Scarlet Elf Cup Sarcoscypha austriaca
The main season for looking for the larger fungi is the autumn, when there is most diversity. However, some can be found in the winter. Our visit to a local nature reserve in mid February enabled us to add several species to their list of records. The last time I saw this species was in March 4 years ago at another reserve about 2 minutes drive away.
I was surprised that, when I lifted a very rotten, moss-covered fallen branch on the ground, one of these was visible. Shortly afterwards, lifting another section of that same chunk of wood revealed
another. These were about as big as my thumbnail. The black spot is an adhered piece of dead leaf. Such debris is usually stuck firmly and attempting to remove it damages the fungus.
Olympus EM-1, (aperture priority), Olympus 4/3 50mm f2 macro, 1/250 at f13 ISO 800, hand-held.
The stereos are crosseye,
Harold