David

Further shots of the young cormorant which paid a visit to West Park. After its brief swim in the boating lake, it came ashore on the island under the shelter of trees. it used its tail for extra support when stepping ashore, turned to face the water, spread its wings to dry them, then carried on watching for fish. I took my eyes off it briefly: when I looked back it was gone.

A fallen log in Bantock Park. It’s been there for some time, and is now slowly decomposing, aided by fungi living off it. At some point, vandals must have burned something by it, leaving charring on the surface. Now that surface is supporting what get called the coal fungus. To emphasise its burnt appearance even more, it’s also called King Alfred’s cakes.

Young cormorant on the lookout for fish in the West Park boating lake, then swimming after diving. Spotted in the last week of January.

Flowers on a female yew tree by the lake in West Park. These were out by mid-January.

Moss on the top of a stone wall. Frosted after a cold night, with the ice crystals already melting in the bright morning sun.

Tightly pressed clump of puffball fungi. These were growing by the footpath along the Penk at Perton.