Wildlife from Wolverhampton and nearby
This grey heron is a youngster: the black feathers on the head are just beginning to show signs of becoming the adult crest. Recently, it has seemed to prefer to fish just downstream of the Wightwick Mill lock on the Staffs and Worcs canal.
Lots of activity from dog-walkers, joggers, walkers and a steady stream of narrowboats, but the bird was still fishing from the towpath bank until someone came that little bit too close.
Also known from the markings as the cross spider. The ones with the webs, such as this one, are the females. The males are smaller.
By the side of the Staffs and Worcs canal, on a stretch where the bush by the towpath is a mass of ivy. A crowd of different species of hoverflies and bees were practically queuing up to get on the sun-warmed flowers. This helophilus pendulus individual lingered longer on the flowers, giving a chance to grab a clear picture when the breeze dropped.
This dragonfly was spending its time resting in the sun by the pool in the garden of Wightwick Manor.
Raindrops form tiny lenses on these leaves in the Dutch Garden at Bantock House.
Don’t the eyes look huge?
Fly feeding on a buttercup, engaging in acrobatics to get at the nectar.