Albania in Spring

Naturetrek Tour Report 29 May - 5 June 2019

Dalmatian Pelican Elder-flowered Orchid

Hermann Tortoise Spring Gentian

Report and photos compiled by Neil Anderson

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 Albania in Spring

Tour participants: Neil Anderson (leader) & Mirjan Topi (local guide) with 16 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Wednesday 29th May

Arrive Tirana We had a mid-afternoon flight departing Gatwick which left about 15 minutes late but arrived in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on time just before 21.00 local time.

We were staying just a few minutes away at the comfortable Ark Hotel, where we checked in and were soon in our rooms settling down for a night’s sleep before the start of the tour.

Day 2 Thursday 30th May

Fllake-Sektori Rinia Lagoon, Karavasta, Berat We had a full programme after our breakfast in Tirana before heading for the scenic UNESCO city of Berat, our base for the next couple of days. We first visited the Rinia lagoon close to the capital and we were blessed with some pleasantly warm sunshine. This area is a popular beach location, but being a weekday there was little disturbance.

Our first stop before the main lagoon was the unprotected site of a large Bee-eater breeding colony. Over 200 pairs breed here in total and we watched over 40 pairs. We also saw several Red-rumped Swallows here, had good views of a vocal Cuckoo and a Great Reed Warbler sang in the dyke.

Peter found an Ant Lion which we examined. We also saw several Clouded Yellows, Small Copper and Small Heath butterflies.

Flowers included abundant Purple Viper’s-bugloss, reddish Trifolium resupinatum and the pretty pink Convolvulus elegantissima.

Moving on to the dunes we saw an interesting array of plants with Sea Holly, Sea Rocket, the unusual umbellifer, Echinophora spinosa and a North American introduction, Amorpha fruticosa, a legume with very dark flowers that proved attractive to a range of insects including a couple of Egyptian Grasshoppers.

The birdlife was also good with a range of waders including an unexpected solitary Golden Plover, a small flock of non-breeding plumaged Grey Plover with a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits and some Curlew in the shallows. A mixed group of terns were loafing with two giant Caspian Terns, a couple of Gull-billed, six Sandwich Terns and some Common Terns. We had a substantial lunch at Karavasta which was much enjoyed. Around the restaurant we heard Golden Oriole singing and saw Spotted Flycatcher and Woodchat Shrike.

Walking off our lunch around the lagoon we saw our main targets: c20 Pygmy Cormorants, c60 Dalmatian Pelicans at a breeding colony and some distant Greater Flamingos. Some of us saw an elusive Eastern Olivaceous Warbler that was singing in a Tamarisk.

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Back at our bus we found a Mediterranean Skipper and a female Southern Darter. Before continuing our journey to Berat we called in at the visitor centre where we met Johnnie the tame pelican who now had a mate. Amongst some herbage we had good views of a Balkan Wall Lizard.

As we arrived at Berat we could see renovation work was underway but that didn’t spoil our comfortable stay at the hotel.

Day 3 Friday 31st May

Vjose-Narte After breakfast we had a two-hour drive to Narte but we had a comfort stop where we could observe White Storks on a nest and we could see the head of at least one chick.

Arriving at Narte we explored a saltmarsh area where we hoped to find some larks. Crested Larks were immediately obvious by the road but with some patience we were rewarded with some excellent views of both Short-toed and Calandra Larks. Our presence caused a couple of Stone Curlews to fly up and these were “lifers” for at least a couple of the group. Excitement was caused by some harriers. Identification was difficult at first as they were distant and there was a shimmering heat haze, but fortunately, they came much closer and we had both male and female Montagu’s Harriers as well as Marsh Harrier. A White-winged Tern was seen by a couple of us.

We were looking at a small daisy when Vanessa spotted a green movement. It was a small European Tree Frog and as we looked there were quite a few- about 15 in total. In a nearby dyke were many Common Toad youngsters.

Back by the bus a couple of Eastern Bath Whites gave a good photo opportunity.

After our picnic we explored the Salinas where there were over 400 Greater Flamingos, a few Dalmatian Pelicans, good numbers of breeding Avocets, Kentish Plovers and some rather distant Collared Pratincoles. Dan found a pair of Black Terns on one of the ridges which Mirjan was happy about as they hadn’t bred here for a couple of years.

As we drove along the road we stopped for a Hermann’s Tortoise on the tarmac; a species we often see at the Karavasta Visitor Centre, but not on this trip.

Our final stop before returning to Berat was at a roadside Bee-eater colony where people photographed or just enjoyed these charismatic birds.

A few flowers here included Anchusa azurea, Echium italicum and Stachys germanica.

In the evening most of the group had a walk around the castle in Berat- an impressive monument. A Black-eared Wheatear sang from the castle, a Glanville Fritillary was fairly torpid in the grass and we found some attractive flowers in the form of Orlaya grandiflora, Campanula ramosissima and Arum italicum.

2 © Naturetrek July 19

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Day 4 Saturday 1st June

Patoku Lagoon, Prizren, Valbona. We departed Berat in the sunshine, but as we headed north through Kosovo we did encounter our first showers.

Before that we stopped at the Patoku Lagoon. There weren’t huge numbers of birds apart from several Little Egrets and a couple of Black-winged Stilts but did have excellent views of a Zitting Cisticola on the roadside wires along with Corn Bunting.

The group was captivated by the behaviour of Violet Carpenter Bees around some upright dead logs. A Lesser Emperor initially spotted by Vanessa obligingly settled on some reeds, enabling Neil to scope it for the group. We were also delighted to find a couple of fresh Lesser Sotted Fritillaries.

We then headed for a veritable banquet of a lunch at a lakeside venue where most of the group had a local sea bream dish.

During our long journey today Mirjan kept us all informed and entertained with all things Albanian - culture, politics and history - but it was his anecdotes about cement exports that gave the group much merriment!

Reaching the Kosovan passport control we had a lengthy wait as unbelievably all our details had to be processed manually. We then headed for the town of Prizren where there were many student groups. Some of us looked for Dippers which we didn’t find, although there were several Grey Wagtails, while others had coffee.

Before reaching our base at Valbona the group were dropped off at the restaurant for dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 5 Sunday 2nd June

Valbona: Snake Head Today we set off in 4 x 4s up the mountain in initially cloudy conditions, but sunny spells developed, as did some heavy downpours later.

Red-backed Shrikes were pretty common up here and we did see a couple of family parties. We also had good views of a pair of Rock Buntings. Another avian highlight were some prolonged views of a pair of Hawfinches in some bushes.

The meadows were dominated by Yellow Rattle and one field below us had an extensive colony of Green- winged Orchids, which Peter had spotted. On the butterfly front we had good views of a couple of Chequered Blues while both Wood White and Grizzled Skipper were imbibing salts and moisture from some dung.

A very enjoyable traditional lunch was taken outside a local shepherd’s house, starting with some nettle soup. After our substantial banquet we opted to walk down slowly enjoying the local fauna and flora.

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Several new orchid species were noted: a small group of showy Toothed Orchids, three Burnt Orchids, White Helleborine, several Bird’s-nest Orchids in the leaf litter of the woods and Leonie discovered the only Bug Orchid we saw.

The birding highlight was when Mirjan discovered a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker in an orchard area. With most of the group watching we were thrilled to realise it wasn’t just the one bird but a family party of three! They favoured a couple of particular trees and we observed the juvenile being fed. We also saw Marsh Tits amongst the mixed tit family groups, while a lucky few saw a Black Woodpecker.

Due to the now cool conditions a Mazarine Blue gave good views as it settled in some vegetation. Soon the rain set in so we returned to base in our vehicles.

Day 6 Monday 3rd June

Valbona Weather wise this was the worst day of the trip with heavy rain for most of the morning. From the dining area we had good views of a pair of Redstarts that were breeding around here and also a Rock Bunting.

Leaving later than normal we drove along the river and stopped when a Dipper was spotted. We had prolonged views of this underwater specialist as it bobbed up and down and eventually flew down the river. Standing close to it was a Little Ringed Plover.

We then continued and got out the jeeps to walk in the light rain which eventually ceased. Near the start was a good collection of birds on the ground with a family of Black Redstarts, a couple of Serins and a few Linnets.

Amongst some stunted pines and juniper were a selection of attractive plants with quite a lot of Mountain Avens, a couple of Fly Orchids, Fragrant Orchids in bud and Cindy discovered an attractive bellflower flowering on its own in the gravel, which was later identified as Edraianthus serpyllifolius.

Some of the group crossed a fast -flowing stream to have their lunch while Neil stayed with those who chose not to cross. The front group were rewarded with sightings of Nutcracker and Black Woodpecker as well as refreshments!

On our return we stopped off at a pool near our base. A Grey Wagtail was immediately spotted but we were surprised to see a juvenile Dipper working its way around the rocks at the edge of the water, frequently diving. It was totally unconcerned by us and gave us much pleasure with its antics.

Vanessa spotted some pink flowers across the other side which she thought may be a Ramonda. Mirjan clambered over the rocks to retrieve a sample while Peter found some closer plants. It turned out they were indeed Ramonda serbica.

4 © Naturetrek July 19

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Day 7 Tuesday 4th June

Maja Today was the day of the big ascent for those up to it. We took our vehicles to the farmhouses where Gill opted to stay in the general vicinity. Before too long most of the group had excellent, prolonged views of a Black Woodpecker excavating grubs on a large log on the ground- excellent stuff. Nearby three Crested tits foraged in some pines by the path.

The sun started to show itself occasionally, although insect numbers and diversity were down on previous trips when we had warmer, sunnier conditions. We did see numerous Speckled Yellow moths and Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary posed for us.

We then had a ten- minute break when we had superb views of a Honey Buzzard flying at eye level over the valley, though a couple of people missed it as they had gone for a bush stop! Also, we had an obliging Green Hairstreak feeding on some Thyme.

From here we split with the all -girl group of Delia, Vanessa and Cindy opting for a lower, gentler walk. Their reward was a Smooth Snake which Neil identified from Delia’s excellent photos; a species we’ve seen here on previous trips.

For the rest it was onwards and upwards. The flowers were stunning higher up with several large clumps of Wild Peonies, a haze of pink Mountain Sainfoin and many more.

At our lunch spot we watched a Lesser Whitethroat feeding in a small isolated pine and could hear singing Tree Pipits. Tim and Rowan decided to go no further than this but had the bonus of a Nutcracker sighting which the rest of us didn’t connect with.

Higher up we saw some stunning alpine plants with Spring Gentians, red and yellow Elder-flowered Orchids, Muscari and Scilla.

We could hear Rock Partridge but initially they were difficult to see. After some time, Leonie who was at the front with four others finally spotted one perched on a rock which most of us saw. We also had a flight view.

Turning back, we received quite a drenching with some heavy rain for 20 minutes or so. Back at the farmhouse people took refreshments.

Day 8 Wednesday 5th June

Konan Ferry, Kune-Vain, Kruja Our final day in Albania and time to leave the scenic delights of Valbona and drive to catch the Konan Ferry. Both Hoopoe and a male Golden Oriole flew in front of the vehicles before we reached the terminal.

At the terminal we could hear Nightingales singing and House Martins visited nests on the ferry itself.

Albania in Spring Tour Report

The weather was overcast but we had some superb birding from the ferry with highlights including a high Goshawk, good views of a Short-toed Eagle and two Golden Eagles. Other species recorded included a group of seven Goosander that flew past the ferry, some Ravens, a group of c30 Alpine Chough and at the end a couple of Alpine Swifts.

The scenery was amazing though not everybody delighted in the loud music that was relayed over the tannoy.

After our two- hour journey we had a long drive on a bad road until we reached our lunch stop. The vegetation was different along here with Tree Heather, Smoke Bush, Strawberry Tree and Christ’s-thorn amongst others.

We had a real thrill as we drove down the track to our restaurant, which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, when we spotted a Golden Jackal on the track in front of us. This canid is now spreading quite quickly through parts of Europe.

The setting of the restaurant was idyllic beside Kune-Vain Marshes. A few Pygmy Cormorants were seen flying over but the highlight as we were leaving was a fishing Caspian Tern.

Later in the afternoon we visited the attractive town of Kruja where we walked around the castle and citadel. Many of the group purchased gifts from the bazaar. We then had a light meal in a hotel before embarking on the short final journey to the airport in Tirana where we said our fond farewells to our excellent local guide Mirjan and equally good driver, Zamir.

Despite efficient processing through the airport a problem was detected with our aircraft which involved an engineer being called out. After two hours delay we were on our way to Gatwick where we said our farewells after a very enjoyable holiday in this infrequently visited country.

Receive our e-newsletter

Join the Naturetrek e-mailing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk to sign up.

Social Media

We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and be the first to hear about the launch of new tours, offers and exciting sightings and photos from our recently returned holidays.

6 © Naturetrek July 19

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds Common Name Scientific Name Notes

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Karavasta & Narte. Max 15 Goosander Mergus merganser 7 female/immature from Koman Ferry Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca 1 seen Valbona Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus 50 Karavasta, 400 Narte White Stork Ciconia Ciconia 4 seen, pair on nest in town Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 1 Narte, 3 Kune-Vain Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 1 Narte, 3 Patoku Lagoon, 30+ fish farm Konan Lake Great Egret Ardea alba 2 Rinia lagoon, 6 Patoku, 15 Kune-Vain Little Egret Egretta garzetta all wetland sites Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus 60 Karavasta, 10 Narte, 3 Patoku Pygmy Cormorant Microcarbo pygmaeus 20 Karavasta, 10 Narte, 3 Patoku, 4 Kune-Vain Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 3 sites, max12 Kune-Vain Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 from Konan Ferry Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 2 Narte, 1 Kune-Vain Monatagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus 1 pair at Narte Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 3 sightings Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1 from Konan Ferry Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Daily sightings Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus close flight view Valbona Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetus 2 from Konan Ferry Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 5 birds over first 3 days Eurasian Coot Fulicra atra 1 at Kune-Vain Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 2 Karavasta, 8 Narte, 4 Patoku Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 2 Karavasta Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 40 Narte Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 15 Sektori Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 1 Sektori Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 1 on river shingle Valbona Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrines 3 Karavasta, 15 Narte Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa laponica 2 Sektori Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 6 Sektori Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincole 6+ Narte Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 40 Sektori Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 1 2nd year bird Sektori Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis max 50 Sektori, 40 Konan Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei 5 Narte Little Tern Sternula albifrons 30 Narte Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis 6 Sektori Lagoon Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 2 Sektori Lagoon Common Tern Sterna hirundo 6 Karavasta Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 2 Sektori Lagoon, 1 fishing Kune-Vain Black Tern Chlidonias niger 1 pair Narte White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 1 Narte Rock Dove Columbia livia feral birds around towns Common Wood Pigeon Columia palumbus scarce; 7 birds over 3 days Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto common away from highlands Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 2 Karavasta, heard 3 other days Little Owl Athene noctua 8 on route to Narte, 2 leaving Berat Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops heard at Berat

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Long-eared Owl Asio otus heard by Tim in Valbona Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba 40 Narte, 2 Konan Ferry Common Swift Apus apus common away from highlands Pallid Swift Apus pallidus 10 Kruje European Bee-eater Merops apiaster seen on 3 days with 50 near Rinia, 40 Narte Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 3 birds seen, 2 on route to ferry Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius 5 sightings Valbona Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Dryobates minor family of 3 Valbona Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 Valbona Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus total 10 birds over 3 days Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 3 Karavasta, 1 last day Red-backed Shrike Lanius cullurio common Valbona Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 1 heard Day 1, male across road before ferry Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius seen on most days with daily max 3 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica common in lowlands Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes single sighting on 2 days Valbona Alpine Chough Pyrrocorax graculus 3 Valbona, 30 from ferry Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula 40 on day north through Kosova Hooded Crow Corvus cornix daily with daily max of 20 Northern Raven Corvus corax daily sightings in Valbona & 5 from ferry Marsh Tit Poecile palustris several Valbona Coal Tit Periparus ater several Valbona European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 3 Valbona Great Tit Parus major seen on 5 days with max of 8 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Valbona, daily max of 10 Crested Lark Galerida cristata seen on first 3 days, daily max 12 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra 10 Narte Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 6 Narte Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica common in lowlands Common House Martin Delichon urbica common lowlands Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris frequent in upland areas Red-rumped Swallow Cercropis daurica common, daily max of 20 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus seen on 2 days in Valbona Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 1 at Patoku Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti heard on first 3 days Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita heard in Valbona Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla several Valbona Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 1 Valbona Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida 1 Karavasta Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 4 birds on 2 days Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris seen on 2 days, 30 Kosovo Common Blackbird Turdus merula few most days Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 1 heard, 1 seen Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 5 in Valbona European Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 seen Valbona Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos heard on 3 days Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 3 Valbona Black-eared Wheatear Oenantha hispanica several Berat Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 2 seen on 2 days White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 5 in Valbona with family 3 House Sparrow Passer domesticus common around towns Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis 3 on day 2 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1 on Day 2 Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava feldegg 6 Karavasta, 8 Narte, 1 Patoku Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 5 Prizren, several Valbona

8 © Naturetrek July 19

Albania in Spring Tour Report

White Wagtail Motacilla alba fairly common Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 2 Narte Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2 heard Valbona Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs seen or heard most days European Serin Serinus serinus 10 Valbona European Greenfinch Chloris chloris small numbers most days European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis small numbers in lowlands Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula heard at Valbona Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes 2 in Valbona Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra several lowlands Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 7 Valbona Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala 1 male Karavasta

Mammals Red Squirrel in Valbona, Grey Wolf & red Fox Dung off Golden Jackal seen along rough road to restaurant at Kune-vain.

Reptiles & Amphibia Hermann’s Tortoise, Testudo hermanni Smooth Snake, Coronella austriaca Balkan Whip snake, Hierophis gemonensis Common Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis Balkan Wall Lizard, Podarcis tauricus Eastern Green Lizard, Lacerta viridis Balkan Green Lizard, Lacerta trilineata Common Tree Frog, Hyla arborea Common Toad, Bufo bufo Balkan Frog, Pelophylax kurtmuelleri (vocal at wetlands)

Lepidoptera,

Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus malvae Yellow-banded Skipper, Pyrgus sidae Dingy Skipper, Erynnis tage Mediterranean Skipper, Gegenes nostrodamus Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni Clouded Yellow, Colias crocea Black-veined White, Aporia crataegi Large White, Pieris brassicae Small White, Pieris rapae Orange Tip, Anthocharis cardamines Eastern Bath White, Pontia edusa Wood White, Leptidea daplidice Green Hairstreak, Callophrys rubi Small Copper, Lycaena phlaeas Chequered Blue, Scolantides orion Brown Argus, Aricia agestis Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus Mazarine Blue, Cyaniris semiargus Common Blue, Polyommatus Icarus Comma, Polygonia c-album Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta Glanville Fritillary, Melitaea cinxia Heath Fritillary, Mellicta athalia Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Boloria euphrosyne Queen of Spain Fritillary, Issoria lathonia Twin-spot Fritillary, Brenthis hecate Duke of Burgundy, Hamaeris lucina Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria Woodland Ringlet, Erebia medusa Great Banded Grayling, Brintesia circe Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina Small Heath, Ceonympha pamphilus Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Macroglossum stellatarum Speckled Yellow, Pseudopanthera macularia Burnet Companion, Euclidia glyphica Latticed Heath, Chiasmia clathrate Common Heath Ematurga atomaria, Synaphe moldavica,

Odonata,

Blue Emperor, Anax imperator Lesser Emperor, Anax parthenope Hairy Dragonfly, Brachytron pratense Black-tailed Skimmer, Orthetrum cancellatum Southern Darter, Sympetrum meridionale Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly, Ischnura pumilio

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Small Emerald, Lestes virens

Other Invertebrates,

Owlfly species, Libelloides macaronius Violet Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa violacea Longhorn beetle, Agapantia cynarae Field Cricket, Gryllus campestris Speckled Bush-cricket Leptophyes punctatissimus, Egyptian Grasshopper, Anacridium aegyptium Hairy Shieldbug, Dolycoris baccarum Striped Shieldbug, Graphosoma lineatum

Plants Scientific Name Common Name

Pteridopytes Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Aspenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall-rue Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Fern Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Gymnosperms Cupressaceae Juniperus communis Common Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper

Pinaceae Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Pinus heldreichii Bosnian Pine Pinus mugo Mountain Pine Pinus pinea Stone Pine Angiosperms DICOTS Anacardaceae Cotinus coggyria Smoke Bush Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree

Apiaceae Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder Conium maculatum Hemlock Echinophora spinosa Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Eryngium maritimum Sea Holly Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Orlaya grandiflora Sanicula europaea Sanicle Smyrnium perfoliatum Perfoliate Alexanders

Apocyanaceae Nerium oleander Oleander

Aristolochiaceae Asarum europaeum Asarabacca

Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum acutum

10 © Naturetrek July 19

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Asteraceae Achillea abrotanoides Achillea crithmifolia Achillea millefolium Yarrow Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Artemisia campestris Field Wormwood Bellis annua Annual Daisy Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Carduus nutans Musk Thistle Cichorium intybus Chicory Cirsium eriophorum Woolly Thistle Crupina vulgaris Dittrichia viscosa Stink Aster Galactites tomentosa Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Onopordum acanthium Onopordum tauricum Ptilostemon afer Senecio leucanthemifolius Silybum marianum Milk Thistle

Betulaceae Carpinus orientalis Eastern Hornbeam

Boraginaceae Aegoychon purpurocoerulea Purple Gromwell Anchusa azurea Anchusa hybrida Asperugo procumbens Madwort Cynoglossum hungaricum Cynoglossum officinale Common Hound’s-tongue Echium italicum Pale Bugloss Echium plantagineum Purple Viper’s Bugloss Echium vulgare Viper’s Bugloss Myosotis suaveolens

Brassicaceae Aethionema saxatile ssp. saxatile Arabis turrita Tower Cress Alyssum sp Cakile maritima Sea Rocket Erysimum cephalonicum Kernera saxatilis Rorippa pyrenaica

Campanulaceae Campanula ramosissima Edraianthus serpyllifolia

Caprifoliaceae Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder Sambucus nigra Elder

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort Cerastium alpinum Drypis spinosa Silene latifolia White Campion Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Silene viscaria Sticky Catchfly

Chenopodiaceae Atriplex portulacoides Sea Purslane Sarcocornia fruticosa

Cistaceae Cistus creticus Cistus salvifolius Helianthemum nummularia Common Rockrose Helianthemum oelandicum Hoary Rockrose

Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvenis Field Bindweed Convolvulus elegantissima

Cornaceae Cornus mas Cornelian Cherry

Crassulaceae Sedum album White Stonecrop Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Umbilicus rupestre Navelwort

Dipsacaceae Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious

Ericaeae Erica arborea Tree Heath Pyrola minor Lesser Wintergreen

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Euphorbia myrsinites Glaucous Spurge Euphorbia oblongata Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury

Fabaceae Amorpha fruticosa Astragalus glycyphllos Wild Liquorice Astragalus hypoglossum ssp. gremlii Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Cercis siliquistrum Judas Tree Colutea arborescens Bladder Senna Dorycnium hirsutum

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Dorycnium pentaphyllum Galega officinalis Goat’s-rue Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Lathyrus vernus Spring Vetchling Lotus corniculatus Bird’s Foot Trefoil Medicago sativa Lucerne Melilotus indica Small Melilot Onobrychis montana Oxytropis Pilosa Psoralea bitumenosa Pitch Trefoil Trifolium angustifolium Trifolium arvense Hare’s-foot Clover Trifolium echinatum Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium purpureum Trifolium resupinatum Trigonella balansae Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch

Fagaceae Fagus sylvatica Beech Quercus frainetto Hungarian Oak

Fumariaceae Corydalis cava

Gentianaceae Blackstonia perfoliate Yellow-wort Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian Gentiana verna ssp. balcanica Spring Gentian

Geraniaceae Erodium cicutarium Common Storksbill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Geranium molle Dovesfoot Cranesbill Geranium phaeum Dusky Cranesbill Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Cranesbill Geranium sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill Geranium tuberosum

Gesneriaceae Ramonda serbica

Globulariaceae Globularia cordifolia

Juglandaceae Juglans regia Walnut

Lamiaceae Clinopodium alpina Clinopdium vulgare Wild Basil

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Lamium galeobdolon Yellow Archangel Lamium maculatum Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm Origanum vulgare Marjoram Phlomis fruticosa Jerusalem Sage Prunella laciniate Cut-leaved Self-heal Salvia officinalis Common Sage Salvia verticillate Stachys alpina Stachys germanica Downy Woundwort Stachys recta Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander Teucrium capitatu Thymus sp Thyme

Linaceae Linum bienne Pale Flax Linum catharcticum Fairy Flax

Malvaceae Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow Malva sylvestris Common Mallow

Moraceae Ficus carica Fig Morus alba White Mulberry

Myrtaceae Myrtus communis Myrtle

Oleaceae Fraxinus ornus Manna Ash Olea europaea Olive

Orobanchaceae Euphrasia sp Eyebright Ororanche alba Thyme Broomrape Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove-scented Broomrape Ororanche minor Common Broomrape Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus rumelicus Yellow Rattle

Paeoniaceae Paeonia arietina

Papaveraceae Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Papaver rhoeas Field Poppy

Plantanaceae Platanus orientalis

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Plantaginaceae Linaria peloponnesiaca Plantago coronopus Buckshorn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantago media Hoary Plantain Veronica austriaca Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Veronica montana Wood Speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell

Plumbaginaceae Armeria canescens Limonium narbonense Common Sea-lavender

Polygalaceae Polygala comosa Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort

Primulaceae Anagallis arvenis Scarlet Pimpernel Clematis vitalba Wild Clematis Cyclamen hederifoium Sowbread Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Primula elatior Oxslip Primula veris Cowslip Primula vulgaris Primrose

Ranunculaceae Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine Clematis vitalba Wild Clematis Helleborus odorus ssp. cyclophyllus Greek Hellebore Hepatica nobilis Hepatica

Rhamnaceae Paliurus spina-christi Christ’s Thorn

Rosaceae Aremonia agriminioides Bastard Agrimony Dryas octopetala Mountain Avens Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Geum urbanum Herb Bennet Potentilla argentea Silver Cinquefoil Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Rubus idaeus Raspberry Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet

Rubiaceae Asperula taurina Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Saxifragaceae Saxifraga paniculata Live-long Saxifrage

Scrophulariaceae Digitalis grandiflora Scrophularia canina French Figwort Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort Verbascum sinuatum Verbascum speciosum

Tamaricaceae Tamarix dalmatica

Thymelaceae Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Daphne oleiodes

Ulmaceae Ulmus minor Smooth-leaved Elm

Urticaceae Parietaria Judaica Pellitory of the Wall Urtica dioica Nettle

Valerianaceae Valeriana montana Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian

Verbenaceae Vitex agnus-castus Chaste Tree

Violaceae Viola tricolor ssp. macedonica MONOCOTS Alliaceae Allium rotundum

Araceae Arum italicum

Asparagaceae Asparagus acutifolius Convallaria majalis Lily of the Valley Muscari botryoides Ornithogalum narbonense Scilla bifolia

Iridaceae Iris reichenbachii

Juncaceae Juncus acutus Sharp Rush

Albania in Spring Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Liliaceae Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon’s-seal

Orchidaceae Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Coralorhiza trifida Coralroot Orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid Gymnodenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s-nest Orchid Neotinea ustulata Burnt Orchid Neotinea tridentata Toothed Orchid Orchis pinetorum

Poaceae Arundo donax Giant Reed Avena barbata Dactylis glomerata Cock’sfoot Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Lagurus ovatus Harestail Grass Melica ciliata Phragmites communis Common Reed Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard Grass Sesleria caerulea Blue Moor Grass

Toothed Orchid