Spring Blooms

Honestly, it was too early for some of these blooms and I suspect they may yet be killed off by a hard frost, but most of the woods is low lying wetlands so they may be fine. But Trilliums in March? Uhhh, I don't think so.

I know, it looks like raisins on a branch, but we didn't put these here. I couldn't identify the species in my mushroom book and I'm wondering if this is Purple Jelly Slime that didn't get killed off during the winter because it never got cold enough. Anyone know this?

Bloodroot pushing up already. I found out that Native Americans used this root for a red dye. Thus, the name.

Trees were furiously budding...

More Bloodroot, open and in bloom.

Spring Beauty covered the forest floor.

Trout Lily were out in abundance as well.

Another unidentified fungus that sort of looks like a Lamprey Eel. Hmm, did it crawl up from the creek and attach to the tree? No, I'm kidding, but if you know what this is I would appreciate the tip.

At first I saw some of the leaves poking up, walked a little further and saw leaves unfurling and wondered if I would see one in bloom. Yes, I did, and a lot more than one.

Here come the May Apples.

So I didn't have much luck identifying the fungus from the hike since I don't know what this one is called either. Anyone?

And here we have the quaint and adorable Dutchman's Breeches. Sir S thought it looked more like a funny alien head with eyes. I can see that.

Some of these were drawn in detail, but mostly we admired them as we walked. I realized too late that we had forgotten the magnifying glasses. It's pretty awesome to see the flower parts magnified.