Category: David

Resting on the bare soil at the edge of the footpath across Compton Rough, a peacock butterfly spreads its wings to warm itself in the sun.

I first noticed this group of growing ducklings when then were recently hatched, swimming on the canal near Compton with both parents in the middle of April. At the end of the month I spotted all five, eating grass by the side of Wightwick Mill lock.

I didn’t see any parent birds this time, but thought little of it. I thought the ducklings were too unwary, not retreating when I passed them less than a yard away. I assumed the parents must be somewhere near by, but hurried on as soon as I had taken a few seconds to fire off some pictures.

Roll on another week. The same set of ducklings, on the canal, alone a little nearer Compton. As soon as they spotted me they started swimming powerfully in my direction, evidently expecting to be fed. No signs whatsoever of any parents. They seem to be thriving on their circumstances. The brood is still intact. They look fit and health, growing fast. Feathers are beginning to replace their infant down.

Female orange tip butterfly, as ever lacking any orange colour. It had landed and was feeding on an alkanet flower.

Heron which must have been hiding in the vegetation which is gradually choking Compton Park Pool. I didn’t notice it as I began to cross the footbridge, but it evidently noticed me and decided I was getting too close for comfort, so here it is taking off to move away. Possibly the same young bird which has been haunting the canal between Compton and Castlecroft recently.

Lone snake’s head fritillary with a red flower, near the caff at Baggeridge Country Park. Some of the white-flowered variety were by Bags Pool.

2019 greylag goose goslings, probably only a couple of days hatched, eating grass by the side of the lake at West Park.They were still small enough to squeeze through the fence. The parent birds were too big, but still kept very close and vigilant.