Category: David

Ribes at different stages of ripeness. growing together on a stem.

Butterflies aren’t the only insects that can be found on buddleia (so-called butterfly bush) flowers.

This southern hawker dragonfly was on a buddleia in a front garden earlier today. They can be found further from water than most dragonflies, sometimes resting, hanging conveniently at eye level or a little higher, sometimes flying fast, close by as they hunt for prey.

Old man’s beard flowers bursting out of their furry protective covers.

This year’s West Park cygnets, guarded by both parents, ashore for a leisurely meal in the short grass. This was back in mid-July.

Kingfisher, possibly a young bird, perched on Tunstall Water Bridge, scanning the Smestow Brook for prey, earlier today.

Ian from the Smestow Birders reports several recent sightings of kingfishers along the canal, nearer to Compton.

The soft petals of bramble flowers, and a bud, just about to open, at the end of the spiky stem.