Fungi at Santon Downham

Some of the very numerous fungi at Santon Downham today. The first three photos show the effectx of using 50mm macro, 24mm  and 10mm lenses. The showery weather hampered us a bit though it will ensure a good supply of fungi for the next few days. 8 Members of CCC happily played arounf at ground level for the day.

Hamerton Zoo

We decided to visit Hamerton Zoo yesterday as it was a pretty dull and grey day which would make wild bird photography difficult. Hamerton has improved the facilities for  Cats with larger enclosures all of whom looked very lean and content. It would be great if small zoos like this could concentrate only on some families as I don't find the facilities for the lemurs, monkeys etc so pleasing but unforutnately to get funding for their conservation breeding programmes they need to attract a wide public.

 

Ivy Flowers in Toft Cambridgeshire

After a lean time with very few insects around most of August and September, there has been an increase in the numbers and varieties of insects in our village this week with the ivy flowers in full bloom. Very difficult to photograph as the shiny leaves reflect any sunlight as in the first photo of Myathropea flavea. Loads of Harlequin ladybirds (an invasive species that has displaced our native ladybird in some location - comes in many different guises hence the name) with still some larvae around. Also immature Green Shieldbug.

Epping Forest Trees and Fungi

Autumn is certainly running late this year with the trees still fully green and very few fungi around. It was very bright and sunny yesterday for my walk in Epping Forest before returning home after lecturing to Chingford PS  (thanks for your warm welcome). So a few creative attempts plus the only two fungi species that I was able to photograph

White-Water Swimming in Guernsey

My final photosession  in Guernsey was at the bathing pools - it was high tide with a strong wind so good conditions for waves but you would not think for swimming. However,  a couple of men and then two teenagers braved the waves for a bracing dip.

Les Vardes Quarry Guernsey

On Monday, we took the nature walk that has been opened around Les Vardes Quarry in Guernsey. I have always enjoyed large scale 'industrial' landscapes so enjoyed watching and photographing the operations there!