Category: David

Red horse chestnut flowers, arranged in their so-called candelabra, early last month.

Lots of fungi fruiting bodies are here and then they’re gone in a matter of days or less. Either they’ve done the job they’re evolved to do, disperse the pores, or they’re nibbled to nothing.

Earth stars are among the exceptions. These specimens were by the canal path between Compton and Wightwick. They’re so battered by now that I wouldn’t like to guess which species of earth star they are. They probably emerged last autumn, and they’re definitely showing signs of their age.

The flowers on this Chilean lantern tree were striking, and the tree looked like it had been in its place down the side of the West Park Conservatory for many years, but I don’t remember ever noticing it before.

I was a few minutes early for a medical appointment. There was a hawthorn hedge with lots of flowers. So I got out my mobile phone and held it close to some flowers.

A mistle thrush on a grassy verge in Bantock Park, searching for food last month. It carried on when people or cars came quite close, perhaps because there were fledglings back in the nest.

Most of the tufted ducks which had been spending the winter on the lake at West Park have now departed elsewhere for the breeding season. A handful remain, mostly drakes.

When I visited the park moderately early one quiet morning, a small group were asleep on the water, half way between the shore and the island. Even in this safe spot, sleeping ducks still need to beware of danger. There’s a half-open eye, keeping a literal look out for danger.