Turkey Tail and Tree Dwellers

Spotted this funky cluster of fungi on a tree during our hike-turns out it's Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), one of the most common woodland decomposers in the U.S. Named for its layered, feathery pattern that (kind of) resembles a wild turkey's tail, it quietly breaks down deadwood and feeds the forest floor.

The little hollow at the base of the tree felt like it belonged to some tiny woodland creature. Between the mushrooms, damp leaves, and little umbrellas of mayapple popping up nearby, this whole scene looked like a fairy tale set dressing.