Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Naturetrek Tour Report 11 – 18 April 2012

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 Paul Harmes & Terry Goble

Green-underside Blue - Glaucopsyche alexi Orchis papilionacea

Tragopogon crocifolius 2012 Naturetrek Group

Tour Report Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

© Naturetrek September 12 1�

Tour Leaders: Paul Harmes Naturetrek Botanist

Terry Goble Naturetrek Ornithologist

Participants: Michael Faraday

Christina Hart-Davies

Judy Hayton

Brenda Head

Judy Lawrence

Brian Attock

Mike Norman

Allison Uren

Mike Uren

Rose Walker

Neil Walker

Beryl Wyrko

David Wyrko

Day 1 Wednesday 11th April

Weather: Heavy rain at first, clearing later

Ten tour members met with Paul at Gatwick Airport's North Terminal for our British Airways flight to Naples.

Upon arrival, we soon collected our luggage and made our way into the arrivals hall, where Terry was waiting

with the remaining three tour group members. Following a short walk to the car hire centre, our leaders

completed the formalities for hiring of the mini-buses, before we set off for the Sorrento Peninsula. Our route

took us past the imposing Mount Vesuvius and the beautiful Bay of Naples, although low cloud and rain meant

our views were limited. We left the motorway at Castellmare di Stabia, and turned onto the busy, but scenic,

coastal road, entering the first of three long tunnels which cut through the mountain. Emerging, we were soon

enjoying the views of the Bay of Sorrento, including the islands of Capri and Ischia, and the rugged coastline. A

few Kestrels and a European Roller were seen by the roadside during the journey. Continuing on through the

busy evening traffic, we soon arrived at the Hotel Dania, our base for the week. We were welcomed by our host,

Anna Maria and the night porter, Alberto, who quickly settled us into our rooms. We met again at 20-30hrs for

dinner, during which Paul outlined the next day’s itinerary, before we all retired to bed.

Day 2 Thursday 12th April

Weather: Fine, warm and sunny

An early, pre-breakfast walk in the vicinity of the hotel produced several Serin, Italian Sparrow, Subalpine

Warbler, Common Whitethroat and purring Turtle Doves.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

2� © Naturetrek September 12

Today we travelled the relatively short distance south of Via Capo to the town of Termini. Along the way, we

saw Ferula communis (Giant Fennel) and Allium triquetrum (Three-cornered Leek). In Termini, we parked the

vehicles. Our plan was to walk the track from the town to the old lighthouse at Punta Campanella. The

Mediterranean flora was very much in evidence here, and it was not long before we were beginning to identify an

array of species. The early part of the track, near the town, descended through olive groves, market gardens and

woodland, and then into more open “Garrigue” scrubland nearer the lighthouse. An early sighting was a

Bonelli’s Eagle being mobbed by a Raven. As we moved on, we also began to record plants. Ulmus minor (Small-

leaved Elm), Tordylium apulum (Tordylium), Parietaria officinalis (Eastern Pellitory-of-the-Wall), Allium roseum (Rosy

garlic), Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern) and Muscari comosum (Tassel Hyacinth) were all seen. Butterflies were also

active, with Southern Festoon, Holly Blue and Wall Brown recorded.

A little further on we found the endemic Lithodora rosmarinifolium (Rosemary-leaved Gromwell) and, very close by,

we found Ophrys araneola (an Early Spider Orchid) and Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid). There was also a

considerable amount of bird activity. Subalpine Warblers, Common Whitethroat and Sardinian Warbler were all

obvious, and superb views were had by all of Wood Warbler. With regard to botanical interest, the Pea family

was particularly well represented, with Trifolium stellatum (Starry Clover), Lotus ornithopodioides (a Bird’s-foot

Trefoil), Anthyllis barba-jovis (Jupiter's Beard), Lathyrus clymenum, Tetragonolobus purpureus (Asparagus Pea), Coronilla

scorpioides (Annual Scorpion-vetch) and Coronilla valentina (Scorpion Senna) all recorded.

While enjoying our picnic lunch at the old lighthouse, we saw Barn Swallows, Black-eared Wheatear and

Northern Wheatear. Italian Wall Lizards were also very numerous and active in the afternoon sun. As we began

to retrace our steps, we found Plantago arenaria (Branched Plantain) and Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid).

Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Painted Lady were also seen in the sun. When we reached Termini, we

stopped for well-earned refreshments at a local bar/cafe, before beginning our homeward journey.

Day 3 Friday 13th April

Weather: Continuous rain and low cloud

After breakfast we were soon heading northeast through Sorrento and on up to Seiano, where we turned right

and began to climb into the Lattari Mountains. We made our first stop on a roadside just north of the village of

Alberi. Here we explored the verges and adjacent woodland, finding Aristolochia pallida (a Birthwort), Orchis

provincialis (Provence Orchid), Cytisus villosus (Hairy Broom) and Ophrys exaltata (Sicilian Spider Orchid). Short-

toed Treecreeper and Italian House Sparrow were recorded and Serin sang from the olive groves.

Continuing up through the village of Prezzano, we reached Moiana. Here we turned right and began to climb

more steeply towards Monte Faito, our destination for the day. This is one of the summits which dominate the

Lattari range, over 1200m high. From here we would normally have stunning views across the Bay of Naples to

Vesuvius, but due to the weather, this was not to be. Our walk took us on a gentle incline through open rocky

grassland and Pinus nigra subsp. nigra (Black Pine) / Alnus incana (Italian Alder) open woodland. As a result of its

altitude, Mt Faito has a very alpine feel to it, and the flora here confirms this. Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill), Crocus

vernus (Spring Crocus) and Arabis alpina subsp. caucasicus (Alpine Rock-cress) were all present. Birds included a very

obliging Eurasian Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, and Coal Tit. Goldcrest was heard singing and a Green

Woodpecker and Nuthatch was also seen.



The path, which leads to the church of St. Michele, took us past a splendid rocky outcrop overlooking the valley

below. Here we found the very attractive endemic Viola eugeniae (a Pansy) and good numbers of the delicate blue

or white Anemone apennina (Blue Anemone), although they were not open. On the return journey, we noted some

more good plants including Asphodelus albus (White Asphodel), and many plants of Helleborus foetidus (Stinking

Hellebore). A Pied Flycatcher was also spotted, before we rejoined our vehicles.

We dropped down to a local restaurant for much needed, hot, afternoon refreshments, before beginning our

descent from the mountain. Some eight hundred metres below this point, we made a short stop to see Orchis

pauciflora (Sparse-flowered Orchid), Euphorbia spinosa (Spiny Spurge), and Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender

Cotton), before making our way back to our hotel for dinner.

Day 4 Saturday 14th April

Weather: Rain

Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we drove in the direction of Sant Agata, with the objective today of visiting the

splendid Amalfi coastal road to the lovely little town of Positano. Even though the sky was overcast, we could

enjoy some dramatic views of the mountains and sea cliffs, with the road clinging to their sides. Paul and Terry

parked the mini-buses in a lay-by, where we distributed the lunch and dressed in our waterproofs, as a precaution

against the expected inclement weather.

As we began the steep early climb we soon found Ophrys araneola (an Early Spider Orchid), Teucrium fruticans

(Shrubby Germander) and Arisarum vulgare (Friar’s Cowl). It was not long, however, before we were proved right,

as the rain began to fall, lightly at first but becoming heavier as we progressed. We climbed slowly up through

Oak and Pine based woodland, passing emerging Cistus creticus (a Pink Cistus) and Cistus salvifolius (Sage-leaved

Cistus). There was also Orchis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid), Lupinus angustifolius (Narrow-leaved Lupin) and

Cyclamen repandum (Spring Sowbread). Birds were not very active, although a solitary Booted Eagle, a pair of Pied

Flycatchers and a Common Kestrel were all seen.

Continuing on up, the path levelled out under a cliff with Thymelaea tartonraria (a Thymelaea), Colutea arborescens

(Bladder Senna) and more Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid) and Orchis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid).

Descending through more Oak woodland, we emerged, via some more steep steps, just outside Positano. The

now very heavy rain was turning the path into a small river. We found another overhang which we could all

shelter under, and ate our lunch, during which, the town of Positano regularly appeared and disappeared in the

low cloud. On completing the descent, Terry and Paul went the fetch the vehicles, in order that we could return

early to the hotel to shower and change into dry clothes.

We reconvened after an hour, for coffee, and Paul and Terry offered some further options for the remainder of

the day. Some chose to visit the town of Sorrento, whilst others chose to do a local walk, as the rain had

stopped. During this good numbers of Common Swift were seen, together with Wood Warbler and Tree

Sparrow.



Day 5 Sunday 15th April

Weather: Showers and sunny periods

After an early breakfast, we left the hotel in good time to drive into Sorrento and down to the Marina Piccola,

parking the minibuses at the port. Paul went to buy our tickets for the boat over to the beautiful island of Capri,

whilst Terry organised the picnic lunch for everyone. We soon boarded the 08-30hrs ferry for the twenty-five

minute journey over to the island. Some of us travelled on the open rear deck of the 'Super Flyte' in the hope of

seeing some sea birds, but we only managed Yellow-legged Gull and a solitary Scopoli’s Shearwater.

Upon our arrival on Capri we needed to acquire joint travel tickets for the funicular railway, which took us up

the hill to the bus station, where we then transferred to one of the little buses that connect Capri town with

Anacapri, the other main town here. At Anacapri we began the walk to the top of Monte Solaro, which, at 587

metres, is the highest point of the island. Setting off, it was not long before we began to find things of interest.

Masses of Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid) and a few Orchis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid) were seen, and

some wonderful views below and out to sea. Soon we were finding and getting views of Sardinian Warbler,

Subalpine Warbler, a Woodchat Shrike and Pied Flycatcher. Ranunculus paludosus (Jersey Buttercup), Ophrys

bombyliflora (Bumblebee Orchid) and Brassica oleraceus subsp. robertiana (a Wild Cabbage) were also added. It was

half way to the summit when the rain arrived, but good views of Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher and Peregrine

Falcon took our minds off it.

When we reached Monte Solaro, we took our picnic under a shelter near a new café, which was closed. We had

taken quite a lot of time ascending the mountain, so we did not spend much time at the top. A we began our

descent, we added Evax pygmaea (Evax), Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) and Erodium malacoides (Mallow-leaved

Stork's-bill), as we began to retrace our steps gradually down through the Pinus nigra subsp. nigra (Black Pine)

woodland and scrub towards Anacapri. Some of the group elected to walk down, others chose to take the

chairlift. When we reached the town, we made our way to a restaurant for refreshments before getting the bus

and the funicular back to Capri Harbour, to catch the 16-20hrs ferry back to Sorrento. Before leaving, we had a

short birding session on the end of the harbour arm, but only managed to add Common Sandpiper.

Upon our return to Via Capo, the birders went for a short walk, adding incoming Alpine Swift and Common

House Martin, together with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler. However, they were still unable to

locate the ever-present Turtle Dove they were hearing.

Day 6 Monday 16th April

Weather: Dry but cloudy at first, followed by prolonged rain

After breakfast we were soon heading north for a morning visit to the extensive ruins of the Roman city of

Pompeii, situated ominously beneath Mount Vesuvius, which had destroyed the city in the eruption of 79AD.

After parking the buses, we made our way to the entrance where, to our surprise, entrance was free for this week

only. Maps and guides were obtained before we set off. All group members made their own way around the

archaeological site, reporting a number of species of birds and plants. These included Tree Sparrows, several

Hoopoe ‘fly overs’, Greenfinch, Hooded Crows and the omnipresent Serins and Sardinian Warblers.



Nesting Short-toed Tree creepers were watched feeding their brood amongst the ruins, which delighted several

members of the group. A particular botanical species which appeared regularly, was Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved

Toadflax).

From Pompeii, we took the road towards Naples and, after a short distance, turned off onto the road into the

Vesuvius National Park and the steep winding ascent that goes almost to the top of this awesome volcano. We

stopped in a lay-by in order to take our picnic, just as the rain began to fall. Paul and Terry decided it would not

be a good idea to try and set up a picnic in this unsheltered spot, so we went to a local pizzeria for lunch.

Following our meal, we drove on up the mountain, reaching the summit car park. We set out to walk up the

steep path to the crater. When we got there, the weather became even more unpleasant. However, a couple of

the group managed to get a look at the crater, before the park authorities closed off the access. On the descent,

Rumex scutatus (French Sorrel) was seen, and the early colonising lichen, Stereocaulon vesuvianum, which gradually,

over time, will help break the rock down so that vascular plants can grab a foothold. Genista aetnensis (Mt Etna

Broom) was also scattered across the mountainside. From here we made our way back to Sorrento.

Day 7 Tuesday 17th April

Weather: Rain

The day started well with an early birding from the hotel producing a singing Tree Sparrow and Turtle Dove,

Pied Flycatcher, Common Kestrel and Sardinian Warbler. After breakfast, we returned to the cliff-top village of

Termini., where we once again parked just outside the village. We began by walking down to the market gardens

and Olive groves. The cloud was low and the rain persistent, but we heard Cetti’s Warbler and saw Blackcap,

Tree Sparrow and Willow Warbler.

We then drove a short way to a picnic site just to the east of village, where we enjoyed our food. During our stop

we added Iris foetidissima (Stinking Iris) and Cardamine pratense (Cuckoo Flower). We packed up and moved on to

Nerano and Marina di Catone, which were below the low cloud, however, the rain became heavier, and appeared

to have set in for a prolonged period of time. We therefore returned to the hotel for warm drinks and an

alternative plan.

After our refreshments, we set off to walk down to the Marina di Puolo Capitolo, passing through the Lemon

and Olive groves which lie below the hotel. There was a fine show of bryophyte and fern covered walls, with

species such as Anogramma leptophylla (Jersey Fern), Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair Fern) and Polypodium

interjectum (Intermediate Polypody). Some of the birds seen as we progressed were Wood Warbler, Willow

Warbler, Robin and Tree Sparrow. One surprise was a solitary Black-headed Yellow Wagtail (feldegg), seen

feeding in a field. Under the olive trees further down we found Symphytum tuberosum (Tuberous Comfrey) and a

large stand of Orobanche ramosa (Branched Broomrape). As we arrived at the point of the walk overlooking the

bay at Marina di Puolo Capitolo, good views were had of an Eleanora’s Falcon. Along the banks, Scorpiurus

muricatus (Scorpion-vetch), Convolvulus althaeoides (Mallow-leaved Bindweed) and Lotus ornithopodioides were also

seen. The final sighting of the day was of three Blue Rock Thrushes, before it was time to return for dinner.



Day 8 Wednesday 18th April

Weather: Cloudy with sunny periods

Saying our farewells to the staff at the Dania Hotel, and to Rose and Neil, who were catching a ferry from

Sorrento to Naples, we left at 08-30hrs, in order to try and revisit Mount Vesuvius. Making our way north and

joining the A3 autostrada, we turned off and made our way slowly up the mountain, which today, was fairly clear

with only a little cloud. However, we were stopped half way up, because there were too many vehicles at the top.

So, the decision was made to return to the lower slopes of the volcano, in order to explore the colonised lava.

Orchis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid), Ophrys sphegodes (Early Spider Orchid), Orchis morio (Green-winged

Orchid) and Urospermum dalechampii, were early finds. Common Kestrel, Common Magpie and Sardinian Warbler

were seen, and Great Spotted Woodpecker and Cetti’s Warbler were heard. As this was the first sunshine we had

seen for some time, it was pleasing to identify some butterflies. Common Blue, Green-underside Blue, wall

Brown and Swallowtail, among them. After taking our picnic among these old lava-flows, it was time to make

our way back to Naples airport, for our flight back to Gatwick.

NB. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Christina Hart-Davies for identifying the interesting Lower

Plant species encountered during the trip.

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Species List

Plants

Group/Species English Name (if any) Location

LICHENS

Cladonia convoluta - Capri

Stereocaulon vesuvianum Mount Vesuvius Lichen Mount Vesuvius

MOSSES, LIVERWORTS & HORNWORTS

Lunularia cruciata Crescent-cup Liverwort Pompei

Priessia quadrata Narrow Mushroom-headed Liverwort Vesuvius lower slopes

Bartramia pomiformis Common Apple-moss Vesuvius lower slopes

Phaeoceros c.f. carolinianus a Smooth Hornwort Marina di Puolo Capitolo

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family

Selaginella denticulata Mediterranean Clubmoss Punta Campanella

Adiantaceae Maidenhair Fern Family

Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Pompei

Anogramma leptophylla Jersey Fern Punta Campanella

Cheilanthes maderensis (C.pteridioides) Resurrection Fern Above Positano

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort family

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Punta Campanella

Asplenium obovatum Lanceolate Spleenwort Above Positano

Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Above Positano

Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Monte Faito

Ceterach officinarum Rustyback Punta Campanella

Dennstaeditiaceae Bracken Family

Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Common

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family

Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern Above Positano

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family

Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Punta Campanella

Polypodium interjectum Intermediate Polypody Punta Campanella

Woodsiaceae Lady-fern Family

Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Punta Campanella

PINOPSIDA (GYMNOSPERMS) CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family

Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Planted

Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper Punta Campanella

Pinaceae Pine Family

Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Above Positano




Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Black Pine Monte Faito

Pinus pinea Stone or Umbrella Pine Roadsides

MAGNOLIOPSIDA FLOWERING PLANTS

Magnoliidae

Acanthaceae Bear's-breech Family

Acanthus mollis Bear's-breech Via Capo

Aceraceae Maple Family

Acer opalus Italian Maple Monte Faito

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family

Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree Punta Campanella

Apiaceae Carrot Family

Conopodium majus Pignut Monte Faito

Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Punta Campanella

Daucus carota Wild Carrot Sorrento Harbour

Elaeoselinum asclepium (leaves) Elaeoselinum Above Positano

Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Above Positano

Ferrula communis Giant Fennel Roadsides

Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Punta Campanella

Tordylium apulum Tordylium Punta Campanella

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family

Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Punta Campanella

Aralaceae Ivy Family

Hedera helix Ivy Above Positano

Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family

Aristolochia pallida a Birthwort Above Alberi

Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (leaves) Swallow-wort Above Positano

Asteraceae Daisy Family

Anthemis chia - Punta Campanella

Bellis perennis Daisy Lawns in Sorrento

Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Punta Campanella

Carduus pycnocephalus Plymouth Thistle Punta Campanella

Centaurea cinerea* a Knapweed Punta Campanella

Centaurea parlatoris subsp. tenorei* a Knapweed Above Positano

Cirsium tenoreanum (leaves) Woolly Thistle Monte Faito

Conyza bonariensis Argentine Fleabane Punta Campanella

Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk's-beard Vesuvius lower slopes

Dittrichia graveolens Stink Aster Above Positano

Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican Fleabane Walls in Sorrento

Evax pygmaea Evax Punta Campanella

Galactites tomentosa Galactites Punta Campanella




Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold Above Alberi

Helichrysum italicum Italian Everlasting Above Positano

Hyoseris radiata - Capri

Lapsana communis Nipplewort Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Pallenis spinosa (leaves) Pallenis Punta Campanella

Phagnalon rupestre Phagnalon Punta Campanella

Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Oxtongue Capri

Santolina chamaecyparissus Lavender Cotton Below Monte Faito

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Above Alberi

Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle Punta Campanella

Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle Punta Campanella

Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Vesuvius lower slopes

Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum Punta Campanella

Urospermum picroides a Urospermum Above Positano

Betulaceae Birch Family

Alnus incana Grey Alder Above Alberi

Betula pendula Silver Birch Below Monte Faito

Carpinus orientalis Eastern Hornbeam Punta Campanella

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family

Borago officinalis Borage Punta Campanella

Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's-bugloss Punta Campanella

Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss Above Positano

Lithodora rosmarinifolium Rosemary-leaved Gromwell Punta Campanella

Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not Above Alberi

Symphytum tuberosum Tuberous Comfrey Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family

Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Monte Faito

Arabis alpina subsp. caucasica Alpine Rock-cress Monte Faito

Arabis rosea Pink Rock-cress Vesuvius lower slopes

Arabis turrita Tower Cress Monte Faito

Brassica oleracea subsp. robertiana Wild Cabbage Above Positano

Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse Punta Campanella

Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Above Alberi

Cardamine impatiens Cut-leaved Bitter-cress Monte Faito

Cardamine pratense Lady's Smock Termini

Cardamine resedifolia a Bitter-cress Monte Faito

Draba muralis Wall Whitlow-grass Monte Faito

Iberis prutii a Mountain Candytuft Above Positano

Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Punta Campanella

Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison Punta Campanella

Matthiola incana Hoary Stock Walls in Sorrento

Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Monte Faito

Cactaceae Cactus Family

Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly Pear Naturalised on cliffs

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family

Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Punta Campanella

Sambucus nigra Elderberry Near Alberi




Caryophyllaceae Pink Family

Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Capri

Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Monte Faito

Petrorhagia velutina a Proliferous Pink Vesuvius lower slopes

Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Pavements in Anacapri

Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Pavements in Anacapri

Silene italica Italian Catchfly Punta Campanella

Silene latifolia White Campion Punta Campanella

Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Above Positano

Stellaria media Common Chickweed Punta Campanella

Stellaria neglecta Greater Chickweed Capri

Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot Family

Atriplex halimus Shrubby Orache Punta Campanella

Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache Punta Campanella

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family

Cistus creticus Pink Cistus Above Positano

Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Punta Campanella

Helianthemum nummularium Rock-rose Above Positano

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family

Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Above Positano

Convolvulus althaeoides subsp. tenuissimus Narrow Mallow-leaved Bindweed Punta Campanella

Convolvulus cneorum Silvery Bindweed Above Positano

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family

Sedum forsterianum a Rock Stonecrop Capri

Sedum litoreum a Stonecrop Punta Campanella

Sedum rupestre Rock Stonecrop Above Positano

Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Punta Campanella

Ericaceae Heather Family

Erica arborea Tree Heather Punta Campanella

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family

Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Punta Campanella

Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Mediterranean Spurge Punta Campanella

Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Punta Campanella

Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Punta Campanella

Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Above Alberi

Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge Below Monte Faito

Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury Punta Campanella

Fabaceae Pea Family

Anthyllis barba-jovis Jupiter's Beard Punta Campanella

Bituminaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Punta Campanella

Calycotome villosa Hairy Thorny Broom Punta Campanella

Ceratonia siliqua Carob or Locust Tree Punta Campanella

Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree Planted

Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom Above Positano

Colutea arborescens Bladder Senna Above Positano




Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion-vetch Punta Campanella

Cytisus villosus a Broom Above Alberi

Genista aetnensis Etna Broom Vesuvius

Hedysarum spinossisimum Spiny Sainfoin Punta Campanella

Hippocrepis (Coronilla) emerus Scorpion Senna Punta Campanella

Lathyrus clymenum a Pea Punta Campanella

Lotus edulis Edible Lotus Punta Campanella

Lotus ornithopodioides a Bird's-foot Trefoil Punta Campanella

Lupinus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Lupin Above Alberi

Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Capri

Medicago orbicularis a Medick Punta Campanella

Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Punta Campanella

Melilotus indicus Small Melilot Punta Campanella

Melilotus italicus Italian Melilot Punta Campanella

Ornithopus compressus Compressed Bird's-foot Vesuvius lower slopes

Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Roadsides

Scorpiurus muricatus Scorpion-vetch Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Punta Campanella

Tetragonolobus purpureus Winged Pea Punta Campanella

Trifolium arvense Hare's-foot Clover Vesuvius lower slopes

Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Above Positano

Trifolium patense Red Clover Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Punta Campanella

Trifolium striatum Soft Clover Punta Campanella

Vicia bithynica Bithynian Vetch Punta Campanella

Vicia lutea Yellow Vetch Above Alberi

Vicia ochroleuca a Vetch Punta Campanella

Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Fodder Vetch Punta Campanella

Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch Above Positano

Fagaceae Beech Family

Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Above Alberi

Fagus sylvatica Beech Monte Faito

Quercus ilex Holm Oak Punta Campanella

Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Punta Campanella

Fumariaceae Fumitory Family

Fumaria capreolata White Ramping Fumitory Punta Campanella

Fumaria muralis subsp. boraei Common Ramping Fumitory Capri

Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Punta Campanella

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family

Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Capri

Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Punta Campanella

Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Punta Campanella

Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Monte Faito

Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Punta Campanella

Geranium purpureum Little Robin Punta Campanella

Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane's-bill Above Alberi

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family

Ajuga reptans Bugle Above Alberi




Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Termini

Micromeria graeca a Micromeria Above Positano

Prasium majus Prasium Punta Campanella

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Above Positano

Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Punta Campanella

Satureja hortensis Summer Savory Punta Campanella

Teucrium fruticans Shrub Germander Above Positano

Lauraceae Bay Family

Laurus nobilis Bay Tree Punta Campanella

Linaceae Flax Family

Linum bienne Pale Flax Punta Campanella

Malvaceae Mallow Family

Althaea hirsuta Hairy Mallow

Lavatera cretica Small Tree Mallow Punta Campanella

Lavatera arborea Tree Mallow Punta Campanella

Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Punta Campanella

Moraceae Mulberry Family

Ficus carica Fig Above Positano

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family

Myrtus communis Myrtle Punta Campanella

Oleaceae Olive Family

Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Punta Campanella

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family

Orobache gracilis Slender Broomrape Above Positano

Orobanche minor Common Broomrape Capri

Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Punta Campanella

Oxalidaceae Wood Sorrel Family

Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda Buttercup Punta Campanella

Papaveraceae Poppy Family

Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Roadsides

Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Roadsides

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family

Plantago arenaria Branched Plantain Punta Campanella

Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Above Positano

Plantago major Greater Plantain

Platanaceae Plane Family

Platanus x hybrida London Plane Punta Campanella

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family

Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Above Positano




Polygonaceae Knotweed Family

Rumex bucephalophorus Horned Dock Above Alberi

Rumex crispus Curled Dock Punta Campanella

Rumex scutatus French Sorrel / Rubble Dock Vesuvius lower slopes

Primulaceae Primrose Family

Anagallis arvensis subsp. foemina Blue Pimpernel Punta Campanella

Cyclamen repandum Spring Cyclamen Above Positano

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family

Anemone apennina Blue Anemone Monte Faito

Anemone hortensis an Anemone Punta Campanella

Clematis flammula Fragrant Clematis Punta Campanella

Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Monte Faito

Ranunculus paludosus Jersey Buttercup Capri

Ranunculus velutinus - Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Resedaceae Mignonette Family

Reseda alba White Mignonette Punta Campanella

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family

Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn Punta Campanella

Rosaceae Rose Family

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Punta Campanella

Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Punta Campanella

Pyrus amygdaliformis Almond-leaved Pear Punta Campanella

Rosa canina Dog Rose Punta Campanella

Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Punta Campanella

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family

Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Punta Campanella

Galium aparine Cleavers Punta Campanella

Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Punta Campanella

Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Punta Campanella

Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Punta Campanella

Salicaceae Willow Family

Populus x canadensis Hybrid Black Poplar Punta Campanella

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family

Osyris alba Osyris Punta Campanella

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family

Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Monte Faito

Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Monte Faito

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family

Antirrhinum majus Common Snapdragon Roadsides

Antirrhinum siculum Sicilian Snapdragon Common on Walls

Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Pompei

Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax Capri




Scrophularia canina French Figwort Above Positano

Scrophularia peregrina Italian (Nettle-leaved) Figwort Above Alberi

Verbascum rotundifolium subsp. rotundifolium* Round-leaved Mullein Above Positano

Verbascum sinuatum a Mullein Above Positano

Veronica cymbalaria Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell Punta Campanella

Solanaceae Nightshade Family

Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family

Daphne gnidium (leaves) Mediterranean Daphne Capri

Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Monte Faito

Thymelaea tartonraira - Above Positano

Ulmaceae Elm Family

Ulmus minor Small-leaved Elm Punta Campanella

Urticaceae Nettle Family

Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella

Parietaria officinalis Eastern Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella

Urtica membranacea Mediterranean Nettle Punta Campanella

Valerianaceae Valerian Family

Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Punta Campanella

Verbenaceae Vervain Family

Lantana camera Lantana Planted

Violaceae Violet Family

Viola eugeniae* a Pansy Monte Faito

Viola odorata Sweet Violet Monte Faito

Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Monte Faito

Liliidae

Agarvaceae Century Plant Family

Agava americana Century Plant Naturalised

Araceae Arum Family

Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Punta Campanella

Arisarum vulgare Friar's Cowl Punta Campanella

Cyperaceae Sedge Family

Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Above Positano

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family

Tamus communis Black Bryony Punta Campanella

Iridaceae Iris Family

Crocus vernus Spring Crocus Monte Faito

Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Punta Campanella

Iris albicans a White Iris Near Prezzano




Iris foetidissima Stinking Iris Termini

Iris germanica Tall Bearded Iris Capri

Juncaceae Rush Family

Luzula forsteri Southern Woodrush Above Alberi

Luzula pilosa Hairy Woodrush Monte Faito

Liliaceae Lily Family

Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Punta Campanella

Allium neapolitanum Naples Garlic Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Allium subhirsutum - Marina di Puolo Capitolo

Allium triquetum Three-cornered Leek Near Termini

Allium paradoxum Few-flowered Leek Punta Campanella

Allium roseum Rosy Garlic Punta Campanella

Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Punta Campanella

Asphodelus aestivus Common Asphodel Punta Campanella

Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Monte Faito

Asphodelus ramosus an Asphodel Punta Campanella

Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth Punta Campanella

Narcissus tazetta Polyanthus Narcissus Capri

Ornithogalum angustifolium Common Star of Bethlehem Capri

Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom Above Positano

Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill Monte Faito

Smilax aspera Common Smilax Punta Campanella

Urginea maritima Sea Squill Punta Campanella

Orchidaceae Orchid Family

Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Punta Campanella

Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Above Positano

Ophrys araneola an Early Spider Orchid Punta Campanella

Ophrys bombyliflora Bumblebee Orchid Capri

Ophrys exaltata Sicilian Spider Orchid Above Alberi & Capri

Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider Orchid Vesuvius lower slopes

Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Punta Campanella

Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid Vesuvius lower slopes

Orchis papilionacea Pink Butterfly Orchid Above Positano

Orchis pauciflora Sparse-flowered Orchid Below Monte Faito

Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid Above Alberi

Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid Punta Campanella

Serapias parviflora Small-flowered Tongue Orchid Above Positano

Poaceae Grass Family

Aira caryophyllea Silver Hair-grass Vesuvius lower slopes

Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Mauritanian Vine Reed Punta Campanella

Anisantha diandra Great Brome Punta Campanella

Anisantha madritensis Madrid Brome Punta Campanella

Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Above Alberi

Arundo donax Giant Reed Punta Campanella

Avena barbata Bristle Oat Punta Campanella

Avena sterilis Winter Wild Oat Punta Campanella

Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Punta Campanella

Calamagrostis epigejos Wood Small-reed Above Positano




Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Punta Campanella

Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Punta Campanella

Hyparrhenia hirta - Punta Campanella

Koeleria macrantha Crested Hair-grass Capri

Lagurus ovatus Hare’s-foot Grass

Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Capri

Paspalum sp. Signal-grass Above Positano

Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Punta Campanella

Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue Above Positano

FUNGI:

Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Capri

Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear Pompei

Birds ( = recorded but not counted; H = Heard only; LO = leader only)

April

Common name Scientific name 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1 Scopoli's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea

2 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

3 Little Egret Egretta garzetta

4 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus

5 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

6 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus LO

7 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

8 Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata

9 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

10 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

11 Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae

12 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

13 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

14 Yellow-legged Gull Gull Larus michahellis

15 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

16 Common Pigeon Columba livia feral

17 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

18 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur H H H H H H H

19 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

20 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H

21 Tawny Owl Strix aluco LO

22 Little Owl Athene noctua H

23 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba

24 Common Swift Apus apus

25 European Roller Coracias garrulus

26 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

27 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla

28 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H

29 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

30 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

31 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

32 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius H H

33 Common Magpie Pica pica



April


34 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

35 Northern Raven Corvus corax

36 Coal Tit Parus ater H

37 Great Tit Parus major H H

38 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

39 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

40 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum

41 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti H H H H H

42 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

43 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H

44 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli

45 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

46 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H

47 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis

48 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans

49 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala

50 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla

51 Goldcrest Regulus regulus H

52 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H

53 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea

54 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhis brachydactyla

55 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

56 Common Blackbird Turdus merula

57 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H

58 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

59 European Robin Erithacus rubecula

60 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H

61 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros LO

62 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra LO

63 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

64 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

65 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica

66 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

67 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

68 Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis

69 Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata

70 Italian Sparrow Passer domesticus italiae

71 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

72 Black-headed Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava feldegg

73 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

74 White Wagtail Motacilla alba

75 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

76 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

77 European Serin Serinus serinus

78 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

79 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis H

80 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina



April


Butterflies

Papilionidae

1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon

2 Southern Festoon Zerynthia polyxena

Pieridae

3 Small White Artogeia rapae

4 Southern Small White Artogeia mannii

5 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea

6 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra

7 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni

Lycaenidae

8 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus

9 Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis

10 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus

11 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

12 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

Satyrinae

13 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria

14 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera

Moths

1 Silver Y Moth Autographa gamma

Other Invertebrates

1 Egyptian Grasshopper Anacridium aegyptium

2 a Gendarme Bug Lygaeus sp.

3 a Beefly Bombylius sp.

4 a Hoverfly Scaeva pyrastri

5 a Carpenter Bee Xylocopa sp.

6 Honey Bee Apis mellifera

7 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris

8 a Chafer Oxythyrea funesta

9 Two-spot Ladybird Adalia bipunctata

10 Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha tenebricosa

11 a Millipede Diplopoda sp

12 Pill Woodlouse Glomeris marginata

Reptiles & Amphibians

1 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula

Molluscs

1 Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemoralis

2 Garden Snail Cornu aspersum

3 Clausiliid Snail Papillifera bidens

Documents

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula