Mushrooms Galore

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“The sudden appearance of mushrooms

after a summer rain is one of the more

impressive spectacles of the plant world”

~John Tyler Bonner~

 

In Michigan, the end of summer rainy days allows for the arrival of  vast amounts of mushrooms all over the woodland floor. Bringing a sense of fascination and wonder, I spend a large amount of time photographing each one. I am slowly going to try to identify each one. I cannot guarantee I will find the correct name for each kind, but I am willing to try. The colors range from a purest white to a deep red. Some mushrooms seem to appear out of nowhere only to be gone before the next day.

The colors of the mushrooms range from a purest white to a deep red. They seem to come in all shapes and sizes; each unique in their own way. Some mushrooms just seem to appear out of nowhere only to be gone before the next day. I would love to attend a course just on identifying Michigan mushrooms.

Of course, I use the different photos of the mushrooms as inspiration for writing about fairy worlds.

Until next time….peace

Black Swimming Swarm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

So what does a person do when a swarming black mass appears in the water? Go investigate. Watching the mass move and divide was fascinating. They would move apart and slowly come back together. The mass would swim in formation for a short time. Then, dividing to start the entire process over again.

Dividing Swarm

 

So of course, I had to get closer to figure out what was forming the swimming, swarming mass.

When viewing wildlife, I tend to move forward without thinking. During this specific time, I learned two valuable lessons.

  1. Never wear shorts and walk through nettles.

After all the years of wandering around in the woods, you would think I would have this engrained in my brain. But…sadly no, the nettles seem extra itchy this time of year. The nettles were waist high. Well, I am short, so maybe they were not as high as I thought.

  1. Remember the creek banks are slippery after rain.

Once again, you would think I would remember this fact too. The grass and mud on the side of the bank were an issue for about a second. I believe I recovered nicely; I did not fall all the way down, get wet or lose the grip on my camera. Wearing hiking boots really should be my priority.

The Black Swimming Swarm

When I finally was close enough, I realized the black swarm swimming in different directions was baby bullheads. I am certain the little black bullheads have a proper name. Sitting on the side of the creek bank, I was mesmerized by the swimming flow of the hundreds of baby bullheads.

Baby Bullheads
They were fascinating to watch. I was glad I was able to get close enough (after a couple mishaps) to identify the black swimming swarm.

 

 

Until next time….peace

 

 

 

Natural Beauty

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful-

an endless prospect of magic and wonder”

Ansel Adams

I was out walking around the backfield when I came across this young doe standing in the middle of the Queen’s Anne. The little fawn still has spots. I truly hope she grows more before the Michigan winter sets in.

Until next time…..peace

Blanding’s Turtle

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Wandering around the wooded, marshy area, I came across a unique turtle. From my research, I believe the turtle is a Blanding’s Turtle. I am still researching the endangered turtle. As I find more information, I will share.

Until next time….peace