David

A cormorant pausing in a tree overlooking the Severn in the centre of Shrewsbury, spreading its wings to dry them before another session of fishing in the river.

Growing under the next tree to the wrinkled club fungus, some glistening inkcaps. These were recently emerged and damp, the best condition for showing the glistening which gives their name.

A short walk on New Year’s Day, and the unexpected discovery of two species of fungi growing under trees. These are wrinkled clubs.

Heavy rain before Christmas left several big puddles on the lawns of West Park. A new feeding opportunity for some of the resident Canada geese, and the odd mallard or two.

The water of West Park lake was almost dazzling as they reflected the bright sunlight and the pale colours of the first signs if the coming year’s growth of the trees on the island. On the water, a handful of tufted ducks.

A late December day with dramatic lighting. Heavy, dark and threatening rain clouds, with a few breaks giving brief periods of bright sunshine. Views across West Park lake to one of the islands and to the Conservatory.

The overwintering shovellers on the lake at West Park. As usual when not sieving the surface of the water for food, they were resting up in the lee of the island.

Signs that another of the mature trees in West Park will need to be felled in a few years: honey fungus growing at the base of the trunk.

Yet one more fungus from the highly productive small area under a pair of beech trees. This netted crust was growing on a fallen branch, presumably from one of the beeches.

Rat searching short, damp grass in West Park for something to eat, finding quite a bit. It was in the most popular area where people put down peanuts for squirrels, likely getting lots of leavings.  There was no sign it was disturbed by my presence.