Is This Chaga?

[Philster]

Hi Folks
I'm always keeping my eyes open for Chaga fungus and saw this on a Birch tree - it's about 9ft up the tree so thought I'd get your opinions before climbing up there

image uploading


free image uploading

image hosting site

Do you reckon its Chaga?
Cheers
Phil

 

[Adze]

Looks like a burr to me, but you never can tell from a photo. Shinny up there with a penknife and have a little slice off it, that'll settle it.

 

[Monikieman]

Looks horses hoof like in places too. Not sure.

 

[Philster]

Yes, it's a weird one - guess I need to get up there and slice a piece off
Thanks,
Phil

 

[Leshy]

How the hello are you gonna get up there Phil?

Interesting to see and get a little tutorial ...😉

 

[Toddy]

Bit of rope looped around himself and the tree, and stocking feet to get a grip
Snap hug the tree and flip the loop up a bit, lean back and it'll hold you there, walk up a bit into a sort of crouch and reach up a bit and snap hug the tree again….repeat until you're fifteen feet up.
Mind the tree's not wobbly though.
The trick is to get back down safely

M

 

[Philster]

Yes, going to be fun - I guess the secret is to pretend you're still a kid
I'm sat here nose streaming with a cold so will have to wait until next weekend to find out if I've hit gold!

 

[Big G]

Just like going nesting.. when you were a youngun.. shimmy up but watch your crown jewels for stumps and branches.. when you come sliding down

 

[baggins]

i'm guessing if the photo is taken in your local neck of the woods (SW), it won't be chagga, and if it is, it is a real rarity and shouldn't be touched. judging by the pics though, i don't think it is. looks more like early burl.