France - The Cevennes
Naturetrek Tour Report 20 – 27 May 2015
Giant Peacock Moth
Sooty Copper
Old road above Vebron Sword-leaved Helleborine
Report compiled by John Willsher & Martin Beaton Images by John Willsher
Naturetrek Mingledown Barn 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
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Tour Participants: John Willsher Naturetrek Leader
Martin Beaton Naturetrek Leader
Summary
The group enjoyed a wonderful week spent in the rugged and dramatic landscapes of the Cévennes and the Causses surrounding the attractive town of Florac. We were blessed with mostly good weather, although strong northerly winds for a few days at the beginning of the week made birding and finding butterflies challenging. The varied flora across the Causses provided a wonderful spectacle. We had good sightings of Griffon Vultures, with one group of 50 soaring and gliding right over us, Black and Red Kites, Red-backed Shrikes and numerous Black Redstarts with some nesting birds near to our hotel.
The enthusiasm and good humour of the group added enormously to the success of the week and we all enjoyed a week of good company, birds, flowers and food!
Day 1 Wednesday 20th May
Arrive Montpellier, drive to Cocures along Corniche de Cévennes Leaving Montpellier, we negotiated a stretch of the A9 east, before turning off onto much quieter roads as we made our way north. We could appreciate the attractive small towns and villages, some with classic avenues of plane, lime or poplar trees and rose-clad houses.
The landscape around Montpellier was dotted with Maritime and Umbrella or Stone Pine trees typical of a Mediterranean landscape. The roadsides were colourful with Red and Pink Valerian, Spanish Broom, Cow Parsley, and the handsome Milk and Boar thistles (Silybum marianum and Galactites tomentosa). We also saw Chicory, the lemon yellow Urospermum (Urospermum dalechampii), Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and French Lavender.
The Corniche des Cévennes gave us stunning views across a wonderful rolling landscape of wooded hills, and we stopped at a viewpoint to admire the scene. Birds seen along the way included Buzzard, Kestrel and Black Kite. We passed many areas that were a mass of wildflower colour and a meadow of Poet’s Narcissi (Narcissus poeticus), all to be discovered on subsequent days. We descended into the Tarnon Valley, bypassed Florac and headed for Cocures and our hotel, a little late but still in time to enjoy the first of many delicious meals.
Day 2 Thursday 21st May
St Laurent-de-Treves, Col du Rey, Col de Faisses
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Some took a cool but sunny pre-breakfast walk opposite our hotel up to a ridge overlooking the River Tarn. A Black Kite flew up the valley, Blackcaps and a Cuckoo were heard from the gorge below and a distant Griffon Vulture soared. Back near the hotel, the first of many Black Redstarts sang from the rooftops.
After breakfast and a stop in Florac for our picnic provisions, we headed south along the valley of Le Tarnon, to the hamlet of St-Laurent-de-Treves, where dinosaur footprints can be seen on a rocky limestone knoll. The weather was fine but very windy, so finding birds was difficult but the views were good west across to the Causse Mejean, south towards Mont Aigoul and north-east to Mont Lozère. Here we found Common Rockrose, Yellow Rattle, Tassel Hyacinth, Shining Cranesbill, Stinking Hellebore, and also Maidenhair Spleenwort, Wall Rue and Rusty-back Fern on the rocks and walls of the small settlement. Back in the car park, a pair of Goldfinches battled to be heard above the wind.
We drove a little further south up to the Col du Rey, where we explored a small field with numerous small regenerating trees sprouting from a turf full of plant species.
These included Lady, Military and Monkey Orchids and some interesting hybrid forms, Early Purple, Burnt and Greater Butterfly Orchids, Mountain Kidney Vetch, False Vetch, Mountain Clover and Salsify. We also found our first specimen of the large Acanthus-leafed Carline Thistle. Birding was difficult in the wind, but Woodlarks were seen and could just be heard, and we had a brief view of a female Red-backed Shrike before it disappeared over the hill. We ate our picnic from a huge stone table and seats. Bushes and trees gave some shelter from the wind but we had to hang onto our crisps!
We stopped next to photograph the Poet’s Narcissi that we had seen yesterday and then an explored area of Broom scrub and rough pasture colourful and fragrant with the many plants to be found. In the low turf beside the road, we found many spikes of the Cevennes Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla rubra subsp. rubra), Tuberous Valerian, Mountain Pansy, Heath Dog Violet with its pale spur, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) and more of the diminutive Burnt Orchid. Skylarks sang from above and Whitethroats from the Hawthorn bushes. Further along the narrow road, we found a pond with a lone, nervous Greenshank, Yellowhammers plus White and Yellow Wagtails.
Returning back towards Col du Rey we had another foray: some walked in a pine plantation where a Red Kite was seen, while others botanised. Our last stop before returning to Cocures was to look at an attractive bridge over the Tarnon, and for signs of Beaver. Clinging to the stonework was the attractive Ivy-leaved Toadflax.
There was not much sign of Beaver, but a Grey Heron flew upstream and a Grey Wagtail down. A family of Black Redstarts were busy insect catching on the rocks beside the river.
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Day 3 Friday 22nd May
Gorge du Tarn, St Enimie, Causse Méjean A pre-breakfast walk through the village was accompanied by two Great-spotted Woodpeckers chasing each other around the houses, and more Black Redstarts A Nightingale was heard and a Spotted Flycatcher seen in the mature walnut trees along a stream to the north-west of the village. A singing Cirl Bunting was spotted on our way back for breakfast.
After a quick visit into Florac for picnic provisions, we travelled north on the N106, turning off onto the scenic D907 along the Tarn Valley. Our first stop was to cross the river before Molines and walk beside the lush river bank. A Dipper flew upstream and, further on, well worn trails in the grass and through a fence illustrated where Beavers had travelled from the river to reach the lush pastures (now cut for hay), Dead saplings near the river bore marks of Beaver teeth. White Wagtails were on the rocks and Crag Martins hawked for insects over the river. A sheltered meadow and riverside bushes proved good for butterflies and both Copper and Beautiful Demoiselles.
We continued on downstream admiring numerous roadside flowers, including some magnificent specimens of Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and crossed the Tarn to park below the intriguing village of Castelbouc, tucked into the rocks, with the remains of its castle on a rocky peak. On the overhanging rocks in the village we found Maidenhair Spleenwort, Maidenhair Fern, Rusty-back Fern, Wall Rue, Rock Soapwort, Common Polypody, Cevennes Saxifrage (Saxifraga cebennensis), Chaenorhinum (Chaenorhinum origanifolium) and Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) plus a magnificent Great Peacock moth, probably recently emerged and soaking up the warmth at the base of the cliff. We followed the footpath through the village, past the communal bread oven where a previous year’s group sheltered from the cold! No need today. We crossed the stream and took the path along the river through the old village garden terraces now long-deserted and overgrown, but good for butterflies, Blackcaps and Bonelli's Warblers. In the shady woods we found spikes of Violet Limodore (Limodorum arbortivum), Solomon’s-seal, Butcher’s-broom and Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides). By the river, an Adonis Blue butterfly rested, as did some of us, enjoying the warm sunshine, the river and the dense green tree-clad valley.
We ate our picnic by the river in the unfortunately closed café garden, under a cherry tree with ripening fruits, some of which seem to have inexplicably found their way onto our picnic plates! Picnic done, we moved on, enjoying the stunning views of the gorge as we headed for St. Enimie. The roadside was blue with Blue Aphyllanthes (A. monspeliensis) and Blue Lettuce (Lactuca perennis). We had a short stop to look at this intriguing little town which included watching a Peregrine Falcon mobbing a Griffon Vulture, probably because it strayed too close to its nest, before climbing up onto the Causse Méjean. A forest fire devastated this area in the summer of 2003, leaving bleak areas of dead trees which have been cleared and the trees are now regenerating. Ground plants have re-carpeted the area with a colourful display. Plants included False Vetch, Mountain Kidney Vetch, Common, Hoary and White Rockroses, Cyprus Spurge, the local variant of Alpine Aster (A. alpinus subsp. cevennenesis) and our first spikes of the endemic Aymonin’s Fly Orchid` along with some hybrid forms with Fly Orchid (Ophrys aymonii x O. insectifera). On a grassy plateau further on we found Yellow Pheasant-eye, Passiontide
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Ophrys and small groups of Early Purple Orchids. Shrubs and trees included Yew, Box, Holm Oak, Prickly Juniper, Mountain Ash, Whitebeam and Amelanchier.
Near the gliding aerodrome, we stopped to watch a pair of Montagu's Harriers then realised we were being watched by a pair of Stone-curlews in an adjacent, recently cultivated and sown field. From the wide spacious landscape of the Causse Méjean, we reached the top of the switchback road down to Florac, stopping at a viewpoint part way down, to take in the dramatic views, then continuing down to Florac and on to Cocures.
Day 4 Saturday 23rd May
Le Pont de Montvert, Mont Lozère, Les Bondons On bright morning, but still cool with a strong north wind, we set off eastwards from Cocures towards Le-Pont- de-Montvert. Botanising at a roadside stop, with a view down to the river, produced Mountain Dog Daisy, Jaquin’s Mignonette, Rock Cinquefoil, Alpine Thistle, Ling, Carline-leaved Thistle and the delicate St Bernard’s Lily (Anthericum liliago). We stopped to look at the attractive little town of Le Pont de Montvert, getting picnic supplies, then across the bridge to the patisserie for some special picnic extras! Crag Martins Swallows and a Grey Wagtail were watched from the bridge over the rushing River Tarn. Once we had extricated ourselves and the vehicles from the town, we headed for Mont Lozère.
A foray into Beech woods on the way up produced Bitter Vetch, Angular Solomon’s-seal, Spiked Rampion, Southern Wood Rush, Snowy Wood Rush and the saprophytic Bird’s-nest Orchid. On the roadside was a magnificent specimen of “Molly” (Molopospermum peloponnesiacum) and below the bridge a lovely specimen of an Alpine Rose. Higher up, we stopped for an exploration of a flower rich meadow leading down to a damp area near a small stream. Whitethroats called from the bushes and Tree Pipits were on the rocks near the pine forest edge. Here we found Wild Daffodil, Marsh Marigold, Globe Flower, Marsh Vetch and Spignel. The top at Col de Finiels was very windy, but a brief exploration here gave us both colour forms of Elder-flowered Orchid, Mountain Everlasting and Alpine Hawkweed. In the wind a Northern Wheatear and a pair of Linnets were the only birds seen. Later we retreated to the pine woodland to find a sheltered place to picnic and enjoyed the lush cakes from the patisserie!
We returned to Cocures via 'Circuit Mont Lozère' which took us along a high route leading to an area of standing stones where we walked up to the highest stone. Several Skylarks sang as we walked across the short flower rich turf. From the top we had a good view of the strange marl hills of Les Bondons.
Day 5 Sunday 24th May
Gorge du Jonte, Causse Noir, Meyreus A pre-breakfast walk along the opposite bank of the Tarn from the hotel produced the usual woodland-edge birds and, on the river, a fleeting view of a Dipper.
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Today we headed for the Belvedere des Vautours , in the Gorge de la Jonte. We took the switchback road from Florac up to the Causse Méjean. There were bright yellow patches of Yellow Flax on the roadsides, with Grass- leaved Ox-eye Daisy, and Alpine Aster. A highlight here was a large group of Griffon Vultures soaring quite close. We stopped to admire them, some drifting off over our heads across the valley, about 50 birds in total. The Stone-curlews were seen again, one appearing to get up from its nest. We watched for a short while then left them undisturbed and moved on to enjoy drinks in the garden of the Auberge at Nivoliers, to the sound of a Nightingale singing close by.
Near the village of le Villaret we scanned the large enclosure for any Prezwalski's Horses, a rare Mongolian breed that is being bred here with a view to returning some to their native home. We studied one which was resolutely standing with its back facing into the still-strong northerly wind, in the lee of a tree near the village, and some domestic horses on the outside the fence. After crossing the Causse Méjean we descended down a steep valley towards the Gorge de la Jonte, stopping part way down to observe a pair of Griffon Vultures on their nest, on a ledge on the cliff opposite. We also took the opportunity to explore the roadside flowers of this warmer south facing valley. Here we found Fairy Foxglove, Yellow Woundwort, Kernera and Aphyllanthes.
The Belvedere is an interpretive centre and viewing point for the many vultures that nest in the gorge, mostly Griffon Vultures, but now also Black Vulture, also the result of a successful re-introduction programme. We were given a guided tour by the resident ornithologist who patiently answered our many questions about the project. We enjoyed a talk and video presentation, which included some live footage. The nesting ledges could be seen from the panoramic viewing platform. We also found Helichrysum stoechas and Ground Pine, along with the Bladder Senna, growing adjacent to the viewing platforms. We later ate our picnic in the warm sunshine nearby.
From here we continued east to Le Rozier, then headed south and turned west onto the Causse Noir. Our first stop was in the pine woods to look at an impressive display of flowering Sword-leaved Helleborines; in addition, we found both One-flowered and Round-leaved Wintergreens. Travelling a little distance further, we found a grassland site with Woodcock Orchid, Small Spider Orchid and False Sainfoin (Vicia onobrychoides).
We made our return to Florac and Cocures via Meyreuis and the Causse Méjean.
Day 6 Monday 25th May
Mont Aigoual Today we headed for Mont Aigoual, the wettest and windiest place in the area, if not the whole of France! The area can have 2 metres of rain a year! Our first roadside stop was to look for orchids on a grassy bank below the dramatic southern rocky edge of the Causse Méjean. Here we found, Man, Military, Monkey and Lady Orchids,
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and a non-flowering spike of Lizard Orchid, along with a prostrate knapweed Carduncellus mitissimus. We stopped again to explore a meadow at the Col de Perjeret, where we added Frog Orchid, Hepatica and Goldilocks to our list. The usual Blackcaps sang from woodland and a Quail was heard calling from an arable field somewhere on top of the causse above.
Higher up near the summit we stopped to photograph the many Elder-flowered Orchids in its two colour forms, and also found Tulips (Tulipa sylvestris subsp. australis). Exploring around a small spring, we found the large leaves of Adenostyles (Adenostyles alliariae). Mont Aigoual was re-forested over a century ago. Fossilised pollen grains tell the history of the forests here; that it has changed from birch and pine (10-7,000 BC), to deciduous oak (7-5,000 BC), beech and fir (5-2,000 BC) and then grazed from the Iron Age, and later diminished through logging.
We then moved on to the observatory at Mont Aigoual, where coffee and facilities were very welcome as it was considerably cooler up here. Heading back down the mountain, we turned down into the upper Tarnon valley, hoping to find a sheltered spot for our picnic. We did: a warm spot overlooking a meadow with meandering stream where the surrounding hillsides were a mass of Pyrenean Broom. Here we found Field Fleawort and Meadow Vetchling. Yellowhammers were watched and a Wryneck called as it moved around its territory.
The road took us down a beautiful valley through the hamlet of Massevaques. Again the verges were rich and colourful and, out of the wind, butterflies were more numerous with Clouded Yellows, Sooty Coppers, Adonis Blue, Glanville and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. Later, in Florac, we stopped to visit the park centre and wander the old streets and enjoy a drink.
Day 7 Tuesday 26th May
Vebron, Nîmes-le-Vieux, Hures, Nivoliers Today we headed south along the Tarnon to the hamlet of Vebron where we took a narrow road up to the southern edge of the Causse Méjean. The roadside flora was rich and varied with a variety of habitats. We found drifts of Lady and Military Orchids and their hybrids, along with Rampion Bellflower (Campanula rapunculus) and a rather brief view of Pyrenean Bellflower (Campanula speciosa). The road verge was vibrant as we continued our drive up, passing various colour forms of Bastard Balm and several specimens of the Broad-leaved Sermountain. A male Red-backed Shrike was watched displaying to its mate, a Honey Buzzard flew over and distant Griffon Vultures drifted along the top of the gorge above.
Once on the plateau, the scenery was completely changed with cereal fields with a pair of Red-legged Partridges and near the farms Yellowhammers. We stopped to explore the first of the karstic dolomitic limestone crags. A Blue Rock Thrush sang from the top and an Ortolan Bunting was seen. There were few settlements here but they did include a café at the hamlet of Le Veygalier for coffee, facilities and tables outside, on which they kindly allowed us to prepare our picnic.
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Later, we had a walk exploring the rocky habitat of Le Nîmes-le-Vieux, where another crag-top bird was a brief view of a Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush and later Rock Sparrow. The turf between the rocks has the appearance of a rock garden with numerous species of orchids. On the walk up we saw Spanish Catchfly and, on the northern slope of the low summit, we found Garland Flower, Yellow Whitlow-grass and Crested Lousewort.
We followed the southern edge of the causse, stopping to watch another group of Griffon Vultures, probably congregating near a carcass just out of sight over the hill. With them were two smaller Egyptian Vultures. Heading north across the Causse Méjean through Hures, we checked for more Prezwalski's Horses and saw more Red-backed Shrikes, Northern Wheatears and Kestrels; it was then on through Nivoliers and back to Cocures via Florac.
Day 8 Wednesday 27th May
Return to Montpellier for flight to Gatwick A beautiful sunny morning dawned and, after a leisurely breakfast, we said adieu to our host Pierrette and headed for the Corniche des Cévennes. We passed the field of Poet’s Narcissi, a few of which were still in bloom, and then on southwards with the green vistas of the Cévennes each side, as stunning as ever, as we headed down the Corniche. We stopped for a leg stretch beside the river near St Jean-du-Gard, then continued through busy Anduze and Quissac to Montpellier.
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Species Lists
Plants (* = A species is endemic) Scientific name Common name Location
PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES
Adiantaceae Maidenhair fern Family
Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Sentier des Menhirs - Cocures - Rock face
Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Sentier des Menhirs - Cocures - Rock face
Asplenium ceterach (C. officinarum ) Rusty-back Cocures
Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall Rue Cocures
Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort Sentier des Menhirs - Cocures - Rock face
Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Cocures
Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Seen regularly
Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family
Dryopteris affinis agg. Golden Scaly Male-fern Sentier des Menhirs - Cocures - Rock face
Equisetaceae Horsetail Family
Equesetum telmateia Great Horsetail Roadsides
Polypodiaceae Polypody Family
Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody Sentier des Mehirs - Cocures
Woodsiaceae Lady Fern Family
Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern Sentier des Menhirs - Cocures - Rock face
Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern
Cystopteris montana Mountain Bladder Fern Sentier des Menhirs - Cocures - Rock face
PINOPSIDA (Gymnosperms) CONIFERS
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Scientific name Common name Location
Cupressaceae Juniper Family
Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Cocures
Pinaceae Pine Family
Pinus nigra subsp. salzmanii Black Pine Casse Noir
Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Nr Montpellier
Pinus pinea Umbrella or Stone Pine Nr Montpellier
Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Casse Noir
Pinus uncinata Mountain Pine Causse Mejean
Taxaceae Yew Family
Taxus baccata Yew Causse Mejean
MAGNOLIOPSIDA (Angiosperms) FLOWERING PLANTS
Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)
Aceraceae Maple Family
Acer campestre Field Maple Occasional
Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple Seen regularly
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Occasional
Apiaceae Carrot Family
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Roadsides
Conopodium majus Pignut Woodland - above Le Pont de Montvert
Daucus carota Wild Carrot Roadsides
Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo St-Laurent-de-Treves
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Roadsides
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Scientific name Common name Location
Heracleum sphondylium subsp. Hogweed (yellow flowered) Roadside sibiricum
Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Sentier - road above Vebron
Meum athamanticum Spignel Meadow at Finiels
Molopospermum pelopennesiacum Molopospermum (Molly) Roadsides
Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's Needle Arable field - Cause Mejean
Trinia glauca Honewort Cocures view point.
Aralaceae Ivy Family
Hedera helix agg. Ivy Seen regularly
Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family
Aristolochia clematitis Birthwort Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Ascepliadaceae Milkweed Family
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Casse Mejean
Asteraceae Daisy Family
Adenostyles alliariae Adenostyles Pool / stream on Mont Aigoual
Achillea millefolium Yarrow Casse Mejean
Antennaria dioica Cat's Foot Col de Finiels
Anthemis creticus Mountain Dog-daisy Cocures
Artemisia absinthium Mugwort Woodland - Vallee du Tarn
Aster alpinus subsp. cevennensis* Alpine Aster Casse Mejean
Bellis perennis Daisy Roads
Carduus carlinifolius Carline-leaved Thistle Roadside to le Pont de Montvert
Carduus defloratus Alpine Thistle Roadside to le Pont de Montvert
Carlina acanthifolia Acanthus-leaved C. Thistle Col du Rey
Carduncellus mitissimus Meadow on route to Mont Aigoual
Centaurea cyanus Cornflower Roadsides / Arable fields
Centaurea pectinata (or C. uniflora?) Pectinate Knapweed Cocures morning walk
Cichorium intybus Chicory Roadsides
Cirsium palustris Marsh Thistle Meadow at Finiels
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Scientific name Common name Location
Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant Vulture Centre / Roadsides
Hieracium alpinum Alpine Hawkweed Col de Finiels
Lactuca perennis Blue Lettuce Road descent to Vulture Centre
Lapsana communis Nipplewort Roadsides
Leucanthemum graminifolium Grass-leaved Ox-eye Daisy Sentier des Menhirs - Stone
Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy St Larent de Treves
Logfia minima Small Cudweed ??
Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce St Larent de Treves
Senecio integrefolius Field Fleabane Vally of Massevaques
Senecio vulgaris Ragwort Roadsides
Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Col du Rey
Tragopogon pratensis Goatsbeard Col du Rey
Urospermum dalechampei - Road to Montpellier
Balsaminaceae Balsam Family
Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan Balsam Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Betulaceae Birch Family
Alnus glutinosa Alder Seen regularly
Betula pendula Common Birch Seen regularly
Corylus avellana Hazel Seen regularly
Boraginaceae Borage Family
Anchusa arvensis Bugloss Meadow on route to Mont Aigoual
Cynoglossum officinale Houndstongue Florac
Echium vulgare Vipers Bugloss Seen regularly
Lithospermum purpurocaerulea Blue Gromwell Causse Mejean
Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Seen regularly
Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not Meadow at Finiels
Onosma fastigiatum Golden Drops Seen regularly
Pulmonaria officinalis Lungwort Woodland Vallee du Tarn
Brassicaceae Cabbage Family
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Scientific name Common name Location
Arabis alpina Alpine Rock-cress Causse Mejean
Arabis turrita Tower Cress Roadsides
Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard Causse Mejean
Cardamine amara Large Bitter-cress Pool / stream on Mont Aigoual
Cardamine pratensis Lady's Smock Meadow at Finiels
Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse Roadsides / Waste ground
Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow-grass Rocks on Causse Mejean
Erophilla verna Whitlow-grass ?? ??
Kernera saxatilis Kernera Rocks on Causse Mejean
Lunaria annua Honesty
Thlaspi arvense Field Penny-cress
Buxaceae Box Family
Buxus sempervirens Box Seen regularly
Campanulaceae Bellflower Family
Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower Roadside above Vebron
Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Campanula speciosa Pyrenean Bellflower Roadside above Vebron
Phyteuma spicatum Spiked Rampion Woodland above Le Pont de Montvert
Jasione montana Sheep's-bit Cocures - view point
Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Seen regularly
Sambucus nigra Elder Seen regularly
Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree Seen regularly
Caryophyllaceae Pink Family
Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear
Cerastium tormentosum Snow in Summer Gorge walls
Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink Grassland nr Coll des Faisses
Minuartia setacea
Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Seen regularly
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Scientific name Common name Location
Scleranthus perennis Annual Knawel Cocures - view point
Silene conica Sand Catchfly Causse Mejean
Silene dioica Red Campion Seen regularly
Silene latifolia White Campion Seen regularly
Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Seen regularly
Silene otites Spanish Catchflly Le Nimes-le-Vieux - Causse Mejean
Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Seen regularly
Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort Seen regularly
Stellaria media Chickweed Seen regularly
Celastraceae Spindle Family
Euonymus europaeus Spindle Tree Causse Mejean
Cistaceae Cistus Family
Helianthemum apenninum White Rockrose Seen regularly
Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose Seen regularly
H. oelandicum subsp. incanum Hoary Rockrose Seen regularly
Clusiaceae St John's-wort Family
Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John'swort St Larent de Treves
Square stalked St Hypericum tetrapterum ?? John'swort
Convolvulaceae Bindweed family
Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Roadsides
Convolvulus cantabrica Pink Convulvulus Roadside stop to Montpellier
Cornaceae Dogwood Family
Cornus sanguinea Common Dogwood Seen regularly
Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family
Sempervivum tectorum Common Houseleek Sentier des Menhirs - Cocures - Rock face
Sedum album White Stonecrop Cocures
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Scientific name Common name Location
Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop Cocures
Sedum telephium Orpine Rocks - Vallee du Tarn
Sedum reflexum Rock Stonecrop Cocures
Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Seen regularly
Cucurbitaceae White Bryony Family
Bryonia cretica White Bryony Cocures
Dipsacaceae Scabious Family
Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Causse Mejean
Knautia arvensis Field Scabious Seen regularly
Ericaceae Heather Family
Calluna vulgaris Ling Rodside on route to Le Pont de Montvert
Erica cinerea Bell Heather Cocures
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Col de Finiels
Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family
Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Woodland Vallee du Tarn
Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Mediterranean Spurge Seen regularly
Euphorbia cyparissias Cyprus Spurge Seen regularly
Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Seen regularly
Euphorbia lathyris Caper Spurge Rodside on route to Le Pont de Montvert
Fabaceae Pea Family
Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch Seen regularly
Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Seen regularly
Astragalus monspessulanus False Vetch Seen regularly / Roadsides
Chamaespartium sagittale Winged Broom Meadow on route to Sentier des Menhirs
Colutea arborescens Bladder Senna Vulture Centre
Coronilla coronata Scorpion Vetch Col du Rey
Cytisophyllum sessilifolius Sessile Broom Widely seen
Cytisus purgens Pyrennean Broom Widely seen
14 © Naturetrek
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Cytisus scoparius Common Broom Widely seen
Dorycnium pentaphyllum - Roadsides
Genista hispanica Spanish Gorse
Hippocrepis comosa Horse-shoe Vetch Col du Rey
Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Roadsides / Plantation edges
Lathyrus latifolius Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea Meadow on route to Mont Aigoual
Lathyrus montanus Bitter Vetch Meadow at Finiels
Lathyrus palustris Marsh Pea Meadow at Finiels
Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling Vally of Massevaques
Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil Widely seen
Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Meadow at Finiels
Medicago arabica Spotted Medick ??
Melilotus officinalis Common Melilot Roadsides
Onobrychis viciifolia Common Sainfoin Widely seen
Robinia pseudacacia Robinia Roadsides
Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Roadsides / Occasional
Tetragonolobus maritimus Dragon's Teeth Cocures - View point
Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Roadsides
Trifolium incarnatum subsp. molinerii Crimson Clover Rodside on route to Le Pont de Montvert
Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Col du Rey
Trifolium pratense Red Clover Widely seen
Trifolium repens White Clover Widely seen
Trifolium rubens Red Trefoil ??
Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Widely seen
Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare
Viccia lutea Yellow Vetch
Vicia onobrychoides False Sainfoin Causse Noir
Vicia pyrenaica Pyrenean Vetch
Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis Common Vetch
Vicia sepium Bush Vetch Widely seen
Fagaceae Beech Family
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Scientific name Common name Location
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Regulary seen
Fagus sylvatica Beech Regulary seen
Quercus ilex Holm/Evergreen Oak Causse Mejean
Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Regulary seen
Quercus robur Common Oak Valle de Tarn
Fumariaceae Fumitory Family
Fumaria muralis subsp. boraei Common Ramping Fumitory Cocures
Gentianaceae Gentian Family
Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow wort Meadow on route to Mont Aigoual
Geraniaceae Geranium Family
Erodium cicutarium Common Storksbill Cocures
Geranium lucidum Shining Cranesbill Cocures
Geranium molle Dove's-foot Cranesbill Cocures
Geranium nodosum Knotted Crane's-bill Valle de Tarn
Geranium pratense Meadow Cranesbill ? Garden plant - Le Veygalier - Causses Mejean
Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane's-bill ??
Geranium purpureum Little Robin Seen regularly
Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Seen regularly
Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Cranesbill Seen regularly
Globulariaceae Globularia Family
Globularia punctata Common Globularia Causses Mejean
Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family
Ribes alpinus Mountain Currant Finiels
Ribes uva-crispa Wild Gooseberry Sentier des Menhirs
Juglandaceae Walnut Family
Juglans regia Walnut Seen regularly
16 © Naturetrek
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family
Acinos arvensis Basil-thyme Causses Mejean
Ajuga chamaepitys Ground Pine Vulture Centre
Ajuga pyramidalis Pyramidal Bugle Seen regularly
Ajuga reptans Common Bugle Seen regularly
Ballota nigra Valle de Tarn
Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel Woodland above Le Pont de Montvert
Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm Roadside above Vebron
Oreganum vulgare Oregano Seen regularly
Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Seen regularly
Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort Roadside Causses Mejean
Teucrium rouyanum - Seen regularly
Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Roadside Finiels
Thymus praecox Hairy Thyme Seen regularly
Thymus serpyllum Creeping Thyme Seen regularly
Thymus vulgaris Thyme Seen regularly
Linaceae Flax Family
Linum campanulatum Yellow Flax Causses Mejean
Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Col du Rey
Linum perenne Perennial Flax Roadsides
Linum suffruticosum subsp salsoides Pyrenean Flax Seen reqularly
Malvaceae Mallow Family
Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Cocures
Moraceae Fig Family
Ficus carica Fig Planted
Oleaceae Olive Family
Fraxinus excelsior Ash ??
Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Ligustrum vulgare Privet Woodland - Vallee du Tarn
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France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Onograceae Willowherb Family
Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb ??
Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family
Orobranche gracilis Slender Broomrape Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Oxalidaceae Wood Sorrel Family
Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel Woodland above Le Pont de Montvert
Papaveraceae Poppy Family
Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine ??
Papaver dubium Long-headed Poppy Roadsides
Papaver rhoeas Corn Poppy Roadsides
Plantaginaceae Plantain Family
Plantago holosteum - Cocures - view point
Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain Seen regularly
Plantago major Great Plantain Seen regularly
Plantago media Hoary Plantain Seen regularly
Plantago sempervirens Branched Plantain Causses Mejean
Platanaceae Plane Family
Platanus x hybrida London Plane Planted - Towns
Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family
Armeria arenaria Jersey Thrift Roadside Col des Faisses
Polygalaceae Milkwort Family
Polygala alpestris Mountain Milkwort Seen regularly
Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Seen regularly
Polygonaceae Knotweed Family
18 © Naturetrek
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Persicaria bistorta Bistort Seen regularly
Polygonum viviparium Alpine Bistort Meadow at Finiels
Rumex acetosa Sorrel Meadow -Cocures - Morning Walk
Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel Seen regularly
Rumex scuatatus French Sorrel Seen regularly
Primulaceae Primrose Family
Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Cocures
Primula veris Cowslip Roadsides
Pyrolaceae Wintergreen Family
Moneses uniflora One Flowered Wintergreen Causse Noir
Pyrola rotundifolia Round-leafed Wintergreen Causse Noir
Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family
Adonis annua Pheasant's-eye Causses Mejean
Adonis vernalis Yellow Pheasant's-eye Causses Mejean
Anenome nemorosa Wood Anenome Col de Finiels
Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine See reqularly
Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold Meadow at Finiels
Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard
Helleborus foetidus Stinking Helleore St Laurent de Treves
Hepatica nobilis Hepatica See reqularly
Nigella damascena Love-in-a-mist Roadside
Pulsatilla rubrum subsp. rubra* Cevennes Pasque Flower Col des Faisses
Ranunculus aconitifolius Aconite-leaved Buttercup Roadsides - le Pont de Montvert - Finiels
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Seen regularly
Ranunculus arvensis Corn Buttercup Arable fields Causses Mejean
Rannunculus auricomus Goldilocks Grasland en route to Mont Aigoual
Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Seen regularly
Rannunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Meadow en route to Sentier des Menhirs
Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Seen reqularly
Trollius europaeus Globe Flower Meadow at Finiels
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France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Resedaceae Mignonette family
Reseda jacquinii Jaquin's Mignonette Cocures - view point
Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Seen regularly
Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette Seen regularly
Rosaceae Rose Family
Alchemilla alpina Alpine lady's-mantle Col de Finiels
Alchemilla mollis Lady's Mantle
Amelanchier ovalis Amelanchier Causses Mejean
Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Seen reqularly
Frageria vesca Wild Strawberry Seen regularly
Geum urbanum Heb Bennet Roadside
Potentilla argentea Hoary Cinquefoil ??
Potentilla rupestris Rock Cinquefoil Roadside to le Pont de Montvert
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn
Prunus domestica Wild Plum / Damson Vallee du Tarn
Rosa canina Dog Rose Seen regularly
Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Woodland above le Pont de Montvert
Rubus fruticosus Bramble Seen regularly
Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Seen regularly
Sorbus aria Whitebeam Seen regularly
Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash Grassland Col de Faisses
Rubiaceae Bedstraw family
Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Seen regularly
Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw See reqularly
Gallium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Seen regularly
Salicaceae Willow Family
Populus alba White Poplar Roadsides
Populus tremula Aspen Roadsides
Salix viminalis Osier Woodland - Vallee du Tarn
20 © Naturetrek
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family
Saxifraga cebennensis* Cevennes Saxifrage Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Seen regularly
Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage Causse Noir
Saxifrage spp ( like S. rosacea??) Meadow on route to Sentier des Menhirs
Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family
Anarrhinum bellidifolium Daisy-leaved Toadflax Roadsides / Rocks / Cocures - view point
Antirrhinum majus Large Snapdragon Vallee due Tarn
Chaenorhinum origanifolium Chaenorhinum Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Seen regularly
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Seen regularly
Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove Causse Mejean
Parentucellia latifolia Southern Bartsia Causse Noir
Pedicularis comosa Crested Lousewort Le Nimes-le-Vieux - Causse Mejean
Rhinanthus mediterraneus Mediterranean Rattle Roadsides
Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Roadsides
Scrophularia canina Alpine/French Figwort Col des Faisses
Scrophularia nodosa Vally of Massevaques
Verbascum nigra Dark Mullein Roadsides
Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullien
Veronica austriaca spp teucrium Tall Speedwell Sentier des Menhirs
Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Florac
Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Seen regularly
Solanaceae Nightshade Family
Hyoscyamus niger Henbane Roadside above Vebron
Thymelaceae Daphne Family
Daphne cneorum Garland Flower Le Nimes-le-Vieux - Causse Mejean
Tiliaceae Lime Family
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Scientific name Common name Location
Tilia x europaea Common Lime Cocures
Urticeae Nettle Family
Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall Seen regularly / Walls
Urtica dioica Nettle Seen regularly
Valerianaceae Valerian Family
Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Seen regularly
Valeriana officianalis Common Valerian Roadsides
Valeriana tuberosa Tuberous Valerian Grassland Col de Faisses
Valerianella locusta Corn Salad Meadow on route to Sentier des Menhirs
Violaceae Violet Family
Viola canina Heath Dog Violet Seen regularly
Viola lutea Mountain Pansy Grassland Col de Faisses
Viola riviniana Common Dog violet Seen regularly
Viola tricolor agg. Heart's-ease Meadow on route to Sentier des Menhirs
Liliidae (Monocotyledons)
Cyperaceae Sedge Family
Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge ??
Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Various grassland sites
Carex spicata Spiked Sedge ??
Dioscoreaceae Yam Family
Tamus communis Black Bryony Woodloand - Vallee du Tarn
Iridaceae Iris Family
Gladiolus italicus Wild Gladiolus ??
Juncaceae Rush Family
22 © Naturetrek
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered Rush Grassland / Finiels
Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush Grassland / Finiels
Luzula forsteri Southern Wood-rush Woodland above Le Pont de Montvert
Luzula nivea Snowy Wood-rush Woodland above Le Pont de Montvert
Liliaceae Lily Family
Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Blue Aphyllanthes Roadsides
Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Roadsides
Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Meadow on route to Mont Aigoual
Lilium martagon Martagon Lily
Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth St Laurent de Treves
Narcissus pseudonarcissus Wild Daffodil Finiels
Narcissus poeticus Pheasant's Eye Daffodil Col des Faisses
Ornithogalum umbellatum Star of Bethlehem Seen Regularly
Polygonatum multiflorum Angular Solomon's-seal Vallee du Tarn
Polygonatum odoratum Angular Solomon's-seal Vallee du Tarn
Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's Broom Vallee du Tarn
Tulipa sylvestris subsp. australis Wild Tulip Mount Aigoual
Veratrum album White False Helleborine
Orchidaceae Orchid Family
Anacamptis (Orchis) coriophora Bug Orchid Col de Purjeret
Anacamptis (Orchis) morio Green-winged Orchid Col du Rey
Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Seen regularly
Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Col du Rey / Causse Noir
Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Col du Rey / Causse Noir
Dactylorhiza fuschii Common Spotted Orchid Col du Rey
Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid Meadow at Finiels
Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid Frequent both colours
Dactylorhiza (Coeloglossum) viride Frog Orchid Col du Rey
Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Causse Noir
Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid (not in Flower) Meadow on route to Mont Aigoual
Limodorum abortivum Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Castelbouc - Vallee du Tarn
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Scientific name Common name Location
Neotinea (Orchis) ustulata Burnt Orchid Seen regularly
Neottia nidus-avis Bird's Nest Orchid Woodland above Le Pont de Montvert
Neottia ovata Twayblade Col du Rey
Ophrys araneola Small Spider Ophrys Causse Noir
Ophrys aymonii * Aymonin's Fly Orchid Causse Mejean
Ophrys aymonii x insectifera a Hybrid Ophrys Causse Mejean
Ophrys insectifera Fly Orchid Causse Noir
Ophrys passionis Passiontide Ophrys Causse Mejean
Ophrys scolopax Woodcock Ophrys Causse Noir
Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider Causse Noir
Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Causse Mejean
Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Col du Rey
Orchis militaris Military Orchid Col du Rey
Orchis militaris x purpurea a Hybrid Orchid Roadside above Vebron
Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid Col du Rey
Orchis purpurea x simia a Hybrid Orchid Col du Rey
Orchis simia Monkey Orchid Col du Rey
Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid Col du Rey / Col des Faisses
Plantanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly Orchid Col du Rey / Col des Faisses
Poaceae Grass Family Commonest Grasses
Agrostis tennuis
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Arundo donax Giant Reed
Briza media Quaking Grass
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot
Festuca longifolia Blue Fescue
Festuca rubra Red Fescue
Festuca vivipara Viviperous fescue
Hordeum murinum Wall Barley
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog
Lolium perenne Rye Grass
Melica uniflora Wood Melick
24 © Naturetrek
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
Scientific name Common name Location
Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass
Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass
Sesleria caerulea Blue Moor Grass
Stipa pennata Common Feather Grass
Birds (= recorded but not counted; H = heard only) May
Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
1 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2
2 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H
3 Little Egret Egretta garzetta
4 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2 1 1 2 1
5 Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 1 50 30
6 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 2
7 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1
8 Red Kite Milvus milvus 1 1 1 1 1
9 Black Kite Milvus migrans 1 2
10 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 2 1M
11 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 1 1
12 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 1
13 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1
14 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 3 1
15 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1
16 Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus 2 2
17 Greenshank Tringa nebularia 1
18 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis 1
19 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia
20 Stock Dove Columba oenas 1
21 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
22 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
23 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H H H H
24 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H
25 Common Swift Apus apus
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May
Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
26 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 2 1 H
27 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 3 1 H
28 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla 1
29 Common Skylark Alauda arvensis
30 Woodlark Lullula arborea
31 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
32 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
33 Common House Martin Delichon urbica
34 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 2
35 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
36 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2
37 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 1
38 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 2
39 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 3 1
40 European Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 H H
41 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H H H H
42 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
43 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 1 1
44 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata 1
45 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H
46 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 2
47 Common Blackbird Turdus merula
48 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 1
49 Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 1
50 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H H
51 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis H H H
52 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta H
53 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli H H H
54 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H H
55 Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H H
56 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 1
57 Great Tit Parus major
26 © Naturetrek
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
May
Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
58 Coal Tit Periparus ater H
59 European Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus
60 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
61 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor 1
62 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 2 2
63 Common Magpie Pica pica 2
64 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
65 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula
66 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 2
67 Carrion Crow Corvus corone
68 Common Raven Corvus corax 4
69 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris
70 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
71 Common Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia 1
72 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
73 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina
74 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
75 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
76 Citril Finch Carduelis citrinella 1
77 European Serin Serinus serinus
78 Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 1 2 1
79 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana 1
80 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 5
81 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 1 1
82 Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra 1
Mammals 1 European Beaver Castor tiber signs
2 Brown Hare Lepus europeaus 1 1 1
3 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2
4 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 2
Amphibians & Reptiles
© Naturetrek July 15 27
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May
Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
1 Western Green Lizard Lacerta bilineata dead
2 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis
3 Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis 2
Butterflies 1 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius
2 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi 1
3 Large White Pieris brassicae
4 Green-veined White Pieris napi
5 Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines
6 Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis
7 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea
8 Wood White Leptidea sinapis 1
9 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi 1
10 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus
11 Provençal Short-tailed Blue Cupido alcetas
12 Little Blue Cupido minimus
13 Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis
14 Brown Argus Aricia agestis
15 Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus
16 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus
17 Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina 1
18 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae
19 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
20 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
21 Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia
22 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe
23 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene
24 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne
25 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 1
26 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus 1
27 Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania 1
28 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages 1
28 © Naturetrek
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May
Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Moths 1 Giant Peacock Moth Saturnia pyri 1
2 Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata
3 Speckled Yellow Pseudopanthera maculina
4 Hummingbird Hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum 1
5 Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pitycampa
Other Invertebrates 1 Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo
2 Copper Demoiselle C. haemorrhoidalis
3 Wart-biter Cricket Decticus verrucivorus
4 an Ascalaphid Libelloides longicornis 1
5 Wasp Beefly sp.
6 Crab Spider sp.
7 Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidarius
8 Glow-worm Lampyris noctiluca
Griffon Vulture Greater Butterfly Orchid
© Naturetrek July 15 29