The Sorrento Peninsula

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Naturetrek Tour Report 5 – 12 April 2019

Lathyrus clymenum Capri

Glow Worm Orchis italica

Report compiled by Paul Harmes & Russell Hedley Images by Christine Taylor

Naturetrek Wolf’s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Tour Participants: Paul Harmes & Russell Hedley (Leaders) with 11 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Friday 5th April Fly to Naples – Transfer to Sorrento Nine tour members met with Paul and Russ at Gatwick’s North Terminal for our Easyjet EZY8531 to Naples. Upon our arrival, we soon met with our final two group members, who had arrived on earlier flights, a few days before. With the luggage and vehicle formalities completed, we set off for the Sorrento Peninsula, in bright sunshine and high cloud. After a short drive, on the A3 Autostrada, we made a stop for refreshments in a motorway service area, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Along the way, Magpie, Hooded Crow, Common Starling and Jay were seen. Whilst having a snack, Hoopoe, Yellow-legged Gull and Serin were seen and, on a grassy verge of the car park, we also found Malva multiflora (Small Tree Mallow) and Reichardia intermedia. Leaving the service area, our route took us past the beautiful Bay of Naples.

We left the motorway at Castellammare di Stabia and turned onto the busy, but scenic, coastal road, entering the first of three long tunnels which cut through the mountain. Emerging, we were soon enjoying the views of the Bay of Sorrento and the wider Bay of Naples, including the island of Ischia, as well as the rugged coastline. We made a stop to stretch our legs at Punta Gradelle, near Meta. Numerous Yellow-legged Gulls were seen, together with Peregrine Falcon, Serin and Common Buzzard, and a displaying Blue Rock Thrush. For the botanists there was Antirrhinum siculum (Sicilian Snapdragon), Euphorbia dendroides (Tree Spurge), Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) and Erodium malacoides (Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill). Continuing on through the busy evening traffic, we soon arrived at the Best Western Hotel La Solara, our base for the week. We were welcomed by Fabio and Tina, who soon settled us into our rooms. We met again at 6.15pm, when our leaders outlined some of the week’s excursions and general logistics, before going into the restaurant for dinner.

Day 2 Saturday 6th April Termini - Punta Campanella Today, on a bright morning, we travelled the relatively short distance south of Via Capo to the village of Termini. Along the way, we saw Blackbird and Collared Dove. In Termini, we parked the vehicles and Paul and Russ distributed the picnic, before we set out to walk the track from the town to the old lighthouse at Punta Campanella. As we were leaving the vehicles, we heard Wren, Cetti’s Warbler and Blackcap, and saw Borago officinalis (Borage) and Oxalis pes-caprae (Bermuda Buttercup).

The Mediterranean flora was very much in evidence here, and it was not long before we were beginning to identify an array of species. The early part of the track, near the town, descended through olive groves, market gardens and woodland, and then into more open garrigue scrubland nearer the lighthouse. Early bird sightings were Serin, Tree and Italian Sparrows and Blackcap. We also recorded Wall Brown, Small White and Holly Blue butterflies. As we moved on, we also began to record plants: Ulmus canescens (Mediterranean Elm), Athyrium filix- femina (Lady-fern), Parietaria officinalis (Large Pellitory-of-the-Wall), Leopoldia comosa (Tassel Hyacinth) and Anemone hortensis (an Anemone) were all seen.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

A little further on we found the endemic Glandora rosmarinifolia (Rosemary-leaved Gromwell) and, very close by, we found Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (a Spider Orchid), Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes (Early Spider Orchid) and an emerging spike of Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid). There was also some activity on the bird front, with Sardinian Warbler, Northern Raven heard, and four Common Buzzards seen circling. With regard to botanical interest, the Pea family was particularly well represented, with Trifolium stellatum (Starry Clover), Lotus ornithopodioides (a Bird’s-foot Trefoil), Anthyllis barba-jovis (Jupiter's Beard), Lathyrus clymenum, Calicotome villosa and Coronilla scorpioides (Annual Scorpion Vetch) all noted.

While enjoying our picnic lunch at the old lighthouse, we saw a number of Yellow-legged Gull, Swallowtail, Holly Blue and Brimstone butterflies, and Italian Wall Lizards were also very numerous and active. As we began to retrace our steps, we found Lotus creticus (Cretan Bird’s-foot Trefoil), Lotus edulis (Edible Lotus) and Silene latifolia (White Campion). We also saw Firecrest, Western Bonelli’s Warbler and Kestrel. When we reached Termini, we stopped for well-earned refreshments at a local juice-bar/cafe, before beginning our homeward journey.

Day 3 Sunday 7th April

Capri We left the hotel early today, to drive into Sorrento and down to the Marina Piccola, parking the minibuses at the port. Paul went to buy our tickets for the boat over to the beautiful island of Capri, whilst Russ organised breakfast at a local bar. We soon boarded the 8.20am ferry for the 25-minute journey over to the island. We travelled on a jet boat which had an open deck for viewing. However, all we saw were Yellow-legged Gulls.

Upon our arrival on Capri, we needed to acquire travel tickets for the funicular railway, which took us up the hill to the bus station, and the little buses that connect Capri town with Anacapri, the other main town of the island. At Anacapri, we began the walk towards the top of Monte Solaro which, at 587 metres, is the highest point of the island.

Setting off, it was not long before we were finding things of interest, beginning with good views of a Subalpine Warbler. As we went, we added Willow Warbler, Peregrine Falcon, Sardinian Warbler and Serin, and we heard a Wryneck, but could not locate it. There were lots of emerging Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid), a few Anacamptis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid), as well as Hyoseris radiata and Hyoseris scabra. Holly Blue, Large White and Wall Brown Butterflies, were also added. At a junction in the path, Russ took the birders up to a steepish, rocky meadow, finding Common Redstart and Subalpine Warbler. The botanists, with Paul, found Ranunculus paludosus (Jersey Buttercup), the leaves of Narcissus tazetta (Bunch-flowered Daffodil), which had just finished flowering, and a couple of spikes of Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (a Spider Orchid).

We now made our way back to Anacapri for lunch, selecting the ‘Ristorante Le Terrazze’, before getting the bus and the funicular back to Capri Harbour, to catch the 4.05pm ferry back to Sorrento. Before leaving, we had time for genuine Italian ice-creams, ‘gelati’. The return sea journey produced two groups of Sandwich Tern and numerous Yellow-legged Gulls.

Upon our return to Sorrento, we collected our vehicles and made our way back to our hotel.

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Day 4 Monday 8th April Vesuvius and Pompeii After breakfast, on a bright sunny day, we were soon heading north to spend the morning on Mount Vesuvius. We took the road towards Naples and, after a short distance on the autostrada, we turned off onto the road into the Vesuvius National Park and the steep winding ascent that goes almost to the top of this awesome volcano. As we went, one of the group, Patrick, gave us an outline of the history of the mountain’s eruptions, and its complex make up. Along the way we noted Barn Swallows, Hooded Crow and Jay. We made our way up to the summit car park where, with tickets purchased, the group set off to walk up the sloping path towards the crater. When we got there, the cloud occasionally cleared, giving hazy views of the Bay of Naples, from Capri to Naples and Ischia. Whilst up here, birds included Common Rock Thrush, Northern Wheatear and Common Redstart. The slopes of the mountain had good colonies of Genista aetnensis (Etna Broom), Rumex scutatus (French Sorrel) and the pioneer Lichen, Stereocaulon vesuvianum, which gradually over time, will help break the rock down so that vascular plants can grab a foothold. Back down at the car park, we prepared a pack lunch, before re-joining our vehicles, to retrace our route back down to the motorway, and on to Pompeii, for our afternoon visit.

We now made our way to the extensive ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii, situated ominously beneath Mount Vesuvius, which had destroyed the city in the eruption of 79AD. After parking the buses, we made our way to the entrance where we bought tickets, maps and guides and set off to explore. All group members made their own way around the archaeological site, reporting a number of species of birds and plants. These included Tree Sparrows, Blackcap, Hoopoe, Hooded Crow, Barn Swallow and Serin. Among the plants were Polycarpon tetraphyllum (Four-leaved Allseed) and Erophila verna (Common Whitlow-grass).

From Pompeii, we now made our way back to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5 Tuesday 9th April Monte Faito After breakfast, on slightly cloudy morning, we headed north-east behind Sorrento and on up to Vico Equense, where we turned right and began to climb into the Lattari Mountains, via the town of Moiana. Here we turned left and began to climb more steeply towards Monte Faito, our destination for the day. Just below the ridge, we stopped at the Sant’ Angelo Hotel and Restaurant for a comfort stop and a morning coffee.

Monte Faito is one of the summits which dominate the Lattari range, over 1200 metres high. From here we had views across the Bay of Naples from Capri to Vesuvius and Ischia. We parked at the cable-car station and were soon exploring the ridge path. Our walk took us on a gentle incline through open rocky grassland and open woodland of Pinus nigra subsp. nigra (Black Pine), Fagus sylvatica (Beech) and Alnus incana (Grey Alder). As a result of its altitude, Monte Faito has a sub-alpine feel to it, and the flora here confirms this. Several spikes of Crocus vernus (Spring Crocus) and Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill) were in evidence, as were Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore), emerging Asphodelus albus (White Asphodel) and Aristolochia longa (a Birthwort). Birds seen included Raven, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit and Chaffinch, and Firecrest, Short-toed Treecreeper, and Blue Tit were heard.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

The path, which leads to the church of St. Michele, took us past a splendid rocky outcrop overlooking the valley below. Here we found the very attractive endemic Viola pseudogracilis (a Pansy) and good numbers of the delicate blue or white Anemone apennina (Blue Anemone). On the return journey to the car park, Robin was added before we re-joined our vehicles. We now made our way east to a picnic site in the woods where we set up our picnic, in rather dense low cloud. After eating, and in improving visibility, the group went up to the church of St. Michele where, although the church was closed, we enjoyed more stunning views across the valley and a fleeting view of Black Redstart and Peregrine Falcon, as well as the attention of a scavenging Fox.

With our visit to the church complete, we dropped back down to the restaurant for warming refreshments, before beginning our descent from the mountain. As we drove, a Nuthatch was seen returning to its nest in a wall, and Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton), Iris albicans (White Iris) and Euphorbia spinosa (Spiny Spurge) were noted, before making our way through Moiana and Vico Equense, back to our hotel for dinner.

Day 6 Wednesday 10th April Amalfi Coast – Marina del Cantone Leaving the hotel after breakfast, in darkening skies, we drove in the direction of Massa Lubrense and Sant Agata, with the objective today of visiting the splendid Amalfi coastal road to the lovely little town of Positano. As we drove, we enjoyed some dramatic views of the mountains and sea cliffs, with the road clinging to their sides. Unfortunately, our leaders were unable to find any parking, so drove on through Positano to the outskirts of Amalfi. Here, they managed to turn the vehicles, and retraced their steps, but still there was no available parking. Along the way we did stop at a viewpoint for photos. Whilst there, we saw Matthiola incana (Hoary Stock), Convolvulus cneorum, Teucrium fruticans (Shrub Germander) and Antirrhinum siculum (Sicilian snapdragon).

At this time the rain became torrential, so we made our way back to the hotel for coffee and a comfort stop. Within 40 minutes the skies began to clear, and our leaders suggested going for coastal walk near Nerano, at Marina del Cantone.

Leaving the hotel, we made our way towards Termini, and on down to the coast, where we parked, at a carpark and in sunshine. First, we had lunch and, while Paul was preparing the food, Russell located an Eleanora’s Falcon, preening on a rock ledge and all group members had good scoped views. With the picnic completed, we set off along the coast path, where we found Onobrychis aequidentata (a Sainfoin), Onobrychis caput-galli (Cockscomb Sainfoin), and Hedysarum spinosissimum (Spiny Sainfoin). On the bird front, we recorded Subalpine Warbler, Tree Pipit and Black Redstart. We also noted Speckled Wood, Wall Brown, Scarce Swallowtail and Small White butterflies. It was now time to return to the beach for afternoon refreshments, before making our way back to the hotel in good time.

Day 7 Thursday 11th April Above Termini Today, in warm sunshine, we returned to the cliff-top village of Termini. However, just outside Marceano, we stopped by a small stream gorge. Here we found Grey Wagtail, Common Kestrel, Barn Swallow and a pair of

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Blackcaps. For the botanists there was Melilotus italica (Italian Melilot), Ipomoea purpurea (Morning Glory) and Osyris alba (Osyris).

We parked just outside the village, above Termini, and began a walk up to the church of Santa Costanzo. We were hopeful of some additional migrant birds. At first it was relatively quiet but, as we left the village and began to walk up the hill, Italian Sparrow, Greenfinch, Sardinian Warbler and Serin, and, although we heard Cirl Bunting, we were not able to see the bird. Amongst the plants, we found Anacamptis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid) and several spikes of Orchis provincialis (Provence Orchid) and Anemone hortensis. Returning to Termini, we took lunch with the delightful Enrico and Laura, sitting in their small Snack Bar. We dined on Mozzarella and tomato salad, prosciutto and freshly squeezed fruit juice followed by coffee and cake.

Next, we now set off back towards Sorrento, stopping at a view-point near Massa Lubrense. Here we saw Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Barn Swallow and Hooded Crow, together with several Italian Wall Lizards and Small White and Red Admiral Butterflies. Plants included Medicago polymorpha (Toothed Medick), Malva multiflora (Cretan Mallow) and the grass Rostraria cristata.

Day 8 Friday 12th April

Saying our farewells to the staff at the Best Western Hotel, La Solara, we left at 6.45am, making our way behind Sorrento and back to Naples airport for our flightback to Gatwick, with memories of the beautiful area that is the Sorrento Peninsula.

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (* = Very localised distribution or endemic; [ ] = Planted or Naturalised)

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

LICHENS

Stereocaulon vesuvianum Mount Vesuvius Lichen Mount Vesuvius Pseudevenia furfurcacea - Monte Faito

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Lycophytes Clubmosses & Quillworts

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family Selaginella denticulata Mediterranean Clubmoss Punta Campanella

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort family Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Punta Campanella Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Capri Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens Maidenhair Spleenwort Monte Faito

Athyriaceae Lady Fern Family Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Punta Campanella

Cystopteraceae Bladder-fern Family Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Monte Faito

Dennstaeditiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Punta Campanella

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Dryopteris filix-mas Male-fern Monte Faito

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Punta Campanella

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper Punta Campanella

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Black Pine Capri [Pinus pinea] Stone or Umbrella Pine Termini

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

Pre-Dicots Primitive Angiosperms

Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family Aristolochia longa a Birthwort Mote Faito

Eu-Dicots True Dicotyledons

Acanthaceae Bear's-breech Family Acanthus mollis Bear's-breech Capri

Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Sambucus nigra Elderberry Punta Campanella

Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae) Pigweed Family Atriplex halimus Shrubby Orache Punta Campanella

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree Punta Campanella

Apiaceae Carrot Family Conopodium majus Pignut Monte Faito (leaves) Daucus carota Wild Carrot Punta Campanella Elaeoselinum asclepium Elaeoselinum Monte Faito (leaves) Ferrula communis Giant Fennel Punta Gradelle Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Punta Campanella Orlaya daucoides Orlaya Punta Campanella Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Punta Campanella Tordylium apulum Tordylium Termini

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy Punta Campanella

Betulaceae Birch Family Alnus incana Grey Alder Monte Faito Carpinus orientalis Eastern Hornbeam Punta Campanella

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Anchusa cretica an Anchusa Wall above Vico Equense Borago officinalis Borage Termini Echium parviflorum Small-flowered Viper's-bugloss Capri Glandora rosmarinifolium Rosemary-leaved Gromwell Punta Campanella

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Monte Faito (leaves) Arabis caucasicus Garden Rock-cress Punta Campanella Brassica oleracea subsp. robertiana Wild Cabbage Capri Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse Punta Campanella Capsella rubella Red Shepherd's Purse Termini Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison Punta Gradelle Lunaria annua Honesty Roadsides

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Matthiola incana Hoary Stock Amalfi Coast

Cactaceae Cactus Family [Opuntia ficus-indica] Prickly Pear Marciano

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Punta Campanella Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Punta Campanella

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Monte Faito Petrorhagia saxifraga Tunic Flower Marina del Cantone (leaves) Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Capri Silene latifolia White Campion Punta Campanella Stellaria media Common Chickweed Punta Campanella Stellaria neglecta Greater Chickweed Punta Campanella

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Helianthemum nummularium Rock-rose Below Monte Faito

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Anthemis chia - Punta Campanella Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Punta Gradelle Bellis perennis Daisy Santa Costanzo Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Punta Campanella Centaurea cinerea* a Knapweed Punta Campanella Dittrichia viscosa Stink Aster Amalfi Coast Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican Fleabane Wall in Massa Lubrense Filago (Evax) pygmaea Evax Santa Costanzo Galactites tomentosa Galactites Punta Campanella Helichrysum italicum Italian Everlasting Amalfi Coast Hyoseris radiata - Capri Hyoseris scabra - Capri Phagnalon rupestre Phagnalon Punta Campanella Richardia intermedia Richardia M'Way Services Santolina chamaecyparissus Lavender Cotton Below Monte Faito Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Punta Campanella Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle Punta Campanella Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle Punta Campanella Urospermum picroides a Urospermum Punta Campanella

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Marciano Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Via Capo Convolvulus cneorum Silvery Bindweed Amalfi Coast Ipomoea purpurea Common Morning Glory Marciano

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Monte Faito (leaves) Sedum litoreum a Stonecrop Capri Harbour Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Punta Campanella

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Ericaceae Heather Family Erica arborea Tree Heather Punta Campanella

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbiae a Wood Spurge Monte Faito Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Mediterranean Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Punta Gradelle Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge Capri Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury Punta Campanella

Fagaceae Beech Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Monte Faito Fagus sylvatica Beech Monte Faito Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Monte Faito

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Pompei

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Capri Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Punta Gradelle Erodium moschatum Musk Stork's-bill Massa Lubrense Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Monte Faito (leaves) Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Punta Campanella Geranium purpureum Little Robin Punta Campanella Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane's-bill Punta Campanella

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Ajuga reptans Bugle Capri Lamium bifidum a Dead-nettle Monte Faito Prasium majus Prasium Punta Campanella Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Capri Salvia glutinosa Jupiter's Distaff Monte Faito (leaves) Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Punta Campanella Satureja hortensis Summer Savory Marina del Cantone Teucrium fruticans Shrub Germander Amalfi Coast

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Anthyllis barba-jovis Jupiter's Beard Punta Campanella Anthyllis vulneraria agg. Kidney Vetch Santa Costanzo Bituminaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Marina del Cantone Calycotome villosa Hairy Thorny Broom Capri Ceratonia siliqua Carob or Locust Tree Punta Campanella Coronilla valentina a Scorpion-vetch Termini Genista aetnensis Etna Broom Mount Vesuvius Hedysarum spinosissimum Spiny Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Hippocrepis (Coronilla) emerus Scorpion Senna Punta Campanella Lathyrus clymenum a Pea Punta Campanella Lotus creticus Southern Bird's-foot Trefoil Punta Campanella Lotus edulis Edible Lotus Punta Campanella

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Lotus ornithopodioides a Bird's-foot Trefoil Punta Campanella Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Capri Medicago arborea Tree Medick Punta Gradelle Medicago lupulina Black Medick Massa Lubrense Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Punta Campanella Melilotus indicus Small Melilot Punta Campanella Melilotus italicus Italian Melilot Marciano Onobrychis aequidentata a Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Onobrychis caput-galli Cockscomb Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Punta Gradelle Trifolium patense Red Clover Pompei Trifolium repens White Clover Pompei Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Punta Campanella Tripodion (Anthyllis) tetraphyllum Bladder Vetch Marina del Cantone Vicia bithynica Bithynian Vetch Punta Campanella

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale Flax Punta Campanella

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva arborea Tree Mallow Puolo Marina Malva multiflora (Lavatera cretica) Small Tree Mallow Punta Gradelle

Moraceae Mulberry Family Ficus carica Fig Punta Gradelle

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family Myrtus communis Myrtle Punta Campanella

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Via Capo Olea europaea Olive Punta Campanella

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Punta Campanella Parentucella latifolia Southern Red Bartsia Capri

Oxalidaceae Wood Sorrel Family [Oxalis corniculata] Procumbent Yellow Oxalis M'way Services [Oxalis pes-caprae] Bermuda Buttercup Punta Campanella

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Mount Vesuvius Fumaria capreolata White Ramping Fumitory Punta Campanella Fumaria muralis Common Ramping Fumitory Punta Campanella Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Punta Campanella Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Roadsides

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Antirrhinum majus Common Snapdragon Via Capo Antirrhinum siculum Sicilian Snapdragon Punta Gradelle Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Punta Gradelle

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Plantago arenaria Branched Plantain Marina del Cantone Veronica cymbalaria Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell Punta Campanella Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Punta Campanella

Platanaceae Plane Family [Platanus x hybrida] Plane Planted

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Rumex scutatus French Sorrel / Rubble Dock Mount Vesuvius

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel (may be blue) Punta Campanella Cyclamen repandum Spring Sowbread Monte Faito (leaves)

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Anemone apennina Blue Anemone Monte Faito Anemone hortensis an Anemone Punta Campanella Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard Punta Campanella Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Monte Faito Ranunculus paludosus Jersey Buttercup Capri

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda alba White Mignonette Punta Campanella

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn Punta Gradelle

Rosaceae Rose Family Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Capri Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry Monte Faito Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Termini Sorbus domestica Service Tree Amalfi Coast

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Capri Galium aparine Cleavers Capri Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Punta Campanella Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Punta Campanella

Rutaceae Rue Family Ruta chalepensis Fringed Rue Capri

Salicaceae Willow Family Populus x canadensis Hybrid Black Poplar Punta Campanella

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Osyris alba Osyris Marciano

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage Capri

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia peregrina Italian (Nettle-leaved) Figwort Punta Campanella Verbascum sinuatum a Mullein Santa Costanzo (leaves)

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Mandragoria officinalis Mandrake Santa Costanzo (leaves) Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Punta Campanella

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family Daphne gnidium Mediterranean Daphne Capri (leaves) Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Monte Faito

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus canescens Mediterranean Elm Punta Campanella

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parietaria officinalis Eastern Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella Urtica membranacea Membranous Nettle Punta Campanella

Violaceae Violet Family Viola pseudogracilis* a Pansy Monte Faito Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Capri

Monocots Monocotyledons

Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Termini Allium neapolitanum Naples Garlic Poulo Marina Allium triquetum Three-cornered Leek Marciano Narcissus tazetta Bunch-flowered Narcissus Capri

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family [Agave americana] Century Plant Naturalised Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Punta Campanella Drimia (Urginea) maritima Sea Squill Punta Campanella (leaves) Leopoldia (Muscari) comosa Tassel Hyacinth Poulo Marina Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill Monte Faito

Araceae Arum Family Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Punta Campanella

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Dioscorea (Tamus) communis Black Bryony Punta Campanella

Iridaceae Iris Family Crocus vernus Spring Crocus Monte Faito [Iris albicans] a White Iris Below Monte Faito

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis (Orchis) papilionacea Pink Butterfly Orchid Capri Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (O. pollinensis) - Punta Campanella Ophrys bombyliflora Bumblebee Orchid Punta Campanella

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes Early Spider Orchid Punta Campanella Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Capri Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid Termini

Poaceae Grass Family Aegilops ovata Aegilops Marina del Cantone Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Mauritanian Vine Reed Punta Campanella Anisantha diandra Great Brome Punta Campanella Arundo donax Giant Reed Punta Campanella Avena barbata Bristle Oat Punta Campanella Avena sterilis Winter Wild Oat Punta Campanella Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Punta Campanella Catapodium rigidum Fern-grass Marina del Cantone Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Punta Campanella Hordeum murinum Wall Barley M'way services Hyparrhenia hirta - Marina del Cantone Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Punta Gradelle Rostraria cristata Crested Hair-grass Marina del Cantone

Smilaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Common Smilax Punta Campanella

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodelus aestivus Common Asphodel Termini Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Monte Faito (in bud) Asphodelus fistulosus Small Asphodel Pompei Asphodelus ramosus an Asphodel Punta Campanella

Birds (✓=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO = leader only) April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba ✓ 2 Rock Dove [Feral] Columba livia feral ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus ✓ ✓ 5 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos ✓ 6 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis ✓ 8 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ✓ 9 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus ✓ ✓ ✓ 10 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo ✓ ✓ ✓ 11 Tawny Owl Strix aluco LO ✓ 12 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops ✓ ✓ 13 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla ✓ 14 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus ✓ ✓ ✓ 15 Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae ✓ 16 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 17 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 18 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 19 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 20 Northern Raven Corvus corax ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 21 Coal Tit Parus ater ✓ H 22 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris ✓ 23 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus ✓ ✓ ✓ 24 Great Tit Parus major ✓ H ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 25 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 26 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica ✓ ✓ 27 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti H ✓ 28 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 29 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans ✓ ✓ 30 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 31 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla ✓ ✓ ✓ 32 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H H ✓ 33 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea ✓ 34 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 35 Common Blackbird Turdus merula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 36 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos LO 37 European Robin Erithacus rubecula ✓ ✓ ✓ 38 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H ✓ 39 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros ✓ ✓ ✓ 40 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus ✓ ✓ 41 Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis ✓ 42 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius ✓ 43 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe ✓ 44 House Sparrow Passer domesticus ✓ ✓ 45 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 46 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 47 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea ✓ 48 White Wagtail Motacilla alba LO ✓ ✓ 49 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris ✓ ✓ 50 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis ✓ 51 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 52 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris H ✓ ✓ 53 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 54 European Serin Serinus serinus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 55 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus H

Reptiles & Amphibians 1 Edible Frog Pelophylax esculenta ✓ 2 Moorish Gecko Tarentola mauritanica ✓ 3 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Mammals (D = Dead; S = Signs of) 1 European Badger Meles meles S 2 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes ✓ 3 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris S S S 4 Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus D

Fish: 1 Mediterranean Sand Smelt Atherina hepsetus ✓

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Butterflies 1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon ✓ 2 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius ✓ 3 Large White Pieris brassicae ✓ ✓ 4 Small White Pieris rapae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni LO ✓ ✓ 6 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeus ✓ 7 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 8 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta ✓ ✓ 9 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui ✓ 10 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria ✓ ✓ 11 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Macro Moths 1 V Pug Chloroclystis v-ata ✓ 2 Speckled Footman Coscinia cribraria ✓ 3 Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa D

Other Invertebrates 1 Ground Bug Spilostethus pardurus ✓ 2 a Beefly Bombylius sp. ✓ 3 a Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violaceus ✓ 4 Honey Bee Apis mellifera ✓ 5 White-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lucorum ✓ ✓ 6 Cliff Mining Bee Andrena thoracica ✓ 7 a Chafer Oxythyrea funesta ✓ LO 8 Glow-worm Lampyris noctiluca ✓ 9 Weevil Sp. Brachycerus undatus ✓ 10 a Millipede Diplopoda sp ✓ D 11 Pill Woodlouse Armadillium vulgare ✓ 12 Crab Spider Misumena vatia ✓

Trifolium stellatum