Fungi on a log

Tomorrow, 31 August 2018, I plan to join friends out west of the city. Thought I would post tomorrow's photos tonight, so that I am not in such a rush early in the morning. Today, I spent time watching the first memorial service, in Arizona, for Senator John McCain. Some very moving words given by various people.

On 15 August 2018, a friend and I drove west of the city to a forested area where we were hoping to find a few fungi. Over the years, I had been out there a number of times and found some interesting species. Everywhere is so hot and so dry here, so I wanted to explore before things become even worse. After seeing a friend's photo of an Amanita muscaria seen there recently, I was really hoping to find one. Well, I found two, but they were dried-up, shrivelled individuals. Still happy to find them, though.

The highlight of our forest walk was suddenly coming across three beautiful Spruce Grouse who were feeding fairly close to the edge of the trail. They were not bothered at all by our presence, giving us a great chance to watch them and take a few photos. They are such beautiful birds and are able to camouflage themselves well while on the ground.