Find a spot in Nature and “stay” there for a while.
Wait.
Watch.
That’s what I did in this little corner of our Nature Habitat. All kinds of amazing things were going on…
Damp and rainy weather gave way to sun. Brightness revealed fungi that has been blooming on moisture soaked fallen tree branches and limbs. Aren’t the textures and colors intriguing? Did you know that mushrooms are the fruits of fungus? Some grow beneath the soil, some above.
Lichens were noticeably subtle and fully hydrated… much more robust in appearance than I recall they were in the dry summer months.
A tangle of brown grasses, leafless trees and shrubbery framed plants that proudly boosted shades of green. Verdant ferns, holly, salal, and scrubbing reeds were vividly illuminated by the winter sun.
I’m not sure who enjoyed this little corner of the riparian zone more…
the birds (look carefully, stay with the photo until you spot the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Dark-eyed Juncos) –
Or the squirrels (feeding on Douglas fir cone; then frolicking through their understory gymnasium) –
As I turned to head for home, a familiar sound beckoned me to stay and look up-
A flock of Canada Geese were flying NORTH… could this be a sign of early spring this year?
I won’t argue if winter decides not to … “stay.”
Good advice for observing nature. Wait and watch. Wonderful pictures of the fungi.
Thanks, Jim.
Yes… what about that fungi? At first I just noticed the branch with only a few shelf-type fungi.
But- as I stayed put… more and more came to view. I think the orange one is a gel fungus… last year we had some yellow that was similar called “Witch’s Butter.”
Jane
There is always something happening in nature if one takes the time to look. I enjoyed your photos 🙂
I agree with you, Judy, that’s the key … just taking the time <3
It was a good day for photos. You will enjoy my next couple of posts…juvenile squirrels and Mallard Ducks provided some more nice photos yesterday… posts coming soon 😉
~Jane
Ah, patience and its rewards! Lovely captures, Jane, especially the fungi and lichens. We had a fellow come to talk about fungi one day – fascinating stuff. The shame was that he didn’t plan his talk properly and had about three times the amount of material he could deliver in his allotted 45 minutes.
I agree with you, Ken, fungi and lichens are interesting. I think fungi, in particular, can be difficult to identify. It would have been fun in listen in on the talk you attended… sounds like the presenter was passionate about the subject 😉 I didn’t try to identify the fungi in my photos for fear I’d misidentify. Since many folks like to harvest and eat… it’s too nerve-racking in case a poisonous species was mistaken for a non-poisonous one. I need a class and a good guidebook.
~Jane
One of our favourite pastimes! There’s so much to see and learn if we’d just stop rushing!
That is for sure!!!
Your family does an excellent job of looking and learning… AND… sharing what you find out with others 😉
An enchanting spot, and love the understory gymnasium.
What beautiful “windows” you created by watching and shooting. Unfortunately WP app only downloaded pictures up to the fern close-up. I want to see the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, one of my favorite NW birds, so I will see if I can get to your blog using Safari. Thank you so much for all the beautiful shots, Jane.
You are very welcome, Janet. There are more shots in the Wildlife Log. The tab is at the top of the front page.
~Jane
🙂 isn’t it fun when those little phrases just pop into your writing without thinking too hard?