After the great success found in June, on Sunday 12 and Saturday 18 July we managed to propose two other nature photo treks on top of the highest peaks of the Martani mountains, in Umbria.
Accompagnati dallo zoologo Riccardo Mattea, siamo partiti in entrambe le giornate alle 6:30, orario perfetto per ascoltare i primi canti dell’avifauna locale ed osservare i Passeriformi in attività nelle ore più fresche.
Crossing the holm oak woods at an altitude of around 800-850 meters above sea level, we were able to observe the last wild summer orchids such as Cephalanthera rubra, also observed during the first trek, and a species of lily characteristic of the Mediterranean environments, the Lilium bulbiferum.
Following the path we then reached the areas used for grazing, characterized by dry stone walls, bramble bushes and downy oaks; favorite areas for nesting Red-backed Shrike (Lanus collurio), Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) and Northern Weathear (Oenanthe oenanthe). Here we were lucky enough to observe the Weathear feeding the offspring.
Going up, we entered the characteristic green beech woods of the northern slope of the Torre Maggiore mountain. Along the path it was possible to meet a plucked of Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) probably preyed on by a Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) and also some Badger hair (Meles meles) left along its way.
Reaching the top of the mountain at 1120 m a.s.l., where a pagan temple of the fifth century bC is located, we allowed ourselves a short stop accompanied by a historical digression on the ancient inhabitants of the place.
After a short meal we started the descent towards the cars. Crossing meadows with blooms of Helichrysum (Helicrisum italicum) and Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis), we came across a myriad of butterflies including Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) and Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon).
Both treks ended with a visit to an artificial lake at altitude, where it was possible to observe Italian Crested Newt (Triturus carnifex) larvae and adults.
The excursions in Umbria led by Riccardo Mattea will return in September, we can’t wait!
