Fungi, Tree Bark And Birds

Yesterday I came across these fungi, which surprised me a lot as at my part of the world it's not fungi season at all. Yesterday morning there was like -6C outside, a bit chili for humans too, let alone to plants. I was literally shocked to see these as temperatures below 0 are not something they like.

I must admit, my knowledge regarding fungi is rather poor, but even so I know there are those that are tough (you're going to see some later in my post) and there are these that are not.

This one is still in a pretty good shape but not for long. I see two scenarios here. One, freeze to death if temperatures drop further or stay the same. Two, someone is going to destroy them. This is not a hidden area, it is nest to some stairs, where hundreds are going up and down daily. Let's see, time will tell.

And there was this one. I wish I knew what type these are, but I don't. These are tough ones, probably are going to survive a tough winter if needed.

I know in Hungarian it's called tapló, which is the equivalent of tinder fungus, I think. Obviously there are so many types one can be lost in finding the right one.

Back in the day when making fire every single day was a task for people, this was used to start the fire. It is also called amadou I think.

Artisans, crafters are making hats out of it. You can find those hats at the craft market sometimes.

I had some photos of a gorgeous one. It was a big white one, untouched by humans and was keeping those photos for a post. Then I don't know what's happened, but could not find the photos anymore, so I went back to the place I took them as it is not far from my home and by the time I got there, the tinder fungus was all brown, on its way to turn black and looked awful.

I don't think I can describe my feelings. It was a harsh lesson for me. Now I know to download my photos the same day to my external storage drive and keep them safe. these are occasions that may never return. Lesson learnt the hard way, unfortunately! Pay more attention next time.

While waiting for my platanus to be ready for a photo shoot, I had a close look at this one and tried to imagine how would I make a drawing of this bark.

It would be the biggest challenge, honestly or impossible. I'm not good at drawing, am just learning, but I'd give it a try.

Last but not least, a dove. There are plenty where I live, old people are feeding them, although I think that is forbidden. There is plenty of food on the ground too as people are eating on the streets and there's always crumbs falling on the ground.

Some are calling doves aerial rats but I don't agree with this label. Birds have their role in nature, but city people don't know it.

I've seen grey, white with brown spots and these blue-black ones.

I was happy to catch this cutie as it's the first one. My old phone camera was not suitable for taking bird photos. This new one is.

Sparrows are also very common here and very fast as well, which makes photographer's job very difficult. I was able to catch this one but had to use zoom as they are scared pretty fast and fly away.

Today I saw another interesting bird in front of the building but by the time I took it out my phone it was gone. I think I still have to learn how to do it as I have no experience with birds.