a collection of fungi

I am bouncing back and forth, here on STILL, between emergent spring buds and dried remnants of winter.  Just like the weather.  With the trees still being leafless, I am seeing bracket fungi everywhere–hence todays collection. Oh, I have news: one of our sandhill crane’s is back! He arrived today. We are a little worried about his partner. Last spring they arrived together. I have been googling, and they normally arrive together, but can, on occasion, arrive a few days apart. He has been calling for her all afternoon. Finger’s crossed everyone.

**For the nerds: Polypores are also called bracket fungi or shelf fungi, and they characteristically produce woody, shelf- or bracket-shaped or occasionally circular fruiting bodies that are called conks. Many polypore species are perennial, meaning they can persist and grow for multiple years. During the winter months, growth may slow down or become dormant due to environmental conditions such as cold temperatures. But when conditions become favorable again, such as with the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures, polypore fungi can resume their growth and reproductive activities.

bracket fungi (Polypores)