Tufted duck drake on Anglers Pool at Perton, watching me, ready to come if any bread had been in prospect.
Mazegill bracket growing round twig
Mazegill, a common species of bracket fungus. This one’s fruiting body was growing round and enclosing a twig on the tree supporting it.
Little egret taking off, Perton
Little egret which had been in the Penk by the big pool at Perton. Seen here as it was taking off to get away from people coming up behind it.
Butterbur flowering, mid-December, Stratford on Avon
Butterbur flowering in mid-December – these were on a patch of the plants by the ferry across the Avon at Stratford.
White saddle fungus, Perton
White saddle fungus, also called elfin saddle fungus or the common helvella. Lots of fruiting bodies growing under trees by the footpath round Perton lake. Described as frequent or common in field guides, but these were the first I had ever seen. Apparently their preferred habitat is beech woods, themselves not particularly common in the west midlands.
Timid heron, Doxey
The second heron which seems to have a regular spot by the main path through Doxey Marshes. This one seems to be more timid. Although it too occupies what should be a secure spot protected by a ditch, it seems always to take flight when anyone is still quite a way along the path from its territory.