Lycoperdon pratense

803_3446 [Lycoperdon pratense]

This mushroom is common and widespread throughout mainland Europe.
It is often found in small groups in pastures, at the sides of roads and generally in grassy areas.
It appears in Autumn as a whitish small ball (20-50 mm) or sometimes it takes a pear-like shape.

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on October 11, 2018
 

 803_5636 [lycoperdon pratense]

The part of the ball that touches the ground is a characteristic of this species.

Photographed at Kaisariani on November 11, 2019
 

803_3538 [Lycoperdon pratense]

In maturity the outside of the ball becomes almost smooth, yellowish or oil-brown.

Photographed at Kaisariani on October 14, 2018

802_9283 [Lycoperdon pratense]

The mass inside the ball looks like a white sponge but as the mushroom matures it turns into fine brown spores.

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on June 21, 2017

803_5635 [Lycoperdon pratense]

The spores disperse through an opening at the top in order to ensure the perpetuation of the species. [See video below.]

Photographed at Kaisariani on November 11, 2019

video

Fruits in captivity

IMG 2803 [Fruits in captivity]

Photographed in Volos on May 01, 2005

S. Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

803-240 [SNFCC pano]

The new Greek Cultural Center in Athens, with its ease of access, beauty, diversity, novelty and tens of other reasons, offers itself as an irresistible photographic spot. Ideal, I might say, for amateur photographers who would like to experiment and improve their skills. One of my favorite spots!
 
On this spot, I often spend some relaxing time shooting panoramas. Occasionally, repeating the ones that failed! Why not? It’s free, enjoyable and educating! The above rectilinear panorama resulted from stitching 17 vertical pictures.
 
Photographed in Athens on October 02, 2019.
 

803_0286 [SNFCC pano]

 This is also a composition of 17 pictures but processed in a way that would produce a cylindrical panorama. I had never tried this process before but I thought the series of trees might yield an interesting result. So, I gave it a try.
 
Photographed in Athens on September 26, 2017.

Please click on both pictures to have a better view.

 

Season wishes

Xmas wishes 2019

Background downloaded from:

http://www.awesome11.com/awesome-and-best-christmas-wallpapers/

Psittacula krameri

304_5098 [Psittacula krameri]

304_5107 [Psittacula krameri]

This parrot species mainly lives in the natural environment of Africa and South Asia but it has also been introduced into populated areas of Europe and The Middle East. Some of them seem to have reasons to like our garden as they visit it at least once a year.


Both of these pictures were taken from the balcony of my apartment
in Holargos on November 14, 2014

Tabanus sudeticus

302_7290 [Tabanus sudeticus]

Once upon a time
three of us were shooting wild flowers on a mountain. Suddenly, a swarm of Tabanus sudeticus started flying over our heads. Their buzz was frightening. Someone recognized the dangerous “flying objects” and shouted “They’re Tabanus! Get into the car”! All of us rushed into the car. I sat at the driver’s seat but the driver’s window was open. One of the insects landed on the door only a few inches away from my left shoulder. I remained still, almost petrified but the insect looked at me with a big green eye and said: “Don’t be afraid. I come in peace. Just take a picture of me and I’ll go.” I did. Fortunately, it kept its promise and we went on shooting happily ever after. [This starts and ends like a fairy tale but it's a true story!]
 
Tabanus sudeticus is a giant horsefly (body length about 25 mm) that bites painfully.

Photographed on Mt. Paggeo on June 05, 2010

Crocus cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus

802_5620 [Crocus cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus]

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on October 16, 2019

Crocus cartwrightianus

803_5659 [Crocus cartwrightianus]

This crocus, found in Central Greece and Crete, flowers from October to December and grows up to 5 centimeters in diameter. It is widely considered to be the direct ancestor of Crocus sativus [cultivated for saffron].
Although it usually comes in lilac, we sometimes see it in white.
See picture below.

803_5666 [Crocus cartwrightianus - Albus]

Both pictures were taken on Mt. Hymittos on November 11, 2019