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David

Water peppermint

Water peppermint with a flower

This clump had just a couple of flowers remaining when I saw it growing at the edge of the river Anker in Tamworth in the middle of August.

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David

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

At first the kernels of the berries are green and the outer covers are a paler green, and cover less than half the kernel. To me, they look more like miniature acorns at this stage.

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

As the berry ripens, the kernel swells. The covering layer begins to redden and to advance down the kernel.

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

Riper = yet redder cover with yet more complete coverage.

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

Varying degrees of ripeness in berries which are almost touching. Perhaps it was the time of day I was there, but there seemed to be a direct effect that the berries in the sunniest spots had come furthest along.

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

These pictures all taken within a few minutes, of berries on the same yew tree in West Park.

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

Yew berries just beginning to ripen

Hat tip: Jefny.

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David

Chinese geese, West Park

Chinese geese, West Park

These two manage to survive although greatly outnumbered by the Canada geese on the West Park lake.

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David

First signs of autumn 2011

First signs of autumn

The leaves were just beginning to turn on this rowan and a few of the other trees in West Park towards the end of August.

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David

Squirrel eating a peanut, West Park

Squirrel eating a peanut

This squirrel was eagerly taking the food which was being offered by a couple of young children.

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David

Family of swans in a convoy

Family of swans in convoy

This family of swans were on the river Anker in the Castle Pleasure Grounds, Tamworth.

Family of swans in convoy

I think it was the cob (male bird) leading with an aggressive posture, and the pen as tail-end charlie.

Family of swans in convoy

As the swans swam downstream, several passers-by got out their mobiles to take pictures.

Family of swans in convoy