05-FEB-2015
Split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) with cocoon cluster
I broke off one of the split gill mushrooms so that I could photograph the underside, which is especially pretty, very shell-like. To my surprise I found a cluster of tiny cocoons, every one of which was empty. If you look closely you can see that the top has been neatly cut and the 'lid' pushed back to allow the insect to emerge. Many insects are associated with fungi, so I am not sure what may have been in here, but judging from the cocoons, possibly something in the Hymenoptera family. The mushroom is very small, perhaps 1/2 inch across, so you can see how tiny the cocoons are.
05-FEB-2015
Crabapples (Malus)
The very fact that there are crabapples on the tree in February, indicates that they are not that attractive for wildlife. However, I did see a couple of grey squirrels investigating them, but as they didn't stick around, these may be a last, last resort for food.
05-FEB-2015
Amphibian Pond under snow
Under snow and looking very sparkling and pretty. In another few months, frogs, aquatic insects will emerge, and red-winged blackbirds will stake out territories. It may seem hard to believe at the moment with the -16c weather, but spring will come!