Fungi in Spring

Whilst doing some clearing up around the smallholding this week, I discovered this small group of fungi growing out of the top of an old tree stump. Although I know that some kinds of fungi grow all year round, or at different times of the year, I was surprised to see this clump growing in late spring.

As they were in a shaded 'wildlife' area, amongst some low trees and shrubs (and loads of brambles), the light levels were quite low, so that I needed to use a tripod to hold the camera steady. The sun was quite bright so I used a diffuser to spread the light on some photographs, on others I kept the dappled light.

The top picture shows the fungus group in its entirety on the tree stump. You will notice that there is ivy growing through the fungus - I don't know what came first, the ivy or the fungus.

The second picture shown below is of a small group growing a few inches away from the main cluster. I think these are juvenile versions of the same fungus as the look similar to the small ones in the main group.



This third picture is a close-up of some in the main cluster - I was fascinated by the way this group of 3 were staggered above each other.



The complete set of pictures can be seen in the fungi section of the Environment Gallery.

Technical details:
Camera EOS350D
Lens: 17-85mm IS zoom+ older 100mm macro lens
Sensitivity: ISO200
Lighting: Natural light through trees, most using a Lastolite diffuser (similar to a couple of layers of white muslin).
Other: There was a slight breeze moving the leaves.