Mushrooms, Erik Butters' field

It's not very often that I take/post a photo of a 'picked' mushroom. However, at the end of a great morning, our Naturalist leader plucked these two from near his feet to explain something to a small group of people. While he was talking, all I could think of was to ask him to let me have them, instead of just dropping them to the ground. They deserved to be photographed, having been plucked :)

The 13 photos posted this morning are the remaining photos taken on 23 June 2019, on the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk. No birds, but that will change when I next upload images, as I called in at my 'usual' area on the way home from this event.

That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and on top of the cliff along the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few.

I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Snipe, and a Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.

It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.