Birds Nest Fungi etc RSPB Sandy

A very enjoyable day at RSPB Sandy hunting for fungi on a dull but dry day with RPS and CCC members. We were delighted to find Bird's Nest Fungus - these are very small but perfectly formed nests with 'eggs' - this one is one a bracken stalk for scale the group were on a piece of bark. While photographing a small Mycena species growing out of a fallen branch, I realised there were small objects in the frame - a group of slime moulds. My focus stack for this one was not optimal so there is a bit of shadowing but pleased with the detail. I think the following image is also a slime mould. Otherwise a mixture of small, medium and large species to challenge our photographic skills.

RSPB Sandy Slime Mould, Lichens, Mosses and Fungi

Disappointed in the number of 'larger' toadstools at Sandy this morning but the lichens and mosses looked great in the morning dew and I did locate one very impressive slime mould together with a toothed Jelly Fungus

 

Halloween

We have stayed in Travelodges with some 'interesting' surroundings but the one in Glasgow probably tops the bill with the M8 motorway passing almost over it and the Hot Bowl Buffet and Pure Sweet drive-through outlet right next door. The latter put on a very spooky display for Halloween while our own Pumpkin though very large lacked a bit of magic in the carving..

Change of Fungi Species at Paxton

Not quite as many fungi as 3 weeks ago but several different species now showing like the White Saddle and the Jelly Rot, Phlebia tremellosa. I was using my Fuji compact camera with the Raynox  auxilliary lens which isn't ideal for the smaller objects such as the Flies  but does a good job on the wider views. A couple of large patches of the shaggy Pholiota squarrosa and several other species!!

Kelvingrove

On Tuesday we met John and Margaret at  Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, built in a Spanish Baroque style opening in 1901. It was remodelled in 2006 with the Life galleries representing natural history, human history and prehistory and the Expression galleries, which include the fine art collections. The 22 galleries display over 8,000 objects. The centrepiece of the Centre Hall is a concert pipe organ from 1901 with a walnut case front and non-functional display pipes. There is a recital on the organ at 1 pm every day. The last two images are of the Subway system - a great asset when visiting Glasgow.