An iconic mushroom – the Fly Amanita!

Fly Amanitas, Amanita muscaria, have been popping up on the Mendonoma Coast. We are taking a break from the rains with sunny, very mild weather. These red-capped mushrooms with the white spots seem pretty darn happy. Kurt Fuchs photographed one recently.

As did Cece Case.

And Wayne Smith.

Dan Lewis also joined in the fun.

These mushrooms can be eaten, I'm told by David Arora, if you parboil them twice, throwing out the water between boils. Personally, I'd rather watch them in the forest and in meadows. They are fascinating as they evolve. I had a group growing under a huckleberry bush, but they all got eaten one night! Mushrooms feed a lot of critters.

Thanks to all above who allowed me to share their photos with  you here.

To all who celebrate the holiday today,  Happy Thanksgiving!