Tour Report 13 - 20 June 2019

Go Slow … in the Swiss Alps

Naturetrek Tour Report 13 - 20 June 2019

Paris quadrifolia

Soldanella alpina

Trollius europaeus The Monch & The Jungfrau

Report and Images by Paul Harmes & Tim Russ

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

Tour Report France - The Vercors

Tour participants: Paul Harmes & Tim Russ (leaders) with 14 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Thursday 13th June

Fly London – Zurich: Transfer to Mürren (Alt.1650m) Fourteen tour participants met Tim at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, for the 12.10pm British Airways flight BA714 to Zurich, arriving at 3pm. With passport control and baggage reclaim completed, they made their way into the Arrivals area, where Paul was waiting to meet everyone, with the coach driver, Adnan. Luggage was quickly loaded, and we set off for the two-and-a-half-hour journey to Stechelberg. Upon our arrival, we transferred to the cable car for the final leg of the journey up to the car-free village of Mürren.

Day 2 Friday 14th June

Allmendhubel (Alt.1907m) On a bright, cloudy, morning, we left the hotel at 9.30am and made the short walk to the Allmendhubel Funicular railway. With tickets purchased, we took the five-minute ride up to the sub-alpine pastures and tracks of Allmendhubel. Along the way we saw Common Redstart and Black Redstart, as well as Berger's Clouded Yellow and Swallowtail butterflies.

As we emerged from the station building, we were met by a sea of Crocus vernus (Spring Crocus) flowering in large numbers around some snow patches, and areas where it was obvious that snow had lain recently. They were predominantly white, with some purple and some white-and-purple flowers. Among them we began to find Soldanella alpina (Alpine Snowbell) in ever-increasing numbers. As we slowly worked our way across the landscape, we added Primula elatior (Oxlip), Gentiana acaulis (Trumpet Gentian), Silene dioica (Red Campion), Potentilla aurea (Golden Cinquefoil), Geum montanum (Mountain Avens) and Caltha palustris (Marsh-marigold or Kingcups).

We now found ourselves a collection of rocks, where our leaders set up our picnic lunch. During the morning the bird-life had been rather sparse, with Carrion Crow, Jay, Raven and the ever-present Chaffinch, the sum of our records.

After lunch, some of the group joined Paul to explore an area to the north, which was the lower section of the Shilthorn track. Along the way we added Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Green Hairstreak and Mountain Dappled White butterflies. Some rock ledges produced Kernera saxatilis (Kernera), Selaginella selaginoides (Lesser Clubmoss), Erinus alpinus (Fairy Foxglove), Gentiana brachyphylla (Small-leaved Gentian) and Primula auricula (Bear's-ear Primrose), and the adjacent meadows had good numbers of Viola lutea (Mountain Pansy) and Ranunculus aconitifolius (Aconite-leaved Buttercup).

It was now time to make our way back down to join the rest of the group for afternoon refreshments in the refugio, before taking the funicular back down to Mürren.

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Day 3 Saturday 15th June

Wengen (Alt. 1274m) – Mannlichen (Alt. 2222m) It dawned cloudy but bright, and after breakfast we set off for Mürren station. As we went, we noted Phyteuma spicatum (Spiked Rampion) and Rumex alpinus (Monk's Rhubarb), as well as a solitary Alpine Chamois, grazing below the village.

We caught the 9.43am train to Grutschalp, and the cable car down to Lauterbrunan. Here we caught the shuttle train to Wengen. Upon our arrival in the village, we made our way to the cable car station, for Mannlichen. At the top, we set off to explore, taking the Royal Walk route up to the viewpoint. Once again, the receding snow- patches were revealing large numbers of Crocus vernus (Spring Crocus) and scattered Soldanella alpina (Alpine Snowbell). Crested Lark and Water Pipit were active, and there were occasional 'fly-bys' from Alpine Chough, Raven and Carrion Crow. At about the halfway point to the viewpoint, we began to add more plant species. Primula elatior (Oxlip), Primula farinosa (Bird's-eye Primrose), Anemone vernalis (Spring Pasqueflower), Androsace chamaejasme (Ciliate Rock-jasmine), Pedicularis verticillata (Whorled Lousewort), Primula hirsuta (Hairy Primrose), Gentiana brachyphylla (Small-leaved Gentian) and Silene acaulis (Moss Campion) were all seen.

As most of the group members who had wanted to visit the viewpoint, had done so, our leaders set up our picnic, which was enjoyed in a combination of low cloud and sunshine with ever-changing views. After eating, Paul pointed out a 'perfect' example of Anemone vernalis (Spring Pasqueflower) and also Ranunculus kuepferi (Kuepfer's Buttercup) and Ranunculus alpestris (Alpine Buttercup), before we made our way to the refugio for refreshments.

After this we took a look at the Kleine Scheidegg path, which, due to lying snow, was closed to walkers. However, we did add Bearded Vulture, White-winged Snowfinch and some close views of Water Pipit.

We now re-joined the cable car back Wengen, where we began to retrace our steps back to Mürren.

Day 4 Sunday 16th June

Shilthorn (Piz Gloria, 2970m) - Birg (Thrill Walk, 2677m) - Gritschalp to Mürren (Walk) Our morning began with a cable car ride up to the Shilthorn, via Birg. It was quite bright in Mürren, but as we ascended the cloud closed in completely between Birg and our destination. As we walked through the village to the cable-car station, Crested Tit, Mistle Thrush and Great Spotted Woodpecker were all recorded.

The Shilthorn cable-car station houses the famous James Bond Museum, as this site is the location for a famous battle scene in the movie ‘On Her Majesty's Secret Service’. They also have fairly regular visits from Bearded Vultures, which they feed bones. The weather, this year, meant that this did not happen, so we contented ourselves with a visit to the museum and watching fleeting glimpses of the views coming and going, before sitting down to brunch in the Piz Gloria Restaurant.

After eating, we descended to Birg. Some of the group continued on to Mürren, to prepare for an afternoon walk. The remaining group members took the opportunity to take the 'Thrill Walk' at Birg. This is a steel

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walkway bolted to the cliffs below the cable car station. Again, low cloud obstructed some of the views, but we did find some nice alpine plant species. These included Androsace helvetica (Swiss Rock-jasmine), Veronica aphylla (Leafless-stemmed Speedwell), Saxifraga exarata subsp. moschata (Musky Saxifrage), Androsace chamaejasme (Ciliate Rock-jasmine), Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Saxifrage), Hornungia alpina (Chamois-cress), Persicaria vivipara (Alpine Bistort) and the leaves of Saxifraga paniculata (Live-long Saxifrage).

We now continued down the cable car to Mürren, and the group reconvened outside the Hotel Edelweiss. We now took the train to Grutschalp and began to walk back to the intermediate station at Winteregg, in glorious sunshine, through a mixture of meadows and woodland. Ferns figured quite highly along this route, and we saw Phegopteris connectilis (Beech Fern), Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern), Athhyrium alpestre (Alpine Lady-fern), Cystopteris fragilis (Brittle Bladder-fern), Gymnocarpium dryopteris (Oak Fern), Dryopteris dilitata (Broad Buckler-fern) and Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort). We also recorded Orchis mascula (Early-purple Orchid), Dactylorhiza majalis (Broad-leaved Marsh-orchid), Oxalis acetosella (Wood Sorrel), Vaccinium vitis-idaeus (Cowberry), Arctous alpina (Alpine Bearberry) and Silene acaulis (Moss Campion) among many more. Butterflies included Small Tortoiseshell, Green Hairstreak, Swallowtail and Berger's Clouded Yellow.

At Winteregg, we re-joined the train for the short trip back to Mürren, in plenty of time for dinner.

Day 5 Monday 17th June

Zweisimman – Rinderberg (Alt. 2011m) We began today by taking the Train to Grutschalp and the cable car to Lauterbrunan, where we caught the train to Interlaken Ost. Here we transferred to an express train, which took us west along the southern shore of Lake Thunersee towards Spiez and south-west through wonderful scenic countryside to the pretty little town of Zweisimman. Along the way we recorded Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Mallard, Mute Swan, Black and Red Kites and Common Buzzard.

Upon our arrival in Zweisimman, Tim went off to collect our traditional Swiss fondue lunch, from a local bakery, while Paul saw us all across to the base of the Rinderberg cable car. Once Tim had rejoined us, we boarded the cable car for the 20-minute ride to the top. On the ride up, Tim spotted a Ring Ouzel. Once there, Tim set up a a 'base', where he began to prepare our lunch, whilst the group set off to explore with Paul. Water Pipit and Black Redstart were noted and showed well, and Common Swift and House Martin were flying overhead. Exploring the sub-alpine grassland among the snow patches, we found Crocus vernus (Spring Crocus) and Soldanella alpina (Alpine Snowbell). Where the snow had been gone for a while, we recorded Anemone alpina (Alpine Pasqueflower), Lotus alpinus (Alpine Bird's-foot Trefoil), Anemone narcissiflora (Narcissus-flowered Anemone) and Alchemilla glabra (Smooth Lady's-mantle). An ascending path with rocky outcrops added Arctous alpina (Alpine Bearberry), Salix reticulata (Net-leaved Willow), Gentiana brachyphylla (Small-leaved Gentian), Homogyne alpina (Alpine Colt's-foot) and Potentilla crantzii (Alpine Cinquefoil). Butterflies included Small Tortoiseshell, Swallowtail, Little Blue and Green Hairstreak. In addition, we also found Common Lizard. We all now rejoined Tim, who had prepared our fondue, a first for a Naturetrek picnic. Some white wine and fruit juice were also enjoyed. Around the picnic site, we added Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens), Primula auricula (Bear's-ear Primrose) and Primula farinosa (Bird's-eye Primrose) to the day’s list.

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After refreshments in the refugio, we returned down the cable car to Zweisimman, for our return journey to Mürren.

Day 6 Tuesday 18th June

Schynige Platte (Alt. 2099m) On a bright sunny morning, we again took the train from Mürren to Grutschalp and the cable car to Lauterbrunan, where we caught the Interlaken train, alighting at Wilderswil. Here, we transferred to the cog- railway, open in 1893, for the train to the Schynige Platte. Whilst awaiting departure from Wilderswil, we recorded Common Swift, White Wagtail, Red Kite, House Martin, Collared Dove, Black Kite and House Sparrow. This train makes a gentle and sedate rise to the summit, a journey of around one hour. As we went, we were able to record a good number of plants. These included Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime), Fagus sylvatica (Beech), Ulmus glabra (Wych Elm), Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood), Polygonatum verticillatum (Whorled Solomon’s-seal), Vicia sylvatica (Wood Vetch), Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch), Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff) and Primula elatior (Oxlip), among many others.

Upon our arrival at the Schynige Platte, we made our way through part of the 'Alpine Garden' and out onto the rocky grassland in search of a picnic site. Along the way we took the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with many of the alpine plant species we had yet to see. Some of the group chose to explore this area, while others explored the wild areas, and others chose to paint the stunning landscape. Tim and Paul, with help from others, set up the picnic, and then Paul took some group members to explore the boulder-strewn landscape. Here we saw, Huperzia selago (Fir Clubmoss), Ranunculus alpestris (Alpine Buttercup), Rhododendron hirsutum (Hairy Alpenrose), Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens), Juniperus communis var. saxatilis (Alpine Juniper), Lonicera caerulea (Blue-berried Honeysuckle), Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian), Gentiana clusii (Clusius's Gentian) and Hedysarum hedysaroides (Alpine Sainfoin). Birds recorded included Alpine Chough, Water Pipit, Great Tit, Carrion Crow and several good sightings of Ring Ouzel.

After eating our picnic, we set off back towards the station for our train back to Wilderswil, from where we retraced our steps back to Mürren.

Day 7 Wednesday 19th June

Trummelbach Falls and meadows - Mürren to Winteregg. Following a leisurely breakfast, we made our way to the cable car, which would take us via Gimmelwald to Stechelberg. As we descended, we passed of the spectacular Staubbach waterfalls which cascade down the sheer cliffs of the Lauterbrunan valley. In Stechelberg we transferred to a local bus, for the short ride to the Trummelbach Falls, for our morning visit. Walking the path between some meadows, we made our way to the entrance, some 200 metres from the road. This UNESCO world heritage site displaces 20,000 litres of water per second through a series of 10 waterfalls, draining from the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau glaciers, all within the mountain. We took the internal lift to level six and explored the 10 levels at leisure. After visiting the falls, we crossed over the main road to Lauterbrunan, and began exploring the meadows by the Trummelbach River. Here we found Campanula rhomboidalis, Phyteuma orbiculare (Round-headed Rampion), Chaerophyllum hirsutum (Hairy Chervil), Paris quadrifolia (Herb-Paris), Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchid),

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Neottia ovata (Twayblade), Crepis paludosa (Marsh Hawkbit) and Persicaria bistorta (Bistort). The warm morning sun had brought out many insects: Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Little Blue, Berger's Clouded Yellow and Dingy Skipper butterflies were seen, together with a number of Chimney Sweeper moths and Garden Chafer and Rose Chafer beetles. We now re-joined the bus to return to the cable car, to return to Mürren.

The rest of the day was free time. Several group members did join Paul for an optional afternoon walk along the track from Mürren to Winteregg. The botanical highlights were Paradisea liliastrum (St. Bruno's Lily), Cephalanthera longifolia (Sword-leaved Helleborine), Dactylorhiza viridis (Frog Orchid), Helianthemum nummularium subsp. grandiflorum (Large-flowered Rock-rose) and Polygala chamaebuxus (Shrubby Milkwort). We also did well for insects, with Psodos quadrifara, Speckled Yellow, Small Purple-barred, Common Heath and Latticed Heath moths, and Berger's Clouded Yellow, Small Tortoiseshell, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Little Blue and Dingy Skipper butterflies.

Other members of the group reported sightings of Bearded Vulture and Spotted Nutcracker at our pre-dinner checklist.

Day 8 Thursday 20th June

Mürren to Zurich - Fly London Heathrow We said our farewells to Sandra and Daniel, our hosts at the Edelweiss Hotel, and caught the 10.55 cable car from Mürren to Stechelberg, Where we were met by our bus driver Thomas, who quickly loaded our luggage into the trailer, before we set off to Zurich Airport. We stopped at Lauterbrunan station to allow Janet and John to catch a train, as they were staying on in Switzerland for a further 24 hours.

We arrived at Zurich Airport in good time for our flight back to the UK.

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Species Lists

Plants (* = Endemic or restricted distribution; [ ] = Introduced or planted)

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 The Plant List, an internationally accepted list of vascular plant families, published and maintained by these two Institutions. Scientific Name Common Name Location

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS AND FERN ALLIES

Lycophytes Clubmosses

Lycopodiaceae Clubmoss Family Huperzia selago Fir Clubmoss Schynige Platte

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family Selaginella selaginoides Lesser Clubmoss Above Allmendhubel

Calamophytes Horsetails

Equisetaceae Horsetail Family Equisetum sylvaticum Wood Horsetail Near Winteregg

Leptosporangiate Ferm True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall-rue Murren to Winteregg Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Between Murren & Winteregg Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Athyriaceae Lady-fern Family Athyrium alpestre (distentifolium) Alpine Lady-fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern By Trummelbach River

Blechnaceae Hard-fern Family Blechnum spicant Hard-fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Cystopteridaceae Bladder-fern Family Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Dryopteris affinis Scaly Male-fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Dryopteris filix-mas Male-fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Polystichum lonchitis Holly-fern Allmendhubel

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium vulgare agg. Common Polypody Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Thelypteridaceae Marsh Fern Family Phegopteris connectilis Beech Fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

Woodsiaceae Lady-fern Family Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Alpine Juniper Allmendhubel

Pinaceae Pine Family Picea abies Norway Spruce Allmendhubel Pinus mugo Dwarf Mountain-pine Rinderberg Pinus uncinata Mountain Pine Rinderberg

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

EU-DICOTS TRUE DICOTYLEDONS

Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Sambucus nigra Common Elder Beside Schynige Platte Railway Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree By Trummelbach River

Amaranthaceae Goosefoot Family Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good-King-Henry Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Apiaceae Carrot Family Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder Beside Schynige Platte Railway Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Between Murren & Winteregg (leaves) Chaerophyllum hirsutum Hairy Chervil By Trummelbach River Daucus carota Wild Carrot Between Murren & Winteregg (leaves) Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed By Trummelbach River Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Between Murren & Winteregg (leaves) Laserpitium siler a Sermountain Between Murren & Winteregg (leaves) Peucedanum ostruthium Masterwort Allmendhubel (leaves) Pimpinella major Greater Burnet-saxifrage Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Trummelbach Falls

Araliaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy Lauterbrunan

Betulaceae Birch Family Alnus glutinosa Common Alder By Trummelbach River Alnus incana Grey Alder Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Alnus viridis Green Alder Allmendhubel Corylus avellana Hazel Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Echium vulgare Viper's Bugloss Enge Station Myosotis alpestris Alpine Forget-me-not Allmendhubel Myosotis arvense Field Forget-me-not Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard By Trummelbach River

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

Arabis alpina Alpine Rock-cress Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Between Murren & Winteregg Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bitter-cress Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Cardamine pratensis subsp. pratensis Lady's Smock Murren Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlowgrass Schynige Platte Alpine Garden Hornungia alpina subsp. alpina Chamois-cress Birg - 'Thrill Walk' Kernera saxatilis Kernera Above Allmendhubel

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula cochleariifolia Fairy's-thimble Allmendhubel (leaves) Campanula rhomboidalis Broad-leaved Bellflower By Trummelbach River Phyteuma orbiculare Round-headed Rampion By Trummelbach River Phyteuma spicatum Spiked Rampion Between Murren & Winteregg

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Lonicera caerulea Blue-berried Honeysuckle Schynige Platte Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Near Grutschalp (leaves) Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious By Trummelbach River Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian Allmendhubel

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Cerastium arvense subsp. strictum Field Mouse-ear Between Murren & Winteregg Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Zweisimman Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort Birg - 'Thrill Walk' Silene acaulis Moss Campion Mannlichen Silene diocia Red Campion Allmendhubel Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Allmendhubel Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Cistaceae Rockrose Family Helianthemum nummularium subsp. Large-flowered Common Between Murren & Winteregg grandiflorum Rockrose Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestre Alpine Rockrose Schynige Platte Alpine Garden

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Antennaria dioica Cat's-foot Mannlichen Bellidastrum michelii False Aster Allmendhubel Bellis perennis Daisy Murren Carduus defloratus Alpine Thistle Between Murren & Winteregg Carduus personata Great Marsh Thistle By Trummelbach River (leaves) Crepis aurea Golden Hawk's-beard Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Crepis paludosa Marsh Hawk's-beard By Trummelbach River Cyanus montasnus (Centaurea montana) Mountain Cornflower Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Homogyne alpina Alpine Colt's-foot Allmendhubel Leontodon alpina Alpine Hawkbit By Trummelbach River Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Zweisimman Petasites albus White Butterbur Allmendhubel Petasites paradoxus Alpine Butterbur Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Pilosella aurantiacum Orange Hawkweed Zweisimman Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear Hawkweed Murren Taraxacum agg. Dandelion Allmendhubel Tolpis staticifolia Tolpis Allmendhubel

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

Tragopogon pratense Goat's-beard Murren Tussilago farfara Colt's-foot Allmendhubel

Cornaceae Dogwood Family Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Beside Schynige Platte Railway

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Between Murren & Winteregg Sedum annuum Annual Stonecrop Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Sedum hispanicum Spanish Stonecrop Murren Sedum roseum Roseroot Schynige Platte Alpine Garden Sempervivum montanum Mountain Houseleek Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Sempervivum tectorum Common Houseleek Schynige Platte (leaves)

Ericaceae Heather Family Arctous (Arctostaphylos) alpina Alpine Bearberry Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry Allmendhubel Calluna vulgaris Ling Allmendhubel Erica carnea Spring Heath Allmendhubel Rhododendron ferrugineum Alpenrose Allmendhubel Rhododendron hirsutum Hairy Alpenrose Schynige Platte Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Allmendhubel Vaccinium uliginosum agg. Bog Whortleberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Schynige Platte Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury By Trummelbach River

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Gentiana acaulis Trumpet Gentian Allmendhubel Gentiana brachyphylla Short-leaved Gentian Allmendhubel Gentiana clusii Clusius' Gentian Schynige Platte Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian Allmendhubel (leaves) Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Schynige Platte

Geraniaceae Crane's-bill Family Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Beside Schynige Platte Railway Geranium sylvaticum Wood Crane's-bill Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Ajuga pyramidalis Pyramidal Bugle Allmendhubel Ajuga reptans Common Bugle Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Clinopodium alpinum Alpine Basil-thyme Between Murren & Winteregg Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy By Trummelbach River Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel By Trummelbach River Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Murren Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Between Murren & Winteregg

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. alpestris Alpine Kidney Vetch Between Murren & Winteregg Hedysarum hedysaroides Alpine Sainfoin Schynige Platte

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Mannlichen Hippocrepis emerus False Senna Beside Schynige Platte Railway Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Between Murren & Winteregg (bud) Lotus alpinus Alpine Bird's-foot Trefoil Mannlichen Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil By Trummelbach River Medicago lupulina Black Medick Murren Trifolium alpinum Alpine Clover Mannlichen Trifolium badium Brown Clover Murren Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Between Murren & Winteregg Trifolium pratense Red Clover Allmendhubel Trifolium repens White Clover Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch By Trummelbach River Vicia sepium Bush Vetch Murren Vicia sylvatica Wood Vetch Beside Schynige Platte Railway

Lentibulariaceae Butterwort Family Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Linaceae Flax Family Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Between Murren & Winteregg

Malvaceae Mallow Family Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Beside Schynige Platte Railway

Oleaceae Ash Family Fraxinus excelsior Ash Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Onagraceae Willowherb Family Epilobium anagallidifolium Pimpernel-leaved Willowherb Between Murren & Winteregg (bud) Epilobium (Chamerion) angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Bartsia alpina Alpine Bartsia Allmendhubel Pedicularis verticillata Whorled Lousewort Mannlichen Rhinanthus alectorolophus Greater Yellow-rattle Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle By Trummelbach River

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Plantaginaceae Plantain and Speedwell Family Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove Above Allmendhubel Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia Above Allmendhubel Globularia nudicaulis Leafless-stemmed Globularia Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Globularia punctata Common Globularia Allmendhubel Linaria alpina Alpine Toadflax Above Allmendhubel Plantago alpina Alpine Plantain Allmendhubel Plantago atrata Dark Plantain Allmendhubel Plantago major Greater Plantain By Trummelbach River Plantago media Hoary Plantain Murren Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain By Trummelbach River Veronica aphylla Leafless-stemmed Speedwell Birg - Thrill Walk

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala alpestris Mountain Milkwort Allmendhubel Polygala chamaebuxus Shrubby Milkwort Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort Between Murren & Winteregg

Polygonaceae Dock Family Persicaria bistorta Common Bistort Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Persicaria vivipara Alpine Bistort Birg - Thrill Walk Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Rumex alpestris Mountain Dock Between Murren & Winteregg Rumex alpinus Monk's-rhubarb Between Murren & Winteregg Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock Allmendhubel Rumex scutatus French Sorrel Between Murren & Winteregg

Primulaceae Primrose Family Androsace chamaejasme Ciliate Rock-jasmine Mannlichen Androsace helvetica Swiss Rock-jasmine Birg - Thrill Walk Primula auricula Bear's-ear Primrose Mannlichen Primula elatior Oxlip Allmendhubel Primula farinosa Bird's-eye Primrose Mannlichen Primula hirsuta Hairy Primrose Mannlichen Primula veris Cowslip Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Soldanella alpina Alpine Snowbell Allmendhubel

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Anemone (Pulsatilla) alpina subsp. alpina Alpine Pasqueflower Allmendhubel Anemone (Pulsatilla) alpina subsp. apiifolia Alpine Pasqueflower Allmendhubel Anemone narcissiflora Narcissus-flowered Anemone Rinderberg Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Anemone (Pulsatilla) vernalis Spring Pasqueflower Mannlichen Caltha palustris Marsh-marigold Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard Beside Schynige Platte Railway Hepatica nobilis Liverleaf or Hepatica Near Murren (leaves) Ranunculus aconitifolius Aconite-leaved Buttercup Allmendhubel Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Ranunculus alpestris Alpine Buttercup Mannlichen Ranunculus kuepferi Kuepfer’s Buttercup Mannlichen Ranunculus montanus Mountain Buttercup Between Murren & Winteregg Thalictrum aquilegiifolium Great Meadow-rue Allmendhubel (leaves) Trollius europaeus Globeflower Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alpinus Alpine Buchthorn Allendhubel

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla conjuncta Silver Lady's-mantle Allmendhubel Alchemilla glabra Smooth Lady's-mantle Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Alchemilla xanthochlora Pale Lady's-mantle Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Aruncus dioicus Goat's-beard Spiraea By Trummelbach River

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Dryas octopetala Mountain Avens Schynige Platte Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Geum montanum Alpine Avens Allmendhubel Geum rivale Water Avens Murren Geum urbanum Herb Bennet By Trummelbach River Potentilla aurea Golden Cinquefoil Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil Schynige Platte Potentilla erecta Tormentil Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Poterium sanguisorba Salad Burnet Murren Prunus avium Wild Cherry Beside Schynige Platte Railway Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Rubus idaeus Raspberry Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Rubus saxatilis Stone Bramble Between Murren & Winteregg Sorbus aria Whitebeam Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Rubiaceae Madder Family Galium megalospermum Swiss Bedstraw Between Murren & Winteregg Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Galium odoratum Woodruff Beside Schynige Platte Railway

Salicaceae Willow Family Populus tremula Aspen Rinderberg Salix herbacea Least Willow Mannlichen Salix reticulata Net-leaved Willow Mannlichen Salix viminalis Osier Beside Schynige Platte Railway

Santalaceae Bastard-toadflax Family Thesium alpinum Alpine Bastard-toadflax Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Thesium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Bastard-toadflax

Sapindaceae Maple Family Acer campestre Field Maple Beside Schynige Platte Railway Acer platanoides Norway Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore By Trummelbach River

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Chrysosplenium alternifolium Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Saxifraga exarata subsp. moschata Musky Saxifrage Birg - Thrill Walk Saxifraga oppositifolia Purple Saxifrage Birg - Thrill Walk Saxifraga paniculata Livelong Saxifrage Schynige Platte Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Thymelaeaceae Mezereon Family Daphne mezereum Mezereon Allmendhubel

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Beside Schynige Platte Railway

Urticaceae Nettle Family Urtica dioica Common Nettle Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Violaceae Violet Family Viola biflora Yellow Wood Violet Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Viola calcarata Long-spurred Pansy Mannlichen Viola lutea Mountain Pansy Allmendhubel Viola palustris Marsh Violet Near Winteregg Viola riviniana Common Dog-violet Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Monocots Monocotyledons

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family Maianthemum bifolium May Lily Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Paradisea liliastrum St Bruno's Lily Between Murren & Winteregg Polygonatum verticillatum Whorled Solomon's-seal Beside Schynige Platte Railway

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Allmendhubel Carex ferruginea Rusty Sedge Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Between Murren & Winteregg Carex vaginata Sheathed Sedge Rinderberg Carex viridula subsp. oedocarpa (C. Lesser Yellow Sedge Between Murren & Winteregg demissa)

Iridaceae Iris Family Crocus vernus Spring Crocus Allmendhubel

Juncacae Rush Family Luzula multiflora Heath Wood-rush Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Liliaceae Lily Family Gagea bohemica (G. fistulosa) A Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem Schynige Platte Lilium martagon Martagon Lily Murren

Melanthiaceae Herb-Paris Family Paris quadrifolia Herb-Paris By Trummelbach River Veratrum album White False-helleborine Allmendhubel (leaves)

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Cephalantha longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Between Murren & Winteregg Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted-orchid By Trummelbach River Dactylorhiza majalis Broad-leaved Marsh-orchid Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Dactylorhiza (Coeloglossum) viride Frog Orchid Between Murren & Winteregg Neottia ovata Twayblade By Trummelbach River Orchis mascula Early-purple Orchid Between Grutschalp & Winteregg

Poaceae Grass Family Alopecurus pratense Meadow Foxtail Murren Anthoxanthum alpinum Alpine Vernal-grass Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass By Trummelbach River Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Between Murren & Winteregg Briza media Quaking-grass Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Bromopsis erecta Upright Brome Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail By Trummelbach River Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot By Trummelbach River

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Festuca rubra Red Fescue By Trummelbach River Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Interlaken Ost Station Melica nutans Mountain Melick By Trummelbach River Nardus stricta Mat-grass Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Phleum alpinum Alpine Timothy Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Phleum pratense Timothy By Trummelbach River Poa alpina Alpine Meadow-grass Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Between Grutschalp & Winteregg Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass By Trummelbach River Sesleria caerulea Blue Moor-grass Mannlichen

Birds (✓=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO = Leader Only) June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 Mute Swan Cygnus olor ✓ ✓ 2 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos ✓ 3 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina ✓ 4 Common Swift Apus apus ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H 6 Rock Dove [Feral] Columba livia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto ✓ ✓ 8 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra ✓ 9 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus ✓ 10 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus ✓ ✓ 11 Red Kite Milvus milvus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 12 Black Kite Milvus migrans ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 13 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo ✓ ✓ ✓ 14 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major ✓ ✓ 15 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus ✓ ✓ ✓ 16 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius ✓ ✓ ✓ 17 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica ✓ ✓ 18 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes ✓ 19 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 20 Carrion Crow Corvus corone ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 21 Northern Raven Corvus corax ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 22 Coal Tit Periparus ater ✓ ✓ 23 European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus ✓ H ✓ ✓ 24 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus ✓ 25 Great Tit Parus major ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 26 Crested Lark Galerida cristata ✓ 27 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 28 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris ✓ 29 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum ✓ ✓ 30 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H H H 31 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin H H ✓ 32 Goldcrest Regulus regulus H 33 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H 34 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris ✓ 35 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus ✓ ✓ ✓ 36 Common Blackbird Turdus merula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

France - The Vercors Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 37 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 38 European Robin Erithacus rubecula ✓ 39 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 40 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus ✓ ✓ ✓ 41 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe ✓ 42 House Sparrow Passer domesticus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 43 White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis ✓ 44 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea ✓ 45 White Wagtail Motacilla alba ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 46 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 47 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 48 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris H H H ✓ ✓ 49 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina ✓ 50 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis ✓ ✓

Mammals (S = signs of) 1 Mole Talpa europaea S S S 2 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 Snow Vole Microtus nivalis S S 4 Alpine Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Amphibians & Reptiles 1 Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara ✓ ✓

Butterflies 1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi ✓ 3 Green-veined White Pieris napi ✓ 4 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias australis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 6 Wood White Leptidea sinapis ✓ ✓ 7 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi ✓ ✓ ✓ 8 Little Blue Cupido minimus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 9 Osiris Blue Cupido osiris ✓ 10 Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis ✓ ✓ 11 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus ✓ 12 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui ✓ ✓ ✓ 13 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 14 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia ✓ 15 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne ✓ 16 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina ✓ 17 Alpine Heath Coenonympha gardetta ✓ 18 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera ✓ 19 Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus ✓ 20 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages ✓ 21 Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon ✓

Micros Moths 1 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata ✓

France - The Vercors Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 Crambid Eurrhypis pollinalis ✓

Macros Moths 1 Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata ✓ ✓ 2 Latticed Heath Chiasmia clathrata ✓ 3 Speckled Yellow Pseudopanthera macularia ✓ 4 Common Heath Ematurga atomaria ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum ✓ 6 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis ✓ 7 Arctiid (Footman) Setina aurita ✓ 8 - Psodos quadrifaria ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 9 Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica ✓ 10 Small Purple-barred Phytometra viridaria ✓

Other Invertebrates 1 Stonefly Dinocrascephalotes ✓ 2 European Tortoise Bug Eurygaster maura ✓ 3 Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes ✓ 4 Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis ✓ 5 Down-facing Snipe-fly Ragio scolopaceus ✓ 6 Horse-fly Tabanid sp. ✓ 7 Wood Ant Formica sp. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 8 European Paper Wasp Polistes gallicus ✓ 9 Honey Bee Apis mellifera ✓ ✓ 10 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terestris ✓ ✓ ✓ 11 Alpine Bumblebee Bombus alpinus ✓ 12 Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidarius ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 13 Green Tiger Beetle Cicindela campestris LO 14 Summer Chafer Amphimallon solstitialis ✓ 15 Garden Chafer Phyllopertha horticola ✓ ✓ 16 Rose Chafer Cetonia aurea ✓ 17 Glow-worm Lampyris noctiluca ✓ 18 Soldier Beetle Trichodes alvearius ✓ 19 Oil Beetle Meloe proscarabaeus ✓ 20 Lily Beetle Liliocerris lilii ✓ 21 Leaf Beetle (Green) Chrysomelid sp. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Phyteuma spicatum Psodos quadrifera Trifolium alpinum