Spain`s Picos de Europa Mountains

Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Naturetrek Tour Report
10 -17 June 2012
Crab Spider
Looking for Wallcreepers
mountain village
Marsh Fritillary
Report compiled by Lee Morgan and James Andrews
Images by Lee Morgan
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Tour Leaders:
Lee Morgan
James Andrews
Participants:
Colin Willis
Derek Mills
Heather Mills
Stephanie Donaldson
Andrew Colquhoun
John Turner
Vicky Brown
Kay Adamson
Jennifer Meir
David Hartill
Day 1
Sunday 10th June
Stansted to Arenas de Cabrales
Our flight from Stansted arrived on time (complete with fanfare) at Santander Airport. The group
gathered and, with all the baggage accounted for, we picked up the hire vehicles and negotiated our way
out of Santander. We headed west along the empty roads towards the Picos Mountains and even
managed to glimpse a few Yellow Legged Gulls, the odd Little Egret, Red and Black Kites, plenty of
Buzzards and even a Booted Eagle along the way. After a little less than a 2 hour drive along some
wonderfully scenic (and empty) roads we arrived at the Hotel Torrecerredo, on the edge of Arenas de
Cabrales, in plenty of time to get checked in and sorted out before dinner. Low cloud obscured the
spectacular views of the mountains today, but everyone had a chance to have a quick look for birds and
wildflowers in the wonderful hay meadows surrounding the hotel before we eventually made our way to
the dining room for dinner.
Day 2
Monday 12th June
La Molina
With a gloomy forecast for the days ahead, we were all pleasantly surprised to rise to a rather bright start
to the day (such is the nature of trying to predict mountain weather I suppose). Anyway, for the early
risers, we started our day with a little pre-breakfast birding and botanising around the hotel providing us
all with a good opportunity to have a closer look at the troops of Pyramidal Orchids and Serapias growing
in the meadows and watch the male and female Red-Backed Shrikes, Corn Buntings and Stonechats
perched up on the fences and wires. After a relaxed breakfast we made ourselves a packed lunch (the
weather forecast did not look promising for a picnic) and drove west out of Arenas.
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
We stopped at the small village of Canales, leaving one mini-bus at the top of the hill, and the other at the
bottom; and the group then enjoyed walking down the winding road to the small, quiet village of La
Molina. The day started well with some bright sunny spells as we made our way down through the village,
admiring the Bee Orchids and Broomrapes that grew along the roadsides, before winding down through
the meadows filled with Yellow Rattle, Large Flowered Selfheal and Wild Carrot. It had been a little wet
the night before so the butterflies were a bit thin on the ground but we spotted the odd Holy Blue and
watched the Serins and Bullfinches flitting between the fruit trees. A brief downturn in the weather meant
that we were forced to seek shelter under some trees but, with our waterproofs on, we continued our
gentle potter down the road.
We stopped for a bite of lunch in La Molina. After lunch we meandered between the houses and checked
out the cliff-top nest site for the Bonelli’s Eagle. There were no signs of the birds at the usual nest site but
a little further along the path Kay’s sharp eyes managed to spot a Bonelli’s Eagle coming into land on an
isolated promontory. The visibility was a little poor but, as we watched, we could see two fledgling birds
squabbling over food that one of the parents had dropped in.
From the village we followed the ancient pack-horse route into the valley with the river rushing below us.
We took our time and ventured down into the riparian valley woodlands, lush with ferns and mosses. The
weather meant that the bird activity was fairly limited but we were able to get some great views of
Dippers, Grey and White Wagtails by the river while scanning the wooded and rocky slopes around us
provided us with sightings of Redstarts, Black Redstarts, Nuthatches and Firecrests. We also found some
spectacular examples of Early Marsh, Common and Heath Spotted Orchids alongside the river.
By mid afternoon the weather turned against us and when even the local donkeys left the shelter of the
trees to seek refuge in a small cave we all decided to call it a day and make our way back. We arrived back
at the hotel in plenty of time to get dried off and warmed up before dinner. Despite the weather, we all
felt that we had made good use of our first day out.
Day 3
Tuesday 12th June
Covadonga and the Lakes
Another changeable day was forecast but once again we started our day with a little pre-breakfast potter
along the lanes around the hotel (and the weather wasn’t looking too bad). After breakfast the cloud had
closed in a little but it was moving at least so we drove west out of Arenas once again, heading towards
Covadonga. There were plenty of raptors in the sky as we drove along and we passed the unique bearproof granaries beside the farmhouses in the valley.
We stopped first in Covadonga, taking the time to walk up the road to the Basilica giving us a chance to
look for flowers and ferns that drape the roadside verges and cling to every wall. On arriving at the top of
the hill we practically had the place to ourselves and from the Basilica we were provided with
commanding view of the valley. Here we had some great views of Griffon Vultures as they cruised
effortlessly along the valley and watched as Spotted Flycatchers and Black Redstarts hawked for insects in
the trees below us.
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
The Basilica is a bit of a tourist trap and by late morning the hoards had started to arrive so we beat a
hasty retreat back to the vehicles, taking the time to explore the gardens and grottos below the Basilica en
route. We then headed high into the mountains (through some cloud and rain) along a very scenic route
to reach the twin lakes – Lago Enol and Lagos de Ercina where we stopped for a leisurely picnic lunch.
With food around, it certainly wasn’t long before we were enjoying some wonderfully close views of
Alpine and Red-billed Choughs and, as we ate our lunch, we were able to spot a few more upland birds
including Water Pipit and even a Female Rock Thrush. The weather closed in a little and we were forced
to wait in the shelter of our chosen picnic spot while showers passed overhead, before setting of on our
afternoon walk. We made our way through the abandoned mine workings along a very interesting trail, up
towards Lago Ercina. We found some good upland plants on the way and with some dazzling displays of
Decumbent Treacle Mustard, Fragrant Orchids and numerous other species that flowered along the
sheltered trail.
Our arrival at Lago de Ercina was heralded by another downpour but we used this as an opportunity to
stop for a warm drink in the café by the lake until the shower passed (none of the group objected to that
suggestion!). Once the showers passed, the skies cleared and we were rewarded with some fantastic views
across the lake. Walking along the eastern margin of the lake we explored the rocky crags cloaked in
Spanish Gorse in search of alpine plants such as Trumpet Gentians and Leafless-stemmed Globularia and
watched as Crag Martins skipped over the heads of the Coots and Mallards on the lake below. It was a
great day and magnificent that we had once again managed to avoid the worst of the weather too. Against
all the odds we had managed to have a great look around the ‘notoriously fog bound lakes’. (We were
particularly pleased with ourselves given the fact that another group of walkers in the hotel had opted not
to go out at all and had all looked at us like we were crazy when we left the hotel in the morning…).
We drove a short distance past Lago Enol, and back down the narrow, winding road down the mountain
and back towards Arenas. The journey provided us with plenty of opportunities to scan the skies for
raptors (including a rather ‘unofficial’ pause for a nice Short-toed Eagle) and a brief stop along the river
provided us with some nice views of Grey Wagtails and some good sized Brown Trout too.
Day 4
Wednesday 13th June
Vegas de Sotres
We awoke to the promise of a great day ahead and after a leisurely breakfast we assembled ourselves a
packed lunch and loaded up the vehicles ready to set off. We took a slow drive along the beautiful Cares
Gorge towards Poncebos where we paused to look at the Salmon Ladder constructed to by-pass the small
Hydro-electric Power Station, followed by a further stop at a Mirador where we had some ‘OK’ views of
Golden Eagles and Goshawks…. all in the same field of view at the same time (good work James!).
Our next stop was just beyond Sotres where we parked the vehicles on the roadside before walking along
the gentle inclines of the valley towards the lonely village of Vega de Sotres. The sun was shining and
Yellow Hammers sang from the tiled rooftops of the scattered barns and cottages in the valley below.
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
We wandered along looking at the myriad of wildflowers growing alongside the road and scanning the
skies for more raptors. There sun had brought out the butterflies too and we watched as Marsh and
Weavers Fritillaries, Clouded Yellows and Small and Turquoise Blues flitted around the stone walls and a
constant stream of De Prunner’s and Piedmont Ringlets fluttered along the rocky slopes. We spotted
some nice Fly Orchids on the roadside verges and spent some time admiring beautiful alpine plants such
as Ciliate Rock Jasmine, Malling Toadflax and even the tiny Pyrenean Vetch that adhered to the rocky
slopes around us.
Continuing to the village we spotted more flowers in the meadows, including some very splendid Lizard
Orchids and some Burnt-tip Orchids too. As usual, some of the dogs were rather vocal as we approached
and a few people were at work in the village, but it did not stop us having a good look around the
buildings; watching the Black Redstarts, Linnets and Rock Buntings perched on the roof tops, admiring
the clumps of Tufted Saxifrage that adhered to the walls and searching the water troughs for Palmate
Newts and Toad tadpoles.
We returned to the vehicles at a leisurely pace, eager to make best use of such a wonderful day, but we
eventually made our way back and made our way slowly back to Arenas. On returning to Arenas a few
took the opportunity to have quick look around the village and search for Dippers or watch the Eels in
the river before we eventually made our way back to the hotel for a fantastic evening meal.
Day 5
Thursday 14th June
Arenas to Espinama via the Hermida Gorge
Today we had to leave Arenas de Cabrales and head for the south of the Picos range. After breakfast we
loaded the vehicles and lingered a little around the hotel to give people one last chance to see a Wryneck
that had been taunting us all week with some very tantalisingly brief appearances. It was another warm
and beautifully sunny day and our route south took us through the magnificent limestone scenery of the
Hermida Gorge. By late morning we stopped at the entrance to the Urdon Gorge where there is a small
hydro-electric power station, and walked up the stony track alongside the river. We enjoyed some
fantastic views of dippers feeding young fledglings and with the sun beating down the gorge the place was
alive with Spanish Purple Hairstreaks, High Brown Fritillaries and a myriad of Skippers, Ringlets and
Blues.
With so much wildlife, it took us some time to make any progress along the trail. We eventually made our
way further along the gently inclined pass with the sounds of singing Blue Rock thrushes echoing around
the crags above us and the thundering sound of the river rushing along the gorge below. We eventually
stopped at one of the bridges to look at the spectacular fern, Woodwardia radicans, (honest… it is
spectacular) which draped the side of the gorge and I could tell it was a spectacle that truly overwhelmed
most of the group.
We made our way back down the gorge and continued our journey along the Hermida Gorge towards
Espinama. We stopped for lunch at the ancient church of St Maria de Lebena where we enjoyed a
wonderful picnic in the sunshine watching Griffon and Egyptian Vultures as the soared overhead.
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
After lunch we explored a few of the tracks leading to the churchyard and had some lovely views of
Marsh and Provencal Fritillary. We continued to Espinama, arriving in plenty of time to get checked in to
the Hotel Nevandi and explore the quiet side streets and woodland paths around the village.
Day 6
Friday 15th June
Fuente De
We woke to another glorious, sunny day and after a quick breakfast we assembled ourselves a packed
lunch and drove to the cable car station in Fuente De where the group found some nice examples of
Pyrenean Lily in flower while Lee arranged the tickets for the cable car. Arriving early gave us a bit of a
head start on the crowds and it was not long before we were all onboard the cable car making our rapid
ascent high into the mountains. At the top the crystal clear conditions meant that we had some amazing
views of mile upon mile of magnificent limestone peaks and most of us took the chance to experience the
thrill of the ‘infinity platform’ and take a few photos of the wonderful views. There was still a significant
number of snow patches around too and, while the temperature was several degrees cooler and a
powerful wind was thumping through the mountains, it was a glorious day to be at altitude.
Walking along the tracks enabled us to see some truly wonderful alpine flora, and with mats of Lithodora,
Trumpet and Spring Gentians, Moss Campion, Matted Globularia, and Pyrenean Buttercup in bloom,
there was plenty to keep the botanists happy. Scanning the rocky crags around us rewarded some of the
group with some good views of Snow Finch, and there were plenty of Chamois, Alpine Accentors, Black
Redstarts and Northern and Black-eared Wheatears to see. We stopping in a few places (including our
least comfortable lunch stop of the whole trip) to scan the crags for Wallcreepers but we had no success.
However, some very close encounters with Alpine Choughs, who investigated us to check for picnic
scraps, more than made up for our efforts.
Having spent some time looking for Wallcreepers, we eventually continued with our long walk down the
mountain towards Espinama. As we descended the valley broadened out and with clear skies both Ravens
and Griffon and Egyptian Vultures emerged to soar above us. We eventually reached the Portillas de
Boqueron, where we admired some large patches of Large-flowered Butterwort on the sides of the track
and a few people stopped to cool their feet in the bubbling stream. The rest of the walk down the hill
took us past an abandoned village, meadows filled with orchids and woodland clearings filled with
butterflies. We even had some nice views of a Short-toed Eagle before we eventually arrived back at the
Hotel Nevandi and after such a long downhill walk, we were all ready for a good meal and an even better
nights rest.
Day 7
Saturday 16th June
Pido and the Castanea de Pendes
After our day in the mountains yesterday we started the day slowly, taking a nice low-level walk along the
old valley road from Espinama to Pido. We had certainly seen the best of the weather the previous day
but it remained dry and reasonably warm as we pottered along the track.
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
We paused at many places along the route to check on the roadside plants and to watch the Redstarts and
Black Redstarts, Serins and Cirl Buntings that flitted between the wires and the rooftops. A brief stop in
one of the steeply sloping, sheltered hay meadows also revealed some a few nice butterflies and both
Wartbiter and Large Green Bushcrickets. We headed up to Fuente De again to have another look at the
Pyrenean Lily but our time to explore was cut a little short by a passing shower. We took this opportunity
to dive up to Castanea de Pendes to have lunch.
We stopped at a wonderful picnic area amidst some magnificent old Sweet Chestnut trees and, despite
being rather busy with locals, the area was buzzing with wildlife and during our lunch we were privileged
to see Griffon and Egyptian Vultures fly low over our heads and watch Short-toed Eagles hunting over
the valley. A few people even managed to catch up with a Wryneck that they had missed earlier on in the
week. A short walk around the area after lunch provided us with some more lovely views of Redstarts and
Stonechats and some rather lovely opportunities to photograph Lesser Spotted Fritillary. Another change
in the weather prompted us all to return to the vehicles and we made our way slowly back to Espinama.
Day 8
Sunday 17th June
Espinama to Santander via Liencres; Warm and sunny
This was our final day in the Picos so after packing the mini-buses we headed back down through the
Hermida Gorge towards Santander along the coast road. We planned to break our journey at the Liencres
Nature Reserve, close to Santander where the beach is backed by a large expanse of sand dunes and pine
forest. This completely different habitat provided some interesting new plants for the list, including drifts
of Maiden Pink, Curry Plant and Lesser Butterfly Orchids as well as Broad leaved, Pendulous-flowered
Helleborine and Red Helleborines. A few people spent some time searching the dunes for Tawny Pipits
while others braved the busy beach and watched the Yellow-legged Gulls flying up and down the shore.
The more sheltered areas of dune scrub yielded several familiar species of butterfly, included Clouded
Yellow, Marbled Whites, Cleopatras, and Large, Small and Lulworth Skippers all of which had emerged to
fly in the warm sunshine. After finishing our final picnic of the trip and enjoying an ice cream from the
beach café it was time to head for the airport, return the vehicles and wait for our flight. The airport was
quiet and we boarded our flight on time and eventually arrived back at Stansted where we said our
farewells.
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Species Lists
Plants
Scientific Name
Common Name
Location/Notes
Equisetum telmateia
Great Horsetail
La Molina
E. fluviatile
Water Horsetail
Espinama & the lakes
Woodsia alpina
Alpine Woodsia
above El Cable
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Maidenhair Fern
Shady walls and banks, La Molina
Blechnum spicant
Hard Fern
Ditches and woodlands, common
Phyllitis scolopendrium
Hart’s-tongue Fern
Shady walls and banks, common
Black Spleenwort
Pido, old walls in village
A. ruta-muraria
Wall Rue
Pido, Covadonga, common
Ceterach officinarum
Rusty-backed Fern
Pido, Covadonga, old walls
Athyrium filix-femina
Lady Fern
La Molina woodlands
Cystopteris fragilis
Brittle Bladder Fern
Fuente De, scarce
Dryopteris affinis
Scaly Male Fern
Fuente De, Pido, La molina
Dryopteris dilitata
Broad Buckler Fern
La Molina
Dryopteris aemula
Hay-scented Fern
Woods near La Molina, scarce
Oreopteris limbosperma
Lemon-scented/Mountain Fern
Damp riverside woods, La Molina
Polystichum aculeatum
Hard Shield Fern
La Molina
P. setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
La Molina, abundant in woodland
Polypodium(vulgare)
Common Polypody
Walls and banks, abundant
Pteridium aquilinum
Bracken
Widespread and abundant
Woodwardia radicans
Rooting Chain Fern
Hermida Gorge
Pinus pinaster
Maritime Pine
Liencres dunes, plantation
Pinus sylvestris
Scots Pine
Scattered locations
Pinus pinea
Umbrella Pine
Liencres dunes, plantation
Pinus nigra
Corsican/Black Pine
Liencres dunes, plantation
Juniperus communis
Juniper
Widespread on open hillsides
Taxus baccata
Yew
Widespread in open areas
Apiaceae (Umbellifers)
Carrot Family
Angelica syvestris
Angelica
Occasional, roadsides
Astrantia major
Masterwort
Pido, Espinama shady banks
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
Roadsides, scattered
Conopodium majus
Pignut
La Molina, wooded areas
Daucus carota
Wild Carrot
Roadsides, common
Dethawia tenuifolia
Dethawia
Scarce, nr Covadonga
Eryngium bourgatii
Pyrenean Eryngo
Widespread, roadsides, banks, hay meadows
Eryngium maritimum
Sea Holly
Liencres dunes
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
Widespread, roadsides
Heracleum sphondylium
Hogweed
Roadsides - common
Ferns and Horsetails
Asplenium adiantumnigrum
Conifers
Dicotyledons
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Location/Notes
Laserpitium latifolium
Broad-leaved Sermountain
Above Espinama in woods
Levisticum officinale
Lovage
Espinama, leaves only
Oenanthe crocata
Hemlock Water Dropwort
La Molina, riverbanks, common
Peucedanum ostruthium
Masterwort
Scarce, nr Covadonga
Sanicula europaea
Wood Sanicle
La Molina, Woods near Pido
Silaum silaus
Pepper Saxifrage
meadows nr Espinama
Smyrmium olusatrum
Alexanders
Hermida Gorge
Thapsia villosa
a yellow umbellifer
Roadsides nr Espinama
Torilis japonica
Upright Hedge Parsley
La Molina, roadsides
Torilis nodosa
Knotted Bur Parsley
Fields near La Molina
Aquifoliaceae
Holly Family
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
Asclepiadaceae
Milkweed Family
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria
Swallow-wort
Asteraceae
Hermida woods in gorge
La Molina, open stony areas
Daisy family
(Compositae)
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow
Widespread
Adenostyles aliariae
Adenostyles
Sotres, leaves only
Andryala integrifolia
Andryala
Hermida Gorge
Anthemis triumfettii
Southern Dog Daisy
roadsides around Pido
Bellis perennis
Daisy
Roadsides, abundant
Purple Thistle
Fuente De, stony areas
Carduus carlinifolius
Carline-leaved Thistle
Sotres
C. carlinoides
Pyrenean Thistle
Fuente De, Sotres
C. nutans
Musk Thistle (pale)
Pido, roadsides and fields
Centaurea alpestris
Knapweed
Fields, roadsides
C. montana
Mountain Cornflower
Fuente De
C. nigra
Black Knapweed
Fields, roadsides
Phagnalon Rupestre
Phagnalon (like tiny yellow knapweed)
Hermida Gorge area
Cichorium intybus
Chicory
Roadsides cultivated areas
Cirsium palustris
Marsh Thistle
Meadows, common
Doronicum austriacum
Austrian Leopardsbane
Sotres
Galactites tomentosa
Galactites
Dry, sunny banks
Hieracium alpinum
Alpine Hawkweed
Hermida Gorge, Fuente De
Hieracium lanatum
Woolly Hawkweed
Fuente De
H. pilosella
Mouse-ear Hawkweed
Dry places, widespread
Erigeron (mucronatus)
Mexican Fleabane
Widespread
Lapsana communis
Nipplewort
Roadsides, waste places
Leucanthemum vulgare
Oxe-eye Daisy
Meadows, very common
Matricaria discoidea
Pineapple Mayweed
Tracks and paths
Silybum marianum
Milk Thistle
Dry areas, scarce
Carduncellus
monspeliensis
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Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Location/Notes
Taraxacum alpinum
Alpine Dandelion
Fuente De
Tragopogon crocifolius
Purple Salsify
Pido, roadsides and fields
Tragopogon pratensis
Goatsbeard
Widespread, fields and roadsides
Betulaceae
Birch Family
Betula pendula
Silver Birch
Scarce, La Molina woodlands
B. pubescens
Downy Birch
Scarce
Alnus glutinosa
Alder
Riversides, very common
A. viridus
Green Alder
Towns and parks, Arenas
Boraginaceae
Forget-me-not Family
Lithodora diffusa
Scrambling Gromwell
widespread in rocky areas, roadsides etc.
Echium vulgare
Viper’s Bugloss
Widespread, roadsides and banks
Myosotis alpestris
Alpine Forget-me-not
Fuente De
M. scorpioides
Water Forget-me-not
Near Covadonga
Pentaglottis sempervirens
Green Alkanet
nr Espinama
Symphytum tuberosum
Tuberous comfrey
Roadsides, damp areas
Brassicaceae
Cabbage/Cress Family
Arabis hirsuta
Hairy Rockcress
Espinama
Alyssum montanum
Mountain Alyssum
Fuente De
Biscutella laevigata
Buckler Mustard
Roadsides, waste places
Cardamine impatiens
Narrow-leaved Bittercress
Pido, roadsides and tracks
Cardamine pratense
Lady’s Smock
Meadows, common
C. raphanifolia
Radish-leaved Bittercress
La Molina, on riverbank
Erysimum decumbens
Decumbent Treacle Mustard
Fuente De, the lakes
Iberis aurosica
Dauphine Candytuft
Fuente De, on scree
Iberis spathulata
Spoon-leaved Candytuft
Fuente De, Sotres open rocky areas
Matthiola fruticosa
Sad Stock
Fuente De
Watercress
Nr Covadonga, and El Cable
Sisymbrium austriacum
Austrian Rocket
Widespread
Campanulaceae
Bellflower Family
C. glomerata
Clustered Bellflower
Vega de Sotres - meadows
C patula
Spreading Bellflower
Common on roadsides
C. persicifolia
Peach-leaved Bellflower
Roadsides and banks nr Pido
C. rotundifolia
Harebell
Hermida Gorge
Jasione montana
Mountain Sheep’s-bit
Covadonga
Jasione crispa
Dwarf Sheep’s-bit
roadsides nr Covadonga
Phyteuma charmelii
Horned Rampion
la Molina
P. orbiculare
Round-headed Rampion
Upland meadows, Sotres, Covadonga
P. spicata ssp pyrenaica
Pyrenean Spiked Rampion
Above Pido
Rorippa nasturtiumaquaticum
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Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Caprifoliaceae
Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera periclymenum
Honeysuckle
Scarce, roadsides and woods
Sambucus nigra
Elder
Roadsides and slopes
S. ebulus
Danewort/Small Elder
Hermida Gorge
Caryophyllacea
Pink Family
Arenaria grandiflora
Large-flowered Sandwort
A. purpurascens
Pink Sandwort
Dianthus monspessulanus
Fringed Pink
La Molina, roadside bank
D. deltoides
Maiden Pink
Liencres, dunes
D. armeria
Deptford Pink
Dry areas, roadsides
Lychnis flos-cuculi
Ragged Robin
Meadows and streamsides
Petrocoptis pardoi
Blue-leaved Petrocoptis
La Molina, Covadonga, shady rocks
P. pyrenaica
Pyrenean Soapwort
scarce, Covadonga
Petrorhagia prolifera
Proliferous Pink
Dry grassy banks
P. saxifraga
Tunic Flower
La Molina, Covadonga
Silene acaulis ssp
Moss Campion (ssp with longer stalked
longiscapa
flowers)
S. alba
White Campion
Dry banks and verges
S. dioica
Red Campion
Meadows, common in places
S. otites
Spanish Catchfly
Sotres, meadows
S. vulgaris
Bladder Campion
roadsides
Stellaria holostea
Greater Stitchwort
La Molina woodlands
S. nemorum
Wood Stitchwort
Scarce, nr La Molina
S. graminea
Lesser Stitchwort
Meadows, damp places, common
Celastraceae
Spindle-tree Family
Euonyymus europaeus
Spindle Tree
Cistaceae
Rock-rose family
Cistus salvilifolius
Sage-leaved Cistus
Hermida Gorge
Common Rockrose
Hermida Gorge
H. canum
Hoary Rockrose
Scarce, nr Sotres
H. appeninum
White Rockrose
Hermida Gorge
Clusiaceae
St John’-wort Family
Hypericum androsaemum
Tutsan
La Molina, Covadonga
H. pulchrum
Slender St John's-wort
above Covadonga and lakes
H. montanum
Pale St John's-wort
Hermida Gorge
H. perforatum
Perforate St. John’s-wort
Hermida Gorge
Convolvulaceae
Bindweed Family
Calystegia soldanella
Sea Bindweed
Heliathemum
nummularian
© Naturetrek
July 12
Location/Notes
Near Espinama
Rocks above Fuente De, (Saxifrage-like in
appearance)
Above Fuente De
Hermida Gorge
Liencres dunes
11
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Location/Notes
Convolvulus arvensis
Field Bindweed
Common
Cuscata epithymum
Dodder
common
Corylaceae
Hazel Family
Corylus avellana
Hazel
Crassulaceae
Stonecrop Family
Sedum album
White Stonecrop
Espinama
S. acre
Biting Stonecrop
Nr Fuente De
S. dasyphyllum
Thick-leaved Stonecrop
Pido and other rocky areas
S. rupestre
Rock Stonecrop
Pido, rocks and roadside
S. villosum
Hairy Stonecrop
Vega de Sotres, leaves only
Dipsacaceae
Teasel Family
Dipsacus fullonum
Teasel
Roadsides and waste places
Knautia arvensis
Field Scabious
Roadsides
Succisa pratensis
Devil’sbit Scabious
La Molina
Ericaceae
Heath Family
Arbutus unedo
Strawberry Tree
Hermida Gorge
Calluna vulgaris
Heather/Ling
above Covadonga
Erica cinerea
Bell Heather
E. arborea
Tree Heather
dry slopes nr Covadonga
E. tetralix
Cross-leaved Heath
roadsides
E. vagans
Cornish Heath
Nr Covadonga
Daboecia cantabrica
St. Dabeoc’s Heath
La Molina, Lago Enol, Hermida Gorge
Vaccinium myrtillus
Bilberry
Woodlands above Espinama, La Molina
Euphorbiaceae
Spurge Family
Euphorbia amygdaloides
Wood Spurge
La Molina
E. flavicoma
an upland Spurge
Fuente De
E hyberna
Irish Spurge
Woods above Espinama
E. paralias
Sea Spurge
Liencres
E. pyrenaica
Pyrenean Spurge
Fuente De
Mercurialis perennis
Dog’s Mercury
Woods near Pido, the lakes, fuente de
Fabaceae
Pea Family
Anthyllis vulneraria ssp
La Molina woods, Pido woods
dry slopes
Kidney Vetch
Widespread, open sunny areas
Astragalus depressus
Sprawling Milk Vetch
Above Fuente De
Chamaespartium sagittale
Winged Greenweed
Espinama
Genista tinctoria
Dyers Greenweed
Nr Cabanes
Cytisus scoparius
Broom
Widespread
Echinospartum horridum
Echinospartum
Above Hermida Gorge
Genista hispanica
Spanish Gorse
Widespread
pyrenaica
12
© Naturetrek
July 12
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Scientific Name
Common Name
Genista legionensis
Tour Report
Location/Notes
Above Espinama
G. sericea
Silvery Broom
Scarce
Hippocrepis comosa
Horseshoe Vetch
Widespread in sunny, rocky places
Yellow Pea
Sotres area
L. latifolius
Everlasting Pea
Scattered, roadsides
L. linifolius
Bitter Vetch
Sotres meadows
L. pratensis
Meadow Vetchling
Lotus alpinus
Alpine Bird's-foot Trefoil
Scarce, Covadonga
L. corniculatus
Bird's-foot Trefoil
Roadsides, meadows
Medicago sativa
Lucerne
Arenas de Cabrales meadows
M. lupulina
Black Medick
Meadows, roadsides
Melilotus altissima
Tall Melilot
Meadows, roadsides
M. suffruticosa
Sprawling Medick
Tracks and paths
Ononis repens
Restharrow
Arenas, Liencres, common
Psoralea bituminosa
Pitch Trefoil
Hermida Gorge
Trifolium campestre
Hop Trefoil
common on roadsides
T. ochroleucum
Sulphur Clover
Pido
T pratense
Red Clover
Meadows, roadsides
T. repens
White Clover
Meadows, roadsides
Vicia cracca
Tufted Vetch
Verges, banks
V. hirsuta
Hairy Tare
Scarce, roadsides and woods
V. orobus
Upright Vetch
Sotres - lower meadows
V. pyrenaica
Pyrenean Vetch
Vega de Sotres
V. sepium
Bush Vetch
Roadsides, meadows, common
V. villosa
Fodder Vetch
Meadows, scattered
Fagaceae
Oak and Beech Family
Castnea sativa
Sweet Chestnut
Pido, Espinama, Pendes
Fagus sylvatica
Beech
Sotres, Pido
Quercus ilex
Holm Oak
Potes
Q. pubescens
Downy/White Oak
Potes area
Q. pyrenaica
Pyrenean Oak
La Molina
Gentianaceae
Gentian Family
Gentiana occidentalis
Pyrenean Trumpet Gentian
Fuente De
G. verna
Spring Gentian
above Fuente De
Centaurium erythraea
Common Centaury
Near Fuente De
Blackstonia perfoliata
Yellow-wort
Arenas, Hermida Gorge
Geraniaceae
Geranium Family
Geranium columbinum
Long-stalked Cranesbill
Fields, tracks, common
G. molle
Dove’s-foot Cranesbill
roadsides
G. purpureum
Little Robin
Hermida Gorge
Lathyrus laevigatus ssp
occidentalis
© Naturetrek
July 12
“
13
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Location/Notes
G sanguineum
Bloody Cranesbill
Arenas, Hermida Gorge
G. robertianum
Herb Robert
La Molina, roadsides and verges
G. pyrenaicum
Pyrenean Geranium
La Molina, roadsides common
G. lucidum
Shining Cranesbill
La Molina, shady banks and woods
Erodium cicutarium
Common Storksbill
Tracks and paths
Globulariaceae
Globularia Family
Globularia nudicaulis
Leafless-stemmed Globularia
Lago de Enol
G. repens
Matted Globularia
above Fuente De
Grossulariaceae
Gooseberry Family
Ribes uva-crispa
Wild Gooseberry
Labiatae
Dead-nettle Family
Acinos alpinus
Alpine Calamint
Fuente De, the lakes
Ajuga reptans
Common Bugle
Widespread
Ajuga pyramidalis
Pyramidal Bugle
Meadows, La Molina, Pido
Ballota nigra
Black Horehound
roadsides
Clinopodium vulgare
Wild Basil
Sotres
Galeopsis pyrenaica
Pyrenean Hempnettle
Sotres
Marrubium vulgare
White Horehound
Covadonga
Mellittis melissophyllum
Bastard Balm
La Molina, Sotres
Origanum vulgare
Marjoram
Meadows
Prunella grandiflora
Large-flowered Self-heal
Above Espinama, Pido
P. vulgaris
Selfheal
Roadsides, meadows
Salvia pratensis
Meadow Clary
Widespread, dry areas
Sideritis hyssopifolia
Sideritis
La Molina, the lakes
Stachys monieri
Alpine Betony
Fuente De
S. palustris
Marsh Woundwort
Fuente De
S. sylvatica
Hedge Woundwort
Widespread
Teucrium pyrenaicum
Pyrenean Germander
Scattered stony locations
T. scorodonia
Wood Sage
Nr Covadonga, La Molina
Thymus praecox
Hairy Thyme
Nr Covadonga
T. pulegioides
Large Thyme
Nr Fuente De
Lentibulariaceae
Butterwort Family
Pinguicula grandiflora
Large-flowered Burtterwort
Linaceae
Flax Family
Linum bienne
Pale Flax
Scattered, dry places, meadows
L. catharticum
Purging/Fairy Flax
Nr Covadonga, Sotres
L. viscosum
Sticky Flax
Roadsides
Pyrenean Flax
above Fuente De
L. suffruticosum ssp
salsoloides
14
La Molina
Streams and flushes near Covadonga, Hermida
Gorge
© Naturetrek
July 12
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Malvaceae
Mallow Family
Malva moschata
Musk Mallow
Meadows, common
M. neglecta
Dwarf Mallow
Roadsides
M. sylvestris
Common Mallow
Roadsides
Menyanthaceae
Bogbean family
Menyanthes trifoliata
Bogbean
Onagraceae
Willowherb Family
Epilobium alsinifolium
Chickweed Willowherb
Above Espinama
E. tetragonum
Square-stemmed Willowherb
Pido - roadside
Oenothera glazoviana
Large-flowered Evening Primrose
Liencres dunes, roadsides
Papaverceae
Poppy Family
Chelidonium majus
Greater Celandine
la molina, nr Espinama
Fumaria capreolata
Ramping Fumitory
gardens and waste ground
Papaver rhoeas
Field Poppy
fields and gardens
P. argemone
Prickly Poppy
roadsides and waste ground
Plantaginaceae
Plantain Family
Plantago lanceolata
Ribwort Plantain
Common
P. major
Greater Plantain
Common
P. media
Hoary Plantain
Hermida Gorge
Platanaceae
Plane Family
Platanus (hispanica)
Plane Tree
Plumbaginaceae
Thrift Family
Armeria maritima ssp
alpina
Mountain Thrift
Location/Notes
the Lakes
Hermida Gorge
Above Fuente De
Polygonaceae
Knotweed Family
Polygonum hydropiper
Water Pepper
Woodlands, La Molina
P. bistorta
Bistort
Damp meadows
Rumex scutatus
French Sorrel/Rubble Dock
Hermida Gorge
R. acetosella
Sheep’s Sorrel
Covadonga
R. alpinus
Monk’s Rhubarb
Fuente De, the lakes
Primulaceae
Primrose Family
Primula veris
Cowslip
Leaves only
P. vulgaris
Primrose Family
Leaves only
Anagallis arvensis
Scarlet Pimpernel
Roadsides, tracks
Androsace villosa
Ciliate Rock-jasmine
Fuente De
Lysimachia nemorum
Yellow Pimpernel
Woods, common
© Naturetrek
July 12
15
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Location/Notes
L. nummularia
Creeping Jenny
Woods, common at La Molina
Ranunculaceae
Buttercup Family
A. narcissus
Narcissus-flowered Anemone
Near Fuente De
Aquilegia vulgaris
Columbine
Above Pido
A. pyrenaica ssp bicolor
Pyrenean Columbine
Covadonga
A. viscosa
An endemic Columbine
Pido area
Aconitum napellus
Monkshood
leaves only
Caltha palustris
Marsh Marigold
Common, wet flushes
Helleborus foetidus
Stinking Hellebore
Hermida Gorge
Helleborus viridis
Green Hellebore
Above Espinama
Hepatica nobilis
Hepatica
Leaves and dead flowerheads only
Ranunculus amplexicaulis
Amplexicaule-leaved Buttercup
Fuente De
R. flammula
Lesser Spearwort
Covadonga
R. gramineus
Grass-leaved Buttercup
Vega de Sotres
Resedaceae
Mignonette Family
Reseda lutea
Wild Mignonette
Roadsides
R. luteola
Weld
Roadsides
R. suffruticosa
White' Mignonette
fuente de/above Espinama
Rosaceae
Rose Family
Alchemilla alpina
Alpine Lady’s-mantle
Above Fuente De
A. vulgaris
Lady’s-mantle
Upland meadows
Agrimonia eupatoria
Agrimony
Widespread
Filipendula ovalis
Dropwort
Arenas de Cabrales, dry meadows
Fragaria vesca
Wild Strawberry
Hermida Gorge, roadsides
Potentilla erecta
Tormentil
Widespread, roadsides and tracks
P. montana
Nr Pido
P. reptans
Creeping Cinquefoil
Widespread
P. rupestris
Rock Cinquefoil
Hermida Gorge
Prunus mahaleb
St Lucie’s Cherry
Hermida Gorge
Rosa canina
Dog Rose
Roadsides, hedgerows
R. arvensis
Field Rose
Pido
Sanguisorba minor
Salad Burnet
Nr Covadonga
Sorbus (aria)
Whitebeam sp
Woods nr La Molina, and other locations
Rubiaceae
Bedstraw Family
Asperula pyrenaica
Pyrenean Woodruff
Pido, La Molina
Cruciata laevipes
Crosswort
Widespread, roadsides, meadows
Galium aparine
Cleavers
Roadsides, hedgerows
Galium odoratum
Sweet Woodruff
Woods nr Pido
G. mollugo
Hedge Bedstraw
Widespread
G. verum
Lady's Bedstraw
Roadsides and banks .
Rubia peregrina
Wild Madder
Hermida Gorge, La Molina
16
© Naturetrek
July 12
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Santalaceae
Sandalwood Family
Thesium pyrenaicum
Pyrenean Bastard Toadflax
Saxifragaceae
Saxifrage Family
Saxifraga granulata
Meadow Saxifrage
Covadonga, Meadows nr. Pido
S. cespitosa
Tufted Saxifrage
on walls
S. (aspera)
Rough (?) Saxifrage
Fuente De
S. rotundifolia
Round-leaved Saxifrage
La Molina, common on rocky outcrops
S. bryoides
Mossy Saxifrage
Fuente de on rocks
S. cuneifolia
Spoon-leaved Saxifrage
Covadonga, nr lakes
S. paniculata
Paniculate Saxifrage
Widespread on rocks
S. pentadactylis
Hairless Mossy Saxifrage
Pido area
S. pubescens
Hairy Saxifrage
Pido area
Scrophulariaceae
Figwort Family
Anarrhinum bellidifolium
Daisy-leaved Toadflax
Espinama, track nr Hotel
Yellow Snapdragon
Roadsides
Malling Toadflax
Roadsides and rocky areas
Cymbalaria muralis
Ivy-leaved Toadflax
Dry-stone walls, bridges
Digitalis parviflora
(Small Brown Foxglove)
Leaves only
D. purpurea
Foxglove
Scarce, roadsides and woods
Erinus alpina
Fairy Foxglove
Rocks, walls, common
Euphrasia (rostkoviana)
Eyebright sp
Covadonga
Linaria alpina
Alpine Toadflax
above El Cable
L. faucicola
An endemic Toadflax
Covadonga, nr Mirador
L. supina
Pyrenean Toadflax
Above Fuente De
Melampyrum pratense
Cow-wheat
Above Espinama, La Molina
Pedicularis verticillata
Whorled Lousewort
above Fuente De
P. sylvatica
Common Lousewort
Nr Covadonga
Rhinanthus minor
Yellow Rattle
Above Espinama, very common
R. serotinus ssp asturicus
Greater Yellow Rattle
Abundant in meadows
Scrophularia auriculata
Water Figwort
Pido - roadsides and ditches
S. nodosa
Common Figwort
Woods, common
Verbascum pulverulentum
Hoary Mullein
Roadsides
Veronica beccabunga
Brooklime
the lakes
V. serpyllifolia
Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Scattered, grassy places
V. officinalis
Heath Speedwell
Roadsides
V. aphylla
Leafless-stemmed Speedwell
Scarce, leaf rosettes only
V. arvensis
Wall Speedwell
Roadsides, tracks
V. nummularia
Pyrenean Speedwell
Pido, La Molina
Antirrhinum braunblanquetii
Chaenorhinum
origanifolium
© Naturetrek
July 12
Location/Notes
Above Espinama
17
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Thymelaeaceae
Daphne Family
Daphne laureola ssp
Location/Notes
Spurge Laurel
Fuente De, la molina and woodlands
Daphne mezereum
Mezereon
La Molina, the lakes
Tiliaceae
Lime Family
Tilia cordata
Small-leaved Lime
La Molina
T. platyphyllos
Lime
Cares Gorge
Ulmacea
Elm Family
Ulmus glabra
Wych Elm
Valerianaceae
Valerian Family
Centranthus angustifolius
Narrow-leaved Red Valerian
Roadsides, common
Valeriana pyrenaica
Pyrenean Valerian
Damp areas
V. montana
an upland Valerian
nr Fuente De
Violaceae
Violet Family
V.riviniana
Common Dog Violet
Shady places
V. pyrenaica
Pyrenean Violet
Fuente De
V.cornuta
Horned Pansy
Sotres - lower meadows
Viscaceae
Mistletoe Family
Viscum album
Mistletoe
philippi
Woods above Espinama
Near Arenas de Cabrales
Monocotyledons
Liliaceae
Allium sphaerocephalon
Round-headed Leek
Espinama
Asphodelus albus
White Asphodel
Meadows above Espinama, the lakes
Lilium pyrenaicum
Pyrenean Lily
Nr. El Cable
Muscari comosum
Tassel Hyacinth
Espinama/Pido, Hermida
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Star of Bethlehem
Sotres
O. pyrenaicum
Bath Asparagus
Espinama/Pido, Hermida
Polygonatum multiflorum
Common Solomon’s Seal
Woods above Pido
Ruscus aculeatus
Butchers Broom
Nr Pido, La Molina
Scilla verna
Spring Squill
Above Fuente De
Smilax aspera
Sasparilla
Hermida area
Pancratium maritimum
Sea Daffodil
Liencres dunes
Merendera (pyrenaica)
Merendera
Lago de Enol
Iridaceae
Iris Family
Iris latifolia
English Iris
leaves only
Iris foetida
Stinking Iris
Arenas
Cotton Grass
Fuente De, Covadonga
Cyperaceae
Eriophorum latifolium
18
© Naturetrek
July 12
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Location/Notes
Carex echinata
Star Sedge
Above Espinama
Anacamptis pyramidalis
Pyramidal Orchid
La Molina
Aceras anthropophorum
Man Orchid
Fuente De, Hermida
Platanthera bifolia
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Liencres woodland and dunes
Cephalanthera rubra
Red Helleborine
Liencres woodlands
D. fuchsii
Common Spotted Orchid
Nr Covadonga, La Molina
D. incarnata
Early Marsh Orchid
Covadonga, nr lakes
D. maculata
Heath Spotted Orchid
Covadonga, La Molina
Epipactis helleborine
Broad-leaved Helleborine
Liencres, pinewoods
Orchidaceae
E. phyllanthes
Liencres, pinewoods
Gymnadenia conopsea
Fragrant Orchid
Invernales, the lakes
Himantoglossum hircinum
Lizard Orchid
Ophrys apifera
Bee Orchid
La Molina, Hermida Gorge, Sotres Common
Orchis ustulata
Burnt-tip Orchid
Fuente De, Vega de Sotres
Orchis papillioncea
Pink Butterfly Orchid
Sotres
Serapias cordigera
Heart-flowered Tongue Orchid
La Molina, Meadows above Espinama
S. lingua
Tongue Orchid
Arenas, La molina
widespread and common n meadows and
roadsides
Matted Globularia
© Naturetrek
July 12
19
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Birds ( = recorded but not counted; H = heard only)
Common name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
20
Mute Swan
Gannet
Cattle egret
Little egret
Grey Heron
Mallard
Black Kite
Red Kite
Egyptian Vulture
Black Vulture
Griffon Vulture
Sparrowhawk
Goshawk
Honey Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Golden Eagle
Bonelli’s Eagle
Booted Eagle
Short toed Eagle
Common Kestrel
Coot
Western Yellow Legged Gull
Common Tern
Wood Pigeon
Rock Pigeon
Stock Dove
Collared Dove
Cuckoo
Tawny Owl
Alpine Swift
Common Swift
Hoopoe
Green woodpecker
Great spotted Woodpecker
Wryneck
Crag Martin
Swallow
House Martin
Tawny pipit
Water pipit
Meadow Pipit
Tree pipit
White Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Dipper
Dunnock
Alpine Accentor
Wren
Robin
Scientific name
Cygnus olor
Morus bassanus
Bubulcus ibis
Egretta garzetta
Ardea cinerea
Anas platyrhynchos
Milvus nigra
Milvus milvs
Neophron percnopterus
Aegypius monachus
Gypus fulvus
Accipiter nisus
Accipiter gentilis
Pernis apivorus
Buteo buteo
Aquilla chrysaetos
Hieraaetus fasciatus
Hieraaetus pennatus
Circaetus gallicus
Falco tinnunculus
Fulica atra
Larus michahellis
Sterna hirundo
Columba palumbus
Columbia livia
Columba oenas
Streptopelia decaocto
Cuculus canorus
Strix aluco
Apus melba
Apus Apus
Upupa epops
Picus viridis
Dendrocopos brachydactyla
Jynx torquilla
Ptyonoprogene rupestris
Hirundo rustica
Delichon urbicum
Anthus campestris
Anthus spinoletta
Anthus pratensis
Anthus trivialis
Motacilla alba
Motacilla cinerea
Cinclus cinclus
Prunella modularis
Prunella collaris
Troglodytes troglodytes
Erithacus rubecula
10
11
12
June
13 14












3





1


2

2

1

2
2


2
15
1

1

1
1
1

16
17





4
1

1

1
1



1
1
1




1
3
1



1


1

1
1


1
1



1

H
H

2

H















1
H









H
1





H
1
1























H
H
1
1







H



H

















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© Naturetrek
July 12
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Common name
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Redstart
Black Redstart
Wheatear
Black eared wheatear
Stonechat
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Mistle Thrush
Blue rock thrush
Rock thrush
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Lesser whitethroat
Sardinian warbler
Zitting Cisticola
Melodious Warbler
Willow Warbler
Western Bonelli’s Warbler
Chiffchaff
Iberian chiffchaff
Firecrest
Spotted flycatcher
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Long tailed Tit
Nuthatch
Wallcreeper
Short toed Treecreeper
Red backed shrike
Spotless Starling
Jay
Magpie
Chough
Alpine Chough
Raven
Carrion Crow
House Sparrow
Snow Finch
Chaffinch
Serin
Bullfinch
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Linnet
Corn Bunting
Cirl Bunting
Rock Bunting
Reed Bunting
© Naturetrek
July 12
Tour Report
Scientific name
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Phoenicurus ochruros
Oenanthe oenanthe
Oenanthe hisanica
Saxicola torquata
Turdus merula
Turdus philomelus
Turdus viscivorus
Monticola solitarius
Monticola saxatilis
Sylvia atricapilla
Sylvia communis
Sylvia curruca
Sylvia melanocephala
Cisticola juncidis
Hippolais polyglotta
Phylloscopus trochilus
Phylloscopus bonelli
Phylloscopus collybita
Phylloscopus ibericus
Regulus ignacapilla
Muscicapa striata
Parus caeruleus
Parus major
Parus ater
Aegithalos caudatus
Sitta europaea
Tichodroma muraria
Certhia brachydactyla
Lanius collurio
Sturnus unicolor
Garrulus glandarius
Pica pica
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Pyrrhocorax graculus
Corvus corax
Corvus corone
Passer domesticus
Montrifringilla nivalis
Fringilla coelebs
Serinus serinus
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Carduelis chloris
Carduelis carduelis
Acanthis cannabina
Miliaria calandra
Emberiza cirlus
Emberiza cia
Emberiza schoeniclus
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June
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Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Tour Report
Common name
Scientific name
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June
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Reptiles & Amphibians
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Wall Lizard
Iberian Wall Lizard
Iberian Rock Lizard
Green Lizard
Three toed Skink
Viperine Snake
Slow Worm
Palmate Newt
Common Toad
Fire Salamander
Podarcis muralis
Podarcis hispanica
Lacerta monticola
Lacerta viridis
Chalcides chalcides
Natrix maura
Anguis fragilis
Triturus helveticus
Bufo bufo
Salamandra salamandra
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Mammals
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Fox
Wild Cat
Rabbit
Wild Boar
Chamois
Roe Deer
Vulpes vulpes
Felis silvestris
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Sus scrofa
Rupicapra pyrenaica
Capereolus capreolus
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Butterflies
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Red Underwing Skipper
Large Skipper
Lulworth Skipper
Small Skipper
Grizzled Skipper
Olive Skipper
Cleopatra
Brimstone
Clouded Yellow
Bergers Clouded Yellow
Large White
Small White
Green veined White
Orangetip
Provence Orangetip
Wood White
Spanish Purple Hairstreak
Green Hairstreak
Small Copper
Purple edged Copper
Purple shot Copper
Sooty Copper
Brown Argus
Holy Blue
Little Blue
Common Blue
Chapmans Blue
Spialia sertorius
Ochlodes sylvanus
Thymelicus acteon
Thymelicus sylvestris
Pyrgus malvae
Pyrgus serratulae
Gonepteryx cleopatra
Gonepteryx rhamni
Colias crocea
Colias alfacariensis
Pieris brassicae
Pieris rapae
Pieris napi
Anthocaris cardemines
Anthocharis euphenoides
Leptidea sinapis
Laeosopis evippus
Callophrys rubi
Lycaena phlaeas
Lycaena hippothoe
Lycaena alciphron
Lycaena tityrus
Aricia agestis
Celastrina argiolus
Cupido minimus
Polyommatus icarus
Polyommatus thersites
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© Naturetrek
July 12
Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains
Common name
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Turquoise Blue
Comma
Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Small Tortoise Shell
Peacock
Dark Green Fritillary
High Brown Fritillary
Weavers Fritillary
Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary
Glanville Fritillary
Knapweed Fritillary
Lesser Spotted Fritillary
Provencal Fritillary
Marsh Fritillary
Speckled Wood
Wall Brown
Large Wall Brown
Chapmans Ringlet
De Prunners Ringlet
Piedmont Ringlet
Marbled White
Iberian Marbled White
Meadow Brown
Pearly Heath
Small Heath
Tour Report
Scientific name
Polyommatus dorylas
Polygonia c-album
Vanessa cardui
Vanessa atalanta
Aglais urticae
Inachis io
Argynnis aglaja
Argynnis adippe
Clossiana dia
Boloria selene
Melitaea cinxia
Melitaea phoebe
Melitaea trivia
Mellicta dejone
Euphydryas aurinia
Pararge aegeria
Lasiommata megera
Lasiommata maera
Eribia palarica
Erebia triaria
Erebia meolans
Melanargia galathea
Melanargia lachesis
Maniola jurtina
Coenonympha arcania
Coenonympha pamphilus
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June
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Other Invertebrates
1
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6
7
8
9
10
Five spotted Burnet
Burnet Companion
Speckled Yellow
Black veined Moth
Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Silver Y
Beautiful Demoiselle
Golden ringed Dragonfly
Glow worm
Stone fly sp
© Naturetrek
July 12
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