Category: David

Young great crested grebe which has taken up residence on the canal at Castlecroft. Possibly one of this year’s brood of one of the pairs on the lake at Pool Hall Fishery nearby.

Seen about an hour ago: common sandpiper on the lake at West Park.

First spotted flying across the arm of the lake nearest the city centre. Landed on a fallen, bare tree by the island on that side of the lake. It seemed totally unconcerned by the other, larger, birds nearby.

Turned around several times, stretching its wing. Then, after a few minutes, flew away under the bridge.

Holly blue butterfly, female, resting on ivy. May have been in the process of laying eggs – ivy is one of the food plants of the caterpillars.

Female mallard with two ducklings hatched towards the end of July. The trio have been patrolling the canal downstream of Compton lock.

Brown roll-rims, a common mushroom which grows in association with many deciduous and coniferous trees. These were by the former level crossing at the end of the Smestow Valley Barley Field.

Fruit just starting to ripen on a blackthorn. Will they stay on the bush to feed birds over winter, or be bagged by someone to make sloe gin?