Fungi, Lichen & Slime Molds 2

I'm hoping to eventually get a better collection of Moss photos. Though they may not be of much interest to most of you (and usually I can't manage to get a very inspiring photo), I'm hoping that by seeing these images in front of me, maybe I will be able to recognize and even name a few of the more common species, LOL. Mosses can be very difficult to tell apart, often needing microscopic testing. I will do my best to get accurate IDs, with the help of Doug Waylett and Sandy Davis. Any suggestions, confirmations and corrections would be extremely welcome and appreciated! The moss, Climacium dendroides, is like a miniature tree and the branches are stout and stubby with no branching. Makes me think of a tiny palm tree. This specimen was growing in Bragg Creek PP or West Bragg Creek Natural Area on 20th August.

A little group of scaly fungi growing in the Bragg Creek Natural Area, on 22nd August. August seems to have been an amazing month for finding a huge variety of fungi.

This really was a beautiful mushroom, with the rich colour of its cap and it's sparkling white, upturned gills. I found it growing at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park just over a year ago.

This, narrow-trunked Aspen tree, growing down at Bebo Grove in Fish Creek Park, was covered in this amazing Red Tree Brain fungus. At least, that is what I assume it is - it looks very rounded and smooth, unlike what I usually see (i.e. tiny, wrinkled, brain-like fungi). Wish I'd noticed the fine string of sparkling water droplets on spider web when I was taking the photo - would have concentrated on that afterwards. Later: many thanks to Art (LeapFrog!) and Doug (dougwaylett) for the correct ID, Nectria cinnabarina 'Coral Spot'. Much appreciated.

You just have to love it when the sun can pierce the canopy of the forest and shine down on a beautiful mushroom : ) Feels like a little parasol, protecting whatever happens to be growing beneath its colourful gills. Found growing at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park on 25th September.

This was seen in Griffith Woods back on 14th October 2008. I'm not sure, but I think this is perhaps a Rusty-gilled polypore. Such a delight coming across its bright colour when walking in the woods or forest.

The ground was covered with similar mushrooms, in every direction, and though every single one was old and withered, I thought they had a strange kind of beauty. What a sight it must have been when they were all fresh! Seen in a small area of mixed trees in Jim Coutts' homestead garden, south of the city, near Nanton, on 5th September.

Some species of Buttercup, presumably, tucked away into a little space between the lichen-covered rocks at Ptarmigan Cirque, Kananaskis. Taken during a day hike on that trail on 11th July.

This tiny (zoomed in) fungus was not in the best condition, but I thought it was still OK to show how lacy the texture is. Found this one on a fallen branch in South Glenmore Park on 6th October.