First Chicken of the Year

So you don't know where or when they'll pop up, but then suddenly BOOM, there it will be in all its fleshy, orange, slightly wrinkled glory. Chicken-of-the-Woods. Sulphur Shelf. Laetiporus sulphureus. Its orange and yellow top with its stark white underside definitely stands out in a patch of forest greens. This particular fruiting was at the base of a tree that is currently still leafing but is probably in decline. Many chickens can be the color and size of a basketball.

This particular one was discovered at Mass Audubon's Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont, MA. Thanks Sandy!

Visit mushroomexpert.com for more information about this commonly sought after edible mushroom.