Members, please make submissions to info@orkneyu3a.org
Botanical Group-Hoy
by Unknown - 18:50 on 24 May 2013
The Botany Group had a interesting day on Hoy on Wednesday 22nd May. Despite a poor forecast they only had to brave a couple of hailstorms and then bracing gale force gusts up in the hills and a good showing of the sun!. The object of the trip was to find the County Flower, Arctic Bearberry in flower. The Common Bearberry was well into flowering but none were found on the Arctic one, which was in leaf, however the conditions were poor for the search! Moss campion was just coming into flower and there were many plants making a late start, Butterwort, Sundews, Marsh and Spear Thistles, Golden Rod, Foxgloves, Blaebarry, Creeping willows, Juniper, Rowan, early sedges and grasses. Birds seen and heard included Cuckoo, Stonechat, Meadow pipits, Hen harriers, Skylarks, Bonxies, Eiders, Curlew, Oystercatchers, Ravens, Wheatears, Lapwing, Sparrows, Starlings, Crows and Hoodies. A close inspection of the messy planting at the White Glen with many ferns, tree seedlings, mosses and lichens plus a few entertaining birds of the LBJ kind.... Excellent views, stormy skies and friendly tourists kept the group entertained. A good day and test of our winter gear!!!!!
Add your comment