what is this alien life form?!

[boxofdelights]

Do you see the tiny cups packed with shiny black pebbles?



You can click through for a closer look.



I had a lot of trees cut down last year. These fungi are springing up where the stumps remain underground.



You can also see some of the many tree seedlings -- Chinese elm, green ash, and boxelder -- that think it is their time in the sun.