Life Goes On...

Even when something dies, it can still provide the nutrients for life to go on - as these Fairy Inkcaps (Coprinellus disseminatus) demonstrate.


These were just one of at least four different fungi growing on the old tree stump I pass daily in the park where I walk mutt. At around this time each year, I watch as they all miraculously burst into existence when the mild damp conditions occur. I have yet to identify this attractive fungi which also pops up on this same tree stump each year

Nothing in life is wasted, it seems. It just adds to the whole bigger scheme of things.

Damp + Mild =

Whilst we had a couple of frosty starts last week, the previous two mornings have not been conducive to an early start to go on the deer watch, as I have been doing recently.

Yesterday it was far too windy and this morning it was raining, leaving me to have a couple of comparatively luxurious lie-ins. However, mutt still needed her walk, and once on the move, it wasn't long before I was peeling the layers off. The temperatures are up on the latter part of last week and coupled with the over-night rain, it can only lead to one thing at this time of the year -

Fungi

Such a variety!

The first two examples being regular recurrents under the same trees in the park.

Fairy Ring in December

Whilst out with mutt yesterday, we came across this distinct feature. If I hadn't have known any better, I could have imagined some sort of alien visit had taken place in the corner of this field. However, a quick investigation revealed exactly what I was looking for.

Nestled in the lush green grass, as I suspected, were Agaricus campestris or the common field mushroom. Nothing unusual here then apart from it being late December. I would have more commonly anticipated spotting this feature during the Autumn after a shower of rain and when it was still mild. Seeing though, that we have had a warm dry Autumn, fungi were noted by their absence this year. So, it has been left to this mild (12 deg C) December and the recent spell of rain, to encourage this late show of Autumnal behaviour.

Shaggy Ink Cap (Coprinus comatus)

You might be amazed to see this looking back from the underside of a mature shaggy ink cap mushroom.
Not quite what I expected either but you have to agree, rather impressive, if maybe a little menacing. A bit Lord of the Rings-like really!

With the mushroom and toadstool season now in full swing, it wasn't difficult to spot these common fungi on the roadside.

Just had to watch that the inky liquid of this self-digesting mushroom didn't drip onto my camera lens whilst taking the inside shot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coprinus_comatus

The Rot Sets In

What with the tiny drop of rain that came yesterday, coupled with the mild temperatures, it has finally coerced another Autumn spectacle to begin its show.

These particular clusters of fungi appear each year on an old rotting tree stump that I pass regularly. I have been waiting for their re-emergence this year as another photo opportunity. They start off looking like either a minature chrysanthemum or a cross between a perfectly baked confection and a nicely toasted coconut teacake. But however appealing they might look, I certainly won't be tempted to eat these, as yet, unidentified fungi. Instead I will just watch and wait for the next display to make a magical overnight appearance.

Cluster. Each approximately 20mm in diameter

Larger, more developed flattened fruit about 60mm across

Identification welcomed.

Evidence of Rain

Finally, we have had some of that life-giving elixir!

(I just knew that cleaning my windows the other day would bring on the rain.)

It may only currently be coming as sample size sessions - a taster of what is possible, but we can actually say we have had some rain. So, coupled with the warmer weather we have been experiencing for a number of weeks now, it has created the ideal conditions for some other amazing natural wonders, fungi.

I trust that the sample size will progress into full size soon, as boy, is the rain needed here in the East.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13600252