Crepidotus, Panellus and Mycena epipterygia for Sunday Best

 

During a recent exploration, Joel and I encountered several intriguing fungi, which we subsequently identified with the aid of an AI tool. Among them were species from the genera Crepidotus, Panellus, and Mycena, specifically the elegant Mycena epipterygia. We were both deeply captivated by their delicate forms and the quiet grace with which they adorned their natural woodland habitat.

The genus Crepidotus is known for its fan-shaped fruiting bodies that typically grow on decaying wood. These saprophytic fungi contribute to the vital process of decomposition in forest ecosystems, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil. Their name, derived from the Greek krepis (sandal), refers to their characteristic shape.

Panellus, another genus observed, shares similar ecological roles. Often growing in overlapping clusters on wood, some species of Panellus display bioluminescence, a phenomenon that has long fascinated naturalists. These fungi, too, are saprotrophs, and their presence signals a healthy, functioning forest floor.

Finally, Mycena epipterygia, commonly known as the yellowleg bonnet, is a small but exquisite mushroom, notable for its translucent cap and slender, often yellowish stem. Belonging to a large genus renowned for its fragile beauty, Mycena species frequently inhabit mossy logs and damp leaf litter. Some possess faint luminescence, and many have played roles in studies of fungal chemistry and symbiosis.

Each of these fungi, though modest in size, stands as a testament to nature’s quiet complexity. Their ephemeral presence in the forest reminds us of the intricate interdependence that sustains woodland life and the elegance that resides in even the humblest forms.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8

Linking Sunday Best

I had been away for but a week, visiting Sydney. Upon my return, Joel insisted we stop for a drink at a Japanese bar in Richmond. He met me at the airport, evidently eager to unburden himself of the unpleasant affairs at his workplace. Though I scarcely caught the full tenor of his complaints, I found contentment in a bowl of piquant tofu soup and a glass of chilled namasake

More from Lake Sanitarium Mount Macedon for Sunday Best

 

That is another charming pixie parasol from the verdant forests of Mount Macedon, Victoria, near the historic Lake Sanatorium. The image was produced through focus stacking, combining fifty exposures to achieve remarkable clarity and depth. I previously attempted to stack one hundred exposures; however, the resulting image was of inferior quality compared to that obtained with fifty shots.

The panorama displayed here depicts Joel and myself engaged in foraging amidst the dense and ancient woodlands of Mount Macedon. These forests, renowned for their towering mountain ash and cool temperate flora, surround the serene Lake Sanatorium—a place rich in both natural beauty and historical significance.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Sunday Best

Pixie Parasol in Lake Sanitarium Mount Macedon for Treasure Tuesday

 

Around this season each year, we venture into the woodlands of Mount Macedon, near Lake Sanitarium, in pursuit of the delicate and elusive wild mushrooms that flourish briefly in the damp and shaded understory. This annual tradition of mushroom hunting is both a ritual and a delight, a quiet communion with the rhythms of the forest. Yet, this year, our efforts have thus far borne no fruit. Twice we have searched the familiar grounds, only to find the earth ungenerous. The unseasonably warm weather has likely discouraged the fungi from their usual emergence, for they thrive best in cooler, moisture-laden air.

Nevertheless, in the spirit of perseverance and appreciation for nature’s finer details, Joel and I turned our attention to the craft of focus stacking—an intricate photographic technique suited for capturing these minute woodland organisms in their full dimensional glory. Each specimen demands patience and precision: we take between twenty and fifty images of a single frame, adjusting focus ever so slightly with each exposure. These are captured wide open, at the lens’s brightest aperture, allowing for maximum light and subtle depth. The process, though meticulous, borders on artistry. Thankfully, modern tools like Adobe Photoshop now make the post-processing more accessible, layering these images into a singular, sharply focused result.

I am truly enamored with the outcome. The images reveal the mushrooms as they are—young, tender sprouts, barely rising from the mossy floor. Their forms are delicate, almost otherworldly in their fragility.

Joel, ever the skilled forager, has an uncanny ability to find the pixie parasol—Mycena interrupta—a rare and enchanting species distinguished by its luminous blue hue and ephemeral presence. His knowledge borders on the encyclopedic, and he often jests, with an arched brow and a knowing smile, “What would you do without me?” Indeed, his companionship and expertise are as indispensable as the forest itself in our shared pursuit of these botanical treasures.

In these quiet moments beneath the towering eucalyptus and mountain ash, surrounded by the ancient breath of the earth, one is reminded that even in scarcity, the forest offers gifts to those who look closely.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Some more Forest Mushrooms for Treasure Tuesday

 

Right thigh is feeling much better. I think it is muscle tear healing up. Now contemplating on swimming instead. Less toll on muscular injury. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Sheep in Qing Jing Farm Taiwan for Saturday Critter

 

They were spotted along the mountain trail I took a hike in the last trip. Quite relaxing to see them in the barren hills

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter

I found an old photo of Joel when we got together in university time

Mushroom in Mount Macedon for Treasure Tuesday

 

Most common ordinary fungi in woods

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Fungus Mount Macedon for Treasure Tuesday

 

This was taken at the beginning of the month which was rather late for mushroom hunting. 

Overnight was zero-degree celcius. No fun. The lack of sunlight and the cold feeling in isolation does make me a little melancholic. 

On YouTube, I saw this phenomenon called "Blue Dot Effect" published in psychiatric journal, which was rather interesting. Basically, we all choose to have our own problems when there is nothing really major. Food for thought. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

White Whiskered Laughingthrush in Taiwan for Saturday Critter

 

I only learnt the name of this bird until a former mate in Perth Australia told me about it.

Extraordinarily plumaged songbird with white facial markings that lend it an almost comical whiskered appearance. Brown overall, with accents of yellow, buff, purple, plum, blue, and orange throughout the plumage. Inhabits montane forest edge with dense shrubbery or grassy cover, but often emerges out onto roadsides and paths to forage, often crossing the road close to vehicles. Moves in noisy flocks or in pairs, giving soft contact calls and harsh rattling and whistling calls when alarmed. Song, a melodic tinkling, is simple but pleasant.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm macro 

Linking Saturday Critter

Mount Macedon Fungi for Treasure Tuesday

 

A bit late to the mushroom hunt with Joel this year. Though we did not find parasol, these brown ones will do.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Mungo National Park Desert for Treasure Tuesday

 

This area is now protected that no one is allowed to visit unless a permission is sought from the elder. of course, it means monetary tribute of some sort.

Mungo National Park is a protected national park that is located in south-western New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 110,967-hectare national park is situated approximately 875 kilometres west of Sydney in the Balranald Shire.

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Mycelium season for Treasure Tuesday

 

Weather is changing. It is becoming cold in Melbourne.

These mushies are starting to come out.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Fungi clusters in Mount Macedon

 

Looks kind of juicy there. Cold chilly wind in Mount Macedon. Melbourne has been quite wet lately. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Randomosity

Parasol for Sunday Best

 

Jackpot getting a cluster of parasol fungi from the weekend before. 

Just came back home from a wedding reception. I suddenly realised I was older and lonely. Sigh... 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Sunday Best

Mycelium Interruptus Macro

We hit out to Mount Macedon on the weekend. Mushroom hunting 3rd time this year. We noticed many mushrooms were destroyed by others after photographing them. 

The relentless foraging finally got to this one on a dead log so far away from the normal walking paths in Sanitarium Lake. We got the shot this year.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro

Linking Random And Fun Blog Hop

Surfer's paradise urban sunset for Sunday Best

 

On this night, I took night shots in Gold Coast and Brisbane. Joel and I went back to hotel after 2 am. That led to a late riser next morning ready for an adventure to Lamington national park. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro

Linking Sunday Best

Hehuan Mountain frost

 

Somehow, I like the view. It was something memorable in my hike in middle Taiwan

Sony a7RV

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro

Linking Randomosity