David

Collared earth stars: these fungi have fruiting bodies which usually develop early in winter, but then tend to last for some time. These were half-hidden by the undergrowth and detritus below a hedge, and had been around so log a coating of green algae had time to form around the opening at the apex where the pores are released.

Marsh marigolds, the first ones I’ve noticed this year, starting to open on the pool in Compton Park.

Bare soil on the bank by the Mops Farm Bridge over the Staffs and Worcs canal; the same bank where patches of violets and celandines were flowering.

Small, circular holes in the soil, with bees climbing in and out of the holes: mining bees and their nests.

Possibly the bees included the one gathering pollen from a patch of celandine flowers, ten yards or so beyond the bridge.

The viscous sticky coating can still be seen on these half-open horse chestnut buts.

Comma butterfly resting on a dusty canalside footpath, spreading its wings in the morning sun to get warm enough to fly.

Dogs mercury flowering, and beginning to turn to seed. Usually found in shady woodland, but this was under the hedge by the canalside footpath.