Coral Spot Fungus

Coral Spot Fungus - Nectria cinnabarina - found on dead branches and twigs. This example was found near the path at the top of the Massney Braes in Lundin Links.

Many-zoned Polypore

Many-zoned polypore - Coriolus versicolor - growing on a log near the path at the top of the Massney Braes in Lundin Links. The upper surface shows contrasting, concentric zones of black, grey and brown with a paler undulating margin.

Trees in the Serpentine Walk - 2

Ivy berries. Ivy - Hedera helix - is an important plant for wildlife. The berries ripen in late winter when there are few other berries about.

Ivy flowers from a photo taken previously.

Hazel catkins against a blue sky.

The attractive bark on a silver birch tree.

Greenfinch

Was pleased to see a greenfinch on the feeder this morning. A few years ago they were frequent visitors but their numbers have been decimated by an infection. This is caused by the protozoal parasite Trichomonas gallinae which progressively blocks the birds throat and prevents the birds from swallowing food. Birds with the disease can have fluffed-up plumage and show signs of lethargy, they may also drool saliva.
There is also a goldfinch on the lower perch.

Dusk Over Largo Bay

 It rained nearly all day from early morning, but started to clear around 4pm. Went for a walk and marvelled at the sky and the clouds. The photos do not really do them justice.

Double Decker on the Bridge

A double decker bus on the bridge at Lower Largo. There is just enough room for the bus to turn the corner at the corner and cross the narrow bridge.

Pussy Willow

 Pussy willow at the top of the steps to the Massney Braes sparkling in the sunshine. These are the male catkins of the goat willow - salix caprea.

Jelly Ear Fungus

Jelly Ear Fungus - Auricularia auricula-judae - growing on a tree stump near the path at the top of the Massney Braes. It had previously been called 'Judas's Ear' because it is most commonly found on elder and Judas was said to have hanged himself from an elder tree. It eventually became 'Jew's Ear', while nowadays 'Jelly Ear' is probably the favoured name. It is common in winter and grows on dead branches of trees such as sycamore, but most often found on elder.

Trees in the Serpentine Walk

Ash keys silhouetted against a clear blue sky. All the keys in the direction of the prevailing wind. The black buds of the ash are also beginning to appear, reputedly one of the deepest blacks in nature.

Elsewhere in the Walk pussy willow and hazel catkins appearing.

After the recent stormy weather a tree trunk lies fallen at the beginning of the Walk. The tree had been dead for some time,an elm that had succombed to Dutch elm disease.

First Snowdrops

There is a piece of rough ground on the banking, just at the start of the Serpentine Walk in Lower Largo, where I always look for the first snowdrops. About the same time as last year, in spite of all the snow and frost. In the garden too snowdrops and aconites are beginning to show.

Old Largo and Lundin Links - Highly Recommended

This book of local photos in time gone by is lovely. I highly recommend it. It's fascinating to see the photographs particularly those of the railway that no longer exists. Some parts of the area, however are remarkably unchanged. The book by Eric Eunson is available in local shops or direct from Stenlake Publishing.

Eider Ducks Sheltering

 Two male eider ducks sleeping in the shelter of the slipway to Lower Largo harbour. There are also two redshanks in the picture. Scroll down for clearer pictures.

 One of the eider ducks has woken up. Clearer picture of one of the redshanks.

Now both of the eider ducks are awake, probably alerted by the warning cry of the redshanks as they flew off on my approach.