more mysterious fungi

why is it so difficult to identify these organisms? Found in mixed deciduous and conifer woods by side of path, probably growing on dead wood.

cornish vultures

young buzzard enjoying the uplift on the edge of the valley in the strong southerly wind. 

Harriet

Harriet needs more food, and was cross that she wasn't allowed to eat the caterpillar. 

she caterpillars

...it has been rather dull recently apart from not very windy ex Hurricane Gordon passing us by and blowing a few caterpillars out of the trees. I am not sure which species this handsome chap belongs to; on reflection I suppose it could be a female, do caterpillars have a sexual orientation, and how would you tell? 

and what is this?

...it is nothing to do with me. It could be an early puff ball, but it feels very solid. It has not been attacked by anything yet.

gymnopilus

Was this the mushroom that Erik Satie had in mind ? Deep in the beech woods, far from the light. OK I know, but how do these things get their names (naked hair of junonius)??