Robin standing on a tree stump, a favourite perching post at the side of the main path parallel with the stream through Baggeridge Contry Park.
Border parasols
Shaggy parasols. These were growing at the back of the hedge along the Bridgnorth Road, right on the Wolverhampton / South Staffordshire border.
Devil’s bit scabious, honey bees, hoverflies
Devils bit scabious in flower at Baggeridge Country Park, attracting lots of insects to feed. A large patch of the plant in the marshy area at the back of Toposcope Hill was getting honey bees from the hives, as well at plenty of hoverflies.
Spider’s web with nettle seeds
Spider’s web supported by nettles hanging over the bank of the canal near Newbridge. The web was decorated with seeds from the nettles. The whole thing was catching the sun, making it stand out against the darker water behind.
Sloes, Barley Field
Sloes, ripening on the bushes which form the hedge between the Barley Field and the Smestow Valley Railway Walk.
More banded demoiselles, canalside, Smestow Valley
This has been a year for banded demoiselle damselflies. There have been lots, but I’ve not noticed a single specimen of the related beautiful demoiselle, normally present in roughly equal numbers. This striking insect has already featured in several posts here the summer. Here are some more seen on the canalside along the Smestow Valley. Males are electric blue; females green and sometimes harder to spot.