If it’s crowded, there’s not… mushroom

The autumnal rain is boon to the local fungi, which are popping up all over the garden. The great advantage they have for garden photography is that they keep still and there's plenty of opportunity to play around with camera settings. The other joy is the relative uncertainty. They appear, transform over a few days, and suddenly are gone. Especially these fellows, who love crowding together.
Glistening inkcaps

Altogether more solitary is this second type that's appeared over the past few days. If you look back to an earlier post you'll see it in its early phase. By yesterday it had inverted its cap. This rapid change of form is just one of the reasons fungi can be so difficult to identify, and I'll admit to having asked an expert over on Wild About Britain just what this was.
Rooting shank or Xerula radicata

This second shot was lit from behind (flash dangling from a cord attached to a solid overhanging branch).

As for the foxes, last night was the turn of 'Handsome' (the young male) to put in an appearance. He's a touch more confident after the family get together the foxes had recently, and for once he tolerated me for more than a moment.

And one last treat, caught for no more than a second on one of the trail cam clips. Yes we once again have a badger!

Nature Blog Network
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.

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This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. RobinL

    10 Sep 2010

    Hehehe. Very Punny!
    Handsome is very handsome! Also a bit mischievous by the look of the second shot 🙂

  2. gdare

    10 Sep 2010

    It seems Handsome was talking to you, saying something important, like… I am hungry… or … Where is that food you are supposed to leave here. Or something similar but of great importance for the local fox community 😀

  3. Cynthia23

    11 Sep 2010

    This "handsome" fox is smiling at you, as I have seen the other foxes in your backyard doing in other photos of yours. HAhahhahaha 😀 They are so relaxed around you. Wow!! Words!! So cool!! :up:

  4. Words

    11 Sep 2010

    Darko, I think he's probably complaining that the floor underneath him is sloping rather too much and he can't possibly stay in that position for too long! (The shot was too tightly framed to correct the horizon.)

  5. Cynthia23

    11 Sep 2010

    You're welcome, Words, you should be. :up:

  6. Words

    11 Sep 2010

    Cynthia, thanks. It's always a bit special when one of the shy ones plucks up courage. I was pleased with this set.

  7. Words

    11 Sep 2010

    Thanks Erwin!

  8. Words

    11 Sep 2010

    Robin, he's a great little fox, but somewhat bashful despite his good looks!

  9. SittingFox

    12 Sep 2010

    Yes, it is always refreshing to have a subject who doesn't walk off! :whistle:

    I cannot believe the number of fungi this year. It must break all records!

    Nice pictures of the foxes 🙂

  10. Words

    12 Sep 2010

    Adele, they may not walk off but they collapse pretty quickly. The inkcaps are mere sludge now (though some have popped up in the middle of the lawn), and the rooting shank has collapsed (slugs, I suspect, have done for it). It does seem a good year though!

  11. Wulpen

    19 Oct 2012

    Great Photos

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