Kip’s Comments - November 11, 2024
First Time Fungi Finds!
There are days when I am so very blessed by my observations in the wild. Some days are based on wildlife activities while other times the excitement comes from first time sightings. Today was a day of multiple first-time observations of the fungi form. Allow me to explain.
Wolf's Milk Slime Mod - Image 928156
My first “first-time” observation today was Wolf’s Milk Slime Mold apparently oozing out of a dead tree. I will admit to having no idea what I was seeing and spent considerable time exploring and photographing the interesting orange/pink goo coming out of the tree. What I did not realize, since I had not seen before, was the mold dramatically changes appearance as it ages. This was an interesting mold to find! Following are additional images of the Wolf’s Milk Slime Mold in various ages.
Wolf's Milk Slime Mod - Image 928174
Wolf's Milk Slime Mod - Image 928271
Another interesting find, not far from the Wolf’s Milk Slime mold, was a lone “Dead Man’s Finger” fungus. I had read about this species of fungus, but had not seen one before. Even though this specimen had fallen over, it was obvious what it was and my fungi app confirmed the identity.
Dead Man's Fingers Mushroom - Image 928061
When I came upon the next fungi species I promptly recognized it as something I had not photographed before. Even though this was past its peak, I found and photographed a Bear’s Head-tooth Fungi hanging from the end of a cut tree. I will watch for this one to maybe find it in its prime during a future hike. Found earlier, this likely would have been mostly white or off-white as some of today’s species was.
Bear's Head-tooth Fungi - Image 927992
A fourth “First-time” fungi find was this Xylaria cubensis. Since it was very small, this did not make a very pretty image. Still, I will share here for others to see.
Xylaria cubensis - Image 928290
Now that I have shared my four “First-time” finds from today, I will include a few fungi species I have seen and photographed before.
Bitter Oysterling - Image 928001
Common Puffball Mushroom - Image 928044
Turkey Tail Fungi - Image 928063
Violet-toothed Polypore - Image 928075
Even though we have had several killing frosts, I still found small plants thriving on logs - moss…
Tortula Moss - Image 928294
This fall I have spent considerable time looking for fungi species. I had no idea how many different fungi exist in our wood areas. I cannot help but wonder how they are spread so far and wide. Are there really that many spores floating around in the air at any time?
