Many of these Ink Cap (Coprinopsis atramentaria) are popping up in the neighborhood. Note the small one in the back. Later in their life they look like those in the front, especially after a light rain. From the wikipedia article:
The flesh is thin and the taste mild. It can be eaten but is poisonous when consumed with alcohol – hence another common name, tippler’s bane.
Our View From Iowa 
We have these sprouting in our lawn. They have an evil look to them …
Wow, very impressive looking mushroom. I had not seen those yet.
Hmm. The first guy to eat one of these must’ve been really, really hungry!
Then he had a drink. Bad move.
Different and impressive-looking mushroom 4 sure! I’m a vegetarian and a teetotaller… but i wouldn’t eat one of these ever! 🙂
I know. The only ones in the wild i will pick and eat are morels.
Although I prefer my nature without humans or their trappings, I like the inclusion of civilization in the background…along with what appears a neat little pond.
I photographed a related Coprinus lagopus colony a few years ago.
No idea why the cup and paste didn’t work above….https://sggphoto.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/hares-foot/
It does look like a hares foot. Cool.
And as I mention in the post…Cousin It and kin.
It is a pond. Recently in it was a white pelican, snowy egret, and great blue heron. Not on the same day.
Perfect for Halloween! 😉 This is one of the best photos I’ve seen showing its ‘drippy’ quality.
Thank you.
I’ve never seen this. It really is quite an amazing sight. The “drippiness” of the black makes me think of the fancy necklaces made of jet beads back in Victorian times. Apparently the recent fondness for all things Goth has brought back jet. Here’s an example.
Creepy looking! Great shot!
Wow! That is just the neatest looking mushroom I think I’ve ever seen. It amazes me that anyone would venture to eat such a thing.
I agree. Only in desperation.