How do us 'non' fungus ( fungi) experts progress

[bob.phillips]

I love wildlife but I am not an expert in any of it. If I have to nail my colours to any mast then I am probably best at birds. But ever in that arena, I learn so much from those experts in the bird forum. Now as far as fungus ( fungi ) are concerned, I am the most beginer of beginers. So, how do I learn? When I look at this forum, it seems so complicated. I can see a small grey knobbley fungus and it appears it can be one of 23 zillion types ( or thats how I feel. )

For example, today I was playing golf and on one tee there were a vast number of small brown fungi growing - no trees, no shade, just grass. And I wondered, what could this be?? Unfortunately, I had no camera - you don't need one when playing golf - so no pics, but I thought, how can these be here when we have just had 2 weeks of snow, ice and freezing conditions. And that is what interests me

I'm sure that some of you may have suggestions as to what I saw and actually I would like to hear responses.

But my real question is -how do we bridge that gap between complete novices ( like me ) and the clever people (like you). It's a toughie in the fungi forum I know, but I think it is very important to address.

Regards,

Bob P.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by bob.phillips

I love wildlife but I am not an expert in any of it. If I have to nail my colours to any mast then I am probably best at birds. But ever in that arena, I learn so much from those experts in the bird forum. Now as far as fungus ( fungi ) are concerned, I am the most beginer of beginers. So, how do I learn? When I look at this forum, it seems so complicated. I can see a small grey knobbley fungus and it appears it can be one of 23 zillion types ( or thats how I feel. )

For example, today I was playing golf and on one tee there were a vast number of small brown fungi growing - no trees, no shade, just grass. And I wondered, what could this be?? Unfortunately, I had no camera - you don't need one when playing golf - so no pics, but I thought, how can these be here when we have just had 2 weeks of snow, ice and freezing conditions. And that is what interests me

I'm sure that some of you may have suggestions as to what I saw and actually I would like to hear responses.

But my real question is -how do we bridge that gap between complete novices ( like me ) and the clever people (like you). It's a toughie in the fungi forum I know, but I think it is very important to address.

Regards,

Bob P.

Hi Bob

We all started in the same position as you are now, so don’t worry!

I give a brief introduction to Fungi in my Fungi Photography Guide found:

Fungi Photography Guide | Wild About Britain

To start with I would buy a book. That alone is not easy given the number available, but the Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms & Toadstools OR Black’s Nature Guides – Mushrooms & Toadstools of Britain and Europe would be a good start. The latter book is co authored by our good friend Andreas Gminder (mollisia).

The price for these books is around £10 each ... A good start and investment!

Secondly I would seek out your local ‘Fungi’ group and join them in a foray. Whilst we are not in the ‘main’ season some will no doubt be planning their spring forays.

There are many advantages of joining a local group:

• Meet like minded people with the same questions you want to ask
• Local knowledge of the area
• Experience / expertise in identification
• Pass on their knowledge and encourage others

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions here!

This will help on your next find:

Help us to help you identify fungi

It is a science and you can get hooked but you will enjoy every minute of it!

Happy hunting

John

[SheffieldLass]

Lots of small brown ones in the grass could be a Panaeolus species or Panaeolina foenisecii. Unless they were tan, in which case they could be a Galerina species. The latter do go on well into winter.

Start by looking at the more distinctive fungi, things with good clear characters. Forget the little brown jobs to begin with.

Try doing spore prints to see the colour of the spores - probably the most important character to start to pin them down to genus. Learn what a ring on the stem look like, what veil remnants look like, what a volva at the base looks like. Then look at the way the gills attach to the stem. Note texture of the cap and stem, what they are growing on, any unusual smell. Note what trees/plants/habitat they are associated with. It is all about careful observation.

I progressed much faster when I did a course which forced me to do a field note book. I sat down and systematically drew the fungus, made a note of all the features - I had a standard list of things to note. It made me look very carefully. And it made it much clearer.

You then need a good basic key to help get them to genus level. Once you start to recognise them to genus you are well on your way.

Melanie

[diggleken]

Hi Bob, both replies are spot on - I am progressing with knowledge, just a little farther on from you I suspect, but not to Melanie and Johns level of expertise.
You say about taking pics, so in addition to the other replies, if you are taking pics and possibly posting them on here for help and advice, read Johns article, but simply put, dont just take overall shots add gills shots and stem shots if you can get that close, it will also help with memory of your notes a la Melanie.
Dont forget too that, as with fledged birds, they can change appearance as the fruiting body develops and eventually rots away, or dries up.(not that birds rot away of course!)
Good luck, its fascinating stuff.
Cheers
Ken

[Ditiola]

Dont forget too that, as with fledged birds, they can change appearance as the fruiting body develops and eventually rots away, or dries up.(not that birds rot away of course!)
Good luck, its fascinating stuff.
Cheers
Ken[/quote]


I would agree with all the above: although I suspect birds also do rot away at some point

Use the winter months to read up on fungi
In August-September next year search the internet for forays in your area, it can be surprising how many there are, then go on as many as you can and stick close bye to the leader and listen and learn, make a list of the fungi found on the foray, and then look some of them up afterwards in the book/books you have obtained, try to understand what features make the fungus different from others, but don’t' be put off if they are not all in your book as there are two many types for a single book.

Peter

[bob.phillips]

Thank you all for your help. Many good points and I will get a decent book and make contact with local groups. I like the idea of starting with the more easily recognisable types and not try to identify every 'little brown' one until I am more knowledgeable. I will read Johns guide for a good starting point.

Thanks to you all again, but please be prepared to get a load of 'dumb' questions from me as they arise.

Regards,

Bob P.

[Weedy]

Thank you so much FungiJohn for these two very interesting links which even a very very ignorant newbie like me to the subject can follow. Makes me want to shovel away the snow and see if there are any fungi underneath!

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by Weedy

Thank you so much FungiJohn for these two very interesting links which even a very very ignorant newbie like me to the subject can follow. Makes me want to shovel away the snow and see if there are any fungi underneath!

You're very welcome Weedy.

If you have any logs lying about nearby, check them. I'm always surprised at what is still about even in this weather

John