Goosander drake taking off from the water to head a short distance upstream to an alternative fishing spot on the Severn at Shrewsbury.
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.
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.
Witchhazel flowers, the Quarry
A touch of winter colour: flowers on a withhazel bush in the Quarry at Shrewsbury late last month.
Male blackbirds 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.
Frosted deceivers
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.