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David

Red kite near Worfield

Red kite near Worfield

Red kite flying over open fields near Worfield yesterday. Just as I took these pictures, my camera’s battery needed changing. At the same time, several crows tarted mobbing the kite – could have been carrion crows, rooks or jackdaws, all being around in that area.

Before I was ready to take any more pictures, the kite had retreated, flying off to the east.

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David

Small toad crossing path, Baggeridge

Small toad crossing path, Baggeridge

A small toad crossing the main footpath through Baggeridge Country Park, heading from the woodland towards Spring Pool.

Several years earlier, I’d seen a pair of toads at almost in the same spot and heading in the same direction. The male had been clasped to the female, mating.

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David

Coltsfoot by a fence, Baggerdige

Coltsfoot by a fence, Baggerdige

I’ve seen very few coltsfoots (coltsfeet?) this year. This one was growing by the wooden fence beside one of the tracks at Baggeridge Country Park.

Coltsfoot by a fence, Baggerdige

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David

Little grebe by reed bed, Bag Pool

Little grebe by reed bed, Bag Pool

Little grebe in breeding plumage by the reed bed on Bag Pool, Baggeridge Country Park. The bird kept its back to me for some time, then dived and disappeared. Presumably it surfaced in the cover of the reeds.

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David

Male flowers on yew

Male flowers on yew

Yew flowers: these are male flowers, and the tree where they were growing will not have any berries come autumn.

Male flowers on yew

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David

Waiting for the Seven Stars to open? (Sparrowhawk)

Waiting for the Seven Stars to open? (Sparrowhawk)

Sparrowhawk on the roof of the Seven Stars pub, Gospel Oak Road, Sedgley, one morning recently. Small, so probably a male.