As the afternoon light poured its warm glow over the yard, a young child saw something unusual. A fragile broken egg lay on the ground in front of him. Its delicate shell broke open, revealing a world of splendor within.

The boy’s heart skipped a beat as he crouched down for a better look. A small group of friends and relatives gathered in anticipation, watching in awe. What could be inside this weird egg?

As time stopped, the boy’s soft touch revealed the truth. Cradled in his palms was a little, fully formed bird, just out of its protective shell. Its eyes twinkled with innocence, and it chirped sweetly, as if saying, “Hello, world!”

The revelation elicited a range of reactions among those present. The adults’ expressions were filled with amazement, excitement, and a touch of awe. The children, wide-eyed and eager, were unable to conceal their excitement.

In that moment, the commonplace became exceptional. Finding a broken egg opened their hearts and minds to nature’s wonders and secrets.

This is Devil’s Fingers Fungus Egg (Clathrus archeri) also known as Octopus Stinkhorn at Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve and SSSI, East Sussex England.