Kip’s Comments - August 14, 2026
Moisture Macros and More
Before another day of rain began I spent time in my canoe photographing mostly fungi and a few wildflower species. As I was shooting pictures it dawned on me that each image was dependent on moisture - in our case rain. With frequent rains the fungi have been working overtime to thrive while conditions are ideal. It is possible many/most of these will soon be covered by high water. (Almost all of these fungi were photographed on the same dead tree in water. All were photographed from my canoe.)
With so many different fungi on display, I again wonder how each becomes established. Are there that many fungi spores floating around in the air? Just how were these distributed?
(Note: I did my best on species identification. I cannot guarantee complete accuracy of all fungi identifications.
Chicken of the Woods - Image 1134192
Deer Mushroom - Image 1134214
Fan-shaped Jelly Fungus - Image 1134284
Jelly Ear Fungus - Image 1134335
Lion's Mane Mushrooms - Image 1134336
Mycena Fungus - Image 1134363
Peeling Oysterling Fungi - Image 1134388
Pleated Pluteus - Image 1134394
Pleated Pluteus - Image 1134499
Scaly Rustgill Mushroom - Image 1134524
Scalycap Fungus - Image 1134580
Scalycap Fungus - Image 1134634
Scurfy Twiglet Fungi - Image 1134658
Small Stagshorn Fungi - Image 1134704
Tiger Sawgill - Image 1134728
White Jelly Fungus - Image 1134789
While exploring all of the fungi I noticed some wildflower blossoms that will be lost as the river rises after days of rain. I think pictures of the doomed blossoms make a statement.
Cutleaf Coneflower in Water - Image 1134829
Obedient Plant in Water - Image 1134832
Slender Yellow Woodsorrel and Moss - Image 1135013
Finally, I made two trips to check on this young hawk that neighbors were concerned about. The hawk was feeding on a rabbit and did not leave when I approached. Today was the second day at this location. Due to concern from the neighbors, I captured the hawk and transferred evaluation and care to Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation.
Young Red-tailed Hawk and Dead Rabbit - Image 1134877
