David

All but the faintest ghost of the trees of Tettenhall Ridge lost in the mist in this view over the Smestow Valley Wetland Pool early one morning.

Catkins on a pussy willow just beginning to open. They had not yet got the bright yellow surface of pollen for scattering to the wind.

Scarlet elf cup fungi seem to have been growing in more patches in and around the Smestow Valley Nature Reserve this winter. This was one of several scattered on the floor of the patch of woodland by Compton Lock.

Dunnock which obligingly posed while perching high in a bush by the canal towpath at Wombourne.

One of the female tufted ducks on the lake at West Park. As with many bird species, her plumage is plainer than the male (previous post).

Male tufted duck on West Park lake, showing the feathered tuft at the back of his head. He is sprinkled with drops of water remaining after feeding at the bottom of the pool.