Spain's Picos De Europa Mountains

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Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains

Naturetrek Tour Report 13 - 20 June 2019

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

Early Spider Orchid

Fuente De Lizard Orchid

Report & Images by Matthew Capper

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 Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains

Tour participants: Laura Benito and Matthew Capper (leaders) with 13 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Thursday 13th June

Overcast After meeting with Laura at Asturias Airport, we loaded the bags, divided up into vehicles and headed off for Espinama. The lateness of the plane meant we stopped on route for a bite to eat and arrived rather late into the night. Wildlife wise, there was not much of note other than Barn Owl and a Fox, both after it had got dark. A quick roll call to allocate rooms and we were off to bed for a well-deserved sleep.

Day 2 Friday 14th June

Sunny and clear, then cloudy with drizzle in the evening The morning dawned bright and sunny and the early risers were out before breakfast, seeing a nice selection of species including a Black Kite circling over the woods. We all assembled in the dining room for breakfast and plans were laid out for the day. We began with a stroll around the village, soon seeing Serin, Spotted Flycatcher and a very smart pair of Red-backed Shrikes. The best bird, however, was a Short-toed Snake Eagle over the adjacent hillside that gave us nice, if distant, views.

An Iberian Marbled White was fluttering about in a small meadow area and a Large Wall butterfly and Common Wall Lizard were sunning themselves on an adjacent wall. A Hummingbird Hawk-moth was a brief addition for a lucky few before we crossed the road and headed down the other side. A Black Redstart was feeding a youngster and here we came across our first orchid of the trip, the striking and impressive Lizard Orchid. Our first Crag Martin zoomed low over our heads and then we hit raptor gold with first a Booted Eagle, then a Short-toed Snake Eagle and then our first Griffon Vultures all in the same binocular view.

A short drive took us into Potes where everyone got the chance to wander around this charming little town and several found the temptation of coffee and cake too good to resist! After loading up on supplies, we headed off to Pendes and an area of ancient coppiced Sweet Chestnut trees. En route both Red Squirrel and Swallowtail crossed our paths and as we pulled up, an Egyptian Vulture swept past low in front of us, so we piled out to enjoy excellent close views. We were to see this, or another bird, several times over the next couple of hours. Our picnic lunch was held at tables and benches amongst the Sweet Chestnuts accompanied by a family party of Common Redstarts, a male Stonechat, Serin, Griffon Vultures, Short-toed Snake Eagle and singing Song Thrush. Ravens cronked overhead from time to time and Red-billed Chough could be seen and heard in the distance.

By now it had become slightly overcast and breezy and so butterflies were scarce. But we did see Speckled Wood, Small White, Brimstone and a couple of fritillaries that were brief and therefore went unidentified. Plants included Pyrenean Eryngo, Milk Thistle, Mountain Sheep’s-bit and Sage-leaved Cistus. A Tree Pipit was enjoyed, creeping around the base of a ditch by the side of the road and we wandered over to a trough where we saw the large distinctive tadpoles of Midwife Toad.

Our next stop was the tiny hamlet of Mogrovejo but sadly the hay meadow had just been cut and so we were out of luck with the orchids. However, we were amply compensated by the birds. First it was Griffon Vultures

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

circling and sat up on the cliff opposite and then another Egyptian Vulture below us that perched up, allowing ‘scope views. A Crag Martin circled low over us and then, as we were watching a Raven being chased by a Carrion Crow, our attention was drawn to a bird higher up - a Golden Eagle drifting over the Valley and away into the distance. No sooner had we enjoyed the moment than another bird of prey was spotted flying left to right above the cliffs: a rather nice Honey Buzzard. A family of Swallows was perched up, being fed by the parents, and a Blackcap was singing close by. Then a distinctive chirrup gave away our last good bird of the day, Cirl Bunting, which flew up and perched at the top of a nearby tree.

A short drive and we arrived back at Espinama, just as it started to drizzle. After a nice break, we reconvened for the evening log and then enjoyed an excellent meal, whilst reflecting on a wonderful first day.

Day 3 Saturday 15th June

Overnight rain gave way to a clear day with hot sunshine We assembled for a pre-breakfast walk and did a small circuit along the river in Espinama. A Black Kite was a nice start and we picked up a selection of flowers such as Bastard Balm and Black Rampion, along with the tracks of Badger, Fox and Red Deer. One of the highlights though was a singing male Firecrest that showed its fiery crest for us.

After breakfast we took the path to Pido and meandered in the way only a Naturetrek group can! Black Redstarts and Common Redstarts gave side-by-side comparison and Black Woodpecker and Wryneck were calling from the woods and scattered trees respectively. We got our first notable butterfly - the endemic Chapman’s Ringlet and then as the day started to warm, began to add a few more such as Dark Green Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Duke of Burgundy, Small Blue and Clouded Yellow. Early Purple, Pyramidal, Common Spotted and Burnt Orchids were all new, along with species such as Linaria faucicola, Scrambling Gromwell, Hepatica and Pyrenean Valerian. A Slow Worm was seen by a lucky few.

We returned to the hotel courtyard for a picnic in the shade, adding Rock Lizard to the day list in the process, and then spent the afternoon pottering around near the village of Brez. The woodland here had a much more Mediterranean feel to it with Holm and Cork Oak both dominating. Our first stop brought more impressive Lizard Orchids and we had a Middle Spotted Woodpecker calling from the woodland nearby. There were a few more butterflies such as Long-tailed Blue, Cleopatra and Iberian Marbled White. Our final stop brought us breathtaking views and a cool breeze. An Egyptian Vulture greeted us along with a singing Western Bonelli’s Warbler. Insect life was abundant now that day had turned hot. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, another Dark Green Fritillary, more Clouded Yellows, Common Blues and Wall Brown; all were on the wing. We had fun taking photos of Hummingbird Hawk-moths, Leaf Beetle, Napoleon Crab Spider (the markings really do look like Napoleon!) and Beautiful Demoiselle. We reluctantly returned to the vehicle, adding Black Kite, Cirl Bunting and Short-toed Snake Eagle before heading back to the hotel. There was time to relax before dinner and the more intrepid were lucky enough to see a Viperine Snake. A great way to end the day.

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Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Day 4 Sunday 16th June

Very warm, sunny, cloudless sky What a day! The weather was perfect, the views were stunning and the wildlife incredible. We had a slightly earlier breakfast to ensure we were on one of the first cable cars of the day from Fuente Dé and as we assembled outside the hotel, our regular early morning Black Kite was circling overhead with a Buzzard. After parking up, most of the group went for a wander, seeing Oberthur’s Skipper, a few orchids and Firecrest, Black Redstart and Nuthatch were all in the conifers at the base station.

Before long we were ascending Europe’s longest single-span cable-car line, taking less than four minutes to ascend 800 metres in height. At the top, we were soon watching Alpine Choughs from the viewing platform and had our first Snowfinches, close by. Griffon Vultures drifted by at eye level and a Short-toed Snake Eagle showed extremely well. We walked across some short turf, adding Trumpet and Spring Gentians along with a lovely selection of Alpine flowers. Alpine Accentor showed nicely along with Red-billed Chough, Water Pipit, more Snowfinch and Northern Wheatears.

A Golden Eagle showed over one of the Peaks and we then had a nice surprise as a Bearded Vulture flew across in front of us and performed for quite some time, drifting over our heads and away. Amazing! Butterflies mostly consisted of Small Tortoiseshell, but we also saw Long-tailed Blue, Spotted Fritillary, Clouded Yellow and Large and Small Whites. In the distance were three or four Chamois but we needed the telescopes to really see them well.

Two of the group decided to take the walk back down and descend into Espinama whilst the main party walked along under the imposing peak of Peña Vieja and stopped for lunch at the most reliable area for Wallcreeper. Once refreshed, and having shared our lunches with the Alpine Choughs, we staked out the cliffs and scree slopes having heard a distant Wallcreeper singing. First, we saw a much closer Chamois, sat watching us, and then Alpine Accentor, Crag Martin and finally, high up, a Wallcreeper showed briefly. Patient scanning brought glimpses of two birds further down and then we had several views as one flitted around the lower cliffs and eventually landed on the rocks in front of us giving an excellent, if brief, view. Completely happy with what we had seen, we headed back for the top station, seeing Snow Vole, Egyptian Vulture and a singing Alpine Accentor along the way. In addition, there were more Alpine flowers such as Fairy Foxglove, Mountain Thrift, Amplexicaule Buttercup and Alpine Toadflax.

After a relaxing drink in the cafe we descended back down and dropped off the keener walkers in Pido to walk back to the hotel. Our evening log reunited us with our intrepid hikers who had walked all the way down and with those who had walked back from Pido. Good views of Firecrest had been enjoyed and new additions included Man and Fragrant Orchids, along with Marbled White, Knapweed Fritillary and Sooty Copper butterflies.

Day 5 Monday 17th June

Warm and sunny, overcast by the end of the day Today was transfer day and we moved from Espinama in the south to Arenas De Cabrales on the northern side of the Picos.

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

The day started with a Red-backed Shrike on the slope up from the hotel and for our early morning wander, we chose the track north of Pido. Here, we had a pleasant time enjoying the bright sunshine and cool temperatures. Serin were everywhere and we enjoyed a range of plants and flowers such as Man Orchid, Nottingham Catchfly, Bath Asparagus and Agrimony.

Our first stop of the day was Potes where it was market day, allowing us the chance to wander round the stalls for a short while. Then we headed to Santa Maria de Lebaña where the butterflies were abundant, and we failed to get any further than the car park before it was time for lunch. Blues were numerous here and we saw Lang’s Short-tailed, Long-tailed, Short-tailed, Common and Black-eyed Blues.

Our picnic was taken in the shade of some heavily laden Cherry trees, accompanied by Silver-washed and Weaver’s Fritillaries and a large Toad. Once lunch was finished, we had a short walk around the church and adjacent area, seeing more butterflies such as Clouded Yellow and Spanish Gatekeeper and enjoying another Firecrest. A Short-toed Snake Eagle flew across the Valley and then a Golden Eagle circled with Griffon Vultures over a distant peak, alerting us to the presence of several Alpine Swifts. As we left, a Swallowtail butterfly flew alongside one of the vehicles and we were able to clock it at a consistent 20 kph!

Our next stop was the dramatic Urdón Gorge. Here we added an impressive range of plants including several ferns such as Maidenhair, Hart’s-tongue, Rustyback and Black Spleenwort. Bee Orchid and Woodcock Orchid were both present in close proximity and Western Bonnelli’s Warbler was singing and Crag Martin showed extremely well. Butterflies included Sooty Copper and Small Blues seemed to be everywhere.

We arrived at 6pm and checked in. The mountains were shrouded in cloud but the meadows around the hotel we still bathed in early evening sunshine. Corn and Cirl Buntings could both be heard; a Red-backed Shrike was terrorising the local Sparrows and a Stonechat was having a bath in the pond outside the bar.

Day 6 Tuesday 18th June

Warm and sunny with blustery winds Today we had an excellent mix of scenery, plants, birds and especially butterflies, with an impressive 26 species recorded.

No pre-breakfast walk but a couple of early risers were treated to a few decent birds such as Wryneck, Iberian Chiffchaff and Red-backed Shrike. After breakfast we headed for Sotres, stopping on the way at Tielve to admire the view and see Fragrant Orchid, Short-toed Snake Eagle and a couple of distant Alpine Swift. A few butterflies were zipping around, and we recorded several such as Large Skipper, Common Blue, Black-eyed Blue and Marbled Skipper.

Arriving at the top of the track near the village of Sotres, we could hear Quail calling nearby and shortly after, had a Western Bonelli’s Warbler and a Chiffchaff that refused to sing - preventing us from assigning it to species. We dropped down the track recording more Fragrant Orchid, Woodcock Orchid and our first Fly Orchid of the trip. At the bottom was a flower-filled meadow and the area was alive with butterflies. Clouded Yellow, Queen of Spain Fritillary, Swallowtail, Chequered Skipper, Purple-edged Copper and the first of many jet-black Lefebvre’s Ringlets – a species endemic to the area.

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Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Once we reached the higher areas, good birds started to appear: Dipper, Water Pipit, Crag Martin and a pair of Rock Bunting. And as we slowly climbed the track towards Vegas de Sotres we recorded many more butterflies, including Marsh and Glanville Fritillaries. Plants included the endemic white Petrocoptis pyrenaica, growing from an overhang in the rock, Bird’s-eye Primrose, Pyrenean Flax, Hoary Rock-rose and Rock Thyme.

We stopped for lunch in a nice open area and watched a juvenile Stonechat and a second Dipper in the crystal- clear waters of the stream. Several Black-eyed Blues, Lang’s Short-tailed Blues and Safflower Skippers were seen on the gravel by the stream bed. Good species kept coming with first, Northern Wheatear and then our star birds of the day, a pair of Rock Thrush, both of which gave excellent views in the ‘scopes. More orchids included Early Spider Orchid, though the gusty wind made getting a good photo something of a challenge.

We stopped at the top, just short of Vegas de Sotres and pottered for a while. Despite the wind, butterflies were still abundant and here we saw more Safflower Skipper and added Knapweed Fritillary. After an obligatory group photo, we turned and headed back down, passing a farmer moving his cows up to higher pasture, enjoying plenty more birds and adding Provençal Fritillary and Green Hairstreak to the butterfly list on the way.

With cloud now starting to form, we decided we had timed things perfectly and retired to the hotel for rest and recuperation and another delicious evening meal.

Day 7 Wednesday 19th June

Cloudy, warm with rain in the evening Our last full day in the Picos de Europa started with a pre-breakfast walk up the hill from the hotel, taking in Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting, Iberian Chiffchaff, Red-backed Shrike, distant Spotless Starling and a Hobby that swept past several times. A male Roe Deer was seen on the opposite hillside, but our main target was Wryneck, something everyone was keen to catch up with properly. One had been calling constantly at 6.30 in the morning but, of course, was quiet now. Still, perseverance paid off and eventually we could hear a bird close by and picked it up, sat on a hollowed section of fence post. Luckily, it was incredibly co-operative, allowing everyone to have at least two looks through a ‘scope at it,

Covadonga was our first stop after breakfast, walking up to the Cave and then the imposing Basilica. We took the time to enjoy this cultural icon and of course, added some wildlife, with both Common and Black Redstart, Raven calling from the Basilica roof and a pair of Egyptian Vultures perched together in a nearby tree.

A short detour to photograph the famous Roman bridge in Canga de Onis added our first Mallard and Sand Martin and then we were off to Canales to eat lunch, sat outside the local bar.

Our afternoon was spent walking down the road to La Molina, stopping to look at the plants and admire the views. Straight away we saw the impressive Heart-flowered Serapias and other species such as Greater Celandine and Broad-leaved Helleborine (although not yet in flower). Butterflies were not particularly visible as the day was cloudy and cooler but Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and Large Whites were still abundant. As we descended, we were able to photograph Tongue Orchid and discuss the differences between that and the earlier Serapias and we also added Marsh Woundwort, Masterwort and Early Marsh Orchid. A distant Sardinian Warbler could only just be heard singing and caused some discussion before we were finally able to clinch an

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

identification. Other birds included Iberian Chiffchaff, Nuthatch and a calling Short-toed Treecreeper that only gave the briefest of views.

Once at the bottom of the Valley, we admired the river cascading through the gorge and Crag Martins zooming along under the cliff edge. We returned to La Molina and picked everyone up with the vans at the turning circle at the bottom, adding a Common Chiffchaff in the process. We ended the day, back up at Canales, enjoying a well-deserved ice cream.

As we took the evening log, the forecast rain began to fall but we didn’t mind – as it is always nice to feel you have cheated the weather!

Day 8 Thursday 20th June

Cloudy with rain, heavy at times. Our final pre-breakfast walk was a rather damp affair and in the end was cut short when the heavens opened again. We did however, see one or two bits and bobs - a nice male Stonechat sat on the top of a telegraph pole and a Tree Pipit feeding along the base of a wall.

After breakfast we did our packing and were on the road by 11am. The journey was uneventful although we saw Cattle Egret, good numbers of Yellow-legged Gull on the coast and our only Red Kite of the trip. After arriving at the airport, the group said their reluctant farewells to Laura who had led our group with such fun, aligned to an excellent knowledge of the wildlife and local area. Once again, we had a short delay, compounded by a shortage of baggage handlers at Gatwick. But we didn’t mind – we were busy reflecting on a wonderful trip to a beautiful part of the world.

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Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants

This list has been updated according to 'The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) based on DNA analysis

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Ferns Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Udrón. La Molina Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Udrón. Asplenium ceterach Rusty-back Udrón. Asplenium scolopendrium Hart's-tongue Fern Udrón. Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody Udrón.La Molina. Common

Flowering Plants Dicotyledons Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Sambucus nigra Elderflower Roadsides

Apiaceae (Umbellifers) Carrot Family Angelica syvestris Angelica La Molina Astrantia major Masterwort La Molina Conium maculatum Henlock Roadsides, common Conopodium majus Pignut Pido Daucus carota Wild Carrot Roadsides. Dethawia tenuifolia Pido Eryngium bourgatii Pyrenean Eryngo Widespread Eryngium maritimum Sea Holly Pembes. Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Udrón. Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Roadsides. Common Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water Dropwort Roadsides, common. Pembes Thapsia villosa Espinama

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly Common.Widespread

Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Udrón.

Betulaceae Birch Family Alnus glutinosa Alder Riversides Corylus avellana Hazel Common in Woods

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss Widespread Lithodora diffusa Scrambling Gromwell Common in Liebana Myosotis alpestris Alpine Forget-me-not Fuente De Symphytum tuberosum Tuberous comfrey Roadsides

Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) Cabbage/Cress Family Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rockcress Espinama Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard Roadsides Cardamine pratense Lady's Smock Common in meadows Eryimum decumbens Decumbent Treacle Mustard Fuente De

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Iberis spathulata Spoon-leaved Candytuft Fuente Dé Matthiola fruticosa Sad Stock Fuenre Dé Sisymbrium austriacum Austrian Rocket Pido

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula erinus Annual Bellflower Sotres.Pido Campanula patula Spreading Bellflower Pido Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Udrón Jasione montana Mountain Sheep's-bit Fuente Dé Jasione crispa Dwarf Sheep's-bit Pido Phyteuma charmelii Horned Rampion Pido Phyteuma orbiculare Round-headed Rampion Pido

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Red Valerian Covadonga Knautia arvensis Field Scabious Pendes Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious La Molina Valeriana pyrenaica Pyrenean Valerian Pido. Fuente Dé Valeriana montana Fuente Dé

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria grandiflora Large-flowered Sandwort Espinama. Udrón Dianthus monspessulanus Fringed Pink Espinama Petrocoptis pyrenaica Sotres. La Molina Silene alba White Campion Common in Liebana and cabrales Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Udrón Silene otites Spanish Catchfly Sotres Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Roadsides Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort Udrón. Common Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Widespread

Cistaceae Rock-rose family Cistus salvilifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Pido,Udrón Heliathemum nummularian Common Rock-rose Udrón H. oelandicum subsp. canum Hoary Rock-rose Udrón , Sotres

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy family Achillea millefolium Yarrow Widespread Adenostyles aliariae Adenostyles Sotres. Anthemis triumfetti Southern Dog Daisy Pido/Brez. Roadsides Bellis perennis Daisy Widespread Carduncellus monspelliensis Fuente Dé Carduus carlinifolius Carline-leaved Thistle Fuente Dé Carduus carlinoides Pyrenean Thistle Fuente Dé Centaurea scabiosa subsp. alpestris A Knapweed Fuente Dé Centaurea montana Mountain Cornflower Pido Centaurea nigra Black Knapweed Fields, roadsides Cichorum intybus Chicory Fields, Roadsides Cirsium palustris Marsh Thistle Fields, roadsides Hieracium mixtum A Hawkweed Fuente Dé Silybum marianum Milk Thistle Pendes Taraxacum alpinum Alpine Dandelion Pendes. Sotres Tragopogon crocifolius Pido

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Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard Widespread

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Common Cuscata epithymum Dodder Pido, Sotres

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Espinama Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Fuente De Sedum rupestre Rock Stonecrop Pido, Espinama

Ericaceae Heath Family Daboecia cantabrica St. Dabeoc's Heath Pendes, La Molina

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge La Molina Euphorbia flavicoma Fuente Dé

Fagaceae Oak and Beech Family Castenea sativa Sweet Chestnut Pendes. Potes Fagus sylvatica Beech Woods Quercus pyrenaica Pyrenean Oak Potes Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Pendes

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Pido. Udrón Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Fuente Dé Gentiana occidentalis Pyrenean Trumpet Gentian Fuente Dé.. Sotres Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Fuente Dé

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium cicutarium Common Stork's-bill Roadsides Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Common, roadsides and verges

Hypericaceae St John'-wort Family Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan La Molina Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's Wort Pido

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint Sotres Ajuga pyramidalis Common Bugle Fuente Dé Ballota nigra Black Horehound Widespread Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Pido Galeopsis pyrenaica Pyrenean Hemp-nettle Sotres Mellittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm Pido Prunella grandiflora Large-flowered Self-heal Sotres. La Molina Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Sotres. Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Widespread Sideritis hyssopifolia Sideritis Pido Stachys monieri Alpine Betony Pido Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort Fuente De Stachys officinalis Common hedgenettle Molina Teucrium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Germander Widespread Liebana and Cabrales

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Sotres. Thymus pulegioides Large Thyme Fuente De

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. pyrenaica Kidney Vetch Widespread Astragalus depressus Sprawling Milk Vetch Fuente Dé Bituminaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Common in Liebana Cytisus scoparius Broom Common in Liebna and Cabrales Genista hispanica Spanish Gorse Common in Liebana Genista legionensis Fuente De Genista (Chamaespartium) sagittalis Winged Greenweed Common in Liebana Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Widespread Lathyrus laevigatus subsp. occidentalis Yellow Pea Sotres Lotus alpinus Alpine Bird's-foot Trefoil Fuente Dé Medicago sativa Lucerne Fuente Dé Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Pendes, PIdo Trifolium ochroleucum Sulphur Clover Pido Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Common

Lentibulariaceae Butterwort Family Pinguicula grandiflora Large-flowered Burtterwort Udrón. Tielve

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale Flax Pido. Sotres Linum catharticum Purging/Fairy Flax Sotres. Linum flavum Yellow Flax Sotres. Linum suffruticosum subsp salsoloides Pyrenean Flax Pido. Sotres Linum viscosum Sticky Flax Udrón

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva moschata Musk Mallow Udrón Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow Sotres. Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Widespread Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime La Molina

Onagraceae Willowherb Family Epilobium alsinifolium Chickweed Willowherb Epilobium tetragonum Square-stemmed Willowherb Pido. Oenothera glazoviana Large-flowered Evening Primrose Roadsites. Cabrales

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Euphrasia alpina Alpine Eyebright Sotres Melampyrum pratense Cow-wheat Pendes Pedicularis foliosa Leafy Lousewort Sotres. Pedicularis sylvatica Common Lousewort Sotres. Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Liebana

Papaverceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Molina Fumaria capreolata Ramping Fumitory Widespread Liebana Papaver argemone Prickly Poppy Sotres. Papaver rhoeas Field Poppy Widespread

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Anarrhinum bellidifolium Daisy-leaved Toadflax Pido. Lebeña Antirrhinum braun-blanquetii Udrón. Cabrales Roadsides Chaenorhinum origanifolium Malling Toadflax Liebana Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Covadonga Digitalis parviflora (Small Brown Foxglove) Sotres. Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Pendes. Pido Erinus alpina Fairy Foxglove Fuente Dé. Sotres Globularia nudicaulis Leafless-stemmed Globularia Pido Globularia repens Matted Globularia Fuente Dé, Sotres Linaria alpina Alpine Toadflax Fuente De Linaria faucicola Sotres. Linaria supina Pyrenean Toadflax Fuente De Linaria triornithophora Pido Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Common Plantago major Greater Plantain Sotres. Plantago media Hoary Plantain Sotres. Veronica officianalis Heath Speedwell Roadsides

Platanaceae Plane Tree Family Plantanus hispanica London Plane

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria alpina Mountain Thrift Fuente De

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Polygonum bistorta Bistort Pido Polygonum viviparum Alpine Bistort Sotres. Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel Sotres. Rumex alpinus Monk's Rhubarb Sotres. Rumex scuatatus French Sorrel/Rubble Dock Pido

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Udrón Androsace villosa Ciliate Rock-jasmine Fuente Dé Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Sotres. Primula farinosa Bird's-eye Primrose Tielve (Leaves only) Primula veris Cowslip Leaves only

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Anenome trifolia Fuente Dé Anenome pavoniana An endemic Anemone Sotres. Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine Pido. Udrón Aquilegia pyrenaica subsp bicolor Sotres. Aquilegia viscosa Sotres. Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Common Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore La Molina Hepatica nobilis Hepatica Pido (Leaves only) Ranunculus amplexicaulis Amplexicaule Buttercup Fuente Dé Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Sotres.

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Widespread

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Reseda luteola Weld Sotres. Reseda suffructicosa Sotres Sesamoides purpurascens Sotres

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla alpina Alpine Lady's-mantle Fuente Dé Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Pendes. Pido Filipendula ovalis Dropwort Sotres Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Udrón. Sotres Potentilla erecta Tormentil Potentilla montana Sotres. Rosa canina Dog Rose Common Sorbus sp. A Whitebeam Sotres.

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Galium aparine Cleavers Udrón Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Sotres. Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff Udrón Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Udrón

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Thesium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Bastard Toadflax Espinama. Pido

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Pido Saxifraga aspera Rough Saxifrage Fuente Dé Saxifraga. canaliculata Sotres Saxifraga paniculata Paniculate Saxifrage Sotres.

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort La Molina Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort Pido Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Common in Liebana and cabrales

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family Daphne laureola subsp philippi Spurge Laurel Fuente Dé

Violaceae Violet Family Viola cornuta Horned Pansy Sotres Viola pyrenaica Pyrenean Violet Fuente Dé

Viscaceae Mistletoe Family Viscum album Mistletoe Common, Liebana and Cabrales

Monocotyledons Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium sphaerocephalon Round-headed Leek Espinama

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Bath Asparagus Pido Polygonatum multiflorum Common Solomon's-seal Pido Ruscus aculeatus Butchers Broom Brez Scilla verna Spring Squill Fuente Dé

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Iridaceae Iris Family Iris latifolia English Iris Espinama Iris foetida Stinking Iris La Molina

Orchidaceae Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Pido Dactylorhiza elata var iberica La Molina Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Common in Liebana and cabrales Dactylorhiza incarnata Early Marsh Orchid La Molina Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid Pido Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine La Molina Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Tielve. Sotres Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid Espinama. Pido. Sotres Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Udrón. Sotres Orphrys insectifera Sotres Ophrys scolopax Woodcock Orchid Udrón. Sotres Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider Orchid Sotres Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Pido. Sotres Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Pido, Sotres Orchis ustulata Burnt Orchid Pido Serapias cordigera Heart-lipped Tongue Orchid La Molina Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid La Molina

Smilacaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Smilax Udrón

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Common in fields

Birds (✓=recorded but not counted; h = heard only) June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 Greylag Goose Anser anser ✓ 2 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos ✓ 3 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix h 4 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis ✓ 5 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea ✓ ✓ 6 Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus 1 7 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 4 1 2 2 2 8 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 1 9 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 10 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus 3+ 2 1 2 1 11 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 2 1 1 12 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 1 1 13 Red Kite Milvus milvus 1 14 Black Kite Milvus migrans 1 2 1 2 1 15 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 16 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis ✓ ✓ ✓ 17 Rock Dove Columba livia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 18 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 19 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto ✓ 20 Western Barn Owl Tyto alba 1

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Tawny Owl Strix aluco h h h 22 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba ✓ ✓ 23 Common Swift Apus apus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 24 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla h h 1 1 h 25 Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius 2h 26 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 27 Iberian Green Woodpecker Picus sharpei h h 28 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius h 29 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2 1 1 30 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo 1 31 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 2+ 2 2 1 1 2 32 Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis 1 33 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 34 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 35 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 36 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus ✓ 37 Carrion Crow Corvus corone ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 38 Northern Raven Corvus corax ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 39 Coal Tit Periparus ater ✓ 40 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus ✓ ✓ 41 Great Tit Parus major ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 42 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis ✓ 43 Sand Martin Riparia riparia ✓ 44 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 45 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 46 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 47 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus ✓ 48 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita ✓ 49 Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus ✓ ✓ ✓ 50 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 2 1 1 51 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 52 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 1 53 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala h 54 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla 2 2+ 1 55 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 56 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 1 1 1 57 Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria 2 58 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 1 59 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor ✓ 60 Common Blackbird Turdus merula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 61 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 62 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 63 European Robin Erithacus rubecula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 64 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 65 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 66 Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 2 67 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 68 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe ✓ ✓ 69 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 1 2 1 70 House Sparrow Passer domesticus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 71 White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis 8

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 72 Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris 3+ 73 Dunnock Prunella modularis ✓ ✓ ✓ 74 Spanish Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae 1 75 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 76 White Wagtail Motacilla alba ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 77 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis ✓ ✓ 78 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis ✓ ✓ h ✓ 79 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta ✓ ✓ 80 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 81 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 82 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 83 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 84 European Serin Serinus serinus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 85 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra ✓ ✓ ✓ 86 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 87 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 2+ 88 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 1 1 2 1 1 1

Mammals 1 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris ✓ 2 Fox Vulpes vulpes ✓ 3 Chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ✓ 4 Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus ✓ 5 Snow Vole Chionomys nivalis ✓

Reptiles and Amphibians 1 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis ✓ 2 Iberian Wall Lizard Podarcis hispanica ✓ ✓ 3 Iberian Rock Lizard Lacerta monticola ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4 Three-toed Skink Chalcides chalcides ✓ 5 Viperine Snake Natrix maura ✓ 6 Slow Worm Anguis fragilis ✓ 7 Common Toad Bufo bufo ✓ 8 Midwife Toad (tadpoles) Alytes obstetricans ✓

Butterflies 1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 Large White Pieris brassicae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 Small White Pieris rapae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4 Green-veined White Pieris napi ✓ 5 Orange Tip Anthocaris cardamines ✓ 6 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 8 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra ✓ ✓ 9 Wood White Leptidea sinapis ✓ 10 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi ✓ 11 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus ✓ ✓ 12 Purple-edged Copper Lycaena hippothoe ✓ 13 Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus ✓ ✓ ✓ 14 Lang's Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous ✓ ✓

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 Short-tailed Blue Everes argiades ✓ 16 Black-eyed Blue Glaucopsyche melanops ✓ 17 Small Blue Cupido minimus ✓ ✓ ✓ 18 Southern Brown Argus Aricia cramera ✓ 19 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 20 Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina ✓ 21 Peacock Butterfly Inachis io ✓ 22 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta ✓ ✓ 23 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 24 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia ✓ 25 Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja ✓ 26 Queen of Spain Fritllary Issoria lathonia ✓ 27 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene ✓ 28 Weaver's Fritillary Clossiana dia ✓ 29 Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia ✓ 30 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe ✓ ✓ 31 Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma ✓ 32 Provençal Fritillary Mellicta dejone ✓ ✓ 33 Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia ✓ 34 Marbled White Melanargia galathea ✓ ✓ ✓ 35 Iberian Marbled White Melanargia lachesis ✓ ✓ 36 De Prunner's Ringlet Erebia triaria ✓ 37 Lefebvre's Ringlet Erebia lefebvrei ✓ 38 Chapman's Ringlet Erebia palarica ✓ ✓ 39 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 40 Spanish Gatekeeper Pyronia batsheba ✓ 41 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 42 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera ✓ ✓ 43 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera ✓ ✓ 44 Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus ✓ 45 Safflower Skipper Pyrgus carthami ✓ 46 Marbled Skipper Carcharodus lavatherae ✓ 47 Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon ✓ 48 Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon ✓ 49 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris ✓ ✓ 50 Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus ✓

Moths 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata ✓ 3 Cream-spot Tiger Moth Arctia villica ✓ 4 Black-veined Moth Siona lineata ✓ 5 Galium Carpet Epirrhoe galiata ✓ 6 Common Heath Ematurga atomaria ✓ 7 Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica ✓ 8 Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae ✓ 9 Barred Red Hylaea fasciaria ✓ 10 Orange Footman Eilema sororcula ✓

Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Other Invertebrates 1 Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo ✓ 2 Sulphur Owl-fly Libelloides coccajus ✓ 3 Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis ✓ 4 Leaf Beetle Lachnaia vicina ✓ 5 African Mask Beetle (Firebug) Pyrrhocoris apterus ✓ 6 Napolean Crab Spider Synaema globosum ✓

Fly Orchid Cleopatra Woodcock Orchid

Picos flower meadow