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David

Russulas in leaf litter

Russula in leaf litter
Russulas growing through leaf litter.

Russula in leaf litter
They were probably common yellow russulas, but they were old, faded and nibbled.

Russulas in leaf litter

They were growing in the wooded area in the grounds of Compton Hospice.

Russula in leaf litter

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David

Two types of deceiver

Amethyst deceiver

Two related species of mushrooms which get the name of deceiver because of their great variability of colour. The amethyst deceiver (above) fades with age – a process which had probably begun with the one seen here.

Deceiver
I noticed these two growing not far from each other on the same lawn.

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David

Autumn colours, Tettenhall ridge from Wetland Lake

Autumn colours, Tettenhall ridge from Wetland Lake

The trees along the Railway Walk, and those of Tettenhall ridge behind, beginning to change colour for autumn.

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David

Fly agaric in sun

Fly agaric in sun

This fly agaric was pictured at the same time as those featuring in the previous post.

Fly agaric in sun

Unlike them, it was in direct sunlight. All three looked similar in colour to my naked eye, but the camera recorded this one as much brighter.

Fly agaric in sun

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David

Fly agarics in shadow

Fly agarics in shadow

A group of fly agaric mushrooms pictured on the day of the great storm that passed us by.

Fly agarics in shadow

These two fruiting bodies were in shade.

Fly agarics in shadow

Despite the rain, which had been heavy overnight, the red of their caps showed no sign of having been leached.

Fly agarics in shadow

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David

Smestow Valley Birders Wild Walk, November 2013

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

Seven intrepid nature lovers starting out on a wild walk on a beautiful November morning, with Chris and Geoff from the Smestow Valley Birders leading the way.

Tettenhall ridge, autumn, early morning sunlight

The early morning sunlight brought out the autumn colours of the trees by the Railway Walk and Tettenhall Ridge beyond.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

A half-hour sky watch done, and time to get on the move.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

At Compton Lock, with two little grebes downstream.

Song thrushes in a hawthorn

Further along the towpath, five song thrushes were at the top of a tree on the other bank.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

As we reached Meccano Bridge, we were ready to step out of the shade.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

Two little grebes here got most people’s attention, but the dog seemed more interested in what I was doing.

Little grebes fishing

The dabchicks were busy fishing …

Little grebes fishing

and, as usual, staying just a little too far away to pose for a good picture.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

The final stop before we all headed for our homes and a hot drink – Wetland Lake.