Based on previous years, I was hoping for more than two fungi species at Madingley Hall, presumably as a result of the very dry conditions and the difficulty in the wood for rain to penetrate. It was certainly very dry underfoot. My compost bin is still yielding a good display of slime mould - so far only the one species ?Didymium bahiense.
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!!
A few multiple exposures from a stroll round our village using multiple exposure and slow shutterspeed camera movement.
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.
