Bird’s Nest Fungi: Tiny Nests, Big Trick

Bird’s Nest Fungi are tiny – not much bigger than a fingernail. Yet if noticed, they are rarely forgotten as they appear like eggs, laid somewhat haphazardly in a nest by what would most definitely be the smallest, klutziest bird in the world. As a cosmopolitan species – in other words one which is found across most parts of the world – you would probably not have to go far from your house in order to find them either. If you have a garden, they may even already be there waiting for you to discover them. Image Image CreditAs long as you live close to somewhere that plant matter is breaking down – rotting wood, fallen logs, woodland floors, bark mulch, woodchip beds, compost heaps or even rich soil – you will likely find bird’s nest fungi. That’s because it is a saprobic family of species; they thrive where organic material is decomposing, feeding on the nutrients released as plant matter breaks down into simpler compounds. Altogether, there are roughly 60–70 described bird's nest…