Category: David

Distorted and discoloured sections at the end of twigs on hawthorn bushes. They are caused by an infection, either of a fungus (rust) or an insect which has laid an egg in the plant (gall).

Bullrushes on the Compton Park pool. The lower, green-yellow portion of the head is still flowering (the yellow is the pollen). On the upper part the flower has already gone over; the seeds will now begin the long process of getting ready for spreading by the wind early next year.

22-spot ladybird. I thought I was keeping far enough away not to disturb it, but as I took these pictures it slowly retreated to the underside of the leaf.

Ragwort growing by the canal at Brewood, with a fly perching on the top of the plant.

Dock seeds just beginning to turn a red which will get richer later, but already giving a colour contrast with the foliage behind.

Wild strawberries, one bright red and well on the way to ripening; another pale green, not yet swollen to full size.