Wolves Wild

Common in hedgerows locally. The notched petals are a sure sign of this species.

Jack by the hedge growing so abundantly that it looked like a low hedge.

Shady spots preferred. These foxglove flowers were the first I noticed this year, by a hedge in Leasowes, Halesowen.

These were growing right on the edge of a canal bank.

The structure of the dandelion seeds with their feathery flight supports becomes easier to notice when only a few remain on the plant.

The densest display of bluebells I noticed in April was in a small wood by Four Ashes Road off the Stafford Road.

Wolverhampton parkies organised an “Access all areas” event last week. Photographers could go into what are normally the off-limits working greenhouses behind the Conservatory in West Park.

Unfortunately, all I could manage was an approximately 15-minute flying visit before I had to rush off back to work.

During that time I was taking pictures like mad – one of the benefits of digital photography.

This set of pictures of cacti is the first tranche from that 15 minutes. It is an indication of the superb plants in the park additional to those in the Conservatory and the open air.

Incidentally, the Conservatory is now re-open after an extensive renovation. It is well worth a visit.

This heron was fishing just upstream of Hinksford lock on the Staffs & Worcs canal.

It was concentrating on its prey, and ignoring anyone on the towpath on the other bank.

It spots a small fish …

pounces …

holds the prey in its beak …

swallows …

and starts watching for the next victim.

Other names include poor man’s mustard, hedge garlic and garlic mustard.

View over a canal to a flowering horse chestnut.