The

Naturetrek Tour Report 23 February – 2 March 2019

Mount by Andrew Bray Canary Bellflower by Jessica Turner

Euphorbia atropururea by Jessica Turner Barbary by Andrew Bray

Report and images by Jessica Turner and Andrew Bray

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 The Canary Islands

Tour participants: Andrew Bray and Jessica Turner (leaders) together with 16 Naturetrek clients

Summary

The Canary Islands may be well-known as a general tourist destination, but they contain a wealth of natural treasures, and we were fortunate to experience many of them. Their isolation has given rise to many endemic and subspecies, of which the great views of Blue Chaffinch in perfect light were a highlight for many. We marvelled over the flora, so different to that of mainland , and enjoyed the various species of lizards, plus the butterflies and other invertebrates we encountered. The day on was a delight, not least for the numbers of Cory’s Shearwaters, whales and dolphins, plus the White-faced Storm Petrels we encountered. Lovely weather with plenty of sunshine, comfortable accommodation, good food and great company all made for an excellent week.

Day 1 Saturday 23rd February Fly to Tenerife South – La Chafiras – Road to Vilaflor Fifteen tour group members met with Andrew and Jessica at Gatwick’s North Terminal for the 6.50am Easyjet flight to Tenerife South Airport. After a bit of a delay due to fog at Gatwick, we landed on the island at around 12.15pm, meeting up with our last group member, who had arrived on the island the previous day. We collected our vehicles and made our way to the nearby restaurant Casa Pedro, in Las Chafiras, where we enjoyed a good lunch.

Afterwards, we drove a short distance to a small concrete tank, with water, parking on the edge of an area of waste ground. Two Spoonbills were on the far bank, with a Little Egret behind. As well as a Muscovy Duck and a couple of domestic – Mallard hybrids (described by Andrew as ‘dodgy’!), there were singles of both Coot and Moorhen. A Grey Wagtail of the local subspecies (canariensis) was feeding on the far bank, and a small wader was seen to be a Common Sandpiper. A number of European Pond Terrapins showed at least their heads, and an Emperor dragonfly was hawking. Common Kestrel (canariensis) was also recorded. Meanwhile, across the road, we started to explore the Canary Island flora, with its many unfamiliar species. found included the Sea Heath capitata, with tiny pink , Canary Samphire ( sericea) with yellow flowers, the curious fusca, looking like dead grey stems, but with maroon buds, Canary Island Cactus Spurge ( canariensis), Balsam Spurge (Euphorbia balsamifera), and the naturalised prickly Prickly Pear (Opuntia dellinii).

As it had been a very early start for most of the group, we decided to start to make our way up to the small town of Vilaflor, which is situated on the T-21 route to Mount Teide. En route Common Buzzard (insularum), more Kestrels, and Small White butterflies were noted, together with Almond (Prunus dulcis) in blossom. We also stopped not far from Vilaflor to admire the tall canariensis, also seeing Berthelot’s Pipit, the white- flowered broom Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus), the pretty red-fruited dock vesicarius and several other species. A female Canary Blue butterfly flitted round briefly, showing the sandy brown on her upper wings. We soon arrived at the Hotel Spa Villalba, our base for the next four nights. Canary Red Admirals were nectaring on an in the garden and Blue Chaffinches were heard and seen by some, as well as the Tenerife subspecies of African Blue Tit (teneriffae), Atlantic Canary and the Island subspecies of Great Spotted Woodpecker (canariensis).

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

After time to settle in, and for some to enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities, we met to discuss the day and future plans, before sitting down to an excellent meal. We soon retired to bed after a long, but interesting day.

Day 2 Sunday 24th February Anaga Peninsula This morning we met to explore the grounds of the hotel. We had good views of Blue Chaffinch, especially a couple of females by some water, but also a male, plus Great Spotted Woodpecker and African Blue Tit.

After a delicious breakfast, and with picnic supplies on board, we headed off to the north-eastern end of the island, to the Anaga Peninsula. Leaving our hotel in beautiful sunshine, we retraced our route towards the coast and joined the motorway towards Santa Cruz, which we bypassed. Arriving on the peninsula, we first visited the recreation area of Llanos de los Viejos, in the Laurisilva woodland. Here we noted Laurel (Laurus novocanariensis), some infected with the Laurel Fungus Laurobasidium lauri. We also noted Heath ( arborea) and Broad-leaved (Ilex perado subsp. platyphyllos), plus what looked more like Canary Holly (Ilex canariensis). Two of the Tenerife subspecies of European Robin (superbus) showed well, and Canary Speckled and Painted Lady butterflies were enjoying the sun. We soon moved on to the Mirador at Cruz de Carmen, where we had the chance to use the facilities and have a quick coffee, as well as enjoying the extensive, though slightly hazy, views. We looked again at the laurel, some of which had Hare’s-foot Fern growing as an epiphyte, and noted the yellow canariensis. A number of Canary Islands Chiffchaffs were calling and feeding in the vegetation.

We then made our way down the steep roads towards the sea, noting the massive Chain Fern (Woodwardia radicans) cascading down the banks. We parked at Chinamada, where we admired a Dragon Tree ( draco) that was much older than the house or garden surrounding it. We set off along the track towards the headland, soon finding an amazing array of new plants. These included the white Bugloss Echium aculeatum, and the blue- and-pink Echium virescens, the pink ‘daisy’ Pericallis tussilaginis, the fern Macronesian Polypody (Polypodium macaronesicum), a small specimen of the yellow Genista canariensis, Rosy Garlic (Allium roseum), some of which was white, and spikes of Canary Twayblade (Habbenaria tridactylites), which were, sadly, all over. The Stonecrop family was well represented, with Canary Houseleek ( canariensis), Aichryson parlatorei, with very small and some of which had bright yellow flowers, Monanthes anagensis which was slightly trailing, some having pinkish flowers, and tight rosettes of Monanthes brachycaulon (also with a few pinkish flowers), Monanthes minima and the extremely rare Monanthes wildpretii, which only grows at Chinamada. There was also Clubmoss Crassula (Crassula muscoides), looking like a clubmoss, as well as the true Mediterranean Clubmoss (Selaginella denticulata). The banks were starred with the Canary Sand ( columnae subsp. grandiscapa) and we found a spike of Scilla haemorrhoidalis. Canary Islands Chiffchaffs and Sardinian Warblers (leucogastra) were flitting around, while at the headland, we had great views of a very obliging Barbary Falcon. Some also had good views of Spectacled Warbler.

We ate our excellent picnic near the minibuses, trying to find some shade, before we made our way back up towards the ridge, seeing the beautiful orange-red flowers of Canary Bellflower ( canariensis) by the road. After another brief stop at Cruz de Carmen, we drove to the much quieter viewpoint of La Zapata. Here, while looking for Laurel Pigeons, we also noted the tall-stemmed Sonchus acaulis (the -rosette of which is stemless), and the short-stemmed Anaga Sow-thistle (Sonchus congestus). There were also rosettes of the Giant Houseleek

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(Aeonium urbicum), also with woody stalks. We then returned to Llano de los Viejos, which was still very busy with a noisy party going on. However, we managed to have good view of Canary Islands (also known as Tenerife ), plus some brief views of Laurel Pigeons. Plants included Mule’s Fern (Asplenium hemionitis).

It was then time to set off on our lengthy journey back to the hotel, where we had a break, another delicious meal, and soon retired after a full and satisfying day.

Day 3 Monday 25th February La Gomera An early start today saw us on the road at 6.45am, en route in the early dawn, down to the port at Los Christianos, for the ferry to San Sebastian on the adjacent island of La Gomera. On our arrival at the harbour, Andrew went off to book our tickets, while Jessica organised breakfast. From the café we could see Yellow- legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a small flock of Ruddy Turnstone, and a Sandwich Tern.

Once on board the ferry, we made our way to the upper deck to sea watch during the one-hour crossing. The sea was mirror calm and, almost immediately, we saw our first fins: three Bottlenose Dolphins, quite far out. As we set off, we noted large numbers of crabs, probably a Tidal Spray species, on the concrete blocks of the harbour wall. Then we started seeing Cory’s Shearwaters (borealis), some distant and others closer at hand. More fins were a pod of Short-finned Pilot Whales. The conditions were ideal, and we had amazing views throughout the crossing of plenty of Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-finned Pilot Whales, some groups of which were ‘logging’ on the surface, and a school of Common Dolphins which at one point were alongside and almost under the boat, plus some individual or smaller pods elsewhere. We sailed through rafts of Cory’s Shearwaters too. As we approached La Gomera, some of the group saw a couple of whale-blows going straight up a relatively long way, and then saw a curved back with little evidence of a fin. It looked rather like a Minke Whale and was almost certainly a Bryde’s Whale (pronounced ‘broodus’), a species that is common later in the spring. As we were coming in to harbour, brown Sand Martins were flying round the cliffs and a couple of Little Egrets were on the shore.

On our arrival, we made our way out of the harbour, and parked on the edge of the town, where we explored the park. Many Small Whites were on the wing, and we soon found the tiny African Grass Blue, while at the opposite of the size scale, a majestic Monarch was flying round the flowering trees, landing to give some great views. Canary Islands Chiffchaff, Blackcap (heineken), African Blue Tit, Common Blackbird (cabrerae), and Spanish Sparrow were other species recorded, while the highlight for some was an over-flying Western Osprey. After a coffee break, while the leaders bought the picnic, we returned to the vehicles to drive up into the hills.

Our first stop was after a road tunnel on the GM-1, where we explored a section of the old road. A white Echium (E. aculeatum) was alive with , and Canary Island Lavender ( canariensis) dotted the cliff face. Other species included Canary Dock (Rumex lunaria), a White False Sage (Sideritis lotsyi), Gomeran False Sage (Sideritis gomerae), Micromeria varia, and Ageratina adenophora, with white flowers. included Small Copper, magnificent Gomeran Brimstones, Canary Red Admiral, a shield bug and a fine Barbary Spurge Hawk-moth caterpillar which was eating Euphorbia lamarckii. As we were retracing our steps, a pair of Barbary Partridge were seen on the slopes below.

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Continuing higher, we made our way into the laurel forests of the Garajonay National Park, where we stopped at the El Riejo viewpoint for our picnic. Bolle’s Pigeons were soon found, including one very obliging individual which perched for a long time, giving excellent scoped views. A little way back down the road was the beautiful blue Gomeran Bugloss (Echium acanthocarpum), while other species included Tree Pellitory (Gesnouria arborea), Capitana ( nobla), Wax Myrtle (Myrica faya) and the pink Gomeran Cineraria (Pericallis streetzii). A Western Marsh Harrier flew along the ridge.

Replete after our delicious picnic, we moved on to the Mirador El Bailadero. Here there was a lot of the Gomeran Bugloss, and we also noted the much smaller Purple Viper’s-bugloss (Echium plantagineum), Juniperus cedrus, the Gomeran endemic variety Flat Houseleek (Aeonium canariense var. subplanum), both Greenovia aurea and Greenovia diplocycla, Shepherd’s Needles (Scandix pecten-veneris) and Gomera Yellow Daisy (Argyranthemum callichrysum, which is white, despite its name). A large hawk overhead was probably a female ‘Canary Islands’ Sparrowhawk, looking large. A Common Chiffchaff was low down in the bushes, and Common Buzzards and some unidentifiable swifts were very distant. The endemic Boettger’s Lizards were seen well here. Nearby on the verge were the mauve-flowered bicolor and Genista stenopetala.

We continued along the loop through the island, dropping down out of the Laurisilva onto the GM-2, where we stopped at Mirador Les Roques de Agando. Enjoying the stunning rock formations, we also saw Atlantic Canaries and Northern Raven, Aeonium arboreum in flower, more Gomera Yellow Daisy and Gomeran All-seed (Dicheranthus plocamoides). Our final stop was a layby not far from San Sebastian, where we had good views of Berthelot’s Pipit and some saw a Spectacled Warbler.

It was now time to return to the harbour, where we enjoyed ice cream and coffee, before boarding the ferry for the return journey. Soon after we left the harbour, White-faced Storm Petrel was seen and, in the course of the journey, we saw about eight , some very well indeed. On the mammal front, it was slightly quieter than the outward journey, but we still had some good views of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins and Short-finned Pilot Whales. As we approached Tenerife, we saw a number of Sandwich Terns.

On our arrival back at Los Christianos, we soon made our way to Vilaflor, after another excellent day.

Day 4 Tuesday 26th February El Teide and the north-west of Tenerife Those out early this morning found it quite quiet, but saw Canary Islands Chiffchaff and African Blue Tit.

After a delicious breakfast, with picnic supplies again on board, we set off up El Teide. Our first stop was at the picnic site at Los Lajas. We watched a tiny pool in some rocks under the trees and were rewarded with some excellent views of Atlantic Canaries and Blue Chaffinches coming to drink, bathe and preen. Amongst the Canary Island , other plants included the Teide White Broom (Spartocytisus supranubius) and the much smaller Teide Sticky Broom ( viscosus), the scabious Pterocephalus leptoceras and the Canary Island Wallflower (Erysimum scoparium) but all of these were just showing leaves and the remains of seed pods.

Moving on, we climbed to the edge of the caldera, stopping at Boca Tauce to admire the amazing views of the cone and lava fields of Teide. We drove across the caldera, past bare bushes of Spartocytisus supranubius and the

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enormous dead flower spikes of Teide Bugloss (Echium wildpretii), many of which were two to three metres tall. We stopped at the visitor centre at El Portillo, on the far side of the crater. Here we were able to photograph the Bugloss and enjoy the other native plants, some of which had been labelled. There was also an interesting display inside of the geology and wildlife of the area. Meanwhile, a Great Grey Shrike (koenigi) perched on top of a Canary and then on a dead twig just in front of us, giving stunning views, and a Rabbit was seen.

We then started the long descent down to the coast, passing through the Canary Pine zone, the tree cover denser on this northern, wetter face, then into the Heath and Laurisilva zone. We passed several flowering Canary Strawberry Trees ( canariensis), Juniperus cedrus, Sonchus acaulis and the pink ‘daisy’ Pericallis tussilaginis. We joined the main east-west coast road, stopping after a while at the layby at La Grimona. Birdwise, it was rather quiet apart from Atlantic Canaries and Common Kestrel, but butterflies included a female Canary Islands Large White, clearly showing the larger, fused spots on the upper wing, Long-tailed Blue and Tenerife Brimstone. We also saw a Tenerife Speckled Lizard, while plants included the Silk Periploca laevigata showing both flowers and its strange seed pods.

We had our lunch at a shady picnic site at , where there were many female Red-veined Darter dragonflies, then had a coffee at a nearby restaurant. We then took the road north-west towards the Punto de Teno, passing under the steep cliffs. A Barbary Partridge ran across the road in front of the first bus, sheltering in a small gulley at the foot of the cliff with nowhere to go, so we were able to see it clearly. Nearby was some mauve Teno Knapweed (Cheirolophus burchardii), and Euphorbia aphylla, and we passed some plants of Canary Tree Mallow (Malva canariensis), with pale-pink flowers. Parking along the road near its end, we then explored the headland, admiring the waves breaking over the rocks near the lighthouse. The scenery looked as though it was Mexico, with extensive stands of Canary Island Cactus Spurge, Balsam Spurge and Euphorbia lamarckii. We found plenty of the fleshy-leaved ‘umbellifer’ Canary Samphire (Astydamia latifolia), some with its yellow flowers, together with a which shares the same English name, the bush Schizogyne sericaea, a Composite which has small, yellow flowers. We also found the strange, grey-green Ceropegia dichotoma, plus flowering Dwarf Sea Lavender (Limonium pectinatum). A photoshoot drew the attention of some, while we also found both Tenerife and Tenerife Speckled Lizards.

Returning along to Buenavista, we took the winding road towards Masca, which climbed steeply into the hills. We turned off this on to a forest track to Monte del Agua, where there was a magnificent display of the beautiful Canary Bellflower (), together with Stemless Sow-thistle (Sonchus acaulis) and Canary St. John’s- wort (Hypericum canariensis). Tenerife Brimstone, Canary Red Admiral and Speckled Wood butterflies were enjoying the warm sun. We continued on the road north, passing Echium virescens and the Giant Fennel Ferula linkii. The views were stunning as the road wound round, up and down, and we passed through the busy little village of Masca. We stopped at a layby a little further on at the top of a hill to walk back down to a small path. The air was scented by the white broom monosperma. Along the path we discovered some Canary Orchids (Orchis canariensis) and Atlantic Islands Buttercup (Ranunculus cortusifolius). We completed the drop down to Santiago del Teide and then took the road back up to the caldera, stopping again at Boca Tauce for more photos in different light. From there it was not far back down to Vilaflor, where we relaxed over dinner after experiencing some of the best of the island of Tenerife.

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Day 5 Wednesday 27th February Transfer to ; Barranco de Rio Cabras Today we had to say goodbye to Vilaflor and the Hotel Villalba. After a final excellent breakfast, and views of Blue Chaffinch for some, we thanked the staff, packed the vehicles and set off down towards the coast, joining the motorway north. As we had plenty of time, we returned to Llano de los Viejos, to look again for Laurel Pigeons. Several flew overhead, but views were frustratingly brief. However, African Blue Tit and the Western Canary Island subspecies of (canariensis) were much more confiding, and we could see the colour differences compared with our UK species. We abandoned the idea of coffee at Cruz de Carmen and decided it was time to head for the airport, where we had lunch in the café.

Our 2.20pm flight took us over the northern edge of , before touching down in the more desert- like island of Fuerteventura at 3.10pm. It did not take long to get our new minibuses and load up, and we first headed for the nearby Barranco de Rio Cabras. Any water attracts wildlife, and we spent about an hour enjoying squabbling Black-winged Stilts, Ruddy Shelduck and ducklings, Green Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plovers, Eurasian Hoopoe, Canary Island Stonechats (also called Fuerteventura Chats and endemic to the island), Trumpeter , Laughing Doves and White Wagtails in the barranco below us. Overhead, we saw two Egyptian Vultures (majorensis), and then a third, plus Common Buzzard (insularum), Northern Ravens (tingitanus) and Azorean Yellow-legged Gulls. Plants were sparse on the desert ground, but we noted Dewplant (Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum) with thin red succulent leaves and white flowers, while Canary Tamarisk ( canariensis) was growing in the barranco.

As we returned to the vehicles, we could see one of the Egyptian Vultures on a pylon, preparing to roost. We drove south, turning off again at La Torre to look at another body of water, this time a tank. A fine Great Grey Shrike perched just in front of us, while a pair of Barbary Partridge flew up the hill. The tank held many Moorhen, a Black-winged Stilt and a Common Sandpiper, while many Collared Doves flew in to join the Spanish Sparrows in the Date Palms. It was getting late, so we continued our journey south to the Hotel Melia Gorriones, our base for the next three nights. After time to settle in to our rooms, we met for dinner in the large restaurant, where we discussed plans for the following morning.

Day 6 Thursday 28th February Costa Calma; Jandia At 6.45am, we met up outside the hotel for the 10-minute drive to the desert plain behind Costa Calma, to look for desert specialities. As dawn broke, we soon heard the calls of Lesser Short-toed Larks (polatzeki), with occasional sightings of these and Berthelot’s Pipit. We then saw a Black-bellied Sandgrouse in distant flight, and later a couple of other, similar distant views. Apart from Yellow-legged Gulls and Ravens, the birds were proving rather elusive, although eventually, we saw two large birds flying distantly: Houbara Bustards (fuerteventurae). Some of the group were able to see the black and white on their wings, but they soon disappeared behind a hill. We started to look at some of the plants, noting their adaptations to the dry conditions. We saw the strange Convolvulus caput-medusae and the Sea Heath Frankenia capitata in flower, a solitary yellow flower of Nanorrhinum heterophyllum amongst the bushes of divaricata (slightly larger, succulent leaves), (very small, glaucous leaves) and Lycium intricatum (vicious spines, often no leaves). Moving on, we then encountered a

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magnificent group of Cream-coloured Coursers, a real delight, and enjoyed watching them, before completing the drive and returning to the hotel along the main roads.

After a good breakfast, we met up at 10am to go to the Jandia National Park in the south of the island. However, our first stop was on the access road for the hotel, where we looked at the strange broomrape Cistanche (Cistanche phelipea) which is sulphur-yellow and parasitizes the Salsola bushes amongst other species. Here we also found the Yellow Restharrow (Ononis hesperia, which also occurs in the Western Sahara), the ’s-foot Trefoil lancerottensis and Cyperus capitatus, a drought-tolerant member of the Sedge family.

Parking on the peninsula, we found the very rare, and very localised, Euphorbia handiensis, a cactus-like species found only in two areas on the Jandia peninsula, and nowhere else on the planet. This is one of the rarest species in the Canary Island flora. In addition, we also recorded tiny specimens of Asphodelus tenuiflorus, with delicate white flowers with pink veins, and the endemic Echium bonnetii. Atlantic Lizards were scurrying about, while birds were sparse but included Common Kestrel (dacotiae) and Berthelot’s Pipit.

Moving back into Morro Jable, we stopped for a short time near the old zoo, where we had good views of Monk Parakeets, several Hadada Ibis, a Rose-ringed Parakeet, Little Egret and Monarch butterflies. We then drove north, having lunch at at very good Pizzeria on the edge of Costa Calma. Replete, we continued a short distance north to the Oasis Park at La Lahita. Walking up the hill, we had good views of Barbary Falcon, Barbary Ground Squirrel and Laughing Dove.

We decided to return through the desert, and soon encountered another group of Cream-coloured Coursers, which showed well. Despite repeated scanning, we were struggling to see Bustards, when two pairs were located at the same time in opposite directions! Sadly, not everyone could get on to these large birds, which were walking quite rapidly away and soon disappeared in the landscape, frustratingly not to be relocated. We tried turning round and taking another track to give a bit more height, but it became uncomfortably sandy. However, we did get superb views of six Black-bellied Sandgrouse in flight, in perfect late-afternoon light. As we left the desert, an Egyptian Vulture was seen to land but disappeared, and the second vehicle enjoyed good views of four Eurasian Hoopoes and a Linnet (harteri) on a fence-wire.

We then returned to the hotel in time for some ‘down-time’ before meeting to update the checklist and then dinner.

Day 7 Friday 2nd March Costa Calma; Pajaras; Castillo de Lara; Vega de Rio Palmas A second day of meeting at 6.45am, saw some of the group on our way, once again, to the Costa Calma desert, for an early excursion to try and find the elusive Houbara Bustard. Again, the Lesser Short-toed Larks were singing, and we had good views of Berthelot’s Pipits. It was otherwise very quiet, but eventually some saw two Bustards in flight, following the flight path seen the previous morning, but they soon disappeared from sight. Later, we had more good views of Cream-coloured Coursers close to the vehicles. Some of the others explored the hotel grounds and shore, having good views of four Red-vented Bulbuls and a flock of Sanderling.

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After breakfast, we left at 10am, heading north-west to La Pared. We left the main road to visit a local goat farm. As we arrived, a pair of Trumpeter flew off, only seen by those in the front vehicle. Spanish Sparrows were abundant, and we also saw Ruddy Shelduck, Berthelot’s Pipit, White Wagtail and Common Starling (a fairly rare bird in Fuerteventura). Eventually some of the group saw the Trumpeter Finches again, coming to drink at a leaky water pipe, and a pair of Little Ringed Plover also appeared. Meanwhile, we also found Desert Gourd (Citrullus colocynthis) and the hole and trapdoor of the island-endemic spider Titanidiops canariensis, although we did not find an occupant.

We moved on to the town of Pajara, where there was time to explore and have coffee while Andrew and Jessica shopped for the picnic. Here, we had good views of the Fuerteventura race of African Blue Tit (degener), with its very dark (almost black) cap. Moving on again, we took the winding road through the dramatic hills, passing the endemic yellow daisy sericeus. We stopped at the Mirador de Las Peñitas, where the Barbary Ground Squirrels around our feet were the main attraction. This species was introduced in 1965 and is now locally abundant. Smart Spanish Sparrows and Ravens were also seen well, while on the other side of the road was the yellow-flowered Canary Rock-rose ( canariense) and near the minibuses the purple-flowered Fagonia (Fagonia cretica).

We now continued our journey to a hilltop recreation/picnic area at Castillo de Lara, where we had our picnic. Great Grey Shrike and Sardinian Warbler (leucogastra) gave great views, and other birds included Ravens and Common Buzzard. Butterflies included Clouded Yellow, Long-tailed Blue, Plain Tiger, Red Admiral and Greenish Black-tip, and we saw the rare and curious Caralluma burchardii, with its enormous horn-like seed pods. Other plants included bushes of Asparagus pastorianus (one with a Sardinian Warbler taking the red berries) and reddish, small-leaved bushes of the Sea-blite Suaeda mollis.

The last main location for the afternoon was at Vega de Rio Palmas, which has some natural running water attracting birds and insects. The first area was alive with butterflies, with magnificent Plain Tigers, Clouded Yellows, Lang’s Short-tailed Blue and a very tatty Common Blue enjoying the white-flowered sea lavender Limonium lobatum (a species found mainly in and ) and the Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus lancerottensis. A young Kestrel called from a telegraph pole. The area was very dry (drier than in November) and, with little water in the barranco, birds and insects were scarce, but there were good numbers of Broad Scarlet (also known as Scarlet Darter) dragonflies, a couple of Goldfinches, and we heard and then saw a Laughing Dove. As we walked through the Giant Reeds (Arundo donax), we also noted Woody Fleabane (Dittrichia viscosa) and Sharp Rush (Juncus acutus).

We retraced our route, re-visiting the goat farm in the hope of better views of Trumpeter Finch, but they proved elusive, although there was a lovely Berthelot’s Pipit drinking at the pipe-joint, and about 20 Ruddy Shelduck were seen.

From here we returned to our hotel in time to explore, start packing and freshen up before our final dinner together.

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Day 8 Saturday 3rd March Salinas del Carmen Today was the final day of the tour and, after an early breakfast at 7.30am, we set off at 8.30 in the direction of the airport. A Grey Grey Shrike was near the hotel entrance, and the Bulbuls were singing. Four of the group were travelling on to by a late-afternoon ferry, so they waved us off from the hotel. Some of the group glimpsed a couple of Egyptian Vultures en route, before we made a short stop at the coast and salt pans of Salinas del Carmen. Bird-wise it was very quiet but, amongst the Yellow-legged Gulls we noted a rather different bird which, after some discussion, we identified as an Audouin’s Gull not yet quite in adult . The bird was ringed, but too distant for us to read the information. A Whimbrel was seen in flight, and a pair of young Trumpeter Finch flew past but could not be relocated. Two Barbary Ground Squirrels were close by.

We then made our way to the airport in good time to say our goodbyes to two who were staying on, and one on a different flight, while the rest of us checked in for our flight to Gatwick. The flight left on time, and we had a smooth journey.

We all agreed that we had had an excellent week in good company, and had enjoyed some fascinating wildlife, especially the magnificent male Blue Chaffinches. Andrew and Jessica would like to thank the group for their interest, good humour and spotting skills, and we hope to see you again on future occasions.

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Species List Plants

Please Note: Nomenclature contained within this list follows the taxonomic amendments, based on DNA analysis, made by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanic Garden, and following , an internationally accepted list of families, published and maintained by these two institutions.

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Lycophytes Clubmosses & Quillworts Sellaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family Selaginella denticulata Mediterranean Clubmoss 2 Chinamada

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium hemionitis Mule's fern 2 Llanos de los Viejos Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort 2 Llanos de los Viejos

Blechnaceae Hard Fern Family Woodwardia radicans Chain Fern 2 Roadsides Anaga

Davalliaceae Hare's-foot Fern Family Davallia canariensis Hare's-foot Fern 2 Cruz de Carmen

Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 2 Roadsides

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium macaronesicum Macaronesian Polypody 2 Chinamada

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Cypress Family Juniperus cedrus 2 Cruz de Carmen Juniperus turbinata 2 Chinamada

Pinaceae Pine Family ** Canary Islands Pine 1 Widespread on Tenerife

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

Pre-Dicots Primitive Angiosperms Lauraceae Laurel Family Laurus novocanariensis* (L. azorica) Azores Laurel 2 Llanos de los Viejos & elsewhere Persea indica* 2 Cruz de Carmen

Eu-Dicots True Dicotyledons Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Canary Island Guelder Viburnum rigidum** 2 Rose

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen Aizoaceae Dewplant Family Aizoon canariensis - 6 Jandia (flowers over) Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Ice Plant 6 Jandia (larger flowers) Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Dewplant 5 Barranco de Rio Cabras (smaller)

Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae) Goosefoot Family Achyranthes aspera Devil's Coach-whip 3 Layby on GM-1 Atriplex glauca subsp. ifniensis - 6 Desert Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima Sea Beet 6 Oasis park & elsewhere Patellifolia patellaris - 6 Oasis park (looks like Sea Beet) Salsola divaricata** - 6 Desert Salsola vermiculata - 6 Desert Suaeda mollis - 7 Castillo de Lara

Anarcardaceae Sumach Family [Schinus molle] Pepper-tree 1 Las Chafiras

Apiaceae Carrot Family Astydamia latifolia Canary Samphire 2,4 Coastal roads &Teno Bupleurum salicifolium 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Ferula linkii** a Giant Fennel 4 Road to Masca Foeniculum vulgare Fennel 1 Road to Vilaflor Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's Needles 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Tinguarra cerviaefolia** - 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Calotropis procera Apple of Sodom 6 Jandia (large lvd 'saplings') Caralluma burchardii subsp. burchardii** - 7 Castillo de Lara Ceropegia dichotoma** Tenerife Wax Plant 4 Punta de Teno Ceropegia fusca** - 1 Las Chafiras Periploca laevigata* - 1,4 Las Chafiras, La Grimona (in flr) Vinca major Greater Periwinkle 4 Monte del Agua

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex canariensis* Canary Island Holly 2 Llano de los Viejos Ilex perado subsp. platyphylla* Broad-leaved Holly 2 Llano de los Viejos

Araliaceae Ivy Family Hedera canariensis*** Canarian Ivy 2 Llano de los Viejos

Boraginaceae Borage Family Echium acanthocarpum*** Gomeran Bugloss 3 La Gomera Echium aculeatum** - 2,3 Chinamada & layby GM-1 Echium bonnetii** - 6 Jandia Echium decaisnei** Gran Canaria Bugloss 7 Roadsides, Fuerteventura Echium giganteum*** Giant White Bugloss 4 Roadsides nr La Grimona Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's-bugloss 3 El Bailadero Echium simplex*** Silver Viper's-bugloss 4 (Planted in ) Echium virescens** Tenerife Viper's-bugloss 2,4 Chinamada & road to Masca Echium wildpretii ssp. wildpretii*** Teide Bugloss 4 Teide caldera Heliotropium crispum (H. bacciferum, H. erosum) - 6 Costa Calma, Jandia

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen Cabbage Family Descurania bourgeauana** - 4 Teide caldera Descurainia millefolia** Canary Flixweed 2 Chinamada Erysimum bicolor* - 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Erysimum scoparium** Canary Island Wallflower 4 Teide caldera Hirschfeldia incana Hoary Mustard 1 Road to Vilaflor (small, yellow) Lobularia canariensis* Canary Islands Alison 2 Chinamada

Cactaceae Cactus Family [Opuntia dellinii] - 1 Las Chafiras & elsewhere [Opuntia -indica] Barbary Fig 1 Widely naturalised

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Canarina canariensis** Canary Bellflower 2,4 Chinamada & Monte del Agua

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus ruber Red Valerian 2 Near Santa Cruz Pterocephalus lasiospermus*** - 4 Teide caldera

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear 2 Chinamada Dicheranthus plocamoides** Gomerian All-seed 3 Roque de Agando Paronychia canariensis** - 2 Chinamada divaricata** 2 Chinamada Polycarpaea nivea - 6 Costa Calma Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly 2 Chinamada Stellaria media Chickweed 2 Chinamada

Cistaceae Cistus Family Cistus monspeliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus 1 Rd to Vilaflor (leaves only) Cistus symphytifolius Canary Cistus 4 Below Teide, north side Helianthemum canariense Canary Rock-rose 7 Mirador de las Penitas

Compositae () Daisy Family Ageratina adenophora - 3 Layby GM-1 Argyranthemum callichrysum*** Gomera Yellow Daisy 3 El Bailadero & Roque de Agando Argyranthemum coronopifolium*** Buenavista Daisy 2 Chinamada Argyranthemum frutescens agg.** Paris Daisy 1 Las Chafiras thuscula (A. canariensis ***) A Wormwood 2 Chinamada Asteriscus (Nauplius) aquaticus - 1 Las Chafiras Asteriscus (Nauplius) sericeus*** Fuerteventura Sea-daisy 7 Near Mirador de las Penitas Bidens pilosa Bur Marigold 2 La Zapata Calendula arvensis Field Marigold 1 Road to Vilaflor salicifolia* Canary Carline Thistle 2 Chinamada Carlina xeranthemoides** - 1 Road to Vilaflor Cheirolophus burchardii*** Teno Knapweed 4 Punta de Teno cliffs Cheirolophus teydis** Teide Knapweed 3 Teide caldera (not in flower) Cynara cardunculus Cardoon 3 Roadsides La Gomera Dittrichia viscosa Woody Fleabane 1,7 Vega de Rio Palmas Galactites tomentosa Galactites 3 Layby GM-1 Glebionis coronaria var. discolor Crown Daisy 7 Vega de Rio Palmas Canary Islands Candle neriifolia** 1 Las Chafiras & elsewhere Plant

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen Launaea arborescens Barbed-Wire Bush 1 Widespread in dry areas Pallenis spinosus Pallenis 1 Las Chafiras Pericallis steetzii*** Gomeran Cinararia 3 Roadsides La Gomera Pericallis tussilaginis** - 2,4 namada & N coast roadsides Phagnalon purpurascens - 3 Layby GM-1 Phagnalon rupestre Phagnalon 1 Road to Vilaflor Reichardia tingitana - 3 San Sebastian * Canary Samphire 1 Las Chafiras Silybum marianum Milk Thistle 2 Chinamada Sonchus acaulis** Stemless Sow-thistle 2,4 Roadsides Anaga & Masca Sonchus canariensis** Canary Sow-thistle 1 Road to Vilaflor Sonchus congestus** Anaga Sow-thistle 2 Roadsides Anaga Sonchus gomerensis*** - 3 La Gomera Sonchus hierrensis** - 3 La Gomera Sonchus leptocephalus (Atalanthus pinnatus)** Fennel-leaved Sow-thistle 2,3 Chinamada & above S. Sebastian Tragopogon hybridum Slender Salsify 1 Road to Vilaflor

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed 1 Scattrered on all islands Convolvulus caput-medusae** 6 Costa Calma Cuscuta planiflora Small-seeded Dodder 3,6,7 Layby on GM-1 & Fuerteventura

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Aeonium arboreum var. holochrysum** - 2,3 Roque de Agando in flower Aeonium arboreum var. rubrolineatum*** 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Aeonium canariense** Canary Houseleek 4 North of Tenerife Aeonium canariense var. subplanum*** Flat Houseleek 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Aeonium castello-paivae*** - 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Aeonium decorum** - 3 Layby on GM-1 (red ciliate border) Aeonium haworthii*** Haworth's Houseleek 2 Chinamada (red border to leaves) Aeonium urbicum*** Giant Houseleek 2 La Zapata & elsewhere Aichryson laxum** Annual Houseleek 2 Llano de los Viejos (not in flower) Aichryson parlatorei** - 2 Chinamada (yellow flower) Crassula muscosa (C. lycopodioides) Clubmoss Crassula 2 Chinamada Greenovia aurea** Golden Houseleek 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Greenovia diplocycla ** - 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Monanthes anagensis*** - 2 Chinamada (not in flower) Monanthes brachycaulos** - 2 Chinamada (pinkish flower) Monanthes minima*** 2 Chinamada (pinkish flower) Monanthes wildpretii* 2 Chinamada (not in flower)

Cucurbitaceae White Bryony Family [Citrullus colocynthis] Desert Gourd 7 Le Pared Goat Farm

Ericaceae Heather Family Arbutus canariensis** Canary Strawberry Tree 4 Below Teide in Laurel Forest Erica arborea Tree Heather 2 Anaga & elsewhere Erica scoparia Besom Heath 2 Anaga & elsewhere

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia aphylla** Leafless Spurge 4 Teno cliffs Euphorbia atropurpurea*** - 4 Road to Masca Euphorbia balsamifera Balsam Spurge 1,7 Las Chafiras & Fuerteventura

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen Euphorbia canariensis** Canary Island Cactus-spurge 1,4 Las Chafiras & Teno Euphorbia handiensis*** Jandia Spurge 6 Jandia peninsula Euphorbia (broussonetii) lamarckii** - 1 Las Chafiras & Teno Euphorbia regis-jubae** Common Canary Spurge 7 Scattered near Pajara [Ricinus communis] Castor Oil Plant 4,7 Roadsides

Fagaceae Beech Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut 4 North coast

Frankeniaceae Sea Heath Family Frankenia capitata a Sea Heath 1,6 Las Chafiras & Fuerteventura

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork's-bill 4 Buenavista

Hypericaceae St.John's-wort Family Hypericum canariensis* Canary St.John's-wort 3,4 El Bailadero & Monte del Agua Hypericum grandifolium* 2 Anaga

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Lavandula buchii*** - 2 Chinamada Lavandula canariensis** Canary Island Lavender 3 Layby on GM-1 Micromeria varia agg.* Common Canary Savory 2 Chinamada Sideritis gomerae*** Gomera False Sage 3 Layby on GM-1 Sideritis lotsyi** A White False Sage 3 Layby on GM-1 Stachys ocymastrum - 3 Layby on GM-1 (cream flowers)

Leguminosae () Pea Family Adenocarpus foliolosus** Sticky Broom 2,3 Roadsides Tenerife Adenocarpus viscosus** Teide Sticky Broom 4 Los Lajas & Teide caldera Bitumaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil 1 Road to Vilaflor Chamaecytisus proliferus** Tagasaste 1 Road to Vilaflor etc (white) Genista (Teline) canariensis** Canary Broom 2 Chinamada Genista (Teline) stenopetala* - 3 El Bailadero, La Gomera Lathyrus tingitanus Tangier Pea 2,5 Roads nr Santa Cruz Lotus campylocladus** - 4 Roadsides, Canary Pine zone, T Lotus lancerottensis* - 6 Road to Gorriones Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick 3 San Sebastian park Ononis hesperia a Large Yellow Restharrow 6 Road to Gorriones Retama monosperma (rhodorhizoides**) A Bridal Veil Broom 4 Roads near Masca Spartium junceum Spanish Broom 2,5 Roads nr Santa Cruz Spartocytisus supranubius** Teide White Broom 4 Teide caldera (not in flr) Vicia lutea Yellow Vetch (cream flrs) 3 Layby on GM-1

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva canariensis** Canary Tree Mallow 4 Nr Teno cliffs

Moraceae Fig Family [Ficus carica] Common Fig 1 Scattered

Myricaceae Sweet Gale Family Myrica faya* Wax Myrtle 2 Chinamada & elsewhere

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen Nyctaginaceae Bougainvillea Family [Bougainvillea glabra] Bougainvillea 1 Widely planted

Oleaceae Olive Family Jasminum odoratissimum* a Jasmine 3 El Bailadero

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Cistanche phelipaea Cistanche 6 Road to Gorriones

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis pes-caprae Buttercup 2 Anaga & elsewhere

Papaveraceae (incl Fumariaceae) Poppy Family Eschscholzia californicum Californian Poppy 1 Vilaflor Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy 4 Road near Masca Papaver somniferum Opium Poppy 2 Roads nr Santa Cruz

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Nanorrhinum () heterophyllum - 6 Costa Calma desert Plantago arborescens* Canarian Shrubby Plantain 2 Chinamada viewpoint

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Limonium lobatum - 7 Vega de Rio Palmas Limonium macrophyllum*** - 2 Chinamada (in flower) Limonium pectinatum* Dwarf Sea Lavender 1,4 Las Chafiras & Teno (dead flrs)

Polygonaceae Dock Family Rumex bucephalophorus Horned Dock 2 Chinamada Rumex lunaria** Canary Dock 2 Widespread (bushes) Rumex vesicarius - 1 Road to Vilaflor & elsewhere (red)

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea Blue Scarlet Pimpernel 2 Chinamada

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Ranunculus cortusifolius** Atlantic Islands Buttercup 4,5 Nr Masca & Anaga roads (in flr)

Rosaceae Rose Family [Prunus dulcis] Almond 1 Scattered widely Rubus ulmifolius - 2 Chinamada

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Phyllis nobla* Capitana 2,3,4 Common low plant in Laurisilva pendula** Balo 1 Las Chafiras & elsewhere Sherardia arvensis Field Madder 2 Chinamada

Salicaceae Willow Family Salix canariensis* Canary Willow 3 La Gomera

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia glabrata** - 4 Teide caldera

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen Solanaceae Nightshade Family Lycium intricatum - 6 Costa Calma desert - v spiny Nicotiana glauca Tobacco 1,6 Common in dry places

Tamaricaceae Tamarisk Family Tamarix canariensis Canary Tamarisk 5,7 Barranco de Rio Cabras

Urticaeae Nettle Family Forsskaolea angustifolia** Narrow-leaved Forskaolea 1 Road to Vilaflor Gesnouinia arborea** Tree Pellitory 3 La Gomera Urtica membranacea Membranous Nettle 2 Chinamada

Zygophyllaceae Caltrop Family Fagonia cretica Fagonia 7 Mirador de las Penitas Tetraena (Zygophyllum) fontanesii Canarian Bean-Caper 6,7 Desert ('bobbly' lvs, some golden)

Monocots Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium roseum Rosy Garlic 2 Chinamada

Arecaceae Palm Family ** Canary Palm Roadsides [Phoenix dactylifera] Date Palm Roadsides [Roystonea regia] Royal Palm 6 Morro Jable (white trunks)

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family [Agave americana] Century Plant 1 Las Chafiras Asparagus pastorianus - 7 Castillo de Lara Dragon Tree 2 Chinamada Drimia (Urginea) hesperia*** Urginea 4 Punta de Teno (leaves) Scilla haemorrhoidalis** - 2 Chinamada

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Cyperus capitatus a Galingale 6 Road to Gorriones

Iridaceae Iris Family Romulea columnae subsp. grandiscapa*** Canary Sand Crocus 2 Chinamada

Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus acutus Sharp Rush 7 Vega de Rio Palmas

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Habenaria tridactylites** Canary Twayblade 2 Chinamada (over) Orchis patens subsp. canariensis** Canary Orchid 4 Near Masca

Poaceae Grass Family Arundo donax Great Reed 4,7 Damp places Pennisetum setaceum Fountain Grass 1 Las Chafiras Stipa capensis - 6 Jandia peninsula

Smilaxaceae Smilax Family Smilax canariensis** - 2 Crux de Carmen

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Day Comments Seen Xanthorrhoeaceae Aloe Family Asphodelus aestivus Common Asphodel 2 Chinamada Asphodelus tenuifolius an Asphodel (v delicate) 6 Jandia peninsula

FUNGI: Laurobasidium lauri Laurel Fungus 2 Llanos de los Viejos

LICHENS: Lobaria pulmonaria Lungwort Lichen 3 El Bailadero Usnea spp. Hair Lichens 3,4,5 Laurisilva, pines cf. Lethariella canariensis A golden 'hair lichen' 3,4,5 Laurisilva, pines

Birds (✓=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; * = Near Endemic Species (also on & Azores) ** = Endemic Species February / March Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 1 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 11 4 2 2 Barbary Partridge barbara 2 2 2 1 3 White-faced Storm Petrel Pelagodroma marina 7+ 4 Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea borealis ✓ 5 Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash 4 6 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 2 7 Western Cattle Egret Bulbulcus ibis 1 8 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2 3 9 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 1 2 2 2 10 Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 11 "Canary Islands" Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus majorensis 4 1 2 12 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus granti 1 13 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 14 "Canary Islands" Common Buzzard Buteo buteo insularum 1 3 6 1 1 15 "Canary Islands" Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae 6 2 16 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 ✓ 17 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 1 18 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus ✓ 19 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 2 2 20 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 1 21 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 3 22 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 1 1 23 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 6 24 Sanderling Calidris alba ✓ 25 Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor ✓ 4 26 Audouin's Gull Ichthyaetus audouinii 1 27 Azorean Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis atlantis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 28 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus graellsii ✓ ✓ 29 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis 5 30 Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis 11 31 Rock Dove (Feral) Columba livia feral ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 32 Bolle's Pigeon** Columba bollii 6 33 ** Columba junoniae 2 4+ 34 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 35 Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis 2 ✓ 1

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

February / March Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 36 Plain Swift * Apus unicolor ? 37 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus ✓ 38 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 3 5 39 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Tenerife) Dendrocopos major canariensis 2 1+H 1 2 40 Common Kestrel (W Canary Islands) Falco tinnunculus canariensis ✓ ✓ 3 3 1 41 Common Kestrel (E Canary Islands) Falco tinnunculus dacotiae 2 2 42 Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides 1 1 1 43 Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus ✓ 44 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri 1 45 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor koenigi 1 2 4 46 Northern Raven Corvus corax tingitanus 2 2 4 14 ✓ 47 African Blue Tit (Fuertaventura) Cyanistes teneriffae degener ✓ 48 African Blue Tit (Tenerife) Cyanistes teneriffae teneriffae 2 4 2 ✓ 5 49 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis 2? 50 Lesser Short-toed Lark Alaudala rufescens polatzeki (E Canaries) 2 51 Sand Martin Riparia riparia ✓ 52 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer 2 53 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus colybita 1 54 Canary Islands Chiffchaff** Phylloscopus canariensis 3 ✓ H 2 1 55 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H 56 Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis 1 2 2 57 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala 3+H 2 1 58 Goldcrest (Tenerife & La G) Regulus regulus teneriffae 1 59 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 1 2 60 Common Blackbird (W Canaries) Turdus merula cabrerae ✓ 2 ✓ ✓ 61 European Robin (Tenerife) Erithacus rubecula superbus 2 1 H 62 ** Saxicola dacotiae ✓ 3 63 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 64 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 2 1 1 1 65 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2 66 Berthelot's Pipit* Anthus berthelotii berthelotii 1 1 2 3 ✓ ✓ ✓ 67 Common Chaffinch (Tenerife & La G) coelebs canariensis 4 ✓ 68 ** Fringilla teydea 3 5 5 7 69 Common Linnet (E. Canaries) Linaria cannabina harterti 1 70 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2 2 71 Atlantic Canary* canaria 4 3 2 ✓ ✓ 72 Canary Islands Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus amantum 2 6 2

Mammals (D = Dead; S = signs of)

1 Algerian Hedgehog Atelerix algirus D 2 Common Dolphin Delphinus delphis ✓ 3 Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus ✓ 4 Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus ✓ 5 Bryde's Whale Balaenoptera brydei ✓ 6 Barbary Ground Squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus S ✓ ✓ ✓

Amphibians & Reptiles (LO = Leader Only)

1 Boettger's Lizard Gallotia caesaris ✓ 2 Tenerife Lizard Gallotia galloti ✓ ✓

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The Canary Islands Tour Report

February / March Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 Atlantic Lizard Gallotia atlantica ✓ ✓ 4 Tenerife Speckled Lizard Gallotia intermedia ✓ 5 East Canary Gecko Tarentola angustimentalis LO 6 West Canary Skink Chalcides viridanus ✓ 7 European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis ✓

Butterflies:

1 Canary Islands Large White Pieris cheiranthi ✓ 2 Small White Pieris rapae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 Bath White Pontia daplidice ✓ 4 Greenish Black-tip Euchloe charlonia ✓ 5 Clouded Yellow Colius crocea ✓ ✓ 6 Canary Brimstone (N Tenerife) Gonepteryx cleobule ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Canary Brimstone (La Gomera) Gonepteryx eversi ✓ 8 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas ✓ 9 Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus ✓ 10 Lang's Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous ✓ 11 Canary Blue Cyclyrius webbianus ✓ 12 African Grass Blue Zizeeria knysna ✓ 13 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus ✓ 14 Monarch Danaus plexippus ✓ ✓ 15 Plain Tiger ✓ ✓ 16 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta ✓ ✓ 17 Canary Red Admiral Vanessa vulcanica ✓ ✓ ✓ 18 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui ✓ ✓ 19 Canary Speckled Wood Pararge xiphioides ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Moths

Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Barbary Spurge Hawk-moth,

Other Taxa

Blue Emperor, Anax imperator Lesser Emperor, Anax parthenope Broad Scarlet, Crocothemis erythraea Epaulet Skimmer, Orthetrum chrysostigma Red-veined Darter, Sympetrum fonscolombii Cricket sp. True Cricket, Gryllus sp. Blue-winged Grasshopper, Oedipoda caerulescens American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana Gendarme Bug, Lygaeus sp. Caterpillar Hunting Potter Wasp, Delta dimidiatipenne Ichneumon Wasp sp. A Hornet, cf. Vespa crabro Honey , Apis millifera Pollen Chafer, Tropinota squalida A Darkling Beetle (Fuerteventura), Pimelia latarius*** Seven-spot Ladybird, Coccinella 7-punctata Cochineal 'beetles', Dactylopius coccus Yellow-and-black Slater (F), Porcellio spinipes** Millipede sp., cf. Tachypodolulus niger Trap-door Spider, Titanidiops canariensis** cf Tidal Spray Crab, Plagusia depressa

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