fat-thigh Beetle, Oedemera nobilis Tiger Beetle (brown), Lophyra flexuosa sardea Ground beetle sp., Carabus sp. A Darkling Beetle, Pimelia sp. A Darkling Beetle, Akis cf trilineata Dung Beetle, Sisyphus sp. A Leaf Beetle, Chrysomelidae Whirligig Beetle, c.f.Gyrinus natator Weevil sp., Crab Spider (yellow or green), Misumena vatia Red Spider Mite , Tetranychidae a Scorpion, Euscorpius flavicaudis By-the-wind Sailor, Vilella vilella

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