Two coot families, seen in close proximity on the edge of West Park boating lake. One adult with a pair of chicks, already quite well grown. The other adult with a single chick, hatched no more than a day or so previously.
Beech mast, Northycote Farm
Beech mast, only just beginning to ripen, on one of the mature trees at Northycote Farm.
Goslings, Severn beach, Bridgnorth
Two well-grown goslings on the beach / water bird feeding area by the old bridge at Bridgnorth. The parents, nearby, had the patchwork plumage of many of the geese there, the mark of crosses between greylags and feral farmyard birds.
Common green shieldbugs mating
Two common green shieldbugs (Palomena prasina) mating while standing on a leaf of a buddleia bush. They stayed with their rear ends pressed together for some time, though every time I went back to look at them they were standing on a different place on the leaf. Still in the same pose the last time I looked.
Warning, goslings crossing!
West Park Canada goose family of the two adult birds and their ten goslings crossing a path. Setting off after the young had been resting or grazing on a grassy area near the Conservatory, they were heading for the edge of the boating lake.
Bees visiting alkanet flowers
Some of the bees which were visiting alkanet flowers when they were at the height of their flowering season.