Wolves Wild

Goosanders gather at various points on the Severn in winter to choose mates and then to actually mate. One such concentration means there’s a chance of spotting in central Shrewsbury, particularly on the stretch between the Portway footbridge and English bridge – the short stretch immediately downstream of English bridge seams a particular favourite for actually mating.

The most likely spot of all on this stretch is by St Julian Friars, a popular spot for feeding the birds. Some goosanders have learned that there are easy pickings there. On our visit last month, they actually outnumbered the mallards. They were also coming so close that it was easy to get pictures: some of these were actually taken on a phone.

I took so many pictures that today’s set is just of lone males. More to follow.

Snowdrops already flowering in late December inurchyard, a quiet corner in the centre of Shrewsbury,.

A cormorant pausing in a tree overlooking the Severn in the centre of Shrewsbury, spreading its wings to dry them before another session of fishing in the river.

Growing under the next tree to the wrinkled club fungus, some glistening inkcaps. These were recently emerged and damp, the best condition for showing the glistening which gives their name.

A short walk on New Year’s Day, and the unexpected discovery of two species of fungi growing under trees. These are wrinkled clubs.

Heavy rain before Christmas left several big puddles on the lawns of West Park. A new feeding opportunity for some of the resident Canada geese, and the odd mallard or two.