David

In the hard weather a kingfisher stands out perching on a tree by the side of a canal.

The last remaining seed case clings to one of last year’s stems on this plant.

Yet another fungus growing directly from dead wood, and apparently unaffected by the cold weather.

Another fungus which is not worried by the cold – this velvet shank was growing from the trunk of a long-dead chestnut in the car park of the former Eye Hospital.

The scars of the old leaves can also be seen – the white horseshoe shapes.

Once the frosts start, most of the larger fungi disappear. The main exception are brackets which grow directly from the trunks of trees – here a fallen birch.

The days are visibly getting longer, and now the snowdrops are beginning to bloom.

Yet another duck species to take advantage of the sheltered environment of West Park.

Some of the squirrels in West Park seem to be getting too well fed.

Picture taken before the big freeze. Perhaps the rolls of fat helped this individual survive the extreme conditions?

On New Year’s Day three herons were showing themselves within a couple of hundred yards along the Staffs and Worcs canal at Compton.

This one was intently fishing, then pausing to give its feathers a lot of attention.

On the opposite side of Compton bridge, this one was more focussed on getting something to eat.

It appears to be a younger bird, and was more wary as people passed along the other bank.

And finally a couple of views of the third bird, keeping a lookout in the trees above Compton lock.