Category: David

The rock-cut steps on the riverside path of the Breadwalk at Ludlow recently, slippery after a prolonged patch of heavy rain.

Two pairs of goosanders on the Severn by English Bridge at Shrewsbury, in the middle of December. The females (especially) seemed to be getting fairly aggressive; one or the other threatening one or other male, or the other female.

Females also adopting an odd posture. Stretching their necks out low, so their whole body from beak to tail was just above the water line.

The males in contrast were raising their heads as high as they could above the water.

Finally realised this must have been part of their courtship routine when one of the pair started mating midstream (not pictured).

The River Avon at Stratford, around dawn at the start of November, with a slight mist adding just the right amount of soft focus to the scene.

River Severn by the Quarry at Shrewsbury, high earlier this month and spreading across the riverside footpath. Pair of swans swimming and preening. Behind them the coppiced willows which normally mark the bank.

Views of the River Teme from Ludford Bridge earlier this month. Horseshoe Weir has the Clee Hills looming in the background.

A spectacular visitor to Perton; a mandarin drake on the smaller pool. I saw it in the middle of the month. A week or so later, I couldn’t see any sign of it.