Fungi, Lichen & Slime Molds 1

This small, brown Puffball is a different one for me. If you have time, large size shows quite an interesting pattern, especially on the top - sorry, it's not as sharp as I would have liked! If you happen to come across a Puffball, it's worth checking it out closely, as patterns and details can be amazing : ) Seen on 12th September at the Bragg Creek Natural Area, west of Calgary.

This bright yellow Russula mushroom was growing in the West Bragg Creek Natural Area back on 22nd August. Though I do see yellow fungi, I don't often see a bright yellow one like this.

I have kept putting off posting this image, unsure as to whether it is beyond simplicity, LOL. However, I thought it still gives an idea of the magic one can find deep within the forest : ) Seen on the Handfield property near Millarville, back on 20th July. We had such a great time botanizing this private property and really appreciate the kindness of the owners.

This was a lovely display of Hydnellum scrobiculatum, Rough Hydnellum (?), growing in West Bragg Creek Natural Area, Kananaskis, on 20th August. This is a toothed fungus, growing amongst the moss. Thanks for identifying this, Doug!

These very small orange balls are the fruiting bodies of Wolf's Milk slime mold, growing on a decaying log in the Bragg Creek Natural Area. It is widley distributed in North America and occurs June-November. The balls are 0.3-1.5 cm wide and high.

This was such a dainty little group of mushrooms, on the path through the Retreat at Paskapoo Slopes (in the city). I am suffering so badly from mushroom withdrawal - thank goodness for photos in my "archives", LOL.

A beautiful Scaber Stalk mushroom and what is presumably a new one just starting out : ) Seen on a walk at Paskapoo Slopes, here in the city, but just over a month ago, not recently.

This was the very first time I had ever seen this fungus, and it was growing in West Bragg Creek Natural Area just over a month ago. Also known as the hairy fairy cup or the brown-haired fairy cup. ID originally supplied by Doug Waylett. "Humaria hemisphaerica has fruiting bodies (apothecia) that typically measure 2 to 3 cm (0.79 to 1.2 in) in diameter by 1 to 1.5 cm (0.39 to 0.59 in) deep. The fruiting bodies are initially spherical and expand to become cuplike at the fungus matures. This species typically does not have a stipe―when it does, it is present as a small abrupt base. The inner surface of the fruiting body (the hymenium) is white, while the outer hairy surface is brown and covered with brown hairs that taper to a sharp point." From Wikipedia.

Thank you, D, for pointing out this attractive Ink Cap mushroom on our walk this morning! I most likely would not have noticed it myself, so far off the path.