Close view of a magnolia flower with wider open petals than normal. It was on a tree growing in a front garden.
Flying off: magpie, Barley Field
One of the Barley Field magpies realized that the path I was on would bring me too close to where it was feeding on the ground, so is started flying off further away.
St George’s mushroom, Bantock Park
St George’s mushroom, a fungus which produces its fruiting bodies late in April or shortly after. These were growing in Bantock Park.
Mallard ducklings galore, canal
Half a dozen different broods of mallard ducklings seen on the stretch of the canal between Newbridge and the water bridge on a couple of days last weekend. Actually, one of the mothers was some sort of mallard cross, with very dark plumage replicated in the ducklings’ dwon.
Blackthorn flowers, going over, Barley Field
Flowers from the blackthorn hedge at the edge of the Barley Field as they were going over. Previous posts when the flowers were mainly buds, then when they were at their height.
Fishing competition, Castlecroft Bridge
Young heron which seemed to be looking out for fish in the canal by Castlecroft Bridge, seemingly oblivious to an angler just the other side of the bridge. Eventually the bird was disturbed by the approach of a still-distant cyclist. It took flight, circled round, and headed for the less disturbed Smestow.