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”

Common Snowdrop (Galanthus Nivalis) – Perennial Plant Which Blooms in Winter

Greetings my friends, This is Common Snowdrop. This delicate little flower has the ability to withstand sub-zero temperatures and blooms while winter is still in full swing. It’s not unusual to see Snowdrops growing on fields still covered in snow. However, there is no snow in my video because, well… we haven’t had much snow … Continue reading “Common Snowdrop (Galanthus Nivalis) – Perennial Plant Which Blooms in Winter”

How to Identify Red-Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis Pinicola) – Shelf Fungus with Medicinal Properties

Fomitopsis Pinicola, otherwise known as the Red Belted Polypore, is a basiaiomycete fungus of the Fomitopsidaceae family. While its botanical (Latin) name refers to the conifers on which it predominantly grows, its vernacular name returns to the characteristic red band lining the outer edge of the upper side of the mushroom. Red Belted Polypore Identification … Continue reading “How to Identify Red-Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis Pinicola) – Shelf Fungus with Medicinal Properties”

Alder Tree (Alnus sp.) – How to Identify and Know Difference from Hazel

The Alder (Alnus species) is a genus of a tree, or a shrub, belonging to the Birch family (Betulaceae). There are a few dozen species of the Alder growing around the world. Here in Central Europe, three species occur natively: Green Alder (Alnus Alnobetula), Grey Alder (Alnus Incana) and Black Alder (Alnus Glutinosa). The Black … Continue reading “Alder Tree (Alnus sp.) – How to Identify and Know Difference from Hazel”

European Larch (Larix Decidua) – Conifer That Sheds Leaves Like Deciduous Trees

In this video I introduce the European Larch (Larix Decidua) – a remarkable coniferous tree, one of few conifers which shed leaves (or in this case – needles) for winter. In Central Europe where I am presently located, it is the only coniferous tree whose leaves fall off at the end of the growing season. … Continue reading “European Larch (Larix Decidua) – Conifer That Sheds Leaves Like Deciduous Trees”

Bird Droppings Reveal Nesting Location of Woodpecker Decker

Woodpecker Decker, who was introduced in Episode 01 of My Adventures at the Injured Badger Hole, and given a name in Episode 07, has been my most loyal wilderness companion in part of the forest surrounding the sett of the injured badger. Being a Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos Major), he’s strongly territorial. It’s in his … Continue reading “Bird Droppings Reveal Nesting Location of Woodpecker Decker”