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David

Snail on a leaf

Snail on a leaf

This snail was showing off its skills as a contortionist as it ate on a leaf.

Snail on a leaf

Snail on a leaf

Snail on a leaf

Snail on a leaf

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David

Maple keys beginning to develop

Maple keys

The seeds of maples beginning to ripen. These were from two adjacent trees in Brueton Park, Solihull. The reddish tint to the wings of the tree below is a give-away of an ornamental variety. Given the location, the other is probably also ornamental.

Maple keys

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David

Moorhen bathing

Moorhen bathing

This moorhen was bathing: splashing itself with water.

Moorhen bathing

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David

Elder flowering

Elder flowering

Has a surprising number of culinary uses considering the small size and the delicacy of the individual flowers, and the potential toxicity of other parts of the plant including stalks and leaves.

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David

Yarrow flowering

Yarrow flowering

Yarrow seems to be common by canal towpaths locally – here by the Stourbridge canal.

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David

Ducks in eclipse resting

Ducks in eclipse resting

The feathers scattered along the canal bank are signs that these mallards are moulting to go into eclipse plumage, the winter livery which is less showy than that of the summertime males.