David

Clusters of glistening inkcap mushrooms by a tree stump near the canal at Pendeford. The older cluster were right by the base of the stump, the more recent growths a yard or so away.

There seem to have been a lot of meadow browns about this year. While i’ve seen a few ringlets and gatekeepers, I’ve not managed to get any pictures of them. In contrast, these shots have come from all over the place.

Ducklings and mother mallard on the canal between Autherley Junction and Pendeford. The ducklings, nine in total, were only recently hatched in late July.

I’ve not been getting to West Park very often recently. If any herons have been visiting, it must have been on a different schedule – it’s a long time since I last saw any. Then this one put in a brief appearance, standing tall on the fallen but still growing willow.

There have been very few cinnabar moth caterpillars this year. Until a recent visit to Himley Park, I had seen precisely one.

On a group of ragworts near the bottom pool, finally, several on each plant, busyly eating leaves and flowers.

Peacock butterflies, eagerly eating from the flowers of buddleia bushes, or resting on leaves.