Garden cross spiders are quite noticable, one of the largest spiders in Britain, quite common through the summer and autumn. The orb webs the females build can be large – and easy to spot when covered in droplets of early morning dew. The pictures are of one which has caught a fly in its web, and is now wrapping it in silken threads to be a later meal.
Heron standing on a willow on the edge of island in West Park lake, twisting its neck as it preened.
What can be spotted by keeping half an eye on front gardens while walking down a residential street. Here a large clump of Michaelmas daisies which had attracted one tortoiseshell butterfly collecting pollen.
Two common darter dragonflies, one female, the other male, resting on the handrail of the footbridge across the pool at Compton Park.
Virginia creeper, turning to autumn colours. This one growing up the wall of the former lock-keepers cottage at Wightwick Lock.
Meal for two: a couple of tortoiseshell butterflies close together, feeding on the last flowers of a garden buddleia.