yourauntsleftpantleg's Identifications

First noticed this bird scratching around on the ground a few weeks ago, and have seen him regularly ever since. Far from their typical winter range--curious how common this might be?

Small low island used to be covered in Highbush cranberry. Slight water level rise from beavers have killed most and turned island into alder and willow mound. Last cranberry on island.

On dead aspen. Surprisingly large and in big clusters.

Growing in riparian habitat, relatively tall plants (4-6 feet) with many seed heads, very irregular leaves that had large toothed edges and split into three main leaves, each of which split into two.

Several clumps growing on dead, mature Ulmus americana at edge of deciduous woodland, about 25 feet up. ID by brigh yellow color in clump and gills which run down the stem.

Male I am guessing

Growing beneath alders in hardwood/alder swamp. Carpeting the ground in many areas, flowering now as well.

Found at edge of burned tallgrass prairie and alder swamp. ID uncertain, but seems plausible.