Early Autumn at RSPB Coombes Valley

The sun was shining on Thursday afternoon and after several days of work and chores I was itching to get outside so, instead of more chores and do do list ticking, I went out for a walk at Coombes.


The afternoon sunshine was very bright and very warm.

I followed the Woodcock Trail and, clearly feeling rebellious, I did it backwards! (There's no right way really, but I always walk it the opposite direction, out of habit I suppose, so this time I did it the 'wrong' way, which felt weird!).

There were lots of fallen apples around, in various places along the walk, and there was a distinct fresh, apple-y smell around where they had fallen which I really enjoyed!

I saw a few hairy shieldbugs :)

There were lots of sulphur tuft mushrooms too, in varying sizes.

I saw a lot of fly agaric but all well nibbled examples, as is often the case.

I also saw a lot of birch bolete.

As I walked along the path, there was a sudden movement amongst the greenery and I spotted a roe deer running away. She stopped, I stopped and then we ended up stood staring at each other for several minutes.

birch polypore

I'm glad I ditched my plans and just went outdoors instead whilst the sun was shining as I worked Friday and Saturday and the weather here has been chilly, damp and drizzly since!