The weather vane brings rain again
And in grey clay the rain will stay
Between the grains the rain remains
Without delay mud fills the way
A line of low cumulous clouds hung over the sea this morning as I stepped out of the Learning Centre, a few of them beginning to tower a little. I ignored this warning sign completely and set out in search of fungi. Several Scotch Bonnet were to be seen around the car park, as well as a Mystery Fungi I’m in the process of investigating.
I called in on the bird ringers who had a great deal of interest to report. In their nets today they’d snared a few Firecrests, plus an abundance of Goldfinches, Goldcrests and Blackcaps. They’d also sighted Ravens, Redwings and a group of about 50 Starlings, somewhat unusual for Durlston.
I headed into the Woodlands next for a brief fungal survey, though sadly my normal route was restricted by the path improvements. Still, there was plenty to be seen. A few Shaggy Ink Caps stood tall beside full blown fairy rings of what looked like Pale Milkcaps. A few steps later I came across the white-purple hews of a Wood Blewit, as well as the fading yellows of a cluster of Sulphur Tuft. My next discovery was a Golden Mystery Fungi nestling on the roots of a Holm Oak. I’ve got a lot of homework to do these days.
As I neared the Castle the rain began to come down with force so I tarried for a little while under the shade of the canopy. Bitter Brackets were nestled on a few pieces of fallen timber and the screech of Jays could be heard over the sound of the elements. I made a dash through the open to another wooded path and began to make my way back to base. Turkey Tail and Hairy Stearum were flourishing in the wet conditions, with some impressive Wood Mushrooms also to be seen poking their caps up through the leaf litter.
Yesterday on the Pleasure Grounds Work Party we came across a few other notable specimens, including a nice patch of Jelly Ear and an Amethyst Deceiver. October has been very good to me.