Cool fungus (although you may not appreciate the rancid smell and flies all around them)! It's Mutinus caninus. Check out http://www.mushroomexpert.com/mutinus_elegans.html for more information.
WOW! That was fast! Thank you so much and thank you for the link. It is a very cool fungi and I did notice the flies. I didn't smell it......it really didn't invite that for many reasons! I do have neighbors! I have lots of fungi growing here but that wins the prize...and it was totally dried up by the end of the day. Thanks again!
Don't worry Betsy, these aren't NEAR as odorific as some fungi I've had the misfortune of sniffing. Plus? You'll get another show of these off and on thru-out the year if you keep the mulch there. Sometimes they'll even still show up without it. I keep an eye on 3 locations locally and so far haven't been dissappointed. They're fun...and make for interesting conversation show pieces...lol If you have kids or know anyone that does? If you dig up an 'egg'...they can bury it back in soil lightly and use it for extra credit in science class...it'll still grow as long as it's not been disturbed too much.
