Wolves Wild

Pair of swans on West Park’s boating lake island, both removing some of their feathers to add to a nest they are building on an open patch of the shore.

Mass of Danish scurvy grass with flowers, some already going over, some chickweed mixed in too. Tiny plants which tolerate a high level of salt in the soil. In recent decades has spread from being a rare seaside plant to one growing withing splashing distance of many main roads, on any verges getting the benefits of winter gritters thrown up by passing traffic.

Some of the time, the West Park ferruginous duck showed itself clearly. At other times it was hard to catch even a glimpse.

Here it was hanging out with a group of tufties as usual, but sticking close to the island. It was behind the protective railing, and under the overhanging branches. Just occasionally, it would emerge for a few secods while it needed a little more space to preen, then head back to cover.

A big patch of wild arum in the wood at the side of the Pear and Partridge, Perton. The leaves of the different plants forming almost total cover of the ground, leaving tiny gaps where newly-growing nettles are managing to poke through.

Bridgnorth when the Severn remained high and turbid, this time in the aftermath of Storm Jorge. Two male goosanders among the expectant mixed flock at the Bylet feeding area. As someone arrived with bread, one of the males powered to be the first to get some of the offering. Fishing must have been hard in the opaque water.

Catkins on a pussy willow by the edge of the Smestow, one of the trees forming the hedge of the Paddock.