David

A little grebe on the lower pool at Perton.

It seemed to be hanging out with one of the the groups of mallards. When I first saw it, I actually thought it might be an untimely duckling.

It was also fishing in an unusual way. Instead of diving, submerging completely, it was just dipping its head under the water. It was coming up with something and eating it, but I was too far away to see what the prey was.

One of the bulrushes in the wetland area of Compton Park.

Goosanders on the upper (larger) pool at Perton a few days before Christmas. A flock of 25 – 30 were present, but headed from near the shore towards the island when they saw me coming.

The birds were engaging in courtship behaviour. Some pictures managed to catch males stretching themselves as high as possible out of the water; there were also females stretching themselves prone along the surface.

A cluster of honey fungus mushrooms growing at the foot of the orientation board by Compton Lock.

West Park, early afternoon, Christmas Day. Many people probably looking forward to their Christmas dinner, others discouraged by the cold wind and intermittent drizzle, so it was very quiet in the park.

On the lake, at least three pairs of swans seemed to think it was spring already, and were doing a courtship dance.

Wood blewit mushrooms on the grassy area on Compton Hill, in front of Captain’s Close. They are growing in an exposed spot, so get kicked over shortly after appearing. It seems as soon as one set have all been destroyed, another crop pops up This is a selection of the second and third such crops.