Category: David

Mazegill, a common species of bracket fungus. This one’s fruiting body was growing round and enclosing a twig on the tree supporting it.

Little egret which had been in the Penk by the big pool at Perton. Seen here as it was taking off to get away from people coming up behind it.

Butterbur flowering in mid-December – these were on a patch of the plants by the ferry across the Avon at Stratford.

White saddle fungus, also called elfin saddle fungus or the common helvella. Lots of fruiting bodies growing under trees by the footpath round Perton lake. Described as frequent or common in field guides, but these were the first I had ever seen. Apparently their preferred habitat is beech woods, themselves not particularly common in the west midlands.

The second heron which seems to have a regular spot by the main path through Doxey Marshes. This one seems to be more timid. Although it too occupies what should be a secure spot protected by a ditch, it seems always to take flight when anyone is still quite a way along the path from its territory.

On my rare visits to the Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve at Stafford, the same two herons seem to be at the same places every time. This one is yards from the main path running more or less parallel to the River Sow, and never seems disturbed. A large group of walkers pass it: no reaction. Someone passes by having ignored the notices and let their dog off the lead: again no reaction.

The bird is near the path. But it is separated by a ditch which is just too wide to jump, and appears to be too deep to wade. If there were any real threats, it would have time to take off to safety.