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Transcript of WILDLIFE TRAVEL ROMANIAwildlife-travel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Romania...WILDLIFE TRAVEL...
WILDLIFE TRAVEL
ROMANIA Danube Delta, Carpathians & Transylvania
Trip Report and Species Lists 15th – 24th May 2015
Photo: White Pelicans by Charlie Rugeroni
Exploring the spectacular wildlife of the
Romanian Danube Delta and the majestic Carpathian Mountains
DATE LOCATIONS & NOTES
1 15th May Flight from the UK to Bucharest, transfer to Hotel Diamant in Amara
2 16th May Travel east through Babadag Forest and onto our ‘hotelboat’ Kingfisher
3 17th May Cruise the Delta’s main channel; visit village of Sfantu Gheorghe & the Black Sea
4 18th May Sfantu Gheorghe; Sacalin Island
5 19th May Lake (Lacul Erenciuc) off main Danube channel; head back to Uzlina
6 20th May Lacul Uzlina, Lacul Isac, Lacul Isăcel and their channels; Uzlina
7 21th May Travel west to Zărneşti in Carpathian Mts. Via Măcin; Pension Elena
8 22nd May Zarnesti Gorge; Piatra Craiului; bear watching
9 23rd May Fagaras Mts - Sinca Noua valley; Braşov
10 24th May Return to Bucharest; Pelişor Castle; flight back to UK
LIST OF TRAVELLERS Participants Jill and Nicholas Franks ([email protected]) Jane and Gwynne Jones ([email protected]) Sally MacEachern and Victor Ford ([email protected]) Sylvia and Mick O’Dell ([email protected]) David and Eleanor Smith ([email protected]) Mark Wright ([email protected]) Tour Leaders and Local Guide Charlie Rugeroni Wildlife Travel, England Mike Symes Wildlife Travel, England George Panait EuroDelta Travel, Romania Day 1 Friday 15 May Outbound to Henri Coanda International Airport Bucharest-Otopeni, travel to Hotel Diamant, Amara George and I met with Ellie and David at the Europa Royale Hotel in central Bucharest and then weaved our way through the traffic to Henri Coanda Airport, where we met the rest of the group arriving with Mike. Mircea, our driver and, quote, ‘life insurance’, was there waiting with van and trailer. With clocks brought forward by two hours we headed east, bypassing the capital (once known as the Little Paris) and before long, we found ourselves on the A2 gazing at the non-descript flatlands of the Wallachian Plain. There were few birds seen here apart from Starlings, the odd Kestrel and Coot, and our first Cuckoos of the trip. Once at Amara, with bags unloaded and transferred to our rooms at the Hotel Diamont, we mustered on the terrace with drinks in hand for a briefing on the trip ahead and tomorrow in particular. We made our introductions while all the time a Great Reed Warbler wished to get in on the act, singing vociferously from reeds lining the lake across the road. A hilarious ‘Give us a Clue’ menu order-taking at supper, with an obliging waitress, heralded a satisfying and tasty meal at the end of a long day in transit. The evening was warm with clear skies.
Day 2 Saturday 16 May Lake at Amara; travel east to Babadag Forest and onto our hotelboat Kingfisher, Murighiol An overcast but becalmed warm day beckoned us out before breakfast, as did the dawn canine chorus. Crossing the road to the lake on our doorstep, with two friendly dogs escorting us, we immediately came upon a Little Bittern which, in characteristic indolent flight, flew across part of the lake. Great Reed Warblers called from tops of reed stems, their voices matched in loudness by the local Marsh Frogs. Two Golden Orioles flew into a copse near us, soon joined by a third. Salsify and Common Stork’s-Bill provided most of the colour at our feet. Another scan of the lake, seemingly no bigger than the Serpentine in Hyde’s Park, produced up to 10 Ferruginous Ducks, Black-necked and Great Crested Grebes, Shelduck, Moorhen and a party of noisy Whiskered Terns. Things were hotting up for us and for the Common Blue Damselflies revving their engines on blades of grass on the embankment as the sun began to shine and snails bungee jumped from same grass. Small Heaths were also about. Squacco Herons (see below) flew in for close views while in the mid-distance Pochard, Coot, Mallard and House Sparrows all put an appearance. As we started our walk back to the hotel a hunting Red-backed Shrike alighted on Elaeagnus and as we watched, a courting male and female Cuckoo presenting good views – the first of many to come. Savi’s Warbler could be heard distinctly reeling in the distance and a Whinchat was striking a pose, while in the foreground a stand of Poppies bright and blood red was beautifully back-lit. After a superb and welcome breakfast, with fine coffee albeit in little cups, we were off: the morning had been a wonderful aperitif to the holiday. Just before Tandarei, we spotted Glossy Ibis in pools on the expansive arable and wetlands which stretched as far as our eyes could see. Numerous Romanian Orthodox Churches dotted the villages we passed: the horses and carts were mostly all going the other way! At Giurgeni, we stepped out of the van and onto a dyke to get better views of White Storks at the nest with some noisy Spanish Sparrows for neighbours, also nesting. Whilst here, we picked out Lapwing, Little Egret, Kestrel and mudlarking Swallows. Turkeys gobbled and more dogs barked in the village. Shortly after, we crossed the Danube for the first time along the Giurgeni–Vadu Oii Bridge; 24 Mute Swans fed in fields nearby as we went through a toll booth. Stopping at a large lake, Lacul Hazarlâc, between Hârşova and Saraiu we took a quick break and explored the area beginning with the slopes opposite the lake. What a delightful flowery slope it was, with stands of deep blue Salvia nemerosa interspersed with Ground Pine, Thyme, Perennial Flax, the diminutive red Pheasant’s Eye and Henbane among other flowers. Glanville Fritillary and Silver-studded Blue flitted around and Nightingale with Golden Oriole sung out from nearby shrubs. Bee-eaters could be heard as they flew high above. A Corn Bunting let out its persistent jingling song from a fence post as we headed across the road to the lakeside where we were treated to a birding delight. Flying, on the water or amongst the reeds we spotted Purple and Night Herons, Pygmy Cormorants, Whiskered Terns, Little Bittern and Roller among others. We also managed to get good views of Marsh Frogs which seemed to burst into song all at once and then stop
suddenly for no apparent reason. Near the lake shore we came across Aristolochia clematitis (Birthwort, below right) with its elegantly attenuated yellow-green flowers.
We moved on towards our picnic lunch destination just north of the Dobrujan Plateau. The flatlands turned into more rolling country with Common Buzzards wheeling above the advancing woods. We soon entered Babadag Forest, an attractive sub-Mediterranean deciduous woodland dominated by oak species, mixed with such things as Lime, Maple, Elm and Oriental Hornbeam. Here we met up with George who had earlier moved on ahead and sourced our picnic lunch complete with tables, all just a stone’s throw away from a watching crowd of Violet Limmodores and swarms of Norfolk Hawkers. It was a difficult choice: to eat or to admire the flowers – some did both at the same time others sat and enjoyed the tasty eclectic fare. After coffee we divided into two groups, without a word being spoken; some went in search of birds, Ortolan in particular and others in search of plants, with orchids and peonies in mind. Glanville Fritillaries flitted from Nodding Sage to Yellow Woundwort to Scotch Thistle. Ortolan were spotted and heard, albeit briefly, among the Downy Oak, where Woodlark also sung. In the forest glades more blood red, this time that of Paeonia peregrina, punctuating the understorey; their scent wafting up to us as we stepped between them. Here too, Clematis recta were found alongside Lady and Greater Butterfly Orchids.
The robust leaves of Black False Helloborine (Veratrum nigrum) contrasted nicely with the looser peony leaves when, as we stepped deeper into the undergrowth, one or two delightfully coloured Purple Mullein were spotted, their lemon yellow eyes picked out by the emerging sun of early afternoon. A young Spur-thighed Tortoise was detected going about its business as was a superbly coloured Balkan Green Lizard. Globularia was just about in flower. The mix of plants, butterflies, Hoopoes, Bee-eaters and songbirds in the forest all contributed to Babadag’s special distinctiveness – clearly enhanced by a wonderful picnic!
From here we travelled to Cetatea Enisala climbing to the ruins of the 12th to 14th century fortress of Heraclea, which sat atop a hill overlooking the impressive lake Lacul Razim and vast fields of reed grass and water channels with Murighiol, our port, in the far distance. Sousliks whistled from behind rocks dotting the lower slopes while we watched Greylag Geese way below in the marshes, with young. Hoopoe and Northern and Black-eared Wheatears flitted around the ruins and a female Marsh Harrier soared up in front of us proffering superb views. In the distance, a Great Black-headed Gull, White Pelicans and a Great White Egret flew east. Time was pressing and we moved on to a Bee-eater bank, with last year’s nests having been taken over by Starlings; hirundines circled in the late afternoon as did another Marsh Harrier. The houses bordering the main street in the village of Sarichioi had beautifully looked after front gardens which extended to the verge beyond the pavement – here hostas, irises and potted plants combined to enthral as we drove through and onto the salt lake (Lacul Sărăturii) on the outskirts of Murighiol. At the lake, Sylvia spotted a male Garganey with a flock of Pochard. Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls were present as were Black-winged Stilts. More Purple Herons, this time a flock flying west with one Black-crowned Night Heron (see below).
White Pelicans, Common Terns, Coots, Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls were the last birds to be seen today; Mick mentioned that earlier he’d seen a Quail crossing the road – made a change from the chicken! We arrived at Murighiol at 1845 and berthed alongside ‘Kingfisher’ at 1945, aboard the tugboat Papurisol. Lucian, second in command and an impressive general factotum, had the barbecue going for supper. Danubian (European) Catfish was delightfully seared and served with potatoes and salad all of which had been preceded by dips of pureed aubergine and carp caviar; it all coming to an end with strawberries for dessert. The following day’s itinerary was discussed and as it had been an immensely full and diverse day of wildlife sightings, it was unanimously agreed that we would review our day tomorrow after a good night’s rest on Danube waters. Day 3 Sunday 17 May Cruise the Delta’s channels; visit fishing village of Sfântu Gheorghe & the Black Sea
0730 saw a determined early bird-watching group on top deck on a remarkable morning when much was seen and heard before breakfast. A pair of Garganey, Barred Warbler heard singing, nesting Kingfisher, Penduline Tits, Hooded Crows, Grey Heron (catching then dropping fish), Great and Pygmy Cormorants and Roller in the early light were some of the birds enjoyed early on. One particular Marsh Frog proved to be king of the algal mat beside the boat. A hearty breakfast which included local bread, cheese and quince, cold meats and plenty of coffee/tea and cereals happened while our tug for the trip was prepared and harnessed for the get-go of our journey downstream at 0945.
We left our moorings at Uzlina on the eastern bank of a wide Danubian meander in the Sfântu Gheorghe arm of this impressive river, and turned left as it flowed east past Ceauşescu’s old hunting lodge. It was time to take equipment to top deck and absorb the unfolding riparian scenery, ringed by a flat horizon as we were pulled along to unsuspecting wildlife. Clouds of Lesser Emperor dragonflies above the tree line were easily visible from this vantage point on the ‘Kingfisher’, from which, we heard many a Golden Oriole, Redstart and Cuckoo. Bee-eaters appeared from holes in sandy banks or else perched on branches over this southernmost channel of the Danube. Little or no river traffic made it seem as if we were alone with the river: waters were high and brown with silt. Willow woods, poplars and Yellow Iris interchanged with reed beds or grazing land as we scanned for birds, when a shout went up, ‘Eagle!’ Necks craned back and binos were aimed at the sheer blue sky - there it was, a sub-adult White-tailed Eagle being bothered by a Hooded Crow. And another, this time Gill picked it out, perched on a willow. Later we were impressed once more by the wonderful views of a juvenile Long-legged Buzzard. In the still of mid-morning Nightingales sang from one bank to the other and back again. Behind the trees one could appreciate the expanse of reed-beds that lay on either side of the river. Other birds followed elevenses: Black Kite, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Caspian Gull, Willow and Garden Warblers (first heard by Mark), Lesser Grey Shrike, Red-footed Falcon and White-winged Black Terns. To speed up our progress the ‘Kingfisher’ did not negotiate all of the river’s meanders, but rather made use of the man-made cuttings, four of them. At 1300, after just over three hours, we’d reached our destination for the day and had moored before taking lunch, which comprised a full-flavoured gathering of carp, tench and catfish; vegetable flan, pancakes and homemade garlic mayo and fish soup. This was enjoyed mid-deck, with enough windows to allow excellent views of the scenery outside – mostly willow, Common Comfrey and Yellow Iris to one side, river on the other side. There was some ‘free time’ after lunch to allow for the wind to abate before our ‘speedy-boat’ channel crossing to Sfântu Gheorghe village: some of us read, some of us bird-watched and some siesta-ed. Once across and on dry land, we ambled through the marina and into the village, which was generally quiet this Sunday with the exception of singing Pool Frogs, generally greener than their relatives the Marsh Frogs. Many of the houses were of a modern construction but as we walked east towards the beach and Black Sea shore we admired some of the more traditional wooden houses with wonderful fencing and finials (see below). We continued to the end of the village and before getting onto the dune slacks we observed Greylag Geese with three chicks in a pool. In another pool nearby we had a pair of Gadwall, Ferruginous Ducks, Mute Swan and Whiskered Terns. As we stepped onto the dune slacks a Black Kite was spotted. The tamarisks all
seemed to possess a Red-backed Shrike, while the Elaeagnus shrubs sported Collared and Spotted Flycatchers – all provided good opportunities for photography.
On the sandy soils there were several specimens of Sand Catchfly (Silene conica), their pink flowers standing out in the undergrowth. We looked for Steppe Runners at the back of the beach without success: however, we picked up some five Brown Hares darting around the sand. Little Ringed Plover were seen in this area where Sand Bindweed (above right), a vulnerable species in Romania, grew out of the sand, its velvety leaves contrasting dramatically with the spiky Sea Holly. Some of us paddled in the Black Sea which felt warm-ish, before strolling south along the sandy shore to the mouth of the Danube channel where Lucien was waiting with Jane in one boat and George and colleague came in another. As we sped back to Kingfisher and supper, some noted that parts of the southern sandy banks held good stands of Woolly Butterbur in flower. Back on board most of us retired to our cabins, leaving Nicholas, George
and Mircea fishing for catfish. At supper we learnt that Nicholas had caught a three kilo catfish which had been summarily dispatched to the kitchen. After supper we all enjoyed a lively review of the day’s sightings, before retiring. Day 4 Monday 18 May Sacalin Island; north of Sfântu Gheorghe
A lovely late spring morning; the blue waters of the Danube almost mirror-like, with only the faintest trembling on the surface, and disturbed only by a rower’s crossing, carrying a load of hay bigger than his boat. The early birders, Vic and Sally, had been on top deck for an hour when others arrived at 0730. We had a pair of Turtle Doves, a pair of Blackcaps, a pair of Golden Orioles, Whitethroat, Savi’s Warbler, White Pelican and other sightings before we sat for breakfast. Looking upstream, the sky pretty much merged with water, separated by the thinnest of green lines of willow, alder and poplar. A flying Hobby caught the early morning light just before it went on a dive. During breakfast, a Syrian Woodpecker alighted on an alder outside one of the dining room windows, interrupting our plum and mint confiture, cold meats, Slovenian cheese and cereals.
Our departure time for Sacalin Island, an important bird reserve at the mouth of the Bratul-Sfântu Gheorghe channel of the Danube, where we were moored, was 0930. We took our tugboat today with speed boats in tow and headed for the Girla Mijloc channel, on the way catching good views of many Black-crowned Night Herons. A group of eight Red-footed Falcons soared, Bearded Tits (Reedling) twanged their metallic call and a male Marsh Harrier quartered the reeds. A Grey-headed Woodpecker was clearly heard calling down the channel. The ‘island’, a long saveloy-like spit, south pointing, was formed (and continues to evolve) from Danube deposits, shell and ‘marine’ sand deposits. Battered by the Black Sea’s waves this peninsula, home to White Pelicans, Black-winged Stilts, Avocets, Paddyfield Warbler and Fire-bellied Frogs among other wildlife is over 21,000ha in size. At the end of our tug ride, just where Sacalin Island meets the delta in a combination of reed, shallow water and detritus we could see large flocks of pelicans, 70+ Mute Swans with cygnets, and here and there numerous Ferruginous Ducks. George and his able-seamen tried hard to get us to disembark at the northern tip of the spit but the shallow waters made this an impossible task – the outboard engines stirring up silt, decaying vegetation and Water Chestnut’s spiny black seeds from the lagoon bottom. These impressive looking seeds looked like small terrapins swimming on the surface around us. Marsh Frogs seemed to be mocking us as we inevitably retreated and tried the longer way round, down Girla Turceasca, just west of the first channel. As the speedboat entered the wide lagoon, we observed a juvenile White-tailed Eagle on a half-submerged log suddenly take off, floating away majestically, low over the water.
At 1130 we abandoned the boats and waded in tepid clear waters towards the island, all the while watching a group of around 200 White pelicans just south of us. The water and sand felt good on our feet. White-winged Black and Little Terns skimmed the wavelets and Oystercatchers called.
The scenery was as breathtaking as was the sight of all these birds under intense bright sunlight. Now, if we could only find a Paddyfield Warbler… the breeze was noisy and the reeds rustled too much, and the Paddyfields remained hidden from us. While searching for them we came across the tracks of Wild Boar, Golden Jackal and Racoon Dog on the silty sand. Woolly Butterbur, Greater Sea-spurrey, the scented Siberian Sea Rosemary (see below), and Sea Aster were found on the spit.
Sparrowhawk, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall, Wood Sandpipers, ‘Dombroskii’s’ Yellow Wagtail, Greylag Geese and Grey Plovers were seen amid clouds of Dunlin and small flocks of Sanderlings in their rusty summer plumage. Shelduck, Common and Sandwich Terns and Knot were also viewed just before leaving the splendid spit with its prostrate landscape. By 1400 we were back on board Papurisol and chuntering along the channel to Kingfisher. Excellent views of Red-footed Falcon calling feet away, where moments earlier Bee-eaters had been perched; a Marsh Harrier flew low over our tug. Once afloat Kingfisher we realised there was an extra passenger on board - a Giant Peacock moth. At lunch, the meat/vegetable soup went down a treat as did the carp, roast vegetable and polenta or cheese, augergine and courgette flan; dessert was a collection of ice-creams – Corina had once again been busy in her kitchen.
In the afternoon, around 1700, we took the speed boats across the Danube and into the Canalul (Channel) Tătaru, just north of Sfântu Gheorghe. Setting down halfway, we emptied out onto a dyke and walked back west to the village, finding much of interest on the way. Four-spotted Chasers and White-legged Damselflies were around in the late afternoon, as were Avocets and Lapwings on the marsh to our left. Impressive Marsh Spurge grew from the water’s edge with Arums and White and Yellow Water-lilies – we heard booming Bitterns. A dainty Dianthus bassarabicus (poss) and an alkanet appeared like floral jewels on the embankment. Then from a shrub top called a lovely bird, a Black-headed Bunting. Turtle Doves walked ahead along the same path as us and a Black Kite circled and soared, while below us in the marsh Fire-bellied Toads ‘poop-pooped’ their song. More dragonflies in the form of Black-tailed Skimmers, Lesser Emperors, Azure Damselflies and a possible Lestes species. At 1900 we were picked up at the marina and once more crossed the channel on a chilly evening. Supper was a salad with Pontic Shad and a sweet orange for dessert. Day 5 Tuesday 19 May Lake (Lacul Erenciuc) off main Danube channel; sail upstream to Uzlina
With the generator still sound asleep, the quiet of the cabins was disturbed only by lapping water on the side of Kingfisher. Early shimmering sunlight streamed into our cabins and we readied ourselves for the optional early bird-watch on deck – not a breeze today. At 0700 the generator kicked in and Lucian having released the Kingfisher from its willow moorings, hopped back on board and imperceptibly we began our gentle glide upstream against wind, tide and current. Papurisol and Kingfisher hugged the north bank for less resistance. A Black Woodpecker crossed the Danube and perched on a dead willow as we sipped coffee and tea. Caspian Gulls were much the most common gull around. We moved over to the southern bank to avoid an extra wide bend and shortly after saw the first of the day’s White-tailed Eagles (sub-adult), this one chased, inevitably, by a Hooded Crow. A Hobby hunted, threading itself through the willows. Lucian set off in a small boat to buy the early morning’s catch. Four-spotted Chasers flew over the deck close enough to see their spots. At 1045 we moored, after Lucian’s neat chainsaw work on a dead willow allowed us to tie up. We took a channel north to Lacul Erenciuc and saw two more White-tailed Eagles.
Once in the lake we came across our first Dalmatian Pelicans, taking off just in front of our three boats. Dotted around on vast mats of lily pads were nesting Great Crested Grebes and Common Terns - Whiskered Terns were in the process of nest building. The clarity of the water was impressive and breaking the surface in between the lilies were many heads of Water Soldier, looking like the tops of submerged Pineapples. Frogs hopped from lily pads to water and Squacco Herons fed among the reeds; one could hear Penduline Tits in the background. A couple of Bittern were seen. We were back for lunch at 1230.
As we moved upstream we noted Gypsywort, Guelder Rose and False Indigo (introduced to Europe from North America in 1724) on the bank clearings. Shortly after lunch George delivered a fascinating talk on the Danube, its waters, birds and habitats, and the people who live and work on its banks and floodplains. Then while on upper deck around 1545, a White-tailed Eagle. We were entertained by the gulls snatching fish entrails from the water, as soon as chucked overboard by the cooks. Three Black Storks sailed over and east. Then a flock of 20+ Glossy Ibis flew towards us followed by a flock of 26 White Pelicans flying south. Just as we were turning starboard, near Murighiol, a fishing flock of White-winged Black Terns appeared together with our last White-tailed Eagle flying over Ceausescu’s hunting lodge. A couple of Rollers and Hobbies shone in the evening sun and together with seven Greylag Geese, a White Stork and several Glossy Ibises they were the perfect sightings with which to end our day. It had taken us 12 hours to Uzlina – arriving at 1900. A meal of herring and onions as starter, and succulent lamb with vegetables as main dish, was completed with a surprise birthday cake which looked like a work of art and tasted as good, cooked by Corina and brought out with the help of Camelia, especially for Gwynne. A review of the day’s birds accompanied by amusing anecdotes brought a lovely day to a close.
Day 6 Wednesday 20 May Lacul Uzlina, Lacul Isac, Lacul Isăcel and their channels; Uzlina
A couple of us ventured ashore to look for dragons and damsels and first on our list was a Black-tailed Skimmer.
At 0930, with Sally keen to spot more birds, we sped off to Lacul Uzlina and down some of its south-eastern channels. Several Rollers were spotted on the way as were Common Redstarts. Yellow Water Lily was by far the most common lily on the lake and Water Chestnut formed large floating mats of leaves on the surface. Most of the birds seen had been spotted on previous outings: Mute Swan, Ferruginous Duck, Little Egret, Mallard, Squacco Heron, Marsh Harrier, Grey Headed Woodpecker and Penduline Tits at nest. The Pochard’s coloration matched the underside of the Water Lily leaves when they were exposed by the breeze, revealing their rusty brown. Then, what at first was thought to be a Black-necked Grebe, on closer viewing was an adult Red-necked Grebe (see below right). Banded Demoiselle and Red-eyed Damselflies flitted over the water and algal mats. We had excellent views of Dalmatian Pelicans this morning.
We returned after lunch (meatball soup/veg soup, mince and rice wrapped in vine leaves and fruit) to a willow in the channel north east of Kingfisher, to photograph a Black Woodpecker at nest spotted by Mick earlier. The bird did ‘its thing’ in and around the nest and we did ‘our thing’ with cameras, later moving on to the western and north western satellite lakes/canals of Lake Uzlina. Great Crested Grebes abounded with several Black-necked Grebes with young like their Red-necked cousins. Black and Whiskered Terns were beginning
to get interested in nest building and we noted that several Common Terns had eggs at nest; the adults sitting precariously on water lily rootstocks that had floated to the surface and acted as rafts. The odd Dalmatian Pelican put an appearance but mostly they were White. More ducks and dragonflies of similar type to this morning and perhaps the most stunning feature of this place, appreciated this afternoon, as indeed on most days, was its sense of wilderness particularly when the engines were turned off. We were back at 1830 and enjoyed another sumptuous supper.
Day 7 Thursday 21 May Travel west to Zărneşti in Carpathian Mts. Via Măcin; Pension Elena
The weather to date had been very good with temperatures in the mid 20s most of the time. After breakfast and fond farewell to George, Corina, Camelia, Lucien et al, thanking them for an exhilarating holiday so far, we sped off for one last time and headed for Murighiol at 0900. We were glad to see the storm clouds were in the east and not where we were heading west. After going through the village of Besteppe we stopped at an abandoned sand quarry and admired Bee-eaters, Jackdaws, Starlings and Kestrel busying themselves on the sandy cliffs at nest or else feeding, using False Acacia as perching posts. Some of the group went up the hill and onto the cliff plateau which was delightful in the sun and full of Meadow Clary, Prostrate
Speedwell, euphorbias and Silver-studded Blues.
It was the feast day of St Elena (mother of Constantine the Great) in the Greek Orthodox Church and worshippers in their finery were paying their respect at churches, and shrines by the roadside as we continued our drive to Măcin. We arrived at 1230 and enjoyed a picnic lunch of chicken schnitzels with mushroom and sandwiches. Some of us walked up to a gorge, others remained and took photographs, yet
others in the group ambled this way and that enjoying the day and the location before moving on to Brăila. On the walk to the rocky outcrops and stream most saw a Queen of Spain Fritillary, the always impressive and exotic looking Scarce Swallowtail puddling, Small Heath, Glanville Fritillary, Large Copper, Painted Lady and an Eastern Imperial Eagle soaring above the rock crest. Not bad for a quick-ish stop. Then a Turtle Dove, Common Buzzard, Ortolan and a male Rock Thrush on, where else, but a boulder overlooking the gorge. Dogwood and Dwarf Elder were among the shrubs here. Butterfly paradise it seemed, as Cardinal followed Silver-studded Blue and Freyer’s Fritillary. The Elaeagnus shrubs were in flower and the
lower gorge was filled with their scent. Bee-eaters could be heard if not seen. A bright pink flower, pointed out by Jill, halfway up the rocky slope proved to be Sticky Catchfly (Lychnis viscaria). Then, not to be outdone, a tiny but perfectly colourful Ladybird Spider (Eresus sandaliatus) put in an appearance, complete with four black spots on an orange abdomen, black and white front legs and orange and black back ones. It displayed showing us its defence posture then scurried into the undergrowth. It is found in the UK in Dorset where it manages to keep a small but determined eight-legged foothold on the Purbecks - and only about 15mm long. By the time we’d got aboard the van we’d seen four Eastern Imperial Eagles.
Our river crossing at Brăila was delayed somewhat on account of the number of lorries wanting to cross at the same time as us – but it was all put right with an ice-cream. We continued our road trip west after a stop at a petrol station which sold some delicious typical Romanian pastries. On the bus, David and Ellie kept us informed of where we were by following our route on their ipad. We eventually reached Zărneşti where Gigi and Elena (his wife, dressed in Romanian dress) were there to welcome us to their Pension Elena with a traditional offering of plum brandy. Dinner comprised vegetable soup with polenta dumplings, followed by pork escallopes in a light tomato sauce and pasta, with stuffed courgette the vegetarian option, all nicely anointed with Romanian wine or beer and then dessert, a selection of typical north Romanian cakes. After a
brief briefing on tomorrow’s itinerary, bed was a very tempting option – Zărneşti Gorge would be our introduction to Carpathian wildlife.
Day 8 Friday 22 May Zărneşti Gorge; Piatra Craiului; bear watching An absolutely super morning. Cosmin Dan, our local guide, joined us for the day’s outing. Zărneşti, located in the Piatra Craiului mountains, part of the Southern Carpathians, was surrounded by beautiful valleys of hay meadows and pastures and woodland. Today we explored the Zărneşti Gorge with Crag Martins and Alpine Swifts shrieking above our heads as they slalomed between the gorge’s rock meanders high above us. Song Thrush, Wren, Blackbird all sung and Ravens barked their call which echoed into the gorge.
The track, with a slight incline, provided much to see on either side; a stream flowed down on our right where Grey Wagtails found food, and woods of Sessile Oak, beech and conifers came right down to the gorge track. The deep and at times very narrow canyon had been formed by the collapse of a cave roof. We managed to get as far as an opening where the gorge divided and there was sufficient grass for a picnic. Here we were soon to be joined by a group of young Romanian students on a fieldtrip who, for some unknown
reason seemed to gravitate towards Ellie and David – must have been the appetising smell of their sandwiches. Cosmin explained the significance of the thatched shrine by the stream and the tragic demise of a young couple at that spot one winter. An ex-forester, Cosmin was very helpful in detailing the forestry regime within the park and its relationship with conservation. On our way back, we spent more time on the plants. The one most often seen was Spotted Deadnettle, usually flowering by the stream edge. An unpretentious yet eye-catching small plant growing seemingly on the bare rock face, was the saxifrage, Saxifraga corymbosa, (see below right) with leaves growing in a glaucous-green rosette and its flowery stem covered with white hairs – a plant very much of these Carpathian places. Another saxifrage seen, more in the shade, was Saxifraga cuneifolia, along with Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage.
Other floral highlights, included: Soldanella hungarica (see above middle), Viola alpina (another rock climber), Carpathian Leopardsbane (see above left - Doronicum carpaticum), the fluffy seedheads of Colstfoot, the blue drooping flowers of Primula matthioli, Geranium phaeum (popular in many UK gardens these days), the Carpathian sub-endemic comfrey Symphytum cordatum, the vinegary tasting Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), Blue Bugle (Ajuga genevensis) growing streamside and leaves of the not yet flowering Alpine Delphinium (Delphinium elatum). Butterflies were also enjoyed – the rare migrant to the UK, the Camberwell Beauty, and Duke of Burgundy among others. Then a ‘hushed shout’ ‘Dipper!’; sure enough, flitting up and down the stream was a Dipper, hunting, and prancing on the half-submerged rocks. Yellow-bellied toads littered the brook on our left as we neared the end of our walk. Jane had also spotted Fire Salamander larvae. A few of us heard then saw Red-breasted Flycatcher – us stragglers!
From the gorge we made our way to the Barsa Valley which separated Piatra Craiului from the Persani mountains. We walked along the valley bottom and lower slopes, with the leaves of Autumn Crocus in evidence (really a colchicum and not a crocus), and towards the nearly finished National Park offices and centre, which looked not unlike a modern day Noah’s Ark. Back at Pension Elena for 1700; those of us who were going on a bear watch sat down for a delicious supper and were then whisked away by Gigi back to the Barsa Valley, the top end and beyond to meet with a ranger who would take us up a mountain path to a hide. The hide quiet was only broken by the digestion rumbles of our satiated stomachs and the inevitable repartee that ensued. Sylvie spotted a Red Deer on the opposite side of the valley and after some 45 minutes a single (as in alone, not necessarily unmarried) bear entered the scene below, which we’d been surveying, against a setting sun. This male Brown Bear spent a long time feeding and after it had departed along came a female with a January cub. Something spooked this pair of bears and soon we realised why: a huge male bear with impressive dark-brown-black fur and large milky-coffee coloured head to match, wandered indolently into scene – we overlooked all of this some 150m away. This had been a special viewing. At 2100 and with torches switched on, we carefully headed back to our car and to our beds – after a drink in the comfortable lounge. Day 9 Saturday 23 May Fagaras Mts - Sinca Noua valley; Braşov
Swifts called as we perused the map in Pension Elena’s patio with Cosmin. Breakfast talk had all been about woods and bears. With a starting time of 0930 it wasn’t long before we stopped at Poiana Marului’s supermarket – Mircea and his sausages; it gave us the opportunity to watch a male Black Redstart, its tail matching the roof tiles’ coloration. Shuttle-cock Ferns lined the water course following our road, looking stylish, in the morning light. The understated elegance of several small-flowered Carthusian Pinks in the grass broke the early greyness as we explored the first of our two meadows.
It was here that we saw our first Lesser Spotted Eagle flying in and out of the valley. The meadow contained Serratula lycopifolia, Ragged Robin, Sticky Catchfly, Common Milkwort, Campanula patula, Crosswort and Solomon’s Seal. At the wood edges were stands of Shuttlecock Fern. Gwynne was quite taken by the Viola tricolor. Then as we moved on to the second meadow, we came upon a Lesser Spotted Eagle on a fence post. It remained for a while long enough for the long lenses to do their business before it flew off with a languid flight on arched wings. Wonderful! It was followed by Red-footed Falcon, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, and another Lesser Spotted Eagle. The second meadow yielded Viola tricolor once more, this time providing a stark contrast with the blue of the salvia, Common Spotted and Early Marsh Orchids, and one or two stands of Iris sibirica near were we had our lunch.
Ellie and Myrcea found us an impressive patterned male Sand Lizard. A Map butterfly and Small Red Damselfly rounded off our day in the field. We now moved onto Braşov. On the way we admired the snowy peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains and a number of places like Ohaba, which had traditional gypsy houses and ornate frontages. Getting to Braşov at 1515 most of us headed for the Cofetarie la Vatra Ardelului, sat down and indulged in proper coffee and cakes – those éclairs, we so deserved for them. Cosmin explained the
city’s origins from 11th century through to this day and we followed him on a preliminary walk, past the Black Church before exploring Braşov’s buildings and coffee culture for ourselves.
House Martins were ensconced in some of the buildings, Black Redstarts on rooves and as we left, a couple of Lesser Spotted Eagles flew over Braşov mobbed by a Buzzard. We returned to Elena’s by 1815, and after a fond farewell to Cosmin, thanking him for his knowledge of the local area and interesting history of the Carpathians, we freshened ourselves before supper and the day’s review. Day 10 Sunday 24 May Return to Bucharest; Pelişor Castle; flight back to UK
Packed and luggage in trailer we said goodbye to our warm and helpful hosts Gigi and Elena and made for Bran Castle and thence to Pelişor Castle at Sinaia, passing Vampire Camping and picturesque mountainous views – the Bucegi Mountains stood proud streaked in snow. Pelişor Castle was impressive, built in 1899-1902 by King Carol I for his nephew Ferdinand (later King Ferdinand) and his wife Queen Marie; today King Michael I is its tenant. Tourists like us, were in as good numbers today Sunday, as yesterday’s cockchafers. The Castle, a mix of styles, looked mostly Bavarian with wild strawberry sellers at its entrance. The meadow had much to offer and the birds were a mix of Siskins, Collared Flycatcher, Great Tit, Firecrest and Robin.
We arrived in good time at the airport and thanked Mircea for his careful driving throughout our holiday, which, regrettably, had now come to an end.
Acknowledgements
My thanks to you all for making the trip such a memorable and successful holiday. Thanks too to Mike my resolute co-leader for his terrific photos - Squacco Heron, Brown Bear, Roller, White-tailed Eagle, Yellow-bellied Toad, Marsh Harrier, Whiskered Terns and Red-necked Grebe, used in this report. All other photos are mine as are any inaccuracies. My thanks to George Panait for all his support with this trip.
Charlie Rugeroni
Vic the
Reaper on
holiday!
ENGLISH NAME
LATIN NAME
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Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans)
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Gadwall Anas strepera
Garganey Anas querquedula
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Pochard Aythya ferina
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
Family Phasianidae (Pheasants and Partridges)
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus H H
Quail Coturnix coturnix
Family Podicipedidae (Grebes)
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
Family Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus
Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus
Family Ardeidae (Herons)
Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Great White Egret Egretta alba
Squacco Heron Ardeola rolloides
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Family Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Family Ciconiidae (Storks)
White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Black Stork Ciconia nigra
Family Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles and Vultures)
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Family Falconidae (Falcons)
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Hobby Falco subbuteo
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
ENGLISH NAME
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Family Rallidae (Rails and Crakes)
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Coot Fulica atra
Family Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Family Charadriidae (Plovers)
Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers)
Red Knot Calidris canutus
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Family Laridae (Gulls)
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Great Black-headed Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus
Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Family Sternidae (Terns)
Little Tern Sternula albifrons
Sandwich Tern Thalasse sandvicensis
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Black Tern Chlidonias niger
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Family Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H
Family Strigidae (Owls)
Tawny Owl Strix aluco H
Family Apodidae (Swifts)
Swift Apus apus
Alpine Swift Apus melba
Family Upupidae (Hoopoes)
Hoopoe Upupa epops
Family Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Family Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
Bee-eater Merops apiaster H
Family Coraciidae (Rollers)
Roller Coracias garrulus
Family Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius H H
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis
Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus H H
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus
ENGLISH NAME
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Family Alaudidae (Larks)
Skylark Alauda arvensis H
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Woodlark Lullula arborea
Family Hirundinidae (Swallows and Martins)
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Swallow Hirundo rustica
House Martin Delichon urbica
Family Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
White Wagtail Motacilla (alba) alba
‘Romanian’ Yellow Wagtail Motacilla (flava) dombroskii
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Family Troglodytidae (Wrens)
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H
Family Turdidae (Thrushes)
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H
Fieldfare Turduds pilaris
Blackbird Turdus merula H
Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis
Family Cinclidae (Dippers)
Dipper Cinclus cinclus
Family Muscicapidae (Flycatchers and Chats)
Robin Erithacus rubecula H
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia
Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus H
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros H
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
Family Sylviidae (Scrub Warblers)
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin H H
Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria H H H
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H H
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Family Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers)
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus H
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina
Family Locustellidae (Grasshopper Warblers)
Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides H H
Family Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis H
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H
Family Paridae (Tits)
Great Tit Parus major
Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus H
Coal Tit Periparus ater H
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Family Panuridae (Bearded Tit)
Bearded Tit (Reedling) Panurus biarmicus
Family Remizidae (Penduline Tits)
Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus
Family Laniidae (Shrikes)
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
Family Corvidae (Crows)
Magpie Pica pica
Jay Garrulus glandarius H H
Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Rook Corvus frugilegus
Hooded Crow Corvus cornix
Raven Corvus corax
Family Sturnidae (Starlings)
Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Family Oriolidae (Orioles)
Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus H
Family Passeridae (Sparrows)
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Family Fringillidae (Finches)
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs H
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis H
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Family Emberizidae (Buntings)
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
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AMPHIBIANS
Salamanders and Newts
Fire Salamander Salamandra salamandra
Frogs and Toads
Fire-bellied Toad Bombina bombina H
Yellow-bellied Toad Bombina variegata
Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibunda H
Pool Frog Rana lessonae
REPTILES
Tortoises and Terrapins
Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca
European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis
Lizards
Balkan Green Lizard Lacerta trilineata
Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis
Slow Worm Anguis fragilis
Snakes
Dice Snake Natrix tessellata
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MAMMALS
Larger Mammals
Brown Bear Ursus arctos
Red Deer Cervus elaphus
Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus
Brown Hare Lepus europaeus
European Souslik Spermophilus citellus
Water Vole Arvicola terrestris
BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS
Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius
Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines
Cluded Yellow Colias crocea
Large Copper Lycaena dispar
Eastern Batton Blue Pseudophilotes vicrama
Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis
Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus
Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Hamearis lucina
Camberwell Beauty Nymphalis antiopa
Peacock Inachis io
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
Map Araschnia levana
Painted Lady Vanessa cynthia
Queen of Fritillary Issoria lathonia
Cardinal Argynnis pandora
Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia
Freyer’s Fritillary Melitaea arduinna
Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus
Giant Peacock Saturnia pyri
Mother Shipton Callistege mi
Tau Emperor Aglia tau
DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES
Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens
Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella
Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum
Red-eyed Damselfly Erythroma najas
Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum
Small Red Damselfly Ceriagrion tenellum
White-legged Damselfly Platycnemis pennipes
Norfolk Hawker Aeshna isoceles
Lesser Emperor Anax parthenope
Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata
Scarce Chaser Libellula fulva
Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum
OTHER INVERTEBRATES
Common Cockchafer Melolontha meolontha
Ladybird Spider Eresus sandaliatus
WILDLIFE TRAVEL ROMANIA 2015 PLANT LIST
GENUS SPECIES ENGLISH NAME NOTES
Non seed plants
Polypodiales (Ferns)
Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern
Asplenium trichomanes maidenhair spleenwort
Spermatophytes - seed plants
Gymnosperms
Pinaceae: pine
Abies alba silver fir
Picea abies Norway spruce
Angiosperms
Dicotyledons
Adoxaceae Order Dipsacales
Sambucus nigra elder
Viburnum opulus guelder rose
Anacardiaceae: pistacia Order Sapindales
Cotinus coggygria smokebush
Apiaceae: carrot Order Apiales
Astrantia major mountain sanicle
Chaerophyllum hirsutum hairy chervil
Eryngium maritimum sea holly
Apocynaceae: oleander Order Gentianales
Vinca herbacea periwinkle
Araliaceae: ivy Order Apiales
Hedera helix ivy
Aristolochiaceae: birthwort Order Piperales
Aristolochia clematitis
Asarum europeum asarabaca
Asclepiadaceae Order Gentianales
Vincetoxicum hirundinarium swallow-wort
Asteraceae: daisy Order Asterales
Carduus thoermeri thistle
Centaurea rutifolia knapweed
Doronicum carpaticum Carpathian leopardsbane
Jurinea mollis
Petasities albus white butterbur
Petasities spurius woolly butterbur
Serratula lycopifolia
Tragopogon dubius goatsbeard
Trapolium panonicum sea aster
Tussilago farfara coltsfoot
Betulaceae: birch Order Fagales
Alnus glutinosa black alder
Betula pendula silver birch
Boraginaceae: borage Order Boraginales
Anchusa undulata undulated alkanet
Cerinthe auriculata lesser honeywort
Echium vulgare vipers bugloss
GENUS SPECIES ENGLISH NAME NOTES
Pulmonaria rubra lungwort
Symphytum cordatum comfrey
Symphytum officinale common comfrey
Tournefortia sibirica Siberian sea rosemary
Brassicaceae: cabbage Order Brassicales
Cakile maritima sea rocket
Erysium comatum wallflower
Lunaria annua annual honesty
Lunaria rediviva honesty
Cardamine bulbifera coralroot
Peltaria alliacea garlic cress
Campanulaceae: bellflower Order Asterales
Asyneuma anthericoides
Campanula patula spreading bellflower
Cannabaceae Order Rosales
Humulus lupulus hop
Caprifoliaceae: honeysuckle Order Dipsacales
Lonicera xylosteum honeysuckle
Caryophyllaceae: carnation Order Caryophyllales
Dianthus bassarabicus pink
Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian pink
Dianthus guttatus pink
Lychnis flos-cuculi ragged robin
Lychnis viscaria catchfly
Silene colorata Mediterranean catchfly
Silene conica sand catchfly
Silene nutans Nottingham catchfly
Pergularia Media greater sea-spurrey
Stellaria nemorum wood stitchwort
Convolvulaceae: bindweed Order Solanales
Calystegia sepium
Convolvulus arvensis hedge bindweed
Convolvulus persicus sand bindweed
Cornaceae Order Cornales
Cornus mas dogwood
Corylaceae: hazel Order Fagales
Alnus glutinosa alder
Alnus incana grey alder
Carpinus orientalis hornbeam
Corylus avellana hazel
Elaeagnaceae Order Rosales
Eleagnus angustifolia INT Oleaster
Fabaceae: pea Order Fabales
Amorpha fruticosa INT false indigo bush
Astragalus vesicarius milkweed
Lathyrus tuberosus pea
Lotus corniculatus birdsfoot trefoil
Lotus sativa INT lucerne
GENUS SPECIES ENGLISH NAME NOTES
Onobrychis viciifolia
Robinia pseudoacacia false acacia
Vicia villosa hairy vetch
Fagaceae: beech Order Fagales
Fagus sylvatica beech
Quercus petraea sessile oak
Quercus pubescens pubescent oak
Geraniaceae: geranium Order Geraneales
Erodium cicutarium common storksbill
Geranium phaeum dusky cranesbill
Geranium robertianum herb Robert
Geranium sanguineum bloody cranesbill
Hydrocharitaceae: freshwater and marine acquatics Order Lamiales
Stratiodes aloides water soldier
Lamiaceae: mint Order Lamiales
Ajuga chaemaepitys ground pine
Ajuga genevensis Geneva bugle
Ajuga lamanii bugle
Ajuga reptans bugle
Glechoma hederacea ground ivy
Lamium album white dead nettle
Lamium galeobdolon yellow archangel
Lamium garganicum Gargano dead nettle
Lamium maculatum spotted dead nettle
Lycopus europaeus gipsywort
Mentha aquatica water mint
Prunella vulgaris self heal
Salvia nemorosa woodland sage
Salvia nutans nodding sage
Salvia pratense meadow clary
Salvia verticillata whorled clary
Thymus glabrescens thyme
Linaceae: flax Order Malpighiales
Linum perenne perennial flax
Lythraceae Order Myrtales
Trapa natans water chestnut
Malvaceae Order Malvales
Tilia tomentosa silver lime
Nymphaeaceae Order Nymphaeales
Nuphar lutea yellow water lily
Nymphaea alba white water lily
Oxalidaceae: oxalis Order Oxalidales
Oxalis acetosella wood sorrel
Paeoniaceae: paeony Order Saxifragales
Paeonia peregrina paeony
Papaveraceae: poppy Order Ranuncuales
Chelidonium majus greater celandine
Papaver rhoeas corn poppy
GENUS SPECIES ENGLISH NAME NOTES
Plantaginaceae: plantain Order Lamiales
Globularia bisnagarica
Plantago media hoary plantain
Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain
Veronica prostrata prostrate speedwell
Polygalaceae Order Fabales
Polygala comosa tufted milkwort
Polygala vulgaris common milkwort
Polygonaceae: dock Order Caryophyllales
Polygonum amphibium amphibious bistort
Rumex obtusifolius broad-leaved dock
Primulaceae: primula Order Ericales
Cortusa matthioli Alpine bells
Lysimachia nummularia creeping jenny
Primula elatior oxslip
Primula veris cowslip
Soldanella hungarica Hungarian snowbell
Ranunculaceae: buttercup Order Ranunculales
Adonis aestivalis summer pheasant's eye
Caltha palustris marsh marigold
Clematis alpina Alpine clematis
Clematis recta erect clematis
Consolida orientalis eastern larkspur
Delphinium elatum Alpine delphinium leaves
Helleborus viridis green hellebore
Hepatica transsilvanica Transylvanian hepatica leaves
Resedaceae: mignonette Order Brassicales
Reseda lutea mignionette
Rosaceae: rose Order Rosales
Filipendula ulmaria meadowsweet
Potentilla anserina silverweed
Potentilla erecta tormentil
Spiraea chamaedryfolia
Rubiaceae: madder Order Gentianales
Cruciata laevipes crosswort y
Galium album hedge bedstraw
Galium odoratum sweet woodruff
Salicaceae: willow Order Santiales
Populus nigra black poplar
Salix cinerea grey willow
Santalaceae: sandalwood Order Santiales
Viscum album mistletoe
Saxifragaceae Order Saxifragales
Chrysosplenium alternifolium Alternate-leaved golden saxifrage
Saxifraga corymbosa
Saxifraga cuneifolia
Scrophulariaceae: foxglove Order Lamiales
Verbascum phoeniceum purple mullein y
GENUS SPECIES ENGLISH NAME NOTES
Solanaceae: nightshade (tomato) Order Solanales
Hyoscymus niger black henbane
Tamaricaceae: tamarix Order Caryophyllales
Tamarix ramosissima
Valerianaceae: valerian Order Dipsacales
Valeriana officinalis wild valerian
Valeriana tripteris
Violaceae: violet Order Malpighiales
Viola alpina
Viola biflora yellow wood violet
Viola canina heath dog violet
Viola declinata
Viola tricolor heartsease
Monocotyledons
Alismataceae Order Alismatales
Alisma plantago water plantain
Sagittaria sagitifolia arrowhead
Araceae Order Alismatales
Lemna minor lesser duckweed
Utricularia vulgaris bladderwort
Butomaceae Order Alismatales
Butomus umbellatus flowering rush
Colchicaceae Order Liliales
Colchicum autumnale autumn colchicum
Iridaceae: iris Order Asparagales
Iris pseudacorus yellow flag
Iris sibirica Siberian flag iris
Iris sintenisii
Liliaceae: lily Order Liliales
Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon's seal
Veratrum nigrum black false helleborine
Orchidaceae: orchid Order Asparagales
Dactylorhiza fuchsii common spotted orchid
Dactylorhiza incarnata early marsh orchid
Dactylorhiza saccifera
Gymnadenia conopsea fragrant orchid
Limodorum abortivum
violet limodore/violet bird’s
nest orchid
Orchis purpurea lady orchid
Platanthera chlorantha greater butterfly orchid
Poaceae: grass Order Poales
Phragmites communis common reed
Potamogetonaceae Order Alismatales
Potamogeton natans floating pond weed
Trapa natans water chestnut
Typhaceae: reedmace Order Poales
Typha angustifolia lesser reedmace