David

Are these indistinct wet footprints left by an otter? Something had come out of the water of a pool recently created as part of a new Stratford on Avon local nature reserve, crossed the riverside footpath, and gone straight into the river.

Half an hour later, when we walked back along the path, no sign was left of the footprints.

A cormorant flying high up and fast, following the river Avon downstream as it left Stratford by Lucy’s Mill.

I don’t know when the black swan first took up residence on the river at Stratford on Avon. We first spotted it early in January, not far from the Black Swan / Dirty Duck pub. It seems intent on becoming a feature. At least, it was still there two months later, and still being aggressive towards the local mute swans.

Luxuriant growth from lichens growing on trees by the river in Stratford on Avon. A sure sign of low levels of atmospheric pollution.

A carrion crow chasing off an intruding buzzard. Although the buzzard seems to be about twice the size of its opponent, they regularly flee even from a lone attacker.

A young araucaria (monkey puzzle tree) standing between me and the sun, its leaves and the anchor thread of a spider’s web shining in the bright light.