Corsica in Autumn

Corsica In Autumn

Naturetrek Tour Report 24 September - 1 October 2017

Alpine Chough by Eric Leese Bedriaga's Rock Lizard by David Tattersfield

Corte by David Tattersfield Corsican Crossbill by Eric Leese

Report by David Tattersfield Images by David Tattersfield and Eric Leese

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 Corsica In Autumn

Tour participants: David Tattersfield (tour leader) with five Naturetrek clients

Summary

With a small group, everyone’s interests and expectations could easily be catered for. These ranged from the special birds of the island and the insects, to the more general natural history and landscape and the chance of a break from day to day life. We had a great week of good weather, delicious food and good companionship in this unique island.

Day 1 Sunday 24th September

We arrived at Bastia airport at 3.15pm. and, after loading our minibus, set off across the island towards our hotel in Evisa. We made a stop to see the delightful model village at Pont Nuovo and at Ponte Leccia, to see the Genoese bridge that spans the Golu river. There was much evidence of the severe floods, which had occurred two years previously.

We continued south to Francardo and then turned westwards towards the mountains. The narrow twisting road took us through the dramatic Santa Regina Gorge, below imposing granite scenery and onwards into the vast area of pine forest that clothes the mountains. It was cloudy at the top of the pass, where we scanned the juniper-clad slopes, around the car-park for Corsican Finch. We were unsuccessful and continued down to our hotel, where we arrived, just after 7.00pm. We enjoyed a delicious wild boar stew, before retiring to bed.

Day 2 Monday 25th September

Those of us who went out for a pre-breakfast walk were fortunate to see Corsican Finch, Cirl Bunting and brief views of Corsican Nuthatch, only a short distance from the hotel. After breakfast, we drove a short distance up into cool air of the Foret d’Aitone, where we were surrounded by the tall straight trunks of Corcican Pine Pinus nigra subsp. laricio and an understorey of Tree Heather, Erica arborea and Holly Ilex aquifolium. Conspicuous on the ground, were Corsican Hellebore Helleborus lividus subsp. corsicus, Wood Spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides and the occasional flowers of Cyclamen hederifolium. Birds were few, with the occasional Great Spotted Woodpecker and Goldcrest, calling from the treetops. We walked to the ruins of a chestnut mill by the river, where we found Willow Gentian Gentiana asclepiadea, Corsican Leopard’s Bane Doronicum corsicum, and curtains of Corsican Bog Asphodel Narthecium reverchonii, on the wet rocks. In another, wetter, area of forest there were large stands of Willow Gentian and a carpet of the tiny, strong-smelling Corsican Mint Mentha requienii. Exposed granite forms a unique habitat and it was here we encountered two of the island’s endemic lizards, the common Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard and the larger Bedriaga’s Rock Lizard. We were very fortunate to have very good views of a flock of Corsican Crossbill, in the nearby Pine trees.

We moved on to the Col de Sevi, at 1101 metres, for lunch, where the local pigs provided somewhat annoying entertainment. A few pink flowers of Colchicum neapolitanum pushed through the disturbed ground, on the nearby hillside. After lunch, we continued down to the coast at the Liamone estuary, beyond Sagone. There was little activity, apart from the Italian Pool Frogs, which leapt into the water at our approach and bright-green Italian Wall Lizards. However, there were plenty of insects, including Clouded Yellow, Small Copper, Lang’s Short- tailed Blue, Common Blue, Brown Argus and Southern Grayling, among the butterflies and Southern Hawker

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

and Red-veined Darter. Down on the beach, most people went for a swim or a paddle, while a few explored the area of scrub behind the du nes, where there were flocks of Sparrows, Linnets and Goldfinch and a few Stonechats. Grasshoppers were common; mostly Red-winged or Blue-winged and the occasional Nosed Grasshopper. On the way back to Evisa, we stopped to watch many Red Kites and Ravens flying over a large landfill site.

Day 3 Tuesday 26th September

We saw Corsican Finch again before breakfast, near the hotel. After breakfast and shopping, we drove down the long and winding road to the foot of the Spelunca Gorge. We followed the footpath, through the tall maquis, above the river, as far as the elegant Zaglia Bridge, that spans a tributary. Before the road was built, this ancient mule trail provided a vital link, between Evisa and the harbour in Porto. We had lunch, in this picturesque spot, among the rounded granite boulders by the river. The yellow Stink Aster Dittrichia viscosa is the most conspicuous plant in Corsica, at this time of year, and attracted a few late-season butterflies, including Clouded Yellow, Holly Blue, and Cardinal. We returned the way we had come, hearing Firecrest and glimpsing Dipper on the river. After driving up to Ota, we spent a relaxing time over refreshments. Crag Martins and House Martins zoomed around, overhead, Ravens croaked and a pair of Common Buzzards circled the valley. In the orchards below we watched the comings and goings of Blackbirds, Sparrows, Tits and Jays.

We continued down to Porto and then a little way south to the Calanche de Piana. Here the pink granite cliffs and pinnacles have been eroded into fantastic shapes, that look their best in the late-afternoon sun. The delicate blooms of the endemic Pink Snowflake Acis rosea made a lovely show, this year, and drifts of pink Cyclamen hederifolium lined the shady roadside verges. A young Western Whip Snake was found among the leaves. We walked along the road for some distance to admire the scenery, before returning to Evisa.

Day 4 Wednesday 27th September

After packing, we left Evisa and drove up to the Col de Vergio. We were just above the tree-line in a wild open landscape with stunted trees and a carpet of Juniper and the low-growing spiny Broom Genista salzmannii var. lobelioides. We walked up a track to the top of the rather dilapidated ski tows, giving extensive views in all directions. Among the Junipers were the glowing red berries of Berberis aetnensis and the shiny, red hips of Rosa serafinii. Birds were disappointingly few and we only recorded Coal Tit. Down the eastern side of the pass, we descended a long way through the forest. We stopped by a damp ditch, where there were a few plants of the insectivorous Corsican Butterwort Pinguicula corsica and the brilliant red foliage of Norway Maple Acer platanoides, in the forest. By a stroke of luck, the distinctive call of Corsican Nuthatch could be heard, high in the Pine trees and we had some good views. Further on, where the forest gave way to rough pasture, butterflies were flitting around the scrub and included Cardinal, Queen of Spain Fritillary, Corsican Wall Brown, Small Heath and Southern Grayling.

The owner of a cafe in Calacuccia was happy to allow us the use of his outdoor tables for lunch, in exchange for purchases of drinks, and the village proved to be another interesting stop for the butterflies. We continued down the Santa Regina Gorge, where we did a short road walk and then after leaving the mountains behind we explored an area of maquis, close to the railway. Autumn Lady’s-tresses took a little finding but were still in bud,

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Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

and a Sardinian Warbler put in a very brief appearance. We spent an hour or so exploring Corte and enjoying the views from the Citadel before checking in at our hotel, ideally situated by the river.

Day 5 Thursday 28th September

Leaving at 9.00am, we drove south and stopped in Venaco for shopping. In the village, a sheltered and sunny gully was a magnet for butterflies and we saw Red Admiral, Southern White Admiral, Southern Speckled Wood, Queen of Spain and Silver-washed Fritillary, among others. A short distance south we reached Gustav Eiffel’s dramatic railway bridge, spanning the Verghello Valley, alongside the elegant modern road bridge. Crag Martins flew around under the bridge and along the quiet road were many Corsican Wall Brown and Southern Grayling. At the end of the road, we had a short walk in the forest and enjoyed magnificent mountain views over lunch. Calls of Nuthatch could be heard and one came down to the ground, busily extracting seeds from a fallen Pine cone, just metres away and seemingly unconcerned by our presence. This was real bird-watching!

We continued south through Vivario and up to the top of the pass, where we made a short walk into the magnificent Beech forest. Most of the trees have multiple trunks, clear evidence of coppicing in the past. We followed this with a walk down to the Cascades des Anglais, where mixed open forest contained an abundance of Cyclamen hederifolium, growing among the boulders. The stream was all but dry, this year, with a few trout swimming lazily in the clear water. We finished off the afternoon with drinks at the railway station in Vizzavona, the highest on Corsica’s unique railway and were back at our hotel at 6.00pm. Before and during dinner, we watched the nightly antics of Moorish Gecko, on the hotel walls and, as in Evisa, there was an interesting selection of moths, attracted to the lights.

Day 6 Friday 29th September

We drove up the Restonica valley, which runs south-west, deep into the rugged mountains, stopping to watch Corsican Nuthatch in the forest. At the car-park we stopped for coffee and enjoyed the views of the rugged glaciated valley and the high granite ridges above. Three of the group opted for a walk down the road and the rest of us set off up the rocky path to Lac de Melo at 1700 metres. The walk was through scrub of low-growing Corsican Alder, Alnus alnobetula subsp. suaveolens and scattered trees of Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and the endemic Rowan Sorbus aucuparia subsp. praemorsa, each with colourful bark. On a steep section of granite slabs, fixed ladders eased our progress, and by 1.00pm we were gazing over the placid water of the circular glacial lake. A sunny boulder provided an ideal spot for lunch and as soon as the food appeared the Alpine Choughs arrived to share it. They provided us with great entertainment and were soon happily feeding out of our hands. We returned down the ladders to the cafe and, before returning to the hotel, we relaxed over drinks, and then watched the sheep being fed at the nearby bergeries.

Day 7 Saturday 30th September

Before breakfast, we watched Dippers on the river, just below the terrace. We drove into Corte and walked a little way along the trail into the Tavignano Valley. Our main hope was for Marmora’s Warbler and after a lot of patience and an element of luck, we did eventually spot a couple, albeit fleetingly, as well as Sardinian Warbler and Moltoni’s Warbler.

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

We left Corte and followed the Tavignano Valley to the coast at Aleria, where we did some shopping for lunch. Further south, we visited the Etang d’Urbino, the second-largest of Corsica’s saline lagoons. From a distance, on the water, we could pick out Grey Heron, Great, Little and Cattle Egret, Great Crested Grebe and rafts of Eurasian Coot. We had lunch by fishermen’s cottages, on the shore of the lagoon, where there were Great Cormorant, Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls. The shallow edge of the lagoon proved very interesting, with a number of large Sea Cucumbers and Beadlet Anemones, in the beds of Eelgrass. Walking down to the salt marsh, a Marsh Harrier was patrolling the reedbeds. New plants included the large-leaved Sea Lavender Limonium vulgare and Golden Samphire Limbarda crithmoides and among these we noted Southern Hawker, Red-veined Darter and the endemic Island Bluetail. A Firecrest, the only we saw during the week, was spotted in the trees. We returned directly to our hotel, where the Dippers were still active on the river. Before dinner, we completed our checklists and had drinks and snacks to celebrate a wonderful week.

Day 8 Sunday 1st October

The hotel kindly provided an early breakfast. We had an uneventful journey to the airport, on quiet roads, and were in plenty of time for check-in.

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Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (• = endemic to Corsica, or nearby region; ‡ = cultivated or naturalised) Latin name Common name Notes

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS AND FERN ALLIES

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Occasional on rocks Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Rocks Asplenium obovatum Lanceolate Spleenwort Shaded rocks. Spelunca Asplenium onopteris Sharp-leaved Spleenwort Walls Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall-rue Foret d'Aitone, Restonica Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort Col de Vergio Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Occasional on rocks

Blechnaceae Hard-fern Family Blechnum spicant Hard-fern Foret d'Aitone

Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Common

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Dryopteris cambrensis Narrow Male-fern Common Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern Forests Dryopteris expansa Northern Buckler-fern Mountain rocks and scrub Dryopteris oreades Mountain Male-fern Common Polystichum aculeatum Hard Shield-fern Cascades des Anglais Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern Foret d'Aitone

Equisetaceae Horsetail Family Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail Occasional in pasture Equisetum ramosissimum Branched Horsetail Hedges Equisetum telmateia Giant Horsetail Occasional in ditches

Osmundaceae Royal Fern Family Osmunda regalis Royal Fern Common by rivers

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Occasional on rocks Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody Occasional on rocks

Pteridaceae Maidenhair Fern Family Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Wet rocks. Spelunca Cryptogramma crispa Parsley Fern Mountain rocks. Restonica

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family Selaginella denticulata Toothed Clubmoss Damp earth. Common

Woodsiaceae Lady-fern Family Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Foret d'Aitone Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Frequent on rocks

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Cypress Family Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Cultivated Juniperus communis subsp. alpina Juniper Common in mountains Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Common in maquis

Pinaceae Pine Family Abies alba European Silver-fir Foret d'Aitone, Vizzavona Larix decidua ‡ Larch Occasional. Foret d'Aitone Pinus halepensis‡ Aleppo Pine Planted Pinus nigra subsp. laricio • Corsican Pine Forests Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Common in lower forests Pinus pinea ‡ Umbrella Pine Planted near coasts Pseudotsuga menziesii ‡ Douglas Fir Planted. Foret d'Aitone

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

DICOTYLEDONS

Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Sambucus ebulus Danewort Foret d'Aitone. Vizzavona Sambucus nigra Elderberry Occasional Viburnum tinus Laurustinus Shaded maquis. Common

Aizoaceae Dewplant Family Carpobrotus acinaciformis ‡ Red Hottentot-fig Coastal alien Carpobrotus edulis ‡ Yellow Hottentot-fig Coastal alien

Amaranthaceae Goosefoot Family Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima Sea Beet Liamone beach Chenopodium album Fat-hen Occasional weed Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good-King-Henry Animal pens Halimione portulacoides Sea Purslane Beaches Salsola kali Prickly Saltwort Sandy beaches Sarcocornia fruticosa A Perennial Glasswort Salt marsh. Etang d'Urbino

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree Common in maquis

Apiaceae Carrot Family Bupleurum fruticosum Shrubby Hare's-ear Rocky places in maquis Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Coastal rocks Daucus carota Wild Carrot Common Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Frequent Eryngium maritimum Sea Holly Coast Ferula communis Giant Fennel Frequent Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare Fennel Common Imperatoria ostruthium Masterwort Mountain streamsides Mutellina corsica var. corsica • A Lovage Restonica

Apocynaceae Oleander Family Nerium oleander Oleander By streams in maquis

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Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly Frequent in forests

Araliaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy Common

Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Restonica

Asteraceae Daisy Family Achillea ligustica Southern Yarrow Common Bellis perennis Daisy Occasional Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Frequent Bellium bellidioides • False Daisy Common Carduus pycnocephalus Plymouth Thistle Common. Waste ground Carduus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle Coast Carlina corymbosa Flat-topped Carline Thistle Common to 1000 metres Carlina macrocephala subsp. macrocephala Large-headed Carline Thistle Occasional above1000 metres • Chondrilla juncea Rush Skeletonweed Waste places Cichorium intybus Chicory Roadsides Dittrichia graveolens Aromatic Inula Roadsides. Frequent Dittrichia viscosa Stink Aster Roadsides . Common Doronicum corsicum • Corsican Leopard's-bane Wet rocks Helichrysum frigidum • An Everlastingflower Mountain rocks Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum A Curry Plant Rocky places Hypochaeris achyrophorus Mediterranean Cat's-ear Frequent Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear Frequent Limbarda crithmoides Golden Samphire Coast Onopordon illyricum Illyrian Scotch Thistle Common. Waste ground Phagnalon saxatile A Shrubby Cudweed Rocks at low altitude Santolina corsica • Corsican Lavender-cotton Tavignano Senecio transiens • A Sea Groundsel Coastal rocks and sand Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Waste places Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod Mountains Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Waste places Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle Waste places Xanthium italicum ‡ A Cocklebur Coasts Xanthium spinosum ‡ Spiny Cocklebur Ruderal

Berberidaceae Barberry Family Berberis aetnensis • Etna Barberry Mountains

Betulaceae Birch Family Alnus alnobetula subsp. suaveolens • Corsican Alder Restonica Alnus cordata • Italian Alder Occasional Alnus glutinosa Common Alder Common by rivers Betula pendula Silver Birch Forests to treeline

Boraginaceae Borage Family Cynoglossum creticum Cretan Hound's-tongue Roadsides Echium italicum Italian Viper's-bugloss Roadsides Echium plantagineum Purple Viper’s-bugloss Waste ground

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Heliotropium europaeum Heliotrope Common. Roadsides

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Cakile maritima Sea Rocket Coasts Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse Widespread Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Widespread Lepidium hirtum subsp. oxyotum A Pepperwort Mountains Lunaria annua Honesty Near habitation Matthiola tricuspidata Three-horned Stock Coastal Sinapsis arvensis Charlock Waste places Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Waste places

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box Spelunca

Cactaceae Cactus Family Opuntia ficus-indica ‡ Prickly Pear Widely planted Opuntia microdasys ‡ Planted. Corte

Campanulaceae Bellfower Family Jasione montana Sheep's-bit Mountain rocks and sand dunes

Cannabaceae Hackberry and Hop Family Celtis australis ‡ European Nettle Tree Planted

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus ruber ‡ Red Valerian Garden escape Knautia integrifolia Entire-leaved Scabious Waste places Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Occasional Lonicera implexa A Honeysuckle Frequent in maquis

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria balearica • Balearic Sandwort Cascades des Anglais Cerastium fontanum Mouse-ear Chickweed Frequent Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Waste places Cerastium soleirolii • A Mouse-ear Common. Mountains Dianthus sylvestris subsp. godronianus • Godron's Pink Cliffs Kohlrauschia velutina Kohlrauschia Open maquis Minuartia verna Vernal Sandwort Mountains Paronychia argentea Silvery Paronychia Sandy coast Paronychia polygonifolia A Paronychia Mountains Petrorhagia saxifraga subsp. gasparrinii • A Tunic flower Frequent on rocks Sagina procumbens Pearlwort Common Saponaria officinalis Soapwort Occasional. Roadsides Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Frequent Stellaria media Chickweed Waste places

Cistaceae Rockrose Family Cistus creticus Cretan Cistus Common in maquis Cistus monspeliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus Common in maquis Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Common in maquis

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Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Calystegia soldanella Sea Bindweed Sand dunes. Liamone Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Frequent Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Occasional weed

Corylaceae Hazel Family Corylus avellana Hazel Frequent

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Rocks. Frequent Sedum brevifolium Short-leaved Stonecrop Rocks. Common Sedum dasyphyllum Fat-leaved Stonecrop Rocks and walls Sedum rubens Red Stonecrop Rocks. Common Sedum rupestre Large Rock Stonecrop Rocks. Occasional Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Rocks. Common

Ericaceae Heather Family Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Maquis Erica arborea Tree Heather Maquis Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Restonica

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. A Wood Spurge Frequent. Forests semiperfoliata • Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Large Mediterranean Spurge Widespread Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Coastal cliffs Euphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge Occasional Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Waste ground Euphorbia hyberna subsp. insularis • An Irish Spurge Forest

Fabaceae Pea Family Anthyllis hermanniae Herman's Kidney Vetch Common Calycotome infesta Thorny Broom Maquis Calycotome villosa Hairy Thorny Broom Maquis Ceratonia siliqua Carob Occasional Cercis siliquastrum ‡ Judas Tree Frequent Genista corsica • Corsican Broom Maquis Genista monspessulana Monpellier Broom Maquis Genista salzmannii var. lobelioides • Mountains Genista salzmannii var. salzmannii • Lower altitudes than var. lobelioides Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil Occasional Medicago sativa ‡ Lucerne Crop and escape Ononis variegata Spiny Restharrow Common Robinia pseudoacacia ‡ False Acacia Cultivated Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Roadsides Trifolium arvense Hare's-foot Clover Occasional Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Occasional Trifolium pratense Red Clover Common Trifolium repens White Clover Common Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Common Vicia cracca subsp. tenuifolia Tufted Vetch Common Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Common Vetch Common

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Fagaceae Beech Family Castanaea sativa ‡ Sweet Chestnut Widely planted Fagus sylvatica Beech Forests to tree-line Quercus coccifera Kermes Oak Maquis Quercus ilex Holm Oak Maquis Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Venaco Quercus suber Cork Oak Lowland maquis

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Gentiana asclepiadea Willow-leaved Gentian Foret d'Aitone. Restonica

Geraniaceae Crane's-bill Family Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Coast and waste places Geranium lucidum Shining Crane's-bill Spelunca Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Widespread

Hypericaceae St John's-wort Family Hypericum perfoliatum Perfoliate St John's-wort Frequent Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John's-wort Wet places Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stalked St John's-wort Damp places

Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans regia ‡ Walnut Occasional

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Ballota nigra Black Horehound Roadsides Clinopodium calamintha Lesser Calamint Waste places. Widespread Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Common Lavandula stoechas French Lavender Rocky places in maquis Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Roadsides. Ruderal Mentha aquatica Water Mint Wet places Mentha requienii • Corsican Mint Foret d'Aitone Mentha spicata Spear Mint Damp places Mentha suaveolens subsp. insularis • A Round-leaved Mint Damp places Micromeria filiformis Thread-leaved Micromeria Santa Regina Gorge Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Hot rocky places Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Frequent Stachys corsica • Corsican Woundwort Frequent Stachys glutinosa • Sticky Woundwort Rocky places Teucrium capitatum Felty Germander Frequent. Rocky places Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander Occasional Teucrium marum • A Germander Rocky places Teucrium massilense A Germander Frequent Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Common in forests Thymus herba-barona • A Thyme Common in mountains

Lentibulariaceae Butterwort Family Pinguicula corsica • Corsican Butterwort Wet places. Restonica

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale Flax Locally common

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Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Loranthaceae Mistletoe Family Viscum album subsp. austriacum Mistletoe Common on Pine and Fir

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva arborea Tree Mallow Near coast Malva cretica Small Tree Mallow Occasional Malva parviflora Least Mallow Occasional Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Roadsides

Moraceae Fig Family Ficus carica Fig Frequent in maquis Morus alba ‡ White Mulberry Cultivated

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family Eucalyptus camaldulensis ‡ River Red Gum Cultivated Myrtus communis Common Myrtle Occasional in maquis

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus ornus Manna Ash Common in maquis Olea europaea subsp. oleaster Wild Olive Maquis Phillyrea angustifolia Narrow-leaved Mock Privet Common in maquis Phillyrea latifolia Large-leaved Mock Privet Frequent in maquis

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Odontites lutea Yellow Odontites Locally common. Maquis

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow Sorrel Ruderal Oxalis pes-caprae ‡ Bermuda Buttercup Alien weed

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy Sand dunes

Phytolaccaceae Pokeweed Family Phytolacca acinos‡ Pokeweed Waste places

Plantain and Speedwell Plantaginaceae Family Digitalis purpurea subsp. gyspergerae • Foxglove Common Linaria vulgaris ‡ Common Toadflax Corte Plantago afra Glandular Plantain Rocky places. Common Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain Coastal Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Widespread Plantago major Greater Plantain Waste ground Plantago sarda var. sarda • A Plantain Mountains Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell Foret d'Aitone Veronica persica ‡ Common Speedwell Occasional

Platanaceae Plane Family Platanus x hispanica ‡ London Plane Cultivated

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria leucocephala • White-headed Thrift Santa Regina Gorge

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Armeria multiceps • Multi-headed Thrift Mountains. Common Limoniastrum monopetalum Limoniastrum Shore. Etang d'Urbino Limonium corsicum • A Sea Lavender Coastal rocks. Galeria Limonium vulgare A Sea Lavender Edge of saline lagoon. Etang d'urbino Plumbago europaea European Plumbago Santa Regina Gorge

Polygonaceae Dock Family Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass Bare ground Polygonum maritimum Sea Knotgrass Coastal Rumex acetosella subsp. pyrenaicus A Sheep's Sorrel Common Rumex bucephalophorus Fiddle Dock Frequent Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock Damp places

Primulaceae Primrose Family Cyclamen hederifolium subsp. hederifolium Ivy-leaved Sowbread Locally common

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Aquilegia dumeticola • A Columbine Foret d'Aitone. Restonica Clematis flammula Fragrant Clematis Maquis. Common Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard Common Helleborus lividus subsp. corsicus • Corsican Hellebore Common Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Foret d'Aitone Ranunculus lanuginosus Wooly Buttercup Frequent Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Common

Rosaceae Rose Family Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Common Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Frequent Potentilla erecta Tormentil Frequent Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinqufoil Common. Waste places Potentilla rupestris var. pygmaea • Rock Cinquefoil Occasional. Mountains Poterium sanguisorba Salad Burnet Common Prunus avium Wild Cherry Occasional Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Frequent. Pyrus spinosa Almond-leaved Pear Frequent. Maquis Rosa agrestis Small-leaved Sweet-briar Frequent Rosa canina Dog-rose Roadsides Rosa sempervirens Evergreen Rose Roadsides Rosa serafinii Col de Vergio Rubus ulmifolius A Bramble Common Sorbus aucuparia subsp. praemorsa • Corsican Rowan Restonica

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Frequent Galium aparine Cleavers Occasional Galium mollugo subsp. erectum Hedge Bedstraw Occasional Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff Spelunca Galium rotundifolium Round-leaved Bedstraw Spelunca Galium scabrum Shaded maquis Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Forests and maquis Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Spelunca

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Salicaceae Willow Family Populus alba White Poplar Frequent Populus nigra Black Poplar Frequent Populus tremula Aspen Occasional. Pine Forests Salix alba White Willow Common Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia Grey Willow Common Salix purpurea Purple Willow Damp places

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Osyris alba Osyris Maquis

Sapindaceae Maple Family Acer monspessulanum Montpelier Maple Frequent in maquis Acer platanoides Norway Maple Occasional. Foret d'Aitone Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Restonica

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga pedemontana subsp. cervicornis • A Piedmont Saxifrage Shaded mountain rocks Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Shaded damp places Saxifraga stellaris Starry Saxifrage Wet places. Restonica

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Buddleja davidii ‡ Butterfly-bush Near habitation Scrophularia canina French Figwort Rocky slopes Verbascum sinuatum Wavy-leaved Mullein Restonica. Vecchio Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein Occasional

Simaroubaceae Tree-of-heaven Family Ailanthus altissima ‡ Tree-of-heaven Widespread

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade Foret d'Aitone, Vizzavona Datura stramonium ‡ Thornapple Ruderal. Alien

Tamaricaceae Tamarisk family Tamarix africana Tamarisk Near coasts

Thymelaeaceae Mezereon Family Daphne gnidium Mediterranean Mezereon Widespread in maquis Daphne oleoides Olive-leaved Daphne Col de Vergio

Tiliaceae Lime Family Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Occasional Tilia platyphyllos ‡ Broad-leaved Lime Planted

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-Wall Walls and rocks Urtica atrovirens • A Nettle Evisa. Verghello Urtica dioica Common Nettle Waste places

Verbenaceae Vervain Family Lantana camara ‡ Lantana Cultivated Verbena officinalis Vervain Roadsides

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Violaceae Violet Family Viola biflora Yellow Wood Violet Shaded wet places Viola corsica • Corsican Violet Restonica Viola riviniana Common Dog-violet Frequent

Vitaceae Vine Family Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris Wild Vine Spelunca

MONOCOTYLEDONS

Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Acis rosea • Pink Snowflake Calanche de Piana

Araceae Lords-and-Ladies Family Arisarum vulgare Friar's Cowl Shaded maquis

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family Agave americana ‡ Centuryplant Cultivated Asparagus acutifolius Mediterranean Wild Asparagus Maquis Asparagus albus White Asparagus Maquis Prospero autumnale Autumn Squill Locally common Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s-broom Shaded maquis

Colchicaceae Meadow Saffron Family Colchicum neapolitanum A Meadow Saffron Frequent

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge Common Cyperus capitatus Sand Galingale Coastal sands Cyperus longus Galingale Liamone Estuary

Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus acutus Sharp Rush Frequent

Nartheciaceae Bog Asphodel Family Narthecium reverchonii • Corsican Bog Asphodel Wet rocks

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Spiranthes spiralis Autumn Lady's-tresses Occasional in maquis

Poaceae Grass Family Ammophila arenaria Marram Sand dunes Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. sardoum • A False Oat-grass Frequent Arundo donax ‡ Giant Reed Wet places. Lowland Avena sterilis Barren Oat Ruderal Briza maxima Greater Quaking-grass Dry places Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass Waste places Bromus madritensis Mediterranean Brome Common Bromus sterilis Barren Brome Frequent Calamagrostis varia subsp. corsica • A Small-reed Streamsides Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-grass Roadsides Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Dry places Lagurus ovatus Hare’s-tail Grass Dry places

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

Latin name Common name Notes

Lamarckia aurea Golden Dog's-tail Dry places Nardus stricta Mat-grass Mountain grassland Phragmites australis Common Reed Wet areas Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Pathways

Posidoniaceae Neptune Grass Family Posidonia oceanica Neptune Grass Sub-marine

Smilacaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Common Smilax Common in maquis

Typhaceae Bulrush Family Typha latifolia Greater Reed Mace Liamone estuary

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodelus ramosus Branched Asphodel Common

Zosteraceae Eelgrass Family Zostera marina Eelgrass Sub-marine

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; • = endemic to Corsica, or nearby region) September/October Common name Latin name 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 1 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus  2 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea   3 Great Egret Ardea alba   4 Little Egret Egretta garzetta   5 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis   6 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo  7 Red Kite Milvus milvus         8 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus  9 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo    H H   10 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus         11 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra  12 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos  13 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus  14 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis   15 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia         16 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus  17 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto    18 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major       19 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius         20 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus     21 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix         22 Northern Raven Corvus corax        23 Coal Tit Periparus ater       24 Great Tit Parus major       25 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus       26 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica      27 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris      28 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum      

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

September/October Common name Latin name 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 29 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti  H 30 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus   31 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla     32 Marmora's Warbler Sylvia sarda    33 Moltoni's Warbler Sylvia subalpina  34 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala  H  35 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla H   36 Goldcrest Regulus regulus  37 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H  38 Corsican Nuthatch • Sitta whiteheadi     39 Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris   40 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor        41 Common Blackbird Turdus merula        42 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 43 European Robin Erithacus rubecula     44 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola   45 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus     46 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae        47 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea   H    48 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs       49 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis   50 Corsican Finch • Carduelis corsicana    51 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina   52 Corsican Crossbill • Loxia curvirostra corsicana  53 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus  

Mammals 1 Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus  2 Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus   Geckos 1 Moorish Gecko Tarentola mauritanica   

Lizards 1 Bedriaga's Rock Lizard • Archaeolacerta bedriagae    2 Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard • Podarcis tiliguerta      3 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis siculus 

Snakes 1 Western Whip Snake Hierophis viridiflavus 

True Frogs 1 Italian Pool Frog ‡ Pelophylax lessonae bergeri 

Butterflies 1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon   2 Large White Pieris brassicae       3 Small White Pieris rapae        4 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea faillae      

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

September/October Common name Latin name 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 5 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni  6 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeus      7 Lang's Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous    8 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus  9 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus       10 Brown Argus Aricia agestis    11 Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta  12 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta  13 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia  14 Cardinal Pandoriana pandora     15 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia    16 Southern Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria       17 Corsican Wall Brown • Lasiommata paramegaera     18 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus   19 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina   20 Great Banded Grayling Brintesia circe       21 Southern Grayling • Hipparchia aristaeus       22 Olive Skipper Pyrgus serratulae  23 Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus 

Moths (Additional Moth records provided by Eric Leese) 1 Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum      2 Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa    3 Mediterranean Tiger Moth Cymbalophora pudica      4 Nyctobrya amesina     5 Small Blood-vein Scopula imitaria     6 Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata     7 Lace Border Scopula ornata      8 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba     9 Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua interjecta       10 Herb Emerald • Microloxia herbaria subsp. viridiciliata    11 Vestal Rhodometra sacraria     12 Charissa corsica •    13 Treble-bar Aplocera plagiata    14 Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata    15 Scarce Footman Eilema complana     16 Portland Ribbon Wave Idaea degeneraria     17 Heather Pug Eupithecia ericeata    18 Corsican Mozaic • Leucochlaena turattii     19 Brimstone Opisthograptis luteolata      20 Hylaea pinicolaria •      21 Xestia jordani •      22 Great Dart Agrotis crassa       23 Shuttle-shaped Dart Agrotis puta      24 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria      25 Scotopteryx proximaria      Dragonflies 1 Island Bluetail • Ischnura genei       2 Southern (Blue) Hawker Aeshna cyanea   

Corsica In Autumn Tour Report

September/October Common name Latin name 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 3 Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii    4 Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum   Other Insects 1 Red Band-winged Grasshopper Oedipoda germanica        2 Blue Band-winged Grasshopper Oedipoda caerulescens        3 Nosed Grasshopper Acrida ungarica     4 Eurasian Pincer Grasshopper Calliptamus barbarus     5 Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa  6 A Fire Bug Scantius aegyptius       7 German Wasp Vespula germanica      8 Hornet Vespa crabro     9 Violet Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violacea   10 Corsican Buff-tailed Bumblebee • Bombus terrestris subsp. xanthopus      11 Honey Bee Apis mellifera     

Other taxa 1 Sea Cucumber Holothuria tubulosa  2 Banded Dye-murex Hexaplex trunculus  3 Beadlet Anemone Actinia equina  4 Mediterranean Shore Crab Carcinus mediterraneus 