Over the last couple of weeks the weather and surrounding habitats of the reserve have suddenly become a bit damper and this coupled with the mild December we are currently having means there has suddenly been a noticeable revival of emerging fungi here on the reserve, after what had been a very poor autumn due to the continued drought conditions.
Some very 'seasonal' Snowy waxcaps underneath the ash trees in the car park.
Now of course I'm a bit of a rank beginner when it comes to fungi but I do really really enjoy finding them and trying to identify, but if some of the identification is wrong on the following fungi then please put me on the path of fungi ID righteousness!
Now Blacktoft's fungi isn't that amazing in colour or rarity but its great to see the variety and surrounding habitat that often gives an insight into a different ecological realm. So if you are wondering around the reserve over the next week or so keep an eye out on and below the hedges and trees, you may just find you enjoy finding this hidden world around the reserves pathways . Or if you live near a woodland it may be worth going on your own fungi foray over the festive period just for something different to do.
So here's what I've manged to find in the last two days....................
These small oysterling fungi are possibly Crepidotus epibryus - they are fury on the top! (also note the half eaten berries at the side which I suspect are wood mouse munched)
These Parasola auricoma are next to the path to Ousefleet hide underneath the blackthorn
There's nothing like looking in the Konik pony dung at Christmas, these are all different parts of the life cycle of the same fungi - possibly turf mottlegill
A nice bit of common jellyspot on a twig
These lovely fungi were near the toilet block (always seems to attract wildlife!) they have the splendid name of Blueleg Brownie
This ones a tiny parasol fungi again on the Konik dung, you have to unfortunately sometimes look a bit too closely (phew!)
Our old friend the redleg toughshank - you can see the reddish stalk
And some from above with a super little spider web - a little micro habitat all of its own
And good to see again a bit more fungi on Horseshoe meadow - all that lovely underground fungi for the orchids (hopefully) to feed on.
This ones got a lovely wet shine to it - I only took these snaps today so haven't had chance to identify either of them but the bottom one may be another brownie
Amazing that the glistening inkcap has again emerged on the willow next to Townend hide - enlarge to see the glisten.
A few fragile looking bonnets - possibly milking bonnet
And the jelly ear in all its guises
And finally here's a bit of that Turkey tail! Loving the fungi and lichen together
- Hope you enjoy Rainman!
I'll try and get a bird sightings blog out either tomorrow or Friday.