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David

Smestow Valley Birders Wild Walk, November 2013

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

Seven intrepid nature lovers starting out on a wild walk on a beautiful November morning, with Chris and Geoff from the Smestow Valley Birders leading the way.

Tettenhall ridge, autumn, early morning sunlight

The early morning sunlight brought out the autumn colours of the trees by the Railway Walk and Tettenhall Ridge beyond.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

A half-hour sky watch done, and time to get on the move.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

At Compton Lock, with two little grebes downstream.

Song thrushes in a hawthorn

Further along the towpath, five song thrushes were at the top of a tree on the other bank.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

As we reached Meccano Bridge, we were ready to step out of the shade.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

Two little grebes here got most people’s attention, but the dog seemed more interested in what I was doing.

Little grebes fishing

The dabchicks were busy fishing …

Little grebes fishing

and, as usual, staying just a little too far away to pose for a good picture.

Smestow Valley Wild Walk

The final stop before we all headed for our homes and a hot drink – Wetland Lake.

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David

Common earthball in short grass

Common earthball in short grass

The surface is covered in cracks, and to me looks rather scruffy, indicating it is an earthball rather than a puffball, another type fungus with a somewhat similar shape.

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David

Canal scene, autumn

Canal scene, autumn

Looking along the canal, with the Wightwick Lock lock-keepers cottage just peeping through the trees in the distance.

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David

Collared earthstar, Compton

Collared earthstar

The fresher of the two collared earthstars which featured in this post, rephotographed a week later, showing changes to the form over time.

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David

Chewed honey fungus

Chewed honey fungus

Something had clearly found these honey fungus tempting enough to have a good nibble.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davea2007/10674175925

Despite the name, they are rated as inedible for human consumption.

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David

Autumn colours: crab apples

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davea2007/10684822506

Bright red and yellow from ripe crab apples on two trees growing side by side next to the canal in the field behind Compton Lock.