Category: David

Yellow of greater celanding flowers, at different stages of development on the same plant.

On the same stretch of water as the mayfly in yesterday’s post, half a dozen male beautiful demoiselle damselflies. They would select a piece of vegetation in sunlight and overhanging the water as their spot to pose on trying to attract a female. Frequently, another male would fly too close, so the incumbent would take off. There would be a brief flurry of combat, sometimes three- or four-sided. After a few seconds the victor would go to the place in the sun, with the losers retreating to gather their strength for a fresh challenge.

Some yards further upstream, too far for my lens, one of the males did manage to get the attentions of a female.

Ravens climbing high into the clouds on a thermal, seen from Wightwick Lock. Possibly a pair, perhaps nesting somewhere nearby on Tettenhall Ridge.

Ground ivy (a common wild plant, which has several other vernacular names) with its pale purple flowers. Not actually an ivy, but a member of the mint family.

Mayfly over the Stratford Brook near to where it meets the River Worfe at Wyken.

The insect flew back and forth over the stream for some time, but then landed on overhanging vegetation, where it sadly got entangled in a web.

Male blackbird singing as it stood on a lookout point high in a dead tree.