Wolves Wild

From the morning of the first hard frost of the winter, earlier this month. Moss, just about starting to send out the fruiting bodies containing the spores, liberally coated in ice crystals.

Every winter there’s a rise in the numbers of tufted ducks (aka tufties) hanging out on the water of the West Park lake. Usually, they seem to spend most of their time companionably in one or two groups. This year, at least so far, their preference seems to be to gather in groups of three or four instead.

Small moss oysertlings. tiny and delicate-looking mushrooms growing in … moss.

Drake muscovy duck, a long term resident of the upper lake at Perton. For once, it was acting reclusive as if reluctant to have its picture taken, first hiding and then retreating.

Puffballs growing at the bases of trees. The group clustering together were by the side of Albert Road; the singleton by the main drive into Bantock Park.

Variant forms of lion doorknocker that caught my attention on my travels.