Unexpected Colors Erupt Amid Winter Bleakness

Four surprising, heart-quickening bursts of color erupted from small places in the otherwise largely colorless landscape of this past winter. Click an image to see a larger version.

Cup fungus on cut log end, 4 December 2018
Cup fungus on cut log end, 4 December 2018
Decaying log stained water draining through it to create a dark yellow icicle
A dark yellow icicle, formed from water stained draining through a decaying log, early February 2019
Deer rooting for food uncovered an intact fern frond from last season, 30 March 2019
Deer rooting for food uncovered an intact fern frond from last season, 30 March 2019
Contrasting moss colors, 2 April 2019
Contrasting moss colors, 2 April 2019