Spring in Southern Portugal

Naturetrek Tour Report 5 - 12 April 2016

Report by Philip Thompson

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Spring in Southern Portugal

Tour participants: Philip Thompson and Keith Buchanan (leaders) with 16 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Tuesday 5th April

Once the main group flying from Gatwick had met up with the remaining clients we soon had our minibuses collected and loaded up. We drove the short distance north to the quiet town of Sao Bras de Alportel where we stopped to have a light lunch in a café. Whilst relaxing on their terrace we could here the song of a Blue Rock Thrush coming from a nearby rooftop, but it remained out of sight.

Once fed and refreshed we continued our journey northwards, with the route rising into the hills of the Serra do Caldeirao. The road became increasingly winding as we passed into this attractive habitat of Cistus and Cork Oak dominated slopes. We stopped at a hilltop viewpoint where we were able to disembark and begin acquainting ourselves with the rich local flora. Among the numerous species present, of which several would become familiar during the trip, a few notable finds included Ornithogalum broteroi and the Portugeuse endemic Helminthotheca comosa subsp. lusitanica (Picris algarbiensis). The windy conditions hampered any birding but we did succeed in picking out a singing male Subalpine Warbler which, after some patience, provided good views as it sang from the top of a nearby Gum Cistus (Cistus ladanifer).

After our first introduction to the flora and fauna of Portugal we then completed our journey to the historic town of Mertola where we were to spend the next three nights. We had a pleasant evening meal in a small local restaurant where we had our first taste of the local Alentejo cuisine.

Day 2 Wednesday 6th April

We began our day with a visit to the beauty spot of Pulo do Lobo. The journey there took us through an attractive landscape of Cistus covered slopes with a colourful array of other flowers mixed in. We paused en route at a small stream that passed under the road through a culvert. Here a couple of pairs of Red-rumped Swallows and Eurasian Crag Martins were hawking for insects and presumably breeding in the cave-like culvert. Whilst looking among the mix of plants we were lucky in having a pair of territorial male Common Nightingales, losing their customary skulking habits, chase each other past our noses. With boundaries re-established one then gave a burst of song, joined by another individual a little further up the shallow valley.

Arriving at Pulo do Lobo we drove directly down to the Guardiana River and the narrow pinch-neck in the river as it cut through a band of schist rock and where, over millennia, it had created a striking series of hollows and cataracts. We spent some pleasant time admiring the river and picking out the various birds feeding and breeding in the area. Most notable were the abundant Eurasian Crag Martins and swallows constantly swooping past. Among the rocky river surrounds a couple of Rock Buntings were found, joined by a stunning male Blue Rock Thrush singing from above the gorge and showing its lovely steel-blue colour in the sun. A few plants were in flower, such as Dianthus lusitanus, but of most significance was the presence of numerous examples of the rather visually underwhelming Flueggea tinctoria, an Iberian endemic shrub confined to these rocky riversides. The steep slopes held a mix of Cistus and typical Mediterranean shrubs and herbs. We walked up the access track to a viewpoint overlooking the river. On the inaccessible steep slope beneath us a couple of flowering examples of Cleome violacea were picked out against the stones. This member of the garden Spider Plants is the only native

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

representative of the family in Europe and on close examination has an interesting and attractive flower, and somewhat lacks the showiness of the garden forms!

We next drove on a short distance to our lunch spot beneath a fine spreading example of evergreen oak Quercus rotundifolia on a small hilltop with fine views all around. Whilst enjoying lunch we were fortunate in spotting our target bird for the area as a splendid Black Stork cruised overhead surveying its territory. Among the surrounding trees a handsome Crested Tit was teased closer for the group to admire. With lunch over we next spent some time among the rich mix of flowers in this single spot. Among the mix of four species of Cistus, a few examples of the white-flowered close relative Halimium umbellatum subsp. viscosum were found and admired. Other notable plant finds included the endemic Campanula lusitanica, Verbascum barnadesii and Linaria spartea.

We then returned to Mertola where several of the group took the opportunity to spend the afternoon exploring this historic town. The main group then drove on to explore a couple of areas to the east of Mertola. We stopped first to check out a small lake. As we approached this spot a pair of Black-eared Wheatears were disturbed from the roadside, which were admired more closely by a few of the group once we had stopped and disembarked. We scanned the lake from a distant viewpoint and picked out several pairs of Red-crested Pochard among the more familiar wildfowl. We opted not to make any closer approach and instead drove on to make our next stop at a pleasant riverside spot on the Rio Chanca. We took a slow and pleasant amble in this quiet area. Among the gravel beds by the river a pair of Little Ringed Plovers showed well and were unconcerned by the group. Among the flowers a lovely show of the delicate Omphalodes linifolia made an attractive sight.

Our final stop of the day was alongside a dirt farm track overlooking a wide area of open grassy hillsides. From here we picked out our first views of the iconic birds of the region in the shape of both species of bustard. Around 10 Great Bustards were present, with a small number of male Little Bustards picked out in the long grass and unknown numbers of females invisible in the herbage. Joining these impressive birds were several singing Calandra Larks and a healthy colony of Lesser Kestrels in the vicinity of an artificial breeding tower.

Day 3 Thursday 7th April

Today was spent exploring the open rolling country of the Castro Verde SPA. Our first stop was a quiet roadside junction where we disembarked to have a prolonged view of the mix of Spanish and House Sparrows that breed in the basement of the large White Stork nests found on nearly every available post in the area. Also in the vicinity were several Red-rumped Swallows and Zitting Cisticolas, which were loudly singing their name from the sky above, but due to their diminutive size proved difficult to locate for some.

We then drove a short distance to take a short walk in this sensitive area. Sticking closely to the path we walked a farm track to a small hilltop. The surrounding tall crops held several Great Bustards of both sexes, which kept their customary distance. Proving suitably tricky to pick out were a couple of male Little Bustards which were only visible when the raised their heads to call and inflated their black neck feathers.

We next drove to the entrance to the LPN reserve at Sao Marcos da Atobeira. Whilst we soon picked out a couple of male Great Bustards striding across the grasslands our attention was diverted to the sight of three immature Spanish Imperial Eagles competing over what appeared to be a bustard carcass! One bird seemed to prove dominant and spent some time plucking feathers whilst the two others spent time in aerial jostling with

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Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

each other. A single Griffon Vulture drifted low overhead no doubt keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings. Another short drive further along the main road brought us to a convenient lay-by where we stopped once more to scan the surrounding area. Several more impressive male Great Bustards were immediately found, this time a little closer with little heat haze. This time a Cinereous (Black) Vulture passed low overhead and provided an unbeatable view as it drifted across the fields. To put this in the shade, a large flock of 50+ Great Bustards then rose into the air and crossed the road to settle on the crest of the opposite slope. It was a stunning sight and within 400 metres of where we had parked. Great fortune indeed!

With time beginning to run short we had just enough time to take a quick stop at a small river where we could admire the local species of Daffodil, Narcissus jonquilla and bulbocodium. A few Pond Terrapins where spotted in the river whilst we relaxed and photographed the flowers. We then needed to move on to Castro Verde for our lunch date at a local café. After a little confusion over the new location of said premises we sat down to an epic meal of local meats and cheeses accompanied by plentiful wine and followed by an array of delicious desserts, and finally a coffee! Whilst a siesta may have proved tempting for some, we said our thank-you’s and headed on for further birding.

We paid a brief visit to the LPN Visitor Centre before continuing on our circuit, passing through Entradas and some wonderful countryside to our final stop of the day at another river crossing. We spent the remainder of our time in quiet relaxation and exploration of the riverside plants and insects. More Daffodils were found joined by Hyacinthoides mauritanica, Ornithogallum baeticum and several other interesting and attractive plants. A passing Spanish Festoon was seen by some, one of the butterfly highlights of the trip.

Day 4 Friday 8th April

Today we transferred to the south-west and the town of Sagres where we were to stay for the remainder of the trip. Our time began with an exploration of the southern section of the Castro Verde SPA.

We began our circuit by turning off the main road at Sao Joao dos Caldeireiros and following the quiet back roads. We took our first stop at a wide intersection where we disembarked and spent some time scanning the fields and hillsides. Crested and Calandra Larks were singing from all around and a couple of Red Kites drifted along a nearby hillside. The highlight was the sighting of a hunting Black-winged Kite, which remained distant but readily identifiable, as it spent repeated periods of stationary hovering with eyes fixed on the ground. A short drive further up the road brought us to a recently constructed lake. Here we were delighted to find a small breeding colony of Collared Pratincoles. These charismatic birds kept up a constant chatter as they displayed to each other and periodically took to the air to rise high and swirl about before resettling. Also present were a small number of Black-winged Stilts, Little Ringed Plover and Green Sandpiper. In the surrounding new Olive orchard a pair of handsome Black-eared Wheatear showed well as they perched atop the supporting canes for the young trees. From nowhere a Spanish Imperial Eagle crested the adjacent hill and passed close by giving a superlative view of this very rare bird. The chilly wind was starting to sap our warmth so we moved on, driving through more stunning country with fields randomly ablaze with different mixes of colours from the common plants found here.

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Leaving behind the open Alentejo country we drove on to take our picnic lunch in the pleasure gardens on a prominent hill in the town of Ourique. Fortunately we could dodge the wind on the leeward side in the shelter of the Wisteria-draped columns and pergolas. Our next stop was back on the Algarve coast, where we pulled off the motorway to visit Salgados Lagoon. Birds were numerous and diverse here with the result that we spent a good amount of time scanning through the flocks present. Among the abundant Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were a trio of Mediterranean Gulls roosting, a trio of Little Gulls hawking over the water and, most notably, a fine adult Audouin’s Gull. Among the Greater Flamingoes, Black-winged Stilts and Pied Avocets, a number of other waders were spotted such as Common Greenshank, Common Redshank, Common Snipe and Kentish Plover. Joining this array of species we also spotted three Eurasian Spoonbills, a small flock of Glossy Ibis and a couple of Western (Purple) Swamphen. One lucky group member picked up a Black-headed Weaver, an exotic from Africa, which have a naturalised population on the southern Algarve marshes. After a quick coffee in the local café we completed our transfer in good time to check in to our hotel in Sagres.

Day 5 Saturday 9th April

Now in the farthest south-western edge of mainland Europe, the trip took a slightly more botanical slant with a focus on the many special localised and endemic plants found in the region.

Our first morning was spent in a pleasant walking circuit around the headland within the Fort of Henry the Navigator. Whilst still in the car park we were able to find a number of endemic plants such as Cistus palhinhae, Teucrium vincentinum and Daucus carota subsp. halophilus! Once inside, thankfully we enjoyed a lovely sunny day with only light winds. For those whose attention remained on the birds we were able to enjoy excellent views of the many Black Redstarts present joined by a few Blue Rock Thrushes, Thekla Lark and passing Red-billed Choughs, whilst at sea passing flocks of Northern Gannets, Common Scoter and Common and Sandwich Terns were spotted. Of the many delightful plants seen in this natural limestone pavement rock garden, highlights included Astericus maritimus, Anagallis monelli, Bellevallia hackellii, Armeria pungens and Antirrhinum majus subsp. cirrhigerum. The scenery of dramatic cliffs and sandy coves was not a thing to be overlooked making for a wonderful morning.

For lunch we drove the short distance to the shelter bed of pines planted alongside the Cabranosa heath. Once our picnic had been devoured, we then spent a short period scanning across the heath and listening out for Spectacled Warbler. We were fortunate in picking out a singing and displaying male which gave the group the customary run-around as it popped up for short periods before dropping out of sight into the Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta plants. Everyone eventually attained good views of this elusive little bird.

After another short move we took a circular walk through the sandy heath and pinewoods during which we encountered numerous attractive and localised plants. At the start of the walk numerous Halimium calycinum and aromatic Thymus camphoratus plants made up the main plants with a supporting cast of many that included Corema album, Scrophularia frutescens, Lavandula pedunculata and Echium gaditanum. A single Black-eyed Blue was spotted among the low plants to add to the butterfly list. Moving on into the pines, birds were few and far between but we did hear a couple of Iberian Chiffchaffs uttering their characteristic song, but they remained out of sight. On the sandy woodland floor among the seed heads of Scilla monophyllos a colony of the diminutive Dense-flowered Orchid (Neotinea maculate), was found leading some of the group to enquire ‘When will they be out’. They were in full flower to the disappointment of a few - a hand lens helps! As we begun the return leg of the walk we passed

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an open area of short grassland that held a small flock of Tawny Pipits whose sandy colouration making them hard to pick up until they scampered over the ground.

Back at the vehicles we still had a little time available to pay a visit to the rather eroded headland of Cape St. Vincent. The cliffs and lighthouse were still impressive even if the plants had been rather worn away by the heavy footfall of tourists visiting this iconic spot.

Day 6 Sunday 10th April

We spent our morning in a different habitat with a visit to the Serra do Espinhaco do Cao (Dogs-back Hills) which lie to the north-east of Sagres. These hills are still covered in places with Cork Oak (Quercus suber) and Cistus scrub with an understory of several interesting plants.

Our first stop was alongside a small lake where we could hear a couple of Iberian Chiffchaffs singing and they gave brief views as they fed on the edge of the scrub. The area held an abundance of Tongue Orchids of four species, Serapias lingua, parviflora, cordigera and strictiflora providing a good opportunity to learn the characteristics of each. The strong cold wind made bird activity rather slow, but we did manage fleeting glimpses of Melodious Warbler and Eurasian Blackcap before moving on.

Our next stop was alongside a small river in a quiet valley. A walk from here led along a sunny sheltered track where we were able to obtain some stunning close views of an obliging Common Firecrest. Plants seen along the way included Hairy Lupin (Lupinus micranthus) and the non-native Tradescantia fluminensis.

Our last stop in this area was a short walk through the Cork Oak woodland along a dirt track. At the base of some of the Cistus shrubs we picked out the emerging flowers of the parasitic Cytinus hypocistis. Birds were still very quiet but one group member did manage to find our target butterfly, the Lorquin’s Blue, to the dismay of some who missed it!

With the weather still looking a little unsettled and with a strong cold wind blowing, we headed on towards the little village of Carrapateira. Our stop at a roadside picnic spot was rather spoiled by the heavy rainstorm that rather inappropriately began to fall. Sheltering under the two vehicles’ tailgates we just managed to eat without getting too wet! Moving on the weather eased and we managed a quick roadside stop to admire the Paeonia broteri flowering on a steep bank. From here we undertook a scenic driving route following the coastal cliffs with a few short stops along the way to admire the scenery and a few plants. We culminated back at sea level and a walk out to the lagoon at Praia da Bordeira. The gull roost here did not hold anything of note but the plants growing in the dune system held a couple of interest.

Day 7 Monday 11th April

Today was spent on the southern Algarve coast, firstly with a visit to the Alvor Estuary where we visited Quinta da Rocha. This is a large projection of arable land with two of the rivers that feed into the estuary on each side. We took a circular walk along the sea wall and past some disused saltpans and grazing land. The first birds that caught our attention on arrival were a large flock of mixed age Greater Flamingoes feeding within the enclosed salt marsh lagoons. Joining them were a small number of Black-winged Stilts and a variety of wading birds both

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

in the salt marsh and within the harbour sandbanks. Roosting in the harbour was a small flock of Sandwich Terns resting up on their migration northward. Creating a stir among the group and the harbour gulls was a hunting Western Osprey which dived and successfully caught a large fish to then be harried by a couple of gulls before it could find a quiet spot to eat its catch. Among the familiar selection of salt marsh plants of the family Chenopodiaceae were numerous examples of the parasitic Cistanche phelypaea with their large spikes of tubular yellow flowers. With the tide at a low ebb we were able to watch the hordes of Fiddler Crabs actively feeding on the mud and waving their one enlarged pincer. Returning to the vehicles and having cleared the clinging mud from our shoes, we drove a short distance to visit the A Rocha Christian Field Study Centre where we were kindly allowed to utilise their garden for our picnic lunch.

We next took a couple of stops on our homeward journey starting at the quiet coastal valley of Boca do Rio. Here we took a pleasant track leading down to the bay and sandy beach. Numerous interesting plants were spotted as we made our leisurely way along the route. Of particular interest were a number species of the insect mimicking orchids of the genera Ophrys, the Bumblebee, Yellow Bee, Bee and Mirror Orchids (Ophrys bombyliflora, lutea, apifera and speculum). Other notable plants included Teucrium pseudochamaepitys, Polygala monspeliaca and Thymbra capitata. As we reached the cliff edge at the sea large numbers of Moraea sisyrinchium and Muscari comosum coloured the ground blue making for a wonderful sight. A pair of Blue Rock Thrushes kept close to the cliff edge as we approached.

Our final stop was on a hillside near the village of Figueira. This was primarily a botanical stop with several gems to be seen. The highlight, visually, were the numerous rosettes of Scilla peruviana in all their glory, demonstrating why a few of the group had made attempts at growing them at home (with little success it would seem)! Of further interest and significance was the small number of flowering Ophrys speculum subsp. lusitanica (previously Ophrys vernixia) which is endemic to Portugal, mixed in with the normal form for comparison. A rather sad fading example of Gennaria diphylla was found, the only member of its Genus, for the Orchidophiles in the group.

Day 8 Tuesday 12th April

With our midday flights to catch, any natural history was simply seen from the minibuses as we made our way safely to the airport after a successful trip. Group members caught their flight back to the UK where another Naturetrek adventure came to an end.

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Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (* = Iberian Endemic; ** = Portuguese Endemic) Group/Series English Name (if any)

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken

PINOPSIDA (GYMNOSPERMS) CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Jumiper Family Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata Phoenicean Juniper

Ephedraceae Joint Pine Family Ephedra fragilis Joint Pine

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Pinus pinea Stone or Umbrella Pine

MAGNOLIOPSIDA (ANGIOSPERMS) FLOWERING PLANTS

Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)

Acanthaceae Bear's-breech Family Acanthus mollis Bear's-breech

Aizoaceae Dewplant Family Carpobrotus edulis Yellow Hottentot Fig Lampranthus roseus Rosy Dewplant Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum A Mesembryanthemum

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree Pistacio terebinthus Rhus coriaria A Sumach

Apiaceae Carrot Family Cachrys libanotis a Cachrys Cachrys sicula Sand Cachrys Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Daucus carota subsp. halophilus Wild Carrot Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Eryngium dilatatum Ferula communis Giant Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water-dropwort Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherds Needles Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Thapsia minor a Thapsia

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Thapsia transtagana Thapsia villosa a Thapsia Torilis nodosa Knotted Hedge Parsley

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Nerium oleander Oleander Vinca difformis a Periwinkle Vinca major Greater Periwinkle

Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family Aristolochia paucinervis a Birthwort

Asteraceae Daisy Family Anacyclus radiatus Andryala integrifolia Andryala Anthemis arvensis Corn Chamomile Anthemis maritimus - Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed Asteriscus maritimus Yellow Sea Aster Bellis annua Annual Daisy Calendula arvensis Field Marigold Calendula suffruticosa Carduus tenuiflorus Seaside or Slender Thistle Centaurea sphaerocephala subsp. polyacantha - Centaurea pullata - Chamaemelum mixtum a Chamomile Cheirolopus sempervirens - Cichorium intybus Chicory Coleostephus myconis Cotula coronopifolia Button Weed Crepis capillaris Smooth hawksbeard Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawksbeard Cynara algarbiensis Cynara cardunculus Cardoon Cynara humilis Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta - Evax lusitanica Evax Filago (Logfia) minima Small Cudweed Filago vulgaris Common Cudweed Galactites tomentosa Galactites Glebionis coronarium var. coronarium Crown Daisy Glebionis coronarium var.discolor Crown Daisy Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant Pallenis spinosa Spiny Pallenis Phagnalon rupestre Phragnalon Picris echioides Pseudognaphalium luteo-album Jersey Cudweed Pulicaria odora - Riechardia gaditana Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oysterplant Senecio jacobaea Ragwort Senecio gallicus

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Group/Series English Name (if any)

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Silybum marianum Milk Thistle Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle Tolpis barbata Tolpis Tolpis umbellata a Tolpis

Boraginaceae Borage Family Anchusa azurea Large Blue Alkanet Anchusa calcarea Anchusa undulata Undulate Anchusa Borago officinalis Borage Cerinthe major Honeywort Cynoglossum creticum Blue Hound's-tongue Echium gaditanum Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's Bugloss Glandora prostrata subsp. lusitanica Scrambling Gromwell Myosotis debilis Neatostema apulum Yellow Gromwell Omphalodes linifolia

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Biscutella vicentina A Buckler Mustard Brassica nigra Black Mustard Bunias erucago Cakile maritima Sea Rocket Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherds Purse Coronopus didymus Lesser Swinecress Diplotaxis siifolia subsp. vicentina - Lepidium heterophyllum Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison Malcolmia littorea Sand Stock Raphanus raphanistrum Sinapis arvensis Charlock Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard

Cactaceae Cactus Family Opuntia ficus-indica Barbary Fig

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula lusitanica Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower Jasione montana

Capparidaceae Caper Family Cleome violacea -

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Lonicera implexa A Honeysuckle Viburnum tinus Laurustinus

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria montana Mountain Sandwort

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Cerastium fontanum Mouse-eared Chickweed Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Dianthus lusitanus Illecebrum verticillatum Coral Necklace Paronychia argentea Silvery Paronychia Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Silene colorata a Catchfly Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Silene latifolia White Campion Silene scabriflora Spergula arvensis Corn Spurrey Spergularia media Greater Sea Spurrey Spergularia purpurea Purple Spurrey Stellaria media Chickweed

Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot Family Arthrocnemum macrostachyum Atriplex halimus Shrubby Orache Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache Beta vulgaris subsp.maritima Sea Beet Chenopodium album Fat Hen Halimione portulacoides Sea Purslane Salicornia ramosissima Glasswort Salsola vermiculata Suaeda vera Shrubby Seablite

Cistaceae Rockrose Family Cistus albidus Grey-leaved Cistus Cistus crispus a Cistus Cistus ladanifer Gum Cistus Cistus monspeliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus Cistus palhinhae a Cistus Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Halimium calycinum Halimium halimifolium Halimium umbellatum subsp. viscosum Tuberaria guttata Spotted Rockrose Tuberaria lignosa Spotless Rockrose

Commelinaceae Tradescantia fluminensis

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Ipomoea purpurea Common Morning-glory

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum sediforme a Stonecrop Umbilicus rupestris Wall pennywort

Cucurbitaceae Gourd Family Bryonia cretica subsp.dioica White Bryony

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Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Ecballium elaterium Squirting Cucumber

Dipsacaceae Teasel family Scabiosa atropurpurea

Ericaceae Heather Family Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Corema album - Erica arborea Erica australis Spanish Heath Erica lusitanica Portuguese Heath

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Euphorbia paniculata subsp. monchiquensis Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge Euphorbia segetalis Mercurialis ambigua Mercurialis elliptica Ricinus communis Castor-oil Plant

Fabaceae Pea Family Acacia longifolia Tripodion tetraphylla Bladder Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria subsp.maura Mediterranean Kidney-vetch Astragalus boeticus - Erophaca baetica Iberian Milk-vetch Astragalus tragacantha Tragacanth Bitumaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Ceratonia siliqua Carob or Locust Tree Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree Coronilla scorpiodes Annual Scorpon Vetch Cytisus scorparius Broom Dorycnium hirsutum a Dorycnium Genista hirsuta Hairy Spanish Gorse Genista triacanthos A Greenweed Anthyllis lotoides Lathyrus angulatus Lathyrus cicera - Lathyrus ochrus - Lathyrus tingitanus Lotus creticus Southern Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus conimbricensis a Bird's-foot Trefoil Lupinus angustifolius Narrow-Leaved Lupin Lupinus luteus Yellow Lupin Lupinus micranthus Hairy Lupin Medicago littoralis Medicago marina Sea Medick Medicago murex - Medicago polymorpha Onobrychis humillis - Ononis natrix subsp. ramosissima Large Yellow Rest Harrow

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Ornithopus compressus Compressed Bird's-foot Retama monosperma Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Scorpiurus muricatus Scorpiurus Scorpiurus vermiculatus A Scorpiurus Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Stauracanthus genistoides Stauracanthus Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaved Clover Trifolium arvense Hare's-foot Clover Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Trifolium tomentosum Woolly Trefoil Ulex argenteus Ulex genistoides subsp. spectabilis Vicia benghalensis Purple Vetch Vicia lutea Yellow Vetch Vicia sativa subsp.sativa Fodder Vetch Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis Common Vetch Vicia tetrasperma Smooth Tare

Fagaceae Beech Family Quercus coccifera Kermes Oak Quercus rotundifolia Spanish Oak Quercus suber Cork Oak

Frankeniaceae Sea Heath Family Frankenia laevis Sea Heath

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Centaurium erythraea ssp. grandiflorum Common Centaury Centaurium maritimum Seaside Centaury

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium botrys Erodium cicutarium Common Stork's-bill Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork's-bill Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane's-bill Geranium molle Dove's-foot Crane's-bill Geranium purpureum Little Robin

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Lavandula pedunculata Lavandula stoechas French Lavender Lavandula viridis Green Lavender Marrubium vulgare Mentha suaveolens Phlomis purpurea a Phlomis Prasium majus Prasium

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Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Prunella vulgaris Self Heal Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Stachys arvensis Field Woundwort Stachys germanica Downy Woundwort Teucrium vincentinum A Germander Teucrium pseudochamaepitys Thymus camphoratus - Thymbra capitata

Lemnaceae Duckweed Family Lemna minor Common Duckweed

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale Flax Linum strictum

Lythraceae Loosestrife Family Lythrum hyssopifolia

Malvaceae Mallow Family Althaea hirsuta Lavatera arborea Tree Mallow Lavatera cretica Malva durieui Malva sylvestris Common Mallow

Moraceae Mulberry Family Ficus carica Fig

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family Myrtus communis

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus angustifolia Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine Olea europaea Olive Phillyrea angustifolium - Phillyrea latifolia -

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Bartsia trixago Cistanche phelypaea Cistanche Orobanche foetida - Orobanche minor Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Parentucellia viscosa

Oxalidaceae Wood-Sorrel Family Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda Buttercup

Paeoniaceae Peony Family Paeonia broteroi Peony sp.

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Fumaria capreolata Papaver dubium subsp.dubium Long-headed Poppy Papaver hybridum Round-headed Prickly Poppy Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Papaver somniferum subsp. setigerum Opium Poppy

Phyllanthaceae Flueggea tinctoria

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Anarrhinum bellidifolium Antirrhinum majus subsp. cirrhigerum Linaria algarviana Linaria amethystea Linaria spartea Misopates orontium Weasel's Snout Plantago afra Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago lagopus Hare's-foot Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Plantago major Greater Plantain Plantago seraria A Plantain

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria macrophylla Armeria pungens Spiny Thrift Limoniastrum monopetalum Limoniastrum

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala monspeliaca

Polygonaceae Dock Family Emex spinosa Rumex bucephalophorus Horned Dock Rumex intermedius Rumex scutatus French Sorrel Rumex thyrsoides

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis (Red and Blue) Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis monelli Shrubby Pimpernel

Cytinaceae Cytinus hypocistis

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Ranunculus muricatus Ranunculus peltatus Pond Water Crowfoot Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda lutea Mignonette

14 © Naturetrek May 16

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Reseda luteola Weld Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette Sesamoides purpurascens

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alaternus Rhamnus lycioides

Rosaceae Rose Family Clydonia oblonga Quince Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Eriobotrya japonica Japanese Loquat Prunus dulcis Almond Pyrus bourgaeana Iberian Pear Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Crucianella maritima Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Sherardia arvense Field Madder

Rutaceae Rue Family Ruta angustifolia Ruta chalepensis Fringed Rue

Salicaceae Willow Family Populus nigra subsp. nigra Black Poplar

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Osyris alba Osyris quadripartita

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia frutescens Shrubby Figwort Scrophularia scorodonia Verbascum barnadesii

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Solanum sodomaeum (linnaeanum) Apple of Sodom

Tamaricaceae Tamarisk Family Tamarix africana

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family Daphne gnidium Mediterranean Mezereon

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pelitory of the Wall Urtica membranacea Membranous Nettle Urtica urens Annual Nettle

Valerianaceae Valerian Family Centranthus calcitrapae

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Group/Series English Name (if any)

Fedia cornucopiae

Vitaceae Grape-vine Family Vitis vinifera Grape-vine

Liliidae (Monocotyledons)

Agavaceae Century Plant Family Agave americana Century Plant

Alismataceae Water Plantain Family Alisma lanceolatum Narrow-leaved Water Plantain

Araceae Arum Family Arisarum vulgare subsp. simorrhinum Friar's Cowl Arum italicum subsp. neglectum Wild Arum Arum maculatum Lords and Ladies

Arecaceae Palm Family Chamaerops humilis Dwarf Fan Palm

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Bolboschoenus maritimus Sea Club-rush Carex divisa Divided Sedge Cyperus capitatus Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush Scirpoides holoschoenus Round-headed Club-rush

Iridaceae Iris Family Gladiolus italicus Italian Gladiolus Gladiolus illyricus Iris albicans A White Iris Iris xiphium Spanish Iris Moraea sisyrinchium Barbary Nut Watsonia meriana Bugle Lily

Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus acutus Sharp Rush Juncus effusus Soft Rush Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Juncus maritimus Sea Rush

Amaryllidaceae Acis trichophyllum Three-leaved Snowflake Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Allium roseum Rosy Garlic Narcissus bulbocodium Narcissus jonquilla

Asparagaceae Asparagus acutifolius Asparagus albus Asparagus aphyllus

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Group/Series English Name (if any)

Bellevalia hackellii - Dipcadi serotinum Dipcadi Hyacinthoides mauritanica Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth Ornithogalum broteroi Ornithogalum narbonense A Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum baeticum Pancratium maritimum Sea Daffodil Scilla monophyllos Single-leaved Squill Scilla peruviana - Drimia maritima Sea Squill

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Epipactis lusitanica - Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Ophrys bombyliflora Bumble Bee orchid Ophrys lutea Yellow Ophrys Ophrys speculum Mirror Orchid Ophrys speculum subsp. vernixia a Mirror Orchid Neotinea maculata Dense-flowered Orchid Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Serapias cordigera Heart-flowered Tongue Orchid Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid Serapias parviflora Small-flowered Tongue Orchid Serapias strictiflora

Poaceae Grass Family Ammophila arenaria Marram Arundo donax Giant Reed Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Briza minor Small Quaking Grass Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Hordeum marinum Sea Barley Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Lagurus ovatus Hare's-tail Grass Lamarckia aurea Golden Dog's-tail Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Phragmites australis Common Reed Poa pratensis Smooth Meadow-grass

Smilacaceae Smilax aspera Common Smilax

Xanthorrhoeaceae Aloe family Aloe perfoliata Asphodelus aestivus Asphodelus fistulosus Asphodelus ramosus

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only) April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa     2 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix 1 H 3 Gadwall Anas strepera 2 6 4 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 8 12 1 8 5 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 20 6 Eurasian Teal Anas crecca 6 7 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 10 8 Common Pochard Aythya ferina 5 12 9 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra 10 10 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 10 2 11 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 1 12 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus 30 60 13 Black Stork Ciconia nigra 1 14 White Stork Ciconia ciconia     4 2 1 15 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 10 16 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 3 3 17 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis     10 15 18 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 3 1 1 19 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 2 1 2 12 20 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus 12 60 21 European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis 4 6 22 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2 1 4 2 23 Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 24 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus 1 25 Red Kite Milvus milvus 3 4 26 Black Kite Milvus migrans 3 1 27 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 1 5 28 Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus 1 29 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 1 30 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 31 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 12 3 32 Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti 3 1 33 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 2 2 2 1 1 34 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 3 35 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni 8 20   36 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 1 2 3 4 3 37 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1 38 Great Bustard Otis tarda 10 60 2 39 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax 3 4 4 40 Western Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 2 41 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus  H 42 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra   1 43 Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus H 1 1 44 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 2 25 20 45 Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 40 46 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 3 47 Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 6 48 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 2 8

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 49 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 4 4 50 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 1 51 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 2 1 52 Common Redshank Tringa totanus 5 53 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 1 3 54 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 2 55 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 1 6 56 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 8 57 Sanderling Calidris alba 20 22 58 Dunlin Calidris alpina 1 59 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola 30 60 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus  61 Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus 3 62 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis      63 Audouin's Gull Ichthyaetus audouinii 1 64 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus     65 Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus 3 66 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis 6 10 67 Common Tern Sterna hirundo 20 68 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia         69 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus     70 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto         71 Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius 1 72 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 H H 73 Little Owl Athene noctua 2 74 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba 1 75 Common Swift Apus apus       76 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster 2 30 40 12 18 20 12 77 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 6 4 4 1 78 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 H 79 Iberian Green Woodpecker Picus sharpei 1 80 Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis 2 10 8 5 81 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 1 6 6 1 1 82 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 2 6 83 Iberian Magpie Cyanopica cooki     2   84 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica 6 2 4 85 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 22 3 86 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula 6 20  87 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 4   2 88 Northern Raven Corvus corax 2 10 2 2 89 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca 1 90 European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 2 91 Great Tit Parus major 2 H H 92 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus  1 1 93 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus H 94 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra 4 6 10 95 Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 2 3 96 Crested Lark Galerida cristata        97 Thekla Lark Galerida theklae 4 2 98 Woodlark Lullula arborea H H 99 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica        

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 100 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 20 101 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum         102 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica 8 12 20 10 8 103 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti H H H H H 104 Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus H 8 105 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 1 106 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis H 6 6  3 4 107 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 4 108 Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata H H 109 Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata 2 110 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 1 111 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala  4 6 3 4 112 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla 1 113 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H 114 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor         115 Common Blackbird Turdus merula    1    116 European Robin Erithacus rubecula H 117 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos 4 H H 118 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 8 2 119 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola 12  3  3  120 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 1 121 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica 3 2 122 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius H 2 2 1 123 House Sparrow Passer domesticus         124 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis   125 Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae 1 126 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 127 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2 2 128 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 5 129 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs  H 4 130 European Serin Serinus serinus 3 H H  131 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris H 4  132 European Goldfinch Linaria carduelis       133 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina     134 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra         135 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 4 4 136 Black-headed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus 1

Butterflies

False Mallow Skipper, Carcharodus tripolinus Small Skipper, Thymelicus sylvestris

Spanish Festoon, Zerynthia rumina Spanish Swallowtail, Iphiclides feisthamelii

Swallowtail, Papilion machaon Wood White, Leptidea sinapis

Large White, Pieris brassicae Small White, Pieris rapae

Green-striped White, Euchloe belemia Western Dappled White, Euchloe crameri

Clouded Yellow, Colias crocea Green Hairstreak, Callophrys rubi

Small Copper, Lycaena phlaeas Long-tailed Blue, Lampides boeticus

Spring in Southern Portugal Tour Report

Lorquin's Blue, Cupido lorquinii Black-eyed Blue, Glaucopsyche melanops

Adonis Blue, Lysandra bellargus Brown Argus, Aricia agestis cramera

Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui Marsh Fritillary, Euphydryas aurina

Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria aegeria Wall Brown, Lassiommata megera

Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus Spanish Gatekeeper, Pyronia bathsheba

Spanish Marbled White, Melanargia ines

Other Invertebrates

Blue-tailed Damselfly, Ischnura elegans Emperor Dragonfly, Anax imperator

Blue Hawker, Aeshna cyanea Black-tailed Skimmer, Orthetrum cancellatum

Red-veined Darter, Sympetrum fonscolombii Ruddy Darter, Sympetrum striolatum

Broad Scarlet, Crocothemis erythraea Egyptian Grasshopper, Anacridium aegyptium

Flash Colours Grasshopper, Bryodema tuberculata Field Cricket, Gryllus campestris

Beefly, Bombyllius major Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa violacea

Oil Beetle, Meloe proscarabaeus Whirligig Beetle, Gyrinus natator

Mammals

Egyptian Mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon Iberian Hare, Lepus granatensis

Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus

Reptiles & Amphibians

Bosca's Newt, Trituris boscai Iberian Water Frog, Rana perezi

European Pond Terrapin, Emys orbicularis Moorish Gecko, Tarentola mauritanica

Large Psammodromus, Psammodromus algirus Viperine Snake, Natrix maura

Others

Scorpion, Buthus occitanus