Common Cluster Flies Copulating (Pollenia Rudis)

Spring has not yet arrived; we are still officially in the grip of winter. However, despite the lingering chill in the air, when the clouds part and the sun is granted permission to bathe the environment in its rejuvenating rays, the unexpected warmth draws out the early explorers. Among these are the Common Cluster Flies … Continue reading “Common Cluster Flies Copulating (Pollenia Rudis)”

Mezereon (Daphne Mezereum) – Poisonous Shrub Blooming in February

As winter’s frosty grip begins to loosen, and the promise of spring whispers through the chilled air, a delicate yet potent bloom emerges to mark the transition. Meet the Mezereon, also known as February Daphne (Daphne Mezereum), a fascinating and poisonous shrub that defiantly blossoms before winter has fully relented, often before any other plant … Continue reading “Mezereon (Daphne Mezereum) – Poisonous Shrub Blooming in February”

Black Witches Butter (Exidia Glandulosa) – Hardy Fungus Which Prefers the Cold

In the depths of winter, when the world seems draped in a blanket of snow and the chill of the season is palpable, nature reveals its resilience in unexpected ways. Amidst the frozen landscapes, a peculiar organism thrives, defying the harsh conditions with its eerie presence. Meet Exidia Glandulosa, commonly known as Black Witches Butter, … Continue reading “Black Witches Butter (Exidia Glandulosa) – Hardy Fungus Which Prefers the Cold”

First Diary Entry of Nutmeg the Squirrel – Harvesting Hornbeam Catkins in Winter

I decided to give the adorable Red Squirrel (Sciurus Vulgaris) who had a stare-down contest with me recently a name. He’s gonna be “Nutmeg“. This video is a cute and inspiring story narrated from the perspective of Nutmeg the Squirrel, who survives the winter by feeding on Hornbeam catkins (Carpinus Betulus), and has to watch … Continue reading “First Diary Entry of Nutmeg the Squirrel – Harvesting Hornbeam Catkins in Winter”

Understanding Coral Spot Fungus (Nectria Cinnabarina) – The Scarlet Threat

Coral Spot Fungus (Nectria Cinnabarina) stands as a notable and widespread fungal pathogen, impacting a diverse array of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Identified by its vibrant coral or orange-red spore-producing structures, this fungus induces small, sunken cankers on infected branches, often accompanied by the exudation of a red, gelatinous substance during periods of … Continue reading “Understanding Coral Spot Fungus (Nectria Cinnabarina) – The Scarlet Threat”

Cold-Blooded Wolf Spider and Snow Flea Encountered on Snow in Winter

The saga of unlikely creatures to come cross in the middle of winter continues with the encounter of a small spider, presumably a Wolf Spider and a Snow Flea. Nature truly is fascinating, as it showcases the unexpected resilience of its inhabitants in sub-zero temperatures. This year’s winter, much as the entire year, has been … Continue reading “Cold-Blooded Wolf Spider and Snow Flea Encountered on Snow in Winter”

Wrinkled Club Fungus (Clavulina Rugosa) – My First #shorts Video Ever

This is my first attempt at a #shorts video ever. I do not record vertical, so the original video is horizontal the way the human eyes are. I used Shotcut – an open sourced video editing software to cut the edges off the video to make it vertical for the shorts. I also trimmed it … Continue reading “Wrinkled Club Fungus (Clavulina Rugosa) – My First #shorts Video Ever”

Earthworm Defies Winter and Crawls on Snow in -12 Degrees Celsius

I take daily strolls through the woods, winter or not, – that one is obvious – and on a recent walk in -12 Degrees Celsius freeze, with the entire environment blanketed by snow, I spotted an unlikely creature to encounter this time of year. An earthworm was up on the freezing snow, very well alive … Continue reading “Earthworm Defies Winter and Crawls on Snow in -12 Degrees Celsius”

ASMR Footsteps in the Snow – Meditative Sounds, Wholly Unchoreographed

Winter is very well set in and there is snow everywhere. I go for daily strolls through the woods and thoroughly enjoyed the soothing tranquility of the forest in this seemingly inhospitable season. With trees bare and nature resting (for the most part), when one pauses during their winter nature hike, the silence can be … Continue reading “ASMR Footsteps in the Snow – Meditative Sounds, Wholly Unchoreographed”

Winter Crane Fly (Trichocera Annulata) – Insect That Flies in Freeze and Snow

Even though their name suggests that these insects are adapted for life in winter, it still surprises me to see Winter Crane Flies (Trichocera Annulata) flying about in the depths of it. I take regular, every day strolls through the woods – no poop – but even when I go when the outdoor temperatures are … Continue reading “Winter Crane Fly (Trichocera Annulata) – Insect That Flies in Freeze and Snow”