What on earth is it?

[The Owl man]

Hi, I just popped over from the bird section in the hope one of you guys or gals can help me.
As my Handle implies I am an Owl keeper and I note with interest what appears to be a type of fungi growing on a upended log used as a feeding post. I will try to get photos if my description does not suffice.

At first glance it appears to be large soft globblets of white Bird poo. However my attempts to wash it away with the hose failed and closer inspection revealed it to be hard and limpet like in its adherence.. There are some 4 -5 such mounds around the diameter of a two pence piece and perhaps half as high. They have appeared in the last 10 days or so. I am assuming them to be a growth of some sort. Your help would be appreciated.

[poschiavanus]

Far too fast for a lichen.

There are quite a few things (lichens, algae, mosses etc.) which are ornithocoprophilous (bird-dropping loving), so it leaves quite a few candidates. Plus it may be something that was eatern.

[The Owl man]

This is what I refer to, see images.
Hard and smooth to the touch. A plastic like appearance. Definately not passed or regurgitated by the owl.

[Lancashire Lad]

They look like early stages of the fruitbodies of one of the Ganoderma sp., a Postia sp., or maybe something like Trametes gibbosa.

Regards,
Mike.

[The Owl man]

Thank you. Sadly I am none the wiser lol. Is it worth leaving to develope or is it likely to be dangerous to the owl who (sorry no pun intended) uses to post.

If left what will it eventually develope into. I would also be interested in further information on what caused this growth to suddenly appear. Rod

[fairplay]

Until I saw the poor photos, I was convinced it was going to be the early stages of a harmless Ganoderma bracket fungus, but seeing the photos, this looks like it will turn out to be the equally harmless Turkey Tail fungus.

But there is no way you can say what fungus this will be at this early stage - it's not going to harm 'your' birds, that's for sure.
The real harm will come from keeping such beautiful birds in captivity.

Neil.

[The Owl man]

Thanks Neil,
I will leave it to develop and report back.
I will not engage in discussion regarding the birds other than to say they are all rescued and Veterinary certified and DEFRA registered as unfit for for release. Where possible they fly free and earn their keep educating young and old alike who are most unlikely to see an Owl close up, let alone have one perched on their fist.

Again, thank you for the info.
best regards, Rod

[The Owl man]

Could not resist this one. R

[The Owl man]

The said white blobs have grown a little, slightly flatter, and now look rather like spilt porridge with brown flecks. As yet they haven't attacked me but..........

[fairplay]

So, any chance of a photo then ?

Neil.