Diario de kurtstoever

I took a peaceful walk around Chestnut Hill Reservoir on a cool, sunny day. The reservoir was calm, reflecting the sky and surrounding trees. During the walk, I focused on observing a variety of plant life, fungi, lichens, and a few animals. Below are the highlights of my observations:

Foliose Lichen – On a nearby rock, I found a large patch of foliose lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata). The pale green, leaf-like structures spread in beautiful patterns across the surface, indicating the air quality in the area is quite good.

Yellow Lichen on Tree Bark – I observed a striking patch of yellow lichen (Xanthoria parietina) growing on the bark of an old tree. The bright yellow-orange color stood out vividly against the dark bark, making it one of the most visually interesting finds of the day.

Canada Goose – As I walked along the water’s edge, I encountered a solitary Canada goose (Branta canadensis) standing on the bank. It was calmly surveying the reservoir, its familiar black head and white chinstrap clearly visible.

Mute Swan – Further out in the water, I noticed a graceful Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). It was preening, delicately grooming its feathers. The elegant white bird was reflected in the still water, making for a serene and memorable sight.

Crust Fungus on Decaying Wood – Deep in the wooded section near the reservoir, I came across a decaying log with crust fungus (Stereum hirsutum). The fungi formed rough, plate-like structures along the length of the log, slowly breaking down the wood.

Eastern Gray Squirrel – Toward the end of my walk, an Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) caught my eye as it perched high on a tree branch. It watched me for a moment before continuing to forage for food.

Mica Cap Mushroom (Coprinellus micaceus) – At the base of a tree, I discovered a small cluster of mica cap mushrooms.

Today, I explored Hyde Park and nearby Green Park in London for about 30 minutes, focusing on the plant life around me. The weather was clear and sunny, with a cool breeze, making it a perfect day to observe the diverse plant species in the park. During my walk, I focused on finding examples from all four main plant groups and also took note of a few animals I encountered along the way.

Bryophyta (Moss): I didn’t capture a photo of moss this time, but I noticed some moss growing at the base of trees, thriving in the damp shaded areas of the park.

Polypodiopsida (Seedless Vascular Plants) – Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): This fern-like plant was growing in clusters among the grass. Its feathery leaves resembled a fern, though it's technically an angiosperm. However, it was a striking plant to find.

Gymnosperms (Non-Flowering Seed Plants) – Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana): I was excited to find this unusual tree, recognizable by its thick, spiky branches. It’s an evergreen conifer and stands out due to its prehistoric-looking foliage.

Angiosperms (Flowering Plants):

Roses (Rosa sp.): I came across a beautiful cluster of bright pink roses blooming along one of the park’s walking paths. These flowering plants are iconic for their vibrant colors and fragrant scent.

Monk's-Hood (Aconitum napellus): This striking purple flower caught my attention near the edge of a flower bed. Monk's-Hood is known for its deep violet-blue blooms and is a favorite among pollinators.

Aside from the plants, I also observed a few animals enjoying the park:

Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica): Perched on a metal fence, this magpie stood out with its black and white plumage. It seemed curious and stayed in place long enough for a good photo.

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca): Walking through the grassy area, I spotted an Egyptian Goose grazing. It’s a common sight in Hyde Park, and its distinct markings make it easy to identify.

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia): While not native to the UK, this oak tree made an impression with its sprawling branches and dark green leaves.