Examining FungiWith just one empty seat on the minibus we set off in light drizzle to Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve. This was our third trip to this reserve and as with previous trips we were given a warm welcome by the warden Mick Townsend. After an introductory talk Mick took a group around the site whilst others ventured off by themselves. Fortunately the weather had improved and we enjoyed a largely sunny, crisp day. Despite the crisp conditions we did see a dragonfly in flight. Many fungi were seen. There was an abundance of clouded funnel but the species that caused most excitement were the beautifully coloured wood blewitt and aniseed funnel fungi. Other fungi included fly agaric, birch polypore and turkey tail.
As some of us were having lunch in the main hide, 
Sparrowhawkwatching a willow tit on the feeders, a sparrowhawk swooped in and briefly perched in a tree having failed to catch its prey. When it flew off it did appear to catch something and shortly afterwards it was seen in a mid air tussle with a kestrel. A hide on the far side of the lake yielded good views of wigeon, teal and cormorant. 30 birds were seen including a brambling and a green wood pecker whose yaffle alerted us to its presence before it then briefly landed at the top of a tree. On the path back to the main hide there was a number of fieldfare in a tree and large flocks of geese were seen flying over the lake. A fox was spotted crossing a distant path.
30 plants in flower were recorded. Many thanks to Margaret for organising the day and also to Mick for giving up his time and enthusiastically showing us around and pointing out things that we might otherwise have missed such as the overwintering peacocks in one of the hides. Sue