A mistle thrush on a grassy verge in Bantock Park, searching for food last month. It carried on when people or cars came quite close, perhaps because there were fledglings back in the nest.
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Mistle thrush, Bantock Park
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Lone tuftie drake, sleeping
Most of the tufted ducks which had been spending the winter on the lake at West Park have now departed elsewhere for the breeding season. A handful remain, mostly drakes.
When I visited the park moderately early one quiet morning, a small group were asleep on the water, half way between the shore and the island. Even in this safe spot, sleeping ducks still need to beware of danger. There’s a half-open eye, keeping a literal look out for danger.
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Black elder, starting to flower
Black elder, more formally sambucus, in a front garden. A month ago, when these pictures were taken, the flowers were just beginning to open.
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Unidentified canalside mushrooms
An interesting-looking group of mushrooms, growing half-hidden by vegetation, under the hedgerow by the canal path between Compton and Wightwick. No idea what they are.
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Judas tree flowering, reflected
A Judas tree, planted by the side of the Conservatory at West Park. Seen back when the tree was in full flower, reflected in the lake.
Jack by the hedge (also known as garlic mustard) has always been a common hedgerow plant. But this year it seems to be having a bumper time. I got in close to this one as the first flowers were beginning to open, with lots more flower buds behind them.