Close to the ground, three artist's conks were emerging from this log. I failed to note the species of the downed tree! I wonder if this species is more frequent on conifers or deciduous trees? We removed one of the bunch to look at it more closely- noting the distinct mushroom-y smell and it's designation as a "perennial polypore." Each year, this fungus produces a new spore layer on top of the previous ones- they can be aged the way that trees can!