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Croatia

Naturetrek Tour Report 18 - 25 April 2009

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

Report and images compiled by Alan Outen

Cirl Bunting Dorcadion arenarium

Giant Peacock Moth Common Nightingale

Tour Report Croatia

© Naturetrek June 10 1

Tour leaders: Alan Outen (Naturetrek Leader & Botanist)

Gerard Gorman (Ornithologist and Local Guide)

Participants: Brian Jones

Janet Jones

Andrew Trawford

Diana Trawford

Ernst Sondheimer

Jan Haseler

Laurie Haseler

Arthur Goodman

Bridget Richardson

Heather White

Eric Mackie

Day 1 Saturday 18th April

After a comfortable flight we arrived safely and almost on time at Split, where we were met by both Gerard

Gorman, our local leader, and Attila, who was to be our popular and helpful driver for the week. After loading

everybody and their baggage onto the vehicle we took the coast road along the beautiful Adriatic Sea before

turning inland. Larval web nests of the Pine Processionary Moth were abundant in the trees throughout most of

the journey. A brief stop near Jadrtovac yielded Corn Bunting and Black-eared Wheatear, whilst plants here

included the red flowered form of Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), Pink Hawksbeard (Crepis rubra), Star of

Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) and three orchid species Orchis quadripunctata, Ophrys bertillonii and Ophrys

phryganae. Having thus stretched our legs and with many photographs already taken we headed on to Skradin, an

attractive old town where we were to spend the next few nights at the Hotel Skradinski Buk.

Day 2 Sunday 19th April

In the evening and during the night (as each night) most people heard hooting Scops Owls, though the Spanish

Sparrows we had expected to find in the morning in the large Plane Tree right outside the hotel had not yet

returned to their nesting sites – an indication that things were behind this year. Those who ventured out before

breakfast did see them feeding nearby however, as well as seeing Blue Rock Thrush and Serin among other

species in the town.

The first part of the morning was spent at Skradinske Polje where botanists enjoyed Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea)

and Green Winged Orchid (Orchis morio) as well as two orchid species new to us all Ophrys rhodostephane and O.

tommasinii. Among the many other plants seen here were Christ’s Thorn (Paliurus spina-cristi), Muscari neglectum,

Astragalus monspessulanus (False Vetch) and Pitch Trefoil (Psoralea bituminosa). Birds included Sub-alpine Warbler

and Cirl Bunting and when the sun eventually came out the Dalmation Ringlets provided the butterfly interest.

We then drove on to Lake Visovac where Pygmy Cormorant and Giant Reed Warbler were the main bird

highlights. We were disappointed in our search for Southern Festoons Butterflies, whose larvae feed on

Aristolochia rotunda, which was certainly plentiful.

Croatia Tour Report

2 © Naturetrek June 10

Other plants of note here included Scilla litardierei (Meadow Squill), and Leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake).

There was though no lack of insect interest as Eastern Bath White, Green Tiger Beetle, a flower chafer (Oxythyrea

funesta), a handsome Longhorn Beetle (Dorcadion arenarium) and many types of attractive grasshoppers attracted

our attention. Marsh Frogs were seen and heard and a Balkan Green Lizard was also much admired.

After lunch here we then drove on to the lakeside at Prukjansko where a brief stop produced Venus’s Looking

glass (Legousia hybrida) and Vicia hybrida (Yellow Vetch). The windy conditions though were acting as a deterrent

to bird-life. We drove on, pausing for welcome sightings of Marsh Harrier and Hoopoe, soon arriving at Bicine

where, with a wonderful view looking down on the harbour, we saw Muscari comosa (Tassel Hyacinth), Star Clover

(Trifolium stellatum), Star Hawkbit (Rhagadiolus steallatus), Reseda orientalis, the parasitic Osyris alba and many more

plants. The butterflies, like the birds were mostly staying out of the wind but we did see both Swallowtail and

Scarce Swallowtail as well as a Nine-spotted Moth (Syntomia phegea). Almost everyone elected to walk down the

hill back to the hotel. Probably the highlight of the day for Gerard and Attila was however watching Everton

beat Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final even if it did make them late for dinner! That evening we had

good views of two Scops Owls in the Plane Tree right outside the hotel.

Day 3 Monday 20th April

Pre-breakfast walkers saw nothing of special note but we then had an early start in order to catch the ferry in

Skradin to take us up the Krka River to Sibenik in the Skradinske Buk National Park and unfortunately it was

raining. Pygmy Cormorants were seen from the boat as well as large numbers of Yellow-legged Gulls. We were

relieved however that the rain stopped not long after disembarkation. We then walked along cleverly constructed

walkways with viewpoints of the spectacular waterfalls. Birds seen here included close views of several singing

Nightingales. Plants seen included Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair Fern), two species of Butchers Broom

(Ruscus hypoglossus and R. aculeatus).

After a return ferry journey and a brief stop at the hotel we returned to Lake Visovac for our picnic lunch where

today a Short-tailed Eagle was observed as well as the Giant Reed Warblers, Sand Martins, Swallows and

Whitethroat. Field Crickets and the large centipede Scolopendra cingulatus provided invertebrate interest.

We then drove on to Roski Slap where we were to find Campanula pyramidalis, Purple Honeywort (Cerinthe retorta),

Yellow Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea), and the beautiful Iris illyrica, as well as Yellow Flag (Iris pseudacorus). There

were also two puzzling yellow-flowered Erysimum species for which full identification has not proved possible.

Birds were again very disappointing but we did at least see some butterflies including Wall Brown, Orange Tip

and Green Hairstreak as well as Hummingbird Hawkmoth and our first damselflies of the week – some freshly

emerged Beautiful Demoiselles and the very large pond-skater species Aquarius najas.

Further stops on the other side of Lake Visovac gave us our ‘missing’ Sourthern Festoon Butterflies as well as

Brimstone and more Wall Brown. Agile Frog and European Glass Lizard were seen alive but sadly the Grass

Snake was deceased. A Rock Partridge at last gave the birders something to enjoy.

Croatia Tour Report


Day 4 Tuesday 21st April

We needed to make an early start again, as today was a transfer day so we left just before 8.30am. Most

nonetheless took advantage of an early morning walk when Blue Rock Thrush and Serin were again the principle

interest. On arrival back for breakfast we found that the Spanish Sparrows had at last taken up residence in their

nest tree outside the hotel.

We made a series of stops beside Lake Vrana at the first of which there were more Pygmy Cormorants, Cirl

Buntings, Alpine Swifts, Subalpine and Sardinian Wablers and other species. Plants included Prasium majus,

Asphodelus fistulosus and Allium neapolitanum whilst a Cream-spot Tiger Moth was a new insect for the week. A

short drive and then another stop produced Little Egret, Common Sandpiper, Turtle Dove and a Wryneck

among others. A single wing of Ammobiota festiva – a relative of the Tiger Moths - was frustrating for

entomologists. Stop three gave us Purple Heron, Little Bittern and Great White Egret. At last the birders had a

few species to please them. A Blue-tailed Damselfly, A Hairy Hawker Dragonfly and Italian Wall Lizards

provided other interest.

We drove on, crossing the bridge and arriving on the long, white, limestone island of Pag. From a distance this

looked as if it would be devoid of all vegetation but it does in fact have some interesting species. Here we

stopped by the Castle ruins for lunch. Crested Lark, Blue Rock Thrush and Black-eared Wheatear were on the

rocks whilst masses of Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) provided a colourful adornment on the other side of the

road.

After our picnic lunch we drove on, stopping for a walk beside the Freshwater Marsh at Velika Plato. Here it was

as if the birds were determined to make up for previous disappointments! A Squacco Heron posed near the bus

whilst Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt pottered about in the water. A Purple Heron took off

and Black-headed Yellow Wagtails were also flushed. Whiskered Terns and White-winged Black Terns were

dashing past and both Marsh Harrier and Montague’s Harrier also gave fine aerial displays. Common Heron and

Hooded Crow hardly warranted much attention but three Stone Curlew certainly did! After enjoying the birds

those thirsting for botanical pleasure were shown Bertilloni’s Bee Orchid (Ophrys bertillonii), Three-toothed

Orchid (Orchis tridentata) and the endemic Crucifer Degenia velebetica. With everyone well satisfied and with rain

now setting in we drove on to our new base at Hotel Rajna on the outskirts of Starigrad Paklenica.

Day 5 Wednesday 22nd April

Pre-breakfast walkers who took a stroll to the sea found Rosy Garlic (Allium roseum), Perfoliate Alexanders

(Smyrnium perfoliatum), Ground Pine (Ajuga chamaepitys ssp. palaestina), Anemone hortensis and many other plants en

route, whilst looking over the jetty revealed a Sea Cucumber (probably Stichopus regalis) and a Long-spined Sea

Urchin species (Arbacia lixula). Back at the hotel a Scarce Swallowtail was obligingly posing in the sun on a bush

in the car park.

After breakfast we drove up the hill to the Velebit Mountains where Narcissus poeticus, Viola adriatica, Fritillaria

orientalis, the yellow-flowered Anemone ranunculoides, the endemic Crucifer Pelteria alliacea and an interesting

subspecies of Cowslip Primula veris ssp. columnae were among the plants seen.

Croatia Tour Report


Unfortunately the conditions were very windy due to the Bura Wind, which can at times affect this part of

Croatia. This sadly meant that birds were hard to find. We therefore sought shelter lower down for lunch. After

our picnic we drove back down to the coast and stopped at the Visitor Centre for the National Park where

purchases of coffee or books could be made. On the sea here we saw our first Black-throated Diver of the week

whilst Sedum hispanicum and the diminutive Ranunculus chius were the only plants of note.

As it was now mid afternoon we drove back to park near the jetty close to our hotel. At least the sun was now

out even if it was still windy and suddenly butterflies started to appear these including Large White, Painted

Lady, Clouded Yellow and Scarce Swallowtail. Common Terns were fishing and a Marsh Harrier was also seen.

Italian Wall Lizards were plentiful as were the large leg-less European Glass Lizards one of which was deftly

caught by Gerard for closer examination and photography before its safe release. Plants seen included Disk

Trefoil (Hymenocarpus circinnatus), Yellow Vetchling (Lathyrus aphaca) and appropriately Juncus gerardii – officially

named Saltmarsh Rush but here re-christened as Gerard’s Rush. On a Tamarisk trunk we found the bracket

fungus Phellinus tamarisci a species restricted to this host.

Day 6 Thursday 23rd April

We awoke to a bright sunny day with a blue sky and this was clearly appreciated by the birds as well as by the

pre-breakfast walkers. Turtle Doves, Alpine Swifts, Red-backed Shrike, Serin and Cirl Bunting gave good views

whilst on the sea was a group of Red-breasted Mergansers. The orange flowered Goatsbeard relative Tragopogon

crocifolius was also seen and Arthur found Cynoglossum columnae.

After an early breakfast we left for the one and a half hour drive north to the Velebit Mountains. At the first stop

it was terribly windy which was again detrimental to the birds though this did not prevent us finding Elder-

flowered Orchid (Orchis sambucina) in both colour forms, Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) and Viola adriatica. A

Brown Hare was also seen. The second stop was botanically good with Purple Crocus (Crocus vernus), Drooping

Bittercress, Cardamine enneaphyllos, Green Hellebore (Helleborus viridis), Pulmonaria saccharata, Daphne mezereon, more

Elder-flowered Orchids and Spring Gentians among others but still few birds. Frustrated by the wind we made

our way back to the coast to again try and find a sheltered spot for our picnic. This again proved difficult and

sandwich making was fraught with difficulty as even the meat blew away!! We did though find our first Egyptian

Grasshopper of the week.

We made our way back along the coast to the Mala Canyon in the Paklenica National Park. Here we were

protected from the Bura Wind, as were the birds so here we did at least see Subalpine Warbler, Alpine Swift,

Wood Warbler and a few other species. A Cream Spot Tiger Moth and a spectacular Giant Peacock Moth both

caused excitement.

Day 7 Friday 24th April

Mercifully the wind had dropped but still the Croatian weather wasn’t finished with us – it was raining! In fact

the highest peaks even had a fresh covering of snow. Undeterred the early morning walkers saw Cirl Bunting,

Turtle Dove, Wood Sandpiper, Red-breasted Mergansers and 20+ Black-throated Divers. After breakfast we left

for the short drive to the start of our walk up the large gorge of Velika Paklenica.

Croatia Tour Report


Despite the persistent rain botanists nonetheless enjoyed Arenaria orbicularis, Arum italicum, Scrophularia heterophylla

ssp laciniata, and Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea), among many others. The birders included in their sightings Wood

Warbler, Blackcap, Black-headed Yellow Wagtail Grey Wagtail, Crag Martin and Alpine Swift. Other species we

had hoped to see proved elusive in these conditions as did the hoped for butterflies and reptiles though we were

pleased to find a Fire Salamander. After lunch in the relative comfort of the small café we made our way back

down to the minibus and all descended safely before returning to the hotel somewhat wetter than we would have

appreciated!

Day 8 Saturday 25th April

The weather was much better and the pre-breakfast walk was productive with Wryneck, Hoopoe, Whinchat, as

well as more Black-throated Divers, Red-breasted Merganser and Turtle Doves. An Italian Wall Lizard was also

seen After breakfast with bills paid and luggage packed we began our drive back to Split. At one point a Golden

Oriole was seen from the minibus. A comfort stop at the Hotel Panorama near Vodice produced plants such as

Asphodelus fistulosus, Cistus creticus and Biscutella cichoriifolia, whilst a Green-underside Blue was the best of the

butterflies!

At the airport we said our farewells to Gerard and Attila and to Croatia with its spectacular scenery and friendly

and charming people. Our thanks to all for their company and in contributing to the lists of species recorded

Highlights of the week

Brian Jones Waterfalls and the walks up the two canyons

Janet Jones Birds on Pag especially Montagu’s Harrier

Andrew Trawford Black-eared Wheatear and Montagu’s Harrier

Diana Trawford Waterfalls and the birds on Pag

Ernsrt Sondheimer Kindness shown by the group, and Karst landscapes

Jan Hasler Moving binoculars from Montagu’s Harrier to Stone Curlew

Laurie Hasler Meeting Prof. Ernst Sondheimer, and Pag with so many close birds

Arthur Goodman Barren landscape of Pag, and Hoopoe

Bridget Richardson Violets and Giant Peacock Moth

Heather White Watching the Nightingale singing

Eric Mackie Waterfalls and walk up the canyon

Gerard Gorman Scops Owl and Giant Peacock Moth

Alan Outen Cerinthe retorta and Cirl Bunting

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Croatia Tour Report


Species Lists

Plants

Site Code

Roadsides r [with date]

Heathrow to Skradinske Buk hotel

Skradin – plants recorded around the town various days Sn

roadstop near Jadrtovac Jtv

Skradinske Polje SP

Lake Visovac (also lunchstop on 20.04 and other shore) LVc

Prukljansko Jezero PJ

Bicine (overlooking Skradin harbour and walk down) Bc

Skradinske Buk SB

Lake Visovac (lunchstop and other shore) LVc

Roski Slap RS

roadside stop by Cikola Gorge Ck

Lake Vrana LVn

Pag Island inc lake and Marsh at Veliko Blato Pag

nr Hotel Rajna Starigrad Paklenica Raj

Velebit Mountains VelM

Velebit Mountains further north - Baske Ostarije BkOj

road-side lunchstop at lower altitude Bk2

Paklenica National Park - Mala Canyon MC

Velika Paklenica (large gorge) VPk

comfort stop nr Hotel Panorama

Return to Heathrow

hp

References used (reference codes are those I use for all tours)

Author Title Publisher Code

Blamey & Grey Wilson 1993 Mediterranean Wild Flowers Harper Collins B

Delforge 1995 Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East Harper Collins Df

Fitter R, Fitter A

& Blamey M

Wild Flowers of Britain & Northern Europe (1996

edn)

Harper Collins A

Fitter, Fitter & Farrer 1983 Grasses, Sedges, Rushes & Ferns Collins F

Grey Wilson & Blamey 1995 Alpine Flowers of Britain & Europe 2nd edn Harper Collins G

Jager E & Werner K 2000 Exkursionflora von Deutschland Spektrum J

Polunin O 1980 Flowers of Greece & the Balkans OUP Pg

Unfortunately two species of Erysimum and one other Crucifer seen at Roski Slap and one Euphorbia from

Paklenica National Park could not be reliably identified as key characters necessary for identification were not

evident in the available photographs. I will endeavour to take a key to Croatian species of Crucifers and

Euphorbia when I next visit.

Croatia Tour Report


Scientific Name Common Name Refs 2009 Locations

PTERIDOPHYTES

Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern F196.1; SB;

Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall Rue F200.6; VelM; Raj;

Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort F200.2; J18; Bc; SB; VPk;

Ceterach officinarum

(=Asplenium ceterach)

Rustyback F202.5; J17; Bc; SB;

Cystopteris fragilis (=regia) Brittle Bladder Fern F206.1; BkOj;

Phyllitis scolopendrium

(=Asplenium)

Hartstongue F198.4; RS

Polypodium cambricum

(=australe)

Southern Polypody F214.6; RS

Equisetum fluviatile Water Horsetail F190.4; LVc;

Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail F190.5; J12; LVc;

CONIFERS

Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress B11; r 18.04;

Juniperus communis Common Juniper G22.7; M42; J35 Jtv;

Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper B15 VelM;

Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper B17; SP;

Picea abies Norway Spruce G22.2; M78; J30 BkOj;

Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine B1; SP;

Pinus mugo Mountain Pine G22.5;M92; J32 VelM; MC;

Pinus nigra ssp. illyrica Black Pine B4 VelM;

FLOWERING PLANTS

Aceraceae

Acer campestre Field Maple G166.2; A34.4 VPk;

Acer monspessulanum Montpelier Maple B856; 3-lobed lvs Ck; MC;

Acer obtusatum B858; 5- lobed lvs LVc;

Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore G166.3; A34.3 VPk;

Aizoaceae

[Carpobrotus edulis] Hottentot Fig B115; Bc; Pag;

Anacardiaceae

Cotinus coggyria Smoke Tree B870; Bc;

Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree B865; Ck;

Pistacia terebinthus Turpentine Tree B861; Pg704; SP;

Rhus coriaria Sumach B867; SP;

Apiaceae

Eryngium amethystinum Blue Eryngo B1080; Pg856; MC (lvs only);

Croatia Tour Report


Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd’s Needle B1097; Sn;

Smyrnium perfoliata Perfoliate Alexanders B1088; Raj; VPk;

Tordylium apulum B1149; Jtv;

Apocynaceae

Nerium oleander Oleander B1256; Raj;

Vinca major Greater Periwinkle B1260; SB;

Araliaceae

Hedera helix Ivy G184.4; A164.4 Sn; VPk;

Asclepiadaceae

Vincetoxicum hirundaria Swallowwort B1269; G222.1; VPk;

Aristolochiaceae

Aristolochia rotunda Yellow Birthwort B63; LVc; VelM;

Asteraceae

Bellis perennis Daisy G288.2; A244.1 MC

Calendula arvensis Field Marigold B1908; Jtv;

Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle A258.2; LVn;

Crepis rubra Pink Hawksbeard B2070; Jtv;

Dittrichia viscosa Perennial Stink Aster B1842 Jtv;

Evax pygmaea B1805; SP;

Helichrysum italicum B1828; SP;

Hyoseris scabra (B2033); Bk2;

Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce A264.5; B2076; J568 PJ;

Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce A264.4; VPk;

Rhagadiolus stellatus Star Hawkbit B2037; Bc; RS;

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel A254.6; J511; Pg1449; Sn;

Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle A264.1a; J565 Raj;

Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle A264.1; Pg1539; Jtv; VPk;

Tragopogon crocifolius B2057; Raj;

Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot G298.1; A252.5 VelM;

Betulaceae

Alnus glutinosa Common Alder G28.3a; A30.7 SB;

Boraginaceae

Anchusa cretica B1414; PJ;

Buglossoides purpureocaerulea

(=Lithospermum)

Blue Gromwell G222.3; A198.8 Raj;

Cerinthe retorta Violet Honeywort B1369; RS;

Cynoglossum columnae Raj;

Croatia Tour Report


Cynoglossum velebiticum END. VelM;

Echium vulgare Viper’s Bugloss G224.4; A202.1 hp;

Lithospermum officinale Gromwell G222; PJ;

Myosotis arvensis Field forget-me-not G226.4; A200.4 Sn; LVc; Raj;

Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not (G226.4a); J423; Pg1068; LVc;

Pulmonaria saccharata (G224.6a); BkOj;

Symphytum tuberosum Yellow Comfrey (G226) Sn; BkOj;

Brassicaceae

Aethionema saxatile white flowers B340; Sn; SP;

Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard A94.5; SB;

Alysssoides utriculata G86.1 RS

Arabis alpina Alpine Rockcress G84.9; A98.7; VelM;

Arabis glabra Tower Mustard A98.6; J165; VPk;

Arabis turrita Tower Cress G84; Sn; SP; LVc; SB; VPk

Aurinia sinuata (=Alyssoides) yellow flowers, grey leaves B331; RS;

Biscutella cichoriifolia Chicory-leaved Buckler Mustard G94; hp;

Biscutella laevigata yellow flowers G95; Jtv;

Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse G86.8; A100.2 Jtv; Sn;

Capsella rubella Jtv;

Cardamine enneaphyllos Drooping Bittercress G80.6; BkOj;

Degenia velebetica Pag;

Diplotaxis muralis Annual Wall Rocket A88.2; VelM;

Eruca sativa Eruca B361; SP;

Erophila verna Spring Whitlow-grass G90.1; A100.7; VelM;

Lepidium draba (=Cardaria) Hoary Cress A102.1; r18.04; Sn; Ck;

Moricandia arvensis Moricandia Raj;

Peltaria alliacea white flowers VelM; BkOj;

Raphanus raphanistrum Wid Radish A92.8; Sn; VPk;

Sinapis arvensis Charlock A92.4; LVn;

Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard A90.2; Jtv; Bk2;

Cactaceae

Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly Pear B1040; r19.04;

Campanulaceae

Campanula fenestrellata

ssp. fenestrellata

VelM; VPk;

Campanula pyramidalis B1764; RS;

Legousia hybrida Venus’s Looking glass B1779; PJ; Bk2;

Caprifoliaceae

Sambucus nigra Common Elder (G274.2a); A234.5a; RS; VPk;

Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree G274.1; BkOj;

Croatia Tour Report


Caryophyllaceae

Arenaria orbicularis Sandwort VPk;

Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear A56.5; LVc; Raj;

Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear G48.6; A56.6 Jtv;

Herniaria hirsuta Rupture Wort B139; Pag;

Minuarta verna Vernal Sandwort G50; Bc; Pag;

Silene dioica Red Campion r18.04;

Silene latifolia White Campion Sn;

Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion B157; Jtv; Raj; VelM;

Stellaria media Common Chickweed A54.5; LVc;

Celastraceae

Euonymus europaeus Spindle Tree G167; VPk;

Chenopodiaceae

Beta vulgaris ssp maritima Sea Beet B80; Sn; Raj;

Chenopodium album Fat Hen A46.2; J116 Raj;

Cistaceae

Cistus creticus Pink Rockrose B962; hp;

Cistus monspelliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus B966; r19.04;

Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose B966; SP;

Helianthemum canum Hoary Rockrose B1005; Bc;

Tuberaria praecox B987; LVc;

Convolvulaceae

Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed G212.10; A194.2 LVc;

Convolvulus cantabrica Pink Convolvulus B1329; Bc;

Cornaceae

Cornus sanguinea Dogwood G184.1; SP;

Corylaceae

Carpinus orientalis Oriental Hornbeam B36; VPk;

Corylus avellana Hazel G28.4; A32.2 VPk;

Ostrya carpinifolia Hop Hornbeam B37; SB; RS; VPk;

Crassulaceae

Sedum album White Stonecrop G98.7; A106.3 VPk;

Sedum hispanicum (G100.3b); Pg393, p 14; VPk;

Sedum ochroleucum Creamish Stonecrop G98.4; B383; Pg387, p 14; VPk;

Sedum sexangulare Tasteless Stonecrop G98.6a; (A106.2a); J280 Jtv;

Croatia Tour Report


Cucurbitaceae

Bryonia cretica (=dioica) White Bryony A158.5; J149; RS;

Discoriaceae

Tamus communis Black Bryony B2282 LVc; SB; VPk;

Dipsacaceae

Dipsacus fullonum Teasel A236.5; J411 Jtv;

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia characias

ssp. wulfenii

Large Mediterranean Spurge B819; r18.04; RS; VPk;

Euphorbia helioscopica Sun Spurge A144.6; Jtv;

Euphorbia myrsinites Broad Leaved Glaucous Spurge B801; Raj;

Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge B795; Jtv;

Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury G162.8; (A144.10a); Pg667 Jtv; RS;

Mercurialis perennis Dogs Mercury G162.9; A144.10 VelM;

Fabaceae

Astragalus monspessulanus False Vetch G144.1; SP;

Anthyllis vulneraria Common Kidney Vetch G155.5; Jtv;

Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree B430; Sn; r20.04;

Coronilla emerus False Senna B693; SP;

Coronilla emerus emeroides (B694); VPk;

Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion Vetch B701; MC;

Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch G154.8; A136.4; J314 MC;

Hippocrepis unisiliquosa B706; MC;

Hymenocarpus circinnatus Disk Trefoil B692; Raj;

Lathyrus aphaca Yellow Vetchling G148.2b Raj;

Lathyrus cicera B545; Pg557; Jtv;

Medicago arabica Spotted Medick A136.7; LVn;

Medicago minima Bur Medick B622; Bk2;

Medicago sativa ssp falcata Lucerne B596; Bc;

Medicago lupulina Black Medick (G150.8a); A136.6; Bc;

Psoralea bituminosa Pitch Trefoil B508; SP;

Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia A128.9; B488 r23.04;

Spartium junceum Spanish Broom B481; r18.04; hp;

Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil A136.8; LVn

Trifolium repens White Clover G152.3; A138.3; Jtv;

Trifolium stellatum Star Clover B662; Jtv; Bc;

Vicia hybrida Yellow Vetch B52; Jtv; PJ;

Vicia ? ochroleuca Raj;

Vicia sativa Common Vetch A130.5; Pg549; Jtv;

Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch B510; LVn

Croatia Tour Report


Fagaceae

Fagus sylvatica Beech G28.5; BkOj;

Quercus cerris Turkey Oak A32.6b; VPk

Quercus ilex Holm Oak B25; roadsides

Quercus pubescens Downy Oak B31; SP;

Gentianaceae

Gentiana verna Spring Gentian G218.1; A192.1 BkOj;

Geraniaceae

Erodium ciconium B760 SP;

Erodium cicutarium Common Storks-Bill B761; SP;

Erodium malacoides Soft Storks-Bill B752; Raj; hp;

Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Cranesbill B746; Raj;

Geranium dissectum Cut-lvd Cranesbill A142.9; Pg648; LVn;

Geranium lucidum Shining Cranesbill (G160.3b); A142.7; VelM;

Geranium molle Dovesfoot Cranesbill B741; Jtv; Bk2;

Geranium purpureum Little Robin B748; Jtv; Bk2;

Geranium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Cranesbill G160.1; A142.5; Pg642; SP;

Geranium robertianum Herb Robert G160.3; A142.6 VPk;

Globulariaceae

Globularia meridionalis prostrate, blue flowers (G264.3b) SP;

Hippocastanaceae

Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut A36.1; SB;

Juglandaceae

Juglans regia Walnut A30.4; J71; LVc;

Lamiaceae

Acinos arvensis Basil-thyme B1496; Jtv; LVn;

Ajuga chamaepitys

ssp. palaestina

Ground Pine B1425; Raj;

Ajuga reptans Common Bugle G230.2; A206.1 VPk;

Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel G234.5; A210.9; VPk;

Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead Nettle G232.4; A210.3; Jtv;

Lamium maculatum Spotted Deadnettle B1476; VelM;

Lamium purpureum Red Dead Nettle G232.3; A210.2; LVc;

Lycopus europaeus Gypsywort A214.5; J489; Pg1166; SB

Mentha aquatica Water Mint G240.8; A214.1 Sn; LVc; SB;

Prasium majus Prasium B1444; LVn;

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary B1526; Pg1105; Bc;

Croatia Tour Report


Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary G232.4; A212.1; J484;

Pg1147;

Pag; VelM;

Salvia verbenacea Wild Clary B1545; Jtv; SP; Pag;

Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort G236.7; A212.7 Raj

Lauraceae

Laurus nobilis Laurel, Sweet Bay B199; SB;

Linaceae

Linum perenne Perennial Flax A140; LVc;

Malvaceae

Malva sylvestris Common Mallow B898; Jtv; Sn;

Moraceae

Ficus carica Fig B42; SB; VPk;

Morus alba White Mulberry J73; B41; Pg61; Sn;

Oleaceae

Fraxinus excelsior Ash G168.4; A36.4; Pg978; SB;

Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash B1245; r 18.04; RS;

Olea europea Olive B1248; r 19.04;

Papaveraceae

Chelidonium majus Greater Celendine G74.7; A84.9 RS;

Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory G72.8; A82.5; Pg281; Jtv;

Pseudofumaria alba (=Corydalis

ochroleuca)

yellow flowers (G72.4a); VelM; VPk;

Papaver rhoeas Jtv;

Pittosporaceae

Pittosporum tobira B402; Raj [planted];

Plantaginaceae

Plantago coronopus Buckshorn Plantain A232.6; B1696; Pg1285; Raj;

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain G266.4; A232.3; Pg1286; SP; VelM; Sn;

Plantago major Greater Plantain G266.5; A232.1; Pg1293 Sn;

Platanaceae

Platanus orientalis Oriental Plane B400; SB;

Polygalaceae

Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort B849; LVc; VelM;

Croatia Tour Report


Polygonaceae

Rumex crispus Curled Dock A44.3a; Raj;

Rumex hydrolapathum Water Dock A44.6; Sn;

Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock A44.3; J126 Sn;

Rumex pulcher Fiddle Dock A44.5; J126 PJ; RS;

Rumex scutatus Rubble Dock G32.2; (A44.1b) VPk;

Primulaceae

Anagalis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel B1198; LVc (blue form); Pag

(red form);

Cyclamen purpurascens

(=europaeum)

Sowbread G211.10; SB; MC; VPk;

Primula veris ssp. columnae Cowslip G203.3; VelM;

Primula vulgaris Primrose G202.1; A184.1 VelM; BkOj;

Ranunculaceae

Anemone hortensis B213; LVc; Raj;

Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone G58.3; A80.5 VelM; BkOj;

Anemone ranunculoides Yellow Anemone G59.4; VelM;

Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold G56.3; A72.2 BkOj;

Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore G54.2; BkOj;

Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup A72.3; LVc;

Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup G66.1; A72.4 Raj

Ranunculus chius (B246); Pg232a, d 238; RS; Pk;

Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine A72.8; VelM;

Ranunculus millefoliatus B254; Jtv;

Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow Rue G69.8;

Resedaceae

Reseda alba White Mignonette (A104.2b); B375 Sn;

Reseda lutea Yellow Mignonette B376; Jtv;

Rhamnaceae

Paliurus spina-cristi Christ’s Thorn B881; SP;

Rosaceae

Amelanchier ovalis Amelanchier G134.7; VelM;

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn G135.8; VPk;

Fragaria x ananassa Garden Strawberry A116; Raj;

Fragaria moschata Hautbois Strawberry G130.6a; A116.1a; J241 VPk;

Geum urbanum Herb Bennet G124.9; A116.6 Raj;

Potentilla aurea Golden Cinquefoil G128.5; (A118.3d); VelM;

Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil (G128.5c); Jtv; Sn;

Prunus dulcis Almond B421; Pg479; LVc;

Croatia Tour Report


Prunus spinosa Blackthorn G136.2; A122.1 VelM;

Pyrus amygdaliformis G134.2b VelM;

Rubus ulmifolius Jtv;

Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet G124.3a; A112.5; Pg439; Jtv; LVc; Raj;

Sorbus aucuparia Rowan A120.4 Pag;

Rubiaceae

Cruciata laevipes Crosswort B1300; LVc;

Galium aparine Common Cleavers A196.8; Sn; Bk2;

Sherardia arvensis Field Madder A194.6; Pg1014; Jtv; LVc;

Valantia hispida B1303; SP; Raj;

Rutaceae

Citrus limon Lemon Raj (planted);

Salicaceae

Populus nigra Black Poplar G26.8; A30.3 RS;

Santalaceae

Osyris alba Osiris B44; Bc; MC;

Scrophulariaceae

Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Taodflax B1632; Bc; VPk;

Scrophularia canina Alpine Figwort B1589; LVn; Pag;

Scrophularia heterophylla

ssp laciniata

(G244.3b); Pg1216, d 416; VPk;

Verbascum phoeniceum Purple Mullein B1594; VelM;

Verbascum sinuatum B1601; Bc;

Veronica anagallis-aquatica Blue Water Speedwell A226.2 SB;

Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell G252.2; A224.3 VPk;

Veronica cymbalaria Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell B1646 Bc;

Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell A226.4; J445; Pg1223; PJ;

Solanaceae

Nicotiana glauca Shrub Tobacco B1582; r18.04;

Tamaricaceae

Tamarix sp. r18.04; Raj;

Thymeleaceae

Daphne mezereon Mezereon G174.1; BkOj;

Tiliaceae

Croatia Tour Report


Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime G169.3;

lvs grey-downy below

Roadsides

Tilia tomentosa Silver Lime (G168.3a);

lvs white with star- shaped

hairs below;

r19.04;

Ulmaceae

Celtis australis Nettle Tree B39; RS

Ulmus canescens Mediterranean Elm B38; Sn;

Urticaceae

Parietaria judaica (=diffusa) Pellitory of the Wall J75; A38.8; B50; Pg68; LVc; SB;

Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle G30.1;A38.7 SB;

Valerianaceae

Valerianella locusta Common Cornsalad A234.4 LVc;

Violaceae

Viola adriatica VelM; BkOj;

Viola arvensis Field Pansy A156.6; SP; VelM;

Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet G178.7; A154.3 VPk;

Vitaceae

Vitis vinifera Grape Vine B889; MC;

MONOCOTYLEDONS

Agavaceae

Agave americana Agave, Century Plant B2253; r18.04;

Amaryllidaceae

Leucojum aestivum Summer Snowflake B2269; G335.2; LVc;

Narcissus poeticus Pheasant’s Eye Narcissus G335.4; VelM;

Araceae

Arum italicum Large Cuckoo Pint B2361; SB; VPk;

Cyperaceae

Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge F154.3; J666; VelM;

Carex digitata Fingered Sedge F154.1; J667; VPk;

Carex distans Distant Sedge F150.2; J676; SB;

Carex otrubae False Fox Sedge F130.1; Sn;

Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge F144.3; J669; RS

Carex riparia Greater Pond Sedge F142.2; J673; Sn;

Croatia Tour Report


Carex remota Remote Sedge F136.1; LVn;

Iridaceae

Crocus vernus Purple Crocus G336.2; A284.9; BkOj

Iris illyricus RS;

Iris pseudocorus Yellow Flag B2290; LVc;

Juncaceae

Juncus acutus Sharp Rush F168; Sn;

Juncus gerardii Saltmarsh Rush F168; Raj;

Liliaceae

Allium neopolitanum Naples Garlic B2225; LVn;

Allium roseum Rosy Garlic B2224; Raj;

Asparagus acutifolius B2212; SP;

Asparagus officinalis Common Asparagus B2218; PJ; Raj;

Asphodeline lutea Yellow Asphodel B2092; Pg1593; r18.04; RS; Ck;

Asphodelus aestivus

(=microcarpus)

Common Asphodel B2089; LVn; Pag; Raj;

Asphodelus fistulosus Hollow-leaved Asphodel B2087; LVn;

Erythronium dens-canis Dogs Tooth Violet G328.6; BkOj (lvs only);

Fritillaria orientalis Slender-leaved Snakeshead G326.6 VelM;

Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth B2201; Sn; LVc; Bc;

Muscari neglectum Common Grape Hyacinth B2206; SP;

Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star of Bethlehem B2171; Jtv;

Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom B2219; SB; VPk;

Ruscus hypoglossum Large Butcher’s Broom B2220; SB;

Scilla litardierei (=pratensis) Meadow Squill B2184; LVc; LVn;

Smilax aspera Common Smilax B2222; SP; LVn;

Orchidaceae

Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid Df176; B2395; BkOj;

Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid B2412; SP; VPk;

Orchis morio Green-Winged Orchid SP; LVc; Raj;

Orchis quadripunctata Four-spotted Orchid B2419; Df307; Jtv;

Orchis tridentata Toothed Orchid B2407; Pag;

Ophrys bertolonii Bertoloni’s Orchid Df433; Jtv; Pag;

Ophrys phryganae Df420; Jtv

Ophrys rhodostephane Df496; SP;

Ophrys tommasinii Df602; SP;

Palmae (=Arecaceae)

Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm B2350; r 18.04;

Trachycarpus fortunei Chusan Palm B2353; Sn [planted];

Croatia Tour Report


Poaceae

Arundo donax Giant Reed B2494; Sn; SB;

Catapodium (=Desmazeria) rigida Fern Grass B2455; Bc;

Dactylis glomerata

inc. ssp. aschersoniana (= D.polygama)

Cocksfoot F62.2; Sn;

Hordeum murinum Wall Barley F82.2; J702 Jtv; Sn;

Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass F106.3; BkOj;

Phragmites australis Common Reed F102.6; PJ;

Poa annua Annual Meadow Grass F54.3; J692 SB;

Birds (h = heard only)

April

Common name Scientific name 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

1 Black-throated Diver Loon Gavia arctica 20+

2 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

3 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

4 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

5 Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmaeus

6 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus

7 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

8 Little Egret Egretta garzetta

9 Great White Egret Casmerodius (=Ardea) alba

10 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

11 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

12 Mute Swan Cygnus olor

13 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

14 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

15 Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

16 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus

17 Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus

18 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus

19 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

20 Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

21 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

22 Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca

23 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus h h h

24 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

25 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

26 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

27 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

28 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

29 Greenshank Tringa nebularia

30 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

31 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

32 Common Tern Sterna hirundo

33 Whiskered Tern Chlidonais hybridus

34 White-winged Tern Chlidonais leucopterus

35 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia fp fp fp fp fp fp

36 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

37 Eurasian Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur

Croatia Tour Report


April


38 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus h h

39 European Scops-Owl Otus scops h h

40 Common Swift Apus apus

41 Alpine Swift Apus (Tachymarptis) melba

42 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops h

43 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla h

44 Crested Lark Galerida cristata

45 Wood Lark Lullula arborea

46 Sand Martin Riparia riparia

47 Eurasian Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris

48 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

49 Common House-Martin Delichon urbica

50 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris

51 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

52 White Wagtail Motacilla alba

53 Yellow Wagtail (black headed) Motacilla flava feldegg

54 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

55 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos h h h h h

56 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica

57 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

58 Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius

59 Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula

60 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

61 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla h h

62 Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris

63 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala

64 Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis

65 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans

66 Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides h

67 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti h h h

68 Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus

69 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

70 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita h h h h

71 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

72 Great Tit Parus major h h h h

73 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

74 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio

75 Common Magpie Pica pica

76 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius h

77 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

78 Common Raven Corvus corax

79 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

80 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

81 House Sparrow Passer domesticus

82 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

83 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

84 Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina

85 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

86 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

87 European Serin Serinus serinus

88 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus h h

Croatia Tour Report


April


89 Corn Bunting Miliaria (=Emberiza) calandra

Mammals

1 Red Squirrel Scuirus vulgaris

2 Brown Hare Lepus europaeus

Reptiles

1 Balkan Green Lizard Lacerta trilineata

2 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula

3 European Glass Lizard Ophisaurus apodus

4 Grass Snake Natrix natrix †

Amphibians

1 Edible Frog Rana esculenta

2 Marsh Frog Rana ridibunda h h

3 Agile Frog Rana dalmatina

4 Yellow-bellied Toad Bombina variegata

5 Fire Salamander Salamandra salamandra

Butterflies

1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon

2 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius

3 Southern Festoon Zerynthia polyxena

4 Large White Pieris brassicae

5 Small White Pieris rapae

6 Eastern Bath White Pontia edusa

7 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines

8 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea

9 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni

10 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi

11 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

12 Dalmatian Ringlet Proterebia afra

13 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera

Moths

1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum

2 Cream-spot Tiger Moth Arctia villica

3 Pine Processionary Moth [larval 'nests'] Thaumetopoea pityocampa

4 Nine-spotted Syntomia phegea

5 Giant Peacock Moth Saturnia pyri

Other insect spp

Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ishnura elegans

Hairy Hawker Brachytron pratense

Migratory Locust Locusta migratoria

Croatia Tour Report


April


Egyptian Grasshopper Anacridium aegyptium

Field Cricket sp Gryllus ?campestris

? 2spp un- identified

a large Pondskater sp Aquarius najas

Eurydema ornatum

Lygaeus equestris

Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina

Red & Black Froghopper Cercopis vulnerata

Alder Fly Sialis sp.

Honey bee Apis mellifera

Robin's Pincushion Gall Diplolepis rosae

black & white sp un-identified

Green Tiger Beetle Cicindela campestris

Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata

a longhorn beetle sp Dorcadion arenarium

a Flower Chafer Beetle Oxythyrea funesta

Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha tenebricosa

Other invertebrates

Garden Spider Araneus diadematus

a crab spider sp Xysticus sp.

Sheep Tick Ixodes ricinus

a large millipede Schizophyllum sp

Large European Centipede Scolopendra cingulatus

Pill Woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare

Molluscs

Garden Snail Cornu (=Helix) aspera

Great Grey Slug Limax maximus

Round-mouthed Snail Pomatias elegans

Zonites acies

Echinoderms

Long-spined Sea Urchin Arbacia lixula

a sea cucumber sp. Stichopus regalis ?

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