The small stream flowing under the track is one of a number of small streams in the area that form the headwaters of the Owennacurra River which flows southeast through wooded valleys to Midleton where it enters Cork Harbour.
Here the banks of the stream hold Willow, Alder and Rowan which shade the water.
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| Common Alder – Photo by Homer Edward Price |
The stream and surrounding area have a good diversity of fern species with the lime green tongue-like fronds of Hart’s tongue fern and the pinnate leaves of Hard fern.
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| Hart’s tongue fern – Photo by Ellie Enking |
Other ferns present include Broad buckler-fern, Lady fern and Bracken along the bank of the stream. The trifoliate leaves of Wood sorrel creep across the shaded stream bank and in early spring show a delicate, bell-shaped white flower with a network of pink veins.
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| Lady fern – Photo by Dave Lage |
Grey wagtail, a red-listed species of high conservation concern across Ireland, can be seen here. They have a distinctive habit of wagging their tails as they stand on the streamside boulders or may be glimpsed flying away in a bounding manner with low undulations and flashes of lemon yellow from their undersides.
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| Grey Wagtail – Photo by Andy Morffew |
| 🡸 Stop 3 | Stop 5 🡺 |