Photographs and thoughts on photography and camera collecting
The leaves are not yet back on the trees so practically everything around is still greys (the rocks and stone walls) an earth tones (old leaves, tree trunks etc.). I took this picture because it was the only bright splash of color that I came across – a pleasant relief. The berries are really small and grow close to the ground. I have no idea what they are and so far my attempts to find out have not met with success.
I came across this intriguing collection of funghi in Law Park in Briarcliff Manor. I’m not entirely sure what they are (mushrooms tend to look alike to me), but my research leads me to believe that they’re young smooth common inkcaps. If so they have the interesting characteristic of being toxic only when consumed with alcohol. See The Mushroom That’s Only Poisonous If You’re Also Drinking. I know that these mushrooms don’t look much like those in the article, but that’s apparently the way they look as they get older. When they get really old they start to break down and become liquid – and this liquid has been used as ink, hence the name.
Just when I was thinking that Spring was here it’s gotten quite chilly again. Yesterday was very cold and windy. We also had an inch or two of snow. Today is also cold (but less windy), gloomy and rainy with yet more snow – an inch or so overnight. The snow has mostly melted, but it’s still a very depressing day.
So I thought I’d cheer myself up by posting something a bit brighter. My wife tells me there are cherry blossoms and the picture was taken just two days ago in Law Park in Briarcliff Manor.
I take pictures of these same flowers every year. The only thing noteworthy about them is that this time I first noticed them on March 8. Last year I didn’t see them until April 1. Just shows how warm this winter was.
Snowdrops?
Another crocus?
From my research I believe this to a Mossy Maple Polypore (Oxyporus populinus), but I have some doubts as it doesn’t have the moss, which typically accompanies a fungus of this type. Oxyporus means “polypore with a sharp, acid taste”; populinus means ” inhabiting poplar (Populus) trees.”, which is odd since it’s mostly found near the base of living maples, not poplars. It’s usually and indicator that the tree is failing (although it could be some considerable time before it actually does). Apparently it’s inedible, but not poisonous.
Lest anyone think that I actually know something about fungi – I don’t. I just browsed the internet until I found something that looked like this and then “googled” the name for additional information. While looking I bumped into Field Guide to Common Macrofungi in Eastern Forests and Their Ecosystem Functions by Michael E. Ostry, Neil A. Anderson, Joseph G. O’Brien. Although hardly “a gripping read”, I was surprised to find that there are many edible, even choice mushrooms growing out there in the woods. Unfortunately it can be difficult to distinguish these from other types, which will probably kill you. It’s probably wise to following the warning on every page of the above field guide: “DO NOT eat any mushroom unless you are absolutely certain of its identity.”