France - the Cevennes

France - The Cevennes

Naturetrek Tour Report 15 - 22 May 2014

Common Club-tail by John Willsher Griffon Vulture by Pete Bangs

Wryneck by Pete Bangs La Cardabelle by John Willsher

Report compiled by John and Jenny Willsher Images by Pete Bangs and John Willsher

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

Tour Report France - The Cevennes

Tour Leaders: John and Jenny Willsher

Participants: Mike Willars Ann Parker Pete Bangs Jen Bangs Sue Myers George Backshall Paul Laumans Diane Gee Bruce Robertson

Summary

After what seemed an inauspicious start, (our Montpellier flight cancelled due to French strike action!) a later flight to Toulouse meant a prompt rearrangement by NT office staff of rental vehicles and a moonlit onward journey to Florac. We arrived at Cocures in the early hours to be welcomed warmly and sympathetically by Pierrette Agulhon the owner of La Lozerette, our base for the next week. As if in compensation the next three days gave us brilliant sunshine, bright blue skies, stunning scenery some good butterflies, including two Camberwell Beauty's, and a wealth of flowers including masses of orchids. A local Pied Flycatcher sang daily in the hotel garden, as well as the usual Black Redstart, Nightingales, Blackcap, Bonelli's Warbler and Serin. Vultures were seen daily and one day a young Lammergeier was seen performing its bone dropping act, not a bird seen on previous trips. We later learnt that a re-introduction programme began two years ago. This particular individual identifiable in our photos by colour dyed feathers, named Layrou, was released last year. The weather during the final days did not dampen the enthusiasm of the group in exploring the diverse habitats and wildlife of this lovely area. Many birds and butterflies were seen and the abundant plant life included 29 species of orchid. As always the enthusiasm and good humour of the group made for a good week and the warm hospitality and excellent food at La Lozerette added much to our enjoyment.

Day 1 Thursday 15th May

Arrive Toulouse, moonlit drive to Cocures! The group and leaders met at Gatwick in eager anticipation of a good week ahead. At first we were disappointed to be informed of a 90 min delay of our flight, but then having checked in and settled to wait, we found that our flight was cancelled due to service workers strike in France! We were rebooked on a flight to Toulouse, with rapid response from Naturetrek office to re-arrange our hire vehicles and to inform the hotel of our delay. By the time we were out of Toulouse the light had faded so we were not able to appreciate the passing landscape, except in the moonlight, noting banks of cowslips in places and some night-time wildlife eg. Hare and Nightjar. We arrived at Cocures in the early hours and were swiftly settled in our rooms.

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Day 2 Friday 16th May

St Laurent-de-Treves, Col de Rey, Col de Faisses Some of the group were up and out at 9am although we were planning breakfast at 10am. It was a stunning sunny day and from the knoll opposite the hotel lovely views were had of the village, the Tarn below and across to the rocky edge of the Causse Mejean. A handsome Pied Flycatcher was singing in an apple tree and the usual locals - Black Redstart, Collared Dove, Serin and Cirl Bunting - were also heard.

After breakfast and a brief stop in Florac for our picnic provisions, and to spot the local Griffon Vultures take to the wing from the cliffs above the town, we headed south along the valley of Le Tarnon. Our first stop at a roadside bank near the Quarry, gave us the first of the many orchids we would see this week including Pyramidal (in bud), Sword -leaved Helleborine, Small Spider and Woodcock Orchids (Ophrys araneola, O. scolopax), Early Purple, Military and Burnt-tip Orchids (Orchis mascula, O. militaris, O ustulata), and the unusual Onosma fastigiata (a local variant of Golden Drops). Ascalaphids, Green-underside Blues and Crag Martens were active in the warm sunshine.

Then we went on to the hamlet of St-Laurent-de-Treves, where dinosaur footprints can be seen on a rocky limestone knoll. The roadsides were colourful with flowering trees such as Hawthorn, Elder, Laburnum and False Acacia. Also Mountain Dog Daisy (Anthemis cretica), Nottingham Catchfly (Silene otites), and many flushes of Early Purple Orchids (Orchis mascula) were seen. The weather was fine and from the knoll we got stunning views, west across to the Causse Mejean, south towards Mont Aigoul and northeast to Mont Lozere in the haze. Flowers included Common and Hoary Rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium, H. canum) Cyprus Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias), Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and Prostrate Speedwell (Veronica prostrata). On the large rocks by the footpath were Maidenhair Spleenwort, Wall Rue, Rusty Back Fern, Meadow and Rue-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata, S. tridactylites) and Ivy-leaved Toadflax. A Black Redstart sang from the rooftop and a Bonelli's Warbler was seen singing from Ash trees which at this altitude were only just coming into leaf. Numerous Common Swifts hawked for insects above us and a croaking Raven flew over.

We drove a little further south to the Col de Rey, where we explored a grassy bank dotted with Box bushes and found many Lady, Military and Monkey Orchids (Orchis purpurea, O. militaris, O. simia) and some interesting hybrid forms. The photographers were spoilt for choice! Also Early Purple, Burnt-tip and Greater Butterfly Orchid, Mountain Kidney Vetch, False Vetch, Mountain Clover, Pyrenean Flax, Hepatica and the amazing dinner plate- sized leaves and seed heads of Acanthus-leaved Carline Thistle. The French name for this plant is La Cardabelle and the seed heads are traditionally nailed to doors as a barometer - the leaves close over the seedhead when it is damp - or maybe for good luck or to ward off evil spirits! A chattering songster in the bushes here was a Melodious Warbler, and drifting overhead a Black Kite and Common Buzzard. A Chiffchaff, more Bonelli's Warblers and a Robin were heard plus Yellowhammer seen. Crested Tit darted amongst the tops of the pines.

We enjoyed our first picnic in a lay-by which provided huge stone tables and seats, and we relished the beautiful weather and scenery, which offered some compensation for our dramatic start to the trip! It was still sunny but there was a cool breeze. Further south we stopped next to photograph fields of Poet’s Narcissi before having a short walk through the colourful and fragrant landscape.

2 © Naturetrek June 14

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

The air was full of the scent of Pyrennean, Piorno and Spanish brooms. In the low turf beside the road we found dense drifts of Early Purple Orchids, many spikes of the Cevennes Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla rubra ssp rubra), Tuberous Valerian, Heath Dog Violet with its pale spur, Heart's-ease, the local cream-coloured variant of Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneria ssp praepropera), Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) and more of the diminutive Burnt-tip Orchid. Skylarks sang, Cuckoos called and we had good views of a Red-backed Shrike. On the grassy verge we found the pale yellow Dragon’s Teeth (Tetragonolobus maritimus) and Sulphur Clover (Trifolium ochroleucon).

Our last stop before returning to Cocures was to look at an attractive bridge over the Tarnon. Clinging to the stonework was the attractive Creeping Snapdragon (Asarina procumbens), Ivy-leaved Toadflax, and French Figwort. A Dipper headed upstream and a few striped saplings in the river below betrayed the presence of Beaver also somewhere upstream. Then back to the hotel for a lovely meal.

Day 3 Saturday 17th May

Mont Aigoual With the weather forecast suggesting a change later in the week we decide to head for Mont Aigoual, the wettest and windiest place in the area, if not the whole of France! The area can have 2 metres of rain a year! But the day promised to be bright and sunny. Our first roadside stop was to look for orchids on a grassy bank below the dramatic southern rocky edge of the Causse Mejean. However before we could start an immature Lammergeier was spotted gliding around the cliffs above us. This was a Naturetrek first for the Cevennes (we later learnt this bird, which in our photos was seen to have colour dyed flight feathers, was named Layrou and released a year ago as part of a new re-introduction programme for the Cevennes) We also saw it fly up a couple of times and drop bones onto the rocks below in order to break them. The flowers included a few spikes of Woodcock Orchid (Ophrys scolopax), Man, Military, Monkey, Lady, Pyramidal and Bug Orchids and higher up the bank White Asphodel. Also many spikes of the delicate St Bernard's Lily (Anthericum liliago) and Fly Honeysuckle were seen.

We stopped again to explore a damp meadow at the Col de Perjuret, hoping to find Frog Orchid but found Twayblade and Small Spider Orchid and many spikes of the unusual ferns, Adder’s Tongue and Moonwort. As well as Blackcap and Whitethroat in the Box bushes at the top of the slope a singing Orphean Warbler was watched. Further on we stopped to photograph the swathes of Elder-flowered Orchid in its two colour forms, and also found many tulips (Tulipa sylvestris ssp australis), Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) and Carinthian Buttercup with its pretty glossy leaves.

Mont Aigoual was re-forested over a century ago. Fossilised pollen grains tell the history of the forests here; that it has changed from birch and pine (10-7,000 BC), to deciduous oak (7-5,000 BC), beech and fir (5-2,000 BC) and then grazed from the Iron Age, and later diminished through logging. We found evidence of Wild Boar activity on the edge of the woods. Then we went onto the observatory at Mont Aigoual where as we parked, a Honey Buzzard flew over. Coffee and facilities were very welcome as a cool wind whipped around us. Just below the summit we walked the dramatic Sentier des Botanistes, which gave us stunning views of the southern Causses. Some of the trees have been cleared in recent years to encourage the Apollo Butterfly and this has also encouraged lush growth of plants such as Wood Anemone and the unusual Sessamoides (S. clusii), with its floppy habit, and the hairy leaves of Alpine Hawkweed (Hieracium alpinum). After our picnic in the shelter of the woodland we retraced our steps. Birds at the top included Skylarks, Tree Pipits, Jays and Cuckoos.

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

We headed back via a minor road which took us down a beautiful partially wooded valley through the hamlet of Massevaques. We stopped briefly to identify some handsome spikes of Field Fleawort (Senecio integrifolious) when a Camberwell Beauty fluttered by! Further on another appeared and obligingly sat in a bare tree within good view of everyone. Again the verges were rich and colourful and we found Blue Gromwell, Sheep’s-bit Scabious, Maiden Pink, Spanish Catchfly, Sticky Catchfly, Bladder Campion, vetches and geraniums, and a bank of Great Yellow Gentians just coming into flower. The woodland banks were studded with Spiked Rampion, Bastard Balm, Tower Cress, Wood Spurge, Felted Vetch (Lathyrus pannonicus) and Wood Sage. The mid-afternoon sun had bought out the butterflies and we were surrounded by many species including Scarce Swallowtail, Orange Tip, Common and Adonis Blue, Painted Lady, Small Pearl-bordered and Provençal Fritillary, Our last stop before returning to the hotel was to photograph a dramatic wood sculpture in the little hamlet of Vebron.

Then back to Cocures, where we sat in the garden, under the canopy of Lime and Walnut trees, to do the log before another lovely dinner. At log we had a brief discussion about orchids and particularly why the Elder- flowered Orchids produce two colour forms. On return to the UK, George asked a friend with links to Kew and was forwarded an article on some research actually carried out in the Cevennes Park. It seems that for orchids that do not have nectar it's an advantage to have another colour form nearby, for insects to explore once they realise that there is no reward in the first flower they visit! So thank you George!!

Day 4 Sunday 18th May

Gorge du Tarn, Castlebouc, St Enemie, Causse Mejean We wake to another sunny morning and after breakfast headed into Florac for picnic provisions. We then travelled north on the N106, turning off onto the scenic D907 along the Tarn Valley. Our first stop was to cross the river before Molines and walk along the lush river bank. Near the bridge was a Grey Wagtail and further on, chewed saplings and well worn trails in the grass were sure signs of Beavers. We continued on downstream admiring numerous roadside flowers, including the deep red Antirrhinum majus and the handsome umbellifers Laserpitium siler and Molopospermum pelopennesiacum (Molly!), and crossed the Tarn to park below the intriguing village of Castelbouc, tucked into the rocks, with the remains of its castle on a rocky peak. On the overhanging rocks in the village we found Maidenhair Spleenwort, Maidenhair Fern, Rustyback Fern, Wall Rue, Rock Soapwort, Common Polypody, Cevennes Saxifrage (S. cebennensis), Chaenorrhinum origanifolium and Harebell. Overhead Crag Martins hunted their insect prey as we followed the footpath through the village, past the communal bread oven where one year the group sheltered from the cold! No need today.

We crossed the stream and took the path along the river. In the shady woods we found some good spikes of the saprophytic orchid, Violet Limodore (L. arbortivum), Solomons Seal, Butchers Broom, Wood Geranium and Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides). Also seen were Aristolochia clematitis and Pyrenean Crane's-bill (Geranium pyrenaicum). Nightingales plus the usual Blackcaps sang from the long overgrown terraced gardens and in the trees near the river a Firecrest was watched. Returning back through the village a Spotted Flycatcher sallied after insects and a couple of Red-billed Choughs were busy across the gorge. We moved on, enjoying the stunning views of the gorge as we headed for St-Enemie. The roadside was blue with Blue Aphyllanthes (A. monspeliensis) and Blue Lettuce (Lactuca perennis). We had a short stop for coffee and to look at this intriguing little town before climbing up onto the Causse Mejean.

4 © Naturetrek June 14

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

At a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the Gorge du Tarn, we took advantage of the tables outside the closed cafe to have our picnic, leaving a contribution in the 'honesty box' provided. The Causse Mejean is probably the most well known and least populated of these limestone upland plateaux which are divided by the dramatic gorges of the Tarn, Lot, Jonte and Dourbie. The landscape here can be bleak as it is a mostly an empty landscape of rocky grasslands, quiet hamlets and shrubs: such as box, juniper, pine and Amalanchier, but it is a haven for wildlife and has a rich and diverse flora. A forest fire had devastated the hillside above the St Enemie area in the summer of 2003, leaving bleak areas of dead trees, which has now regenerated well.

Once on the Causse we headed west in search of the rare Lady's Slipper Orchid, hoping that the early season would find us some flowering spikes. John went off to explore a known site in case it was worth the scramble to reach it but there were no leaves visible. The rest of the group explored an area of rock strewn short turf finding many spikes of Burnt-tip Orchid, Alpine Astor and masses of the diminutive Fairy Foxglove (Erinus alpinus). Just as we prepared to leave, a Short-toed Eagle drifted over then hovered as it hunted for reptiles. On a grassy plateau further on we found Yellow Pheasant Eye, Small Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla montana), many spikes of the endemic Aymonin’s Ophrys (O. aymonii), Small Spider Ophrys (O. araneola) and O. aranifera, and small groups of Early Purple and Green-winged Orchids (Orchis mascula, O. morio). Shrubs and trees included Yew, Box, Holm Oak, Prickly Juniper, Mountain Ash, Whitebeam and Amelanchier ovalis. Birds on this high plateau included Corn Buntings, Red-backed Shrike and Whitethroat. From the wide spacious landscape of the Causse Mejean we reached the top of the switchback road down to Florac, stopping at a viewpoint part way down, to take in the dramatic views, across Florac to Cocures, We continued down to Florac and on to our hotel.

Day 5 Monday 19th May

Vebron, Nimes-le-Vieux, Hures, Nivoliers Unfortunately our run of good weather had run out! After our usual visit to the supermarket in Florac, we spent some time at the interpretation centre in the town. Then we headed south along the Tarnon to the hamlet of Vebron where we took a narrow road up to the southern edge of the Causse Mejean. The roadside flora was rich and varied, with a variety of habitats but the thick mist and rain did not encourage us to do much exploring! One of the most stunning plants was a single spike of Pyrenean Bellflower (Campanula speciosa) with its large bells, which did get the botanists out of the vehicles! Once on the plateaux the mist sometimes cleared enough to show we were amongst the karstic dolomitic limestone crags of Le Nimes-le-Vieux. We had a short exploration of this rocky habitat where the turf between the rocks was dotted with Burnt-tip Orchids and there were more Lady, Military, Early Purple and Green-winged Orchids. Few birds were active but a Rufous-tailed Rockthrush was seen amongst the rocks.

We followed the southern edge of the Causse, before heading north. The mist lifted a little but with even a spot of brightness in a few places, birds were hard to find though we did see Short-toed Eagle, Hoopoe, Tawny Pipit and an amenable Wryneck. Past Hures we stopped to admire two Przewalski's Horses inside a very large enclosure (a project to breed the endangered horses for re-introduction back to their native Mongolia) then on to Nivoliers where luckily the Auberge du Chanet was open. We had our picnic in the garden, stoically sitting under cover in a damp wind, but many retreated inside to warm up by the fire with hot drinks! This atmospheric hostelry has a traditional domed eating area and can accommodate your horse or donkey if you are travelling a la Stevenson!

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

The weather began to improve but we were glad to head back, except for a stop to watch a hunting Hen Harrier near L'Aerodrome de Chanet, and a wayward Hedgehog near Florac, for hot showers, and pre-dinner drinks in the hotel lounge.

Day 6 Tuesday 20th May

Gorge du Jonte, Causse Noir, Meyreus Today we headed for the Belvedere des Vautours , in the Gorge de la Jonte. We took the switchback road from Florac up to the Causse Mejean. In places there were bright yellow patches of Yellow Flax on the roadsides with Grass-leaved Ox-eye Daisy, Seguier’s Spurge and groups of Alpine Aster. Starting our descent from the Causse down towards the Gorge de la Jonte we began seeing our target bird for the day. Many Griffon Vultures were trying to gain height from the gorge walls ahead and some were still quite low so we had some close views. Lower down in a wooded valley we stopped at various places to look at the rich roadside flora which included groups of Bird's-nest Orchids, Greater Butterfly Orchids, Sword-leaved Helleborines, Blue Aphyllanthes and White Daphne (D. alpina), we also had good views of a Griffon Vulture at its nesting ledge with a young bird just visible. As we were watching, a group of Red-billed Choughs headed up the valley towards the Causse.

The Belvedere is an interpretive centre and viewing point for the many vultures that nest in the gorge, mostly Griffon Vultures. We enjoyed a talk and video presentation, explaining the pecking order that works at a carcase where Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures all may feed, leaving the bones for the Lammergeier. There was some amusing interaction between the birds and a brazen fox which tried to sneak some scraps! There was also some live footage from nearby nests and we watched individuals and groups perched on narrow ledges on the dramatic gorge walls.

From here we continued east to le Rozier, then headed south and turned west onto the Causse Noir. Our target species was the Passiontide Orchid (Ophrys passionis) and after exploring various habitats where other orchids grew, we eventually found a few, amongst a swarm of hybrids between O. passionis and O. aranifera. There were also handsome spikes of Lady Orchids which each seemed to have its own attendant Knapweed Fritillary. It was difficult to tear ourselves away from this wildlife rich habitat but we had a long drive back to Cocures. Soon after starting our return we were delayed by a Red Squirrel miles from its normal woodland habitat, running up the road in front of us!

Day 7 Wednesday 21st May

Le Pont de Montvert, Mont Lozere, Les Bondons The weather was not very amenable and for most of the day it was cold and damp but we had a good day out despite this. We drove east of Cocures to Le-Pont-de-Montvert. Roadside flowers included masses of the delicate St Bernard’s Lily (Anthericum liliago), huge clumps of ‘Molly’, Mountain Dog Daisy, Carline-leaved Thistle, Creeping Bellflower, various silene species and Wood Anemones. We stopped to look at the attractive little town of Le Pont de Montvert, where confluences of rivers run through the town. Across the bridge is a small patisserie where we bought bread and a selection of tarts for the picnic. Once we had extricated ourselves and the vehicles from the town, we headed for Mont Lozere.

6 © Naturetrek June 14

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

We stopped for short explorations of the local flora, while waiting for the low cloud to lift from Mont Lozere. The weather did not encourage much exploration here but we did see the Spring Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vernalis) and Wild Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). We then retreated from the low cloud to find a sheltered place to picnic, eventually returning to Le Pont de Montvert then taking the high road towards the Sentier des Menhirs. During a short break in the drizzle we enjoyed our picnic and the lush cakes from the patisserie in a sheltered lay-by!

Braving a strong wind we took a short walk amongst the Menhirs, and a group photo was taken as we clung to one of these mysterious standing stones! In the shelter of the road below the Bondons, we stopped to look at a bank of Greater Butterfly Orchids, before returning to Cocures. A few regrouped for a walk along the valley near the hotel hoping to see the otters John had seen briefly this morning when three of us walked the path before breakfast. It was a good track but it was difficult not to stop to look at the flowers, ferns and grasses. Growing in the rocks was Forked and Maidenhair Spleenwort, Creeping Snapdragon and French and Continental Saxifrage (S. clussii, S. continentalis), and on the trackside, Aquilegia, ‘Molly’, Hogweed (here it has yellow flowers), Ox-eye Daisy, Carline-leaved Thistle, Creeping Bellflower and Wood Scabious. Later we enjoyed drinks and discussing log before another delicious dinner.

Day 8 Thursday 22nd May

Walk in Cocures, return to Montpellier for flight to Gatwick After breakfast we said adieu to the staff at La Lozerette and headed up over the Col des Faisses where we previously had such good weather and flowers on our first day in the Cevennes. Unfortunately today the wonderful scenery was obscured by low cloud. Further on down the Corniche des Cevennes we stopped near St. Jean-du-Gard next to Le Gardon River and then in Anduze for coffee and facilities. Finally on towards Montpellier and the return flight to Gatwick…

Receive our e-newsletter

Join the Naturetrek e-mailing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk to sign up.

Naturetrek Facebook

We are delighted to launch the Naturetrek Facebook page so that participants of Naturetrek tours can remain in touch after the holiday and share photos, comments and future travel plans.

Setting up a personal profile at www.facebook.com is quick, free and easy. The Naturetrek Facebook page is now live; do please pay us a visit!

Tour Report France - The Cevennes

Species List

Plants (* = A species is endemic) Scientific name Common name Location

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Adiantaceae Maidenhair fern Family Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Cocures

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort ? Cocures Asplenium foreziense Forez Spleenwort Cocures Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall Rue Cocures, St Laurent-de-Treves Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort Cocures Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Cocures Ceterach officinarum Rusty-back Fern Cocures

Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Seen regularly

Ophioglossaceae Adder's-tongue Family Botrychium lunaria Moonwort Mont Aigoual Ophioglossum vulgatum Adder's-tongue Col de Perjuret

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Cocures

Woodsiaceae Lady Fern Family Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern ? Cocures Cystopteris montana Mountain Bladder Fern ? Cocures

PINOPSIDA (Gymnosperms) CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Causse Mejean Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper Causse Noir

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus nigra subsp. salzmanii Black Pine Causse Noir Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Nr Montpellier Pinus pinea Umbrella or Stone Pine Nr Montpellier Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Causse Noir Pinus uncinata Mountain Pine Causse Mejean

Taxaceae Yew Family Taxus baccata Yew Causse Mejean

MAGNOLIOPSIDA (Angiosperms) FLOWERING PLANTS

Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)

Aceraceae Maple Family Acer campestre Field Maple

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple Seen regularly Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore

Apiaceae Carrot Family Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Roadsides Athamantha cretensis Athamantha Causse Mejean Conopodium majus Pignut Cocures Daucus carota Wild Carrot Roadsides Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Causse Mejean Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Roadsides Heracleum sphondylium subsp. sibiricum Hogweed (yellow flowered) Col de Perjuret Laserpitium siler A Sermountain Nr St Enemie Meum athamanticum Spignel Cocures Molopospermum pelopennesiacum Molopospermum (Molly) Roadsides Trinia glauca Honewort (Trinie) Causse Mejean, tiny plant

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy Seen regularly

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly See regularly

Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family Aristolochia clematitis Birthwort Castelbouc

Ascepliadaceae Milkweed Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Causse Mejean

Asteraceae Daisy Family Achillea millefolium Yarrow Causse Mejean Achillea odorata Cream-flowered Sneezewort “ Antennaria dioica Cat's Foot Causse Mejean Anthemis creticus Mountain Dog-daisy Cocures Aster alpinus subsp. cevennensis* Alpine Aster Causse Mejean Bellis perennis Daisy Carduus carlinifolius Carline-leaved Thistle Cocures Carlina acanthifolia Acanthus-leaved C. Thistle 'La Cardabelle', Causse Mejean Centaurea maculosa Spotted Knapweed Centaurea pectinata Pectinate Knapweed Cocures Cichorium intybus Chicory Cirsium palustris Marsh Thistle Cocures Doronicum austriacum Austrian Leopard's-bane Cocures Erigeron alpinus Alpine Fleabane Filago vulgaris Common Cudweed Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant See regularly Hieracium alpinum Alpine Hawkweed Mont Aigoual Hieracium pilosella Mouse-ear Hawkweed Seen regularly Hypochoeris maculata Spotted Cat's Ear “ Inula montana Causse Mejean Lactuca perennis Blue Lettuce Nr St Enemie Lapsana communis Nipplewort Roadsides Leucanthemopsis alpina Alpine Moon Daisy Cocures Leucanthemopsis graminifolium - Causse Mejean

2 © Naturetrek June 14

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Leucanthemum monspeliense - Cocures Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Nr Montpellier Pilosella officinarum Mouse-eared Hawkweed Scorzonera humilis Blue Viper's Grass Roadsides Senecio integrefolious Field Fleabane Mont Aigoual Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Roadsides Tragopogon pratensis Goatsbeard “ Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Urospermum dalechampei - Nr Montpellier, lemon yellow flowers

Betulaceae Birch Family Alnus glutinosa Alder Seen regularly Betula pendula Common Birch “ Corylus avellana Hazel “

Boraginaceae Borage Family Echium vulgare Vipers Bugloss Seen regularly Lithospermum arvensis Corn Gromwell Causse Mejean Lithospermum purpurocaerulea Blue Gromwell “ Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood Forget-me-not “ Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Neostema apulum Yellow Gromwell Onosma fastigiata A Golden Drops Various locations

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Arabis glabra Tower Mustard Roadsides Arabis turrita Tower Cress “ Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard “ Cardamine impatiens Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress Cardamine pratensis Lady's Smock Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse Cheiranthus cheiri Wallflower Gorge walls Iberis saxatalis Candytuft Isatis tinctoria Woad Roadsides Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Lunaria annua Honesty Sisymbrium austriacum Austrian Rocket

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box Widely seen on the Causses

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula rapunculoides Creeping Bellflower Cocures Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Castelbouc Campanula speciosa Pyrenean Bellflower Above Vebron Phyteuma spicatum Spiked Rampion Woodlands nr Mont Aigoual

Cannabaceae Hop Family Humulus lupulus Hop Roadsides

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Col de Perjuret

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Sambucus nigra Elder See regularly Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree “

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cerastium tormentosum Snow in Summer Gorge walls Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink Dianthus carthusianum Carthusian Pink Nr Le Pont de Montvert Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Lychnis viscaria Sticky Catchfly Roadsides below Mont Aigoual Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Seen widely on roadsides Scleranthus perennis Annual Knawel Tiny flowers Silene conica Sand Catchfly Striped calyx Silene dioica Red Campion Seen regularly Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Cocures Silene latifolia White Campion See regularly Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Cocures Silene otites Spanish Catchflly “ Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Seen regularly Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort “ Stellaria media Chickweed “

Celastraceae Spindle Family Euonymus europaeus Spindle Tree Causse Mejean, Causse Noir

Cistaceae Cistus Family Helianthemum apenninum White Rockrose Seen regularly Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose “ H. oelandicum subsp. canum Hoary Rockrose Small yellow flowers

Clusiaceae St John's-wort Family Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John'swort

Convolvulaceae Bindweed family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Roadsides Convolvulus cantabrica Pink Convulvulus “

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Cocures Sedum album White Stonecrop “ Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop “ Sedum telephium Orpine Woodlands nr Mont Aigoual Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Widely seen

Cucurbitaceae White Bryony Family Bryonia cretica White Bryony

Dipsacaceae Scabious Family Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Seed heads seen Knautia arvensis Field Scabious Knautia dipsacifolia Wood Scabious

4 © Naturetrek June 14

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Ericaceae Heather Family Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry Calluna vulgaris Ling Erica cinerea Bell Heather Rhodedendron ferrugineum Alpenrose Causse Mejean Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Woodlands nr Mont Aigoual Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Mediterranean Spurge Seen regularly Euphorbia cyparissias Cyprus Spurge Widely seen Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge “ Euphorbia hyberna Irish Spurge Euphorbia seguieriana Seguier's Spurge Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury

Fabaceae Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Yellow Anthyllis vulneraria ssp praepopera Local variant of Kidney Vetch Cream Astragalus monspessulanus False Vetch Seen regularly Bituminaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Blue flowers, pungent Cytisophyllum sessilifolius Sessile Broom Widely seen , fragrant Cytisus purgens(oromediterraneous) Pyrenean Broom “ Cytisus scoparius Common Broom “ Dorycnium pentaphyllum - Roadsides Hippocrepis comosa Horse-shoe Vetch Hippocrepis emerus Scorpion Vetch Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Roadsides, planted Lathyrus montanus Bitter Vetch Lathyrus pannonicus Felted vetch Large white flowers Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling Lathyrus setifolious Brown Vetch Red flowers Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Melilotus officinalis Common Melilot Onobrychis viciifolia Common Sainfoin Robinia pseudacacia Robinia, False Acacia Roadsides Planted Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Seen regularly Tetragonolobus maritimus Dragon's Teeth Lemon yellow, large flowers Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil Trifolium incarnatum subsp. molinerii Crimson Clover Bi-coloured flowers Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium rubens Red Trefoil Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare Vicia onobrychoides False Sainfoin Planted as fodder Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Fodder Vetch Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis Common Vetch

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Vicia sepium Bush Vetch

Fagaceae Beech Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Seen widely, important crop Fagus sylvatica Beech Large forests near Mont Aigoual Quercus coccifera Holly/Kermes Oak Causse Noir Quercus ilex Holm/Evergreen Oak “ Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Quercus robur Common Oak

Fumariaceae Fumitory Family Fumaria muralis subsp. boraei Common Ramping Fumitory

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian Leaves only

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium cicutarium Common Storksbill Cocures Geranium lucidum Shining Cranesbill “ Geranium molle Dove's-foot Cranesbill “ Geranium pratense Meadow Cranesbill “ Geranium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Crane's-bill See regularly Geranium purpureum Little Robin “ Geranium robertianum Herb Robert “ Geranium sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill Cocures Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill Castelbouc

Globulariaceae Globularia Family Globularia punctata Common Globularia Causse Mejean Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia “

Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family Ribes alpinus Mountain Currant Ribes uva-crispa Wild Gooseberry St Laurent-de-Treve

Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans regia Walnut Seen regularly, planted

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle Seen regularly, bright blue patches Ajuga pyramidalis Pyramidal Bugle Seen regularly Ajuga reptans Common Bugle “ Asarina procumbens Creeping Snapdragon Cocures, Florac Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel Lamium album White Dead-nettle Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Lamium garganicum ssp laevigatum a Dead-nettle Ispagnac Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle Lavandula stoechas French Lavender Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm Woodlands nr Mont Aigoual Oreganum vulgare Oregano

6 © Naturetrek June 14

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Seen regularly Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort Teucrium rouyanum - Not in flower Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Woodlands nr Mont Aigoual Thymus praecox Hairy Thyme Thymus serpyllum Creeping Thyme Thymus vulgaris Thyme

Linaceae Flax Family Linum campanulatum Yellow Flax Causse Mejean Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Tiny flowers Linum narbonense - Large blue flowers Linum suffruticosum subsp salsoides Pyrenean Flax White/pink flowers

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva neglecta Dwarf mallow Malva parviflora Small mallow Malva sylvestris Common Mallow

Moraceae Fig Family Ficus carica Fig Planted

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus excelsior Ash Fraxinus ornus Manna ash Cocures Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine Causse Mejean Ligustrum vulgare Privet Planted

Onograceae Willowherb Family Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb Nr Montpelier Oenothera glazioviana Large-flrd Evening Primrose “

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family ?Orobanche lutea ?Yellow Broomrape

Oxalidaceae Wood Sorrel Family Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel Causse Noir

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned Poppy Papaver argemone Prickly Poppy Papaver dubium Long-headed Poppy Papaver rhoeas Corn Poppy

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Plantago alpina Alpine Plantain Cocures Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain “ Plantago major Great Plantain “ Plantago maritima Sea Plantain Cocures Plantago media Hoary Plantain Cause Noir Plantago sempervirens Branched Plantain “

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Platanaceae Plane Family Platanus x hybrida London Plane Planted

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria maritima subsp alpina Mountain Thrift Cocures Armeria alliacea Plantain-leaved Thrift Nr Le Pont de Montvert

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala alpestris Mountain Milkwort Seen regularly Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort “

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Persicaria bistorta Bistort Seen regularly Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel “ Rumex scuatatus French Sorrel “

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis subsp. foemina Blue Pimpernel Seen regularly Primula veris Cowslip Roadsides Primula vulgaris Primrose

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Adonis vernalis Yellow Pheasant's Eye Causse Mejean Anenome nemorosa Wood Anemone Seen regularly Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine “ Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold “ (Mollyblobs!) Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Seen regularly Hepatica nobilis Hepatica Mont Lozere Nigella damascena Love-in-a-mist Pulsatilla montana Small Pasque Flower Causse Mejean Pulsatilla rubra subsp. rubra* Cevennes Pasque Flower L'Hospitalet Pulsatilla vernalis Spring Pasque Flower Mont Lozere Ranunculus aconitifolius Aconite-leaved Buttercup “ Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus arvensis Corn Buttercup Causse Mejean Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus carinthiacus Carinthian Buttercup Mont Aigoual Ranunculus ficaria agg. Lesser Celandine Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup

Resedaceae Mignonette family Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Seen regularly Reseda leuteola Weld Causse Mejean Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette Seen regularly Sesamoides clusii Sesamoides Mont Aigoual

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla alpina Alpine lady's-mantle Mont Aigoual Amelanchier ovalis Amelanchier Causse Mejean Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Frageria vesca Wild Strawberry Seen regularly Geum urbanum Herb Bennett

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Potentilla caulescens subsp. cevennensis* Cevennes Cinquefoil Castelbouc, leaves only Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla rupestris Rock Cinquefoil Cocures Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar Rubus fruticosus Bramble Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Sorbus aria Whitebeam Causse Mejean Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash “ Sorbus chamaemespilus False Medlar ??

Rubiaceae Bedstraw family Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Roadsides Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw “ Rubia peregrina Wild Madder “ Sheradia arvensis Field Madder Tiny plant, lilac flowers

Salicaceae Willow Family Populus alba White Poplar Planted Populus x canescens Hybrid Black Poplar “ Populus nigra agg. Black Poplar “ Populus tremula Aspen Salix caprea Goat Willow Salix cinerea Grey Willow Salix viminalis Osier

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Thesium pyreniacum Pyrenean Bastard Toadflax Tiny green flowers

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Golden Saxifrage Cocures Saxifraga cevennensis Cevennes Saxifrage Castelbouc Saxifraga continentalis - Cocures Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage “ Saxifraga pedemontana subsp. prostii* Prost's Saxifrage “ Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage “

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Anarrhinum bellidifolium Daisy-leaved Toadflax Tiny blue flowers Antirrhinum majus Large Snapdragon Deep red flowers Asarina procumbens Creeping Snapdragon Walls and bridges, cream flowers Chaenorhinum origanifolium Chaenorhinum Small purple flowers Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Seen regularly Digitalis purpurea Foxglove “ Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove Causse Mejean Parentucellia latifolia Southern Bartsia Tiny flowers Pedicularis comosa Crested Lousewort Yellow flowers Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort Nr Le Pont de Montvert Rhinanthus mediterraneus Mediterranean Rattle ?? Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Widely seen Scrophularia canina Alpine/French Figwort Florac Verbascum nigra Dark Mullein Roadsides

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Leaves only Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Veronica persica Common Speedwell Veronica prostrata Prostrate Speedwell St Laurent-de-Treve Veronica spicata Spiked Speedwell Causse Mejean

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Hyoscyamus niger Henbane Nime le Vieux

Thymelaceae Daphne Family Daphne alpina Alpine Mezereon Gorge de la Jonte Daphne cneorum Garland Flower Causse Mejean Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel “

Tiliaceae Lime Family Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime ?? Tilia x europaea Common Lime Cocures Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime ??

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Ulmus minor Small -leaved Elm

Urticeae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall Widely seen Urtica dioica Nettle “

Valerianaceae Valerian Family Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Seen regularly Valeriana angustifolius Narrow-leaved Valerian Gorge du Tarn Valeriana officianalis Common Valerian Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian L'Hospitalet Valerienella discoidea Mediterranean Cornsalad Seen regularly Valerianella locusta Corn Salad

Violaceae Violet Family Viola arvensis Field Pansy Seen regularly Viola canina Heath Dog Violet Seen regularly Viola lutea Mountain Pansy Blue flowers Viola palustris Bog Violet Nr Le Pont de Montvert Viola riviniana Common Dog violet Seen regularly Viola tricolor agg. Heart's-ease “

Liliidae (Monocotyledons)

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Carex humilis Dwarf Sedge Carex pendula Drooping Sedge Carex spicata Spiked Sedge Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's-tail Cotton Grass Mont Lozere

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Dioscoreaceae Yam Family Tamus communis Black Bryony

Iridaceae Iris Family Gladiolus italicus Wild Gladiolus Seen occasionally

Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus effusus Soft rush Luzula campestris Field Woodrush Luzula nivea Snowy Wood Sedge

Liliaceae Lily Family Anthericum liliago St Bernard's Lily Roadsides Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Blue Aphyllanthes Gorge du Tarn Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Col de Perjuret Colchicum autumnale Autumn Crocus Leaves only Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth Muscari neglectum Grape Hyacinth Narcissus pseudonarcissus Wild Daffodil Mont Aigoual Narcissus poeticus Pheasant's Eye Daffodil L'Hospitalet Ornithogalum umbellatum a Star of Bethlehem Seen regularly Polygonatum odoratum Angular Solomon's-seal Woodlands nr Mont Aigoual Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's Broom Tulipa sylvestris subsp. australis Wild Tulip Mont Aigoual Veratrum album White False Helleborine Leaves only

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Seen regularly, mostly in bud Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Seen regularly Dactylorhiza fuschii Common Spotted Orchid Below Mont Aigoual Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid Mont Lozere Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid Masses seen in both colours Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid Seen regularly but only in bud Limodorum abortivum Violet Limodore Castelbouc Neottia nidus-avis Bird's Nest Orchid Causse Noir Neottia ovata Twayblade Seen occasionally Ophrys araneola Small Spider Ophrys South of Florac Ophrys aranifera Causse Noir Ophrys aranifera x passionis “ Ophrys aymonii Aymonin's Fly Orchid Causse Mejean Ophrys aymonii x insectifera a Hybrid Ophrys Causse Noir Ophrys insectifera Fly Ophrys ? Causse Noir Ophrys passionis Passiontide Ophrys Causse Noir Ophrys scolopax Woodcock Ophrys South of Florac, Causse Noir Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Col du Rey Orchis coriophora Bug Orchid North of Col de Purjeret Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Masses seen Orchis militaris Military Orchid Widely seen Orchis militaris x purpurea a Hybrid Orchid “ Orchis militaris x simia a Hybrid Orchid Col du Rey Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid Regularly seen Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid Widely seen

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Orchis purpurea x simia a Hybrid Orchid Col du Rey Orchis simia Monkey Orchid “ Orchis ustulata Burnt Orchid Widely seen Plantanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly Orchid “

Poaceae Grass Family Aegilops geniculata - Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Arundo donax Giant Reed Nr Montpelier Briza media Quaking Grass Cocures Briza minor Small Quaking Grass “ Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot “ Festuca vivipara Viviperous fescue Seen widely Melica uniflora Wood Melick Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Poa bulbosa Bulbous Meadow Grass Poa nemoralis Wood Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Sesleria caerulea Blue Moor Grass Stipa pennata - Cause Noir

Birds ( = recorded but not counted; H = Heard only) May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 3 2 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2 3 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H 4 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 3 1 1 5 Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus 1 6 Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 3 8 2 8 50 4 7 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 1 2 2 8 Black Kite Milvus migrans 1 9 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus 1 10 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 2 1 11 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 1 1 2 12 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia      13 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus      14 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto       15 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H 2 H H H H 16 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H H 17 Nightjar Caprimulgus europeus 1 18 Common Swift Apus apus        19 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 20 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 1 21 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis H H 1 22 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H 1 23 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla 1 24 Common Skylark Alauda arvensis       25 Woodlark Lullula arborea 1 1 H H H 26 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris      

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 27 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 1 2    28 Common House Martin Delichon urbica      29 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 1 30 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis  31 White Wagtail Motacilla alba H 1 1  32 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 2  33 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 1 1 34 Dunnock Prunella modularis H H 35 European Robin Erithacus rubecula H H H 1  H 36 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H H  H H 37 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus H 38 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 1    1  39 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe  40 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H 41 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus H 42 Common Blackbird Turdus merula        43 Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 1 44 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H  H H H H H 45 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis H H 46 Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis 1 47 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 1 H 48 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 3 H 2 H 49 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H H  50 Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus 1 H 51 Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H  H H 52 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 2 1 53 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca 1 1 1 1 H 1 1 54 Great Tit Parus major H   H  55 Coal Tit Periparus ater 1 56 European Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus     57 Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 1 H 58 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus  59 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 1 60 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 1 3 1 1 61 Common Magpie Pica pica 1 1 1   1 62 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 3  1   63 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula   64 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 2 25 65 Carrion Crow Corvus corone      66 Common Raven Corvus corax 2   1 67 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 1  68 House Sparrow Passer domesticus       69 Common Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia  70 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs        71 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina  72 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis H 3 H 73 European Serin Serinus serinus H 1 H H 74 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 1 H   75 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus H 1 1 76 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 2  

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Mammals 1 European Beaver Castor tiber signs 2 Common Vole Microtus arvalis 1 3 Brown Hare Lepus europeaus  4 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 1 5 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 1 1 6 Otter Lutra lutra 2

Amphibians & Reptiles 1 Green Lizard Lacerta viridis 1 1 2 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis    3 Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus H

Butterflies 1 Rosy Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus onopordi 1 2 Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus   3 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius    4 Swallowtail Papilio machaon   5 Wood White Leptidea sinapis  6 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi 1 7 Large White Pieris brassicae  8 Small White Pieris rapae  9 Green-veined White Pieris napi  10 Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines      11 Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis  12 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni  13 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus   14 Purple-shot Copper Lycaena alciphron 1 15 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeus  16 Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis   17 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus   18 Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus  19 Chequered Blue Scolitantides orion 1 20 Brown Argus   21 Camberwell Beauty Nymphalis antiopa 2 22 Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros 23 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui  24 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe  25 Provencal Fritillary Mellicta dejone  26 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene  27 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria   28 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera  29 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera  30 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus   31 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina

Moths 1 Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata 

France - The Cevennes Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum 1 3 Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pitycampa   4 Small Ermine Yponomeuta sp. 

Other Invertebrates 1 an Ascalaphid Libelloides longicornis    2 Lesser Beefly Bombilius minor  3 Violet Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violacea   4 Club-tailed Damselfly Gomphus vulgatissimus 1 5 Ground Beetle Carabus rutilans 1

Knapweed Fritillary by John Willsher Pulsatilla rubra var serotina by John Willsher