Wildlife Spotting

They are also known as polypores(many pores) cause the spore producing cells line pores. This form is a particularity, allowed them to be different from other mushrooms. Woody shelves may be several years old, they add a new layer of spore tissue every growing season. The new one covers the old ones. And also, shelf fungi are used as herbal medicines. http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/funfacts/shelffungi.htm

They are also called "bracket fungus". Shelf fungi are found commonly on trees or fallen logs in damp woodlands. They can cause serious damege lumber and stands of timber. http://www.britannica.com/science/shelf-fungus