Fungi in February

Hello
again. We had our usual work parties and Junior Rangers on Saturday
30th January 2010. 16 people did the Big Garden Bird Watch and spotted
12 different species in the hour allowed.We also spotted our first
female Hazel flower with its familiar red tuft.Bird results were sent
to RSPB. A small group heroically cleared an area behind the new seat
on Lower Path. A lot more work will be needed on this. We hope to
either make a wild flower patch or plant some low level shrubs that
would be bird friendly. We await advice from John Lamb of LWT.Why not
bring your muscles, forks and spades along on Saturday February 27th.,
either 10.30am or 1.00pm.and lend a hand.
When in the Reserve on Saturday last I found a fallen, mossy tree
covered in beautiful shining yellowish fungi. I am fairly sure they
were Velvet Shank. Our "duck that is different" also appeared. She, and
I think it is a duck and not a drake as she was accompanied by a male
mallard,is probably an escapee from a wild fowl collection. If they
mate watch out for a collection of "magpie" ducklings.
Our Chairman did a good bit of brash trimming and has created a lovely
habitat pile in the lower woodland.Our next big event is the Fund
Raising Evening to help The Red Squirrel. It is on Monday March 22nd.
7.00pm at St John's Methodist Hall in Colne. A varied evening of
interest is planned,please support and bring your friends and family.