mushrooms in the woods

The summer weather has been wonderful, and with frequent rain lately the mushrooms are numerous.  I have not studied that chapter in nature yet, so just admire them for their beauty!  These were in the woods along the path near some fallen logs.

snag tree

"Snag" refers to a still-standing dead tree,

or one dying from damage, often missing its top or most of the smaller branches. This old snag has been here in the wild wild woods at least ten years.  It still has bark up one side and several growing branches lean out in that direction every year.  The exposed wood gets softer as time goes by, so it nurtures mushrooms and insects.

 

 The southeast side is bald, revealing its value to the wildlife that live in the woods. In cold weather, birds shelter overnight in the old woodpecker holes.  In nesting season, it becomes home to at least one new clutch of avian eggs.  The woodpeckers and nuthatches find nutritious insects hiding among the crevices. Today, it harbors a nut storehouse and a cozy grass-lined den for some critter.

A pile of peelings from Bitternut Hickory nuts.

Peeled nuts stashed in a hole of the snag.

ruby-throated hummingbirds

Two female hummingbirds come to the salvia blossoms every day. 

blue vervain

Blooming in late summer, the Blue Vervain's tiny 1/4" flowers grow on floral spikes about 5" tall.  This native plant Verbena hastata appeared in the part of the woods recently cleared of invasive buckthorn and some other trees.  As often happens when buckthorn is cleared, the increase in sunlight makes way for native wildflowers to thrive.