Loggerheads 13/11/2010.
Once again the coach was full on the latest of the Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society popular outings. The destination was Loggerheads, a Country Park in North Wales.
Members went from the picturesque village of Cilcain, with its magnificently decorated church, across meadows and through mixed woodland to the valley of the River Alyn.
The warm sunshine and the presence of several flowering plants, like Red Campion, Harebell and Rock Rose, were reminiscent of Summer. The trees told a different tale. Many had already shed their leaves and the golden hues of Larch against the darker evergreen of Scots Pine were a reminder that autumn is well advanced.
Amongst the crisp tawny leaves gathering on paths and in crevices a keen-eyed naturalist spotted the brilliant orange Comma butterfly sunning itself.
Members had a choice of walks after the picnic lunch down to Loggerheads. Some followed the high Leete path above the River Alyn whilst others took a longer route via denser woodland. Both crossed Limestone geology so there were ferns such as Hard Shield and Hart’s Tongue. In both meadows and woodland there were many finds for fungus hunters, including Giant Funnel, Clouded Agaric and the rarer Earth Star.
Most of our common woodland birds made an appearance. Jays, Nuthatches and Long Tailed Tits repeatedly called to each other, whilst in contrast Tree-creepers silently scuttled upwards into the canopy.
In the clear blue sky raptors, such as Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were easily spotted. A majestic Buzzard hovered almost motionless whilst being mobbed by two Ravens as the group finished the walk at the welcoming visitor centre.
Click on Thumbnail to see full size image
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| Collared Earthstar | Nuthatch |
Images by Steve Pinnington, Peter Francis and Peter Stevens
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