Bracket Fungus

Also at Dromore Nature Reserve today were a selection of Bracket Fungi. Some were past their sell by date but others were just emerging.   They are extremely common and grow on dead wood and fallen branches of deciduous trees. It is common in woodlands all year round. This mushroom is called a Many-zoned polypore Coriolus versicolour, though I prefer its more common name of 'Turkey Fan Tail' or 'Turkeytail'. Sadly this mushroom is inedible. 

Ear Fungus

This Ear Fungus Hireneola auricula-judae was found today at Dromore Nature Reserve, near Ruan where I went in search of early fungi and plants. It was first commonly known as "Judas's Ear" eventually became "Jew's Ear", while today "Jelly Ear" or other names are sometimes used. It is a widespread winter fungi that grows on dead branches of deciduous trees and shrubs, but it especially favors elder.  

Water Rail

Over Christmas and in the early part of 2011, I spent some time at Dromore Nature Reserve, Ruan, County Clare, where I was searching for and trying to photograph Goosanders.  During my wait three Water rails fed under my feet along the banks of the river Fergus. Temperatures were minus 5-6 degrees, and the Water Rails spent much of their time sun bathing in an attempt to keep warm.  They were also very active in search of food as they probed under the ice and rocks for any morsel to eat.