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David

Lichen growing on a painted metal fence

Lichen growing on a painted metal fence

Lichens have an amazing ability to grow in the most unlikely places, but usually on some form of natural substrate, even if it is the most unpromissing seeming bare rock. These lichens were thriving on the paintwork of a sturdy metal fence.

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David

Goosanders, beginning courtship ritual, Shrewsbury

Goosanders, beginning courtship ritual, Shrewsbury

Pair of goosanders beginning to perform a courtship ritual in the Severn by the English Bridge in Shrewsbury, synchronised swimming in parallel. They broke off from what they were doing when another goosander drake came close.

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David

Witchhazel flowers, the Quarry

Witchhazel flower, the Quarry

A touch of winter colour: flowers on a withhazel bush in the Quarry at Shrewsbury late last month.

Witchhazel flower, the Quarry

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David

Male blackbirds in short wet grass, the Quarry, Shrewsbury

Male blackbird in short wet grass, the Quarry, Shrewsbury

Two male blackbirds searching for food in the soil below short wet grass in different parts of the Quarry in Shrewsbury. Birds living in popular parks are used to human disturbance, and may be less prone to take flight when a camera is pointed at them.

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David

Frosted deceivers

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davea2007/31751050003

Deceiver mushrooms natural habitat is woodland, but they are also common in more urban settings, often, as here, brought in on wood chipping mulch. These attracted my attention with their light sprinkling of frost.

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David

Goosanders, Severn, Shrewsbury

Male goosander, Severn, Shrewsbury

The stretch of the River Severn by the centre of Shrewsbury seems popular with goosanders spending the daylight hours catching fish. On a recent visit, a mile or so walking along the river bank from just upstream of the Welsh Bridge to just downstream of the English Bridge gave sightings of over a dozen birds.