Coprinus domesticus

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davea2007//4045586259

Another species of inkcap. Although it is fairly common, and reasonably conspicuous, it does not have a generally accepted English name. Surprisingly few species of fungi do.

Coprinus domesticus

Goose

Goose

There were only traces of colour on the feathers and beak of this goose, which is probably a cross between a barnacle goose and a white one.

It was happily swimming in the canada goose flock in West Park.

Shaggy parasol

Shaggy parasol

This recently emerged specimen of Coprinus comatus shows the beginning of the cracking of the cap covering which will eventually become the “shagginess” when it is more fully-grown.

This pattern is seen in the more developed, and parasol-shaped, fruiting body below.

Shaggy parasol

Squirrel

Squirrel

This squirrel almost seemed to be posing to have its picture taken.

Lifecycle of a toadstool

Shaggy inkcap

This is what a shaggy inkcap, also known as the lawyer’s wig fungus, looks like when it has only recently emerged.

As it sheds its spores, the cap of the mushroom appears to eat itself from the rim inwards.  This one is well on the way.

Shaggy inkcap

This grouping show more advanced stages in the process.

Shaggy inkcap

Finally, the cap is reduced to a blackened rim around the stem.

Shaggy inkcap

Yew berries

Yew

These yew berries don’t just look beautiful. They appear good enough to eat. But, like virtually every part of the tree, they are poisonous.

Common funnel cap

Common funnel cap

This toadstool was growing in heavy shade under leylandii.

The ones below, pictured at the same time, were a couple of days old.

Common funnel cap

Red Admiral

Red Admiral

This red admiral looked in fine shape as it was feeding on ivy flowers yesterday, even though this week is the last one when this species is normally seen in Britain.

Getting a pointer?

Heron

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

Cortinarius

Cortinarius

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