Cross spider, a common spider in autumn in gardens and the near outdoors (sheds, garages and the like). It’s one of those species where the female is larger than the male, and much more likely to be noticed. They get bigger still as autumn passes and egg-laying time gets nearer.
Thistle seeds with their feathery attachments, still attached to the plant but almost ready to be carried away on the breeze.
More usually seen climbing up the trunks or along the underside of branches of trees, this nuthatch was perched at the very top of a willow recently.
Kingfisher (possibly one of two) earlier today. It has recently been seen quite often in the wetland area in Compton Park.
The bird has a habit of perching on the fencing or the decking of the footbridge over the pond (as in the two smaller pictures) and seems fairly relaxed about the joggers, walkers and their dogs frequently passing by. It will fly off when a dog (main picture) or human gets too close, retreating to the reeds or a nearby tree.
To avoid disturbing the bird, I kept my distance, so it only shows as a tiny patch of blue and orange even in these cropped pictures.
Himalayan balsam flowers, soaking wet after a heavy dew. Didn’t seem to have deterred the bee just about to fly into the flower in the middle of the picture.
Male pigeon, one of the many which find easy pickings in West Park, making himself look larger trying to impress a female.