As the days draw in there are less and less flowers available for those insects which rely on collecting nectar. This visiting bumblebee was making the most of a dahlia back in mid-October.
Confident heron, Doxey Marshes
Heron, confident it was safe carrying on watching for prey even though the reeds it was in were right by the main path through Doxey Marshes. Much closer to the path than the wary heron nearby which had fled my approach. This one seemed unconcerned as I passed, as did someone with a dog off the lead.
Autumn fungi: glistening inkcaps on a mossy log
Glistening inkcap clusters are common, usually found growing on dead wood such as this mossy log in Himley Plantation.
Retreating male pheasant
Perhaps the most common view of a pheasant, retreating as fast as its little legs will carry it. This was a male, more brightly coloured than the female.
Autumn fungi: birch boletes
A common autumn fungus, birch boletes have a rich dark brown coloured cap with pores rather than gills on the underside, and lines of scales on the stem. Grow, as the name implies, in association with birch trees.
Wary heron, Doxey Marshes
Wary heron which had chosen a fishing position right by the main path through the Doxey Marshes. I was still some distance away when it decided to move to a quieter spot.
