The autumn colours are really looking amazing. The reds, yellows and golds look particularly spectacular with the sun on them. One of the first to turn were the guelder roses.
(Guelder Rose by Pam Dalley)
It’s not just the leaves providing the colour though, the berries are looking pretty good. My office window looks out on a particularly large holly tree absolutely covered in berries.
(Holly tree by Pam Dalley)
The berries are obviously a brilliant food source for birds and small mammals in the autumn and through winter. Many of these bushes and trees attract flocks of birds such as redwing and, with any luck, waxwing.
Talking of small mammals, I helped out this morning with a small mammal survey and was delighted with the find of a water shrew.
(Water shrew by Pam Dalley)
Walking back through a meadow I came across this lovely looking, but sticky, green toadstool. I believe it may be a Parrot Waxcap but I stand to be corrected.
(Parrot Waxcap (?) by Pam Dalley)
The fungi are definitely popping up all over the place. I found loads of these round the Playmeadow but I haven't identified them as yet. Any help would be appreciated.
(Toadstools by Pam Dalley)
I still have the trail camera out and about and still no otter. There's still lots of activity though from the badgers, deer, foxes and squirrels.
Hope you all enjoy the colours of autumn as much as I do.