David

Seven intrepid nature lovers starting out on a wild walk on a beautiful November morning, with Chris and Geoff from the Smestow Valley Birders leading the way.

The early morning sunlight brought out the autumn colours of the trees by the Railway Walk and Tettenhall Ridge beyond.

A half-hour sky watch done, and time to get on the move.

At Compton Lock, with two little grebes downstream.

Further along the towpath, five song thrushes were at the top of a tree on the other bank.

As we reached Meccano Bridge, we were ready to step out of the shade.

Two little grebes here got most people’s attention, but the dog seemed more interested in what I was doing.

The dabchicks were busy fishing …

and, as usual, staying just a little too far away to pose for a good picture.

The final stop before we all headed for our homes and a hot drink – Wetland Lake.

The surface is covered in cracks, and to me looks rather scruffy, indicating it is an earthball rather than a puffball, another type fungus with a somewhat similar shape.

Looking along the canal, with the Wightwick Lock lock-keepers cottage just peeping through the trees in the distance.

The fresher of the two collared earthstars which featured in this post, rephotographed a week later, showing changes to the form over time.

Something had clearly found these honey fungus tempting enough to have a good nibble.

Despite the name, they are rated as inedible for human consumption.

Bright red and yellow from ripe crab apples on two trees growing side by side next to the canal in the field behind Compton Lock.