The world of fungi is full of peculiar and fascinating life forms, and one such curiosity is the Dead Man’s Fingers fungus, scientifically known as Xylaria Polymorpha. This rather distinctive fungus, with its almost eerie appearance and mysterious qualities, captures the imagination of nature enthusiasts and mycologists alike. Here’s the story captured in the video: … Continue reading “Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria Polymorpha) – Exploring and Identifying the Intriguing Fungus”
Tag: Landscape
Chimney Sweeper (Odezia Atrata) – My Enchanting Encounter with a Friendly Moth
Join me on a captivating journey through nature as I recount my extraordinary encounter with a delightful Chimney Sweeper moth (Odezia Atrata). As I embarked on one of my regular walks, the idyllic surroundings unfolded before me – a dirt road flanked by a mesmerizing meadow adorned with a tapestry of vibrant flowers. The air … Continue reading “Chimney Sweeper (Odezia Atrata) – My Enchanting Encounter with a Friendly Moth”
Scarce Swallowtails Pollinating Field Thistle with Widow-Maker Creaking in Background
The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides Podalirius) is one of the largest butterflies in Central Europe. It was once quite bountiful, but is getting rarer and rarer. This year is a severe drought year, but despite the growing scarcity of the Scarce Swallowtail, I see them from time to time on the meadows. On my latest run … Continue reading “Scarce Swallowtails Pollinating Field Thistle with Widow-Maker Creaking in Background”
Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom
Today I’m taking you mushroom picking and we’re after Early Morels. Alongside True Morels, Early Morels are among the first substantial edible mushrooms of the year (unlike Scarlet Elf Cups, which are also early season mushrooms, but very scarce and rather small, and thus unsubstantial). They grow in early spring and are delicious. They can … Continue reading “Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom”
Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom
Even though I filmed this video very early in the season, when hardly anything else blooms, leastways not among the trees and bushes, Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa), also known as “Sloe” in England is all out. Yet in my climate, even though it’s technically already Spring, we get at best +6 degrees Celsius during the day, … Continue reading “Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom”
Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom
In this video you can learn how to identify and use the Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – an edible and tasty mushroom. As its name suggests, the Scarlet Elf Cup is a cup shaped fungus which features this rich, red, or scarlet color. The exterior is pale and dull, but the interior is bright … Continue reading “Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom”
Sett of Badger Pair Intruded Upon by Large Boar Looking to Mate with Sow
I have been monitoring the sett of the badger pair for many months. The sett is a long hike away – about 8 kilometers on foot, first up a hill, then across a sprawling ridge with fields on top, and then through a distant part of the forest. It’s a whole day undertaking to hike … Continue reading “Sett of Badger Pair Intruded Upon by Large Boar Looking to Mate with Sow”
Shikimic Acid and Other Health Benefits of Pine Needle Tea
I have a bunch of pine trees growing all around me. Most of them, the ones growing within the woods, are too tall and their crowns are at least a dozen meters off the ground. But the ones growing on the fringes of the forest have their crowns within easy reach and I regularly visit … Continue reading “Shikimic Acid and Other Health Benefits of Pine Needle Tea”
Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.) – Early Season Healing Plant with Medicinal Properties
Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.) is a healing plant with medicinal properties. It’s one of the first plants of the season to grow, and flowers while it’s still cold outside. As the Latin name of the species – Pulmonaria – suggests, the plant’s medicinal properties are particularly known to benefit the upper respiratory tract. It’s traditionally used … Continue reading “Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.) – Early Season Healing Plant with Medicinal Properties”
Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium Oppositifolium) – Edible Plant Which Grows When Little Else Is Available
In colder climates, survival foods are easy to come by during warmer months. But what of the cold season? There isn’t a whole lot that grows in winter’s sub-zero temperatures, so the key to surviving the winter is in preparing for it while there is an abundance of food sources. And because food sources are … Continue reading “Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium Oppositifolium) – Edible Plant Which Grows When Little Else Is Available”