My friend, once again... . Thank you! Your thoughts and writing are the perfect antidote to nearly all else I've read this morning. Probably it is time to go sit under a tree.
What a cool little mushroom and an even cooler example of how nature is interconnected! The Bicknell's Thrush is not found in my area, but I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for Horsehair Fungus in the future.
Thanks, Alice. The mushroom is probably done for the year at our latitude, but please send me a photo or regards from one next field season from a mossy rock!
Wow. Your writing just keeps getting better and better. Yesterday, I wandered beneath the balsam of Mount Mansfield and thought of your Bicknell's and the mushroom. Thank you for sharing your gift.
This is a wonderful tale of observation and connections. Your writing carried me right along with you, rained on by pine needles, watching the very communal life of the thrushes and the wonder of mushrooms and fungi that seem to link everything. Thank you!
And now to understand how the fungus comes to be on single needles. They must start their life cycle while the needle is on its tree, yes? And then the reproductive parts grow once the needle is on the ground?
We don't have Balsam Firs where we live, but the downed needles in the photos appear to be Eastern White Pine. We have those aplenty, and I've been watching as some of their needles are yellowing in preparation to be abscissed (it was fascinating to learn that abscission is an active process, not a passive one). Time to go look for Horsehair fruiting bodies. Thanks for expanding our fungal knowledge.
And one more thing -- you go, polygynadrous girls! This seems like an exceptionally good reproductive strategy...
Thank you Bryan! I enjoyed learning about the horsehair fungus and its connection to the Bicknell's thrushes. Also the video was great, especially since I did a few of the VCE Mountain Birdwatch surveys and never encountered that elusive songbird.
Their song is one of my favorites. Watching the video reminded me of my daughter’s now four day old baby moving her mouth while held in my daughter’s arms…searching for that precious source of life.
They'll still be here waiting for you when you get here, Nathaniel. For future generations? Well, that's an open question. Thanks for your note. (Good luck in the yard!)
This is one of the best bits of bird lore I’ve ever come across. It surprised me several times. It’s beautiful, well knit, and inspiring. It makes me want to do better for our fellow beings on earth.
Oh, gosh -- aw shucks. Thanks so much, Diane. Very kind of you. As you well know, and have written, these kinds of gifts are in so many places outside.
Bryan, you are a rare bird too...you are able to weave a compelling story about nature and all of its wonders, and how we are all connected, and it is all pure poetry! Thank you!
That's a wonderful example of the interdependence of species with each other
And what a privilege for me to find myself in the middle of it.
lovely story/ threat
Thanks so much, Sarah.
My friend, once again... . Thank you! Your thoughts and writing are the perfect antidote to nearly all else I've read this morning. Probably it is time to go sit under a tree.
Today -- a perfect day for sitting. We are indeed still learning to see!
What a cool little mushroom and an even cooler example of how nature is interconnected! The Bicknell's Thrush is not found in my area, but I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for Horsehair Fungus in the future.
Thanks, Alice. The mushroom is probably done for the year at our latitude, but please send me a photo or regards from one next field season from a mossy rock!
Wow. Your writing just keeps getting better and better. Yesterday, I wandered beneath the balsam of Mount Mansfield and thought of your Bicknell's and the mushroom. Thank you for sharing your gift.
You walked in the shadows of thrushes and mushrooms. Wish I was there! ❤️
Your essay touched my heart and my eyes welled up. Your choice of storyline and words are magical, soulful, exquisite.
You are so kind and so aware outside, Sue. This made my day. Thanks! 🙏❤️
This is a wonderful tale of observation and connections. Your writing carried me right along with you, rained on by pine needles, watching the very communal life of the thrushes and the wonder of mushrooms and fungi that seem to link everything. Thank you!
Glad to be there with you, Leslie! And pines do indeed tend to rain more than other conifers (a shower 😀).
So beautiful and intricate...
And now to understand how the fungus comes to be on single needles. They must start their life cycle while the needle is on its tree, yes? And then the reproductive parts grow once the needle is on the ground?
We don't have Balsam Firs where we live, but the downed needles in the photos appear to be Eastern White Pine. We have those aplenty, and I've been watching as some of their needles are yellowing in preparation to be abscissed (it was fascinating to learn that abscission is an active process, not a passive one). Time to go look for Horsehair fruiting bodies. Thanks for expanding our fungal knowledge.
And one more thing -- you go, polygynadrous girls! This seems like an exceptionally good reproductive strategy...
I'm all but certain that the fungus spreads on the ground -- not on the tree. Fruiting bodies can happen fast!
"you go, polygynadrous girls!" -- 😀
Wow! I don't think of fungi as being speedy, but I know very little about fungi. Clearly I have to study up.
You did it again. Birds, babies, fungi, happenstance, and firs- everything needed to pluck our heartstrings. ♡♡
Nice to harmonize with those heartstrings!
Thank you Bryan! I enjoyed learning about the horsehair fungus and its connection to the Bicknell's thrushes. Also the video was great, especially since I did a few of the VCE Mountain Birdwatch surveys and never encountered that elusive songbird.
Nonetheless, thanks for doing Mountain Birdwatch! Whether you encountered Bicknell's Thrush or not -- all good data!
Thank you.
You are most welcome, Joan and Tom. Thanks for reading.
Their song is one of my favorites. Watching the video reminded me of my daughter’s now four day old baby moving her mouth while held in my daughter’s arms…searching for that precious source of life.
Lovely. Thanks, Deirdre, for that endearing thought.
nice.
Gorgeously written. I’ve never seen a Bicknell’s. Now when I do I’ll think of mushrooms too
They'll still be here waiting for you when you get here, Nathaniel. For future generations? Well, that's an open question. Thanks for your note. (Good luck in the yard!)
This is one of the best bits of bird lore I’ve ever come across. It surprised me several times. It’s beautiful, well knit, and inspiring. It makes me want to do better for our fellow beings on earth.
Oh, gosh -- aw shucks. Thanks so much, Diane. Very kind of you. As you well know, and have written, these kinds of gifts are in so many places outside.
Bryan, you are a rare bird too...you are able to weave a compelling story about nature and all of its wonders, and how we are all connected, and it is all pure poetry! Thank you!
Aw, shucks. Thanks, Susan. (And my apologies for only just now catching up on some replies here! I missed 'em back in November.)