David

Jackdaw out so early on May Day morning that there was still a frost. It was taking leaves from a pile gathered for composting, and using them for its nest.

Song thrush singing on a hedge near Wightwick Mill Lock.

Compare the plumage with the larger mistlethrush.

Garden bush – this one in the detached part of Wightwick Manor’s garden which is accessed by the wooden footbridge across Wightwick Bank.

Water forget-me-nots, growing by a pool in the garden at Wightwick Manor.

Another of the rare breeds stock at Northycote Farm; this time a hen (cock?) with a comb which seems to be covering its eyes.

A delicate green marks out the pattern on the paler variant of snake’s head fritillaries. Compare with the other type growing nearby.