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David

Robin on elder branch

Robin on elder branch

Robins may be small, but they defend their territories aggressively most of the year.But at this time of year they get even more assertive in proclaiming their patch as the breeding season approaches.

This robin was on a branch of an elder bush hanging over the Finchfield Brook by the footpath off Coppice Road.

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David

Twisty fungus

Twisty fungus

A peculiarly-shaped fungus which was just poking above the short grass under one of the conifers in West Park.

Twisty fungus

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David

Lichen with towering fruiting bodies

Lichen with towering fruiting bodies

Lichens are composite organisms: a fungus and a plant working together, often to grow in a spot where it seems the only source of nutrition is the air. Many lichens produce structures rising proud of their main growth to disperse the spores or diaspores through which they reproduce. The ones rising here are towering and trumpet-shaped, indicating the lichen is possibly Cladonia fimbriata, a species often found on the tops of walls.

Lichen with towering fruiting bodies

This one was growing on the top of the wall of Compton Hospice. It is growing surrounded by moss which is also sending up its fruiting bodies. They look like tiny elongated bladders on the end of long, thin stalks.

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David

Fat ball feeding time

Fat ball feeding time

Long-tailed tits and a bluetit enthusiastically feeding on a fat ball in the bird feeding area at Northycote Farm.

Fat ball feeding time

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David

Crocus buds, Coppice Wood

Crocus buds, Coppice Wood

The crocuses seemed to spend a long time as unopened buds this year. These were growing towards the back of Coppice Wood.

Crocus buds, Coppice Wood

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David

Cloudscape with river Avon

Cloudscape with river Avon

A view downstream along the River Avon from the Tramway Bridge at Stratford. Some of the swans and gulls attracted by the rich pickings from the tourists can be seen on the water.