France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country

Naturetrek Tour Report 26 April – 3 May 2015

Black-veined White Ophrys magniflora- endemic to the Corbieres

Queribus chateau Spanish Gatekeeper

Report compiled by Mark Galliott & Jason Mitchell

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

Tour Report France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country

Tour Leaders: Mark Galliott Jason Mitchell

Participants: 16 clients

Day 1 Sunday 26th April

Heavy rain, windy The group travelled to Montpellier from London Gatwick, arriving on time in the early evening, and were met by Mark and Jason who are permanent residents in France. After loading our two minibuses and exiting the hire car park, we set off along the autoroute on the hour-long journey to our hotel in Vinassan. On arrival at the hotel we were directed to our rooms by Jean-Yves and Kristina, the hospitable patrons of the Mas de Pierrot, before reconvening to sample some local wines generously provided by our hosts, and then enjoying the first of the very good evening meals enjoyed during the week. Outside we could hear the liquid song of the resident Nightingale and the tinkling calls of Serin, the former singing every day but, as is usual, very loath to show itself.

Day 2 Monday 27th April

Cloudy am, rain pm, very windy We awoke to the sound of two Hoopoes competing to sing the loudest. After breakfast Jason led the group from the hotel for a walk up onto the massif of La Clape. Dartford and Sardinian Warblers were briefly glimpsed and Nightingales heard in the dense scrub, while Violet Limodore (Limodorum abortivum) and both the pink Grey-leaved (Cistus albidus) and the white Sage-leaved (C salvifolius) Rock-roses were also admired. Re-convening, we then loaded up the minibuses and headed south down the coast to the Leucate Plateau, a rocky limestone headland sitting between the two coastal lagoons of Leucate and La Palme and considered one of the premier bird migration watch-points in France as well as being a European protected site for botany. On arrival we ate our picnic lunch before the birders scanned the skies while the botanists searched the stony ground amongst the Aleppo Pines (Pinus halepensis) for their first Mediterranean blooms. Firecrest, Cirl Bunting and Crested Lark were all probably resident, with Swift, Swallow, Hobby and many Bee-eaters passing through overhead. Felty Bindweed (Convolvulus lanuginosus), Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), the blue Aphyllanthes monspeliensis, Italian Catchfly (Silene italica), Serrate Spurge (Euphorbia serrata), Rosy Garlic (Allium roseum) and our first Yellow Bee Orchids (Ophrys lutea) were some of the many plants to be identified. Heavy rain had now set in, so we called in at the nearby Leucate village for a very welcome hot coffee before driving on to scan the lagoons at the Roc du Salin near Peyriac de Mer. Amongst the birds seen here were Black-winged Stilt, Shelduck, White Stork, Kentish Plover and around 50 graceful Flamingoes. It was then time to head back to the hotel after a successful first day in the field, despite the somewhat difficult weather conditions.

Day 3 Tuesday 28th April

Sunny, warm, but very windy Today it was sunny but the Tramontane wind had, if anything, strengthened. With the promise of a fine day ahead, we again headed down the coast road to turn right up into the Corbières hills, stopping at the Col de Feuilla. Here amongst the garrique many colourful blooms were in flower including Woodcock Orchid (Ophrys

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

scolopax), Rock Stork’s-bill (Erodium foetidum), St Bernard’s Lily (Anthericum liliago), the felty white Paronychia capitata and the Corn Mignonette (Reseda phyteuma). We next stopped in a wooded area at a spectacular viewpoint with superb views of the snow covered Mont Canigou with the high Pyrenees towering behind in the distance. Woodchat Shrike, Black Kite, Subalpine and Sardinian Warblers, Raven and Corn Bunting were all seen or heard, with Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophorum), Small Spider Orchid (Ophrys araneola), White Rock-rose (Helianthemum appeninum), and Meadow Clary (Salvia paratensis) delighting the botanists.

Our main destination today was the spectacular and evocative Cathar castle of Queribus, perched precariously at the top of a steep cliff with commanding views all around. On reaching the parking area below the Col we immediately ate our picnic in the sun. After lunch the majority of the party then climbed the steep steps upwards to enjoy the spectacle, before exploring the scrubby woodland in the vicinity. Orchids found were Pyramidal (Anacamptis pyramidalis), Green-winged (A.morio), and Sombre Bee Orchid (O.sulcata), while other good plants were Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus), Hepatica (Hepatica nobilis) and a lovely Speedwell (Veronica prostrata). Here we saw our first Griffon Vulture of the week, with Orphean Warbler, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Honey Buzzard. Sheltering from the wind, a few butterflies were on the wing including Black-veined White, Berger’s Clouded Yellow, Little Blue, and both Scarce and Common Swallowtails.

We then descended into the Moury valley to a lay-by on the edge of St-Paul-de-Fenouillet which is well known for orchids. Here we found Lady (Orchis purpurea), Man (O.anthropophorum), Dense-flowered (Neotinea maculata), Sword- leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), two species of Sombre Bee Orchid (Ophrys sulcata and O. lupercalis), the very attractive and rare Sawfly-Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera), and two more species of Tongue Orchid (Serapius vomeracea and S. lingua). Our last stop of the day was the impressive Galamus Gorge, where a hermitage can be reached by a vertiginous path from the car park. We contented ourselves by enjoying the views and watching the many Crag Martins patrolling the cliffs, with a Blue Rock Thrush singing amongst the rocks, and Montpellier Maple (Acer monspessulanum) and a nice white Saxifrage (Saxifraga pentadactylus) also admired. We then returned to the hotel via the busy autoroute enjoying good views of the coastline and many more Flamingoes in the lagoons.

Day 4 Wednesday 29th April

Sunny, warm We awoke to a fine sunny morning and, thankfully, the wind had also dropped considerably. We left the hotel and skirted around the northern side of Narbonne before entering the Corbière foothills, stopping firstly in Lagrasse, one of the many ‘most beautiful villages in France’. Here we enjoyed a nice walk down and over the old bridge across the fast flowing river, and explored a grassy slope with views back over the village before wandering through the narrow medieval streets back to the car park. Wild Jasmine (Jasminum fruticans), Hairy Yellow Vetch (Vicia hybrida), Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) and Man, Small Spider, Pyramidal & Yellow Bee Orchids were all identified, while Black Redstart, Crag and House Martins, and a couple of Rock Sparrows were also seen.

Leaving Lagrasse, we then climbed to the Col above Talairan where there is a specially laid out walk to observe some of the many orchids that grow in this area. There was masses of colourful blooms here including many orchids, some that we had already seen elsewhere, but we did add two new species to our list with Early Spider Orchid (Ophrys aranifera) and the aptly named Ophrys magniflora; the latter a beautiful plant and endemic to the Corbière hills. There were also masses of the Wild Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris ssp australis), and the seed-heads of both

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France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

the diminutive Dwarf Iris (Iris lutescens) and a tiny Daffodil (Narcissus requinii). Cirl and Corn Buntings, Crested Lark and Woodlark added avian interest, while butterflies seen were Glanville Fritillary, Large Wall Brown, Painted Lady and Black-veined White.

We then drove down to Fontfroide Abbey, managing to get the use of two picnic tables in the car park so as to spread out and eat our lunch. This former Cistercian monastery was founded in 1093, and over the centuries since has had many parts rebuilt in the different styles that were in vogue at the time of their work. It is privately owned now, but is one of the best restored buildings of its type in France. Mark had arranged for an English speaking guide to show us around for the afternoon, and as well as explaining the history and methods of the architecture, he also gave a very good insight into the lifestyle of the inhabitants through the ages. After buying postcards and gifts, a coffee or an ice cream was then in order before departing for home, but not before two members of the group saw a Golden Eagle soaring overhead.

Day 5 Thursday 30th April

Sunny, very warm Today we set off eastwards through Salles d’Aude and Lespignan to l’Etang de Vendres, a large area of marshland and water near the mouth of the River Aude. We parked the vehicles and walked towards the roman remains of the temple of Venus, situated on a small knoll giving good views over the marshes. As we passed through the extensive giant reed beds, Zitting Cisticolas (Fan-tailed Warbler) were rising all around us on their song flights, while Cetti’s, Reed and Great Reed Warblers could all be heard. Reaching the temple, the knoll was closed-off to allow a herd of goats to graze, but the timely arrival of the shepherd who gave us permission to climb over the gate meant that we could still use it as a vantage point. From there we had good close views of Purple and Squacco Herons, while other birds seen were Red-crested and Common Pochards, Marsh Harrier, Common and Whiskered Terns, Great Crested Grebe and Bearded Tit.

Next it was back through Vendres, and down to park near a chalky outcrop called le Peuch Blanc overlooking the grazing marshes. Before going for a walk we ate our picnic lunch whilst at the same time marvelling at the sight of nine Lesser Kestrels hunting together over the marshes. Unlike the Common Kestrel, these birds are gregarious and nest together in holes in old buildings or cliff faces and are now very rare in France, so to see them here was a privilege indeed. On the walk we saw a close Golden Oriole singing its lovely fluting song, and other birds seen in the vicinity were Bee-eater, Corn Bunting, and two Buzzards mobbing a Short-toed Snake Eagle. Good plants here were Pyramidal, Woodcock and Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), Curry Plant (Helichrysum stoechas) and Field Marigold (Calendula arvensis); while butterflies seen were Chapman’s, Adonis and Common Blues, Brown Argus, Clouded Yellow, Mallow Skipper, and Bath and Green-veined Whites.

We then drove along the Aude river and up on to the la Clape hills to a place where a building has actually been specially constructed to allow the Lesser Kestrels to nest there, but only two more birds were seen as evidently the majority of them were at Le Peuch Blanc! A short visit was then made to Lac de Pissevaches to scan the lake and salt pans where Sandwich and Little Terns, Crested Lark, Yellow Wagtail, many Avocets and a distant Curlew were added to the trip list before we returned to the hotel.

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Day 6 Friday 1st May

Warm, cloudy am, sunny pm We left at the usual time, driving down to the coast at Gruissan and out along the salt pans to the Isle St Martin, stopping at a few likely spots to scan the marshes. Kentish, Grey and Ringed Plovers, more Flamingoes, Oystercatcher, Little and Common Terns, Black-tailed Godwit, Tawny Pipit, Common Wheatear, Black-winged Stilt and Dunlin in breeding plumage were the highlights here. Parking our minibuses in the shade of some pine trees, we then set out on a delightful circular walk around the rocky terrain of the island, noting many colourful blooms in flower including more Rock Stork’s-bill, Pink Bindweed (Convolvulus cantabrica), Bath Asparagus (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum), a Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis lychnitis), Blue Pimpernel (Anagallis caerulea), a very attractive Broomrape (Orobanche amethystea) which is here is parasitic on Eryngium campestre, and the impressive spikes of the Giant Orchid (Himantoglossum robertianum), one of which still had some flowers. Birds were not very evident here, but a few butterflies were on the wing including Spanish Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Marbled White, Painted Lady and Wood White.

After a pleasant late lunch we drove around the island, stopping twice at likely spots to scan the marshes, before reaching the Petit Castelou, an area of lagoon surrounded by the impressive Giant Reed (Arundo donax). Here we immediately surprised a White Stork and a Purple Heron, which both took off simultaneously and flew directly over our heads; with Cattle and Little Egrets, Black-winged Stilt on a nest, Gadwall, Cetti’s Warbler and Marsh Harrier also all seen. The Honey Buzzard migration was also in full swing today, as at least 50 birds were noted flying in off the sea. Good plants found were Round-leaved and Yellow Birthwort (Aristolochia rotunda and A. clematitis), Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis), Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) and five species of Sedge (Carex). At one of the earlier stops, we were also delighted to observe a beautiful Common Swallowtail butterfly laying its small yellow eggs on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), one of its larval food plants.

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France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Day 7 Saturday 2nd May

Sunny, hot We set off at our usual time and headed inland to the beautiful old village of Minèrve, perched on the precipitous confluence of the Cess and Brian Rivers. Some members of the group preferred to have a leisurely walk around the village, while the majority took a photogenic but safe path down into the gorge before circling back through the village to the car park. Immediately, a superb male Subalpine Warbler showed very well at the top of a bush, while a little further down Swifts, House and Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows were circling around over our heads, and a Blue Rock Thrush briefly flew along the gorge. Rock Sparrow, Grey Wagtail and another Blue Rock Thrush all gave good views in the village down by the river. There were also some interesting plants on the dry limestone including Small Alyssum (Alyssum alyssoides), Buckler Cress (Biscutella laevigata), Roman Nettle (Urtica pilulifera), Madwort (Asperugo procumbens), Broad-leaved Sermountain (Laserpitum latifolium), and Shepherd’s Needle (Scandix pectin-veneris); while Cleopatra, Holly Blue and a Spanish Festoon were added to the butterfly list.

After lunch we then headed eastwards to the magnificently restored ancient walled city of Carcassonne where we went our separate ways, exploring the site as well as relaxing in the many cafés. After a thoroughly relaxing cultural experience, we then reluctantly returned to the hotel.

Day 8 Sunday 3rd May

Sunny, warm We awoke again to a lovely sunny day on our last day in France. As our flights were not until the afternoon we still had a chance to enjoy another excursion in to the surrounding countryside. Driving towards Gruissan, we turned into the pine forest and parked amongst the trees. We gradually walked up the steep path to the Chapel of Notre Dame des Auzils and its attendant cemetery, both dedicated to the many seamen and fishermen that have perished at sea from the local port and further afield in France and elsewhere. Many Nightingales were in full voice here, with Turtle Dove, Blackcap and Crested Tit also heard; while the spectacular Giant Fennel (Ferula communis) and Lizard Orchid (Himantoglossum hircinum) were still only in bud, but a nice Pink (Dianthus subacaulis) was in full bloom. Spanish Gatekeeper and Wall Brown butterflies were also enjoying the sunny warm conditions. It was an interesting and lovely walk, a fitting way to end our week.

It was then back to the hotel for a leisurely buffet lunch before reluctantly saying our farewells to Jean-Yves and Kristina and leaving for the airport at Montpellier. At the airport we said goodbye to Jason and Mark who were heading for the railway station for their respective trains back up through France. The group then caught a flight back to the UK to end another Naturetrek adventure. Despite the rain on the first day, everyone agreed we had enjoyed a marvellous week; discovering the rich flora and wildlife of this beautiful region.

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

ACERACEAE Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple 3 AMARYLLIDACEAE Narcissus requinii Small Yellow Daffodil 4 N. papyraceus Paper Narcissus (seedheads) 6

ANACARDIACEAE Pistachia lentiscus Mastic Tree 2 P. terebinthus Turpentine Tree 5

APIACEAE Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley 6 Bupleurum fruticosum Shrubby Hare's-ear 8

Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo (leaves) 2

Ferula communis Giant Fennel 8

Foeniculum vulgare Fennel 6

Laserpitum latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain 7

Oenanthe lachenalii Parsley Water Dropwort 5

Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's Needle 2

Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders 3

ARACEAE Arum italicum Large Cuckoo Pint 6 ARIALACEAE Hedera helix Ivy 2 ARISTOLOCHIACEAE Aristolochia clematitis Birthwort 6 A. pistolochia 5

A. rotunda Round-leaved Birthwort 6

ASPLENIACEAE Ceterach officinarum Rustyback Fern 4 Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort 4

A. trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort 4

ASTERACEAE Arctium minor Burdock 6 Achillea millefolium Yarrow 2

Aster tripolium Sea Aster 5

Bellis perennis Daisy 2

Calendula arvensis Field Marigold 5

Carduus pycnephalus Plymouth Thistle 2

Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle (seedheads) 3

Centaurea corymbosa a Knapweed 3

Centaurea solstitialis St Barnaby's Thistle 4

Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle 3

C. vulgare Spear Thistle 3

Dittrichia viscosa Aromatic Inula (leaves) 8

Evax pygmaea Dwarf Cudweed 2

Galactites tomentosa Galactites 5

Helichrysum italicum Italian Curry Plant 2

Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant 3

Lactuca perennis Blue Lettuce 3

Matricaria maritima Sea Mayweed 5

Pallenis maritimus 2

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel 5

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France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

S. inaequidens a Ragwort 6

Silybum marianum Milk Thistle 5

Tanacetum corymbosum an Ox-eye Daisy 3

Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify 2

Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum 2

BORAGINACEAE Borago officinalis Borage 5 Cynoglossum creticum Blue Houndstongue 3

C. officinarum Common Houndstongue 4

Echium vulgare Vipers Bugloss 3

Myosotis arvense Field Forget-me-not 2

Lithodora fruticosa Blue Gromwell 2

Asperugo procumbens Madwort 7

Neostema apulum 6

BRASSICACEAE Alyssum alyssoides Small Alison 3 Arabis turrita Tower Cress 7

Brassica nigra Black Mustard 2

Cardaria draba Hoary Cress 2

Cheiranthus cheiri Wallflower 7

Diplotaxis erucoides White Mustard 2

Hormatophylla macrocarpa 7

Hesperis matronalis Dame's Violet 2

Lepidium heterophyllum Smith's Cress 3

Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse 3

Sinapis arvensis Charlock 2

Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison 2

Lunaria annua Honesty 7

BUXACEAE Buxus sempervirens Box 3 CANNABACEAE Humulus lupinus Wild Hop 6 CAPRIFOLIACEAE Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle 2 L. implexa Mediterranean Honeysuckle 8

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Paronychia capitata 2

Silene italica Italian Catchfly 2

Silene latifolia White Campion 6

Spergularia media Lesser Sea Spurrey 5

Dianthus subacaulis a pink sp 8

CHENOPODIACEAE Anthrocnemum perenne Perennial Glasswort 2 Beta vulgaris ssp maritima Sea Beet 2

Halimione portaculoides Sea Purslane 2

Salicornia europaea Glasswort 2

Chenopodium album Fat Hen 6

Sueda vera Shrubby Seablite 2

CISTACEAE Cistus albidus Grey-leaved Cistus 2 C. crispus 6

C.monspeliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus 2

C.salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus 6

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Fumana thymifolia Thyme-leaved Fumana 2

Helianthemum appeninum White Rock-rose 2

CNEORACEAE Cneorum tricocon Cneorum 2 CONVULVULACEAE Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed 6 C. cantabrica Pink Bindweed 6

C. lanuginosus Felty Bindweed 2

CORYLACEAE Coryllus avellana Hazel 3 CRASSULACEAE Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop 7 Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort 4

CUCURBITACEAE Bryonia cretica White Bryony 2 CUPRESSACEAE Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress 2 Juniperus communis Common Juniper 3

Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper 2

J. phoenicia Phoenician Juniper 3

CYPERACEAE Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond Sedge 6 C. flacca Carnation Sedge 3

C. otrubae False Fox Sedge 6

C. spicata Spiked Sedge 5

Juncus acutus Sharp Rush 5

J. maritimus Sea Rush 5

Scirpus holoschoenus Round-headed Club-rush 2

DIPSACACEAE Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel 6 Scabiosa atropupurea Mounful Widow 6

ELAEAGNACEAE Hippophae rhamnoides Sea Buckthorn 6 EQUISETACEAE Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail 6 E. fluviatile Water Horsetail 6

ERICACEAE Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree 2 Calluna vulgaris Ling 2

EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia characias Large Mediterranean Spurge 2 E. cyparissias Cypress Spurge 3

E. helioscopa Sun Spurge 2

E. esula Leafy Spurge 6

E. portlandica Portland Spurge 2

E. serrata Serrate Spurge 2

Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury 6

FABIACEAE Argyrolonium zanonii 2

Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch 2

Astragalus monspessulanus Monpellier Milk-vetch 2

Calicotome spinosa ssp infesta Thorny Broom 2

Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree 2

Coronilla emerus Large Scorpion Vetch 4

C. minima Small Scorpion Vetch 3

Dorycnium pentaphyllum 2

Genista hispanica Spanish Gorse 3

G. scorpius 2

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France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch 4

Lathyrus annuus Yellow Vetch 5

Lathyrus aphaca Yellow Vetchling 6

L. sphaericus 4

Medicago arabica Spotted Medick 5

M. polymorpha Toothed Medick 6

M. sativa Lucerne 6

Melilotus italicus Small Melilot 2

Psoralea bituminosa Pitch Trefoil 5

Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia 2

Spatium junceum Spanish Broom 2

Trifolium aureum Large Hop Trefoil 5

T. campestre Hop Trefoil 3

T. dubium Lesser Trefoil 6

T. pratense Red Clover 4

T. repens White Clover 3

T. resupinatum 5

T. stellatum Starry Clover 2

Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch 6

Vicia hybrida Hairy Yellow Vetch 4

Vicia sativa ssp nigra Common Vetch 6

Vicia tetrasperma Smooth Tare 2

FAGACEAE Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut 3 Quercus coccifera Holly Oak 2

Q. ilex Holm Oak 2

Q. petraea Sessile Oak 3

Q. pubescens Downy Oak 3

FUMARIACEAE Fumaria capreolata Ramping Fumitiry 3 F. muralis ssp boreii Wall Fumitory 3

GENTIANACEAE Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort 3 GERANIACEAE Erodium ciconium Blue Storksbill 5 E. cicutarium Common Storksbill 2

E. malachoides Mallow-leaved Storksbill 3

E. foetidum Rock Storksbill 3

Geranium lucidum Shining Cranesbill 3

G.molle Dovesfoot Cranesbill 2

G. purpureum Little Robin 2

G. robertianum Herb Robert 6

G. rotundifolium Round-leaved Cranesbill 6

GLOBULAIACEAE Globularia punctata Globularia 3 HYPOLEPIDACEAE Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 3 IRIDACEAE Gladiolus segetum Wild Gladiolus 4 Iris lutescens Dwarf Iris (seed heads) 2

I. pseudocorus Yellow Flag 6

LABIATEAE Lamium pupureum Red Dead-nettle 5

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Lavandula angustifolia Narrow-leaved Lavender 8

L. stoechas French Lavender 2

Lycopus europaeus Gypsywort (leaves) 6

Phlomis lychnitis Jerusalem Sage 2

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary 2

Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary 3

Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary 2

Sideritis romana Roman Sideritis 8

Thymus vulgaris Wild Thyme 2

Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort 2

LILIACEAE Allium roseum Rosy Garlic 2 Anthericum liliago St Bernard's Lily 3

Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Aphyllanthes 2

Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus 2

Asphodelus albus White Asphodel 2

A. ramosus Hollow-stemmed Asphodel 6

Dipcadi serotinum Dipcadi 8

Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth 2

M. neglectum Grape Hyacinth 2

Ornithogallum pyrenaicum Bath Asparagus 6

O. umbellatum Star of Bethlehem 3

Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's Broom 5

Smilax aspera Common Smilax 2

Tulipa sylvestris ssp australis Wild Tulip 4

LINACEAE Linum bienne Pale Flax 2 L. leonii Blue Flax 3

L. trygynum French Flax 2

MALVACEAE Althaea officinalis Marsh Mallow (leaves) 5 A. hirsuta Hairy Mallow 3

Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow 3

Malva sylvestris Common Mallow 2

MORACEAE Ficus carica Fig 2 OLEACEAE Fraxinus excelsior Ash 3 F. ornus Manna Ash 3

Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine 6

Olea europaea Olive 2

ORCHIDACEAE Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid 3 A. pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid 4

Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved helleborine 3

Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid 8

H. robertianum Giant Orchid 6

Limodorum abortivum Violet Limodore 2

Neottinea intacta Dense-flowered Orchid 3

Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid 5

O. araneola Small Spider Orchid 2

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France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

O. aranifera Early Spider Orchid 4

O. lutea Yellow Bee Orchid 2

O. lupercalis 3

O.magniflora 4

O. scolopax Woodcock Orchid 3

O.sulcata Sombre bee Orchid 3

O. tenthredinifera Sawfly Orchid 3

Orchis anthrophorum Man Orchid 3

Orchis olbiensis 3

O. purpurea Lady Orchid 3

Serapius lingua Tongue Orchid 3

Serapius vomerata Long-lipped Tongue Orchid 3

OROBANCHACEAE Orobanche alba Thyme Broomrape 8 O. amethystea 5

O. crenata 2

O. gracilis 3

PAPAVERACEAE Papaver hybridum Rough Poppy 4 P. rhoeas Corn Poppy 1

P. dubium Pale Poppy 6

PINACEAE Pinus picea Umbrella Pine 2 Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine 2

PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago afra 3

P. coronaria Buck'shorn Plantain 3

P. lagopus 2

P. maritima Sea Plantain 5

PLATANACEAE Platanus x hybrida London Plane 2 POACEAE Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass 3 Aegilops ovata a attractive grass 5

Arrhenatherum elatius False Oak Grass 6

Arundo donax Giant Reed 2

Briza maxima Giant Quaking Grass 6

Bromus hordaceous Soft Brome 3

B. madritensis Compact Brome 2

Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Grass 2

Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue 6

F. ovina Sheep's Fescue 3

F. pratensis Meadow Fescue 6

F. vivipara Viviparous Fescue 2

Hordeum murinum Wall Barley 5

Lagarus ovatus Harestail Grass 6

Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass 3

Phragmites australis Common Reed 2

Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass 2

P. pratensis Smooth Meadow-grass 6

P. trivialis Rough Meadow-grass 6

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

POLYGALACEAE Polygala monspeliaca Montpellier Milkwort 8 POLYGONACEAE Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel 3 R. acetosella Sheep's Sorrel 2

R. obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock 5

POLYPODIACEAE Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody 4 PRIMULACEAE Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel 2 A. caerulea Blue Pimpernel 2

RANUNCULACEAE Clematis flammula Sweet Clematis (leaves) 2 Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore 3

Hepatica nobilis Hepatica 3

RESEDACEAE Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette 3 R. lutea Wild Mignonette 3

R. alba White Mignonette 2

RHAMNACEAE Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn 2 ROSACEAE Crataegus laevigata Midland Hawthorn 6 Prunus mahaleb St Lucie's Cherry 3

Sanguisorba minus Salad Burnet 3

Rosa canina Dog Rose 4

Amelanchier ovalis Snowy Mespilus 3

Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil 6

RUBIACEAE Cruciata laevipes Crosswort 6 Galium aparine Goosegrass 3

G. parisienne Wall Bedstraw 2

G. mollugo Hedge Bedstraw 3

Rubia peregrina Wild Madder 2

Sherardia arvensis Field Madder 3

Valentia muralis 2

RUTACEAE Ruta chalepensis Fringed Rue 2 SALICACEAE Populus alba White Poplar 6 Sorbus aria Whitebeam 3

Salix alba White Willow 6

SANTALACEAE Osyrus alba Osyrus 2 SAXIFRAGACEAE Saxifraga pentadactylus 3

SCROPHULARACEAE Antirrhinum majus Wild Snapdragon 3 Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax 4

Linaria supina Dwarf Toadflax 7

Verbascum phlomoides Orange Mullein 6

Veronica prostrata Blue Speedwell 3

SOLANACEAE Hyoscyamus albus White Henbane 6 Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade 6

TAMARICACEAE Tamarix gallica French Tamarisk 2 THYMELACEAE Thymelaea sanamunda a Daphne 4 URTICACEAE Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall 4 Urtica annua Annual Nettle 2

U. dioica Common Nettle 6

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Family Scientific name Common name Day first seen

U. pilulifera Roman Nettle 6

VALERIANACEAE Centranthus calcitrapa 2

C. ruber Red Valerian 1

Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian 3

Valerianella discoidea Mediterranean Cornsalad 2

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The Group

Tour Report France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only) April/May Common name Scientific name French Name 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 1 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Grèbe huppé 4 2 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Grand cormoran  3 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Héron crabier 4 4 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Héron garde-bœuf 10 5 Little Egret Egretta garzetta Egrette garzette    6 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Héron cendré     7 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Héron pourpré   8 White Stork Ciconia ciconia Cigogne blanche 2 2 1 9 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Flamant rose 50+ 60+ 10 Mute Swan Cygnus olor Cygne tuberculé  11 Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Tadorne de Belon 2 40+ 15 12 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Canard colvert     13 Gadwall Anas strepera Canard chipeau 10 14 Shoveler Anas clypeata Canard souchet 3 15 Pochard Aythya ferina Fuligule milouin  16 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Nette rousse 8 17 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Vautour fauve 1 18 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Aigle royal 1 19 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus Circaëte Jean-le-Blanc 2 4 1 20 Black Kite Milvus migrans Milan noir 1 2 10 2 1 1 21 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Busard des roseaux 3 3 22 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Buse variable    23 Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Bondrée apivore 6 1 c70 24 Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Épervier d'Europe   25 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Faucon crécerellette 9 26 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Faucon crécerelle        27 Hobby Falco subbuteo Faucon hobereau 1 1 28 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Perdrix rouge 1 2 1 29 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Gallinule poule d'eau  30 Coot Fulica atra Foulque macroule  31 Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Huîtrier pie 2

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

April/May Common name Scientific name French Name 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 32 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Avocette élégante 30 10 33 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Echasse blanche 20 10 34 Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Grand gravelot 12 35 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Gravelot à collier interrompu 4 10 36 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Pluvier argenté 30 37 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Vanneau huppé  38 Dunlin Calidris alpina Bécasseau variable 5 39 Redshank Tringa tetanus Chevalier gambette 4 40 Greenshank Tringa nebularia Chevalier aboyeur 3 1 41 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Barge á queue noire 1 42 Curlew Numenius arquata Courlis cendré H 43 Black-headed Gull Larus ridibunkus Mouette rieuse   44 Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus Mouette mélanocéphale H 45 Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Goéland leucophée         46 Little Tern Sternula albifrons Sterne naine 10 2 47 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Sterne caugek 150+ 48 Common Tern Sterna hirunda Sterne pierregarin 1 10 4 49 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus Guifette moustac 20 50 Rock Dove Columba livia Pigeon biset  51 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Pigeon ramier      52 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Tourterelle turque         53 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Tourterelle des bois H 54 Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Coucou gris H 1 H 55 Swift Apus apus Martinet noir         56 Alpine Swift Apus melba Martinet à ventre blanc 6 57 Hoopoe Upuga epops Huppe fasciée H 2 2 2 2 2 2 58 Bee-eater Merops apiaster Guèpier d'Europe 15 13 8 10+ c20 H H 59 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Pic vert H 60 Crested Lark Galerida cristata Cochevis huppé H 2 2 2 4 61 Woodlark Lullula arborea Alouette lulu 1 H H 62 Crag Martin Ptynoprogne rupestris Hirondelle des rochers 15+ 8 6 63 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Hirondelle rustique        

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

April/May Common name Scientific name French Name 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 64 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Hirondelle rousseline 6 65 House Martin Delichon urbica Hirondelle de fenêtre         66 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Pipit rousseline 5 67 White Wagtail Motacilla alba Bergeronnette grise     68 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Bergeronnette citrine 10 c15 69 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Bergeronnette des ruisseaux   70 Dunnock Prunella modularis Accenteur mouchet  71 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Rossignol philomène H H 1 1 H H H 1 72 Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Rougequeue à front blanc 1 1 1 1 1 73 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Rougequeue noir         74 Common Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Traquet motteux 1 1 75 Stonechat Saxicola torquata Tarier pâtre 2 76 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Monticole bleu H 2 77 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Grive draine   78 Blackbird Turdus merula Merle noir      79 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Fauvette des jardins   80 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Fauvette à tête noire H 81 Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis Fauvette orphée H 1 H H H 82 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala Fauvette mélanocéphale H H H H 1 H H 83 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Fauvette passerinette 1 H 1 84 Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Fauvette pitchou H 85 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Cisticole des joncs 20+ c12 H 86 Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Bourscarle de Cetti 2 H 87 Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Rousserolle effarvatte 2 2 88 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Rousserolle turdoïde 4 89 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Hippolaïs polyglotte 3 90 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Pouillot fitis  91 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Pouilot siffleur 1 92 Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Pouillot de Bonelli 2 2 1 93 Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Roitelet triple bandeau H H H 2 94 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Gobemouche noir 1 1 4 95 Great Tit Parus major Mésange charbonnière    

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

April/May Common name Scientific name French Name 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 96 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Mésange bleue  97 Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus Mésange huppée H 98 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Mésange à longue queue H 99 Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus Panure à moustaches 2 100 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla Grimpereau des jardins H 1 101 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Pie-grièche à tête rousse 1 102 Magpie Pica pica Pie bavarde         103 Jackdaw Corvus monedula Choucas des tours       104 Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone Corneille noire    105 Raven Corvus corax Grand corbeau 1 1 1 1 106 Starling Sturnus vulgaris Etourneau sansonnet         107 Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Loriot d'Europe H 1 H 108 House Sparrow Passer domesticus Moineau domestique         109 Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia Moineau soulcie 2 2 110 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Pinson des arbres         111 Linnet Carduelis cannabina Linote mélodieuse     112 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Chardonneret élégant         113 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Verdier d'Europe       114 Serin Serinus serinus Serin cini         115 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus Bruant zizi 1 H H 1 116 Corn Bunting Millaria calandra Bruant proyer H 1 4 2 H

Butterflies Hesperiidae 1 Mallow Skipper Carcharodus alceae Hespéride de l'Alcée 3 Lycaenidae 2 Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus Azuré bleu-célestre 3 3 Brown Argus Aricia agestis Collier de corail, Argus brun 4 1 4 Chapman's Blue Polyommatus thersites Azuré de Escarcette 2 5 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Azuré bleu, de la Bugrane 3 6 Escher's Blue Polyommatus escheri Azuré du Plantain 1 7 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Azuré des nerpruns, 1

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

April/May Common name Scientific name French Name 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 8 Little Blue Cupido minimus Argus frêle 1 9 Small Coper Lycaena phlaeas Bronzé, Cuivré commun 1 Nymphalidae 10 Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia Mélitée du plantain 1 11 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera Ariane (femelle), Némusien (mâle) 1 c6 12 Marbled White Melanargia galathea Demi-deuil   13 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Le Myrtil  14 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Belle Dame        15 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Vulcain  16 Spanish Gatekeeper Pyronia bathseba Ocellé rubanné 2 c6 17 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria Tircis       18 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera Mégère (femelle), Satyre (mâle)       Papillonidae 19 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Flambé       20 Spanish Festoon Zerynthia rumina Proserpine 1 21 Swallowtail Papilio machaon Machaon, Grand Porte-queue      Pieridae 22 Bath White Pontia daplidice Marbré du vert, Piéride du Réséda 1 23 Berger's Clouded Yellow Colias alfacarinesis Fluoré   24 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi Gazé, Piéride de l'Aubépine     25 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Citron  26 Cleopatra Gonepterys cleopatra Citron de Provence 3 27 Clouded Yellow Colis crocea Souci  28 Green-veined White Pieris napi Piéride du navet   29 Large White Pieris brassicae Piéride du chou  30 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines Aurore   31 Small White Pieris rapae Piéride de la Rave,      32 Wood White Leptidea sinapsis Piéride de la moutarde, du Lotier 1

France - Carcassonne and Cathar Country Tour Report

Other Insects & invertebrates

a Burnet Moth, Zygaena lavandulae 5-spot Burnet Moth, Zygaena trifolii Clouded Magpie Moth, Abraxas sylvata Pine Processionary Moth larva, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, Hemaris fuciformis Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellararum Eggar moth sp larva, Lasiocampidae sp Crab Spider on Euphorbia, Thomisadae sp Gendarme Bug , Lygaeus sp 7-spot Ladybird larva, Coccinella 7 -punctata Lesser Bee Fly, Bombylius minor Greater Bee Fly, Bombylius major Pollen Beetle, Oxythyrea funesta Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa violacea Paper Wasp, Polistes gallicus Potter Wasp sp , Eumenidae sp Lacewing larva, Chrysoperla sp Millipede, Tachypodoiulus niger Deer Tick , Ixodes ricinus Mining Bee, Andrena sp Rose Chafer, Cetonia aurata Chafer sp, Cetonia aeruginosa Cockchafer or May Bug, Melolontha melolontha Wood Ant sp, Formica sp Field Cricket, Gryllus campestris Roesel's Bush Cricket, Metrioptera roeselii Migratory Locust, Locusta migratoria Flea Beetle, Psylliodes sp Lesser Emperor Dragonfly, Anax pathenope Club-tailed Dragonfly sp, Gomphus sp Common Winter Damsefly, Sympecma fusca Blue-tailed Damselfly, Ishnura elegans

Reptiles & amphibians

Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis Ocellated Lizard, Timon lipidus Moorish Gecko, Tarentola mauritanica Marsh Frog, Pelophylax ridibundus

Mammals

Otter, Lutra lutra Coypu, Myocastor coypus Weasel, Mustela nivalis Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris