Pine and Beechwood Fungi

 Santon Downham is probably my favourite fungi photography location due to the mix of pine trees which are constantly replaced so all ages of tree and the Beeches that were planted in the original plantations. The fallen cones are full of Pinecone Fungi while many of the Beech trees are infected with the very photogenic Porcelain fungus. We also found the Dog Stinkhorn Fungus which is a conversation topic both for its shape and incredibly strong putrid smell!!

Fungi Workshop at Brandon

Coloured lights and prostrate figures puzzled other visitors to Brandon CP yesterday, as the RPS Nature Group attempted to photograph the limited number of Fungi on display in more creative ways. Some of the fungi like the Yellow Stagshorn, Fly Agaric and Mycena are brightly coloured; with others, we used UV light or coloured lights to give a different feel to the image. Off to Santon Downham today for part 2.

Autumn Hues

A few multiple exposures from a stroll round our village using multiple exposure and slow shutterspeed camera movement.

Paxton Best of the Rest

The shallow water at some of the edges of Heronry Lake make wonderful drinking and washing areas for birds and reflection pools for photographers. Here a Grey Wagtail and Pigeon beautifully reflected. Another photographers favourite, the Otter, made a brief subject to aim the cameras as it traversed the water ahead of us. Cormorant, Llttle Egret, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe and pair of Teal complete the swim/flypast.

Flight of the Bittern

Bitterns are secretive, solitary marsh birds known for their stealthy hunting, cryptic camouflage and distinctive booming calls. Bittern sightings at Paxton Pits are not common so I was delighted when this one decided to take off and fly close to the water looking like a Sea Eagle! Not great quality to the photos but happy with the sequence as it flew along the lake edge. The final entry shows the entire flight.