The bright yellow flowers of marsh marigolds opening by the tiny stream and the ponds of the small nature reserve at the back of the i54 industrial estate.
Female goosander, Perton
Very few birds on the big lake at Perton recently, but surrounded by a large empty space, a female goosander. Probably taking a pause for a rest and a snack while travelling round the region in search of a possible mate.
Dived and ate fish while I watched, but no sign of the bird when I revisited a couple of days later.
Oyster fungi on dead tree
Oyster fungi, showing signs of having been around for a little time, growing on a dead tree in Compton Park.
Distorting mirror: gull, Perton
The surface of the water of Perton pool acting like a fairground distorting mirror on the reflection of a black-headed gull.
New growth – dock leaves
This year’s new leaves on a dock. At this time of year, leaves on many plants have areas which are reddish rather than green – here near the central rib of each leaf. That’s an indicator of where growth hormone is concentrated. Later, when the hormones have done their work, they are normally reabsorbed by the plant, and their elements recycled.
Time flies: female blackbird, frosty ground
How much can change in a short time. These pictures were taken three weeks ago today. Female blackbird on a frosty lawn after a cold night, struggling to find worms or insects to eat.