Wolves Wild

Duckling, one of the five on the canal at Compton, just resurfaced after diving underwater, with drops still on the down of its back.

Of all the traditional breeds livestock on Mary Arden’s Farm, Wilmcote, the mangalitza pigs look most like they belong several centuries ago. On a recent visit to the farm, they were the only pig species on show. The ones pictured here were in three different enclosures, one behind the farm and two in the woodland, Coming soon, those which were in two different sties.

Jackdaw on Mary Arden’s Farm, Wilmcote, turning over sheep droppings searching for things to eat. As far as I could see, the bird wasn’t actually after the droppings themselves, but invertebrates which might be revealed by moving them.

Bee being attacked, probably fatally, by several other bees on a brick wall. The aggressor bees had a nest in the metalwork of the fence of the Mermaid Inn, Wightwick, the fence in turn resting on the low wall which provided the arena for the combat. Possibly the nest being defended from a would-be intruder.

Heron fishing from the canal towpath at Castlecroft, already pictured on Wednesday. These pictures are from an hour or so later the same day. By then, I was on the towpath myself, and eventually noticed the heron was still fishing not far from its earlier station. There’s no way of getting past without getting too close for comfort, but it hung on until I got very near before it whent flying off taking refuge by the far bank.

Patch of greater stitchwort flowers by the hedge on the canal towpath at Castlecroft.

Mustachioed house sparrow on the hedge opposite Castlecroft Farmhouse. The face fungus probably a tuft of horse hair the bird had gathered for nest building.

White-flowered snake’s head fritillary, a plant growing by the edge of Bag’s Pool, Baggeridge Country Park.

Heron on the towpath at Castlecroft, seen from the road on the other side. First it was leaning right over, then it pounced, catching what looked like a big fish. Nest, it started stepping off along the path.

Holly blue butterfly on the ground of the towpath at Castlecroft, walking along delicately.

Teal seen from the octagonal hide at Doxey Marshes, preening and feeding.

Wild garlic flowers on a woody bank by the canal near Aldersley Junction. Unopened flowers from the same patch here.