Wolves Wild

Buzzard on energy-efficient gliding flight as it looks out for prey.

On my wanderings I’ve noticed a couple of apple trees which still seemed to have all their fruit in January.

These were on a lone apple tree in a field otherwise used as a sheep pasture by the River Stour at Clifford Chambers, Warwickshire.

Mature oak tree growing at the edge of Barley Field, above the Railway Walk cutting.

In winter the woody structure of the tree becomes visible.

A black-headed gull is the most vociferous of the birds in demanding food from someone on the bank of the river Avon.

Its assertiveness seems to be paying off in fitness. The bird (centre in the second picture) is developing the black cap of breeding plumage earlier than the rest of the birds around.

Medlars are the fruits of shrubs (also called medlars). They are rarely eaten these days, being unsuitable for commercial distribution because the flesh must rot to a brown colour before they are edible.

These were growing in or fallen off a shrub in the RSC Gardens by the river in Stratford on Avon. There are medlars in various Shakespeare-related places in the town, doubtless because they get mentioned in four of his plays.

Horse with a jacket against all the recent rain, which had left its field with some flooded areas.

Two oak trees, growing in different places in the same field. This one is on the skyline above the footpath.

This one downhill, with a lake and Berkswell Hall in the background.

Some of the rosebay willowherb growing by Wetland Pool on a frosty morning recently.

Coral fungus growing under the hedge by the towpath near Compton.

Male blackbird on the hunt for food among leaf litter.

The fine condition of his feathers and bright egg-yolk yellow beak show he is in good shape for the approaching breeding season.