Patch had a lovely patrol on Tuesday morning up to the Windy Hill Gate, at Muirshiel. He had a bit of company too - a young springer spaniel called Buster, who had only been up to the park once before. Patch and he had a great time running around after balls, and then, when they got up on the trail proper - running around sniffing out all the exciting scents they could find, but always staying within sight of their owners!!
Eventually, when they were a bit puffed out and as their owners had stopped to take photos, they both sat down for a short rest too!!

Back down at the centre, they spent the afternoon, lying around whilst there was a bit of greenwoodworking going on - but always keeping their noses, eyes and ears open for anything else which might be of interest!
It was a beautiful autumn day and we did get some lovely photos.
Muirshiel centre - old picnic site.

Amethyst Deceivers

Amethyst Deceivers, originally uploaded by Kindurco.

Another dainty little fungi which is fairly easy to identify. I also found this little clump growing up at Muirshiel.

With the recent wet weather and then a short dry warm spell the fungi have definately started to appear all over the place. I even have some Blackening Waxcaps in my lawn at home.

Jelly Babies

Jelly Babies, originally uploaded by Kindurco.

Not the kind you buy in the sweet shop - these Jelly Babies are a fascinating type of fungi which I spotted growing beside on of the trails at Muirshiel Country Park [ in the hills above Lochwinnoch] last week. Their latin name is Leotia lubrica.