Wolves Wild

One of the great crested grebes at Pool Hall, stretching its leg out behind it as it swam up and down the pool.

Great crested grebe attending to its feathers as it swims.

It’s one of a pair on the angling pool at Pool Hall near Trescott.

The bright red interior of the scarlet elf cup fungi contrasts with the green of the moss which was also growing on the pile of dead wood.

This was the fourth distinct patch of elf cups I’ve noticed this year in the Smestow Valley between Compton and the Ranger Station.

Small section of bare rock face exposed at Springvale Park. It’s shale, perhaps part of the area of Lower Ludlow Shale which lies to the west of the Black Country Coal Measures.

Velvet shanks are one of the most cold-tolerant fungi. These had come up during the cold spell in March, but must have been soft enough for something to want to nibble on them.

A pair of magpies share a perch with a good view of their territory.