One of the tufted ducks on West Park lake, swimming past some of the leaves which have fallen on the water.
The sunlight catching the bird’s plumage was showing off an iridescent green towards the back of its head and neck.
Autumn beech, West Park
One of the mature beech trees in West Park, with its leaves in autumn colours. The bandstand is peeping through in the background.
Parrot waxcaps in short grass
Parrot waxcaps are small mushrooms. At first, they have a green colour similar to the feathers of some parrot species, but this soon fades to yellow.
The larger mushroom here has almost completely turned yellow, the tiny one at its feet is still green.
Last time I spotted parrot waxcaps it was a morning after a hard overnight frost.
Young parasol mushroom, Northycote Farm
When they grow to full size, parasols are the largest mushrooms which are likely to be seen around here. This one had only recently emerged.
It was growing right by a path on Northycote Farm, so likely to be vulnerable as its cap opened fully.
A post from back in 2011 shows parasols in various stages of growth, including with caps fully spread.
Hold tight and eat
West Park squirrel hanging on to the trunk of a tree, watchful in case I have intentions of grabbing the food from its mouth.
I wasn’t close enough to see what the food was: perhaps bread left by the lake as an offering for the ducks.
Hereford calf, Northycote Farm
Hereford calf which was keeping a watchful eye on me as I passed its enclosure on my last visit to Northycote Farm.
Vivid
The leaves of this Japanese acer are always red, but in autumn they change to a colour so vivid it almost seems to glow.
These pictures were taken on a cloudy day – lighting conditions which mute the colours somewhat.
Peaceful scene, Compton
Two busy roads are within earshot, but as far as the eye can see this view could be right in the countryside.
It’s actually about a minute’s walk from Compton Lock.
Collared earthstar, Castlecroft
Collared earthstars are the least rare species of this unusual-looking type of fungus.
They are often hard to spot because, like these, they are half-hidden in undergrowth.
These were growing under the hedge by the towpath at Castlecroft, a couple of miles from Compton where another set of this fungus had been not long before.
Look both ways
Black-headed gull on a post in the river Avon at Stratford, carefully keeping an eye out for trouble.
