Wildlife from Wolverhampton and nearby
One heron standing on the trunk of a tree fallen from West Park’s boatiing lake island into the water. When I arrived, it was on a branch over the edge of the water. When I saw it again after I’d strolled round the lake, it had moved to the landward end of the trunk.
Two tiny earth stars, perhaps an inch in diameter, growing in one of the flower beds of the Castle Grounds, Bridgnorth. Not sure what species they are. The only ones I can find in the guides which are this tiny are rare, and even more significantly, found in coastal sand dunes.
Two female goosanders which are frequently present on the Severn near the Bylet at Bridgnorth, here seemingly effortlessly keeping in the same position against a powerful current of a very full river.
Glistening inkcap crowd, one of several clumps growing in short grass at the base of a tree.
Autumn colours on the leaves of an oak in Wom Brook Local Nature Reserve -greens turning to yellow and brown, with a hint of reds.
Artist’s palette, a bracket fungus, growing here on a mossy log, Himley Plantation. A cause of heart rot in a wide variety of tree species. Doesn’t get its name from any supposed resemblance of shape.
The under-surface of fresh fruiting bodies is pale, but darkens when scraped. Can be used to sketch on, with the drawing becoming permanent if the fungus is then dried.