All this disturbance probably doesn't make too much difference to wintering birds, but the woodland is predominantly coniferous with little fruit bearing scrub. Anyway, a few very noisy Jays, and small groups of busy Goldcrests and Coal Tits were the most interesting species, along with single Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and a stealth Sparrowhawk.
I found a load of fungi that as ever I can't identify. This interest in finding fungi is getting infectious - but as someone that can barely identify all but the commonest trees, plants and flowers I am coming to realise that I am bloody useless at working out fungi ID. I think that these are all the same species at different stages of growth, and I have confidently narrowed them down to being fungi that grow out of the ground rather than on tree trunks. Any help beyond that would be appreciated!
(post-script - I now think these are various states/ages of Clouded Funnel Clitocybe nebularis)
The last two images are the same two fungi shown from both sides. These were big, 5" - 6" across.
Whilst having a cuppa before I set off, I had an opportunity to balance my life karma - whatever that means. A Dunnock flew straight into our living room window. Not the first bird to hit it, and probably not the last, but this one hit it with a real hard smack. I went out to find said Dunnock flat out on the path below the window - eyes open and panting heavily. I anticipated that it would croak any minute, but I carefully picked it up and was pleased to see that its head didn't flop pathetically to one side and that its wings appeared intact. [Holding small birds in the hand always seems to be a privilage - hard to believe that anything so small and fragile can be so tough and hardy.] It was still very likely that it would have suffered some damage, but apart from obvious shock nothing I could see so I carefully put it into a safe place away from any prowling cats etc. It was still there before I left the house, and appeared to be more settled with more relaxed breathing. I guessed it would either survive and go or fall over and cease to exist. Gladly it was not there when I got home, and I'd like to think that it has managed to fly off to fight another day (and I refuse to consider any other possiblility).
Before I go and do something more useful, here is a Winter Moth that came to a lit window early last night. This is usually the last species I see each year - hopefully not this year though.
1 comment:
Nice post, Mark. I can relate to the not being able to ID fungi. Glad your Dunnock flew off.
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