Finding Fungi

This gallery contains 1 photo.

It has been a while since I just went into my backyard to see what I could find. Yesterday I spent a half-hour doing just that. Below is a collage showing some of my discoveries.  

Stopping for Mushrooms

This gallery contains 3 photos.

While cycling, I try to keep a brisk pace. Although I enjoy the scenery, I seldom stop to look around. But on a ride last week I was compelled to get off my bike a take some pictures. I was … Continue reading →

A Fungal Oddity

This gallery contains 3 photos.

Decomposition is a quiet and mostly hidden process. Those organisms involved in the business of decomposing generally tend to their job without a lot of fanfare. And yet these ecological heroes play an important role in the natural cycle of … Continue reading →

Red Cup Fungi – Where did they come from?

This gallery contains 2 photos.

I often post new things I discover in the one acre wooded area behind my house. And I am constantly amazed by what presents itself in the small place I have explored so many times before. When I think back … Continue reading →

Another Look at Bird’s Nest Fungi

This gallery contains 10 photos.

It always fascinates me to see how many creative ways different organisms have found to not only survive, but flourish. Some do this using clever schemes to extend their range. Although many fungi live within narrow environmental parameters, their spore … Continue reading →

Red-Belted Bracket Fungi

This gallery contains 6 photos.

2012 CAMP SERIES: SECTION 4 Many bracket fungi form roughly semicircular shelves called “conks” on dead or living trees. I believe the pictured specimens are red-belted (or banded) polypore, though I am by no means an authority on shelf fungi. … Continue reading →

Freckle Pelt Lichens

This gallery contains 5 photos.

It has been a while since I have posted about lichens. I found this patch in the early morning of the fifth of July in an area around Summit Lake in Olympia, Washington. Freckle Pelt Lichen (Peltigera britannica), also known … Continue reading →

Orange Jelly Fungi Provide a Feast for Springtails

This gallery contains 4 photos.

In the photo above, a large group of springtails is feeding upon an orange jelly fungus (Dacrymyces palmatus). Springtails are detritivores, which means that they consume decomposing organic matter. Other examples of detritivores include earthworms and crabs. They differ slightly … Continue reading →

Orange Jelly Fungus

This gallery contains 2 photos.

Whether you see this as gorgeous or disgusting, it certainly makes you take notice. This is an orange jelly fungus, most likely, Dacrymyces palmatus. The pictured specimen was photographed 11-1-11 and was about eight inches across.

Discovering the World of Lichens

This gallery contains 9 photos.

On a walk through the woods, most of us would probably be able to point out a couple varieties of lichens. We find them on broken branches that have fallen from the forest canopy. Others grow on shorter trees void … Continue reading →