Exploring For Fungi

One advantage of the recent rain is that fungi have fruited all over the reserve. On Wednesday, a group lead by Christine Meek, explored Foxglove to see how many different species they could find. They found some beautiful specimens including this Conifer Tuft.

The well known red and white toadstool, Fly Agaric, was observed in several places. This photo shows the underside. When identifying fungi the structure of the gills is key. 

Another common species is Candlesnuff fungi, also known as 'Stag's Horn'. It grows on dead or rotting wood.

Not all fungi lives on rotten wood; some species of bracket fungi are parasytic and live on live trees like this one.

Our thanks to Christine for leading the walk which was on a perfect crisp autumn day!

Since Monday, a further eight Redwing have been ringed and this Redpoll also made an appearance in the ringing room!