[ultimate_heading alignment=”left” margin_design_tab_text=”” el_class=”album-description”]Colorful and unique, fungi (especially mushrooms) have always struck me as the quirky flowers of dark forests.  The small cluster or single mushroom sitting above the earth’s surface is only the tiniest sample (often referred to as the “fruiting body”) of a vast mycelium network which can cover miles of space, underground.  This network provides a vital chain of communication, through which trees warn each other of such dangers as pest infestations and resource shortages from across the forest.  Mushrooms only emerge when the conditions are right for the mycelium to attempt at reproducing.  Not only are these magical creatures vital for the health of their forest homes, but certain mushrooms are now being touted as a cure for cancer, PTSD, and depression.  In this album, you will find some dramatic examples of the magical fungus kingdom![/ultimate_heading]

Fungal Jungle

The first day in Monteverde was extremely rainy. Most of the wild creatures seemed to be hidden. There were, however, plenty of other wonders to behold! These mushrooms were perfectly positioned beneath an enormous leaf, thus protecting them from the frequent and heavy rainfall. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.

A Beautiful Mushroom

Admittedly, some editing was required to lend such a dramatic contrast. That said, this young scaly pholiota mushroom was still a dramatic and beautiful stand-out in the dreary forest. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
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Scaly Pholiota

Like any self-respecting hiker, I despise the swarms of mosquitoes that emerge during really wet summers, but as a nature lover, find myself in awe at the vast array of fungi that also appear. This Scaly Pholiata cluster was encountered deep in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
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Shaded Shrooms

As morning sun pierces trough the foliage, this lovely little pholiota cluster hides amidst the shadows. Bald Eagle Forest, PA. Prints of this image are not currently for sale. Please check back for future availability!

Fairy Lanterns

A couple of chanterelle waxy caps. On such a dark, dreary day, the camera flash illuminated them in such a way as to give the impression of tiny little lanterns. When admiring beautiful mushrooms, I always feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland.
It's captivating to think that these are nothing more than the tiny fruits of a vast, underground mycelium network.
Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
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Orange Mycenas

As seen from beneath, this large cluster of beautiful, tiny mushrooms were found growing on a rotting hemlock log.
When admiring beautiful mushrooms, I always feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland.
It's captivating to think that these are nothing more than the tiny fruits of a vast, underground mycelium network.
Photo taken at Tall Timbers State Park, PA, USA.
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Orange Blobs

A dead tree branch completely engulfed by orange blob mold, deep in the forest. This branch was less than half the width of a penny, just to offer a scale of size. Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA. Prints of this image are not currently for sale. Please check back for future availability!

Scarlet Caps

Despite their stunning coloration, these probable scarlet waxy caps were so tiny I nearly stepped on them! However tiny, it's always exciting to see beautiful mushrooms tucked away in the forest.
Bald Eagle Forest, PA. Prints of this image are not currently for sale. Please check back for future availability!

Pinwheel Marasmius

A cluster of pinwheel marasmius mushrooms. These beige-colored, extremely tiny shrooms are easy to overlook. It makes a fellow wonder how many other tiny marvels we walk right by in daily life.....
Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
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Mushroom Cluster

A beautiful cluster of mushrooms! Their name is unknown to me. When admiring beautiful mushrooms, I always feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland.
It's captivating to think that these are nothing more than the tiny fruits of a vast, underground mycelium network. Bald Eagle Forest, PA. Prints of this image are not currently for sale. Please check back for future availability!

Fungus Among Us

The first day in Monteverde was extremely rainy. Most of the wild creatures seemed to be hidden. There were, however, plenty of other wonders to behold! These mushrooms were perfectly positioned beneath an enormous leaf, thus protecting them from the frequent and heavy rainfall. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.

Sunlit Shrooms

When graced with generous monsoon downpours, Southern Arizona's Sky Islands (isolated, high-elevation areas surrounded by desert) burst with color! The color exhibits in the way of wonderful wildflowers, green grass and foliage, and fantastical fungi. This dead douglas fir was covered! Mount Lemmon, AZ.

Flashy Fungus

Illuminated by the camera flash, this stunning little mushroom almost appears to glow! Chiricahua Mountains, AZ.