Goldenacre Park

A visit to Goldenacre Park earlier today was proof that its always worthwhile to take the time to stop and look around. First up, a Songthrush on open ground searching for earthworms.

Lakeside, a couple of perfectly coiffured Tufted Ducks amongst the Mallards.

At the oposite end of the lake two Whooper Swans, apparently they've been here for a couple of weeks.
Whilst trying to catch a clear sight of a Jay this Red Kite flew overhead. We weren't sure what it was at the time but the I was lucky enough to get a couple of snaps.
And the perennial favourite. Robin

Fungi, Beckett Park

On my way up to Beckett Park I spotted a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the trees just off Queenswood Drive. Found loads of fungi in Beckett Park, most of which I haven't got a clue about, but that's the whole point of photographing them. The woodland is a mixture of established & young deciduous trees, Birch, Beech, Elder, Oak.

Turkeytail, Trametes versicolor

Hen of the Woods?

From here on in I'm struggling....Although this looks like it could be a Birch polypore, this has a seam separating the upper darker surface from the lower white underside

Can't ID this one growing on the underside of a fallen Beech, although its surrounded by Beech Woodwart, Hypoxylon fragiforme (Xylariaceae)

This one looks like it might be a Common Earth ball Scleroderma citrinum maybe? Growing at the base of a Beech.

Hairy curtain crust, Stereum hirsutum

Fairburn Ings

On Saturday we visited RSPB Fairburn Ings, hoping to see the Long Eared Owl that had been seen earlier in the week. We didn't manage to spot the owl, but we did see plenty of smaller birds on the feeders, including....
Male Siskin, Fairburn Ings

Siskin, Goldfinch & Tree Sparrow at Fairburn Ings

First posting

Witchazel, Hamamelis Mollis growing near Morissons car park, Kirkstall. More reason to shop at Morrisons.

Love a duck! A very handsome Mallard sunning himself by the banks of the River Aire at Kirkstall Abbey

Jelly Ear, Auricularia auricula-judae, growing on a fallen Elder on the banks of the River Aire