Magpie Inkcap

Monday 2nd January 2012
Magpie Inkcap Coprinus picaceus
I was doing mainly doing family things over the festive break, and hindered by seasonal germs this meant I haven't been able to get out birding for what seems like quite some time. Monday's outing involved a ride on the superb Severn Valley Railway stopping off at Bridgnorth in Shropshire. In Castle Gardens at Bridgnorth we came across a group of the fruiting bodies of Magpie Inkcap (above). I'd never seen them before, and very attractive they are with dark brown with cream scales. Oh I almost forgot, I did do some birding - on the return ride back to Kidderminster station I year-ticked Pheasant near Bewdley; also Elephant and Rhinocerous as the line passes the West Midland Safari Park! It was nice to see a male Blackcap turn up in the garden just after Xmas, it should stay around for a while. A high count of 20 Chaffinches in the garden on Monday gives hope of Brambling, so fingers crossed.
GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Kidderminster Station

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