Report of an Ecotours trip to Croatia
26th April to 3rd May 2008
Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca
Seen in the Paklenica National Park 2nd May 2008
THE TRIP
Introduction
This report is a record of a trip made to Croatia for 8 days from 26th April to 3rd May 2008. The purpose of the trip was not only to see the bird life, butterflies and the flowers of the country, but any aspect of its natural history was also considered to be of interest. Those on the trip were Celia Barton, Phyll and Vernon Davies, Dot and Roy Head and Pam and John Smallwood.
All aspects of the trip, including discussions with the travel companies, booking the trip, investigating and fixing flights and taxis were made by Celia.
The Tour
After a successful and enjoyable trip was made to Hungary and Slovakia in 2007, it was requested by the group that another European trip should be made, this time possibly to a more southern country. After various options were investigated and after discussions with Attila Steiner of Ecotours Hungary Ltd it was finally decided to make a two centre eight day trip to Croatia, based around Plitvicka Jezera (Plitvice Lakes) situated near to the Bosnian border in the northern part of central Croatia and to Starigrad more southerly and on the coast.
The flights were booked via the internet with EasyJet, flying from Bristol International Airport to Split-Kastela International Airport and transport to and from Bristol was by Ray’s Coaches of Cradley Heath.
All costs were deemed to be quite reasonable with the flight costing £109 including the baggage charge, the trip itself was £760 for the 8 days and the taxi £47, making a total of £917 per person. The only extra costs were those of a personal nature, which were very few as most things were included in the cost of the trip. Wine was our only extravagance which used most of the local currency we had brought! The exchange rate at the time of our trip was about 8.9 Kuna to £1 although this could vary somewhat dramatically day to day.
We were met at Split Airport by Attila Steiner who was to be our guide for the trip as well as our driver. After stopping at Trogir for a sightseeing walk around the town, followed by lunch, we drove to Bjelopolje for the first of our three night stop. While here we spent time investigating the local countryside as well as visiting the nearby Plitvicka Jezera, or Plitvice Lakes National Park. From here we then travelled south, across the Velebit Mountains to stay for the next four nights at Starigrad next to the Paklenica National Park and close to Vrana Lakes Nature Park and Pag Island, both of which we visited. Following that we returned to Split Airport for our flight home. More details of the tour are given in the Itinerary and Travel Notes.
Accommodation
The two hotels we stopped at had both their good and not so good points.
The first hotel at Bjelopolje was the three star Pansion Licka Kapa, some 25 kilometres south of the Plitvice Lakes. This was chosen as all other hotels nearer to the Plitvice Lakes had been booked up for some time previously. While this proved to be a convenient base, the bedrooms were considered to be rather on the small side and the beds uncomfortable! Coupled with that, the heating system appeared to have suffered some catastrophe shortly after our arrival and although it been warm enough on the first night, after that there was no heating in either the bedrooms or in the large dining room. Due to the height of the pansion at over 2200 feet and the time of year, some form of heating was necessary and we had to rely on jumpers and fleeces to provide some warmth. It was quite pleasant when time came to snuggle down in your uncomfortable bed. Although located in an agreeable position, the beds and lack of heating spoilt what could have been a pleasant sojourn.
The second hotel, the Hotel Rajna at Starigrad was very different. The much larger bedrooms were light and airy and because we were on the coast and away from the mountains we were not so reliant upon any heating to keep us warm. Quality of the rooms varied considerably with some being quite luxurious equipped while other were lacking a little. All had balconies overlooking the nearby Adriatic Sea which were useful for birding the intervening land.
Quality of food was, as always, an emotive issue. Breakfasts consisted of the usual omelettes plus sliced cheese and ham and plenty of bread. The pansion scored over the hotel because they provided a choice of fillings for the omelettes whereas the hotel didn’t. Main courses were always ample and mostly tasty, although the pansion, in my opinion, served up the best meal of the trip with a delicious meal of trout on our last night there.
Having said all that, no one complained of lack of sleep or about the food, which may of course have something to do with the numbers of litre bottles of the local wine consumed during our stay.
Guide
We all had met Attila Steiner before when he guided us on a trip to Hungary and Slovakia in 2007, we were therefore very happy to have him as a guide for this trip. Attila is the Principle Guide and Tour Consultant for Ecotours Hungary Ltd. Attila’s knowledge of the bird calls plus his skill in spotting the birds, as well as his determination that everyone had good views of them, plus his good sense of humour and willingness to pander to all our little whims and idiosyncrasies made for a successful and enjoyable trip.
Conclusions
All pre-trip exchange of correspondence was conducted by e-mail and when obtaining information regarding the trip, or the country, or answers to any question, Attila or a member of the office staff at Ecotours were quick to reply. On arrival at Split we were given check-lists, up to date itineraries, and other relevant information.
As always an estimate of the number of birds likely to be seen on the trip was made by each member of the group at the start. These varied wildly from about 130 to an eye watering 170 or so. In the end the number of bird species seen was somewhat higher than expected, although as is always the case on trips such as these there were a few that eluded us, but we all did get good views of two of the main target birds, namely Rock Partridge and Western Rock Nuthatch.
Few mammals were seen but insects, particularly butterflies, were well in evidence and we were able to get close enough to get some good photographs of a lot of them.
The general consensus of the group was that the whole trip had been a great success and had been thoroughly enjoyed by all and that this success must be due to Attila whose hard work and skills made the trip so agreeable and worthwhile. Our only complaint was that it had not been long enough; any future trip would preferable be at least 10 or 11 days in length. We have no hesitation in recommending Ecotours Hungary wholeheartedly.
Our final list of bird species was 142, which included a personal ‘new bird’ list of 5 to which must be added the various mammals, reptiles, insects and flowers we saw along the way.
I must also add my appreciation to the group for their help in compiling this report and to Celia in particular for the very comprehensive lists of the plants and butterflies and for other information.
Any further information can be obtained from John Smallwood
johnsmallwood@blueyonder.co.uk
REFERENCES
Tour Company
Ecotours Hungary Ltd. Villanyi 62, 1113 Hungary. Phone/Fax: 00-36-1-2790252. www.ecotours.hu.
Books
Michael Chinery. 1976. A Field Guide to the Insects of Britain and Northern Europe.
Michael Chinery. 1986. Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe
Oleg Polunin. 1987. Flowers of Greece and the Balkans.
Marjorie Blamey & Chris Grey-Wilson. 1995. Collins Guide to Alpine Flowers of Britain and Europe.
Steve Brooks & Richard Lewington. 1999. Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland
Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterström & Grant. 2001. Collins Bird Guide.
Arnold and Ovenden. 2002. Collins Field Guide Reptiles & Amphibians Britain & Europe.
Lafranchis. 2004. Butterflies of Europe.
Marjorie Blamey & Chris Grey-Wilson. 2004. Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean.
Klaas-Douwe Dijkstra & Richard Lewington. 2006. Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe.
Map
Freytag and Berndt. Croatia Coast. 1:200,000
ITINERARY AND TRAVEL NOTES
What follows is a summary of the places and various sites visited on our trip to Croatia together with details of some of the birds, butterflies, mammals etc. seen or heard. Apart from their first sighting, or of hearing them, the more common species have not been included in these notes. For complete details of all the species seen, please refer to the Systematic Lists.
Day 1: Saturday 26th April
Stourbridge – Bristol International Airport – Split-Kastela International Airport – Trogir – Primosten Island – Sibenik – Gospic – Bjelopolje, Korenica.
A very early morning pick up (3:00am!) by Ray’s Coaches to take us to Bristol International Airport for the flight by EasyJet to Split-Kastela Airport. The plane took off more or less on time for a smooth flight arriving some twenty minutes ahead of schedule. We were met by Attila Steiner, loaded up the minibus and were on our way before 11:30. Our first stop was to be Trogir for a sightseeing visit of this interesting old town with its Romanesque churches, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, belfries and winding alleyways, but a stop along the coast road gave us our first taste of Croatian birds. Here we were to see plenty of Yellow-legged Gull, Grey Heron, 4 Great Egret, European Shag, Eurasian Spoonbill, lots of Hooded Crow, Serin, Little Egret, a Great Reed Warbler singing, Moorhen, a Pheasant calling and a Scarce Swallowtail.
After a walk around the town and then lunch, which consisted of a large pizza and having failed to see any Pallid Swifts, we set off to drive to Bjelopolje for our first night. Birds seen along the road included Barn Swallow, House Sparrow, Magpie, Starling, Feral Pigeon, 2 Alpine Swift and Peregrine chasing a Swift. Common Buzzard, Blackbird, Corn Bunting and Hawfinch were also seen. A further stop overlooking the Isle of Primosten gave us the first of the many Nightingales we were to hear singing, while at a stop at the car park at Krka National Park we saw Crested Lark, House Martin, Sand Martin and Black-eared Wheatear.
One noticeable feature of the drive along the coast was the number of very nice sailing boats and yachts moored at the various marinas and quays we passed. We were informed that most of them were owned by foreigners, mainly Germans, but a minority were owned by British as well as some by Croatians themselves.
We continued our journey along the superb new A1 motorway complete with tunnels, one nearly 6 km long, to finally reach our destination, the Pansion Licka Kapa at Bjelopolje, just south of Korenica, where we were to spend the next three nights. As we tumbled out of the bus on our arrival a Skylark serenaded us from above, described elsewhere as the ‘Champagne moment of the day’, while we went inside to have a hearty dinner of tasty spit roasted pork, very nice indeed but rather too much after the lunch earlier in the day.
Birds Seen Today: 29 New Birds for the Trip: 29 Total To Date: 29
Day 2: Sunday 27th April
Bjelopolje – Korenica – Vrpile – Ljubovo – Licki Osik – Sinac - Plitvice Lakes NP – Korenica – Bjelopolje.
Out before breakfast to bird around the Pansion which gave us Black Redstart, Skylark, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Serin, Great Tit, the first of the many Cuckoo we were to hear calling, Whinchat, White Wagtail, small flock of Linnet, Buzzard, 2 Wryneck and a large flock of Raven numbering possibly over 30. A further walk after breakfast to show the ‘late risers’ what they had missed earlier produced another Wryneck and Buzzard as well as some of the more usual birds.
Today we followed a circular route of approximately 100 km through the towns and villages mentioned above plus a few excursions down one or two of the local roads to see the various habitats in the area. Birds seen along the trip included Barn Swallow, Black Redstart, Robin, Corn Bunting, Blackcap, Stonechat, Jackdaw, Jay, Robin, Woodlark calling and Lesser Whitethroat. We stopped the bus when Roy thought he had seen a woodpecker which turned out to be a Mistle Thrush. However, while we were stopped we did see Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Corn Bunting, Marsh Tit and Short-toed Treecreeper plus Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers heard. All in all, a lucky mistake!
A further stop along the road on a lay-by on the right was to provide a delightful view overlooking a wide flat plain with a river wending its way through it. Here we saw plenty of birds including Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, a male Montagu’s Harrier quartering in the distance, White Stork, 3 Coot, Moorhen, plenty of Mallard and Garganey, Black Tern, Lapwing, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Ruff, pair of Little Grebe, White Wagtail, Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail, Grey Heron and a pair of Kestrel. Also seen here were Red Admiral and Brimstone butterflies.
We saw our first mammal during the day as a Fox with a thick pale coat walked stately along.
Still further along the road we stopped again, this time on the southern edge of Plitvice Lakes National Park on road number 52 just north of Pogledalo. A walk into the park produced 3 Crossbill, 2 Wood Pigeon and most surprisingly a Spotted Nutcracker flying from tree top to tree top giving good views. Also seen were a Song Thrush singing its heart out, plenty of Blackbird, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Goldcrest and a number of tits including Blue, Coal and Great.
An excellent first full day with plenty of birds to see and an interesting view of a beautiful country. After which it was back to Pansion Licka Kapa for our evening meal and a bottle or two of the local wine.
Birds Seen Today: 64 New Birds for the Trip: 49 Total To Date: 78
Day 3: Monday 28th April
Bjelopolje – Plitvicka Jezera (Plitvice Lakes) National Park – Bjelopolje.
One of the hundreds of cascades in Plitvice National Park
Birding around the pansion before breakfast today was a very different experience to that of yesterday. We woke to a relatively heavy frost which fortunately disappeared as the sun rose and before we ventured outside to see the few birds in comparison to the morning before. Those seen were House Sparrow, Linnet, Buzzard, Greenfinch, Skylark, a Honey Buzzard flew over but was only seen by me while Wryneck called from 3 different locations as did a couple of Cuckoo.
Today we travelled the 25 kilometres north to spend the day at the Plitvicka Jezera Nacionalni Park, or Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is situated on the border of Bosnia in a valley surrounded by beech forests. Within the park there are sixteen turquoise blue lakes each connected by a series of beautiful cascades and waterfalls, some of them as high as 27 metres (almost 90 feet). Transport is provided within the park by a number of buses which follow a route along the south side of the lakes and we caught one of these to take us to the top of the Upper Lakes. From here we walked back along one of the trails through woodlands and alongside the lakes on an excellent series of boardwalks that provided views of all aspects of nature; fish below, birds above and on the water as well as trees, reptiles etc. Birds seen included Raven, a Nuthatch scratching amongst the leaf litter, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Robin, couple of Jay, Blackcap and Chaffinch, both very common, Buzzard, Song Thrush, Wood Warbler, Chiffchaff, Grey Heron, White and Grey Wagtail and Willow Tit while a Lesser Whitethroat was heard calling. Also seen were 3 male Collared Flycatcher and Coal Tit while Winter Wren and Black Redstart were heard. While walking around we stumbled across a pair of Common Wall Lizards who we watched perform their courtship. This seemed to consist of the male biting the female but finally she relented and they copulated. Also seen were a Wood Mouse, two Grass Snake plus, being surrounded by water, Marsh Frogs were constantly heard but never seen.
We finished the day with a ‘cruise’ on the bottom lake where we saw 3 Shelduck who appeared to be resting while on their migratory journey as well as the usual Mallards.
It was then back to Pansion Licka Kapa for an evening meal of trout; delicious. But oh those uncomfortable beds!
Birds Seen Today: 44 New Birds for the Trip: 8 Total To Date: 86
Day 4: Tuesday 29th April
Bjelopolje – Gospic – Across the Velebit Mountains - Vidvac – Karlobag - Starigrad-Paklenica.
The day dawned wet and overcast after overnight rain. An early morning stroll around the pansion produced Whinchat, Serin, the usual Cuckoo calling in the distance, White Wagtail, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Golden Oriole calling and the ever present Skylark singing on high.
Today we were to leave Bjelopolje and travel to Starigrad farther south and on the coast. We left the pansion about 9:10am and stopped shortly to scan for birds; we didn’t see any but saw two Fox striding purposely out in the distance. These foxes, like the previous one, had much longer coats than the ones we had seen before and were a pale grey colour rather than red. Before we joined the motorway to drive the most direct and easy – and most boring - route we turned off to continue the journey along minor roads in the hope of seeing more birds and other wildlife. We travelled along road number 5164 before joining the 5165 just before Gospic. At our first stop along road number 5164 we were fortunate in getting good views of a nice Barred Warbler along with Whinchat, White Wagtail, Hoopoe, Mistle Thrush, Buzzard, Honey Buzzard and our very first sighting of a Cuckoo. A further stop was near to what appeared to be a deserted school. Bullet holes in the rendered walls could only signify that the occupants had been left in no doubt as to their welcome during the recent hostilities. This was a scene that was to be repeated as we travelled through this part of Croatia and, we understand, throughout the whole of the Balkans. Most sad.
The weather did little to raise our spirits but a number of stops along the way produced some nice birds such as the 20 or so Turtle Dove feeding on a newly planted field, together with Yellowhammer, Zitting Cisticola, Tree Sparrow, Crested Lark, Common Whitethroat, and Hoopoe. By now the weather was getting worse and as we climbed up into the Velebit Mountains we ran into low cloud which reduced our bird watching to zero. On reaching the coast we stopped for our lunch time sandwiches at a point overlooking the sea but the birds were also fed up with the rain and none apart from Yellow-legged Gulls and Blue Rock Thrush, were to be seen.
After a pleasant drive along the coast we booked into the hotel and as the rain had relented somewhat, Attila and myself went for a short muddy walk in the area opposite to the hotel. Here we had the usual Blackbird, Barn Swallow, House Martin plus Pheasant, Black-eared Wheatear and a Cirl Bunting. On a small cultivated strip we watched about 6 Blue-headed Yellow Wagtails, Crested Lark and Tree Pipit.
A quiet days birding but with some very nice sightings. However, a difficult day for the driver. Evening meal and night at Hotel Rajna, Starigrad Paklenica.
Birds Seen Today: 54 New Birds for the Trip: 10 Total To Date: 96
Day 5: Wednesday 30th April
Route: Starigrad – Lake Vrana Nature Park – Krka National Park – Starigrad.
After a night in a comfortable bed, most welcome after the past three nights, we woke to the same weather as yesterday; wet. Out at 7:00am but soon returned due to the rain which did ease off after 20 minutes allowing a pre breakfast walk in the area opposite the hotel. Here we had Blackcap, plenty of Nightingale singing and Whitethroat as well as the usual Blackbird. We had reached the conclusion that Blackbird must be the most common bird in Croatia, seen in good numbers in every habitat we had visited.
We decided to travel south today to Lake Vrana in the hope that the weather will be better there than in Starigrad where it is affected by the mountains. Once on the motorway the rain stopped and things got brighter. Birds seen along the way included Turtle Dove, Black-headed Gull and Yellow Wagtail. Having left the motorway our first stop was at a roadside meadow where we had Corn Bunting, Tawny Pipit, a flock of 8 Bee-eater, Subalpine Warbler, Northern Wheatear, Woodchat Shrike, Black-eared Wheatear, a Pied Flycatcher and a nice flock of Spanish Sparrow.
Lake Vrana Nature Park, which is situated between Zadar and Sibenik, covers an area of 57 square kilometres while the lake itself is over 30 square kilometres in area. The lake is unique in its position in that it lies alongside the coast, is below sea level and is only between 1 and 2 kilometres from the sea. We walked a couple of the trails on the west side of the lake, which is fringed by reeds, before walking down a canal. We saw a good variety of birds during our time there including plenty of Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Squacco Heron, lots of Little Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, 2 Glossy Ibis, Mute Swan, a considerable number of Black Tern, White-winged Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black-winged Stilt, possibly as many as 20 Great Reed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and 4 Red-footed Falcon perched on telephone wires. As we walked back up the canal, Roy, who was in front of the group disturbed a Little Bittern which flew to the opposite bank, but was missed by most of the group. A few metres on he disturbed another one which again flew to the opposite bank but this time everyone was able to see it. A few metres on and this was repeated again and again until we had seen 6, all flying to the opposite bank. Quite an exciting few minutes! Another nice sighting was that of a Balkan Green Lizard.
Leaving Lake Vrana we headed for Krka National Park and stopped at a lake where we saw a lot of the birds we had seen at Lake Vrana but in addition to them a solitary Tufted Duck and 2 Golden Oriole which flew across in full view.
With that, we returned to the hotel for the evening meal accompanied by the usual few bottles of local wine, satisfied with a good days birding and happy that we had managed to avoid the rain.
Birds Seen Today: 72 New Birds for the Trip: 23 Total To Date: 119
Day 6: Thursday 1st May
Starigrad – Paklenica National Park - Starigrad.
The Big Gorge in Paklenica National Park seen from across the bay
A walk before breakfast produced the usual Blackbirds in profusion as well as a female Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap singing, Grey Heron, Turtle Dove, Common Buzzard, Pheasant calling, Hoopoe, Hawfinch, Chaffinch and the usual Barn Swallow. Also seen was a Hare. The weather was slightly better than the previous days and although the wind had dropped it was still overcast which is how it remained all day.
Today we were to stay in Starigrad with a visit to the Paklenica National Park, just behind the hotel. The park covers an area of 96 square kilometres and varies in height from sea level to 1757 metres in the Velebit Mountains in just a few kilometres. It boosts some 20 different habitat types and so is home to a wide range of fauna and flora. Perhaps the top target bird for the trip was the Rock Partridge and our best chance of seeing it, we were told, was in this national park. We drove up into the park stopping at a number of places on the way up where we saw Sardinian Warbler, Cirl Bunting, Cuckoo, Red-footed Falcon, Blue Rock Thrush, Tree Pipit, a small flock of Sand Martin. We had a good view of a Short-toed Eagle as it soared above us plus that of a Subalpine Warbler. We then continued to the top, or as far as the road would take us, alighting from the bus to see Wryneck, Common Kestrel, Honey Buzzard, 2 Golden Oriole, another Blue Rock Thrush and a small flock of Bee-eater, as many as 10 Black-eared Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher and Spotted Flycatcher which were common. Also seen were 2 more Short-toed Eagle, at least 4 more Honey Buzzard, 2 Booted Eagle and a Marsh Harrier together with first-rate views of a Western Rock Nuthatch as it poked around its nest.
We next drove to the Mala Paklenica Canyon; south of the town, parked the bus at the new Visitor’s Centre and walked a short way along the hiking trail into the park. Here we saw Spotted Flycatcher, had an excellent view of a Nightingale as it perched in the open rendering its fantastic repertoire, 3 Whitethroat, Wood Warbler, 3 Western Bonelli’s Warbler heard and plenty of Subalpine Warbler.
After lunch it was our intention to drive into another canyon in the park, the Velika Paklenica Canyon and walk along there to do some birding. However, other people had different ideas and were holding a 4 day climbing festival with stalls, exhibitions and displays. As there was no chance of us getting into the canyon we re-traced our steps and returned to our morning’s location. We parked near to a small derelict hamlet named Ercezi Kojin Dolac and birded around there still hoping to see a Rock Partridge but to no avail. What we did see however was Goldfinch, Swift, Tree Pipit, Whitethroat, Northern Wheatear, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Wryneck, Linnet and heard Willow Warbler. We also saw another Wood Warbler making 5 for the day and heard a Sombre Tit calling.
On the way down a stop gave us an excellent view of Eastern Orphean Warbler before returning to the hotel.
Today we had witnessed a large raptor movement and altogether we had seen a total of 20 Honey Buzzard, 10 Short-toed Eagle, 2 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Booted Eagle, 4 Kestrel, 1 Red Footed Falcon and a Peregrine. Despite not being able to enter the Velika Paklenica Canyon the day had been very enjoyable and the raptor movement quite an experience. Returned to the hotel to spend the night there, have an evening meal and to toast the birds seen.
Birds Seen Today: 52 New Birds for the Trip: 9 Total To Date: 128
Day 7: Friday 2nd May
Starigrad – Pag Island – Starigrad.
At 6.00am Pam and myself joined Attila in a last ditch effort to try and see a Rock Partridge. Before driving to the Paklenica National Park and returning to the entrance to Ercezi Kojin Dolac, we listened to the early morning bird song mostly comprising of Nightingale, Blackcap, Blackbird but also Hoopoe and Cuckoo calling plus the twittering of the pair of Barn Swallow that had made their home on the hotel wall.
We parked below the entrance to the hamlets and walked up towards them. As we walked down the grassy slope to the hamlets 2 birds flew up and disappeared in different directions over the road into the jumble of rocks and so were unable to be seen. They were, of course, 2 Rock Partridges and we didn’t get a proper look at them! Returning to the road we finally could hear one calling and after a lengthy search found him perched on top of a rock calling to his mate. His mate finally joined him but not before we had had good views of both of them. Well worth the early morning getup! Also seen were 2 Sombre Tits and the usual warblers and in addition two Nightjar were heard churring.
After breakfast we left the hotel to drive to Pag Island which is one of Croatia's more unusual islands. It is dry and relatively barren on the north-east side but with lush vegetation on the other. It is about 60km long but only between 2 and 10 km wide and is best known for Pag cheese. But we were here for the birds and we saw some while driving there. Soon after leaving Seline, just south of Starigrad, we were treated to views of 3 Black-throated Diver and a Horned, or Slavonian Grebe plus a few Black-headed Gull and a Pygmy Cormorant just a few metres off the coast; it was promising to be a good day. A further stop by a disused quarry produced a large flock of Bee-eater while once on the island we saw Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, and Red-footed Falcon. A stop by some water gave us Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and most unexpectedly a male Citrine Wagtail. Little Egrets were everywhere. Mammals were represented by 2 Hare and 2 Rabbit.
A drive to the Veliko Blato Rezervat, or Big Mud Reserve, on the west side of the island, gave us the great sight of a flock of 14 Squacco Herons in the air at one time, Montagu’s Harrier, Red-throated Pipit, Great Crested Grebe, Red-backed Shrike, Black-winged Stilt, Purple Heron and 8 Greater Short-toed Lark.
However, number one big surprise was first hearing the call of a Rock Partridge and then seeing it standing on a wall some way away. Not as good a view as was seen in the morning, but a sighting never the less and we were to have better views later on when we saw more of them. Number two big surprise was 2 Great Spotted Cuckoo, first calling and then flying into bushes only 30 metres or so away and staying long enough for us to photograph them.
Following that we drove up the island past many salt lagoons, something else the island is famous for, before returning to Starigrad after possibly the best day of the trip.
A short trip out in the evening by Attila, Pam and I to try and locate any owls in the area was unsuccessful.
Birds Seen Today: 77 New Birds for the Trip: 12 Total To Date: 140
Day 8: Saturday 3rd May
Route: Starigrad - Split International Airport - Bristol International Airport – Home.
The last day and an early breakfast to start our return journey at 8:00am to the airport at Split.
We stopped on the way to see if the Black-throated Divers were still there. Two had disappeared but 1 was there in the same place and now he had been joined by a Black-necked Grebe. In addition to that, a pair of Red-rumped Swallow were added to the list just before we joined the motorway.
Other birds seen on the journey included Buzzard, Black-headed Gull, Black-eard Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Red-backed Shrike and 4 Woodchat Shrike.
We arrived at the airport with time to do some last minute shopping, said our farewells to Attila, boarded the plane at the appropriate time and then sat on the tarmac for half an hour waiting for incoming planes to clear the single runway. We arrived back in Bristol to be met by Ray’s Coaches for a quiet and smooth journey home.
Birds Seen Today: 28 New Birds for the Trip: 2 Total To Date: 142
SYSTEMIC LISTS
BIRDS
This includes all the species either seen or heard while in Croatia along with details of where they were observed.
The sequence, together with their English and scientific names, generally follows the current Clements Taxonomy.
1 Black-throated Diver (Arctic Loon) Gavia arctica arctica
Three seen off the coast near Modric on 2nd and 1 on 3rd.
2 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis ruficollis
Ten at Plitvice Lakes and 4 on Lake Vrana and lake in Krka NP.
3 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus cristatus
Twelve on 30th at Lake Vrana and Krka Lake and 12 on various waters on Pag Island.
4 Slavonian (Horned) Grebe Podiceps auritus auritus
One off coast near Modric on 2nd and 1 on 3rd, probably same bird.
5 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis nigricollis
Just 1 bird off coast near Modric on the 3rd.
6 Mediterranean Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii
Three seen at first stop after leaving Split Airport, just a few kilometres north.
7 Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus
Five at Lake Vrana and 1 journey to Pag Island.
8 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea
Seen in numbers between 1 and 6 each day apart from 29th and 3rd.
9 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea
Two on Lake Vrana and 3 on Pag Island.
10 Eurasian Great Egret Ardea alba alba
Four seen between Splint and Plitvice.
11 Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta
One shortly after leaving Split, up to 15 at Lake Vrana and many on Pag Island.
12 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
One between Split and Plitvice, 1 at Lake Vrana and 14 on Pag Island at Veliko Blato (Big Mud) Reserve.
13 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus minutus
Six seen flying across the canal at Lake Vrana.
14 European White Stork Ciconia ciconia ciconia
Just 1 bird seen from view point over plain on 27th.
15 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Two on Lake Vrana on 30th.
16 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia leucorodia
One on coast just north of Split.
17 Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Two at Lake Vrana and 2 on lake at Krka.
18 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Three birds seen sleeping on the lower lake at Plitvice Lakes.
19 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos
Common on most stretches of water.
20 Garganey Anas querquedula
Eight at Plitvice Lakes, 6 at Lake Vrana and 3 on Pag Island.
21 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
One unexpected sighting of a male on the lake at Krka.
22 European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus
One seen by John at Korenica on the 29th, 1 on journey from Korenica to Starigrad, as many as 20 on migration around Starigrad and 1 on Pag Island.
23 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
Up to 10 at Paklenica NP on the 1st and 1 on the 2nd.
24 Western Marsh-harrier Circus aeruginosus aeruginosus
One around Plitvice on 27th, 2 on the 30th and 1st at Paklenica NP and 4 on Pag Island.
25 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
One male seen in the Korenica area on the 27th, 5 on 30th and 7 on Pag Island on the 2nd.
26 Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo buteo
Seen each day in numbers between 1 and 10 apart from the 1st.
27 Booted Eagle Aquila pennata
Two seen at Paklenica Nation Park on 1st.
28 Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus tinnunculus
Seen most days in numbers between 1 and 6.
[Eurasian Hobby] Falco subbuteo
One seen by John on the 30th and 1 by Attila.
29 Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Three males and 1 female at Lake Vrana on the 30th, 1 male in Paklenica NP on 1st and 2 males and 3 females on Pag Island.
30 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus calidus
One at journey on 26th and 1 at Paklenica on 1st.
31 Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca saxatilis
Heard briefly on the 30th, good views of a pair on 2nd in Paklenica Gorge plus 4 others on Pag Island.
32 Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Singles seen at Korenica on 26th, Starigrad on 29th and 2nd. Heard at other times.
33 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus chloropus
Sighting of 1 on 26th and 2 on 27th. Heard calling on 30th.
34 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra atra
Various numbers seen at most large waters.
35 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus himantopus
Up to 15 at Lake Vrana and at Krka and as many as 20 on Pag Island.
36 Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Ten in the Korenica area on the 27th.
37 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius curonicus
Just 2 on Pag on the 2nd.
38 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Two at Lake Vrana.
[Common Redshank] Tringa tetanus
Seen only by Attila.
39 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
Ten in the Korenica area on the 27th.
40 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia nebularia
Eight in the Korenica area on the 27th and 6 at Lake Vrana.
41 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Commonly seen at Lake Vrana, lake at Krka and on Pag.
42 Little Stint Calidris minuta
Up to 11 on Pag.
43 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Seven seen on Pag.
44 Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Ten in Korenica area and up to 30 on Pag.
45 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis michahellis
Very common, seen every day.
46 Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Seen on the coast near Modric on 30th, 2nd and 3rd in numbers between 4 and 10.
47 Eurasian Black Tern Chlidonias niger niger
One near Korenica on the 27th, common at Lake Vrana and 20 plus on Pag.
48 White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Good views of at least 20 at Lake Vrana and 3 on Pag.
49 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida hybrida
Five seen on Lake Vrana.
50 Rock (Feral) Pigeon Columba livia 'feral'
Common, seen every day.
51 Common Wood-pigeon Columba palumbus palumbus
Two at Plitvice NP on the 27th and 3 on the journey from Korenica to Starigrad on 29th.
52 Eurasian Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur turtur
Common on the journey from Korenica to Starigrad on 29th and around Lake Vrana on 30th. Pairs seen on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
53 Eurasian Collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto decaocto
Common when seen.
54 Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
Good sightings of 2 on Pag Island on 2nd.
55 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus canorus
Heard continually every day apart from the first and last, but only seen as singles on 1st and 2nd.
56 Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus meridionalis
Two heard in the Paklenica Gorge on 2nd.
57 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba melba
Only 2 seen on journey to Korenica on 26th.
58 Common Swift Apus apus apus
Common near coast on the 26th and then on return to Starigrad between 30th and 3rd.
59 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
Quite common when seen on the 30th, 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
60 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops epops
Seen in 1’s and 2’s most days.
61 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla tschusii
Three seen near Pansion Lika Kapa at Korenica on 27th then heard every day until 2nd. 1 seen on the 1st.
62 Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius medius
Just 1 seen near Korenica on 27th.
63 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major pinetorum
One heard near Korenica on the 27th.
64 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis viridis
One also heard near Korenica on the 27th.
65 Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla brachydactyla
Eight on Pag Island on the 2nd.
66 Crested Lark Galerida cristata meridionalis
One in the car park at Krka NP on 26th, 1 on journey to Starigrad on 29th, common on the 30th, a number on Pag on 2nd and 2 on journey to Split on 3rd.
67 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis cantarella
One seen on 26th and then commonly seen and heard every day apart from 1st and 3rd.
68 Wood Lark Lullula arborea arborea
Two heard singing at Plitvice NP on 27th.
69 Bank Swallow Riparia riparia riparia
Seen at all coastal areas.
70 European Swallow Hirundo rustica rustica
Common, seen every day.
71 House Martin Delichon urbicum meridionale
Common, seen every day.
72 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica rufula
Just 2 seen on the last day near Modric.
73 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris campestris
Four seen near lake at Krka NP on 30th and 10 plus on Pag Island.
74 Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus rufogularis
Just one seen on Pag Island.
75 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis trivialis
Three on journey to Starigrad and 1 at Paklenica NP on 1st.
76 White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba
Regular sights of up to 3 or 4 birds each day apart from 26th, 1st and 3rd.
77 Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava
Sightings of up to 10 seen most days.
78 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola werae
Nice male seen on Pag Island on 2nd.
79 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea cinerea
Three at Plitvice Lakes on 28th.
80 Goldcrest Regulus regulus regulus
Heard on two days but not seen.
81 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes troglodytes
Just 1 heard at Plitvice Lakes.
82 Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius solitarius
One on the journey to Starigrad, 10 in the Paclenica Gorge and 1 on journey to Split.
83 Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula merula
Possibly the most common bird, seen everywhere in good numbers.
84 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos philomelos
Common away from coast in Plitvice area, heard in Paklenica Gorge on 1st.
85 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus viscivorus
One at Plitvice Lakes and several seen on journey to Starigrad.
86 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis juncidis
One at Starigrad on 29th and 3 while travelling on the 30th.
87 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti cetti
Common at Lake Vrana and lake at Krka NP but not heard elsewhere.
88 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus scirpaceus
Two heard at Lake Vrana but not seen.
89 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus arundinaceus
One heard at first stop on first day but common at Lake Vrana.
90 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus acredula
Just 1 heard at Lake Vrana.
91 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita collybita
Common where heard.
92 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli
Three in Paklenica Gorge on 1st.
93 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
One at Plitvice Lakes and 5 in Paklenica Gorge.
94 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla atricapilla
A very common bird heard every day if not seen.
95 Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria nisoria
Nice sighting of 1 bird on the journey from Korenica to Starigrad.
96 Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris crassirostris
Three at Lake Vrana and 1 on Pag Island.
97 Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis communis
Seen regularly away from the mountains with 2 on the 29th and 30th and common in Paklenica NP and Pag.
98 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca caucasica
Never seen but heard on 27th, 28th and 2nd.
99 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans albistriata
Common in Paklenica NP on 1st with 2 on Pag Island.
100 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala melanocephala
One in Paklenica NP and 1 heard on Pag Island.
101 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata striata
Common in Paklenica NP.
102 European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca hypoleuca
Only females seen; 1 on 30th at Lake Vrana and 3 at Paklenica NP on 1st.
103 Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
Three males at Plitvice Lakes on 28th.
104 European Robin Erithacus rubecula balcanicus
Heard near Korenica on the 27th but common at Plitvice Lakes on 28th.
105 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos megarhynchos
Always to be heard; quite common at times but only 1 seen at Paklenica NP on 1st.
[Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin] Cercotrichas galactotes
Seen only by Attila at Big Mud Reserve on Pag Island.
106 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros gibraltariensis
Two at Pansion Lika Kappa near Korenica on 27th and 1 heard there on 28th.
107 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
A common bird seen every day apart from the first and last.
108 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola rubicola
Two at Pansion Lika Kappa near Korenica on 27th and 1 on journey to Starigrad.
109 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe libanotica
One’s and 2’s on the 30th, 1st and 2nd.
110 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca
Singles seen on the various journeys to Korenica, Starigrad and Split. Two around Lake Vrana but common in Paklenica NP.
111 Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris lugubris
One heard in Paklenica NP on 1st and 2 seen on the 2nd.
112 European Marsh Tit Parus palustris palustris
One at Plitvice on 28th 2 on journey to Starigrad and 1 heard in Paklenica NP on 1st.
113 Willow Tit Poecile montana Montana
Two at Plitvice lakes on 28th.
114 Coal Tit Periparus ater ater
Up to 6 heard on 27th and 2 seen at Plitvice Lakes on 28th.
115 Great Tit Parus major major
Seen and heard everyday apart from first and last days.
116 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus caeruleus
Common where seen.
117 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea caesia
Good sighting of 1 bird foraging on the ground at Plitvice Lakes.
118 Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer neumayer
One seen at the top of Paklenica Gorge on the 1st.
119 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla brachydactyla
One heard during stop on journey to Starigrad.
120 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus oriolus
Heard on the 29th and 2nd but 2 seen on 30th near Lake Vrana and 3 at Paklenica Gorge on 1st.
121 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio collurio
One on Pag Island and 1 at Service Station stop on motorway on journey to Split on 3rd.
122 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator senator
Not seen until 30th when 2 at Lake Vrana, 2 on Pag Island and 4 on journey to Split.
123 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius albipectus
Four near Korenica on 27th, common at Plitvice Lakes and on journey to Split.
124 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica galliae
Common away from coast but not seen once we got to Starigrad.
125 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchos
Good views of 1 bird at Plitvice NP on 27th.
126 Jackdaw Corvus monedula soemmerringii
Quite common away from coast with up to 10 each day.
127 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix sharpie
Very common, seen everywhere.
128 Common Raven Corvus corax corax
Common around Plitvice area with 30 or more seen on 27th.
129 European Starling Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris
Seen everyday apart from 1st and 2nd.
130 House Sparrow Passer domesticus balearoibericus
Very common, always visible.
131 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis hispaniolensis
Not seen until the 30th when they were common in Paklenica NP and 6 on Pag Island.
132 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus montanus
Just two seen on the journey to Starigrad.
133 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs coelebs
Seen every day apart from first and last.
134 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra curvirostra
Three at the Paklenica NP on the 27th.
135 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris aurantiiventris
Seen every day apart from first and last.
136 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis carduelis
Seen every day apart from first and last.
137 Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina cannabina
Seen every day apart from first and last.
138 European Serin Serinus serinus
Seen every day apart from first.
139 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes coccothraustes
Eight on journey to Starigrad.
140 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella citronella
Only seen on 1 day when common on journey to Starigrad.
141 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus cirlus
One on evening walk after arriving at Starigrad, 1 at Lake Vrana and 3 on Pag Island.
142 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra calandra
Seen every day apart from first and last.
MAMMALS
1 Brown Hare Lepus europaeus
One at Starigrad on 1st and 2 on Pag Island.
2 European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
Just 2 on Pag Island.
3 Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvticus
One at Plitvice Lakes.
4 Fox Vulpes vulpes
One on 27th near Licki Osik and 2 on first stop on 29th.
[Wild Cat] Felis sylvestris (Stuffed)
Nice specimen mounted on wall at Pansion Licka Kapa.
Various other small mammals were seen scurrying about in the undergrowth but never identified.
BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS
1 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius
Seen 26th at first stop, 27th 30th and on Pag on 2nd.
2 Large White Pieris brassicae
Seen commonly on 27th and 28th.
3 Small White Artogeia rapae
Seen in the Plitvice area on 27th.
4 Mountain Small White Artogeia ergane
Seen in the Plitvice area on 27th.
5 Green-veined White Artogeia napi
Seen in Plitvice NP on 28th.
6 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines
Just one seen in Paklenica NP on 1st.
7 Clouded Yellow Colias croceus
Single seen on 26th, 30th, 1st and 2nd.
8 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni
Two in the Plitvice area on 27th and 1 at Plitvice NP on 28th.
9 Wood White Leptidea sinapis
One in the Plitvice area on 27th and 1 at Plitvice NP on 28th.
10 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi
Two in the Plitvice area on 27th and 1 at Vrana Lakes on 30th.
11 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas
Just one at Vrana Lakes on 30th.
12 Brown Argus Arica agestis
One comatose specimen in Paklenica NP on 1st.
13 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus
Seen in Paklenica NP on 1st.
14 Peacock Inachis io
One seen in the Plitvice area on 27th.
15 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
One seen in the Plitvice area on 27th.
16 Dalmatian Ringlet Proterebia afra
Two seen on Pag Island on 2nd.
17 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus
Singles seen near Vrana Lakes on 30th and Pag Island on 2nd.
18 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera
Singles seen on 26th, 30th, 1st and 2nd.
19 Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae
One seen in the Plitvice area on 27th.
1 Drab Looper Minoa murinata
Seen on Pag Island on 2nd.
2 Latticed Heath Semiothisa clathrata
Two pairs seen on Pag Island on 2nd.
3 Common Heath Ematurga atomaria
Seen in the Lake Vrana area on the 30th.
4 Garden Tiger Arctia caja
Caterpillar seen on journey to Lake Vrana on 30th.
5 Cream Spot Tiger Artica villica
Two seen on stairs in hotel on the 3rd.
OTHER INSECTS
That were seen and identified
1 Scarce Emerald Damselfly Lestes dryas
One seen at Lake Vrana on 30th.
2 Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
One female seen at Lake Vrana on 30th.
3 Egyptian Grasshopper Anacridium aegyptium
Seen on journey to Lake Vrana on 30th.
4 Ground Bug Lyaeus saxatilla
Common, found on a number of occasions.
5 Ground Bug Lygaeidae spp
Large number seen at ‘Big Mud’ reserve on Pag on 2nd.
6 Alder Fly Sialis lutaria
Two or 3 seen at Plitvice Lakes on 28th.
7 Chafer Beetle Oxythyrea funesta
Very common, seen regularly.
8 Chafer Beetle Cetonia cupria
Two seen on Pag Island on 2nd.
9 Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica
Three found near lake at Krka NP on 30th.
10 Weevil Otiorhnchus spp
Seen at Plitvice Lakes on 28th.
11 Weevil Magdalis violacea
Seen at Lake Vrana on 30th.
12 Pine Weevil Hylobius abietis
Seen on a number of occasions.
13 Millipede Schizophyllum sabulosum
Seen in grounds of Pansion Lika Kapa on 27th.
REPTILES
1 Marsh Frog Pelophylax
Many heard at Plitvice Lakes but never seen.
2 Balkan Green Lizard Lacerta trilineate
One seen at Lake Vrana.
3 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis
Two observed courting and copulating at Plitvice Lakes. One other seen at Plitvice Lakes
4 Grass Snake Natrix natrix
Two seen at Plitvice Lakes swimming.
PLANTS
The order follows Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean ISBN 0-7136-7015-0 with additions from Collins Guide to Alpine Flowers of Britain and Europe ISBN 0-00-220017-1, both by Marjorie Blamey and Chris Grey-Wilson.
* = Commonly seen
Pine Family Pinaceae
1 Norway Spruce Picea abies
2 Aleppo Pine Pinus halepensis
3 Black Pine Pinus nigra
4 Umbrella Pine Pinus pinea
Cypress Family Cupressaceae
5 Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
6 Common Juniper Juniperus communis
7 Prickly Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus
8 Yew Taxus baccata
Birch Family Betulaceae
9 Silver Birch Betula pendula
Oak Family Fagaceae
10 Beech Fagus sylvatica
11 Kermes Oak Quercus coccifera
12 Holm Oak Quercus ilex
13 Downy or White Oak Quercus pubescens
14 Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur
Hornbeam Family Corylaceae
15 Hornbeam Carpinus betulus
16 Hazel Corylus avellana
Elm Family Ulmaceae
17 Elm sp Ulmus sp
Mulberry Family Moraceae
18 Fig Ficus carica
Nettle Family Urticaceae
19 Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
20 Annual Nettle Urtica urens
21 Pellitory of the Wall Parietaria judaica
22 Common Pellitory Parietaria officinalis
Mistletoe Family Loranthaceae
23 Mistletoe Viscum album
Birthwort Family Aristolochiaceae
24 Asarabacca Asarum europeum
25 Birthwort Aristolochia rotunda
Aizoon Family Aizoaceae
26 Red Hottentot Fig Carpobrothus acinaciformis
Pink Family Caryophyllaceae
27 Cerastium Cerastium tomentosum
28 White Campion Silene latifolia
29 Bladder Campion Silene vulgaris
30 Bladder Campion sp. Silene lerchenfeldiana
31 Greater stitchwort Stellaria holostea
Barberry Family Berberidaceae
32 Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Buttercup Familyranunculaceae
33 ---- Helleborus multifidus
34 Stinking Hellebore Helleborus foetidus
35 Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa
36 Yellow Wood Anemone Anemone ranunculoides
37 Hepatica Hepatica nobilis
38 Traveller's Joy Clematis vitalba
39 Pheasants Eye (Red) Adonis flammea
40 Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris
41 Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria
Poppy Family Papaveraceae
42 Opium Poppy Papaver somniferum
43 ----- Papaver dubium
44 Common Poppy Papaver rhoeas
45 Greater Celandine Chelidonium majus
46 Bulbous Corydalis Corydalis bulbosa
Fumitory Family Fumariaceae
47 Common Fumitory Fumaria officinalis
48 Ramping Fumitory Fumaria parviflora
Cress Family Cruciferae
49 Alyssoides Alyssum sinuata
50 Golden or Yellow Alyssum Alyssum saxatile
51 Shepherd's Purse Capsella burspastoris
52 Drooping Bittercress Cardamine ennesphyllos
53 Lady Smock Cardamine pratensis
54 Coral-root Bittercress Cardamine bulbifera
55 Ivy leaved Bittercress Cardamine plumieri
56 Honesty Lunaria annua
57 Pennycress sp Thlaspi sp
58 Didesmus Didesmus aegypticus
Saxifrage Family Saxifragaceae
59 Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage Chrysoplenium oppositifolium
Rose Family Rosaceae
60 Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
61 Raspberry Rubus idaeus
62 Bramble Rubus sanctus*
63 Dog Rose Rosa tomentosa
64 Salad Burnet Sanguisorba minor
65 Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa
66 Hoary Cinquefoil Potentilla argentea
67 ---- Cinquefoil sp
68 Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis
69 Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca
70 Plum Prunus sp
71 Cherry Prunus sp
72 Snowy Mespilus Amelanchier ovalis
Mignonette Family Resedaceae
73 White Mignonette Reseda Alba
74 Wild Mignonette Reseda lutea
75 Weld Reseda luteola
Stonecrop Family Crassulaceae
76 Stonecrop Sedum acre
77 Navelwort Umbelicus rupestris
Plane Tree Platanaceae
78 ---- Platanus orientalis
Pea Family Leguminosae
79 Spiny Broom Calycotome villosa
80 Hairy Broom Chamaecytisus hirsutus
81 Broom sp Genista sp
82 Bladder Senna Colutea arborescens
83 Broom Genista sp
84 Robinia Robinia pseudacacia
85 False Vetch Astragalus monspessulanus
86 Fodder Vetch Vicia villosa
87 Yellow Vetch Vicia lutea
88 ---- Lathyrus odoratus
89 ---- Lathyrus setifolius
90 Medick sp Medicago sp
91 Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus
92 White Clover Trifolium repens
93 Hop Trefoil Trifolium campestre
94 Woolly Trefoil Trifolium tomentosum
95 Star Clover Trifolium stellatum
96 Narrow Leaved Crimson Clover Trifolium angustifolium
97 Dorycnium Dorycnium hirsutum
Sorrel Family Oxalidaceae
98 Pink Oxalis Oxalis articulata
Geranium Family Geraniaceae
99 Small Leaved Crane's Bill Geranium pusillum*
100 Cut Leaved Crane's Bill Geranium dissectum*
Flax Family Linaceae
101 Beautiful Flax Linum narbonense
Spurge Family Euphorbiace
102 Sun Spurge Euphorbia helioscopia
103 Broad Leaved Glaucous Spurge Euphorbia myrsinites
104 Petty Spurge Euphorbis peplus
105 Cypress Spurge Euphorbia cyparissias
106 ---- Euphorbia wulfenii
107 Dogs Mercury Mercurialis perennis
Milkwort Family Polygalaceae
108 Milkwort Polygala sp
109 ---- Polygala monspeliaca
Maple Family Aceraceae
110 Montpelier Maple Acer monspessulanum
Box Family Buxaceae
111 Box Buxus sempervirens
Vine Family Vitaceae
112 Grape Vine Vitis vinifera
Mallow Family Malvaceae
113 Common Mallow Malva sylvestris
Daphne Family Thymelaeaceae
114 Daphne sp Daphne sp
Violet Family Violaceae
115 Violet Viola sp
116 Dwarf Pansy Viola kitaibeliana
117 Heartsease Viola tricolor
Rockrose Family Cistaceae
118 ---- Cistus creticus
119 Sage Leaved Cistus Cistus salvifolius
Tamarisk Family Tamaricaceae
120 Tamarisk Tamarix sp
Cucumber Family Cucurbitaceae
121 Squirting Cucumber Ecballium elaterium
Ivy Family Araliaceae
122 Ivy Hedera helix*
Carrot Family Umbelliferae
123 Perfoliate Alexanders Smyrnum perfoliatum
124 Tordylium Tordylium apulum
125 Sanicle Sanicula europaea
Heath Family Ericaceae
126 Heather sp Erica sp
Primrose Family Primulaceae
127 Primrose Primula vulgaris
128 Cowslip Primula veris
129 Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis
130 Scarlet Pimpernel (blue variety) Anagallis arvensis
131 Spring Sowbread Cyclamen repandum
Thrift Family
132 Thrift Armeria canescens
133 Sea Lavender Limonium vulgaris
Olive Family Oleaceae
134 Manna Ash Fraxinus ornus
135 Olive Olea europaea
Oleander Family Apocynaceae
136 Lesser Periwinkle Vinca minor
Bedstraw Family Rubiaceae
137 Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum
138 Crosswort Cruciata laevipes
Bindweed Family Convolvulaceae
139 ---- Convolvulus languinosus ?
140 Pink Convolvulus Convolvulus cantabricus
Borage Family Boraginaceae
141 Honeywort sp Cerinthe sp
142 ---- Echium sp
143 Pale Bugloss Echium italicum
144 Blue Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum creticum
145 Corn Gromwell Lithospermum gouandriorum
146 Lungwort Pulmonaria
147 Forget Me Not Myosotis arvensis
148 Alpine Wood Forget Me Not Myosotis sylvatica
149 Golden Drop Onosma arenaria
150 Tuberous Comfrey Symphytum bulbosum
151 Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis
Mint Family Labiatae
152 Common Bugle Ajuga reptans
153 Ground Pine Ajuga chamaepitys
154 Sage Salvia officinalis
155 Meadow Clary Salvia pretensis
156 Whorled Clary Salvia verticillata
157 Large Red Dead Nettle Lamium orvala
158 White Dead Nettle Lamiun album
159 Red Dead Nettle Lamium purpureum
160 Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon
161 Stachys Stachys germanica
162 Ground Ivy Glechoma hederaceae
163 Water Mint Mentha aquatica
164 Thyme Thymus vulgaris
Potato Family Solanaceae
165 Bittersweet Solanum dulcarmara
Figwort Family Scrophulariaceae
166 Figwort sp
167 Mullein Verbascum sp
168 Purple Mullein Verbascum phoeniceum
169 Speedwell Veronica sp
170 Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus
171 Ivy Leaved Toadflax Cymbalaria muralis
Globularia Family Globulariaceae
172 Globularia Globularia punctata
Bedstraw Family Rubiaceae
173 Woodruff Gallium odoratum
174 Lady's Bedstraw Gallium verum
Honeysuckle Family Caprifoliaceae
175 Dwarf Elder Sambucus ebulus
Valerian Family Valerianaceae
176 Red Valerian Cetranthus ruber
Teasel Family Dipsacaceae
177 Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum
Daisy Family Compositae
178 Daisy Bellis perennis*
179 Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
180 Alpine Butterbur Petastites paradoxus
181 Leopardsbane Doronicum austriacum
182 Chamomile sp Anthemis sp
183 Crown Daisy Chrysanthemum coronarium
184 Field Marigold Calendula arvensis
185 Groundsel Senecio vulgaris
186 Goat's Beard Tragopogon pratensis
187 Pink Hawksbeard Crepis rubra
188 Mountain Cornflower Centaurea triumfetti
189 Stemless Carline Thistle Carlina acaulis
190 Milk Thistle Silybum marianum
191 Dandelion Taraxum sp*
Lily Family Liliaceae
192 Hollow Leaved Asphodel Asphodelus fistulosus
193 Common Asphodel Asphodelus aestivus
194 Yellow Asphodel Aspodeline lutea
195 Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum
196 Meadow Squill Scilla litardierei
197 Tassel Hyacinth Muscari comosum
198 Grape Hyacinth Muscari neglectum
199 May Lily Maianthemum biflorum
200 Butcher's Broom Ruscus aculeatus
201 Rosy Garlic Allium roseum
202 (white) Allium Allium sp
203 Ramsons Allium ursinum
204 Wild Tulip Tulipa australis?
205 Solomon's Seal Polygonatum multiflorum
206 Herb Paris Paris quadrifolia
Yam Family Discoreaceae
207 Black Bryony Tamus communis
Daffodil Family Amaryllida Ceae
208 Summer Snowflake Leucojum aestivum
209 Narcissus Narcissus poeticus
210 Narcissus Narcissus radiiflorus
Iris Family Iridaceae
211 Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus
212 Tall Bearded Iris Iris germanica
213 Gladiolus Gladiolus sp
Palm Family Palmae
214 Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera
Arum Family Araceae
215 Large Cuckoo Pint Arum italicum
216 Lords and Ladies Arum maculatum
Orchid Family Orchidaceae
217 Twayblade Listera ovata
218 Green Winged Orchid Orchis morio
219 Lady Orchid Orchis purpurea
220 Early Purple Orchid Orchis mascula
221 Four Spotted Orchid Orchis quadripunctata
Grass Family Graminae
222 Needle Grass Stipa pennata
223 Wild Barley Daspyrum Villosum
Ferns Pteridophyta
224 Maiden Hair Fern Adiantum capillus-veneris
225 Wall Rue Asplenium ruta-muraria
226 Rusty Back Fern Asplenium ceterach
227 Hart's Tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrum
