Wolves Wild

A swan (possibly the cob) sits on an island nest while its mate is on patrol.

Island Pool is the lowest pool in Baggeridge Country Park, right by the grounds of Himley Hall.

Cowslips flowering in Springvale Park.

They were growing in the wildflower meadow area of the park.

Bluebells in the woods at Northycote Farm, just as large patches were coming into flower.

Peacock butterfly resting on a dandelion flower, with its long proboscis reaching down to eat.

A spurge lit by early morning sunlight recently.

Skunk cabbage is originally a north American plant.

Here growing on the edge of the upper pool at Wightwick Manor.

Lesser celandines and violets growing on the bank leading up to Mops Farm bridge over the canal near Castlecroft.

Silverweed growing at the side of the towpath near Compton.

Dead nettles are “dead” because they don’t sting. They don’t sting because they are not, in fact, nettles, though they look similar. The red dead nettle’s leaves are red/purple while they are still growing, with flowers of a similar colour.

White dead nettles have whitish flowers.

Wood sorrel: another of the spring flowers in the garden at Wightwick Manor.

Marsh marigolds seem to have thrived despite this year’s weather. Here are some from Wightwick Manor and from the margin of Bag’s Pool in Baggeridge Country Park.

When I visited Northycote Farm towards the end of April, I checked the pond for any sign of frog spawn. I couldn’t see any, but this pond skater was very active on the water.