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David

Holly blue butterfly settling on hawthorn leaves

Holly blue butterfly settling on hawthorn leaves

Holly blue butterfly fluttered along a hedge – they seem attracted to the holly which is growing there. Finally it settled in the sun on some hawthorn leaves.

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David

Solomon’s seal berries, Bantock House

Solomon's seal berries

Berries beginning to ripen on a Solomon’s seal plant, growing in the Dutch Garden at the back of Bantock House.

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David

Oxford sandy and black piglets, Mary Arden’s Farm

Oxford sandy and black piglet

The second rare breed of pigs on Mary Arden’s Farm, Wilmcote, Oxford sandy and black pigs, or rather some piglets. Not only are the young cute, but they supposedly produce “succulent pork, fine bacon & excellent ham“.

On a related note, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust are planning that in the future the supplies for the cafes on Trust properties will be organic produce from the farm.

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David

Orange himalayan balsam flowers, Stratford Canal, Wilmcote

Orange himalayan balsam flowers, Stratford Canal, Wilmcote

Himalayan balsam flowers are usually pink or white. Varigated orange ones are much rarer, but in my opinion more attractive. These were on plants growing at the edge of the Stratford Canal as it passed through Wilmcote.

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David

Opportunistic jackdaws, Mary Arden’s Farm

Opportunistic jackdaws, Mary Arden's Farm

Jackdaws, like other members of the crow family, will take anything they can grab. This pair were after the water put out for the poultry at Mary Arden’s Farm, Wilmcote.

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David

Reed seeds (close-up)

Reed seeds (close-up)

Seeds on some of the reeds growing in the water of the pool in Compton Park.

Reed seeds (close-up)