Hornets in the roof

Removing some of the climber as part of the new roof revealed a European Hornet's (Vespa crabro) nest under the soffit board which is good to see as they are a useful insect to have around. What was puzzling was that just over a metre away was a wasps nest also under the soffit board. As I understood it Hornets will prey on wasps and so wasps will avoid building nests close to hornets. Maybe the wasps were there first.

Waxcap #6 - Citrine Waxcap

A little later than usual but there are some Citrine Waxcaps (Hygrocybe citrinovirens) around in the West Field (whcih seems to be seeing most of the fungi action at the moment). The white gills with tinge of lime green are a giveaway.

New species - Collared Earth Star

I do not often see Earthstars so I was surprised to find more than a dozen Collared Earthstars (Geastrum triplex) close to where the new hedge had been planted. Whether the spores came in with the hedging, or more likely, fruiting was encouraged by the disturbance of the planting, I can't say. They are often found in drier situations as will occur under a hedge. The genus Geastrum are related to Stinkhorns with a similar 'egg' that develops into the strange fruiting body looking like some alien lifeform.

Waxcap #5 - Vermilion Waxcap

Very pleased to record the Vermilion Waxcap (Hygrocybe miniata) as I don't often see it here. The dry cap covered in tiny scales is a big clue as is the slightly crenulated, narrowly yellow margin.

Waxcap #4 - Spangle Waxcap

Good to catch this Waxcap in the East Field - the red striae on the cap, the viscidity and the darkening at the top of the stipe were the tell-tale signs.

Waxcap #3 - Blackening Waxcap

A lovely group of a dozen or so Blackening Waxcaps near the barn. I have never seen more than two or three in one place before.

Waxcap #2 for 2023 - Fibrous Waxcap

Always one of the early Waxcaps to appear and it is currently fruiting in the West Field in the part of the field I cut a couple of weeks ago. Unmistakeable with its hairy cap and strong orange colouration and yellow gills.