Italy's Sibillini Mountains

Naturetrek Tour Report 5 - 12 June 2013

Report compiled by Philip Thompson

Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Italy's Sibillini Mountains

Tour Leader: Philip Thompson

Participants:- Colin Willis Alison Wesley David Pemberton Teresa Pemberton

Day 1 Wednesday 5th June

After our safe arrival the group loaded up and set off for our destination of the attractive town of Amandola, which would be our base for the duration of the trip. After an hours travelling we stopped to break the journey at the Regional Park of Abaddia di Fiastre. Here we had a coffee followed by a gentle walk around the trail through the park which led past arable fields, woodland stream, lake and forest allowing us to relax and take in our first sights of Italy. Numerous Nightingales sang loudly from the woodland scrub but remained typically out of sight, joined by abundant Blackcaps vainly competing for singing glory. Several other species of birds were heard such as Turtle Dove, both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and Cuckoo, but we were content to just enjoy the ambience of the area without too much effort put into seeing these species. Once we had completed the circuit of the park and returned to the vehicle we then continued our journey to Amandola arriving in mid afternoon to check-in.

Day 2 Thursday 6th June

We began our exploration of the Sibillini National Park with a walk from the Refugio of that name and following the steadily climbing track that ran along below the summit of Monte Sibilla itself. The views from this trail were spectacular and afforded a wonderful view across the valley and up to the summit of Monte Vettore, the highest peak in the park. As we set off progress was initially slow as we spent time familiarising ourselves with the abundant and colourful local flora. As ever the grassy slopes and screes were adorned with numerous species of attractive plants with the prevailing colour scheme of yellow with pink and purple which is a feature of the whole area. Notable plants included the regional endemic Cynoglossum magellense, Erysimum pseudorhaeticum, Cerastium tomentosum and Globularia meridionalis and many more! As we slowly progressed new species of plant were gradually being added to a swelling day list. The cloud cover was also starting to swell. Having started the day in clear blue skies, it continued to build. Birds were not abundant, the main species present were a mix of Tawny and Water Pipits, Northern Wheatear and Skylark. We did however catch a brief glimpse of a rapidly departing Rock Partridge that flushed from the slopes beneath us and shot out of sight around a rocky headland.

With the clouds beginning to look a little ominous we returned, retracing our steps. En route a pair each of both Chough species were seen on the slopes below feeding in the precipitate meadows. We arrived back at the Refugio just in time for lunch and to dodge the heavy rainstorm that had been threatening. After a rather chilly picnic on the terrace we loaded back into the vehicle to begin our descent down the zigzag track that had led to the refuge. We undertook several stops on the way down to admire the flowers and spot several new birds. The abundant butterflies that had teased us as we passed in the morning had all vanished to roost up in the now cooler damp conditions.

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

The flowers more than made up for their absence with many species of orchids in particular being seen. New birds included an obliging Firecrest, Western Bonelli’s Warbler and Subalpine Warbler all having been heard singing before being seen. Upon reaching the tarmac road once more we took a back circuit of narrow country roads for our return to the hotel. One stop was taken to spot a Cirl Bunting that had been heard singing as we passed. Whilst at this stop a small colony of the rather scarce Orchis coriophora was found in the short stony roadside vegetation. Just enough time was found to enjoy our first Italian ice cream from the local gelateria in Amandola!

After dinner at the hotel we visited the amazing Baroque style theatre nearby to enjoy a local dance production of ballet and modern style pieces put on by the girls from the local dance school. Quite an experience…

Day 3 Friday 7th June

Today we undertook the long winding route to visit the Piano Grande region at the southern end of the park. Shortly before the final ascent over the col between M. Vettore and M. Forciglieta we stopped for a walk among the roadside wooded meadows. Here among the plentiful Helianthemum oelandicum and Polygala major were several species of orchid, most notably the presence of several small colonies of Orchis pauciflora, but also including Orchis morio and tridentata. As we were about to move on attention was drawn to the plants on the other side of the road among which several Orchis intacta were found.

We then crested the col to drop down into the huge level plain surrounded by the peaks of the park that comprises the Piano Grande with the historic town of Castelluccio perched atop its isolated mound in the northern corner. We firstly drove across the plain to begin the first of our walks on the southern slopes. It was clear as we passed that the historically cold spring that had been experienced throughout Europe this year had delayed any flowering of the ‘arable weed’ type among the lentil fields. However what is missed from one part of the season is gained from another.

The wooded slope we firstly visited held a fine array of plants, not all of which were in flower unfortunately. Added problems were clear from the numerous plants of Lilium martagon that had been rooted up and their bulbs eaten by the locally abundant Wild Boar, many of which had been on the point of flowering! From a UK perspective the attractive Cardamine bulbifera was abundant, in contrast to its very scarceness at home.

As we drove to our next stop we were blessed (for fans of classic Alfa Romeos) by meeting a rally of the Alfa club owners in their stunning period vehicles, which were passing the main road as we watched! Once the cars had passed we pulled out to begin the drop back into the plain. This was brought to an abrupt stop when it was noticed that the meadows at the roadside, which had almost been dismissed has holding various yellow buttercups mixed with the general colour, were actually many thousands of Tulipa sylvestris! As we walked over to admire this fantastic spectacle in such a wonderful setting the late spring was clearly rewarding us. Among the many thousands of tulips were also found numerous, normally early flowering, Fritillaria orientalis. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip! Our next stop was then taken in the grazing meadows at this southern end where we undertook a short walk. Plants here included Narcissus poeticus and Ornithogallum umbellatum. We then continued our way to visit the town of Castelluccio and have our picnic lunch overlooking the plains and hills.

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

With lunch over we took a short walk up into the historic old town that is clearly in the process of restoration of many buildings to attract the many sightseers away from the tourist shops down in the square on the main road who never venture up there. Our final walk was taken through another wooded slope to emerge on the far side onto the open grassy meadows with their usual array of flowers. We found more flowering Frtillaria orientalis and numerous Orchis mascula before we were once more rained upon. We curtailed any further walking and returned to the vehicle in time for the rain to stop allowing time for a viewing of another regional endemic, Erodium alpinum and a walk to the edge of the col with its viewpoint. The rocks here held a fine display of plants including Oxytropis campestris and Pedicularis elegans.

Day 4 Saturday 8th June

Our longest and most strenuous walk of the trip was taken today when we visited the tiny village of Foce and took the trail that led up into the amphitheatre below the summit of M. Vettore and the glacial tarn of Lago di Pilato complete with its endemic species of Fairy Shrimp. Our intention was not to reach the tarn (we left that to the younger, keener mountain walkers) but to enjoy once more the scenery and wildlife at these higher altitudes. The walk began in the gently climbing broad open meadows before entering the Beech forest that clothed the steep switchback path that climbed up a narrow cleft in the rocks before levelling out once more and opening onto the high alpine section of the route.

The valley floor held a breeding pair of Red-backed Shrikes and several species of butterfly as well as several new species of plant, most noticed being Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, Gentiana utriculosa and the attractive large flowered Edraianthus graminifolius. Once within the forest we encountered several species of Cardamine, Lonicera xylosteum and Lathyrus vernus whilst in the canopy several of the visually similar Chiffchaff, Western Bonelli’s and Wood Warblers sang, the latter providing us with some excellent close views. On the rock walls in the steepest section a small colony of the southern Italian endemic Saxifraga porophylla was seen.

With the steepest section out of the way and everyone rested we moved on to leave the forest cover and enter the high alpine zone with many new plants it had to offer. A passing Honey Buzzard was spotted sharing the air currents around the peaks with a resident Kestrel. We initially moved through an area of thick with Geranium phaeum and Doronicum columnae before moving of the path to scour an area of rocks that could inspire any Alpine gardener with its mix of species and natural arrangement.

Returning to the main path we moved on slowly as we began to encounter several specialist alpine species. Most notable were the attractive Pulsatilla alpina, Dactylorhiza sambucina, Armeria canescens and Gentiana verna and dinarica. A special find was the lovely butter-yellow Orchis pallens found in good numbers partly disguised among the numerous yellow form of Dactylorhiza sambucina.

We stopped for lunch by a large sheltering boulder that proved fortunate as a short rain shower began as we were finishing. Luckily it did not last long and we were able to continue on our upward progress. Not much further on a special plant of these high alpine zones was found in the demanding habitat of barren scree, Isatis allionii, which was just coming into flower. A final push to a commanding ridge to enjoy the view and rest in the peace and isolation of the high tops was undertaken before we opted to return to the valley bottom and a coffee and ice cream at the refugio in Foce.

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

The remains of the day were then spent with a few stops in the narrow and dramatic gorge that lies between Foce and civilisation. Here several new plants were seen which included Onosma echioides Golden Drops (or lemon drops as it was named by some!), Campanula tanfanii and Euphorbia spinosa. Time ran away from us so we made our way for a late return to the hotel.

Day 5 Sunday 9th June

After the exertions of yesterday a more leisurely day was spent outside the confines of the Sibillini National Park with a visit to the much smaller, but locally very important, National Park of Colfiorito found to the northwest. Here birds were the main focus at this large reed covered lake, although we still notched up several new plants, as this area was more low lying and warmer, with a different flora from the mountains of Sibillini. The journey there was rather long and winding, as ever, but very attractive and scenic as we crossed over the Sibillini NP before dropping down into lower country, renowned for its potatoes!

Upon arriving and disembarking we heard the loud and attractive song of Nightingale issuing from the lakeside trees. We then moved on slowly scanning across the reeds from the several gaps. The repetitive song of European Reed Warbler was joined by the more strident guttural utterings of the Great Reed Warbler, both of which provided excellent views after a little patience. A few sightings of the breeding Night Herons and Purple herons were obtained before we struck gold with a number of close and prolonged views of the usually frustratingly elusive Little Bittern. Attention was then rather split between the lake and the hot dry slopes behind with its new and exciting mix of flowers among which several Ophrys fusca were found.

We slowly made our way after several long scans towards the far end of the lake before our now accustomed lunch time rain shower began to fall. The group were rapidly loaded onto the bus and driven to our proposed picnic area where the rain eased and stopped to allow for our al fresco meal overlooking the lake. We then moved onto higher ground to explore the low intensity surrounding arable fields that surrounded the lake. On arriving at our parking spot a couple of distantly singing Ortolan Buntings could just be made out which unfortunately could not be seen. Our walk set of alongside an arable field that held several species of rapidly declining ‘arable weed’, most importantly, though rather unexciting on the eye is Galium tricornutum. Alongside the track, the previously spotted, though rather disbelievingly by the group, at a range of 500m+ from our lunch spot (if you know where to look!) was Himantoglossum adriaticum -confirmed with 4 tall spikes of plants in full flower. From the tall crops around us could be heard several Quail and the young of Ashy-headed Wagtails, the parents of which flew over and dropped in to feed them periodically. Once more a rain shower tried to spoil our day so we moved quickly to the hide built over the lake to shelter. Upon re-emerging the simple high-pitched contact call of Penduline Tit was heard followed by the sighting of 2 birds in the nearby Poplars.

We then headed back to the vehicle and our return journey. We stopped en route at the village of San Lorenzo for a coffee before moving on and taking a different, equally scenic route through the park towards Amandola. Whilst passing through the village of Aquacanina the rather extraordinary sight of a couple leading a Wolf on a lead down the road was seen! Presumably the result of an orphaned pup from the increasing local wild population being hand-raised by people.

Our journey continued with the climb up to the village of Bolognola where we undertook a very pleasant contour walk full of colour from the meadows during which we found the very attractive Aster alpina. Once more

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

with no more time in hand we reluctantly made our way back to the vehicle and the final drive that drops precipitously down to Sarnarno.

Day 6 Monday 10th June

After yesterdays gentle excursions it was time for a longer walk again as we visited the dramatic gorge of the River Tena known as the Gola dell’Infernaccio. During the walk from the car park on the approach to the entrance to the gorge several new and attractive plants were seen, some in flower and some not. A bonus was the many flowering examples of Cyclamen repandum on the woodland floor whilst on the rock faces and screes Campanula tanfanii was abundant joined by Linum tenuifolium and Cirsium oleraceum. On reaching the first river crossing beneath the high overhanging rock face dripping with water and plants we entered the beginning of the gorge. Here the plants changed and became much more lush in the shady damp conditions. Notable examples here included Lunaria rediviva, Parietaria officinalis and Asperula taurina. The gorge narrowed down to an arms width at its narrowest as we passed over the rushing torrent. We paused to admire the Madonna set-up on the rock face whilst a couple of pairs of Alpine Chough flew out from their concealed nesting crevices overhead.

As we left the confines of the narrow section of the gorge the path climbed steadily alongside the river with its rich vegetation. We passed through areas of pure beech forest with its assortment of specialist orchids before reaching areas of open meadow. We stopped here for lunch in the warm sun. Overhead a Golden Eagle was pursued by an irate pair of Hooded Crows as they chased it out of their territory. Rather foolishly the eagle shortly returned the way it had come, only to be given identical treatment once more.

We continued onwards passing the simple mountain shelter as we headed for the source of the River Tena. On reaching the river crossing the waters were too high for the stepping stones so after laboriously moving a large rock into the middle of the flow we managed to get across before then meeting a second similar crossing 200m further on. At this point with the gathering clouds beginning to release their heavy load it was decided that any more boulder moving was out and retreat to the shelter was required. Upon our arrival back at the minibus the skies had by now cleared and we had time in hand. A decision was made to visit the nearby shrine and church of the Madonna dell’Ambro. This deeply religious church was a very interesting and beautiful place to visit and complete our day.

Day 7 Tuesday 11th June

Our final full day was spent in the gentler more low lying northern end of the park in the Piani di Ragnolo above Aquacanina. The mountains here are meadow-covered and packed with colour to provide a relaxing and undemanding finale to the trip to simply enjoy the abundance of flowers that cover these slopes. Many species had become familiar throughout the trip but this did not detract from the overall splendour in this almost unvisited part of the park. The weather remained much warmer in clear skies and sunshine with very little wind. As a result the butterflies that had until now only been seen in relatively low numbers came out in force to reveal their true abundance with several new species for the trip seen including Clouded Apollo, Pearly Heath, Fritillaries and numerous Blues. Our first stop was taken near the ski lifts of Sassotetto to admire the flowering Paeonia officinalis that were common here alongside the abundant Asphodelus albus.

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

As an extra bonus several large flowering specimens of the endemic Solenanthus apenninus were found nearby. We then moved up onto the meadow-covered plateau for a couple of walks and stops. We were able finally to find some of the locally abundant Dianthus carthusianorum in flower alongside a few examples of the diminutive orchid Coeloglossum viride. Overhead another Golden Eagle was spotted and given similar treatment by the local Hooded Crows as yesterday’s bird before it swept fast and low down a nearby valley out of sight. To this was added a close overhead Honey Buzzard that passed by unmolested. Crows can obviously tell the difference!

After several pleasant hours spent enjoying the flowers and butterflies we re-boarded the minibus to drive in a scenic loop around to Bolognola and on to a pleasant forest picnic spot. A walk was taken up the valley from here once lunch was completed before reaching a stream crossing that was deemed impassable. We retraced our steps to then drive up to the nearby bar/restaurant that serves the ski resort in season but which at this time of year is pretty quiet. We enjoyed a coffee and ice cream in its quiet interior. Looking out of the window we spotted a research worker park up and get out with her radio aerial and telescope to scan the adjacent hillside. It transpires, after speaking to her, that she was monitoring the radio-collared recently re-introduced Chamois that now occur in the area.

We then drove on to take the steep descent to Sarnarno once more and enjoy the spectacular view, which had been obscured a few days earlier. As we wound our way down the many hair-pin bends a stop was made to admire the lovely Anthericum liliago growing on the steep rocky roadside banks. Our last stop of the day was taken at a roadside orchid site which held a good colony of Orchis coriophora, before we retreated to the bus and our homeward journey.

Day 8 Wednesday 12th June

The flight time just allowed us enough time to complete a loop drive out to the village of Montefalcone perched on top of its sheer rock face to the east of the park. From here we were able to enjoy an unsurpassed view of the entire Monte Sibillini National Park from the gentle meadow covered northern end visited yesterday to the high snow-capped peaks of M. Vettore et al at the southern end. Also clearly visible further to the south were the high peaks of the Gran Sasso National Park.The cliffs at Montefalcone held a pair of Blue Rock Thrushes and several Crag Martins, but the hoped for local Peregrines remained unseen. A final Honey Buzzard passed over in consolation. We then made our way to Ancona Airport for our return flight after a relaxing and successful trip.

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Tour Report Italy's Sibillini Mountains

Species List

Plants

Scientific name Common name

PINOPSIDA (GYMNOSPERMS) CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Juniperus communis subsp. communis Common Juniper Juniperus communis subsp. alpina Dwarf Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper

Pinaceae Pine Family Larix decidua Larch Pinus nigra Black Pine Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Pinus pinea Stone or Umbrella Pine Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine

MAGNOLIOPSIDA (ANGIOSPERMS) FLOWERING PLANTS Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)

Aceraceae Maple Family Acer campestris Field Maple Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple Acer opalus Italian Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore

Apiaceae Carrot Family Cachrys ferulacea - Chaerophyllum aureum Conopodium majus Pignut Daucus carota Wild Carrot Daucus muricatus a Wild Carrot Eryngium amethystinum Blue Eryngo Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Laserpitium siler a Sermountain Sanicula europaea Sanicle Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's Needles Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Torilis arvensis Spreading Hedge-parsley

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vinca major Greater Periwinkle

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolium Holly

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort

Asteraceae Daisy Family Achillea ageratum Achillea millefolium Yarrow Adenostyles alliariae Adenostyles Anthemis arvensis Corn Chamomile Anthemis chia a Mayweed Anthemis cretica Mountain Dog Daisy Arcticum lappa Greater Burdock Artemisia alba a Wormwood Aster alpina Alpine Aster Bellis annua Annual Daisy Bellis perennis Daisy Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Buphthalmum salicifolium Yellow Ox eye Daisy Carlina acanthifolia Acanthus-leaved Carline Thistle Carlina corymbosa Flat-topped Carline Thistle Centaurea ambigua Centaurea cyanus Cornflower Centaurea triumfettii Perennial Cornflower Cichorium intybus Chicory Cirsium oleraceum Cabbage Thistle Doronicum columnae Heart-leaved Leopardsbane Helichrysum italicum Italian Curry plant Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant Hieracium cymosum a Hawkweed Hieracium villosum Homogyne alpina Alpine Coltsfoot Lactuca perennis Perennial Lettuce Leucanthemopsis alpina Alpine Moon Daisy Onopordum illyricum Illyrian Scotch Thistle Petasites albus White Butterbur Scorzonera rosea - Senecio cordatus Alpine Ragwort Senecio doronicum ssp gerardii Chamois Ragwort Senecio squalidus Staehelina dubia Staehelina Tanacetum corymbosum Tragopogon crocifolius a Goat's-beard Tragopogon dubius a Goat's-beard Tragopogon hybridum a Goat's-beard Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard Tragopogon sinuatus a Goat's-beard Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Urospermum dalechampii -

Betulaceae Birch Family Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Corylus avellana Hazel Ostrya carpinifolia Hop Hornbeam

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Anchusa italica Borago officinalis Borage Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss Cerinthe minor Cynoglossum magellense a Hound's-tongue Lappula squarrosa Bur Forget-me-not Lithospermum arvensis Field Gromwell Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Onosma echioides Golden Drops Pulmonaria saccharata Lungwort Solenanthus apenninus Solenanthus

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alyssum alyssoides Alyssum minus Alyssum montanum Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Arabis recta Annual Rock-cress Arabis turrita Tower Mustard Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard Cardamine bulbifera Bulbous Bitter-cress Cardamine chelidonia Cardamine enneaphyllos Drooping Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine graeca Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine impatiens Coronopus squamatus Greater Swine-cress Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow-grass Erysimum pseudorhaeticum A Treacle Mustard Hesperis laciniata Isatis allionii Alpine Woad Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Lunaria annua Honesty Lunaria rediviva Perennial Honesty Rorippa amphibia Great Yellow-cress Sinapsis alba White Charlock Sinapsis arvensis Charlock Thlaspi perfoliata Perfoliate Penny-cress

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box

Cannabaceae Hop Family Humulus lupulus Hop

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula patula Spreading Bellflower Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower Campanula spicata Spiked Bellflower Campanula tanfanii

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower Legousia speculum-veneris Large Venus's Looking-glass

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Lonicera caprifolium Lonicera implexa a Honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Sambucus edulis Dwarf Elder Sambucus nigra Elder

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Agrostemma githago Corncockle Cerastium arvensis Field Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cerastuim scaranii Italian Mouse-ear Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Drypis spinosa Drypis Hernaria glabra Smooth Rupturewort Minuartia capillacea a Sandwort Moehringia muscosa Paronychia kapela a Paronychia Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Scleranthus perennis Perennial Knawel Silene acaulis Moss Campion Silene conica Silene dioica Red Campion Silene italica Italian Catchfly Silene latifolia White Campion Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Silene otites Spanish Catchfly Silene quadridentata Silene saxifraga Silene vulgaris White Campion Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort Stellaria media Chickweed Stellaria nemorum Wood Chickweed

Celastraceae Spindle family Euonymus europaeus Spindle Tree

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Cistus creticus a Pink Cistus Helianthemum apenninum White Rock-rose Helianthemum oelandicum subsp.canum Hoary Rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium Rock-rose Fumana thymifolia Thyme-leaved Fumana

Clusiaceae St.John's-wort Family Hypericum perforatum Common St.John's-wort

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus althaeoides subsp. tenuissimus Narrow Mallow-leaved Bindweed Convolvulus cantabrica Pink Bindweed

Cornaceae Dogwood Family Cornus sanguinea Dogwood

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Sedum album White Stonecrop Sedum alpestre an Alpine Stonecrop Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop Sedum roseum Roseroot Sedum rupestre Rock Stonecrop Sedum telephium Orpine Sempervivum arachnoidium Sempervivum tectorum

Dipsacaeae Teasel Family Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Knautia drymeia Knautia integrifolia

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge Mercuralis annua Annual Mercury Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury

Fabaceae Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria agg. Kidney Vetch Astragalus depressus Sprawling Milk Vetch Astragalus monspessulanus False Vetch Astragalus sempervirens Mountain Tragacanth Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom Chamaespartium sagittale Winged Greenweed Coronilla emerus Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion Vetch Coronilla vaginalis Cytisophyllum sessilifolium Cytisus scoparius Broom Genista tinctoria Dyer’s Greenweed Hedysarum coronarium Italian Sainfoin Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Lathyrus cicera A Vetchling Lathyrus sphaericus Lathyrus vernus Spring Vetchling Lotus corniculatus Birds-foot Trefoil Lotus ornithopodioides

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Melilotus officinalis Common Melilot Onobrychis viciifolia Sainfoin Oxytropis campestris False Sainfoin Pisum sativum Wild Pea Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Securigera varia Crown Vetch Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium rubens Red Trefoil Trifolium thalii Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Vicia onobrychioides False Sainfoin Vicia villosa

Fagaceae Beech Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Fagus sylvatica Beech Quercus cerris Turkey Oak Quercus ilex Holm Oak Quercus pubescens Downy Oak

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Centaureum erythraea Common Centaury Gentiana dinarica Trumpet Gentian Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian Gentiana utricularia Bladder Gentian Gentiana verna Spring Gentian

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family Erodium alpinum Alpine Storksbill Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Crane's-bill Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Geranium phaeum Dusky Crane's-bill Geranium purpureum Little Robin Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane's-bill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Geranium sanguineum Bloody Crane’s-bill

Globulariaceae Globularia Family Globularia bisnagarica Common Globularia Globularia meridionalis

Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant

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Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Hippocastanaceae Horse-chestnut Family Aesculus hippocastanum Horse-chestnut

Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans regia Walnut

Lamiaceae Deadnettle Family Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint Ajuga reptans Bugle Clinopodium acinos Basil Thyme Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Lamium album White Dead-nettle Lamium garganicum Large Red Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum Purple Dead-nettle Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Mellitis melisophyllum Bastard Balm Mentha aquatica Water Mint Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Scutellaria columnae a Skullcap Stachys germanica Downy Woundwort Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort Thymus longicaulis Creeping Thyme Thymus praecox Thymus pulegioides Larger Wild Thyme

Linaceae Flax Family Linum alpinum Mountain Flax Linum bienne Pale Flax Linum catharticum Fairy (Purging) Flax Linum tenuifolium Linum viscosum

Nymphaeaceae Water-lily Family Nymphaea alba White Water-lily

Oleaceae Olive Family Ligustrum vulgare Privet

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche minor Common Broomrape Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove-scented Broomrape Orobanche gracilis Graceful Broomrape

Paeoniaceae Peony Family Paeonia officinalis A Peony

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Plantago alpina Alpine Plantain

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Plantago arenaria Branched Plantain Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Plantago major Greater Plantain Plantago media Hoary Plantain

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria canescens

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala major Large Milkwort

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Oxyria digyna Mountain Sorrel Rumex acetosella Sorrel Rumex alpinus Monk's Rhubarb Rumex hydroplanthum Water Dock

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Androsace villosa a Hairy Rock-jasmine Cyclamen hederifolium Ivy-leaved Sowbread Cyclamen repandum Spring Cyclamen Primula elatior Oxlip Primula veris Cowslip Primula veris X elatior Hybrid Oxlip Primula vulgaris Primrose

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Aconitum lycoctonum Wolfsbane Adonis annua Pheasants Eye Anemone ranunculoides Yellow Anemone Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine Clematis flammula Fragrant Clematis Clematis recta a Clematis Clematus vitalba Old Man's Beard Consolida regalis Forking Larkspur Delphinium fissum Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Helleborus bocconei a Hellebore Hepatica nobilis Hepatica Pulsatilla alpina Alpine Pasque Flower Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus apenninus Ranunculus arvensis Corn Buttercup Ranunculus ficaria agg Lesser Celandine Ranunculus gramineus Grass-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus millefoliatus a Buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus velutinus a Buttercup Thalictrum aquilegifolium Great Meadow Rue

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda alba White Mignonette Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alpinus Alpine Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus Buckthorn Rhamnus pumilis Dwarf Buckthorn

Rosaceae Rose Family Alchemilla alpina Alpine Lady's-mantle Amelanchier ovalis Juneberry Aphanes australis Slender Parsley-piert Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Geum heterocarpum - Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Potentilla cinerea Potentilla crantzii Prunus mahaleb St Lucie’s Cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina A Rose Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Rubus ulmifolius A bramble Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Sorbus aria Whitebeam Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Asperula taurina Southern Woodruff Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Galium album Galium aparine Cleavers Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Galium odoratum Woodruff Galium tricornutum Corn Cleavers Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Sheradia arvensis Field Madder

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Thesium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Bastard Toadflax

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga adscendens Biennial Saxifrage Saxifraga bulbifera Bulbous Saxifrage Saxifraga callosa Thick-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga exerata Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga paniculata Live-long Saxifrage Saxifraga porophylla Apennine Saxifrage Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga sedoides Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Digitalis ferruginea Brown Foxglove Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax Parentucella latifolia Southern Red Bartsia Pedicularis comosa Crested Lousewort Pedicularis elegans a Lousewort Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Scrophularia canina Dog (French) Figwort Verbascum longifolium Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Veronica hederifolia agg Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica montana Wood Speedwell Veronica orsiniana Veronica polita Grey Field Speedwell Veronica prostrata Prostrate speedwell

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet

Tamaricaceae Tamarisk Family Tamarix africana a Tamarisk

Thymelaceae Daphne Family Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Daphne mezereon

Tiliaceae Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus canescens An Elm Ulmas minor Small-leaved Elm

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parientaria judaica Pellitory of the Wall Parietaria officinalis Large Pellitory of the wall Urtica dioica Nettle Urtica urens

Valerianaceae Valerian Family Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Valeriana officinalis Valerian Valeriana tripteris Valeriana tuberosa

Violaceae Violet Family Viola arvensis Field Pansy Viola eugeniae* a Mountain Pansy Viola riviniana

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Liliidae (Monocotyledons)

Araceae Arum Family Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Tamus communis Black Bryony

Iridaceae Iris Family Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag

Liliaceae Lily Family Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Allium ursinum Ransoms Anthericum liliago St. Bernard's Lily Asparagus acutifolius an Asparagus Asparagus stipularis an Asparagus Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Colchicum autumnale Autumn Crocus Fritillaria orientalis a Fritillary Lilium bulbiferum Orange Lily Lilium martagon Martagon Lily Muscari neglectum Dark Grape Hyacinth Narcissus poeticus Pheasant’s-eye Daffodil Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Bath Asparagus Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon's Seal Polygonatum odoratum Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s-broom Ruscus hypoglossum Larger Butcher's-broom Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill Tulipa sylvestris

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Coleoglossum viridis Frog Ochid Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza majalis Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza saccifera Wedge-lipped Orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina Elderflower Orchid Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Ochid Himantoglossum adriaticum Adriatic Lizard Orchid Limodorum abortivum Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s Nest Orchid Neottia ovata Twayblade Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Ophrys apulica

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

Scientific name Common name

Ophrys bertolonii Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid Ophrys fuciflora Late Spider Orchid Ophrys fusca Sombre Bee Orchid Ophrys insectifera Fly Orchid Ophrys scolopax Woodcock Orchid Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider Orchid Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Orchis coriophora Bug Orchid Orchis intacta Dense-flowered Orchid Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid Orchis pallens Orchis pauciflora Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid Orchis tridentata Toothed Orchid Orchis ustulata Burnt Orchid

Birds ( = recorded but not counted; H = heard only) June Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca 1 2 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H H H 3 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus H 4 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 4 5 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2 6 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 3 7 Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris H 8 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus 2 9 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 3 10 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2 30+ 1 11 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 2 12 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 1 1 1 13 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 14 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1 15 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 1 1 2 16 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 1 17 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2 1 1 1 2 2 18 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 15+ 19 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia         20 Stock Dove Columba oenas 2 21 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 1 5 22 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur H 1 1 23 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 3 3 6 5 4 24 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H H H H H 25 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H H 26 Common Swift Apus apus         27 Bee-eater Merops apiaster 2 28 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H 1 29 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis H 30 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 1 1 2 1 1 31 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 2 3 3 1 3

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 32 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica    33 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 2 H 50+ 2 34 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus 2 6 35 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula       36 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix 4 6     37 Coal Tit Periparus ater 3   38 Great Tit Parus major    39 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 3    40 Marsh Tit Parus palustris H 12 41 Eurasian Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus 2 42 Woodlark Lullula arborea H H H 43 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis 4  H  44 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica        45 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 1 3 46 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum        47 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H H H  48 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 3 H H H H 49 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 2 3 50 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 12 51 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 20+ 52 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla         53 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 2 H H 54 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 1 55 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla H 3       56 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H 1  57 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 2 H H 1     58 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris         59 Common Blackbird Turdus merula         60 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 1 61 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 1 2 62 European Robin Erithacus rubecula H 2 2 H 63 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H 64 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 2 4 2  1 2 65 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 3 4 3 4     66 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola 1 67 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 8 8 2 12 68 Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 2 69 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 2 70 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 2 71 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae     72 Ashy-headed Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava cinereocapilla 8 73 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 74 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 3 12 6   75 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 6 2 76 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2 1 77 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 4 6 78 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs H H H 2     79 European Serin Serinus serinus        80 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris 2 1 81 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis        82 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina  

Italy's Sibillini Mountains Tour Report

June Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 83 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra     6 4 84 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana H 85 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 2 H H

Butterflies

Dingy Skipper, Enynnis tages Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus malvae Clouded Apollo, Parnassius mnemosyne Southern Scarce Swallowtail, Iphiclides podalirius Swallowtail, Papilio machaon Wood White, Leptidea sinapis Black-veined White, Aporia crataegi Large White, Pieris brassicae Small White, Pieris rapae Southern Small White, Pieris mannii Green-veined White, Pieris napi Orange Tip, Anthocharis cardamines Eastern Dappled White, Euchloe ausonia Berger's Clouded Yellow, Colias alfacariensis Clouded Yellow, Colias crocea Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, Hamearis lucina Green Hairstreak, Callophrys rubi Purple-edged Copper, Lycaena hippothoe Little Blue, Cupido minimus Osiris Blue, Cupido osiris Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus Green-underside Blue, Glaucopsyche alexis Amanda's Blue, Agrodiaetus amanda Chapman's Blue, Polyommatus thersites Common Blue , Polyommatus icarus Adonis Blue, Lysandra bellargus Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui Comma, Polygonia c-album Heath Fritillary, Mellicta athalia Marsh Fritillary, Euphydryas aurinia Queen of Spain Fritillary, Issoria lathonia Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Boloria euphrosyne Speckled Wood , Pararge aegeria Wall Brown, Lasiommata megera Large Wall Brown, Lasiommata maera Pearly Heath, Coenonympha arcania Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus

Other Taxa

Italian Pool Frog, Rana bergeri European Green Lizard, Lacerta bilineata Italian Wall Lizard, Podarcis sicula Common Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis Roe Deer, Capreolus capreolus