David

This heron was fishing from the signpost at the junction between the Staffs & Worcs and the Shropshire Union canals

This little toadstool had already provided a hearty meal for several small creatures.

A view from Highgate Common recently.

This inkcap species was just peeping through the short grass inches from the little Japanese umbrella.

The prolonged spell of dry weather means that this has been a poor autumn for mushrooms so far. But a recent expedition to West Park still showed several species, mostly of small, inconspicuous fungi which could hide even in short grass.

Posts in the next few days come from this outing on October 25th unless otherwise indicated.

For the first find, these small puffballs – perhaps a centimetre in diameter – were lurking in the sculpture garden behind the Conservatory.

Also known as the trooping crumble cap, this is a species of inkcap which grows in dense clusters. This grouping is showing a characteristic variation in colour between the individual fruiting bodies.

Growing by the entrance to Compton Park on October 25th.