Fungi, Lichen & Slime Molds 1

I found several of these absolutely fascinating Earth Stars in a cluster at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park early in September. They were not attached to anything, but were sitting on top of loose leaf matter. These ones had no "neck". "The Earth Star is a striking soil fungus, so named because the outer wall of the spore-bearing body splits open into a star. One metaphor refers to the rays standing on their tips, like a ballet dancer standing on their toes. Like other earthstars, the outer, leathery wall (peridium) splits open into the rays of a star, but the rays fold down into "legs" that support the spherical spore case that sits on a short stalk or pedicel. The rays are firmly attached to a clump of mycelium and leaf debris." From "The Amazing Fungi " website.

A very small fungus growing at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park. Very thin and grooved.

This pair and a larger cluster of more advanced but similar fungi were growing out of the flat end of a fallen log at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Though I'm sure these are common, I always like to see this particular species.

Taken way back mid July, along the Bearspaw Lasso Trail. This really was one beautiful Bolete mushroom!

Not the best setting for a mushroom photo, but this and several other Ink Cap mushrooms were growing up through the grass on the way to a small wetland near Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.

This was one of the few fungi I found at Bowness Park recently (other than the spectacular purple mushroom that I found a little while ago). I suspect it will be a case of having to wait till next year now : (

I wasn't sure whether to upload this one, as there is little to it - but it reminded me of the atmosphere in the woods at Bebo Grove, Fish Creek Park. Doug, I've just realized that the ground has a bluish tinge - LOL, what have you been trying to do???

This rock was so attractive, decorated with three different Lichen - orange, yellowy-green, and black and white. Mother Nature having fun, yet again : ). Thanks, Doug, for pointing this out to me! Seen at Beaverdam Flats park.

One of these days, I WILL run out of mushroom shots - I think, LOL! I liked the colouring of this one, sort of a brownish-purple, found at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park.