Winter Bush Walks Along the Margaret River Trails: Discovering Austroboletus in June 2018

June 2018 marked the beginning of a memorable winter for me and my dogs, as we embarked on bush walks along the beautiful trails of the Margaret River region. There’s something about the crisp winter air, the damp earth underfoot, and the soft sound of the river that makes these walks feel magical. But that June was particularly special, as it was the first time I stumbled upon the brilliant native mushroom, Austroboletus.

Austroboletus occidentalis

The Joy of Winter Bushwalking

The winter months transform the Margaret River trails into a wonderland for bushwalkers and their furry companions. The trees, washed in fresh rains, glisten in the morning sun, and the ground is carpeted with moss, fungi, and rich earth. My dogs, ever eager for an adventure, would dart in and out of the undergrowth, their excitement contagious as they explored the scents and sights of the trails.

Winter also brought a stunning variety of native flora, but my attention that year was captured by the fungi thriving in the cool, moist conditions. Among the diverse species I encountered, the Austroboletus stood out.

Discovering Austroboletus

One chilly morning in June, while navigating the winding trails near the river, I spotted something remarkable poking through the damp leaf litter — a cluster of Austroboletus mushrooms. This species immediately caught my eye with its distinctive appearance, unlike anything I had photographed before.

The Austroboletus features a striking candle-like stem, tall and slender, leading up to a puffy, cushion-like cap. The cap, soft and spongy to the touch, had a light tan hue that contrasted beautifully with the darker forest floor. The moment was perfect for photography. As the early winter light filtered through the trees, it cast a soft glow on the fungi, highlighting the delicate textures and earthy colors.

The brilliant candle-like stem of Austroboletus occidentalis

Photographing the Brilliant Austroboletus

With my camera in hand, I crouched down to capture the intricate details of the Austroboletus. The contrast between its pale, almost luminous stem and the rich, brown cap made for a visually stunning subject.

One of the joys of photographing fungi like Austroboletus is how the different lighting and perspectives bring out their unique features. From ground level, the candle-like stems stood tall, adding elegance to the otherwise rugged environment. Zooming in, I focused on the spongy surface of the cap, capturing its pillowy texture in vivid detail.

Tips for Bushwalkers and Fungi Enthusiasts

If you're heading out for a winter bushwalk with your dogs along the Margaret River trails, keep an eye out for these hidden treasures:

• Look Down: Fungi like Austroboletus often grow close to the ground, hidden among leaf litter. Be mindful of where you step and take your time to explore the forest floor.

• Moist Conditions: Winter rains provide the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. The best time to find and photograph them is after a fresh rain, when the earth is damp and the air is cool.

• Bring a Camera: Even a simple camera or smartphone can capture the beauty of native fungi. Use a macro setting to get close-up shots that highlight the textures and colors of your subject.

• Walk with Purpose: While my dogs love to roam freely, I often slow down to take in the smaller details of the forest. These winter walks provide a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover new species like the Austroboletus.

  
  

A Winter Wonderland

June 2018 will always stand out as the winter I discovered Austroboletus along the Margaret River trails. It was a reminder that even in the quietest, most overlooked corners of nature, there are wonders waiting to be found. The combination of exploring with my dogs and photographing such unique native species made that season one for the memory books.

So, if you're in the region during the colder months, I encourage you to grab your hiking boots, your camera, and perhaps your canine companions, and head out to the trails. Who knows what hidden treasures you might find this winter?