 Gulf of Finland coastline, with a zone of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  View towards Repino from the Laskovy Beach area in Solnechnoe highlighting a transition in the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Finland, marked by rugged natural textures and distinct geological features typical of the Karelian Isthmus shoreline. Unlike the wide, smooth sandy expanses of the main Laskovy Beach, the stretch towards Repino is characterized by a "stony belt" of glacial boulders and pebbles. The rocks visible in the shallow water and on the sand--primarily rapakivi granite and gneiss--are glacial erratics left behind by retreating ice sheets. Their reddish and grey hues (wet from the waves) contrast sharply with the rust-colored sand. Several hooded crows (Corvus cornix) are visible foraging along the shoreline. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Boulders on a beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Graffiti series, located on the concrete retaining wall separating the beach from the promenade along the Gulf of Finland (near the Sestroretsk Resort or "Kurort" area) which is a fanciful and nostalgic mural composition featuring whimsical animals and nature motifs. This segment shows a yellow-orange cat perched comfortably on a tree branch. The surrounding trees are depicted with vertical, textured strokes, suggesting a dense birch or pine forest typical of the Karelian Isthmus. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Common mazegill mushrooms (Cerioporus mollis) on a stick in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Expansive view looking north-northwest from the southern end of the Sestroretsk coastline towards the Sestroretsk Resort (Kurort) and, further in the distance, the settlement of Solnechnoe (Sunny). The coastline curves gently inward. This specific geography near Sestroretsk causes the eastward littoral drift (sand movement) to weaken, resulting in a very wide, accretional beach (up to 140 meters wide) known for its fine sand and extensive dunes. The foreground shows a sandy spit or sandbar created by the outflow of water. The shallow water here creates the wide, calm pools seen in the foreground, which are popular with birds. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Crust fungus Phlebia centrifuga on a thick fallen spruce without bark in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Close-up of corticioid fungus Phlebia centrifuga on a thick fallen spruce without bark in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Orange-yellow cap of tubercle scalycap mushrooms (Pholiota tuberculosa) on rotting wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Bog habitat (boloto) along the shore of Lake Istok. The single bright red leaf belongs to Golubika (Bog Blueberry/Bilberry). The entire background is a carpet of Sphagnum moss (peat moss), likely Sphagnum magellanicum (Magellan s Peat Moss) or a similar red-pigmented species common in Karelian bogs. Scattered across the moss are long, paired needles of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Kannelyarvi, north from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 1, 2025  Hypomyces species (possibly Hypomyces rosellus or similar) parasitizing common mazegill mushrooms (Cerioporus mollis) in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Stony beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Spores (in KOH, spore print brown) of Conocybe(?) mushrooms collected earlier 10/3/2025 on black soil, under spruce trees in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 19, 2025  Toothed cup fungus (Tarzetta cupularis) in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Granite stones on a beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Some smooth white corticioid fungus on a stick in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Wood hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum repandum) in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Hydnoid mushroom Dentipellis fragilis on a rotting oak in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Some smooth white crust fungus on a stick in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Underside of anise mazegill mushroom (Gloeophyllum odoratum) in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Corticioid fungus Hyphodontia barba-jovis(?) on wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Close-up of hydnoid mushroom Dentipellis fragilis on a rotting oak in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Anise mazegill mushroom (Gloeophyllum odoratum) on a stump in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Some smooth grey-white corticioid mushroom on a stick in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Lemon disco fungus (Bisporella citrina) on wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Underside of Conocybe(?) mushrooms among grass on black soil, under spruce trees in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Gills of Conocybe(?) mushrooms among grass on black soil, under spruce trees in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Stony beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 15, 2017  Texture of corticioid fungus Hyphodontia barba-jovis(?) on wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Corticioid mushroom Phlebia centrifuga on a thick fallen spruce in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Hydnoid mushroom Dentipellis fragilis on a lower side of an old fallen oak in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Conocybe(?) mushrooms (Spore size 7.4 - 8.1 x 4.4 - 4.6) among grass on black soil, under spruce trees in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Immature yellowleg bonnet mushrooms (Mycena epipterygia) on rotting wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Resinous polypore mushrooms (Ischnoderma resinosum) on a fallen deciduous tree in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Young yellowleg bonnet mushrooms (Mycena epipterygia) on rotting wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Underside of resinous polypore mushrooms (Ischnoderma resinosum) on a fallen deciduous tree in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Corticioid fungus Hyphodontia barba-jovis(?) with fringed tips of the teeth on wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Golden-yellow mushrooms tubercle scalycap (Pholiota tuberculosa) on rotting wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Tiny immature :0438rick tuft mushrooms (Hypholoma lateritium) on rotting wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Slender coral mushrooms (Ramariopsis subtilis) in a semi-dry state in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Serene autumn scene at Laskovy Beach (Russian: Laskovyy Plyazh) in the settlement of Solnechnoe, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Saint Petersburg. Laskovy Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Kurortny District of Saint Petersburg. The name "Laskovy" translates to "Affectionate" or "Tender," while the settlement name, Solnechnoe, means "Sunny". This area has a rich history as a summer resort destination; formerly known as the Finnish village of Ollila, it became a hub for St. Petersburg s intelligentsia and dacha owners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The image shows a trio of birch trees with vibrant yellow and orange leaves, which is characteristic of the "Golden Autumn" season in the Leningrad Region during early-to-mid October. The golden leaves contrast strikingly with the blue sky and the dark blue waters of the Gulf. The large white concrete sphere on the sand is a landscaping feature. Russia, October 9, 2025  Creamy-white discs of fungus Hymenoscyphus monticola (Phaeohelotium monticola)(?) in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Gills and curved yellow stems of tubercle scalycap mushrooms (Pholiota tuberculosa) on rotting wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Dark-brown caps of resinous polypore mushrooms (Ischnoderma resinosum) on a fallen deciduous tree in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Gulf of Finland and Sestroretsk from Tarkhovka spit in Tarkhovka Park, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 2, 2024  Ascomycete fungus Hymenoscyphus monticola (Phaeohelotium monticola) (or a very close cryptic sibling in that clade) on wood in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Spores (in KOH, spore print light brown) of conifer shield mushrooms (Pluteus pouzarianus) collected earlier 10/3/2025 on a forest road under spruce in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 19, 2025  Conifer shield mushrooms (Pluteus pouzarianus) on a forest road under spruce in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Reddish-brown crust fungus Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (syn. Pseudochaete tabacina, currently often treated as Hydnoporia tabacina) on a fallen oak(?) in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Lisiy Nos. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2025  Golden, slimy scalycap mushrooms Pholiota limonella in a state nature reserve "North Shore of Neva Gulf" (Zakaznik Severnoe Poberezhye Nevskoy Guby) on the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Olgino. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 26, 2025  Underside of conifer shield mushrooms (Pluteus pouzarianus) on a forest road under spruce in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Twisted deceiver mushrooms (Laccaria tortilis) near the Gulf in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Gulf of Finland and Sestroretsk from a spit in Tarkhovka Park, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 2, 2024  From the elevated terrace of the Leuchtenberg Palace, a thoughtfully designed "prospect" (vista) opens up towards the Gulf of Finland, offering a serene coastal panorama framed by autumn foliage. This clearing was intentionally cut through the forest in the 19th century to create a direct visual link between the palace and the sea, a common feature in romantic landscape architecture. The busy road visible in the middle ground is the Oranienbaum Highway, which separates the upper park from the lower coastal meadows. In the distance, the grey-blue waters of the Gulf of Finland merge with the overcast sky, creating a vast, moody backdrop that emphasizes the estate s prime coastal location. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025  Panicle inflorescence of common reed grass (Phragmites australis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015  Bolders in Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 15, 2017  Rocky riverbed of Karasta River, with moss-covered boulders visible in the shallow water. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Close up of panicle inflorescence of common reed grass (Phragmites australis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015  Wrinkled crust fungus (Phlebia radiata) on an alder tree near the Gulf in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Panicle inflorescence (seed head) of common reed grass (Phragmites australis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015  Soft inflorescence (seed head) of common reed grass (Phragmites australis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015  Layered complexity of the mixed deciduous forest in Alexander Park. The image is a study in yellow, dominated by the luminous canopy of Norway maples and silver birches. The rough, dark bark of the oaks and maples provides a strong vertical rhythm that cuts through the delicate, hazy texture of the foliage. The white, paper-like bark of the birch trees adds a secondary visual accent typical of the Russian landscape. The composition includes a rich understory of turning shrubs--likely hazel or young rowan--which adds density and depth, grounding the soaring trunks in a thicket of earthy reds and browns. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Granite rocks on extremety in Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 18, 2018  Brown terminal inflorescence (seed head) of common reed grass (Phragmites australis) in dew on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015  Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Gradient Effect: One can clearly see the "tail" of the sorting process, where the black mineral density decreases, creating a dusty or shadowed effect over the golden sand. Micro-relief: The lighter sand patches appear slightly raised or pillowy (like small dunes), while the darker heavy minerals settle into the troughs and lower edges, outlining the relief. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  White Island of Gulf of Finland from Tarkhovsky Mys (extremity) in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 15, 2017  Melting ice in Gulf of Finland near a coast guard station in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, April 11, 2017  Willow shield mushroom (Pluteus salicinus) under alder trees on a beach in Tarkhovka Park, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 26, 2017  Birch trees on Laskovy Beach of Gulf of Finland in Solnechoe, suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, February 15, 2017  Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Heavy Mineral Streaks: The dark purplish-black areas are concentrated deposits of heavy minerals (magnetite, ilmenite, garnet). Light Mineral Patches: The beige/tan areas are the lighter quartz and feldspar sands. Flow Patterns: The sand is sculpted into fluid, wavy shapes ("swash marks"), showing exactly where water flowed and separated the grains based on density. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Boulders in Gulf of Finland in Alexandria Park in Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 22, 2015  Panoramic view from the Tarkhovka shoreline that looks north-west across the Sestroretsky Razliv (Lake Sestroretsk) toward the city of Sestroretsk. This view captures the dual nature of Sestroretsk: a historic resort town with natural beauty (the lake, reeds, and stones) juxtaposed with modern urban infrastructure (heating plant and high-rise housing). "Three Chimneys" (Center): The most prominent industrial feature is the cluster of three tall red-and-white striped chimneys. These belong to the Sestroretsk District Heating Plant (part of the city s thermal infrastructure). Residential Towers (Left of Chimneys): The tall, beige-and-orange brick apartment buildings are part of the modern residential developments in Sestroretsk, likely along Tokarevskaya Street or the Razliv microdistrict. Church of Peter and Paul (Far Right): On the far right horizon. This is a modern church (consecrated in 2009) built in memory of the Russian submariners. "Pyramid" Building (Far Left): On the far left, there is a distinctive white building with a stepped, pyramid-like shape. This is likely the "Eden" (Edem) residential complex or a similar luxury apartment block, which is known for its terraced architecture. Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Giant conifer parchment fungus (Phlebiopsis gigantea) on a broken pine in Dubki Park. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Gulf of Finland with Kronstadt on horizon from Tarkhovka spit in Tarkhovka Park, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 2, 2024  Common bonnet mushrooms (Mycena galericulata) on a fallen tree on a beach in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Common bonnet mushrooms (Mycena galericulata) on a fallen oak tree on a beach in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Orange bolete mushroom (Leccinum aurantiacum) near the Gulf in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Heavy Mineral Patterns: Dark, flame-like streaks of black and purplish sand (magnetite, ilmenite, and garnet) sorted by wave action. Quartz-Feldspar Base: A background of lighter golden-brown sand composed of quartz and feldspar grains. Hydrodynamic Sorting: Intricate shapes created by the "swash and backwash" of waves, which wash away lighter grains and leave heavier minerals behind. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Blooming reeds (Phragmites australis, Arundo australis, Phragmites communis, local names gazab, ghab) near Abu Nakhlah ponds. Southern Qatar, March 5, 2014  Cluster of common bonnet mushrooms (Mycena galericulata) on a fallen tree on a beach in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Gulf of Finland in Sestroretsk, with Kotlin Island on the horizon. A tall building is Maritime Cathedral in Kronstadt. Near Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 1, 2001  Spores (spore print white) of yellowleg bonnet mushrooms (Mycena epipterygia) collected earlier 10/3/2025 in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 19, 2025  Stone bridge in Oranienbaum Park in the "Russian Switzerland" section of the Upper Park. The bridge is built from rough, unpolished granite boulders, giving it a deliberately archaic, "ruin-like" appearance that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, typical of the romantic style popular in the 19th century. It spans a bend in the Karasta River, connecting a gravel path that winds through rolling green hills, which were artificially shaped to mimic an alpine valley. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Graffiti series, located on the concrete retaining wall separating the beach from the promenade along the Gulf of Finland (near the Sestroretsk Resort or "Kurort" area) which is a fanciful and nostalgic mural composition featuring whimsical animals and nature motifs. It is a more abstract section, featuring dynamic bursts of color (yellow, orange, and white) that resemble explosions, splashes, or perhaps stylized sunbeams breaking through clouds. These bright, energetic forms add a sense of movement to the otherwise static scenes. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Gulf of Finland and a beach in Sestroretsk at windy day. Near Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 1, 2001  Slime mold Trichia decipiens in its immature (developing) stage. The vibrant bright orange to salmon-pink "beads" visible are the developing fruiting bodies (sporangia). Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  "Golden Autumn" in Upper Park. The image highlights a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Tall spruce trees (dark green) stand in contrast to the vibrant yellow of the maples and lindens, creating a rich texture and color palette typical of the Upper Park s diverse planting design. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Twisted deceiver mushrooms (Laccaria tortilis) in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017  Common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach near bushes near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021  Coral fungus Lentaria byssiseda on bark of a tall oak. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025  Terracotta hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum rufescens) in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Winecork brittlegill mushrooms (Russula adusta)(?) in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Golden waxcap mushrooms (Hygrocybe chlorophana) in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Snowy waxcap mushrooms (Cuphophyllus virgineus) in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Yellowleg bonnet mushrooms (Mycena epipterygia) in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Veiled poisonpie mushrooms (Hebeloma mesophaeum) in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025  Underside of common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach near bushes near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021  Close-up of common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach near bushes near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021  Common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach (photo with flash) near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021 |
