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David

Trees in winter

Oak in winter, Brueton Park

A variety of deciduous trees showing their shapes while they were without their leaves recently.

Some were growing in south Staffordshire farmland, others in two Local Nature Reserves: Doxey Marshes in Stafford, and Brueton Park / Malvern Park in Solihull.

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David

Earth star among the rotting leaves

Earth star among the rotting leaves

Earth star fungi often seem to be growing half-hidden among the vegetable detritus under hedges. This one was partly covered by fallen leaves, beginning to turn to compost, in the hedge by the canal towpath at Castlecroft.

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David

Lichen-covered sandstone outcrop, Lower Hopstone

Lichen-covered sandstone outcrop, Lower Hopstone

Rugged looking outcrop of sandstone, well covered in lichen, by the Claverley Brook crosses a minor road at Lower Hopstone.

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David

Exe 2015: Wagtails near the shore

Wagtail near the shore

Pied wagtails, one walking on the prom at Dawlish Warren, others searching crevices for something to eat by the River Exe at Topsham.

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David

Exe 2015: Gaudy butterflies, Exeter museum

Gaudy butterfly, Exeter museum

Brightly-coloured and large preserved butterflies from the display at Exeter Museum (RAMM).

The museum’s butterfly display takes up an entire wall of one room, the gatherings of the efforts of (I’m guessing) the efforts of a gaggle of Victorian gentleman collectors.

I find such a profusion of specimens a bit sad.

Gaudy butterfly, Exeter museum

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David

Exe 2015: Herons on the lookout

Heron on the lookout

Two herons on the q.v. One was in the reeds by the River Clyst, the other just off the Quay in the centre of Topsham.