Buttercup and fly

Buttercup

A fly feeding on an early buttercup in mid May. The head and body of the fly are flecked with bright yellow pollen.

Hawthorn blossom

Hawthorn flower

This hawthorn blossom was coming out, in line with its alternative name, precisely in the middle of May.

Heron fishing

Heron fishing

The heron’s legs are almost submerged in the canal here as it surveys the water for fish. This position emphasises the length of its body.

Campion

Campion

The pale pink colour of the flowers indicates that this was a hybrid of the Red and White species.

Vetch

Vetch

Vetches (there are many species) are closely related to peas and lentils, and some species have in the past formed part of a diet of last resort.

Sedge

Sedge

Here coming into flower, sedges are common at the sides of the canals locally.