Parrot waxcap

Parrot waxcap

Before it begins to fade, this toadstool is coloured a peculiar shade of green.

The specimen above was already beginning to get washed out and faded. Somewhat nearer the original shade is this one hiding in the grass.

Parrot

 

And someone had helpfully kicked this one over, giving a clear view of the stem and the gills.

Tettenhall ridge – autumn

Tettenhall ridge – autumn

The strong winds brought down most of the leaves before really gaudy autumn colours developed this year.

Here the more distant trees, oaks, are still holding on to their leaves, which have mainly been stripped from the nearer trees.

Yellow club fungus

Yellow club fungus

Another tiny fungus which looks nothing like the traditional toadstool shape.

First frost

First frost

Lichen encrusted with the first frost of the winter: above on a branch brought down by some of the recent heavy winds. Below on one still on a bush.

Mild milkcap

Mild milkcap

 

Milkcaps are a group of toadstool species which produce a fluid when the cap is injured in any way. In some species, such as this, the fluid is white, and looks very like milk.

I had just lightly brushed this specimen while clearing away a bit of debris to get a clearer view. The result: a copious amount of “milk”.

Squirrel

 

Squirrel

This squirrel’s tail seemed to be glowing as it was lit from behind in the late afternoon sunlight.

Goblet waxcap

Goblet waxcap

These tiny and brightly coloured mushrooms can easily escape notice even in shortish grass.

After heavy rain their colour washes out from red to yellow.

Goblet waxcap

Further rain means further fading.

Goblet waxcap

Moorhen

Moorhen

 

Moorhens normally appear to have a completely black plumage with streaks of white on the wings and tail.

The low angle and brightness of the sunshine when this picture was taken have shown up the blue tint in the bird’s dark feathers.

Ivy

Ivy

These ivy seeds are beginning to ripen. Others are already black as a sign they are fully ripe.

Candlesnuff fungus

Candlesnuff fungus

Appears like small white shoots on rotting wood In fact, black at the base, then grey, becoming white and most visible towards the tip – supposedly similar to the wick of a candle which is no longer burning.

Candlesnuff