White Slime Mould

What might be the slime mould Mucilago crustacea, growing on dead plant stalks.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-12-13.

Hoverfly

From late last summer: a hoverfly, probably Syritta pipiens (Diptera: Syrphidae), judging by the thickness of its hind femur.

[Note added 2010-06-04: I now think this a Xylota sp., possibly Xylota segnis.  These also have thick rear femurs but they have less grey around the sides of the thorax than does Syritta pipiens.]

[Note added 2011-11-04: I am now sure it is a Xylota, probably Xylota segnis.]

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-08-30.

Birch Woodwart Fungus

Birch woodwart fungus, Hypoxylon multiforme, growing on a decaying birch trunk.

Photo taken in the Wilderness, Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2010-02-19.

Pluvialis on Radio 3

Five 15-minute programs on raising a goshawk by Helen Macdonald (pluvialis) on BBC Radio 3.  The first available until Monday 22nd, the last until Friday 26th.

Go listen here.

Now.

Tachinid Fly

From last summer: a Tachinid fly, most probably Dexiosoma caninum (Diptera: Tachinidae).  I have blogged about these flies before here.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-07-16.