OMG, it was 46.5 degrees for our low this morning! And yes, we did wear our coats. This morning while sitting at our window, the birds came in for a refreshing bath. Among our guests were mockingbirds, a robin, four to five Ruby-crowned Kinglets (FOS), and a flock of half dozen bluebirds.
On September 25th, this popped up at the base of a Post Oak in our woods. This particular fungus is called butt or root rot. Furthermore once you spot it, it is too late to do anything for the tree. So you may as well enjoy it. The fungus is basically digesting the wood. There is so much scientists still have to learn about the role that fungus plays in a healthy ecosystem.
A view of the underside! It really was glowing!
So I have been taking daily photos of it. It has already changed colors.
In addition, it has also lifted upwards. I am not sure what took a bite out of it. This fungus is called the White-pored Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus cincinnatus)! It was on the same tree last year.
Our field is covered with so many Gayfeathers (Liatris mucronata). Indeed, this maybe a record coverage.
Monarchs have started to pass by. So far however, no roosting near the house. Certainly have my fingers crossed. Today, probably around twenty plus passed by our place.
The Common Wood-nymphs are more plentiful than the Monarchs.
Here is a mystery for you…why are the Hackberry Emperors hanging around the house. They light on the siding and do not seem to be doing anything. A mystery!
Sleepy Oranges are winners for number among the sulphurs.
And yes, the Fall Asters (Symphyotrichum ericoides) have started to bloom! A sure sign of change 😉
The more you know, the more you see and the more you see, the more you know.
5 Comments
That sure is a beautiful fungus. I see a few monarchs passing thru but not many. Had quite a few a few years ago spending the night in our oak tree. Not very many this year.
After I posted last night, we went outside to watch for the monarchs. We must have seen around 30+ milling around the house. Even found one small roost of about seven. We will be looking again tonight!
That sure is a beautiful fungus. I see a few monarchs passing thru but not many. Had quite a few a few years ago spending the night in our oak tree. Not very many this year.
After I posted last night, we went outside to watch for the monarchs. We must have seen around 30+ milling around the house. Even found one small roost of about seven. We will be looking again tonight!
Nice fall report! It’s 47 degrees here this morning too. Isn’t chicken-of-the-woods edible?
From what I read yes. But there was something about it must be cooked. And you live in a cool spot too😊
We have had a lot of monarches go by too!