Autumn Leaves

I haven't had many opportunities to get out with my camera recently so haven't had anything new to share.

This shot was taken in Delamere forest a few weeks ago. Although there were lots of leaves lying on the ground this lone leaf laying on a fallen tree seemed to stand out. I love the colours and different textures that give a real sense that autumn is now in full swing.

Rural Churchyard

This is the churchyard of St Mary's church in Kirkby Lonsdale at the end of a rainy day. The clouds look like they are still laden with rain but fortunately it passed by and I was able to enjoy a really nice evening.

Don't Jump

This magnificent structure is Devil's Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale. It was once the main crossing of the River Lune but now it carries just pedestrian traffic. 

It is a popular meeting place for bikers and at one time it was quite popular for people to jump/dive into the river although that is now prohibited by local by-laws so people just come to admire the view. 

On this particular day the river was high and flowing really fast following several days heavy rainfall.

Fortunately the rain held of long enough in this particular day allowing for a lovely walk along the banks of the river and into the town where I was unable to resist a delicious ice cream...

Matchsticks in Negative

This tiny fungus made me think of matchsticks in negative. They open out to look like antlers.

I am always amazed at the huge diversity of fungi, it's no wonder I get obsessed.

On The Up

This tiny little fungus was almost completely hidden under some bracken. I love the way the cap flows upwards revealing the delicate fins beneath.

In the first image you can see a tiny seed caught between two of the fins and also two tiny little water droplets.

In the second you can just make out the twisted stem.

It is so beautiful.

Amethyst Deceiver

This wonderful fungus Laccaria amethystina lives in both deciduous and coniferous forests.

It is edible but it can absorb arsenic from the soil apparently so I am not sure how you would tell which ones are safe to eat or not.

There were several spread across the forest floor, they are quite small and despite the bold colour they were not immediately obvious, at least not to me. I really like the way they fold upwards and turn inside out.

The Devil's Coach Horse

Ok not a horse, but a beetle. I used to see these a lot as a child and always knew them as Devils Coachman beetles but it has other names too, including cock-tail beetle because of the way it raises its abdomen as you can see in these pictures.

This little critter crossed my path in Delamere forest, it was about 30mm long and with its tail raised you can see the white glands that release a stinky deterrent. 

If you zoom in you can also clearly see its mighty mandibles that are capable of giving a painful bite.

This is a serious predator that feeds at night; moths, insects and invertebrates, slugs and other slimy things make up its diet.

Some adults will survive two winter seasons by hibernating in tiny burrows.

From the heart of my bottom...

So anyone who has followed my blog will know I like to find hearts in nature and I love fungi so when I spotted this Common Earthball  in the undergrowth in Delamere forest in Cheshire I was really pleased because of its heart like shape however photographing it from a different angle it appears more like a crusty butt and that appealed to my sense of humour.

This is a type of puffball but its alternative name of pigskin poison puffball is a clear giveaway, unlike the edible puffballs this one will cause serious gastrointestinal distress so don't try eating them.

Everyone Loves a Robin

So here's a Robin to brighten your day...